Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re not sure which points of interest to prioritize? Whether you’re in city for a day or every week, Osaka affords loads of methods to remain busy, and I need to share all of them in this information on the most effective issues to do in Osaka!
From the town’s tallest skyscrapers that supply the most effective panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that may make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled by means of time – I’ve acquired loads of strategies on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks.
Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. But it additionally affords serene inexperienced areas simply minutes outdoors of the city jungle, so you may simply escape the noise and bustle of its crowded streets.
Authentic adventures in Osaka vary from driving go-karts on the town streets to consuming fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and delightful nature parks are all obtainable in this metropolis, making certain that anybody can have the time of their life in Osaka. So, let’s get into all the stunning experiences which are staples of this neon-lit metropolis.
Best of Osaka Quick Guide
Must See: Osaka Castle, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple Where To Stay: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Hotel Fun To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studios, Go-Kart Tours Day Trips: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima Must-Try Foods: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu
Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan
As Japan’s third largest metropolis by inhabitants, Osaka affords a plethora of fascinating points of interest to guests. The metropolis seamlessly blends the previous with the brand new, providing a chance to tour a Sixteenth-century fortress, however exit to a busy road with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.
It’s the place to be in Japan for those who ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Super Mario online game. Osaka can also be identified for the most effective meals in Japan and has lengthy been referred to as the nation’s heart for soul meals. The metropolis appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Japan.
1. Stroll Around Dotonbori
Dotonbori district is the bustling heart and the guts of Osaka. It’s finest identified for its giant neon indicators, and strolling round this district at night time is a particular expertise. Although Dotonbori affords many points of interest price trying out in the chilly gentle of day, returning to its road after darkish is a should.
The vivid, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s really an expertise you may 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 all the time the principal a part of the town for leisure. Throughout historical past, Dotonbori has been residence to lots of Osaka’s finest theaters and different dwell leisure venues. Nowadays it’s higher identified for dance golf equipment and bars, however it’s nonetheless residence to most of the metropolis’s finest theaters.
Practical Information
Dotonbori is a metropolis district accessible by public transport. Get out at Namba Station to begin exploring Dotonbori.
2. Visit the Hozenji Buddhist Temple
Hozenji Temple is in the middle of the Dotonbori district, so it’s a historic landmark you’ll come throughout through the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away in the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify for those who don’t know what you’re on the lookout for.
The small historic temple is finest identified for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an necessary deity in Japanese Buddhism. From the second you step onto the temple grounds, you may really feel a way of calm. It’s much more fascinating that this oasis of tranquility is located in the center of Osaka’s busiest neighborhood.
There aren’t many guidelines in locations for visiting the temples (or shrines) in Japan. It’s necessary to be respectful and put on applicable clothes.
Practical Information
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 Castle
Osaka Castle is among the most well-known historic landmarks in this metropolis. It was initially constructed in the Sixteenth century, however the web site has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all components of Osaka Castle Park.
The fortress has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fortress grounds from the city components of the town, and an internal moat that separates that precise hold from the parks on the grounds. Everything on the grounds of Osaka Castle is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You should pay an entrance charge solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Castle, which now serves as a historical past museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Garden can also be charged, however it’s solely 200 Yen ($1.4) in the low season and 350 ($2.4) Yen in the cherry blossom season.
Practical Information
Entrance to the museum inside Osaka Castle is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Business Park prepare station is among the closest to the Osaka Castle Park entrance.
4. Discover Old Japan in Kyoto
Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural heart. The metropolis 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 identified 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 suppose a day is sufficient to absolutely expertise Kyoto. At 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 in the town, well-known for the seemingly countless crimson gates you 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 slim cobblestone alleys are staple sights in this historic metropolis. Museums and different vacationer points of interest can be found for guests, as are many bars and eating places. But you don’t come to Kyoto for the meals; you come right here for genuine Japanese tradition and custom, which the town epitomizes.
Practical Information
Kyoto is 25 minutes from the Shin-Osaka prepare station, accessible by the native Osaka metro. Train tickets are ¥580 ($4).
5. See The View From Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is barely 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 means of 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 probably the greatest views in the town, particularly at night time. Several eating places are additionally obtainable on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Building, and having fun with a conventional Japanese dinner together with a incredible view of the town is a superb approach to finish a day in Osaka.
Evenings are the most well-liked time to go to the constructing, so come right here early in the day if you wish to skip the crowds. Travelers with the Osaka Amazing Pass or the Osaka E-Pass can get in totally free earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM.
