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 per week, Osaka gives loads of methods to remain busy, and I need to share all of them on this information on one of the best issues to do in Osaka!
From town’s tallest skyscrapers that supply one of the best panoramic views to all of the historic shrines and temples that can make you are feeling such as you’ve traveled via time – I’ve acquired loads of ideas on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and huge nature parks.
Osaka is the third largest metropolis in Japan, so it will get busy. Nevertheless it additionally gives serene inexperienced areas simply minutes outdoors of the city jungle, so you may simply escape the noise and bustle of its crowded streets.
Genuine adventures in Osaka vary from driving go-karts on town streets to consuming fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and exquisite nature parks are all accessible 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 are staples of this neon-lit metropolis.
Better of Osaka Fast Information
- Should See: Osaka Castle, Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple
- The place To Keep: First Cabin Nishi Umeda, Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi, The Royal Park Hotel
- Enjoyable To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studios, Go-Kart Tours
- Day Journeys: Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima
- Should-Attempt Meals: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu
Finest Issues To Do In Osaka, Japan
As Japan’s third largest metropolis by inhabitants, Osaka gives a plethora of attention-grabbing sights to guests. Town seamlessly blends the previous with the brand new, providing a possibility to tour a Sixteenth-century fortress, however exit to a busy avenue with skyscrapers when you cross the moat.
It’s the place to be in Japan if you happen to ever dreamed of racing round metropolis streets in Go Karts, or wished to be inside a Tremendous Mario online game. Osaka can be recognized for one of the best meals in Japan and has lengthy been generally known as the nation’s middle for soul meals. Town appeals to everybody, so it’s no shock that it’s among the best locations to go to in Japan.
1. Stroll Round Dotonbori
Dotonbori district is the bustling middle and the guts of Osaka. It’s greatest recognized for its massive neon indicators, and strolling round this district at night time is a particular expertise. Though Dotonbori gives many sights price testing within the chilly gentle of day, returning to its avenue after darkish is a should.
The intense, 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 town. Dotonbori is residence to many outlets, eating places, and one of the best nightlife in Osaka.
It was at all times the principal a part of town for leisure. All through historical past, Dotonbori has been residence to a lot of Osaka’s greatest theaters and different reside leisure venues. These days it’s higher recognized for dance golf equipment and bars, but it surely’s nonetheless residence to lots of the metropolis’s greatest theaters.
Sensible Data
Dotonbori is a metropolis district accessible by public transport. Get out at Namba Station to start out exploring Dotonbori.
2. Go to the Hozenji Buddhist Temple
Hozenji Temple is within 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 within 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 vital 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 course of Osaka’s busiest neighborhood.
There aren’t many guidelines in locations for visiting the temples (or shrines) in Japan. It’s vital to be respectful and put on applicable clothes.
Sensible Data
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 Fortress
Osaka Fortress is likely one of the most well-known historic landmarks on this metropolis. It was initially constructed within the Sixteenth century, however the website has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all elements of Osaka Fortress Park.
The fortress has two moats; an outer moat that separates the fortress grounds from the city elements of town, and an inside moat that separates that precise preserve from the parks on the grounds. The whole lot on the grounds of Osaka Fortress is open to guests, most of it freed from cost.
You have to pay an entrance fee 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 be charged, but it surely’s solely 200 Yen ($1.4) within the low season and 350 ($2.4) Yen within the cherry blossom season.
Sensible Data
Entrance to the museum inside Osaka Fortress is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Enterprise Park practice station is likely one of the closest to the Osaka Fortress Park entrance.
4. Uncover Previous Japan in Kyoto
Kyoto is taken into account Japan’s cultural middle. Town served because the capital for a very long time, and it’s most likely an important for Japanese tradition and traditions. Whereas the streets of larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka 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 special period.
Frankly, I don’t assume a day is sufficient to totally experience Kyoto. On 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 within the metropolis, well-known for the seemingly countless pink gates you need to move via when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is town’s most well-known Buddhist temple, recognized for its ornate gold facade.
