22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan in 2024

Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re not sure which points of interest to prioritize? Whether you’re in city for a day or every week, Osaka gives loads of methods to remain busy, and I wish to share all of them in this information on the very best issues to do in Osaka!

From the town’s tallest skyscrapers that supply the very best panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that may make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled via time – I’ve obtained loads of ideas on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks. 

Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. But it additionally gives serene inexperienced areas simply minutes outdoors of the city jungle, so you’ll be able to simply escape the noise and bustle of its crowded streets. 

Authentic adventures in Osaka vary from driving go-karts on the town streets to consuming fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and delightful nature parks are all accessible in this metropolis, making certain that anybody can have the time of their life in Osaka. So, let’s get into all the beautiful experiences which are staples of this neon-lit metropolis. 

Best of Osaka Quick Guide

Must See: Osaka Castle, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple Where To Stay: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Hotel  Fun To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studios, Go-Kart Tours Day Trips: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima   Must-Try Foods: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu 

Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

As Japan’s third largest metropolis by inhabitants, Osaka gives a plethora of fascinating points of interest to guests. The metropolis seamlessly blends the outdated with the brand new, providing a chance to tour a Sixteenth-century fortress, however exit to a busy road with skyscrapers when you cross the moat. 

It’s the place to be in Japan for those who ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Super Mario online game. Osaka can be recognized for the very best meals in Japan and has lengthy been often called the nation’s middle for soul meals. The metropolis appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s among the best locations to go to in Japan. 

1. Stroll Around Dotonbori

Dotonbori district is the bustling middle and the guts of Osaka. It’s greatest recognized for its massive neon indicators, and strolling round this district at night time is a particular expertise. Although Dotonbori gives many points of interest value trying out in the chilly mild of day, returning to its road after darkish is a should. 

The vibrant, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s really an expertise you’ll be able to have solely in Japan, and it’ll immediately make you fall in love with the town. Dotonbori is dwelling to many retailers, eating places, and the very best nightlife in Osaka. 

It was all the time the principal a part of the town for leisure. Throughout historical past, Dotonbori has been dwelling to a lot of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different reside leisure venues. Nowadays it’s higher recognized for dance golf equipment and bars, however it’s nonetheless dwelling to most of the metropolis’s greatest theaters. 

Practical Information

Dotonbori is a metropolis district accessible by public transport. Get out at Namba Station to start out exploring Dotonbori. 

2. Visit the Hozenji Buddhist Temple

Hozenji Temple is in the middle of the Dotonbori district, so it’s a historic landmark you’ll come throughout in the course of the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away in the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify for those who don’t know what you’re on the lookout for. 

The small historic temple is greatest recognized for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an necessary deity in Japanese Buddhism. From the second you step onto the temple grounds, you’ll be able to really feel a way of calm. It’s much more fascinating that this oasis of tranquility is located in the center of Osaka’s busiest neighborhood. 

There aren’t many guidelines in locations for visiting the temples (or shrines) in Japan. It’s necessary to be respectful and put on acceptable clothes. 

Practical Information 

Hozenji Temple is located on the middle of Dotonbori, simply accessible from Namba and Kintetsu-Nippombashi prepare stations. Entrance to the temple is freed from cost. 

3. Tour Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is among the most well-known historic landmarks in this metropolis. It was initially constructed in the Sixteenth century, however the web site has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all elements of Osaka Castle Park. 

The fortress has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fortress grounds from the city elements of the town, and an inside moat that separates that precise preserve from the parks on the grounds. Everything on the grounds of Osaka Castle is open to guests, most of it freed from cost. 

You should pay an entrance payment solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Castle, which now serves as a historical past museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Garden can be charged, however it’s solely 200 Yen ($1.4) in the low season and 350 ($2.4) Yen in the cherry blossom season. 

Practical Information

Entrance to the museum inside Osaka Castle is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Business Park prepare station is among the closest to the Osaka Castle Park entrance. 

4. Discover Old Japan in Kyoto

Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural middle. The metropolis served because the capital for a very long time, and it’s most likely a very powerful for Japanese tradition and traditions. Whereas the streets of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka are actually recognized for flashy neon indicators and glass skyscrapers, strolling across the streets of Kyoto nonetheless feels such as you’re touring Japan from a unique period. 

Frankly, I don’t suppose a day is sufficient to absolutely expertise Kyoto. At the very least you want two days for this magnificent metropolis, and I might suggest prioritizing time in Kyoto over different locations. 

