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 supply the most effective panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled via time – I’ve acquired loads of recommendations on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks.
Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. But it surely additionally affords serene inexperienced areas simply minutes outdoors of the city jungle, so you possibly can simply escape the noise and bustle of its crowded streets.
Genuine adventures in Osaka vary from driving go-karts on the town streets to consuming fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and delightful nature parks are all obtainable on this metropolis, guaranteeing that anybody can have the time of their life in Osaka. So, let’s get into all the beautiful experiences which can be staples of this neon-lit metropolis.
Better of Osaka Fast Information
Should See: Osaka Fortress, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple The place To Keep: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Lodge Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Lodge Enjoyable To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Constructing, Common Studios, Go-Kart Excursions Day Journeys: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima Should-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. Town seamlessly blends the previous with the brand new, providing a possibility to tour a Sixteenth-century fortress, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.
It’s the place to be in Japan in case you ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Tremendous Mario online game. Osaka can also be recognized for the most effective meals in Japan and has lengthy been often called the nation’s heart for soul meals. Town appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Japan.
1. Stroll Round Dotonbori
Dotonbori district is the bustling heart and the center of Osaka. It’s finest recognized for its giant 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 house 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. All through historical past, Dotonbori has been house to lots of Osaka’s finest theaters and different dwell leisure venues. These days it’s higher recognized for dance golf equipment and bars, but it surely’s nonetheless house to most of the metropolis’s finest 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 case you don’t know what you’re on the lookout for.
The small historic temple is finest recognized for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an essential 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 essential to be respectful and put on applicable clothes.
Sensible Info
Hozenji Temple is located on the heart of Dotonbori, simply accessible from Namba and Kintetsu-Nippombashi prepare stations. Entrance to the temple is freed from cost.
3. Tour Osaka Fortress
Osaka Fortress is among 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 Fortress Park.
The fortress has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fortress grounds from the city elements of the town, and an inside moat that separates that precise hold from the parks on the grounds. Every thing on the grounds of Osaka Fortress is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You will need to pay an entrance payment solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Fortress, which now serves as a historical past museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Backyard can 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 Fortress is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Enterprise Park prepare station is among the closest to the Osaka Fortress Park entrance.
4. Uncover Previous Japan in Kyoto
Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural heart. Town served because the capital for a very long time, and it’s most likely an important for Japanese tradition and traditions. Whereas the streets of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka at the moment are recognized for flashy neon indicators and glass skyscrapers, strolling across the streets of Kyoto nonetheless feels such as you’re touring Japan from a unique period.
Frankly, I don’t assume a day is sufficient to totally expertise Kyoto. On the very least you want two days for this magnificent metropolis, and I’d advocate prioritizing time in Kyoto over different locations.
Castles, shrines, and temples are what you’ll see most in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine within the metropolis, well-known for the seemingly countless purple gates you could go via when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is the town’s most well-known Buddhist temple, recognized for its ornate gold facade.
Sakura timber, 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 barely 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 related on the high. Corridors join the 2 skyscrapers, and strolling via 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 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 conventional Japanese dinner together with a improbable view of the town is a superb technique to finish a day in Osaka.
Evenings are the most well-liked time to go to the constructing, so come right here early within the day if you wish to skip the crowds. Vacationers with the Osaka Superb Cross or the Osaka E-Cross can get in at no cost earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM.
Sensible Info
Umeda Sky Constructing is most simply accessible from the Osaka-Umeda station. Full-priced tickets are 1,500 Yen ($10.2) for adults and 700 Yen ($4.8) for kids youthful than 12.
6. An Afternoon At Common Studios Japan
The Common Studios theme park in Osaka is one in all six on the planet. 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.
Tremendous Nintendo World Japan can also be extraordinarily standard, as a result of who wouldn’t wish to be inside a Tremendous Mario recreation for a number 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 kids. Whether or not you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you wish to really feel like a child once more even for simply 5 minutes, Osaka’s most well-known amusement park is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Sensible Info
One-day tickets for Common Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM on daily basis. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Tremendous Nintendo World.
7. Mountain climbing And Waterfalls At Minoh Park
Minoh Park is an oasis of serenity simply Half-hour away from Osaka metropolis heart. Effectively, 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 actually unbelievable that such a beautiful place could be so near the city jungle. When 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 house to a number of eating places and avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices in case you get hungry. Along with the strolling trails and temples, the park additionally options an Insectarium.
Sensible Info
Hankyu Minoh Station is the closest to the Minoh Park entrance. It’s roughly a 40-minute stroll from the prepare station to the Minoh Waterfall. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
8. Hold Out With Deer in Nara
Nara is a superb historic metropolis located lower than an hour outdoors Osaka. It was the capital of Japan earlier than Kyoto, and it’s house to many historic shrines and ruins.
