Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re uncertain which points of interest to prioritize? Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or per week, Osaka provides loads of methods to remain busy, and I need to share all of them on this information on the very best issues to do in Osaka!
From the town’s tallest skyscrapers that provide the very best panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled by way of time – I’ve obtained loads of options 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 surely additionally provides serene inexperienced areas simply minutes outdoors of the city jungle, so you possibly can simply escape the noise and bustle of its crowded streets.
Genuine adventures in Osaka vary from driving go-karts on the town streets to consuming fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and exquisite nature parks are all accessible on 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.
Better of Osaka Fast Information
Should See: Osaka Fortress, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple The place To Keep: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Resort Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Resort Enjoyable To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Constructing, Common Studios, Go-Kart Excursions Day Journeys: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima Should-Attempt Meals: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu
Greatest Issues To Do In Osaka, Japan
As Japan’s third largest metropolis by inhabitants, Osaka provides a plethora of fascinating points of interest to guests. The town seamlessly blends the previous with the brand new, providing a chance to tour a Sixteenth-century fort, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.
It’s the place to be in Japan in case you ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or needed to be inside a Tremendous Mario online game. Osaka can be recognized for the very best meals in Japan and has lengthy been often known as the nation’s middle for soul meals. The town appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Japan.
1. Stroll Round Dotonbori
Dotonbori district is the bustling middle and the center of Osaka. It’s greatest recognized for its giant neon indicators, and strolling round this district at evening is a particular expertise. Though Dotonbori provides many points of interest price testing within the chilly mild of day, returning to its avenue after darkish is a should.
The intense, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s actually an expertise you possibly can have solely in Japan, and it’ll immediately make you fall in love with the town. Dotonbori is house 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. All through historical past, Dotonbori has been house to lots of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different dwell leisure venues. These days it’s higher recognized for dance golf equipment and bars, however it’s nonetheless house to most of the metropolis’s greatest theaters.
Sensible Info
Dotonbori is a metropolis district accessible by public transport. Get out at Namba Station to start out exploring Dotonbori.
2. Go to the Hozenji Buddhist Temple
Hozenji Temple is within 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 within the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify in case you don’t know what you’re in search of.
The small historic temple is greatest recognized for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an vital deity in Japanese Buddhism. From the second you step onto the temple grounds, you possibly can really feel a way of calm. It’s much more fascinating that this oasis of tranquility is located in the midst of Osaka’s busiest neighborhood.
There aren’t many guidelines in locations for visiting the temples (or shrines) in Japan. It’s vital to be respectful and put on acceptable clothes.
Sensible Info
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 Fortress
Osaka Fortress is without doubt one of the most well-known historic landmarks on this metropolis. It was initially constructed within the Sixteenth century, however the website has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all elements of Osaka Fortress Park.
The fort has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fort grounds from the city elements of the town, and an interior moat that separates that precise preserve from the parks on the grounds. Every thing on the grounds of Osaka Fortress is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You could pay an entrance price solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Fortress, which now serves as a historical past museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Backyard can be charged, however it’s solely 200 Yen ($1.4) within the low season and 350 ($2.4) Yen within the cherry blossom season.
Sensible Info
Entrance to the museum inside Osaka Fortress is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Enterprise Park prepare station is without doubt one of the closest to the Osaka Fortress Park entrance.
4. Uncover Outdated Japan in Kyoto
Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural middle. The town served because the capital for a very long time, and it’s in all probability an important for Japanese tradition and traditions. Whereas the streets of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka at the moment are recognized for flashy neon indicators and glass skyscrapers, strolling across the streets of Kyoto nonetheless feels such as you’re touring Japan from a special period.
Frankly, I don’t assume a day is sufficient to absolutely expertise Kyoto. On the very least you want two days for this magnificent metropolis, and I’d advocate 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 within the metropolis, well-known for the seemingly limitless crimson gates you could cross by way of when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is the town’s most well-known Buddhist temple, recognized for its ornate gold facade.
Sakura bushes, Geisha, and slim cobblestone alleys are staple sights on this historic metropolis. Museums and different vacationer points of interest can be found for guests, as are many bars and eating places. However you don’t come to Kyoto for the meals; you come right here for genuine Japanese tradition and custom, which the town epitomizes.
