u/tangaroo58

https://preview.redd.it/fgdulj8g31kh1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca6135f3c7eaf7d1cdd35f41d7fcb7777af45e78

March 2026, in the hills near Takatsuki.

• Sticky sushi of cucumber, sansho leaves, trout
• Iidako octopus (little octopus with eggs)
• Miso cured egg yolk, dried mochi powder
• Moroko river fish: deep fried then cured in sweet vinegar
• Rice paper roll: deer, onion, cress
• Dashimaki tamago

($$$$$)

I commented earlier, but it is buried in another discussion.

If you are trying to choose between staying in Osaka or Kyoto, or staying in each, a third option is to stay in between the two - for example Takatsuki. I have friends nearby, so I know the Takatsuki area a bit. Takatsuki is restful compared to both central Osaka or Kyoto, but has great food. There are probably other similar options.

With Takatsuki, you can be close to JR or Hankyu line stations. 8-12 minutes walk between the two stations. 12-20 minutes train to Osaka or Kyoto.

Of course, if you want to experience late-night Osaka or Kyoto, this is not for you. And there is a limited choice of accomodation - but at least you won't get decision paralysis.

The walkable area around and between Takatsuki Station (JR) and Takatsuki-shi Station (Hankyu), has a lot of good food. I've been to quite a few places. Here are some I remember (with the aid of my food photos.)

For example, this was a fantastic fermentation-based trendy food & drink place:
https://sonoble.co.jp/somitosu/

This small izakaya had excellent $$ food at lunchtime

https://www.kingin-umadasi.com/shop.html

This is my favourite high-quality, affordable and fast yakitori place, right by Takatsuki Station:

https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2706/A270604/27138291/dtlphotolst/smp2/

Excellent $$$ Japanese-Italian & wine bar:

https://www.osteria-sesamo.com

We had a lovely $$$$ fixed-menu lunch here:

https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2706/A270604/27073275/

Beautiful building, beautiful and thoughtful food, local vegetables focus, very yummy. A bit further away — take the Hankyu line local one stop to Tonda, or JR line local one stop to Settsu-Tonda; then 10-15 minutes walk:

https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2706/A270604/27133050/

And if you want to reach for the stars, this is a $$$$$ farm-to-table restaurant outside Takatsuki in the hills — they will pick you up from Takatsuki Station. For us, worth every penny. If you want a slightly more affordable choice, do the weekday lunch fixed menu.

https://www.timeout.com/osaka/restaurants/cocorone

https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2706/A270604/27108331/

https://myconciergejapan.com/restaurants/cocorone/

Hope this is useful to someone!

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Personally, I pick up doctors and lawyers by telling them they are cool. 100% success.