Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re not sure which sights to prioritize? Whether you’re in city for a day or every week, Osaka provides loads of methods to remain busy, and I need 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 are feeling such as you’ve traveled by time – I’ve obtained 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 provides 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 might 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 provides a plethora of fascinating sights to guests. The metropolis seamlessly blends the previous with the brand new, providing a possibility 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 in case you ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Super Mario online game. Osaka can also be recognized for the very best meals in Japan and has lengthy been often called the nation’s middle 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 middle and the center of Osaka. It’s greatest recognized for its giant neon indicators, and strolling round this district at evening is a particular expertise. Although Dotonbori provides many sights value testing in the chilly mild 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 actually 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 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 residence to lots of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different dwell leisure venues. Nowadays it’s higher recognized for dance golf equipment and bars, nevertheless it’s nonetheless residence to lots 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 through the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away in the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify in case you don’t know what you’re searching for.
The small historic temple is greatest recognized for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an essential 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 essential to be respectful and put on applicable clothes.
Practical Information
Hozenji Temple is located on the middle 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 web site 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 inside 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 price 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 middle. 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 are actually recognized for flashy neon indicators and glass skyscrapers, strolling across the streets of Kyoto nonetheless feels such as you’re touring Japan from a distinct period.
Frankly, I don’t suppose a day is sufficient to absolutely expertise Kyoto. At the very least you want two days for this magnificent metropolis, and I might advocate prioritizing time in Kyoto over different locations.
Castles, shrines, and temples are what you’ll see most in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine in the town, well-known for the seemingly limitless crimson gates you have to go by 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 in this historic metropolis. Museums and different vacationer sights 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 just 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 related on the high. Corridors join the 2 skyscrapers, and strolling by them feels such as you’re on high of the world.
There’s an observatory on the high, which provides a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s probably the greatest views in the town, particularly at evening. Several eating places are additionally obtainable on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Building, and having fun with a standard Japanese dinner together with a unbelievable 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 at no cost 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 certainly one of six in the world. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I may, I might transfer there in a heartbeat and by no means depart. And sure, it’s as a result of they’ve Hogwarts and Hagrid’s Hut on the grounds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a highly regarded space of the theme park, however definitely not the one one value visiting.
Super Nintendo World Japan can also be extraordinarily common, as a result of who wouldn’t need to be inside a Super Mario sport for just a few 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 kids. 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-after-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 middle. 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 may 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 avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices in case 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 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 just a few fascinating landmarks, from shrines to fort 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 huge the place is.
Nara Park is particularly 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 to coerce you into feeding them extra. Kids significantly take pleasure in 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 timber 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 that you could go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit fully devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this instantaneous ramen museum is extremely fascinating.
The museum exhibit consists of numerous cup noodles mounted to the partitions. It’s floor-to-ceiling cups of instantaneous noodles, but additionally sculptures of cup noodles, and an instantaneous 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 least expensive 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, nevertheless it was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills advanced in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper options workplaces, a lodge, 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 cause 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 may anticipate.
Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, nearly till the mountains in the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is one other place value visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but additionally examples of Western artwork, fashionable artwork, and way more.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory may be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should change the reservation for same-day tickets for a price. The normal 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 superbly contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Castle.
For Japanese historical past fanatics, there isn’t a higher place in this metropolis. The museum exhibit is diversified and detailed, with all a very powerful components 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 straightforward to know even and not using a 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 may 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-after-day besides Tuesday.
12. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is just 20 minutes from central Osaka by practice, so it’s probably the greatest cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are many causes to come back 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 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 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 velocity and ticket value rely 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 procuring avenue in the center of Osaka. With numerous outlets that promote tax-free items and supply airport supply, it’s the right vacation spot for memento procuring. You’ll discover all kinds of high-end and high-street trend 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 may cease for a fast chew.
The procuring avenue finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Visit each the busy neon-lit middle and the favored procuring 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 procuring avenue 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 all over the 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 instantly from the machines. But you will get Pachinko balls, which you then change 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 change only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, in case you twist the knob good, you may simply hit the jackpot.
Practical Information
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Players have to be not less than 18 years previous.
