Japan 44 – Celebrity Cruise Day 3, Osaka: Crane Alley Arcade & The Takoyaki Game
Siva McAteer • August 19, 2025
Crane Alley Arcade & The Takoyaki Game
Ever wondered where Japan’s most famous street food — takoyaki — really comes from? đĄ Today, we’re in Crane Alley Arcade in Dotonbori, Osaka, and the bright lights and arcade games got me thinking about one of my favorite Japanese eats: takoyaki, those golden, crispy octopus balls.
đ The Origins of Takoyaki in Osaka
Takoyaki isn’t just a snack — it’s part of Osaka’s foodie identity. This dish was first created in the 1930s, right here in Osaka. Street vendors along the neon-lit canals of Dotonbori started serving up piping hot takoyaki to locals and hungry travelers. It quickly became a must-try dish for anyone visiting the city.
đ´ What is Takoyaki?
For those new to it, takoyaki is made from a savory batter, cooked in a special molded pan, and stuffed with chunks of tender octopus. Once cooked, they’re brushed with a sweet-savory sauce, drizzled with mayo, and topped with bonito flakes that dance in the steam. The result? Crispy on the outside, soft and gooey inside — total Osaka street food perfection.
đšī¸ From Street Food to Arcade Fun
Here in Crane Alley Arcade, you’ll even find a takoyaki-themed arcade game. Only in Japan can you turn food into fun like this! Whether you’re winning prizes in the arcade or biting into the real thing along the streets of Dotonbori, takoyaki is everywhere — and it’s always a good idea to try more than one stall. Each vendor puts their own twist on the recipe.
⨠Why Takoyaki is a Must-Try in Osaka
Takoyaki is more than food — it’s a symbol of Osaka’s street culture, nightlife, and foodie scene. No trip to Osaka is complete without grabbing a tray of these delicious octopus balls, especially while exploring Dotonbori’s glowing signs and bustling atmosphere.
So next time you’re here, play a few arcade games in Crane Alley, then step outside and follow the aroma of sizzling takoyaki. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
#Takoyaki #OsakaFood #Dotonbori #JapaneseStreetFood #FoodieTravel #CelebrityCruise #JapanTravel #OsakaEats
Octopus balls might sound unusual… but in Osaka, takoyaki is king đ — and we found the ultimate spot to try it! Welcome to the Kukuru Konamon Museum in Dotonbori, where street food, history, and hands-on fun all come together. đ´ What is Takoyaki? If you’re new to Japanese food, takoyaki is Osaka’s most famous street snack. These little golden balls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and stuffed with big, juicy pieces of octopus. They’re topped with smoky bonito flakes (don’t worry, it’s not alive — just dried fish that dances from the heat!), plus savory sauce and creamy mayo. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s pure Osaka street food perfection.
If Tokyo is sleek and futuristic, Osaka’s Dotonbori is wild, colorful, and deliciously chaotic. This vibrant district is the beating heart of Osaka nightlife — filled with neon lights, sizzling street food stalls, giant moving billboards, and shopping you simply can’t resist. On Day 3 of my Celebrity Millennium Cruise through Japan, I dove headfirst into the madness that is Dotonbori — and it quickly became one of my favorite stops of the trip.
Move over, chocolate — in Osaka, Japan, strawberries are the real star of the show. If you’re a dessert lover with a soft spot for anything fruity and Instagram-worthy, let me introduce you to Strawberry Mania. This little slice of heaven is one of Osaka’s must-visit dessert shops, and trust me, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a ninja — swords, shuriken, secret passageways, and all — you don’t have to travel back in time. You just have to go to Osaka, Japan and step into the Ninja Experience Cafe in Dotonbori. This hidden gem is part interactive show, part restaurant, and 100% fun. Whether you’re visiting Osaka on a Celebrity Millennium Japan Cruise or just exploring the city, this is a must-do Osaka attraction for adventure seekers, food lovers, and anyone who’s ever secretly wanted to throw a ninja star.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a shop-till-you-drop kind of day with a side of cultural adventure, Osaka’s Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street is the place to be. This legendary covered shopping arcade is the beating heart of Osaka retail — lined with everything from trendy fashion boutiques and quirky souvenir shops to mouthwatering street food stalls serving up Japan’s finest flavors. And the best part? The entire street is covered, so whether it’s pouring rain or blazing sunshine, your retail therapy plans are safe. Our Uber dropped us right at the entrance, and I swear the moment we stepped out, the energy hit me like a double shot of matcha latte.
