Strolling Through Light and Shadow: The Nostalgia and Trendiness of Tsutenkaku Shopping Street

Day 1 In the early morning, I stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street, which is filled with a strong Showa-era atmosphere, making one feel as if they have traveled back in time. The street is lined with various small shops selling Osaka specialties and handicrafts. First, I stopped at an old shop specializing in kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and tasted freshly fried skewers. The crispy and juicy bite brought a sense of satisfaction. Then, I lingered in a nostalgic toy store, where the classic toys and collectibles evoked childhood memories. After lunch, I reached the end of the shopping street and ascended Tsutenkaku Tower to overlook the entire city. The sunset dyed the streets a warm orange, and the neon lights of the shopping street lit up one by one, creating a vibrant night market atmosphere that was hard to leave. Day 2 On the second day, I strolled through Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street again, but this time I chose to explore the other side of the street. The shopping street was particularly quiet in the early morning, with sunlight casting a special charm on the wooden shop signs. I visited a long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop and bought some sweets as souvenirs. Then, I entered an antique bookstore and browsed the yellowed books on the shelves, feeling the passage of time. For lunch, I went to a restaurant specializing in okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) and watched the owner skillfully flip the ingredients on the griddle. The aroma was enticing, and the taste was exceptional. In the afternoon, I stumbled upon a street performance, where music and dance created a captivating melody that attracted many passersby to stop and enjoy. At dusk, I ascended Tsutenkaku Tower again to admire the city's illuminated nightscape. At that moment, my heart was filled with a deep affection for Osaka. Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street, with its blend of nostalgia and trendiness, added countless surprises and emotions to my trip to Osaka. Every step on this street felt like turning the pages of a book full of stories, making one want to savor every detail.