15. Street Food Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market
For a very long time, Osaka was often called 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 velocity tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s probably the greatest locations in the town for avenue meals and memento procuring. Fresh 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 may strive as many alternative issues as doable. 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 not less than 6 PM.
16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is certainly one of Osaka’s most well-known Shinto Shrines. It’s greatest recognized for the small stage that’s formed like a lion’s head, which has turn out to be an iconic Osaka landmark.
Although Namba Yasaka Shrine may be very near Dotonbori and the center of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing middle. The crowds listed below are smaller, and all the place feels way more peaceable.
It’s a small shrine and it takes not more than 10 minutes to go to each construction on the grounds. Take a while to benefit from the view, admire the ritualistic stage, and snap a great deal of pictures of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Practical Information
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 practice station is Namba.
17. Admire The Cherry Blossoms At Nagai Park
If you are 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 provides sufficient content material to maintain you busy for just a few hours.
The park is especially beautiful throughout cherry blossom season when all of the timber are in full bloom. Nagai Park is adorned with many mild installations, which make all the place come alive after darkish.
Nagai Botanical Garden is the spotlight of this public park, with numerous attractive flowers and a big pond on the middle. 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 provides perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.
Practical Information
Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis middle 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 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 may tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!
It’s probably the greatest 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 will need to 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 previous 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 possibly match as much as 480 passengers without delay. It’s an enormous construction that gives a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s greatest to trip the Tempozan Wheel at evening when all the 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 the entire metropolis’s brilliant lights are on.
Practical Information
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is open day-after-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 certainly one of Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One a part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the opposite after Paris, and the long-lasting Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower.
Sinsekai has a tumultuous historical past. It was as soon as a bustling metropolis neighborhood however turned one of many metropolis’s poorest in the aftermath of WWII. Criminal exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was nearly 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 affordable avenue meals, memento outlets, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and brilliant 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 certainly one of Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed in the sixth century and reconstructed a number of instances over the centuries. Despite the numerous renovations, Shitenno-ji is taken into account one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
It’s additionally certainly one 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 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 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 greatest recognized for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of greater than 100,000 folks.
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 folks, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some displays are very emotional, and the museum offers you a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day.
Hiroshima Castle is one other common landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Garden is one other excellent place to go to with ponds and delightful 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 recognized 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 value visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, recognized for glorious meals and an exquisite mix of historic and fashionable Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too Much?
No, 3 days in Osaka is just not an excessive amount of. It’s simply sufficient time to see the entire metropolis’s greatest landmarks and do a fast half-day journey to a close-by vacation spot.
Is Osaka Nicer Than Tokyo?
Osaka is just not essentially nicer than Tokyo, however it’s cheaper and fewer crowded. Tokyo continues to be the very best vacation spot for a first-time go to to Japan, however Osaka is a 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 sights. Hotels in the town aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per evening. Accommodation outdoors the middle is okay so long as it’s near the metro. Here are a number of the greatest inns 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 avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka provides something you might 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 way more.
Kuromon Ichiba Market is the very best place for avenue meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has a number of the greatest beef in Osaka, whereas Halal Ramen Naniwaya is likely one of the hottest locations for ramen and katsu dishes. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama has three Michelin stars and a inexperienced star, so it’s probably the greatest for wonderful 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 yr is an effective time to be in the town. I might keep away from touring to Osaka in the summer season as a result of it’s scorching, humid, and crowded.
Spring is an excellent time in Osaka. The climate is gentle, and the numerous flowers and cherry blossom timber 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 instances to journey to Osaka, particularly in case you’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible in the autumn 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 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 middle 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 middle. It’s additionally related to central Osaka by practice, and the journey time is just 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 most costly one, and I extremely advocate the JRail Pass in case you’re in the nation for some time and also you need to discover.
The least expensive JRail Pass is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash in case you plan to extensively journey by Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth listing of all of the locations you need to go to and including up the price of practice tickets to see if the go is well worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail 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, nevertheless 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 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 need to go to. A visit to Nara is a should as a result of it’s so near the town and has quite a bit to supply.
Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very near Osaka and it’s doable to go to every metropolis on a day journey. Frankly, I feel you want not less than three days to totally discover Kyoto, however in case you can’t squeeze it into your itinerary in any other case, even a day journey from Osaka is healthier than not visiting the town in any respect.