Landing in Kansai Airport

When I landed in Kansai Airport exhausted, I grabbed a ticket for the first-class train to the city. It's highly recommended!
I got a private chair that could rotate to face the clean window, with amazing views: a bridge over the water (Isn't that wild? The airport's built on water!), many small Japanese houses, and so on.
Then it stopped in the first station and people who waited for the train stared at me. oopsy.
The upgrade was only about $3 - totally worth it!

Where to Stay?

There are many great places to stay in Osaka.
However, remember what I mentioned earlier about my theory on why some people don't love Osaka?
I think it's because they stay in areas close to attractions that, while convenient, might not be the most aesthetically pleasing.
They also might not stay long enough to truly understand the city's charm.
My recommendations are to stay in a central location, close to a metro station, between Namba and Kitahama.

Where to Visit?

Namba and Dotonbori are considered the main neighborhoods in Osaka.
Here, you can find great shops, restaurants, and of course, a mass of white tourists who feel very excited to be in Japan, experiencing what they perceive to be very authentic Japanese shopping.

Namba Area
There are many shopping centers in the area, such as Namba City and Namba Parks.
Upon arriving at Namba Station by train, you'll encounter the Namba Walk underground passage with many shops and average restaurants.
While in Namba Walk, look for ROUND1 Namba. This is a huge amusement store chain with several floors in Namba.
I scored a doll there, but let's just say the claw machine gods weren't too happy with me. Worth it though, because who needs money when you have a new plushie friend?

Osaka Castle
A "regular" Japanese castle.
Osaka Castle holds special significance due to its location in Osaka.
It's worth seeing from the outside. There are some street shows there for tourists because it's a hotspot for tourists looking for things to see in Osaka (and there are many of them!).
You can start your day there and then head out for a day trip to another Kansai location.

Abeno Harukas, Tennoji Park, and Tsūtenkaku Tower
The 14th floor of the Abeno Harukas building (the tallest in Osaka) offers nice restaurants with a partial city view.
Dining here might make you realize seeing Osaka buildings from above isn't that special. So I suggest to skip visiting the higher-priced observation deck and enjoy some good food here instead.
I had a good experience at the ALOHA TABLE restaurant. There are other good restaurants on this floor with similar views, but ALOHA TABLE offers a taste of Hawaiian culture (which I also experienced at a weird, random Hawaiian festival in Osaka).
The Abeno Harukas building actually has a free observation deck on the 16th floor. So why not check it out if you're already in the area?
Later, head to nearby Tennoji Park to enjoy the sunset. After sunset, continue on foot to see the Tsūtenkaku tower lights.

I gotta say, this city's got a real charm. Osaka marches to its own modern vibe.
Tokyo is a giant city in every aspect, with too many people and places for my taste. I prefer smaller cities like Osaka (it's also big, but not overwhelmingly so, like Tokyo).
Osaka's all about the present-day Japanese vibe and has a lot to offer. From the neon lights to the great shopping, and even winning a surprise plushie friend at a giant arcade (say hi to Ishimoto, my new best bud!).
It's a city that's loud, fun, and totally unapologetic about being itself - and hey, that's something I can definitely appreciate.