STAYING IN OSAKA

Osaka is often described as Tokyo's grittier cousin, but that's far from doing Japan's third-largest city justice. Osaka has a style all its own, driven by the city's reputation as a commercial centre that seamlessly blends its own unique mix of history, culture and modernity. The people are outgoing and delight in laid back humour, always quick to join a conversation - a quality that immediately makes you feel welcome. While there's plenty of things to see and do in Osaka, the food will stick in your memory for a lifetime - it's perhaps no wonder that Osaka is colloquially called "the nation's kitchen", at least by locals.

Osaka's mix of ultra modernity and timeless Japanese culture is enchanting. Close to your serviced apartments’ accommodation, jump into the colour and buzz of the Dotonbori district's neon-fueled nightlife, enjoy some of Osaka's best shopping, dining and entertainment, relax in traditional gardens and parks, and experience the peace of Buddhist temples.

OUT AND ABOUT IN NAMBA

Your luxury serviced apartments are located in the heart of Osaka, the vibrant and colourful Namba district. Serviced by Namba Station, the district serves as one of the two main commercial districts in Kansai's largest city. For a dose of neon splendour, take a nighttime stroll through Dotonbori, to the north of your hotel apartment. Here you'll find plenty of nighttime fun for the whole family, including shopping, some of Osaka's best restaurants, and a few of the local theatres. The neon glare of the area's signs glinting on the waters of the Dotonbori canal also make it unconventionally picturesque; it's a great place to take a few nighttime snaps.

Namba is also where you'll find some of Osaka's best shopping. Whether you're into boutique fashion labels or the Japanese take on high street fashion, you'll find it in the district's malls. At Namba Hips, you'll discover 24/7 shopping and pretty much everything you need for a day out and about - the mall even boasts its own rock wall and archery range. The Namba Parks mall, located adjacent to Fraser Residence Nankai, is one of the greenest buildings in Osaka, with a cascading terrace of gardens covering the exterior. Wander among trees and flowers while you indulge in some boutique shopping.

KUROMON MARKET A FOOD LOVER'S PARADISE

One of the absolute best places to go to experience Osaka's famed street food (and seafood) scene is Kuromon Market, conveniently close to your serviced apartments in Namba. Being a coastal metropolis, Osaka has a long association with the sea, and it shows in the city's cuisine. Under Kuromon's covered eves, you'll find over 150 shops and stalls selling seafood and fresh produce. Wandering the stalls is an experience in itself. A must-try is the local favourite, Takoyaki - octopus balls. The balls are filled with chunks of octopus, ginger and green onion and covered in sticky sweet sauce and mayonnaise - yum. The best takoyaki in Kuromon can be found at Wanaka.