Japanese people love their baseball, so for an intense and passionate display of unbridled emotion, head over to Koshien - the largest stadium in Asia when it was first built - and watch a baseball match. Come and support the Hanshin Tigers!

Bargain hunters will relish the challenge of seeking antique knock-knacks or old kimonos at the monthly flea market at Shitennoji Temple in Tennoji. Held on the 21st and 22nd of every month, typically from about 9am to 3pm.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2014. Even if you have explored its counterpart in Orlando, consider visiting it because it showcases two unique features: the Black Lake and the Muggle Path (a 5-10 minute walk that leads to Hogsmeade).

Taking kids who are brimming with energy and bored with historic shrines? Bring them to Kids Plaza Osaka, which houses three floors of exciting, action-packed activities that will ignite a spark in your boisterous children to learn. And play to their heart’s content, of course.

Besides takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Osaka is famous for its juicy and succulent gyozas (pork dumplings). Here’s something interesting about Osaka: shops will painstakingly prepare their own sauce called 餃子のタレ　(gyoza no tare). So don’t forget to dip (or dunk) your dumplings with this sauce which accentuates the taste of your gyozas.

Adrenaline-seeking travellers should try out stand-out paddleboarding. Glide beneath dynamic Osaka and cruise down the river with only your balance and a paddle for control. It’s a fascinating way to take a respite from noisy Osaka and soak in its colourful sights.

Can’t get enough of Japanese beer? Make a reservation to visit Asahi Breweries Suita Factory for free and learn how its world-renowned Super Dry beer is manufactured. (All sugars are removed during the fermentation process, thus resulting in a crisp beer.) Cement your love of Japanese beer by dunking up to three mugs of Asahi beer for free!

If you don’t fancy alcohol, you may want to try “mix juice”, a summer beverage that is commonly found in Osaka but not in other parts of Kansai. Comprising various fruits like bananas, mikan oranges, pineapples and apples, it comes with milk which renders it a rich flavour and smooth taste.

The Glico running man is synonymous with Osaka. For those of you curious to discover Osaka people’s love affair with this iconic symbol, you may want to visit Glico Museum which showcases over 4000 toys as well as dioramas of Glico’s signs that have been set up in Dotonbori. No need to pay admission fees.

Ardent fans of Songkran, Thailand’s water festival, will be delighted to know that a similar custom called uchimizu exists in Osaka. During the sweltering hot summer, Osaka people will don their yukata wear and sprinkle water on the pavements using a bucket and ladle. Guaranteed to cool the streets (and you) down!

Endear yourself to Osaka people by speaking Kansai-ben, the dialect used by Osaka comedians and have gained widespread popularity throughout Japan. Some phrases that are easy for you to remember include nandeyanen? (You’ve got to be kidding me!) and Akan! (You mustn’t do that). Also, say Ookini! to express thanks after your interactions.