Planning a visit to Osaka, Japan, and also you’re uncertain which sights to prioritize? Whether you’re in city for a day or every week, Osaka presents 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 may make you are feeling such as you’ve traveled by way of time – I’ve acquired loads of strategies on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks.
Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. But it additionally presents 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.
Authentic adventures in Osaka vary from driving go-karts on the town streets to consuming fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and exquisite nature parks are all accessible in 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.
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 presents a plethora of attention-grabbing sights to guests. The metropolis seamlessly blends the previous with the brand new, providing a chance to tour a Sixteenth-century fortress, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.
It’s the place to be in Japan if you happen to ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Super Mario online game. Osaka can be recognized for the very best meals in Japan and has lengthy been often called the nation’s heart for soul meals. The metropolis appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s among the best locations to go to in Japan.
1. Stroll Around Dotonbori
Dotonbori district is the bustling heart and the center of Osaka. It’s greatest recognized for its massive neon indicators, and strolling round this district at night time is a particular expertise. Although Dotonbori presents many sights value trying out in the chilly mild of day, returning to its avenue after darkish is a should.
The vibrant, colourful lights of the neon indicators give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s actually 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 very best nightlife in Osaka.
It was all the time the principal a part of the town for leisure. Throughout historical past, Dotonbori has been residence to a lot of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different dwell leisure venues. Nowadays it’s higher recognized for dance golf equipment and bars, however 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 in the course of the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away in the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the best landmark to identify if you happen to don’t know what you’re in search of.
The small historic temple is greatest recognized for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an necessary 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 center of Osaka’s busiest neighborhood.
There aren’t many guidelines in locations for visiting the temples (or shrines) in Japan. It’s necessary to be respectful and put on acceptable clothes.
Practical Information
Hozenji Temple is located on the heart of Dotonbori, simply accessible from Namba and Kintetsu-Nippombashi practice stations. Entrance to the temple is freed from cost.
3. Tour Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is likely one of the most well-known historic landmarks in this metropolis. It was initially constructed in the Sixteenth century, however the website has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all components of Osaka Castle Park.
The fortress has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fortress grounds from the city components of the town, and an internal moat that separates that precise preserve from the parks on the grounds. Everything on the grounds of Osaka Castle is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You should pay an entrance payment solely if you wish to go contained in the Osaka Castle, which now serves as a historical past museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Garden can be charged, however it’s solely 200 Yen ($1.4) in the low season and 350 ($2.4) Yen in the cherry blossom season.
Practical Information
Entrance to the museum inside Osaka Castle is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Business Park practice station is likely one of the closest to the Osaka Castle Park entrance.
4. Discover Old Japan in Kyoto
Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural heart. The metropolis served because the capital for a very long time, and it’s most likely a very powerful for Japanese tradition and traditions. Whereas the streets of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka at the moment are 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. At the very least you want two days for this magnificent metropolis, and I might suggest prioritizing time in Kyoto over different locations.
Castles, shrines, and temples are what you’ll see most in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine in the town, well-known for the seemingly countless crimson gates it’s essential to move by way of 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 barely the nineteenth tallest construction in Osaka Prefecture, however it’s one of many metropolis’s most recognizable landmarks. The constructing consists of two towers over 40 tales, that are linked on the high. Corridors join the 2 skyscrapers, and strolling by way of them feels such as you’re on high of the world.
There’s an observatory on the high, which presents a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s among the best views in the town, particularly at night time. Several eating places are additionally accessible on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Building, and having fun with a standard Japanese dinner together with a incredible view of the town is an excellent approach 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 totally free earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM.
Practical Information
Umeda Sky Building is most simply accessible from the Osaka-Umeda station. Full-priced tickets are 1,500 Yen ($10.2) for adults and 700 Yen ($4.8) for kids youthful than 12.
6. An Afternoon At Universal Studios Japan
The Universal Studios theme park in Osaka is one among 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 be extraordinarily widespread, as a result of who wouldn’t need to be inside a Super Mario recreation 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 youngsters. Whether you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you need to really feel like a child once more even for simply 5 minutes, Osaka’s most well-known amusement park is a vacation spot to not be missed.
Practical Information
One-day tickets for Universal Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM day by day. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Super Nintendo World.
7. Hiking And Waterfalls At Minoh Park
Minoh Park is an oasis of serenity simply Half-hour away from Osaka metropolis heart. Well, it’s Half-hour away by 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 will be so near the city jungle. If you journey to Osaka in the autumn, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.
