We’re already in December, the last month of the year, and it’s getting colder here in Osaka!

This is the season when lights shine beautifully in the clear air. In this post, I would like to introduce Midosuji Illumination in Osaka.

Midosuji Road is composed of National Route 25 and 176, and extends approximately 4.2 kilometers. In Midosuji, one of the symbols of Osaka, the trees along the street are lit up in winter, illuminating the city even more brightly at night.

From Konjaku-So Dotonbori, if you walk west from the house for about 10 minutes, you will see beautifully glowing trees around the Namba west exit. Also, from Konjaku-So Shinsaibashi, if you walk west for about 10 minutes toward Daimaru shopping mall, you will soon see a glittering and decorated town.

This brightness lasts for several kilometers, enhancing the excitement of the festive season and lighting up the warm and cozy feeling that only winter can bring.

According to the website “Festivals of the lights in Osaka 2023“, the colors of the lights vary in each area. Although I wasn’t aware of it last time, I remember there were areas with blue lights and areas with yellow lights! Let’s find your favorite color as you walk along the long road.

I took this photo a few years ago, and the pink light was lovely. It looks like a neon sakura blossoms.

Having lived in Osaka for many years, these lights bring back memories of moments I spent by them. Like that day when I was at the university library, caught up with my thesis, losing track of time and running late for my part-time job. Despite the guilty feeling, I found a bit of excitement in the commute to work, surrounded by the sparkling lights. Or that time when the person I was supposed to meet didn’t show up, but the sparkles in the cold somehow comforted me.

Every day, lots of people walk along Midosuji, each with their own memories. I imagine these lights gently remind everyone of those moments.

The lights will be there until January 31, 2024, so if you’re staying at Konjaku-So Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi, make sure to check them out!

*You will be redirected to the Konjaku-So Official Booking Page.

Have you ever tried light roast coffee?

Even among people who regularly drink coffee, I think there are quite a few who perceive coffee as bitter, merely a refresher, or something to sip without giving it much thought while working.

Those people might be missing out on some easily inspiring moments in their daily lives!

Today, I would like to introduce one of my favorite coffee shops, Lilo Coffee Roasters. It’s approximately a 10-minute walk from Konjaku-So Shinsaibashi or about a 20-minute walk from Konjaku-So Dotonbori. Please consider giving it a try when you’re in the Namba area.

Abundant Selection of Beans and Their Quality

First and foremost, Lilo Coffee Roasters offers a wide variety of beans! As far as I can recall, there were more than 10 varieties available each time. Furthermore, all of them are specialty coffees, ensuring both quality and exceptional taste.

Friendly Customer Service with Care

You need not worry about being overwhelmed by the diverse selection of beans or feeling unsure about what to choose. The staff at the counter attentively listens to our requests.

I usually ask them to suggest something in an abstract expression, such as “a light roast with a unique flavor” or “a light roast with a rich, sweet profile.” I believe they would even respond to requests like “I’ve never had black coffee before…” or “your best recommendation of the day, please!”

This picture is from when I asked the staff for “something with abundant flavor and sweetness”, and chose from the two types they suggested.

The rich fruit flavors of pineapple and orange came in first, and as the temperature dropped a bit, the syrupy sweetness spread over my tongue, truly giving me the experience I was looking for at that moment.

I finished work early that day, just as the sun was going down, which made me even happier to see the sparkling bean card as I walked along Dotonbori riverside in the sunlight.

Also, the staff seems to be able to speak fluent English, and there are many customers from overseas in the shop. I feel this is a wonderful place where people of any nationality gather in search of a good cup of coffee.

All the Cute and Stylish Snack and Gift Items

Looking around the shop with your cup of coffee in hand, you will notice that everything inside is stylish and cute, from the pictures the wall to the products on sale. Even the bean bags are colorful and attractive. I love their logo design, too. This shop will also be a great choice if you’re looking for a small gift for someone.

That is all about one of my favorite coffee shops in Shinsaibashi. Please stop by when you stay at Konjaku-So Shinsaibashi

*You will be redirected to the Konjaku-So Official Booking Page.

After eating a lot for lunch, don’t you feel like you’re gonna eat a light supper?

Then, Shabutei is just for you!

I guess you’ll think of an all-you-can-eat restaurant when you’re told about shabu-shabu and think it’s not for you who want a light meal.

However, the Shabu-Tei course serves a moderate amount of foods: aperitif, a selection of fresh vegetables, mochi (Japanese rice cake), tofu, seaweeds, udon noodles, and ice creams! In addition, you can choose your favorite meats when you order them.

They offer 2 different types of dipping sauces: Ponzu and sesame sauce; and my favorite was definitely the sesame one! 

The shabu-shabu meats tasted great with the sauce, and the meat was so tender that I felt as if they’d melt in my mouth.

I also heard they’re selling their sesame sauce at the restaurant! 

Do mind the mochi while cooking as they melt away in the boiling soup so fast! lol

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