Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re uncertain which points of interest to prioritize? Whether you’re in city for a day or per week, Osaka affords loads of methods to remain busy, and I wish to share all of them in this information on the very best issues to do in Osaka!
From the town’s tallest skyscrapers that provide the very best panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled by means of time – I’ve received loads of ideas on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks.
Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. But it additionally 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.
Authentic 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 in this metropolis, guaranteeing that anybody can have the time of their life in Osaka. So, let’s get into all the stunning experiences which can be 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 The metropolis seamlessly blends the outdated with the brand new, providing a chance to tour a Sixteenth-century fort, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.
It’s the place to be in Japan should you ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or needed to be inside a Super Mario online game. Osaka can also be identified for the very best 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 among the finest locations to go to in Japan.
1. Stroll Around Dotonbori
Dotonbori district is the bustling heart and the center of Osaka. It’s greatest 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 testing in the chilly mild of day, returning to its avenue after darkish is a should.
The shiny, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s actually an expertise you possibly can have solely in Japan, and it’ll immediately make you fall in love with the town. Dotonbori is house to many outlets, eating places, and the very best nightlife in Osaka.
It was at all times the principal a part of the town for leisure. Throughout historical past, Dotonbori has been house to lots of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different reside leisure venues. Nowadays it’s higher identified for dance golf equipment and bars, nevertheless it’s nonetheless house to most of the metropolis’s greatest theaters.
Practical Information
Dotonbori is a metropolis district accessible by public transport. Get out at Namba Station to start out exploring Dotonbori.
2. Visit the Hozenji Buddhist Temple
Hozenji Temple is in the middle of the Dotonbori district, so it’s a historic landmark you’ll come throughout in the course of the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away in the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the simplest landmark to identify should you don’t know what you’re in search of.
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 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 practice stations. Entrance to the temple is freed from cost.
3. Tour Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is likely one of the most well-known historic landmarks in this metropolis. It was initially constructed in the Sixteenth century, however the website has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all components of Osaka Castle Park.
The fort has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fort grounds from the city components of the town, and an interior moat that separates that precise maintain from the parks on the grounds. Everything on the grounds of Osaka Castle is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You should pay an entrance payment solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Castle, which now serves as a historical past museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Garden can also be charged, nevertheless 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 practice station is likely one of 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 a very powerful 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 distinct period.
Frankly, I don’t suppose a day is sufficient to totally 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 infinite pink gates you will need to cross 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 practice 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, nevertheless it’s one of many metropolis’s most recognizable landmarks. The constructing consists of two towers over 40 tales, that are linked 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 among the finest views in the town, particularly at night time. Several eating places are additionally out there 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 an excellent solution to finish a day in Osaka.
Evenings are the preferred 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 free of charge 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 kids youthful than 12.
6. An Afternoon At Universal Studios Japan
The Universal Studios theme park in Osaka is one in all six in the world. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I might, I’d transfer there in a heartbeat and by no means go away. And sure, it’s as a result of they’ve Hogwarts and Hagrid’s Hut on the grounds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a very fashionable space of the theme park, however definitely not the one one price visiting.
Super Nintendo World Japan can also be extraordinarily in style, as a result of who wouldn’t wish to be inside a Super Mario recreation for a couple of moments? Other areas of the park are devoted to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and lots of different distinguished movies produced by this studio.
Universal Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with kids. Whether you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you wish to really feel like a child once more even for simply 5 minutes, Osaka’s most well-known amusement park is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Practical Information
One-day tickets for Universal Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM each 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 actually unbelievable that such an exquisite place will be so near the city jungle. If you journey to Osaka in the autumn, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.
The public park can also be house to a number of eating places and avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices should you 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 practice station to the Minoh Waterfall. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Hang Out With Deer in Nara
Nara is an excellent historic metropolis located lower than an hour exterior Osaka. It was the capital of Japan earlier than Kyoto, and it’s house to many historic shrines and ruins.
The metropolis has fairly a couple of fascinating landmarks, from shrines to fort ruins, however Nara Park is by far essentially the most particular. It’s house 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 large the place is.