Practical Information
Umeda Sky Building is most simply accessible from the Osaka-Umeda station. Full-priced tickets are 1,500 Yen ($10.2) for adults and 700 Yen ($4.8) for youngsters youthful than 12.
6. An Afternoon At Universal Studios Japan
The Universal Studios theme park in Osaka is one in every of six in the world. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I may, I’d 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 very fashionable space of the theme park, however actually not the one one price visiting.
Super Nintendo World Japan can also be extraordinarily in style, as a result of who wouldn’t need to be inside a Super Mario sport for a couple of moments? Other areas of the park are devoted to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and plenty of different distinguished movies produced by this studio.
Universal Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with youngsters. Whether you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you 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.
Practical Information
One-day tickets for Universal Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM day by day. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Super Nintendo World.
7. Hiking And Waterfalls At Minoh Park
Minoh Park is an oasis of serenity simply Half-hour away from Osaka metropolis heart. Well, it’s Half-hour away by automotive, however touring by public transport takes a bit longer.
Riverside strolling paths, Buddhist temples, bridges, and numerous statues all await at Minoh Park. The huge inexperienced area is ideal for an escape from the busy metropolis streets, and it’s truthfully unbelievable that such an exquisite place could be so near the city jungle. If you journey to Osaka in the autumn, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.
The public park can also be residence to a number of eating places and road meals distributors, so there are many choices for those who get hungry. In addition to the strolling trails and temples, the park additionally options an Insectarium.
Practical Information
Hankyu Minoh Station is the closest to the Minoh Park entrance. It’s roughly a 40-minute stroll from the prepare station to the Minoh Waterfall. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Hang Out With Deer in Nara
Nara is a superb historic metropolis located lower than an hour outdoors Osaka. It was the capital of Japan earlier than Kyoto, and it’s residence to many historic shrines and ruins.
The metropolis has fairly a couple of fascinating landmarks, from shrines to fortress ruins, however Nara Park is by far essentially the most particular. It’s residence to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It would take a few days to see each single landmark and go inside each notable constructing on the park – that’s how massive the place is.
Nara Park is very identified 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 and coerce you into feeding them extra. Kids notably get pleasure from this expertise, and the park is really an exquisite place for households. Visit Nara Park in the spring to benefit from the place in full glory, when all of the Sakura bushes are in bloom.
Practical Information
Nara is roughly an hour from Osaka Station by public transport. The city is accessible by trains that run on the Osaka Loop Line, and a one-way metro ticket is ¥820 ($5.6). Grab your Osaka Metro Pass right here.
9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka
The Cup Noodles Museum is a type of locations which you can go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit fully devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this prompt ramen museum is extremely fascinating.
The museum exhibit consists of numerous cup noodles mounted to the partitions. It’s floor-to-ceiling cups of prompt noodles, but additionally sculptures of cup noodles, and an prompt ramen-making station. In the Chicken Ramen Factory, you may even make noodles from scratch.
Of course, you may 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 may eat in Osaka.
Practical Information
The Cup Noodles Museum is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the museum is free, however a noodle-making class on the Chicken Ramen Factory is 1,000 Yen ($6.8).
10. Observatory At Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas is the town’s tallest skyscraper in the enterprise district. Until 2023 it was the tallest constructing in Japan, however it was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills advanced in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper options places of work, a lodge, an artwork museum, eating places, retailers, and a prepare station on the underground stage.
There’s heaps to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or retailers. But the principle motive 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 anticipate.
Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, nearly till the mountains in the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is one other place price visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but additionally examples of Western artwork, trendy artwork, and far more.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory could be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should trade the reservation for same-day tickets for a charge. The customary value of tickets for the observatory is ¥1,800 ($12.2).
11. Visit The Osaka Museum of History
Osaka Museum of History is separated by a moat from the Osaka Castle Park, and I like to recommend visiting the 2 well-known landmarks on the identical day. The museum is about in a contemporary constructing and fantastically contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Castle.
For Japanese historical past fans, there isn’t a higher place in this metropolis. The museum exhibit is assorted and detailed, with all crucial parts of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s necessary to notice that there aren’t too many English descriptions of the reveals, however that shouldn’t cease you from visiting the museum. Most reveals are straightforward to grasp even with no description.
At the Osaka Museum of History, you may see how the town and its environment developed over the ages. The traditions and methods of the locals are additionally exemplified in this museum and could be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.
