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Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re not sure which sights to prioritize? Whether or not you’re on the town for a day or every week, Osaka provides 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 may make you’re feeling such as you’ve traveled by means of time – I’ve bought loads of solutions on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks. 

Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. However it additionally provides serene inexperienced areas simply minutes outdoors of the city jungle, so you’ll be able to 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 exquisite nature parks are all out there on this metropolis, making certain that anybody can have the time of their life in Osaka. So, let’s get into all the beautiful experiences which 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-Strive Meals: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu 

Finest Issues To Do In Osaka, Japan

As Japan’s third largest metropolis by inhabitants, Osaka provides 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 citadel, however exit to a busy road with skyscrapers when you cross the moat. 

It’s the place to be in Japan for those who ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Tremendous Mario online game. Osaka can also be identified for the most effective meals in Japan and has lengthy been generally known as the nation’s heart for soul meals. Town appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Japan. 

1. Stroll Round Dotonbori

Dotonbori district is the bustling heart and the guts of Osaka. It’s finest identified for its massive neon indicators, and strolling round this district at evening is a particular expertise. Though Dotonbori provides many sights value testing within the chilly gentle of day, returning to its road after darkish is a should. 

The intense, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s really an expertise you’ll be able to 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 most effective nightlife in Osaka. 

It was at all times the principal a part of the town for leisure. All through historical past, Dotonbori has been residence to lots of Osaka’s finest theaters and different dwell leisure venues. These days it’s higher identified for dance golf equipment and bars, however it’s nonetheless residence 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 through the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away within the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify for those who don’t know what you’re on the lookout for. 

The small historic temple is finest identified for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an essential deity in Japanese Buddhism. From the second you step onto the temple grounds, you’ll be able to really feel a way of calm. It’s much more fascinating that this oasis of tranquility is located in the midst 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 acceptable clothes. 

Sensible Info 

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 Fortress

Osaka Fortress is without doubt one of the most well-known historic landmarks on this metropolis. It was initially constructed within the Sixteenth century, however the web site has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all elements of Osaka Fortress Park. 

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

It’s essential 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, however it’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 practice station is without doubt one of 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 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 unique period. 

Frankly, I don’t assume a day is sufficient to absolutely 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 infinite pink gates you have to go by means of when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is the town’s most well-known Buddhist temple, identified for its ornate gold facade. 

Sakura timber, Geisha, and slim 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 practice station, accessible by the native Osaka metro. Practice tickets are ¥580 ($4). 

5. See The View From Umeda Sky Constructing

Umeda Sky Constructing is just the nineteenth tallest construction in Osaka Prefecture, however it’s one of many metropolis’s most recognizable landmarks. The constructing consists of two towers over 40 tales, that are 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 provides a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s top-of-the-line views within the metropolis, particularly at evening. A number of eating places are additionally out there on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Constructing, and having fun with a conventional Japanese dinner together with a unbelievable view of the town is a superb method 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 Wonderful Go or the Osaka E-Go can get in at no cost earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM. 

Sensible Info

Umeda Sky Constructing is most simply accessible from the Osaka-Umeda station. Full-priced tickets are 1,500 Yen ($10.2) for adults and 700 Yen ($4.8) for kids youthful than 12.  

6. An Afternoon At Common Studios Japan

The Common Studios theme park in Osaka is one in every of six on this planet. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I might, I’d transfer there in a heartbeat and by no means depart. And sure, it’s as a result of they’ve Hogwarts and Hagrid’s Hut on the grounds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a highly regarded space of the theme park, however actually not the one one value visiting. 

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

Common Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with youngsters. Whether or not you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you wish to really feel like a child once more even for simply 5 minutes, Osaka’s most well-known amusement park is a vacation spot to not be missed. 

Sensible Info

One-day tickets for Common Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM every single day. 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 house is ideal for an escape from the busy metropolis streets, and it’s truthfully unbelievable that such an exquisite place will be so near the city jungle. In the event you journey to Osaka within the fall, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.

The general public park can also be residence to a number of eating places and road meals distributors, so there are many choices for those who 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 practice 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 residence to many historic shrines and ruins. 

Town has fairly a number of attention-grabbing landmarks, from shrines to citadel ruins, however Nara Park is by far essentially the most particular. It’s residence to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It could 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 very identified for the deer that freely roam its grounds. They’re all tame and you may even purchase crackers and feed them; some deer will even bow to you in an try to coerce you into feeding them extra. Youngsters significantly get pleasure from this expertise, and the park is really an exquisite place for households. Go to Nara Park within the spring to benefit from the place in full glory, when all of the Sakura 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 Go right here.

