Osaka has wide appeal for lots of travelers: History buffs make a beeline for Osaka Castle and the five-tier pagoda of Shitennoji Temple. Shoppers go on an all-out blitz at Shinsaibashi, ringing up Japanese fashions and traditional crafts. And families hop through the different realms of Universal Studios Japan. But it's food lovers like myself that find the most to love in Osaka—it's known as Japan’s Kitchen after all.

Osaka isn’t the first place most people think of when they plan a trip to Japan, but once you visit you’ll know why frequent visitors—me included—fall in love with it. Here you’ll find a nostalgic version of Japan where time seems to have stopped back when glowing neon signs and extravagantly lighted billboards were all the rage. If you love Japanese food, Osaka will be an easy favorite—there’s a reason it’s known as Japan’s kitchen. Osaka fans like me come here just to eat. But pace yourself, getting overstuffed is a common rookie mistake.

How to make the most of three days in Osaka, from the best street food stalls to ancient temples and stand-up comedy shows.