Castles, shrines, and temples are what you’ll see most in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine in the town, well-known for the seemingly countless purple gates you need to move via when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is the town’s most well-known Buddhist temple, recognized for its ornate gold facade. 

Sakura bushes, Geisha, and slender cobblestone alleys are staple sights in this historic metropolis. Museums and different vacationer points of interest can be found for guests, as are many bars and eating places. But you don’t come to Kyoto for the meals; you come right here for genuine Japanese tradition and custom, which the town epitomizes. 

Practical Information

Kyoto is 25 minutes from the Shin-Osaka prepare station, accessible by the native Osaka metro. Train tickets are ¥580 ($4). 

5. See The View From Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building is simply the nineteenth tallest construction in Osaka Prefecture, however it’s one of many metropolis’s most recognizable landmarks. The constructing consists of two towers over 40 tales, that are related on the high. Corridors join the 2 skyscrapers, and strolling via them feels such as you’re on high of the world. 

There’s an observatory on the high, which gives a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s among the best views in the town, particularly at night time. Several eating places are additionally accessible on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Building, and having fun with a conventional Japanese dinner together with a unbelievable view of the town is a superb method to finish a day in Osaka. 

Evenings are the most well-liked time to go to the constructing, so come right here early in the day if you wish to skip the crowds. Travelers with the Osaka Amazing Pass or the Osaka E-Pass can get in totally free earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM. 

Practical Information

Umeda Sky Building is most simply accessible from the Osaka-Umeda station. Full-priced tickets are 1,500 Yen ($10.2) for adults and 700 Yen ($4.8) for youngsters youthful than 12.  

6. An Afternoon At Universal Studios Japan

The Universal Studios theme park in Osaka is certainly one of six in the world. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I might, I might transfer there in a heartbeat and by no means go away. And sure, it’s as a result of they’ve Hogwarts and Hagrid’s Hut on the grounds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a very fashionable space of the theme park, however actually not the one one value visiting. 

Super Nintendo World Japan can be extraordinarily fashionable, as a result of who wouldn’t wish to be inside a Super Mario sport for a number of moments? Other areas of the park are devoted to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and lots of different distinguished movies produced by this studio. 

Universal Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with youngsters. Whether you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you wish to really feel like a child once more even for simply 5 minutes, Osaka’s most well-known amusement park is a vacation spot to not be missed. 

Practical Information

One-day tickets for Universal Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM on daily basis. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Super Nintendo World. 

7. Hiking And Waterfalls At Minoh Park

Minoh Park is an oasis of serenity simply Half-hour away from Osaka metropolis middle. Well, it’s Half-hour away by automotive, however touring by public transport takes a bit longer. 

Riverside strolling paths, Buddhist temples, bridges, and numerous statues all await at Minoh Park. The huge inexperienced house is ideal for an escape from the busy metropolis streets, and it’s truthfully unimaginable that such a beautiful place will be so near the city jungle. If you journey to Osaka in the autumn, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.

The public park can be dwelling to a number of eating places and road meals distributors, so there are many choices for those who get hungry. In addition to the strolling trails and temples, the park additionally options an Insectarium.  

Practical Information

Hankyu Minoh Station is the closest to the Minoh Park entrance. It’s roughly a 40-minute stroll from the prepare station to the Minoh Waterfall. Entrance to the park is freed from cost. 

8. Hang Out With Deer in Nara

Nara is a superb historic metropolis located lower than an hour outdoors Osaka. It was the capital of Japan earlier than Kyoto, and it’s dwelling to many historic shrines and ruins. 

The metropolis has fairly a number of fascinating landmarks, from shrines to fortress ruins, however Nara Park is by far probably the most particular. It’s dwelling to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It would take a few days to see each single landmark and go inside each notable constructing on the park – that’s how massive the place is. 

Nara Park is particularly recognized for the deer that freely roam its grounds. They’re all tame and you may even purchase crackers and feed them; some deer will even bow to you in an try to coerce you into feeding them extra. Kids notably take pleasure in this expertise, and the park is actually a beautiful place for households. Visit Nara Park in the spring to benefit from the place in full glory, when all of the Sakura bushes are in bloom. 

Practical Information

Nara is roughly an hour from Osaka Station by public transport. The city is accessible by trains that run on the Osaka Loop Line, and a one-way metro ticket is ¥820 ($5.6). Grab your Osaka Metro Pass right here.

9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka

The Cup Noodles Museum is a type of locations that you may go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit totally devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this prompt ramen museum is extremely fascinating.