Town has fairly a number of attention-grabbing landmarks, from shrines to fortress ruins, however Nara Park is by far probably the most particular. It’s house to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It might 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 recognized for the deer that freely roam its grounds. They’re all tame and you’ll even purchase crackers and feed them; some deer will even bow to you in an try and coerce you into feeding them extra. Youngsters notably take pleasure in this expertise, and the park is really a beautiful place for households. Go to Nara Park within the spring to benefit from the place in full glory, when all of the Sakura timber are in bloom.
Sensible Info
Nara is roughly an hour from Osaka Station by public transport. The city is accessible by trains that run on the Osaka Loop Line, and a one-way metro ticket is ¥820 ($5.6). Seize your Osaka Metro Cross right here.
9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka
The Cup Noodles Museum is a type of locations which you can go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit fully 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 additionally sculptures of cup noodles, and an on the spot ramen-making station. Within the Hen Ramen Manufacturing unit, you possibly can even make noodles from scratch.
In fact, you possibly can eat cup noodles on the museum. Head to the restaurant and select no matter taste you need. It’s solely 500 Yen for a meal ($3.4), so it’s one of many 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 lodge, an artwork museum, eating places, retailers, and a prepare station on the underground degree.
There’s heaps to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or retailers. However the 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 additionally examples of Western artwork, trendy artwork, and rather more.
Sensible Info
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory could be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You’ll be able to reserve tickets upfront however should trade the reservation for same-day tickets for a payment. The usual worth of tickets for the observatory is ¥1,800 ($12.2).
11. Go to The Osaka Museum of Historical past
Osaka Museum of Historical past is separated by a moat from the Osaka Fortress Park, and I like to recommend visiting the 2 well-known landmarks on the identical day. The museum is ready in a contemporary constructing and superbly contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Fortress.
For Japanese historical past fanatics, there isn’t a higher place on this metropolis. The museum exhibit is diversified and detailed, with all an important parts of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s essential 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 know even with out a description.
On the Osaka Museum of Historical past, you possibly can see how the town and its environment developed over the ages. The traditions and methods of the locals are additionally exemplified on this museum and could 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 barely 20 minutes from central Osaka by prepare, so it’s probably the greatest cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are various 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 business. It’s a sort of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely within the area round Kobe. Though it has been exported to different international locations since 2012, there’s no higher place on the planet to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe.
Steak Aoyama is among the finest steakhouses within the metropolis. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks because the Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Anticipate to spend round 10,000 Yen ($68) for a full Kobe beef steak dinner, however considerably much less (2,000-3,000 Yen) for a Kobe beef burger.
Sensible Info
Kobe is 20-Half-hour from Osaka by prepare. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Journey velocity and ticket value rely on the kind of prepare you board; the famous time and worth are for the trains that run on the Speedy Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a coated procuring 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 procuring. You’ll discover all kinds of high-end and high-street style retailers right here, in addition to a great deal of smaller retailers that promote basic Japanese souvenirs and trinkets.
Loads of avenue meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you possibly can cease for a fast chunk.
The procuring avenue finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Go to each the busy neon-lit heart and the favored procuring 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 Avenue are from 8 AM till 11 PM, however the retailers don’t all observe the identical opening hours. Namba Station is the closest to the procuring avenue entrance.
14. Play Pachinko
Pachinko is a mix of an arcade recreation and a slot machine. When you stroll round Osaka you’ll discover that there are Pachinko parlors in all places and be at liberty to go in if you wish to have some enjoyable.
Playing is against the law in Japan, so you possibly can’t get cash immediately from the machines. However you may get Pachinko balls, which you then trade for particular tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor outdoors the parlor.
Pachinko is a low-stakes recreation, and a few machines permit you to trade only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, in case you twist the knob good, you would possibly simply hit the jackpot.
Sensible Info
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Gamers should be not less than 18 years previous.
15. Avenue Meals Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market
For a very long time, Osaka was often called the nationwide kitchen of Japan. Town’s meals tradition is famous, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is critical for understanding its heritage and traditions.
Go to Kuromon Ichiba Marketplace for a velocity tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s probably the greatest locations within the metropolis for avenue meals and memento procuring. Recent and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and also you’ll have a plethora of choices in case you love seafood. And even in case you don’t, there are many different choices.
I like to recommend shopping for meals from a number of distributors so you possibly can 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 all Osaka’s most well-known Shinto Shrines. It’s finest recognized for the small stage that’s formed like a lion’s head, which has turn out to be an iconic Osaka landmark.
