Osaka English House

Most people see Kansai in three days: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, then the airport. It's a lot of trains and very little sitting still.

We wanted to offer the opposite. Hirakata is a quiet town with a river park, small shops that have been here for years, and neighbours who are happy to let you practise your Japanese on them. The famous places are half an hour away, so you can go when you feel like going — and come back when you've had enough.

The workshops fill the days in between: calligraphy, origami, sushi making, and wagashi, the small seasonal sweets served with tea. Kimono wearing too, if you'd like to try one on properly. Everything is beginner-friendly and taught in English.