Nara Park is particularly 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 significantly take pleasure in this expertise, and the park is actually 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 kind of locations that you may go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit solely devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this immediate ramen museum is extremely fascinating.
The museum exhibit consists of numerous cup noodles mounted to the partitions. It’s floor-to-ceiling cups of immediate noodles, but additionally sculptures of cup noodles, and an immediate ramen-making station. In the Chicken Ramen Factory, you possibly can even make noodles from scratch.
Of course, 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.
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, nevertheless it was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills complicated in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper options places of work, a resort, an artwork museum, eating places, outlets, and a practice station on the underground stage.
There’s heaps to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or outlets. 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 would possibly anticipate.
Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, virtually till the mountains in the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is one other place price visiting to see some fantastic Japanese artwork, but additionally examples of Western artwork, fashionable artwork, and far more.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory will be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should trade the reservation for same-day tickets for a payment. 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 fanatics, there isn’t any higher place in this metropolis. The museum exhibit is various and detailed, with all a very powerful components of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s necessary to notice that there aren’t too many English descriptions of the reveals, however that shouldn’t cease you from visiting the museum. Most reveals are straightforward to grasp even with no description.
At the Osaka Museum of History, you possibly can see how the town and its environment developed over the ages. The traditions and methods of the locals are additionally exemplified in this museum and will be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.
Practical info
Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of History. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to five PM each day besides Tuesday.
12. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is barely 20 minutes from central Osaka by practice, so it’s among the finest cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are many causes to return to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to strive in the town is Kobe beef.
Kobe beef is famous in the culinary trade. It’s a sort of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely in the area round Kobe. Although it has been exported to different international locations since 2012, there’s no higher place in the world to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe.
Steak Aoyama is likely one of the greatest steakhouses in the town. 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. 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 practice. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Travel pace and ticket price depend upon the kind of practice you board; the famous time and value are for the trains that run on the Rapid Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined purchasing avenue in the center of Osaka. With numerous outlets that promote tax-free items and supply airport supply, it’s the proper vacation spot for memento purchasing. You’ll discover all kinds of high-end and high-street style outlets right here, in addition to a great deal of smaller outlets that promote basic Japanese souvenirs and trinkets.
Plenty of avenue meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you possibly can cease for a fast chunk.
The purchasing avenue 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 outlets on Shinsaibashi-Suji Street are from 8 AM till 11 PM, however the outlets don’t all observe the identical opening hours. Namba Station is the closest to the purchasing avenue entrance.
14. Play Pachinko
Pachinko is a mix of an arcade recreation and a slot machine. If you stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors in every single place and be happy to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable.
Gambling is prohibited in Japan, so you possibly can’t get cash immediately from the machines. But you will get Pachinko balls, which you then trade for particular tokens. Those tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor exterior the parlor.
Pachinko is a low-stakes recreation, and a few machines mean you can trade only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, should you twist the knob good, you would possibly simply hit the jackpot.
Practical Information
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Players should be not less than 18 years outdated.
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 famous, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is critical for understanding its heritage and traditions.
Go to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a pace tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s among the finest locations in the town for avenue meals and memento purchasing. Fresh and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and also you’ll have a plethora of choices should you love seafood. And even should 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 alternative issues as doable. Don’t simply stick to at least one restaurant since you would possibly miss out on one thing superb.
Practical Information
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 all 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.
Although 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 entire place feels far more peaceable.
It’s a small shrine and it takes not more than 10 minutes to go to each construction on the grounds. Take a while to benefit from the view, admire the ritualistic stage, and snap a great deal of photographs of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Practical Information
Namba Yasaka Shrine is open for guests day by 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
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 gorgeous throughout cherry blossom season when all of the bushes are in full bloom. Nagai Park is adorned with many mild installations, which make your entire place come alive after darkish.
Nagai Botanical Garden is the spotlight of this public park, with numerous 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 might stroll round Osaka for hours and adore it, 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. Yes, you possibly can tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!
