Famed as a food and shopping paradise and a modern society with remarkable hospitality, Japan has topped the list of getaway destinations for Hong Kong people for many years. Last month, I took my mum to Osaka for a four-day trip on her hard-earned holiday. Even though curating an organized itinerary is not my style of travel, I had to make an exception as – we all know – traveling with parents is quite a challenge.

If I was alone like usual, I’d have just taken it slow and spent most of my time wandering around and chilling in cafes. But my mission for this trip was to keep my mum entertained – that means a lot of sightseeing. To save money on attractions and transportation, I purchased two sets of one-day Osaka Amazing Pass (¥2500 each) online the day before our departure. The pass allows travelers to enjoy one-time access to 35 tourist spots, as well as unlimited bus and train rides. Arriving at Kansai International Airport, you can simply collect the pass at the Arrival Hall with your printed voucher.

Similar to Hong Kong, getting around in Osaka is easy and convenient. From the airport to Namba station (the city center) only takes around 45 minutes by express train (¥920). We reserved a run-of-the-house room (any room type that is available on the day) at Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba because of its central location, free breakfast buffet, and onsen facility on its top floor. After settling in, we headed out to Dōtombori, the city’s famous entertainment and nightlife district, and sated our appetite at Ichiran Ramen, which provides guests with individual tables that are separated by partitions. The chain restaurant can also be found in Hong Kong, but we found the pork slices here are thinner and leaner.

To utilize the Osaka Amazing Pass more effectively, our second-day itinerary was a bit packed. After having breakfast at the hotel, we made a beeline to Tsūtenkaku, a 103-meter tower rising above Shinsekai district. From its 360-degree indoor observation decks, you can take in amazing views of the city. Don’t forget to take a photo with the golden-color Billiken statue and lay your hand on his feet which is believed to bring in good fortune.

A stone away from Tsūtenkaku is Tennōji Zoo, which opened in 1915. Comparing to other zoos that I’ve been, Tennōji is small and a bit old. Even though its admission fee is cheap, I wouldn’t recommend you to go so as to save time for more incredible sites. I’m also skeptical about this kind of attraction. Though many zoos claim to be established for educational purposes and to provide safe environments for endangered species, it’s hard for me to see wild creatures being captured in small spaces just for the sake of entertaining humankind. They deserve freedom and belong to the wild.

Before setting off to our next destination, we stopped by Okonomiyaki Chitose for the most famous dish in the city. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake made with shredded cabbage and options of meat or seafood and topped with a sour and salty sauce, mayonnaise, katsuobushi, and red pickled ginger. Tucked away in an alleyway in Nishinari Ward, the joint is popular among locals and tourists alike, so queues are expected. You can see the chef cooking in action and your okonomiyaki will be served on the heated iron plate in front of you. Please note that Chitose only opens from 12:30 to 15:30 and 17:00 to 20:00.

If you’re a first-timer in Osaka, you cannot miss the Osaka Castle in Chūō-ku. Originally built in 1583, the castle played an important role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. Destroyed by Tokugawa troops in 1615, the castle was reconstructed five years later. However, in 1665, a lightning burnt down the main tower and it was only rebuilt until 1931. The building now houses a museum showcasing the history of the castle and Japanese warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi. If time allows, sit back and relax in the Osaka Castle Gozabune, which takes you around the moats of the castle and allows you the chance to get a closer look at the impressive stonewalls.

Before finishing the day with a Yakiniku dinner (Japanese BBQ), my mum and I did a cruise ride along the Dotonbori canal. The cruise will stop at the perfect spot for you to take photos of the well-known Glico’s Running Man Signboard.

When in Osaka, many tourists will go on a day trip to Nara or Kyoto as both cities are only an hour away. On my next story, I’d share my experience traveling in the capital of Nara Prefecture, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a mob of lovely (or scary) deer.