22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan in 2024

Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re uncertain 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 most effective issues to do in Osaka!

From the town’s tallest skyscrapers that provide the most effective panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled by means of time – I’ve obtained 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. Nevertheless it additionally affords serene inexperienced areas simply minutes exterior 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 delightful nature parks are all obtainable 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 Castle, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple
• The place To Keep: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Hotel 
• Enjoyable To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studios, Go-Kart Tours
• Day Journeys: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima  
• Should-Attempt 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 attention-grabbing sights to guests. The town seamlessly blends the outdated with the brand new, providing a chance to tour a Sixteenth-century citadel, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.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 the event you ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or needed to be inside a Tremendous Mario online game. Osaka can also be identified for the most effective meals in Japan and has lengthy been often known as the nation’s heart for soul meals. The town appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s among the best locations to go to in Japan. 

1. Stroll Round Dotonbori

Dotonbori district is the bustling heart and the guts of Osaka. It’s greatest identified for its massive neon indicators, and strolling round this district at evening is a particular expertise. Though Dotonbori affords many sights price trying out within the chilly gentle of day, returning to its avenue after darkish is a should. 

The brilliant, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s really an expertise you possibly can 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 most effective 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 a lot of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different reside leisure venues. These days it’s higher identified for dance golf equipment and bars, but it surely’s nonetheless residence to lots 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 throughout the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away within the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify in the event you don’t know what you’re on the lookout for. 

The small historic temple is greatest identified for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an necessary 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 course 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. 

Sensible Info 

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

3. Tour Osaka Citadel

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

The citadel has two moats; an outer moat that separates the citadel grounds from the city elements of the town, and an internal moat that separates that precise hold from the parks on the grounds. All the pieces on the grounds of Osaka Citadel is open to guests, most of it freed from cost. 

You have to pay an entrance fee 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 also be charged, but it surely’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 prepare station is likely one of the closest to the Osaka Citadel Park entrance. 

4. Uncover Outdated 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 in all probability an important for Japanese tradition and traditions. Whereas the streets of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka are actually identified 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 absolutely experience Kyoto. On 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 within the metropolis, well-known for the seemingly countless purple gates you will need to move by means of when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is the town’s most well-known Buddhist temple, identified for its ornate gold facade. 

Sakura bushes, Geisha, and slender 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 prepare station, accessible by the native Osaka metro. Prepare tickets are ¥580 ($4). 

5. See The View From Umeda Sky Constructing

Umeda Sky Constructing is just the nineteenth tallest construction in Osaka Prefecture, but it surely’s one of many metropolis’s most recognizable landmarks. The constructing consists of two towers over 40 tales, that are linked on the prime. Corridors join the 2 skyscrapers, and strolling by means of them feels such as you’re on prime of the world. 

There’s an observatory on the prime, which affords a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s among the best views within the metropolis, particularly at evening. A number of eating places are additionally obtainable on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Constructing, and having fun with a traditional Japanese dinner together with a incredible view of the town is a superb solution 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 Amazing Pass or the Osaka E-Go 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 youngsters youthful than 12.  

6. An Afternoon At Common Studios Japan

The Common Studios theme park in Osaka is one in every of six on the earth. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I may, I might transfer there in a heartbeat and by no means depart. 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 price visiting. 

Tremendous Nintendo World Japan can also be extraordinarily standard, as a result of who wouldn’t wish to be inside a Tremendous Mario sport for a couple of moments? Different areas of the park are devoted to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and lots of different outstanding movies produced by this studio. 

Common Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with youngsters. 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 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 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 unbelievable that such an exquisite place may be so near the city jungle. Should 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 also be residence to a number of eating places and avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices in the event 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. Dangle Out With Deer in Nara

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

The town has fairly a couple of attention-grabbing landmarks, from shrines to citadel ruins, however Nara Park is by far essentially 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 massive the place is. 

Nara Park is particularly identified 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 to coerce you into feeding them extra. Children notably 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). Grab your Osaka Metro Pass here.

9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka

The Cup Noodles Museum is a kind of locations that you would be able to go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit completely devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this on the spot ramen museum is extremely attention-grabbing.

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. 

After all, 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 least expensive 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, but it surely 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 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 primary motive folks 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 price visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but in addition examples of Western artwork, fashionable artwork, and rather more. 

Sensible Info

Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory may be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should change the reservation for same-day tickets for a payment. 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 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 superbly contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Citadel. 

