Dotonbori's Glico Man and Ichiran Ramen

My original preference was to stay at Dotonbori Hotel so that Dotonbori, Osaka's kitchen will just a stone throw away. Little did I know that Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade was just right next to Dotonbori and luckily just a steps away from Hotel Mystays Shinsaibashi.

Takoyaki, arguably ze best well known Osaka fast food. It's a wheat flour-based batter cooked in a special molded pan typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. Sauce is similar to worcestershire with mayonnaise added then sprinkled with green laver and dried bonito shavings.

Distinctly known as a Foodie Destination, Dotonbori at night is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

This is Ichiran. Dotonbori's best Tonkotsu ramen (also referred to as Hakata-style ramen) It was a rainy night and we battled the long queue to partake in this consistently good, local staple. Open 24/7.

Marshalls attending the line was handing out these flyers for our ramen preference. Good thing there was an english form.

Next was payment at the Vendo machine. 790 JPY for a steaming hot bowl. You can do add-ons (rice, seaweed flakes, egg..etc) to your liking.

Eating here is an experience in itself! A ramen joint! Single serve counters. How cool can that be? Had to wait for 3 simultaneous vacant counters, typical pinoy norm to be eating together.

Hands down... the best ramen! Clean-tasting, rich soup with the softest pork ever. The green onions and garlic over-all complemented the dish. A feast for my palate.

With cool, clean pure water on each counter (free-of-charge)

This street runs parallel to the Dotonbori Canal

Another 24/7 establishment is Don Quijote (Don-ki) for tax-free pasalubong shopping. Think Kitkat matcha, green tea latte, Nissin seafood cup noodles...etc. 

Other notable pasalubong items from Kansai Airport, Tokyo Banana and Royce Chocolates

My shopping haul. All consumed as of this writing and dreaming of more!