Sensible Info
Kyoto is 25 minutes from the Shin-Osaka prepare station, accessible by the native Osaka metro. Practice tickets are ¥580 ($4).
5. See The View From Umeda Sky Constructing
Umeda Sky Constructing 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 by way of them feels such as you’re on high of the world.
There’s an observatory on the high, which provides a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s top-of-the-line views within the metropolis, particularly at evening. A number of eating places are additionally accessible on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Constructing, and having fun with a standard Japanese dinner together with a improbable 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 within the day if you wish to skip the crowds. Vacationers with the Osaka Superb Cross or the Osaka E-Cross can get in at no cost earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM.
Sensible Info
Umeda Sky Constructing 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 kids youthful than 12.
6. An Afternoon At Common Studios Japan
The Common Studios theme park in Osaka is one among six on the planet. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I may, I’d 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 talked-about space of the theme park, however actually not the one one price visiting.
Tremendous Nintendo World Japan can be extraordinarily in style, as a result of who wouldn’t need to be inside a Tremendous Mario sport for a number of moments? Different areas of the park are devoted to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and lots of different distinguished movies produced by this studio.
Common Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with kids. Whether or not you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you need 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.
Sensible Info
One-day tickets for Common Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM day-after-day. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Tremendous Nintendo World.
7. Mountaineering And Waterfalls At Minoh Park
Minoh Park is an oasis of serenity simply Half-hour away from Osaka metropolis middle. Properly, 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 area is ideal for an escape from the busy metropolis streets, and it’s actually unbelievable that such a beautiful place will be so near the city jungle. For those who journey to Osaka within the fall, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.
The general public park can be house to a number of eating places and avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices in case you get hungry. Along with the strolling trails and temples, the park additionally options an Insectarium.
Sensible Info
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. Hold 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 house to many historic shrines and ruins.
The town has fairly a number of fascinating landmarks, from shrines to fort ruins, however Nara Park is by far probably the most particular. It’s house to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It will 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. Youngsters notably take pleasure in this expertise, and the park is really a beautiful place for households. Go to Nara Park within the spring to benefit from the place in full glory, when all of the Sakura bushes are in bloom.
Sensible Info
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). Seize your Osaka Metro Cross right here.
9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka
The Cup Noodles Museum is a kind of locations which you can go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit totally devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this on the spot ramen museum is extremely fascinating.
The museum exhibit consists of numerous cup noodles mounted to the partitions. It’s floor-to-ceiling cups of on the spot noodles, but in addition sculptures of cup noodles, and an on the spot ramen-making station. Within the Hen Ramen Manufacturing unit, you possibly can even make noodles from scratch.
In fact, you possibly can 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 possibly can eat in Osaka.
Sensible Info
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 Hen Ramen Manufacturing unit is 1,000 Yen ($6.8).
10. Observatory At Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas is the town’s tallest skyscraper within the enterprise district. Till 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 heaps to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or retailers. However the principle cause 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 within the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Artwork Museum is one other place price visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but in addition examples of Western artwork, trendy artwork, and way more.
Sensible Info
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory will be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You’ll be able to reserve tickets upfront however should alternate the reservation for same-day tickets for a price. The usual value of tickets for the observatory is ¥1,800 ($12.2).
11. Go to The Osaka Museum of Historical past
Osaka Museum of Historical past is separated by a moat from the Osaka Fortress 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 Fortress.
For Japanese historical past fans, there isn’t any higher place on this metropolis. The museum exhibit is assorted and detailed, with all an important parts of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s vital 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 grasp even with out a description.
On the Osaka Museum of Historical past, you possibly can see how the town and its environment developed over the ages. The traditions and methods of the locals are additionally exemplified on this museum and will be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.
Sensible data
Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of Historical past. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to five PM day-after-day besides Tuesday.
12. Attempt Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is simply 20 minutes from central Osaka by prepare, so it’s top-of-the-line cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are a lot of causes to return to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to attempt within the metropolis is Kobe beef.
Kobe beef is known within the culinary trade. It’s a kind of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely within the area round Kobe. Though it has been exported to different international locations since 2012, there’s no higher place on the planet to attempt the luxurious steak than Kobe.