For Japanese historical past lovers, there isn’t any higher place on this metropolis. The museum exhibit is diverse and detailed, with all an important components of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s necessary 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 simple to grasp even and not using 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 may 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 on daily basis besides Tuesday. 

12. Attempt Kobe Beef in Kobe

Kobe is just 20 minutes from central Osaka by prepare, so it’s among the best cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are numerous causes to return to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to strive 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 nations since 2012, there’s no higher place on the earth to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe. 

Steak Aoyama is likely one of the greatest steakhouses within the metropolis. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks because the Nineteen 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 prepare. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Journey 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 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 supply airport supply, it’s the proper vacation spot for memento buying. You’ll discover all kinds of high-end and high-street trend 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 ultimately 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 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. Should you stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors all over the place and be happy to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable. 

Playing is prohibited in Japan, so you possibly can’t get cash immediately from the machines. However you will get Pachinko balls, which you then change for particular tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor exterior the parlor. 

Pachinko is a low-stakes sport, and a few machines let you change only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, in the event you twist the knob good, you would possibly simply hit the jackpot. 

Sensible Info

Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Gamers have to be not less than 18 years outdated.  

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 famous, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is important for understanding its heritage and traditions. 

Go to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a speed tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s among the best 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 the event you love seafood. And even in the event you don’t, there are many different choices. 

I like to recommend shopping for meals from a number of distributors so you possibly can strive as many various 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 not less than 6 PM. 

16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine

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

Though Namba Yasaka Shrine could be very near Dotonbori and the guts of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing heart. The crowds listed here are smaller, and the whole place feels rather 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

Should 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 a couple 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 gentle installations, which make the whole 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 also 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 find it irresistible, however there’s a greater solution 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 among the best and most entertaining experiences within the metropolis, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Simply needless to say 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 tours happen on precise roads, so you will have a legitimate 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 not less than 18 years outdated and have a legitimate driver’s license. 

19. Journey 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 Middle, within the beautiful inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it will possibly match as much as 480 passengers without delay. It’s a large construction that provides a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest. 

It’s greatest to experience the Tempozan Wheel at evening when the whole construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And since Osaka’s skyline appears to be like the most effective after darkish when the entire metropolis’s shiny lights are on.  

Sensible Info 

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

20. Roam Round Shinsekai

Sinsekai is one in every 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 within the aftermath of WWII. Prison exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was virtually 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 here for cheap street food, 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 every of 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 in every of Osaka’s largest temples, when it comes to the dimensions of the complicated. Along with the primary temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an outdated bell tower, and several 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 identified for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of greater than 100,000 folks. 

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 folks, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some displays are very emotional, and the museum provides you with a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day. 

Hiroshima Citadel is one other standard landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Backyard is one other excellent spot to go to with ponds and delightful landscaping. 

Sensible Info

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

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

What Is Osaka, Japan Finest Identified For?

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

Is Osaka, Japan Price Visiting? 

Sure, Osaka is price visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, identified for wonderful 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 most effective 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 most effective sights. Resorts within the metropolis aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per evening. Lodging exterior the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Listed below are a few of the greatest motels in Osaka for all budgets: 

The place To Eat In Osaka

Osaka is all about the food and there’s no scarcity of fantastic eating places on the town. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka affords something you would 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 rather more. 

Kuromon Ichiba Market is the most effective place for avenue meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has a few of the greatest beef in Osaka, whereas Halal Ramen Naniwaya is likely one of 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 high-quality eating. Endo Sushi is likely 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

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 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. Should you’re most considering Osaka’s pure landmarks, spring might be the most effective season to go to. 

Fall and winter are additionally good instances to journey to Osaka, particularly in the event 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 exterior. 

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 linked to the town heart 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 heart. It’s additionally linked to central Osaka by prepare, and the journey time is just Half-hour.  Should 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 most costly one, and I extremely recommend the JRail Pass in the event you’re within the nation for some time and also you wish to discover. 

The cheapest JRail Pass is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash in the event you plan to extensively journey by means of 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 prepare tickets to see if the move is well worth the cash for you. 

One factor to notice is that the JRail Go doesn’t cowl metro traces 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, but it surely wouldn’t let you correctly benefit from the sights since you’d continuously be speeding to see the subsequent factor. However two days is sufficient time to see all the most effective of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing. 

Alternatively, if you want 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 quite a bit 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 not less than three days to completely discover Kyoto, however in the event you 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.