It’s among the finest and most entertaining experiences in the town, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Just maintain 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 will have a legitimate driver’s license. Foreigners should have an International Driver’s Permit to have the ability to drive in Japan.
Practical Information
Karting excursions round Osaka 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. 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 match as much as 480 passengers directly. It’s an enormous construction that gives a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s greatest to 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 to be like the very best after darkish when all the metropolis’s shiny lights are on.
Practical Information
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is open each 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 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 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 grew to become one of many metropolis’s poorest in the aftermath of WWII. Criminal 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 right here for reasonable avenue meals, memento outlets, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and shiny 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 all 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 all Osaka’s largest temples, in phrases of the dimensions of the complicated. In addition to the principle temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an outdated bell tower, and several other different buildings on the grounds.
Practical Information
Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2).
22. Day Trip to Hiroshima
A day journey to Hiroshima is simple to do from Osaka because of the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. The metropolis is greatest identified for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of greater than 100,000 individuals.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the preferred attraction in the town. It particulars the occasions of the atomic bombing and the results it left on the town and its individuals, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some reveals are very emotional, and the museum gives you 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 excellent place to go to with ponds and exquisite landscaping.
Practical Information
Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Best Known For?
Osaka is greatest identified for scrumptious avenue 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 fashionable Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too Much?
No, 3 days in Osaka isn’t an excessive amount of. It’s simply sufficient time to see all the metropolis’s greatest landmarks and do a fast half-day journey to a close-by vacation spot.
Is Osaka Nicer Than Tokyo?
Osaka isn’t essentially nicer than Tokyo, however it’s cheaper and fewer crowded. Tokyo remains to be the very best vacation spot for a first-time go to to Japan, however Osaka is a superb vacation spot for vacationers who’ve already explored the capital.
Where To Stay In Osaka
Find lodging in central Osaka for straightforward entry to all the very best points of interest. Hotels in the town aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per night time. Accommodation exterior the middle is okay so long as it’s near the metro. Here are among the greatest inns in Osaka for all budgets:
Where To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all in regards to the meals and there’s no scarcity of wonderful eating places in city. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka affords something you may need. Some of the town’s staple dishes are Kushikatsu (deep-fried seafood skewers), Takoyaki (fried, ball-shaped snacks), Doteyaki (beef tendon stew), Udon sizzling pots, and far more.
Kuromon Ichiba Market is the very best place for avenue meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has among 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 finest for effective eating. Endo Sushi is likely one of the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Tips And Information For Visiting Osaka, Japan
Best Time To Visit
Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the 12 months is an efficient time to be in the town. I’d keep away from touring to Osaka in the summer time as a result of it’s sizzling, humid, and crowded.
Spring is an excellent 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 very best season to go to.
Fall and winter are additionally good occasions to journey to Osaka, particularly should you’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 not often too chilly to stroll round exterior.
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 linked to the town heart by practice, 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 linked to central Osaka by practice, and the journey time is barely Half-hour. If you possibly can select which airport you wish to land at, Osaka International Airport is the extra handy choice. But flying out of Kansai Airpot is a particular expertise, one which takes your journey to a brand new stage.
Getting Around
Japan is world-famous for its insanely quick bullet trains and so they’re by far the best way of touring across the area. For journey between two cities in Japan, a Shinkansen is the quickest and most handy mode of transport. It’s additionally the costliest one, and I extremely advocate the JRail Pass should you’re in the nation for some time and also you wish to discover.
The least expensive JRail Pass is $355 for per week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash should 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 practice tickets to see if the cross is well worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Pass doesn’t cowl metro traces in the town of Osaka. For that, you’ll want an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card.
How Much Time Do You Need
If Osaka is simply one of many stops on an extended tour of Japan, you possibly can set aside two days for the town. A tour is doable in a day, nevertheless it wouldn’t mean you can correctly benefit from the sights since you’d always be speeding to see the subsequent factor. But two days is sufficient time to see all the very best of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing.
On the opposite hand, if you 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 loads to supply.
Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very near Osaka and it’s doable to go to every metropolis on a day journey. Frankly, I believe you want not less than three days to completely discover Kyoto, however should 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.