They say this lion can swallow your bad luck… so naturally, we had to see it for ourselves! It’s Day 3 of our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, and before we even stepped off the ship, Osaka had me impressed — and yes, I’m talking about the port restrooms. These high-tech toilets come with a bidet, “privacy” music buttons, and more controls than some cruise ship cabins. I’m just saying… if Celebrity installed these in the staterooms, I’d never leave. đŊđļ
This morning, I made my way to the legendary Omelet Station — a breakfast hotspot that deserves its own fan club. The moment you step up, you’re greeted by the sound of sizzling skillets, the smell of freshly whisked eggs, and a chef who turns a handful of fresh ingredients into pure morning magic. đŗ⨠I watched as my omelet came together — a quick pour, a sprinkle of veggies, a little cheese, a perfect fold, and voilà — breakfast perfection. And yes, I might have been grinning the entire time.
Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium called for a little extra sparkle—it was Evening Chic Night at the Metropolitan Main Dining Room, and you know I never miss an excuse to dress up. I think we cleaned up pretty well, if I do say so myself! (Drop a comment and tell me if you agree.) The Main Dining Room was buzzing with elegant outfits, clinking glasses, and the smell of mouthwatering dishes drifting through the air. The menu tonight was a feast—think Salmon Tartare with trout roe caviar, a refreshing Tomato Watermelon Salad, and “Celebrity’s Signature” Beef Tournedo draped in rich black truffle sauce. My personal favorite? The Phyllo Dough Tulip filled with citrus cream and topped with fresh fruit—pure heaven. đđ Here's a sample of all the food we dined on: Salmon Tartare*- Celery Root Purée, Trout Roe Caviar, Dill, Apple , Pumpernickel Tomato Watermelon Salad - Basil, Feta, Sourdough Croutons, Sherry Vinaigrette Garden Fresh Salad - Mixed Lettuce, Seasonal Vegetables, Cucumber, Tomatoes “Celebrity’s Signature” - Beef Tournedo*Ragoût of Morel Mushrooms & Pearl Onions, Roasted Potatoes; Haricots Verts and Black Truffle Sauce Shrimp Scampi - White Wine-Garlic Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Parsley; Served over Linguine Phyllo Dough Tulip - Filled with Citrus Cream Topped with Assorted Fresh Fruits After Eight ice cream
If you love live music, dazzling costumes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, this is the kind of cruise ship entertainment you cannot miss. Picture this: the stage lights up, the band kicks in, and suddenly you’re transported straight back to the golden age of disco, funk, and Motown. The setlist was a party all on its own, featuring classics like: đ Love Train – The O’Jays đ¸ Freak Out – CHIC đĻ¸âī¸ Wonder Woman Theme Song đ¤ Do Ya Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart đ How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees đ Voulez-Vous – ABBA đˇ Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry đˇâī¸ YMCA – The Village People đ¯âī¸ We Are Family – Sister Sledge đ Last Dance – Donna Summer â¤ī¸ I’ll Be There – The Four Tops đ Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire From the first note to the last dance, the performers had the audience clapping, singing, and dancing along. The energy in the theater was absolutely electric — it’s the kind of night where you can’t help but smile from ear to ear. And here’s something most people don’t realize — there are only three people responsible for handling all the costumes for every singer and dancer, including my daughter! đ With multiple costume changes and so many shows to prepare for, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every sequin, feather, and stitch is stage-ready. They’re the true unsung heroes of the production, and the show wouldn’t be the same without them. This is exactly why I love Celebrity Cruises. It’s not just about the destinations — like our incredible 12-day journey through Japan and South Korea — it’s about the experiences you have on board. Shows like Boogie Wonderland turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable memory. If you’re sailing on the Celebrity Millennium, make sure you check your daily schedule and snag a seat early for this show. Trust me, it’s worth it. đ¤đđē
It’s Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium, and let me tell you — tonight was all about shaking things up… literally. đ¸ We decided to spend the evening at one of the ship’s most famous spots — the Martini Bar. This isn’t your average cruise ship bar. Oh no. The entire counter is covered in ice (yes, really!) and there’s so much ice overflowing that it feels like you’ve stepped into a frosty little wonderland in the middle of the ocean. âī¸ We kicked things off with a Classic Dirty Martini for Brian and a cold beer for me. But the real fun began when the crowd thinned out and we found a spot at the bar, and the bartenders started their show. And wow — these aren’t just bartenders. They’re mixology masters.