The museum exhibit consists of numerous cup noodles mounted to the partitions. It’s floor-to-ceiling cups of prompt noodles, but additionally sculptures of cup noodles, and an prompt ramen-making station. In the Chicken Ramen Factory, you’ll be able to even make noodles from scratch. 

Of course, you’ll be able to eat cup noodles on the museum. Head to the restaurant and select no matter taste you need. It’s solely 500 Yen for a meal ($3.4), so it’s one of many most cost-effective lunches you’ll be able to eat in Osaka.

Practical Information

The Cup Noodles Museum is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the museum is free, however a noodle-making class on the Chicken Ramen Factory is 1,000 Yen ($6.8). 

10. Observatory At Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas is the town’s tallest skyscraper in the enterprise district. Until 2023 it was the tallest constructing in Japan, however it was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills complicated in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper options workplaces, a lodge, an artwork museum, eating places, retailers, and a prepare station on the underground degree. 

There’s tons to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or retailers. But the principle purpose individuals come to Abeno Harukas is for the view of Osaka’s skyline from its tallest constructing, and it’s as spectacular of a view as you may count on. 

Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, nearly till the mountains in the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is one other place value visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but additionally examples of Western artwork, trendy artwork, and far more. 

Practical Information

Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory will be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should alternate the reservation for same-day tickets for a payment. The normal value of tickets for the observatory is ¥1,800 ($12.2). 

11. Visit The Osaka Museum of History

Osaka Museum of History is separated by a moat from the Osaka Castle Park, and I like to recommend visiting the 2 well-known landmarks on the identical day. The museum is about in a contemporary constructing and fantastically contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Castle. 

For Japanese historical past fans, there isn’t a higher place in this metropolis. The museum exhibit is various and detailed, with all a very powerful components of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s necessary to notice that there aren’t too many English descriptions of the reveals, however that shouldn’t cease you from visiting the museum. Most reveals are simple to know even with out a description. 

At the Osaka Museum of History, you’ll be able to see how the town and its environment developed over the ages. The traditions and methods of the locals are additionally exemplified in this museum and will be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.  

Practical info

Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of History. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to five PM on daily basis besides Tuesday. 

12. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe

Kobe is simply 20 minutes from central Osaka by prepare, so it’s among the best cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are many causes to return to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to strive in the town is Kobe beef. 

Kobe beef is famous in the culinary trade. It’s a sort of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely in the area round Kobe. Although it has been exported to different international locations since 2012, there’s no higher place in the world to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe. 

Steak Aoyama is among the greatest steakhouses in the town. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks for the reason that Nineteen Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Expect to spend round 10,000 Yen ($68) for a full Kobe beef steak dinner, however considerably much less (2,000-3,000 Yen) for a Kobe beef burger. 

Practical Information 

Kobe is 20-Half-hour from Osaka by prepare. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Travel velocity and ticket price rely on the kind of prepare you board; the famous time and value are for the trains that run on the Rapid Aboshi line.   

Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined procuring road in the guts of Osaka. With numerous retailers that promote tax-free items and provide airport supply, it’s the right vacation spot for memento procuring. You’ll discover all kinds of high-end and high-street vogue retailers right here, in addition to a great deal of smaller retailers that promote basic Japanese souvenirs and trinkets. 

Plenty of road meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you’ll be able to cease for a fast chew. 

The procuring road finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Visit each the busy neon-lit middle and the favored procuring arcade, to see two of Osaka’s most well-known areas in one afternoon. 

Practical Information

The common working hours for outlets on Shinsaibashi-Suji Street are from 8 AM till 11 PM, however the retailers don’t all observe the identical opening hours. Namba Station is the closest to the procuring road entrance. 

14. Play Pachinko 

Pachinko is a mix of an arcade sport and a slot machine. If you stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors in every single place and be happy to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable. 

Gambling is unlawful in Japan, so you’ll be able to’t get cash instantly from the machines. But you may get Pachinko balls, which you then alternate for particular tokens. Those tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor outdoors the parlor. 

Pachinko is a low-stakes sport, and a few machines mean you can alternate only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, for those who twist the knob excellent, you may simply hit the jackpot. 

Practical Information

Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Players should be at the least 18 years outdated.  

15. Street Food Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market

For a very long time, Osaka was often called the nationwide kitchen of Japan. The metropolis’s meals tradition is famous, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is important for understanding its heritage and traditions. 

