Scott Ingles: The best takoyaki outside of Osaka (and maybe the best, period) is right here in Osu. Made to order and served out of a truck backed up to a yatai-style front.
Scott Ingles: Lovely ryokan overlooking the Kiso River. English-speaking staff, private dining rooms, public and private onsen, excellent food. An essential experience if you're visiting Japan. Beware, cash only!
Scott Ingles: Unbelievable value: ¥500 breakfast buffet with coffee, tea, juice, rice porridge, soup, and a dozen or more mostly vegetable-based dishes. TRY THE NATTO - so much better than the packaged kind!
Scott Ingles: Cozy local bar, great friendly bartender who speaks perfect English and will craft you a cocktail to suit your tastes. Great record collection!
Scott Ingles: Keep climbing! No view to speak of from the top, but totally worthwhile to complete the loop. The crowd thins out quickly as you make your way up.
Scott Ingles: Large shrine complex, nice oasis in the middle of the city. Beautiful at night, but feels weirdly overdeveloped, almost more like an Epcot exhibit than a traditional Japanese shrine.