The public park can be residence to a number of eating places and avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices if you happen to 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 attention-grabbing landmarks, from shrines to fortress ruins, however Nara Park is by far essentially the most particular. It’s residence to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It would take a few days to see each single landmark and go inside each notable constructing on the park – that’s how massive the place is.
Nara Park is very recognized for the deer that freely roam its grounds. They’re all tame and you may even purchase crackers and feed them; some deer will even bow to you in an try and coerce you into feeding them extra. Kids notably get pleasure from this expertise, and the park is really a beautiful 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 kind of locations that you may go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit solely devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this instantaneous 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 instantaneous noodles, but in addition sculptures of cup noodles, and an instantaneous ramen-making station. In the Chicken Ramen Factory, you’ll be able to even make noodles from scratch.
Of course, 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 most cost-effective lunches you’ll be able to eat in Osaka.
Practical Information
The Cup Noodles Museum is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the museum is free, however a noodle-making class on the Chicken Ramen Factory is 1,000 Yen ($6.8).
10. Observatory At Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas is the town’s tallest skyscraper in the enterprise district. Until 2023 it was the tallest constructing in Japan, however it was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills advanced in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper options workplaces, a lodge, an artwork museum, eating places, outlets, and a practice station on the underground stage.
There’s tons to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or outlets. But the principle motive individuals come to Abeno Harukas is for the view of Osaka’s skyline from its tallest constructing, and it’s as spectacular of a view as you may count on.
Osaka appears to stretch endlessly, virtually till the mountains in the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is one other place value visiting to see some great Japanese artwork, but in addition examples of Western artwork, trendy artwork, and rather more.
Practical Information
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory will be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should change the reservation for same-day tickets for a payment. 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 ready in a contemporary constructing and superbly contrasts the Sixteenth-century Osaka Castle.
For Japanese historical past fanatics, there is no such thing as a higher place in this metropolis. The museum exhibit is various and detailed, with all a very powerful parts of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s necessary 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’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 in this museum and will be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.
Practical data
Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of History. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to five PM day by day besides Tuesday.
12. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is barely 20 minutes from central Osaka by practice, so it’s among the best cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are many causes to return to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to strive in the town is Kobe beef.
Kobe beef is famous in the culinary trade. It’s a kind of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely in the area round Kobe. Although it has been exported to different nations 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 for the reason that Nineteen Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Expect to spend round 10,000 Yen ($68) for a full Kobe beef steak dinner, however considerably much less (2,000-3,000 Yen) for a Kobe beef burger.
Practical Information
Kobe is 20-Half-hour from Osaka by practice. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Travel velocity and ticket value depend upon the kind of practice you board; the famous time and value are for the trains that run on the Rapid Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a lined procuring avenue in the center of Osaka. With numerous outlets that promote tax-free items and provide 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’ll be able to cease for a fast chunk.
The procuring avenue ultimately turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Visit each the busy neon-lit heart 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 mix of an arcade recreation and a slot machine. If 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.
Gambling is against the law in Japan, so you’ll be able to’t get cash instantly from the machines. But you may 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 recreation, and a few machines help you change only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, if you happen to twist the knob good, you may simply hit the jackpot.
Practical Information
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Players should be a minimum of 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 famous, 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 among the best 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 if you happen to love seafood. And even if you happen to 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 various issues as potential. 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 a minimum of 6 PM.
16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is one among 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 heart. The crowds listed here are smaller, and the 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 images of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Practical Information
Namba Yasaka Shrine is open for guests every day, from 9 AM to five PM. Entrance to the shrine is freed from cost, and the closest 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 presents sufficient content material to maintain you busy for just a few hours.
The park is especially gorgeous throughout cherry blossom season when all of the timber are in full bloom. Nagai Park is embellished with many mild installations, which make the complete 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 heart. Fields of irises, roses, camelia, and different flowers make the backyard a magical expertise in the spring season. The Osaka Museum of Natural History can be located in this park and presents perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.
Practical Information
Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis heart by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park.
18. Race Around The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart
You may stroll round Osaka for hours and like it, however there’s a greater approach to discover the town. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart and race across the metropolis streets taking in all of the sights. Yes, you’ll be able to tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!
