Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re not sure which sights to prioritize? Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or every week, Osaka affords loads of methods to remain busy, and I wish to share all of them on 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 by time – I’ve received loads of solutions 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. However it additionally affords 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.
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 out there 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 can be staples of this neon-lit metropolis.
Better of Osaka Fast Information
Should See: Osaka Citadel, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple The place To Keep: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Lodge Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Lodge Enjoyable To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Constructing, Common Studios, Go-Kart Excursions Day Journeys: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima Should-Strive Meals: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu
Finest Issues To Do In Osaka, Japan
As Japan’s third largest metropolis by inhabitants, Osaka affords a plethora of fascinating sights to guests. The town seamlessly blends the outdated with the brand new, providing a possibility to tour a Sixteenth-century citadel, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.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 generally known as the nation’s heart 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 heart and the center of Osaka. It’s greatest recognized for its massive neon indicators, and strolling round this district at night time is a particular expertise. Though Dotonbori affords many sights value trying out 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’ll be able to have solely in Japan, and it’ll immediately make you fall in love with the town. Dotonbori is residence to many retailers, eating places, and the very best nightlife in Osaka.
It was at all times the principal a part of the town for leisure. All through historical past, Dotonbori has been residence 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 residence 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 begin exploring Dotonbori.
2. Go to the Hozenji Buddhist Temple
Hozenji Temple is within the heart 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 simplest 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’ll be able to 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 applicable clothes.
Sensible Info
Hozenji Temple is located on the heart of Dotonbori, simply accessible from Namba and Kintetsu-Nippombashi practice stations. Entrance to the temple is freed from cost.
3. Tour Osaka Citadel
Osaka Citadel is among 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 components of Osaka Citadel Park.
The citadel has two moats; an outer moat that separates the citadel grounds from the city components of the town, and an interior moat that separates that precise maintain from the parks on the grounds. Every part on the grounds of Osaka Citadel is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You should pay an entrance price solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Citadel, 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 Citadel is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Enterprise Park practice station is among the closest to the Osaka Citadel Park entrance.
4. Uncover Previous Japan in Kyoto
Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural heart. The town served because the capital for a very long time, and it’s most likely crucial 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 distinct period.
Frankly, I don’t suppose a day is sufficient to totally expertise Kyoto. On the very least you want two days for this magnificent metropolis, and I might 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 countless purple gates it’s essential to go by 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 sights 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 practice 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 them feels such as you’re on high of the world.
There’s an observatory on the high, which affords a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s top-of-the-line views within the metropolis, particularly at night time. A number of eating places are additionally out there 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 option to finish a day in Osaka.
Evenings are the preferred 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 Wonderful Move or the Osaka E-Move can get in without spending a dime 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 in all six on the planet. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I may, 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 highly regarded space of the theme park, however actually not the one one value visiting.
Tremendous Nintendo World Japan can be extraordinarily fashionable, as a result of who wouldn’t wish to be inside a Tremendous Mario recreation for just a few 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 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.
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 heart. Nicely, it’s Half-hour away by automobile, 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 truthfully unimaginable that such an exquisite place might be so near the city jungle. In the event you 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 residence 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 practice station to the Minoh Waterfall. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Cling 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 residence to many historic shrines and ruins.
The town has fairly just a few fascinating landmarks, from shrines to citadel ruins, however Nara Park is by far probably the most particular. It’s residence 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 large the place is.
Nara Park is very recognized for the deer that freely roam its grounds. They’re all tame and you’ll even purchase crackers and feed them; some deer will even bow to you in an try and coerce you into feeding them extra. Children significantly take pleasure in this expertise, and the park is really an exquisite 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 Move right here.
9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka
The Cup Noodles Museum is a kind of locations that you may 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 Rooster Ramen Manufacturing unit, you’ll be able to even make noodles from scratch.
After all, 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 least expensive lunches you’ll be able to 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 Rooster 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 places of work, a resort, an artwork museum, eating places, retailers, and a practice 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 primary 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 would possibly count on.
Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, virtually till the mountains within the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Artwork Museum is one other place value visiting to see some fantastic Japanese artwork, but in addition examples of Western artwork, fashionable artwork, and way more.
Sensible Info
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory might be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You may reserve tickets prematurely however should alternate the reservation for same-day tickets for a price. The usual worth 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 Citadel 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 Citadel.
For Japanese historical past fanatics, there is no such thing as a higher place on this metropolis. The museum exhibit is assorted and detailed, with all crucial parts of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s vital to notice that there aren’t too many English descriptions of the displays, however that shouldn’t cease you from visiting the museum. Most displays are straightforward to know even with no description.
On the Osaka Museum of Historical past, 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 on this museum and might be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.