Go to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a velocity tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s among the best locations in the town for road meals and memento procuring. Fresh and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and also you’ll have a plethora of choices for those who love seafood. And even for those who don’t, there are many different choices. 

I like to recommend shopping for meals from a number of distributors so you’ll be able to strive as many various issues as doable. Don’t simply stick to at least one restaurant since you may miss out on one thing superb. 

Practical Information

Kuromon Ichiba Market is in central Osaka, near Dotonbori. Most distributors keep open till at the least 6 PM. 

16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine

Namba Yasaka Shrine is certainly one of Osaka’s most well-known Shinto Shrines. It’s greatest recognized for the small stage that’s formed like a lion’s head, which has change into an iconic Osaka landmark. 

Although Namba Yasaka Shrine may be very near Dotonbori and the guts of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing middle. The crowds listed here are smaller, and your entire place feels far more peaceable. 

It’s a small shrine and it takes not more than 10 minutes to go to each construction on the grounds. Take a while to benefit from the view, admire the ritualistic stage, and snap a great deal of photographs of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction. 

Practical Information 

Namba Yasaka Shrine is open for guests each day, from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the shrine is freed from cost, and the closest prepare station is Namba. 

17. Admire The Cherry Blossoms At Nagai Park

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crowds on Osaka’s streets, escape to Nagai Park. The expansive inexperienced house in the south of the town is extremely serene and gives sufficient content material to maintain you busy for a number of hours. 

The park is especially gorgeous throughout cherry blossom season when all of the bushes are in full bloom. Nagai Park is embellished with many mild installations, which make your entire place come alive after darkish. 

Nagai Botanical Garden is the spotlight of this public park, with numerous attractive flowers and a big pond on the middle. Fields of irises, roses, camelia, and different flowers make the backyard a magical expertise in the spring season. The Osaka Museum of Natural History can be located in this park and gives perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.

Practical Information

Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis middle by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park. 

18. Race Around The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart

You might stroll round Osaka for hours and find it irresistible, however there’s a greater method to discover the town. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart and race across the metropolis streets taking in all of the sights. Yes, you’ll be able to tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!

It’s among the best and most entertaining experiences in the town, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Just preserve in thoughts that the operators aren’t allowed to promote it as a Mario Kart journey as a result of Nintendo didn’t like that concept and sued most tour operators some time in the past. 

Insider Tip: Go-kart excursions happen on precise roads, so you’ll need a legitimate driver’s license. Foreigners should have an International Driver’s Permit to have the ability to drive in Japan. 

Practical Information

Karting excursions round Osaka often take 1-2 hours and can be found solely to vacationers who’re at the least 18 years outdated and have a legitimate driver’s license. 

19. Ride The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is about on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, in the beautiful inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it might probably match as much as 480 passengers directly. It’s a large construction that provides a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest. 

It’s greatest to journey the Tempozan Wheel at night time when your entire construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And as a result of Osaka’s skyline appears the very best after darkish when the entire metropolis’s vibrant lights are on.  

Practical Information 

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is open on daily basis from 10 AM to 9-10 PM (it’s open longer on the weekends). Tickets for the journey are 900 Yen ($6.1).  

20. Roam Around Shinsekai

Sinsekai is certainly one of Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One a part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the opposite after Paris, and the long-lasting Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. 

Sinsekai has a tumultuous historical past. It was as soon as a bustling metropolis neighborhood however turned one of many metropolis’s poorest in the aftermath of WWII. Criminal exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was nearly a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s now not the case, and loads of vacationers in Osaka cease by this colourful district. 

Come right here for reasonable road meals, memento retailers, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and vibrant neon indicators.  

Practical Information

Shinsekai is in the southern a part of Osaka, near Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the 2 closest stations to the district. 

21. Visit the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple

Shitenno-ji is certainly one of Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed in the sixth century and reconstructed a number of occasions over the centuries. Despite the various renovations, Shitenno-ji is taken into account one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. 

It’s additionally certainly one of Osaka’s largest temples, in phrases of the scale of the complicated. In addition to the principle temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an outdated bell tower, and several other different buildings on the grounds. 

Practical Information

Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2). 

22. Day Trip to Hiroshima

A day journey to Hiroshima is simple to do from Osaka because of the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. The metropolis is greatest recognized for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of greater than 100,000 individuals. 

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the most well-liked attraction in the town. It particulars the occasions of the atomic bombing and the results it left on the town and its individuals, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some reveals are very emotional, and the museum provides you with a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day. 

