Destination
The street energy of Kansai, and a few cult spots to bring home more than a memory of Dotonbori.
Osaka is Japan's raw energy: flashing Dotonbori, a street culture more laid-back than Tokyo's, informal night meets of enthusiasts on a street corner, and a few cult car-streetwear spots, starting with Liberty Walk.
Where to go
Kitahorie, not far from Dotonbori
The small store of the cult widebody brand (LB★WORKS): clothing, accessories, scale models and Osaka limited editions.
Tip: If you already know the Tokyo store, the detour is mostly worth it for the Osaka limited editions.
Open in Google MapsRead the articleDotonbori and Amerikamura
One weekday evening in Dotonbori, just before reaching Sankaku Park, I came across a row of MX-5s parked with their hoods open, their owners comparing builds. A little further on, at the park, it was a motorcycle meet.
Tip: These meets seem impromptu: stroll between Dotonbori and the park in the evening and keep your eyes open. Liberty Walk is right next door, in the Horie district.
Open in Google MapsTo discover
My stop in Osaka was short and I haven't been able to try these places yet, but on paper they're worth the detour. I'll complete them with my photos and my review.
Car rental
Taishō, southwest Osaka
Mr. Hiro's garage, full of the JDM cars he has built: you can visit it and rent his cars, from the Toyota AE86 to the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. Upstairs, simulators for sim racing, and on the roof, a drift kart track.
It's not cheap and the number of cars is limited: book well in advance.
Car rental
Shinsaibashi, central Osaka
A JDM rental agency right in the city center, with English-speaking staff. Among the fleet: GT86, Fairlady Z, Lancer Evolution, GTO and Silvia S15.
Pick-up and return between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Event
INTEX Osaka, on the bay
One of the biggest custom car shows in Japan, held every year in mid-February since 1997. Next edition from February 12 to 14, 2027.
Over 200,000 visitors every year: book your hotel and car early.
Drive
Kobe, about 1 hour from Osaka
The tight bends of the Omote-Rokko Driveway climb to the top of Mount Rokko. Up there, the Higashi-Rokko Observatory is a well-known hangout for car enthusiasts, overlooking the whole of Osaka Bay.
The observatory is free, but it sits on the Royu Driveway, a toll road.
Drive
Kobe, about 1 hour from Osaka
Nearly 4 km over the Akashi Strait: one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, leading to Awaji Island and its roads along the Seto Inland Sea.
Toll bridge: an ETC card makes everything easier.
Where to park
A very busy pedestrian area: forget about parking right there. Use one of the many Times parking garages a few streets away and finish on foot.
Large underground parking garages serve the business district: convenient, and a little cheaper than street-level lots.
Tips