Steak Aoyama is without doubt one of the greatest steakhouses within the metropolis. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks for the reason that Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Anticipate 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.
Sensible Info
Kobe is 20-Half-hour from Osaka by prepare. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Journey velocity and ticket price rely upon the kind of prepare you board; the famous time and value are for the trains that run on the Speedy Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined buying avenue within the coronary heart of Osaka. With numerous retailers that promote tax-free items and provide airport supply, it’s the proper vacation spot for memento buying. You’ll discover all kinds of high-end and high-street style retailers right here, in addition to a great deal of smaller retailers that promote basic Japanese souvenirs and trinkets.
Loads of avenue meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you possibly can cease for a fast chew.
The buying avenue finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Go to each the busy neon-lit middle and the favored buying arcade, to see two of Osaka’s most well-known areas in a single afternoon.
Sensible Info
The common working hours for retailers on Shinsaibashi-Suji Road 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 buying avenue entrance.
14. Play Pachinko
Pachinko is a combination of an arcade sport and a slot machine. For those who stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors in every single place and be at liberty to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable.
Playing is unlawful in Japan, so you possibly can’t get cash straight from the machines. However you will get Pachinko balls, which you then alternate for particular tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor outdoors the parlor.
Pachinko is a low-stakes sport, and a few machines help you alternate only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, in case you twist the knob excellent, you may simply hit the jackpot.
Sensible Info
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Gamers should be at the least 18 years previous.
15. Road Meals Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market
For a very long time, Osaka was often known as the nationwide kitchen of Japan. The town’s meals tradition is known, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is important for understanding its heritage and traditions.
Go to Kuromon Ichiba Marketplace for a velocity tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis for avenue meals and memento buying. Recent and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and also you’ll have a plethora of choices in case you love seafood. And even in case you don’t, there are many different choices.
I like to recommend shopping for meals from a number of distributors so you possibly can attempt as many various issues as doable. Don’t simply stick to 1 restaurant since you may miss out on one thing superb.
Sensible Info
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 one among 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 turn out to be an iconic Osaka landmark.
Though Namba Yasaka Shrine may be very near Dotonbori and the center of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing middle. The crowds listed below are smaller, and your complete place feels way 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 images of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Sensible Info
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
For those who really feel overwhelmed by the crowds on Osaka’s streets, escape to Nagai Park. The expansive inexperienced area within the south of the town is extremely serene and provides sufficient content material to maintain you busy for a number of hours.
The park is especially beautiful throughout cherry blossom season when all of the bushes are in full bloom. Nagai Park is embellished with many mild installations, which make your complete place come alive after darkish.
Nagai Botanical Backyard 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 within the spring season. The Osaka Museum of Pure Historical past can be located on this park and provides perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.
Sensible Info
Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis middle by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park.
18. Race Round 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. Sure, you possibly can tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!
It’s top-of-the-line and most entertaining experiences within the metropolis, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Simply remember the fact 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 sound driver’s license. Foreigners will need to have an Worldwide Driver’s Allow to have the ability to drive in Japan.
Sensible Info
Karting excursions round Osaka normally take 1-2 hours and can be found solely to vacationers who’re at the least 18 years previous and have a sound driver’s license.
19. Journey The Tempozan Large Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Large Ferris Wheel is about on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Heart, within the pretty inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it might match as much as 480 passengers directly. It’s an enormous construction that gives a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s greatest to journey the Tempozan Wheel at evening when your complete construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And since Osaka’s skyline seems the very best after darkish when all the metropolis’s vivid lights are on.
Sensible Info
Tempozan Large Ferris Wheel is open day-after-day 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 Round Shinsekai
Sinsekai is one among Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One a part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the opposite after Paris, and the enduring Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower.
Sinsekai has a tumultuous historical past. It was as soon as a bustling metropolis neighborhood however grew to become one of many metropolis’s poorest within the aftermath of WWII. Prison 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 avenue meals, memento retailers, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and vivid neon indicators.
Sensible Info
Shinsekai is within the southern a part of Osaka, near Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the 2 closest stations to the district.