Hiroshima Castle is one other fashionable landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Garden is one other excellent place to go to with ponds and delightful landscaping. 

Practical Information

Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet prepare. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Osaka, Japan Best Known For?

Osaka is greatest recognized for scrumptious road meals and pleasant locals. There’s no higher vacation spot in the nation for an intensive exploration of Japanese delicacies. 

Is Osaka, Japan Worth Visiting? 

Yes, Osaka is value visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, recognized for wonderful meals and a beautiful mix of historic and trendy Japan. 

Is 3 Days in Osaka Too Much? 

No, 3 days in Osaka will not be an excessive amount of. It’s simply sufficient time to see the entire metropolis’s greatest landmarks and do a fast half-day journey to a close-by vacation spot. 

Is Osaka Nicer Than Tokyo?

Osaka will not be essentially nicer than Tokyo, however it’s cheaper and fewer crowded. Tokyo continues to be the very best vacation spot for a first-time go to to Japan, however Osaka is a superb vacation spot for vacationers who’ve already explored the capital. 

Where To Stay In Osaka

Find lodging in central Osaka for straightforward entry to all the very best points of interest. Hotels in the town aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per night time. Accommodation outdoors the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Here are a few of the greatest lodges in Osaka for all budgets: 

Where To Eat In Osaka

Osaka is all in regards to the meals and there’s no scarcity of wonderful eating places in city. From road meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka gives something you would need. Some of the town’s staple dishes are Kushikatsu (deep-fried seafood skewers), Takoyaki (fried, ball-shaped snacks), Doteyaki (beef tendon stew), Udon sizzling pots, and far more. 

Kuromon Ichiba Market is the very best place for road meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has a few of the greatest beef in Osaka, whereas Halal Ramen Naniwaya is among the hottest locations for ramen and katsu dishes. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama has three Michelin stars and a inexperienced star, so it’s among the best for nice eating. Endo Sushi is among the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Osaka, Japan

Best Time To Visit

Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the 12 months is an effective time to be in the town. I might keep away from touring to Osaka in the summer season as a result of it’s sizzling, humid, and crowded. 

Spring is a superb time in Osaka. The climate is gentle, and the numerous flowers and cherry blossom bushes in the town are in full bloom. If you’re most in Osaka’s pure landmarks, spring might be the very best season to go to. 

Fall and winter are additionally good occasions to journey to Osaka, particularly for those who’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible in the autumn and winter, and the gentle climate means it’s hardly ever too chilly to stroll round outdoors. 

Getting There

Osaka is serviced by two airports – Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport. Pre-pandemic, Kansai Airport was the third busiest hub in Japan, however these days Osaka International Airport operates extra flights. 

Kansai Airport is located on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. It’s related to the town middle by prepare, and it’s roughly an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station. 

Osaka International Airport is way nearer to the town middle. It’s additionally related to central Osaka by prepare, and the journey time is simply Half-hour.  If you’ll be able to select which airport you wish to land at, Osaka International Airport is the extra handy choice. But flying out of Kansai Airpot is a particular expertise, one which takes your journey to a brand new degree. 

Getting Around 

Japan is world-famous for its insanely quick bullet trains they usually’re by far the best way of touring across the area. For journey between two cities in Japan, a Shinkansen is the quickest and most handy mode of transport. It’s additionally the costliest one, and I extremely suggest the JRail Pass for those who’re in the nation for some time and also you wish to discover. 

The most cost-effective JRail Pass is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely definitely worth the cash for those who plan to extensively journey via Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth checklist of all of the locations you wish to go to and including up the price of prepare tickets to see if the move is definitely worth the cash for you. 

One factor to notice is that the JRail Pass doesn’t cowl metro traces in the town of Osaka. For that, you’ll want an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card. 

How Much Time Do You Need

If Osaka is simply one of many stops on an extended tour of Japan, you’ll be able to set aside two days for the town. A tour is doable in a day, however it wouldn’t mean you can correctly benefit from the sights since you’d always be speeding to see the following factor. But two days is sufficient time to see all the very best of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing. 

On the opposite hand, if you need to do day journeys from Osaka, then I counsel 3-5 days, relying on what number of different locations you wish to go to. A visit to Nara is a should as a result of it’s so near the town and has lots to supply. 

Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very near Osaka and it’s doable to go to every metropolis on a day journey. Frankly, I feel you want at the least three days to completely discover Kyoto, however for those who can’t squeeze it into your itinerary in any other case, even a day journey from Osaka is best than not visiting the town in any respect.