9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka

The Cup Noodles Museum is a kind of locations you could go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit fully devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this immediate 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 immediate noodles, but additionally sculptures of cup noodles, and an immediate ramen-making station. Within the Hen Ramen Manufacturing facility, you’ll be able to even make noodles from scratch. 

In fact, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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 facility 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, however 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 degree. 

There’s tons to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or outlets. However the primary cause individuals come to Abeno Harukas is for the view of Osaka’s skyline from its tallest constructing, and it’s as spectacular of a view as you may count on. 

Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, virtually till the mountains within the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Artwork Museum is one other place value visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but additionally examples of Western artwork, fashionable artwork, and rather more. 

Sensible Info

Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory will be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You may reserve tickets upfront however should alternate 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 about in a contemporary constructing and superbly contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Fortress. 

For Japanese historical past lovers, there is no such thing as a higher place on this metropolis. The museum exhibit is various 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 simple to grasp even with no description. 

On the Osaka Museum of Historical past, you’ll be able to 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 will be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.  

Sensible data

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 every single day besides Tuesday. 

12. Strive Kobe Beef in Kobe

Kobe is just 20 minutes from central Osaka by practice, so it’s top-of-the-line cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are lots of 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 known within the culinary business. It’s a kind of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely within the area round Kobe. Though it has been exported to different international locations since 2012, there’s no higher place on this planet to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe. 

Steak Aoyama is without doubt one of the finest steakhouses within the metropolis. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks because the Nineteen Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. 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 practice. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Journey velocity and ticket price depend upon the kind of practice you board; the famous time and worth are for the trains that run on the Speedy Aboshi line.   

Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined procuring road within the coronary heart 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 vogue outlets right here, in addition to a great deal of smaller outlets that promote basic Japanese souvenirs and trinkets. 

Loads of road meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you’ll be able to cease for a fast chunk. 

The procuring road 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 common working hours for retailers on Shinsaibashi-Suji Road 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 road entrance. 

14. Play Pachinko 

Pachinko is a combination of an arcade sport and a slot machine. In the event 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 illegitimate in Japan, so you’ll be able to’t get cash immediately from the machines. However you will get Pachinko balls, which you then alternate for particular tokens. These tokens can then be exchanged for money at a vendor outdoors the parlor. 

Pachinko is a low-stakes sport, and a few machines will let you alternate only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, for those who twist the knob good, you may simply hit the jackpot. 

Sensible Info

Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Gamers have to be at the very least 18 years previous.  

15. Road Meals Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market

For a very long time, Osaka was generally known as the nationwide kitchen of Japan. Town’s meals tradition is known, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is important for understanding its heritage and traditions. 

Go to Kuromon Ichiba Marketplace for a velocity tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis for road meals and memento procuring. Recent and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and also you’ll have a plethora of choices for those who love seafood. And even for those who don’t, there are many different choices. 

I like to recommend shopping for meals from a number of distributors so you’ll be able to strive as many alternative issues as doable. Don’t simply stick to at least one restaurant since you may miss out on one thing superb. 

Sensible Info

Kuromon Ichiba Market is in central Osaka, near Dotonbori. Most distributors keep open till at the very least 6 PM. 

16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine

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

Though Namba Yasaka Shrine could be very near Dotonbori and the guts of Osaka, it’s in a way more peaceable space than the buzzing heart. The crowds listed here are smaller, and your complete 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 photographs of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction. 

Sensible Info 

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

In the event you really feel overwhelmed by the crowds on Osaka’s streets, escape to Nagai Park. The expansive inexperienced house within the south of the town is extremely serene and provides 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 your complete place come alive after darkish. 

Nagai Botanical Backyard is the spotlight of this public park, with numerous attractive 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 provides perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.

Sensible Info

Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis heart by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park. 

18. Race Round The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart

You would stroll round Osaka for hours and like it, however there’s a greater method 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’ll be able to tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!

It’s top-of-the-line and most entertaining experiences within the metropolis, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Simply remember the fact 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 will need to have an Worldwide Driver’s Allow to have the ability to drive in Japan. 

Sensible Info

Karting excursions round Osaka often take 1-2 hours and can be found solely to vacationers who’re at the very least 18 years previous and have a sound driver’s license. 

