We’re staying in a real gem of a hotel, Hotel Noum – a smallish boutique hotel located on the river, just north of Osaka Castle and an easy stroll to the local metro stop of Temmabashi. If you ever find yourself in Osaka, don’t hesitate  to stay  here with its super-friendly, English-speaking staff who go out of their way to help you. 

A restaurant recommendation and booking on Friday night turned out to be one of the most memorable food experiences in ages. Circolo Hanare is a tiny 12-seater restaurant not far from the hotel where you perch on stools in the kitchen and are served whatever the chef feels like cooking for you, all accompanied by sake (of course) in gorgeous handmade bowls. It’s such a friendly intimate space that when we left, the chef and his right-hand woman and the other guests came out to send us off into the night. Did they think we had too much sake? 

Exquisite food and fun enjoyable company. Highly recommended!