It’s among the best and most entertaining experiences in the town, combining an exhilarating journey with basic sightseeing. Just preserve 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’ll need 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 a minimum of 18 years previous and have a legitimate driver’s license.
19. Ride The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is ready on a small river island. It’s subsequent to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, in the beautiful inexperienced Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it might 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 greatest to trip the Tempozan Wheel at night time when the complete construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And as a result of Osaka’s skyline appears the very best after darkish when all the metropolis’s vibrant lights are on.
Practical Information
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is open day by day from 10 AM to 9-10 PM (it’s open longer on the weekends). Tickets for the trip are 900 Yen ($6.1).
20. Roam Around Shinsekai
Sinsekai is one among Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One a part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the opposite after Paris, and the long-lasting Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower.
Sinsekai has a tumultuous historical past. It was as soon as a bustling metropolis neighborhood however grew to become one of many metropolis’s poorest in the aftermath of WWII. Criminal exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was virtually a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s not the case, and loads of vacationers in Osaka cease by this colourful district.
Come right here for reasonable avenue meals, memento outlets, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and vibrant neon indicators.
Practical Information
Shinsekai is in the southern a part of Osaka, near Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the 2 closest stations to the district.
21. Visit the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple
Shitenno-ji is one among 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 one among 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 individuals.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the preferred attraction in the town. It particulars the occasions of the atomic bombing and the results it left on the town and its individuals, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some displays are very emotional, and the museum gives you a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day.
Hiroshima Castle is one other widespread landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Garden is one other great spot to go to with ponds and exquisite landscaping.
Practical Information
Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Best Known For?
Osaka is greatest 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 a beautiful mix of historic and trendy Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too Much?
No, 3 days in Osaka shouldn’t be an excessive amount of. It’s simply sufficient time to see all the metropolis’s greatest landmarks and do a fast half-day journey to a close-by vacation spot.
Is Osaka Nicer Than Tokyo?
Osaka shouldn’t be essentially nicer than Tokyo, however it’s cheaper and fewer crowded. Tokyo remains to be the very best vacation spot for a first-time go to to Japan, however Osaka is a wonderful 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 night time. Accommodation outdoors the middle is ok so long as it’s near the metro. Here are a number of the greatest lodges in Osaka for all budgets:
Where To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all in regards to the meals and there’s no scarcity of fantastic eating places in city. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka presents something you can 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 rather 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 among the best for positive eating. Endo Sushi is likely one of the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Tips And Information For Visiting Osaka, Japan
Best Time To Visit
Osaka has a temperate local weather, so any time of the 12 months is an efficient time to be in the town. I might keep away from touring to Osaka in the summer time as a result of it’s scorching, humid, and crowded.
Spring is an excellent time in Osaka. The climate is delicate, 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 if you happen to’re extra fascinated by Japanese tradition, delicacies, and historical past. Osaka’s historic landmarks stay accessible in the autumn and winter, and the delicate climate means it’s not often too chilly to stroll round 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 linked to the town heart by practice, and it’s roughly an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station.
Osaka International Airport is way nearer to the town heart. It’s additionally linked to central Osaka by practice, and the journey time is barely Half-hour. If you’ll be able to select which airport you need to land at, Osaka International Airport is the extra handy possibility. But flying out of Kansai Airpot is a particular expertise, one which takes your journey to a brand new stage.
Getting Around
Japan is world-famous for its insanely quick bullet trains and so they’re by far the best way of touring across the area. For journey between two cities in Japan, a Shinkansen is the quickest and most handy mode of transport. It’s additionally the most costly one, and I extremely suggest the JRail Pass if you happen to’re in the nation for some time and also you need to discover.
The most cost-effective JRail Pass is $355 for every week of journey, so it’s solely well worth the cash if you happen to plan to extensively journey by way of Japan. I like to recommend creating an in depth record of all of the locations you need to go to and including up the price of practice tickets to see if the move is well worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Pass doesn’t cowl metro traces in the town of Osaka. For that, you’ll want an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card.
How Much Time Do You Need
If Osaka is simply one of many stops on an extended tour of Japan, you’ll be able to set aside two days for the town. A tour is doable in a day, however it wouldn’t help you correctly benefit from the sights since you’d continually be speeding to see the following 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 so much to supply.
Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very near Osaka and it’s potential to go to every metropolis on a day journey. Frankly, I believe you want a minimum of three days to completely discover Kyoto, however if you happen to 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.