19. Experience The Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel is about on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Heart, within the beautiful inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it will probably match as much as 480 passengers directly. It’s a large construction that gives a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest. 

It’s finest to trip the Tempozan Wheel at evening when your complete construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And since Osaka’s skyline appears the most effective after darkish when the entire metropolis’s brilliant lights are on.  

Sensible Info 

Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel is open every single 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 Round Shinsekai

Sinsekai is one in every of Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One a part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the opposite after Paris, and the long-lasting Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. 

Sinsekai has a tumultuous historical past. It was as soon as a bustling metropolis neighborhood however turned one of many metropolis’s poorest within the aftermath of WWII. Prison exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was virtually a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s not the case, and loads of vacationers in Osaka cease by this colourful district. 

Come right here for reasonable road meals, memento outlets, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and brilliant neon indicators.  

Sensible Info

Shinsekai is within the southern a part of Osaka, near Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the 2 closest stations to the district. 

21. Go to the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple

Shitenno-ji is one in every of Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed within the sixth century and reconstructed a number of 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 every of Osaka’s largest temples, by way of the scale of the complicated. Along with the primary temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an previous bell tower, and several other different buildings on the grounds. 

Sensible Info

Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2). 

22. Day Journey to Hiroshima

A day journey to Hiroshima is straightforward to do from Osaka due to the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. Town is finest identified for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of greater than 100,000 individuals. 

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the most well-liked attraction within the metropolis. 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 displays are very emotional, and the museum offers you a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day. 

Hiroshima Fortress is one other in style landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Backyard is one other excellent place to go to with ponds and exquisite landscaping. 

Sensible Info

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

Regularly Requested Questions

What Is Osaka, Japan Finest Recognized For?

Osaka is finest identified for scrumptious road 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 value visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, identified for glorious meals and an exquisite mix of historic and fashionable Japan. 

Is 3 Days in Osaka Too A lot? 

No, 3 days in Osaka is just not 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 is just not essentially nicer than Tokyo, however it’s cheaper and fewer crowded. Tokyo remains 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 straightforward entry to all the most effective sights. Inns 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 okay so long as it’s near the metro. Listed below are a few of the finest resorts in Osaka for all budgets: 

The place To Eat In Osaka

Osaka is all in regards to the meals and there’s no scarcity of fantastic eating places on the town. From road meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka provides something you might need. Among 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 road meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has a few of the finest beef in Osaka, whereas Halal Ramen Naniwaya is without doubt one of the hottest locations for ramen and katsu dishes. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama has three Michelin stars and a inexperienced star, so it’s top-of-the-line for high-quality eating. Endo Sushi is without doubt one of the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century. 

Ideas And Info For Visiting Osaka, Japan

Finest Time To Go to

Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the 12 months 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 delicate, and the numerous flowers and cherry blossom timber within the metropolis are in full bloom. In the event you’re most concerned with Osaka’s pure landmarks, spring might be the most effective season to go to. 

Fall and winter are additionally good occasions to journey to Osaka, particularly for those who’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible within the fall and winter, and the delicate climate means it’s hardly ever too chilly to stroll round outdoors. 

Getting There

Osaka is serviced by two airports – Osaka Worldwide Airport and Kansai Worldwide Airport. Pre-pandemic, Kansai Airport was the third busiest hub in Japan, however these days Osaka Worldwide Airport operates extra flights. 

Kansai Airport is located on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. It’s linked to the town heart by practice, and it’s roughly an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station. 

Osaka Worldwide Airport is way nearer to the town heart. It’s additionally linked to central Osaka by practice, and the journey time is just Half-hour.  In the event 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 Go for those who’re within the nation for some time and also you wish to discover. 

The least expensive JRail Go is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash for those who 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 go is well worth the cash for you. 

One factor to notice is that the JRail Go doesn’t cowl metro traces within the metropolis of Osaka. For that, you’ll want an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card. 

How A lot Time Do You Want

If Osaka is simply one of many stops on an extended tour of Japan, you’ll be able to set aside two days for the town. A tour is doable in a day, however it wouldn’t will let you correctly benefit from the sights since you’d continuously be dashing to see the following 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 so much 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 at the very least three days to completely discover Kyoto, however for those who can’t squeeze it into your itinerary in any other case, even a day journey from Osaka is best than not visiting the town in any respect.