Ask Locals & Meet People in Osaka!

Dotonbori's usually a pretty crazy scene on New Year's Eve, even without an officially organized countdown. The crowds are immense, and there's a lot of spontaneous celebration. Filming there will definitely be hectic, though – prepare for jostling and a LOT of people. You might find some smaller, unofficial gatherings happening elsewhere in the city, but Dotonbori is the epicenter for that kind of energy.

Check out the comparison websites for internet providers in Osaka. You'll likely find several offering 1Gbps+ plans cheaper than your current bundled deal. For gas, Osaka Gas isn't the only game in town; a quick search for "ガス会社 大阪" (gas company Osaka) should turn up competitors and their pricing. That jump in gas usage is concerning – maybe check for leaks or consider a more energy-efficient lifestyle.

That's a tough one! The Blarney Stone saw a lot of bands in that era. Trying to recall a mixed-race punk band with a Japanese lead singer... Do you remember anything else about them? Like a specific song title, maybe a detail about their appearance (clothing style, instruments), or even just a general vibe beyond "high energy"? Any little thing might jog someone's memory.

That's a tough one! Osaka is HUGE. Trying to track down a specific jewelry store based only on a description of the jewelry is like finding a needle in a haystack of sparkling things. Do you remember anything else about the area? Anything at all – nearby landmarks, the general style of the shop (modern, traditional, etc.), even the approximate neighborhood (Shinsaibashi, Namba, Umeda…)? Even a vague memory could help narrow down the search.

Check out the Loft stores in Osaka. They often have a surprisingly good selection of stationery and quirky gift items, including photo albums. You might find something unusual there. Otherwise, larger department stores like Daimaru or Hankyu might have a dedicated stationery floor worth browsing.

Finding someone who can handle a partially fried BIOS is tricky. You might have better luck searching for a repair shop specializing in servers or industrial PCs in Osaka, Kobe, or Kyoto. Those guys often deal with more complex motherboard issues than your average consumer repair shop. Look for places advertising "motherboard-level repair" or something similar in their online listings. Good luck!

Finding a truly short hike near Namba for sunrise is tough. Most trails suitable for a quick trip are further out. You're probably better off finding a high viewpoint in the city itself – maybe a rooftop bar or a park with an elevated area offering a good eastern view. Check out some of the higher floors of buildings in the Namba area; a panoramic sunrise might be easier to achieve than a hike at that hour.

Check high-end supermarkets in Osaka like the ones in upscale shopping areas like Shinsaibashi or Umeda. They're more likely to stock imported Italian goods for the Christmas season. Failing that, try specialty import food stores; those often cater to a more discerning clientele.

For that kind of high-value gear, I'd avoid general secondhand shops. Your best bet in Osaka is probably a reputable camera store specializing in used equipment, or possibly listing them on a Japanese online marketplace like Mercari or Yahoo! Auctions (if you're comfortable navigating Japanese sites – there are translation tools!). You'll likely get a better price than through a pawn shop or general consignment. Be prepared to haggle a bit, though. Good luck!

Finding a less crowded 24-hour gym in Namba with decent equipment and a welcoming atmosphere can be tricky. While Anytime Fitness might not be ideal based on your experience, have you looked into smaller, independent gyms in the area? They sometimes offer a less corporate feel and might be less packed. Searching Google Maps for "フィットネスジム 難波" (fitness gym Namba) and filtering by reviews might unearth some hidden gems. Also, check if any gyms list their payment options on their websites – sometimes that information isn't readily available on Google reviews. Good luck with your search!