21. Go to the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple
Shitenno-ji is one among Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed within the sixth century and reconstructed a number of instances over the centuries. Regardless of the numerous renovations, Shitenno-ji is taken into account one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
It’s additionally one among Osaka’s largest temples, by way of the scale of the complicated. Along with the principle temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an previous bell tower, and a number of other different buildings on the grounds.
Sensible Info
Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2).
22. Day Journey to Hiroshima
A day journey to Hiroshima is straightforward to do from Osaka because of the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. The town 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 within the metropolis. 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 gives you a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day.
Hiroshima Fortress is one other in style landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Backyard is one other great spot to go to with ponds and exquisite landscaping.
Sensible Info
Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet prepare.
Steadily Requested Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Greatest Identified For?
Osaka is greatest recognized for scrumptious avenue meals and pleasant locals. There’s no higher vacation spot within the nation for a radical exploration of Japanese delicacies.
Is Osaka, Japan Price Visiting?
Sure, Osaka is price 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 A lot?
No, 3 days in Osaka will not be an excessive amount of. It’s simply sufficient time to see all the 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 remains 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.
The place To Keep In Osaka
Discover lodging in central Osaka for straightforward entry to all the very best points of interest. Accommodations within the metropolis aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per evening. Lodging outdoors the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Listed here are a few of the greatest resorts in Osaka for all budgets:
The place To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all concerning the meals and there’s no scarcity of fantastic eating places on the town. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka provides something you can need. A number of the metropolis’s staple dishes are Kushikatsu (deep-fried seafood skewers), Takoyaki (fried, ball-shaped snacks), Doteyaki (beef tendon stew), Udon sizzling pots, and way more.
Kuromon Ichiba Market is the very best place for avenue meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has a few of the greatest beef in Osaka, whereas Halal Ramen Naniwaya is without doubt one of the hottest locations for ramen and katsu dishes. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama has three Michelin stars and a inexperienced star, so it’s top-of-the-line for positive eating. Endo Sushi is without doubt one of the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Ideas And Info For Visiting Osaka, Japan
Greatest Time To Go to
Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the 12 months is an efficient time to be within the metropolis. I’d keep away from touring to Osaka in the summertime as a result of it’s sizzling, humid, and crowded.
Spring is a superb time in Osaka. The climate is delicate, and the numerous flowers and cherry blossom bushes within the metropolis are in full bloom. For those who’re most all for Osaka’s pure landmarks, spring might be the very best season to go to.
Fall and winter are additionally good instances to journey to Osaka, particularly in case you’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible within the fall and winter, and the delicate climate means it’s hardly ever too chilly to stroll round outdoors.
Getting There
Osaka is serviced by two airports – Osaka Worldwide Airport and Kansai Worldwide Airport. Pre-pandemic, Kansai Airport was the third busiest hub in Japan, however these days Osaka Worldwide 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 Worldwide 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. For those who can select which airport you need to land at, Osaka Worldwide Airport is the extra handy possibility. However flying out of Kansai Airpot is a particular expertise, one which takes your journey to a brand new degree.
Getting Round
Japan is world-famous for its insanely quick bullet trains and so they’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 most costly one, and I extremely advocate the JRail Cross in case you’re within the nation for some time and also you need to discover.
The most affordable JRail Cross is $355 for per week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash in case you plan to extensively journey by way of Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth listing of all of the locations you need to go to and including up the price of prepare tickets to see if the cross is well worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Cross doesn’t cowl metro strains within the metropolis of Osaka. For that, you’ll want an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card.
How A lot Time Do You Want
If Osaka is simply one of many stops on an extended tour of Japan, you possibly can set aside two days for the town. A tour is doable in a day, however it wouldn’t help you correctly benefit from the sights since you’d always be speeding to see the following factor. However two days is sufficient time to see all the very best of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing.
Then again, if you want to do day journeys from Osaka, then I recommend 3-5 days, relying on what number of different locations you need to go to. A visit to Nara is a should as a result of it’s so near the town and has quite a bit 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 believe you want at the least three days to totally discover Kyoto, however in case you can’t squeeze it into your itinerary in any other case, even a day journey from Osaka is healthier than not visiting the town in any respect.