My apologies if this is in the wrong section, but...

Today they had a sale on flights to Japan. I ended up walking home from work with a return ticket to Osaka; it was a wee bit cheaper than Tokyo. Anyway, I now have one week in Osaka in June. Can anyone with personal experience recommend what's good to visit ? Any great restaurants or bars hidden away which only the locals know about? And shopping! I really would love to do a bit of shopping ( more electronics, gadgets etc ). Will Scandal be playing any shows? *fingers crossed*

At the moment, I've got a small list of things to see, and I also want to hopefully make it to Kyoto and/or Hiroshima; Tokyo will have to wait until next time!

Also, can I get by on very basic knowledge of Japanese?

Whew. That was a lot.

Thanks,

Cory.

@vacantengaged
Wow, I am jealous !
I have not been there but I have friends there ( sadly not Scandal )
They say it has an extensive user friendly subway system and circular train line.
A good place to start is Osaka-eki ( Osaka station ) it has a huge underground shopping mall where you will get lost !
Visit the Umeda Sky building where you can view the city from the 41st floor.
You will not be able to miss Osaka castle which sadly is a concrete replica of the orginal, but remember Scandal used to play in Osaka castle ground !

They said don't miss Dotonbori, the cities amusement centre.
It has giant neon lit crabs and seafood that move and McDonalds and KFC of course.
Naka-za has many traditional eating places but they warned check the prices before you go in, some are very expensive !
America-mura ( American village ) has yet more shops and Japanese teenagers who like to dress American.
Don't miss Printemps ( pronounced plantam ) department store.
Like most big Japanese cities many people speak English, but it is very different out in the country where children will follow foreigners fascinated.

I am sure you will really enjoy it.

of course im gonna watch where the Scandal is like there presscon,photoshoot and also the important part there Concert...
and Visit my Auntie there....

the Aquarium!! dont forget the Universal Studios too.. Im going for the a sightseeing in Japan in about a few days time.. I probably can tell you the places to go after Im back.. xD

Tony, that's awesome. Thanks.

HirumaKyo, please do! Have a blast!

SCANDAL is on tour during that time period, you might want to check it out.

@vacantengaged
You can check the SCANDAL date concert, here..
And if you can read Japanese, well you might need Kansai~ben Survival Manual..
Hope it helps..

Thanks. Thanks. And more thanks. Their last show is 2 days before I get there. Bummer. Oh well, maybe next time!

So far I've got 5 nights accommdoation planned around Osaka Station, a few small day trips ( like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori etc ), and I'm thinking of a day in Kyoto.

Also got an iPhone app which augmented reality so I can see what's what by moving the phone around. Sooo can't wait.