Though Namba Yasaka Shrine may be very near Dotonbori and the center of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing heart. The crowds listed here are smaller, and all the 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
When 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 number of hours.
The park is especially gorgeous throughout cherry blossom season when all of the timber are in full bloom. Nagai Park is adorned with many gentle installations, which make all the 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 could possibly stroll round Osaka for hours and adore it, however there’s a greater technique 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 probably the greatest and most entertaining experiences within the metropolis, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Simply take into account 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 want a sound driver’s license. Foreigners should 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 previous and have a sound driver’s license.
19. Trip The Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel is ready on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Heart, within the pretty inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it could match as much as 480 passengers directly. It’s a large construction that provides a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s finest to experience the Tempozan Wheel at evening when all the construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And since Osaka’s skyline seems to be the most effective after darkish when the entire metropolis’s vivid 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 all Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One a part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the opposite after Paris, and the enduring Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower.
Sinsekai has a tumultuous historical past. It was as soon as a bustling metropolis neighborhood however grew to become one of many metropolis’s poorest within the aftermath of WWII. Legal exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was virtually a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s not the case, and loads of vacationers in Osaka cease by this colourful district.
Come right here for reasonable avenue meals, memento retailers, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and vivid neon indicators.
Sensible Info
Shinsekai is within the southern a part of Osaka, near Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the 2 closest stations to the district.
21. Go to the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple
Shitenno-ji is one in all Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed within the sixth century and reconstructed a number of occasions over the centuries. Regardless of the 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, by way of the dimensions of the complicated. Along with the primary temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an previous bell tower, and a number of other different buildings on the grounds.
Sensible Info
Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2).
22. Day Journey to Hiroshima
A day journey to Hiroshima is simple to do from Osaka because of the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. Town is finest recognized 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 implications 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 Fortress is one other standard landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Backyard is one other good 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.
Often Requested Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Finest Identified For?
Osaka is finest recognized for scrumptious avenue meals and pleasant locals. There’s no higher vacation spot within the nation for a radical exploration of Japanese delicacies.
Is Osaka, Japan Value Visiting?
Sure, Osaka is price visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, recognized for wonderful meals and a beautiful mix of historic and trendy Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too A lot?
No, 3 days in Osaka 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 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 wonderful vacation spot for vacationers who’ve already explored the capital.
The place To Keep In Osaka
Discover lodging in central Osaka for simple 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 outdoors the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Listed here are among the finest motels in Osaka for all budgets:
The place To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all concerning the meals and there’s no scarcity of fantastic eating places on the town. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka affords something you could possibly need. A number of the metropolis’s staple dishes are Kushikatsu (deep-fried seafood skewers), Takoyaki (fried, ball-shaped snacks), Doteyaki (beef tendon stew), Udon sizzling pots, and rather more.
Kuromon Ichiba Market is the most effective place for avenue meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has among 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 high quality eating. Endo Sushi is among the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Ideas And Info For Visiting Osaka, Japan
Finest Time To Go to
Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the yr is an effective time to be within the metropolis. I’d keep away from touring to Osaka in the summertime as a result of it’s sizzling, humid, and crowded.
Spring is a superb time in Osaka. The climate is gentle, and the numerous flowers and cherry blossom timber within the metropolis are in full bloom. When you’re most thinking about 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 in case you’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible within the fall and winter, and the gentle climate means it’s not often too chilly to stroll round outdoors.
Getting There
Osaka is serviced by two airports – Osaka Worldwide Airport and Kansai Worldwide Airport. Pre-pandemic, Kansai Airport was the third busiest hub in Japan, however these days Osaka Worldwide Airport operates extra flights.
Kansai Airport is located on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. It’s related to the town heart by 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 related to central Osaka by prepare, and the journey time is barely Half-hour. When you can select which airport you wish to land at, Osaka Worldwide Airport is the extra handy choice. 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 best way of touring across the area. For journey between two cities in Japan, a Shinkansen is the quickest and most handy mode of transport. It’s additionally the most costly one, and I extremely advocate the JRail Cross in case you’re within the nation for some time and also you wish to discover.
The most cost effective JRail Cross is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash in case you plan to extensively journey via Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth checklist of all of the locations you wish to go to and including up the price of prepare tickets to see if the go is well worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Cross 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 permit you to correctly benefit from the sights since you’d always be dashing 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.
However, if you need 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 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 feel you want not less than three days to completely discover Kyoto, however in case you can’t squeeze it into your itinerary in any other case, even a day journey from Osaka is healthier than not visiting the town in any respect.