Arriving 5th August…
This month we’re heading to Osaka – affectionally coined the ‘kitchen of Japan’, and a city we’ve been hungrily waiting to visit!
As with neighbouring Kyoto, it has a rich history that dates back centuries, and there’s plenty to see there. Visit the Shitennoji, one of Japan’s oldest temples, or the imposing Osaka Castle for a real slice of history, or step back in time with a trip to the bustling stone-paved alleys of Hozenji Yokocho, with its abundance of traditional shops, tiny restaurants and buzzing street food scene.
Here you’ll find some of Osaka’s most famous dishes, and some of our favourites too. From delicious Okonomiyaki – a loaded savoury pancake like you’ve never tasted before, to crispy Takoyaki octopus balls (which we also serve in the restaurant), and deep-fried Kushikatsu skewers.
Other highlights include a trip to the lively district of Dotonburi, known for its bustling nightlife, neon lights and healthy share of drool-worthy eateries. Here, you can sample everything from fresh seafood to savoury grilled skewers, whilst soaking up the lively atmosphere of this eclectic suburb.
It’s also home to some seriously fun shop fronts advertising their wares, including a popular crab restaurant chain called Kani Doraku, complete with a giant mechanical crab positioned at its entrance.
Fish and seafood lovers will love a trip to Kuromon Market, and for those looking for something a little more refined, Osaka is also home to some of Japan’s finest dining establishments, where you can savour exquisite sushi, hearty ramen, and delicate kaiseki cuisine.
It’s also home to the House of Suntory distillery for Roku gin, which you can visit to find out more about all the botanicals that create its unique flavour.
For this month’s special cocktail, we’ve paired up with another House of Suntory spirit, Haku vodka, and have created a fizzy little number using Akashi-Tai sparkling sake and Maraschino cherry liquor – the Kaburi Fizz!