Practical data
Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of History. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to five PM day by day besides Tuesday.
12. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is barely 20 minutes from central Osaka by prepare, so it’s probably the greatest cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are many causes to return to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to strive in the town is Kobe beef.
Kobe beef is known in the culinary business. It’s a kind of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely in the area round Kobe. Although it has been exported to different international locations since 2012, there’s no higher place in the world to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe.
Steak Aoyama is among the finest steakhouses in the town. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks for the reason that Nineteen Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Expect to spend round 10,000 Yen ($68) for a full Kobe beef steak dinner, however considerably much less (2,000-3,000 Yen) for a Kobe beef burger.
Practical Information
Kobe is 20-Half-hour from Osaka by prepare. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Travel pace and ticket value rely on the kind of prepare you board; the famous time and value are for the trains that run on the Rapid Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined purchasing road in the guts of Osaka. With numerous retailers that promote tax-free items and supply airport supply, it’s the right vacation spot for memento purchasing. 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 traditional Japanese souvenirs and trinkets.
Plenty of road meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you may cease for a fast chew.
The purchasing road finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Visit each the busy neon-lit heart and the favored purchasing arcade, to see two of Osaka’s most well-known areas in one afternoon.
Practical Information
The common working hours for retailers on Shinsaibashi-Suji Street are from 8 AM till 11 PM, however the retailers don’t all observe the identical opening hours. Namba Station is the closest to the purchasing road entrance.
14. Play Pachinko
Pachinko is a combination of an arcade sport and a slot machine. If you stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors in every single place and be at liberty to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable.
Gambling is prohibited in Japan, so you may’t get cash straight from the machines. But you may get Pachinko balls, which you then trade for particular tokens. Those tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor outdoors the parlor.
Pachinko is a low-stakes sport, and a few machines can help you trade only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, for those who twist the knob good, you may simply hit the jackpot.
Practical Information
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Players should be at the least 18 years previous.
15. Street Food Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market
For a very long time, Osaka was referred to as the nationwide kitchen of Japan. The metropolis’s meals tradition is known, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is important for understanding its heritage and traditions.
Go to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a pace tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s probably the greatest locations in the town for road meals and memento purchasing. Fresh and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and also you’ll have a plethora of choices for those who love seafood. And even for those who don’t, there are many different choices.
I like to recommend shopping for meals from a number of distributors so you may strive as many various issues as attainable. Don’t simply stick to at least one restaurant since you may miss out on one thing wonderful.
Practical Information
Kuromon Ichiba Market is in central Osaka, near Dotonbori. Most distributors keep open till at the least 6 PM.
16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is one in every of Osaka’s most well-known Shinto Shrines. It’s finest identified for the small stage that’s formed like a lion’s head, which has turn into an iconic Osaka landmark.
Although 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 your entire place feels far more peaceable.
It’s a small shrine and it takes not more than 10 minutes to go to each construction on the grounds. Take a while to benefit from the view, admire the ritualistic stage, and snap a great deal of pictures of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Practical Information
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 prepare station is Namba.
17. Admire The Cherry Blossoms At Nagai Park
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crowds on Osaka’s streets, escape to Nagai Park. The expansive inexperienced area in 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 beautiful throughout cherry blossom season when all of the bushes are in full bloom. Nagai Park is adorned with many gentle installations, which make your entire place come alive after darkish.
Nagai Botanical Garden 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 in the spring season. The Osaka Museum of Natural History can also be located in this park and affords perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.
Practical Information
Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis heart by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park.
18. Race Around The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart
You may stroll round Osaka for hours and find it irresistible, however there’s a greater approach to discover the town. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart and race across the metropolis streets taking in all of the sights. Yes, you may tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!
It’s probably the greatest and most entertaining experiences in the town, combining an exciting journey with traditional sightseeing. Just hold in thoughts that the operators aren’t allowed to promote it as a Mario Kart journey as a result of Nintendo didn’t like that concept and sued most tour operators some time in the past.
Insider Tip: Go-kart excursions happen on precise roads, so you have to a sound driver’s license. Foreigners will need to have an International Driver’s Permit to have the ability to drive in Japan.
Practical Information
Karting excursions round Osaka often take 1-2 hours and can be found solely to vacationers who’re at the least 18 years previous and have a sound driver’s license.
19. Ride The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is about on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, in the stunning inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it could actually match as much as 480 passengers directly. It’s an enormous construction that provides a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s finest to trip the Tempozan Wheel at night time when your entire construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And as a result of Osaka’s skyline appears the most effective after darkish when the entire metropolis’s vivid lights are on.
