Japan Cruise Day 3: Japanese Taiko Drums Onboard Celebrity Millennium 🎶

Ever wondered what it feels like to step straight into the ocean? At the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, that’s exactly how your journey begins. The moment you walk through the magical Aqua Gate tunnel, you’re greeted by a unicornfish, and suddenly, the adventure is on! Welcome to Day 4 of our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise through Japan, where we dove (literally!) into one of Osaka’s most iconic attractions. The Kaiyukan isn’t just an aquarium—it’s an immersive experience that transports you deep into the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s Day 4 in Osaka, and what’s the best part? The world-famous Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is just steps away from the cruise port! 👀 If you’re sailing on a Celebrity Cruise to Japan, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient and exciting shore excursion. When Kaiyukan first opened in 1990, it was the largest public aquarium in the world. 🌍 Today, it still ranks as one of the largest aquariums in Japan and the 15th largest worldwide. With its massive tanks, immersive exhibits, and unique sea life, it’s a must-visit if you find yourself in Osaka.

If there’s one city in Japan that truly comes alive after dark, it’s Osaka. On Day 3 of our 12-day Celebrity Cruise from Japan to South Korea, we had the rare treat of staying overnight in port—and let me tell you, experiencing Osaka at night was pure magic. The Electric Vibe of Osaka After Dark Picture this: we’re in an Uber heading back to the cruise port, and everywhere we look the city is glowing. 🌃 Neon lights reflect on the streets, shop signs flicker in every direction, and the sidewalks are alive with locals and travelers weaving through the nightlife. And then there are the bikes. 🚲 In Osaka, bicycles practically have their own rhythm, zipping through the streets with effortless speed. It adds to the energy, making the city feel like it’s moving in every direction at once. Of course, no walk through Osaka at night is complete without street food. 🍢 Vendors line the streets, still serving up fresh takoyaki (Osaka’s famous octopus balls) and savory skewers well into the evening. The smell alone could stop you in your tracks!

If you’re heading to Osaka, Japan, prepare your taste buds—because this city is a foodie’s paradise! On Day 3 of our 12-day Celebrity Cruise (Japan to South Korea), we had the ultimate overnight stop in Osaka, which meant one very important thing… plenty of time to explore Dotonbori’s famous street food. And let me tell you: you can’t leave Osaka without trying these five must-try foods. Let’s dive in!

If you’ve been to Japan, you know one thing for sure: Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are on a whole other level. Forget about soggy sandwiches or sad gas station snacks — places like FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven are foodie heavens packed with quick, delicious, and surprisingly addictive meals. On this stop in Osaka’s Dotonbori district, we decided to do a FamilyMart taste test… and let’s just say it went from food fail ➝ to food find WINs in no time.

When you think of Japan, Tokyo often steals the spotlight with its futuristic robots and high-tech vibes… but Osaka has something wildly unique: The Cult of Wolfen – Dotonbori’s very own Wolf Man. 🐺✨ Yes, you read that right. You haven’t truly experienced Japan until you’ve seen the Wolf Man of Dotonbori. Equal parts eerie and entertaining, he’s become a cult classic street performer and a must-see character in Osaka’s nightlife scene. 🐺 Who Is the Dotonbori Wolf Man? The Cult of Wolfen (aka the Wolf Man) is one of Dotonbori’s most unusual and fascinating street performers. Dressed in his iconic wolf mask and often spotted near the Glico running man sign, he’s become somewhat of a living legend in Osaka. Locals and tourists alike stop, take pictures, and marvel at his mysterious presence. Fun Fact: Dotonbori has been home to quirky performers and neon nightlife for decades. The area first became Osaka’s entertainment hub back in the 1600s, and it’s never lost its reputation for theatrical, larger-than-life entertainment.

Move over soda and coffee — Japan just raised the bar for vending machines! On Day 3 of our Celebrity Cruise stop in Osaka, I stumbled across one of the coolest food finds yet: the Feed ME Orange vending machine in Dotonbori. And trust me, this is NOT your average vending machine experience.

If there’s one thing Osaka knows how to do, it’s street food with flair. And today, I’m chasing down one of the city’s most viral foodie sensations — the Ice Melon Pan in Dotonbori. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the giant moving Ice Melon Pan sign overhead. Trust me, you can’t miss it! It’s so eye-catching, it practically pulls you in — and judging by the crazy-long lines that often wrap around the stand, I wasn’t the only one eager to try it. What is Ice Melon Pan? 🤔 Melon Pan (メロンパン) is one of Japan’s most beloved baked goods. It’s a sweet, fluffy bun with a crisp, cookie-like crust that’s slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Now, imagine that warm, freshly baked bun stuffed with creamy, cold ice cream… it’s the ultimate sweet-and-cold contrast! Every bun here is baked fresh daily, and before you even get in line, the air is filled with that irresistible, buttery-sweet aroma. Honestly, it’s impossible to walk past without stopping.

Ever wondered where Japan’s most famous street food — takoyaki — really comes from? 🍡 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. 🎉 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. 🍴 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.