Strolling Through Light and Shadow: The Nostalgia and Trendiness of Tsutenkaku Shopping Street.

Day 1 In the early morning, I stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street, which is filled with a strong Showa-era atmosphere, making one feel as if they have traveled back in time. The street is lined with various small shops selling Osaka's specialty snacks and handicrafts. First, I stopped at an old shop specializing in kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and tasted freshly fried skewers. The crispy and juicy bite brought a sense of satisfaction. Then, I lingered in a nostalgic toy store, where the display of classic toys and collectibles brought back childhood memories. After lunch, I reached the end of the shopping street and ascended Tsutenkaku Tower to overlook the entire city. The sunset dyed the streets a warm orange, and the neon lights of the shopping street gradually lit up, creating a lively night market atmosphere that was hard to leave. Day 2 On the second day, I strolled through Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street again, but this time I chose to explore the other side of the street. The shopping street was particularly quiet in the early morning, with sunlight casting a unique charm on the wooden signs of the shops. I visited a long-established wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop and bought some traditional sweets as souvenirs. Then, I entered an antique bookstore, flipping through the yellowed books on the shelves and feeling the passage of time. Lunch was settled at a restaurant specializing in okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), where I watched the owner skillfully flip the ingredients on the griddle, the aroma was enticing, and the taste was exceptional. In the afternoon, I stumbled upon a street performance, where music and dance created a captivating melody, attracting many passersby to stop and enjoy. At dusk, I ascended Tsutenkaku Tower again to admire the city's brightly lit nightscape, and at that moment, my heart was filled with a deep affection for Osaka.