Practical Information
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is open day by day from 10 AM to 9-10 PM (it’s open longer on the weekends). Tickets for the trip are 900 Yen ($6.1).
20. Roam Around 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 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 turned one of many metropolis’s poorest in the aftermath of WWII. Criminal exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was nearly a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s not the case, and loads of vacationers in Osaka cease by this colourful district.
Come right here for reasonable road meals, memento retailers, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and vivid neon indicators.
Practical Information
Shinsekai is in the southern a part of Osaka, near Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the 2 closest stations to the district.
21. Visit the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple
Shitenno-ji is one in every of Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed in the sixth century and reconstructed a number of occasions over the centuries. Despite the 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, in phrases of the scale of the advanced. In addition to 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.
Practical Information
Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2).
22. Day Trip to Hiroshima
A day journey to Hiroshima is straightforward to do from Osaka due to the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. The metropolis is finest identified for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of greater than 100,000 individuals.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the most well-liked attraction in the town. It particulars the occasions of the atomic bombing and the implications it left on the town and its individuals, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some reveals are very emotional, and the museum will provide you with a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day.
Hiroshima Castle is one other in style landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Garden is one other great spot to go to with ponds and delightful landscaping.
Practical Information
Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Best Known For?
Osaka is finest identified for scrumptious road meals and pleasant locals. There’s no higher vacation spot in the nation for a radical exploration of Japanese delicacies.
Is Osaka, Japan Worth Visiting?
Yes, Osaka is price visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, identified for wonderful meals and an exquisite mix of historic and trendy Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too Much?
No, 3 days in Osaka just isn’t an excessive amount of. It’s simply sufficient time to see the entire metropolis’s finest landmarks and do a fast half-day journey to a close-by vacation spot.
Is Osaka Nicer Than Tokyo?
Osaka just 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.
Where To Stay In Osaka
Find lodging in central Osaka for simple entry to all the most effective points of interest. Hotels in the town aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per night time. Accommodation outdoors the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Here are a number of the finest motels in Osaka for all budgets:
Where To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all concerning the meals and there’s no scarcity of wonderful eating places in city. From road meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka affords something you could possibly need. Some of the town’s staple dishes are Kushikatsu (deep-fried seafood skewers), Takoyaki (fried, ball-shaped snacks), Doteyaki (beef tendon stew), Udon scorching pots, and far more.
Kuromon Ichiba Market is the most effective place for road meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has a number of the finest 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 probably the greatest for effective eating. Endo Sushi is among the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Tips And Information For Visiting Osaka, Japan
Best Time To Visit
Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the yr is an effective time to be in the town. I’d keep away from touring to Osaka in the summer season 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 in the town are in full bloom. If you’re most in Osaka’s pure landmarks, spring might be the most effective season to go to.
Fall and winter are additionally good occasions to journey to Osaka, particularly for those who’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible in the autumn and winter, and the delicate climate means it’s hardly ever too chilly to stroll round outdoors.
Getting There
Osaka is serviced by two airports – Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport. Pre-pandemic, Kansai Airport was the third busiest hub in Japan, however these days Osaka International Airport operates extra flights.
Kansai Airport is located on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. It’s related to the town heart by prepare, and it’s roughly an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station.
Osaka International Airport is way nearer to the town heart. It’s additionally related to central Osaka by prepare, and the journey time is barely Half-hour. If you may select which airport you need to land at, Osaka International Airport is the extra handy choice. But flying out of Kansai Airpot is a particular expertise, one which takes your journey to a brand new stage.
Getting Around
Japan is world-famous for its insanely quick bullet trains and so they’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 Pass for those who’re in the nation for some time and also you need to discover.
The most cost-effective JRail Pass is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely definitely worth the cash for those who plan to extensively journey by means of Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth checklist of all of the locations you need to go to and including up the price of prepare tickets to see if the move is definitely worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Pass doesn’t cowl metro strains in the town of Osaka. For that, you’ll want an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card.
How Much Time Do You Need
If Osaka is simply one of many stops on an extended tour of Japan, you may set aside two days for the town. A tour is doable in a day, however it wouldn’t can help you correctly benefit from the sights since you’d continuously be speeding to see the subsequent factor. But two days is sufficient time to see all the most effective of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing.
On the opposite hand, 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 loads 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 believe you want at the least three days to totally discover Kyoto, however for those who 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.