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Hirakata, a city in Osaka, Japan is a hidden gem that has something to offer every traveler. As a National Geographic journalist, I had the opportunity to explore this beautiful city and I was blown away by the stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Here is my comprehensive guide to Hirakata.
Scenery of Hirakata:
Hirakata is surrounded by lush green mountains that provide the perfect backdrop for scenic hikes. The city is also home to beautiful parks, including Yamadaike Park, which has a large lake where visitors can rent rowboats and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Hirakata is also known for its stunning cherry blossom season, with over 50,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring.
What I like:
One thing I love about Hirakata is its fantastic cuisine. The city has a thriving food scene with numerous restaurants and street food vendors providing tasty treats. The people in Hirakata were also incredibly friendly and welcoming, making my travel experience even more enjoyable.
What I dislike:
Unfortunately, the traffic in Hirakata can be quite heavy, especially during rush hour. This can make for a frustrating commute, but it’s worth it to experience all that the city has to offer.
Average Cost of Living:
Hirakata is an affordable city, with an average daily cost of living of around $70 USD per day. This includes accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment. However, the cost can vary depending on the traveler’s budget and preferences.
Top 20 points of interest:
1. Hirakatashi Station
2. Yamadaike Park
3. Hirakata Park
4. Hirakata Gion Museum
5. Eganosho Shrine
6. Hikawa Shrine
7. Haradera Temple
8. Shimmei Shrine
9. Hirakata T-SITE
10. Hirakata Sports Land
11. Hirakata-koen Rakujuen
12. Kuzuha Mall
13. Hoshida Park
14. Mino-Osaka Tourism Association
15. Ozaki Shrine
16. Matsunoya Shrine
17. Katayama Shrine
18. Osuma Shrine
19. Kifune Shrine
20. BiVi Hirakata
Top 20 street food:
1. Takoyaki – little balls of fried dough with octopus
2. Okonomiyaki – savory pancake with cabbage and meat
3. Ramen noodles
4. Kushikatsu – skewered and deep-fried meat and vegetables
5. Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers
6. Kakigori – shaved ice dessert
7. Crepes
8. Taiyaki – fish-shaped cake with filling
9. Melonpan – sweet bread with a crunchy crust
10. Gyoza – pan-fried dumplings
11. Onigiri – rice balls with filling
12. Udon noodles
13. Sushi rolls
14. Nikuman – steamed pork buns
15. Korokke – fried potato croquettes
16. Mochi – sweet rice cake
17. Negiyaki – savory pancake with green onions and meat
18. Shaved Ice with Sweet Toppings
19. Hiyashi Chuka – Cold Noodle Salad
20. Agemanju – Deep Fried Sweet Dough with Bean Paste
Top 10 popular hotels:
1. Hotel Keihan Universal City – $120 USD per night
2. Hotel Universal Port – $97 USD per night
3. Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka – $95 USD per night
4. Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel – $78 USD per night
5. Hirakata Crystal Hotel – $45 USD per night
6. Hotel Ichiei – $90 USD per night
7. Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring – $70 USD per night
8. Hotel Monterey Osaka – $70 USD per night
9. Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi – $70 USD per night
10. RIHGA Nakanoshima Inn – $85 USD per night
Top 10 popular Airbnb lists:
1. Stylish Downtown Osaka Apartment – $50 USD per night
2. Cozy 2BR Apartment – $70 USD per night
3. Modern Osaka Studio Apartment – $40 USD per night
4. Urban Oasis in Central Osaka – $80 USD per night
5. Vintage Japanese House – $55 USD per night
6. Central Osaka Private Apartment – $60 USD per night
7. Large Contemporary Apartment – $90 USD per night
8. Osaka Private Room – $25 USD per night
9. Spacious Apartment with Balcony – $75 USD per night
10. Japanese-Style Room – $45 USD per night
Top 5 cost-effective hotels and Airbnb:
1. Hirakata Crystal Hotel – $45 USD per night – This hotel offers fantastic value for money and is a great budget option for those traveling on a shoestring.
2. Cozy 2BR Apartment – $70 USD per night – This Airbnb is reasonably priced and can accommodate up to four guests, making it ideal for families or small groups.
3. Modern Osaka Studio Apartment – $40 USD per night – This simple and clean Airbnb is great for solo travelers or couples looking for an affordable option.
4. Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi – $70 USD per night – This hotel is conveniently located and provides comfortable guest rooms at a reasonable price.
5. Vintage Japanese House – $55 USD per night – This unique Airbnb offers guests the chance to experience Japanese traditional architecture and is a great value option for those looking for a memorable and authentic experience.
3-Day Trip Itinerary:
Day 1:
1. Yamadaike Park – enjoy a stroll around the lake and rent a rowboat.
2. Hirakatashi Station – immerse yourself in the local culture and grab lunch from one of the street food vendors.
3. Hirakata Park – spend the afternoon on the rides and roller coasters, perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
4. Haradera Temple – take in the intricately designed temple grounds and learn about the history of the temple.
5. Gyoza Hohei – have dinner at this popular dumpling spot and indulge in their crispy-skinned gyoza.
Day 2:
1. Hikawa Shrine – experience a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine and get a glimpse of Japanese culture.
2. Kuzuha Mall – shop for souvenirs and sample street food snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
3. Hirakata T-SITE – spend the afternoon browsing books and relaxing in the coffee shop with a great view of the city.
4. Ozaki Shrine – visit this small shrine and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
5. Shokudo Nagomi – indulge in some Japanese comfort food like fried chicken and rice bowls.
Day 3:
1. Hoshida Park – take a hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
2. Matsunoya Shrine – admire the elaborate shrine decorations and learn about the local customs.
3. Hirakata-koen Rakujuen – relax in this beautiful park and enjoy the cherry blossoms season.
4. BiVi Hirakata – explore this trendy shopping center with multiple floors of shops and restaurants.
5. Kagura Sushi – for the dinner, sit at the chef’s counter and watch as he creates delicious sushi masterpieces.
Bottom line, Hirakata is a vibrant and charming destination that offers a variety of fun activities and delicious food. With its picturesque scenery, rich history, and friendly locals, this city is definitely worth a visit. I would give Hirakata a rating of 8 out of 10 for its affordability, unique experiences, and welcoming atmosphere.
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