Sensible info
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. Strive Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is simply 20 minutes from central Osaka by practice, so it’s top-of-the-line cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are lots of causes to come back 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 famous 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 among the greatest steakhouses within the metropolis. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks because the Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Count on 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 practice. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Journey pace and ticket price rely upon the kind of practice you board; the famous time and worth are for the trains that run on the Fast Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined buying avenue within the coronary heart of Osaka. With numerous retailers that promote tax-free items and supply airport supply, it’s the right vacation spot for memento buying. 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 traditional Japanese souvenirs and trinkets.
Loads of avenue 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 buying avenue finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Go to each the busy neon-lit heart and the favored buying arcade, to see two of Osaka’s most well-known areas in a single afternoon.
Sensible Info
The typical working hours for outlets on Shinsaibashi-Suji Avenue 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 recreation and a slot machine. In the event you stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors in all places and be at liberty to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable.
Playing is against the law in Japan, so you’ll be able to’t get cash instantly 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 recreation, and a few machines mean you can alternate only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, in case you twist the knob excellent, you would possibly simply hit the jackpot.
Sensible Info
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Gamers have to be no less than 18 years outdated.
15. Avenue Meals Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market
For a very long time, Osaka was generally known as the nationwide kitchen of Japan. The town’s meals tradition is famous, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is critical for understanding its heritage and traditions.
Go to Kuromon Ichiba Marketplace for a pace 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’ll be able to attempt as many alternative issues as attainable. Don’t simply stick to 1 restaurant since you would possibly miss out on one thing superb.
Sensible Info
Kuromon Ichiba Market is in central Osaka, near Dotonbori. Most distributors keep open till no less than 6 PM.
16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is one in all 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 into an iconic Osaka landmark.
Though Namba Yasaka Shrine could be very near Dotonbori and the center of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing heart. The crowds listed here 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 pictures of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Sensible Info
Namba Yasaka Shrine is open for guests every day, from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the shrine is freed from cost, and the closest practice station is Namba.
17. Admire The Cherry Blossoms At Nagai Park
In the event you 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 affords sufficient content material to maintain you busy for just a few 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 complete place come alive after darkish.
Nagai Botanical Backyard is the spotlight of this public park, with numerous beautiful flowers and a big pond on the heart. 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 affords perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.
Sensible Info
Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis heart by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park.
18. Race Round The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart
You would stroll round Osaka for hours and like it, however there’s a greater option 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’ll be able to 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 traditional 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 have to 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 no less than 18 years outdated and have a sound driver’s license.
19. Experience The Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel is about on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Heart, within the beautiful inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it might probably match as much as 480 passengers without delay. It’s an enormous construction that gives a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s greatest to journey the Tempozan Wheel at night time 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 the entire metropolis’s shiny lights are on.
Sensible Info
Tempozan Big 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 in all 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. Legal exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was virtually a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s 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 shiny 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 in all Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed within the sixth century and reconstructed a number of occasions over the centuries. Regardless of the various renovations, Shitenno-ji is taken into account one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
It’s additionally one in all Osaka’s largest temples, by way of the scale of the complicated. Along with the primary temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an outdated 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 simple to do from Osaka due to 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 preferred attraction within the metropolis. It particulars the occasions of the atomic bombing and the implications it left on the town and its individuals, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some displays are very emotional, and the museum will provide you with a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day.
Hiroshima Citadel is one other fashionable 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 practice.
Steadily Requested Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Finest 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 value visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, recognized for glorious meals and an exquisite mix of historic and fashionable Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too A lot?
No, 3 days in Osaka isn’t 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 isn’t 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 wonderful 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 sights. Inns within the metropolis aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per night time. Lodging outdoors the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Listed below are a few of the greatest inns in Osaka for all budgets:
The place To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all in regards to the meals and there’s no scarcity of wonderful eating places on the town. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka affords something you could possibly 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 scorching 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 among 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 nice eating. Endo Sushi is among the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Ideas And Info For Visiting Osaka, Japan
Finest Time To Go to
Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the yr is an efficient time to be within the metropolis. I might keep away from touring to Osaka in the summertime as a result of it’s scorching, 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. In the event you’re most serious about 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 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 heart by practice, and it’s roughly an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station.
Osaka Worldwide Airport is far nearer to the town heart. It’s additionally related to central Osaka by practice, and the journey time is simply Half-hour. In the event you can select which airport you wish 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 they usually’re by far the way in which 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 advocate the JRail Move in case you’re within the nation for some time and also you wish to discover.
The most cost effective JRail Move is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash in case you plan to extensively journey by Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth record of all of the locations you wish to go to and including up the price of practice tickets to see if the go is well worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Move 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’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 consistently be speeding to see the subsequent 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 wish to go to. A visit to Nara is a should as a result of it’s so near the town and has so much to supply.
Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very near Osaka and it’s attainable to go to every metropolis on a day journey. Frankly, I feel you want no less than 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.