Sakura bushes, Geisha, and slender cobblestone alleys are staple sights on this historic metropolis. Museums and different vacationer sights can be found for guests, as are many bars and eating places. However you don’t come to Kyoto for the meals; you come right here for genuine Japanese tradition and custom, which town epitomizes.
Sensible Data
Kyoto is 25 minutes from the Shin-Osaka practice station, accessible by the native Osaka metro. Prepare tickets are ¥580 ($4).
5. See The View From Umeda Sky Constructing
Umeda Sky Constructing is just the nineteenth tallest construction in Osaka Prefecture, but it surely’s one of many metropolis’s most recognizable landmarks. The constructing consists of two towers over 40 tales, that are related on the high. Corridors join the 2 skyscrapers, and strolling via them feels such as you’re on high of the world.
There’s an observatory on the high, which gives a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s among the best views within the metropolis, particularly at night time. A number of eating places are additionally accessible on the highest flooring of the Umeda Sky Constructing, and having fun with a traditional Japanese dinner together with a implausible view of town is a superb method to finish a day in Osaka.
Evenings are the preferred 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 Amazing Pass or the Osaka E-Go can get in without spending a dime earlier than 4 PM however solely get a 30% low cost for tickets purchased after 4 PM.
Sensible Data
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 youngsters youthful than 12.
6. An Afternoon At Common Studios Japan
The Common Studios theme park in Osaka is considered one of six on the earth. It’s such a particular place in Osaka and if I might, I might transfer there in a heartbeat and by no means go away. And sure, it’s as a result of they’ve Hogwarts and Hagrid’s Hut on the grounds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a extremely popular space of the theme park, however actually not the one one price visiting.
Tremendous Nintendo World Japan can be extraordinarily standard, as a result of who wouldn’t need to be inside a Tremendous Mario recreation for a number of moments? Different areas of the park are devoted to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and lots of different distinguished movies produced by this studio.
Common Studios in Osaka is a should for all lovers of cinema, and households with kids. Whether or not you’re touring with the little ones otherwise you 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.
Sensible Data
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 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 middle. Effectively, it’s Half-hour away by automobile, however touring by public transport takes a bit longer.
Riverside strolling paths, Buddhist temples, bridges, and numerous statues all await at Minoh Park. The huge inexperienced area is ideal for an escape from the busy metropolis streets, and it’s actually unbelievable that such an exquisite place could be so near the city jungle. When you journey to Osaka within the fall, a go to to Minoh Park is a should, for the picturesque autumn foliage.
The general public park can be residence to a number of eating places and avenue meals distributors, so there are many choices if you happen to get hungry. Along with the strolling trails and temples, the park additionally options an Insectarium.
Sensible Data
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. Cling 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 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 will 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 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. Youngsters significantly take pleasure in this expertise, and the park is actually 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 bushes are in bloom.
Sensible Data
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 here.
9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka
The Cup Noodles Museum is a kind of locations which you can go to solely in Japan. With an exhibit fully devoted to cup noodles all through historical past, this prompt 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 prompt noodles, but in addition sculptures of cup noodles, and an prompt ramen-making station. Within the Rooster Ramen Manufacturing unit, you may even make noodles from scratch.
After all, 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.
Sensible Data
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 Rooster Ramen Manufacturing unit is 1,000 Yen ($6.8).
10. Observatory At Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas is town’s tallest skyscraper within the enterprise district. Till 2023 it was the tallest constructing in Japan, but it surely was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills advanced in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper options places of work, a lodge, an artwork museum, eating places, outlets, and a practice station on the underground degree.
There’s heaps to do and see at this constructing, particularly if you wish to discover eating places or outlets. However the primary 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 within the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Artwork Museum is one other place price visiting to see some fantastic Japanese artwork, but in addition examples of Western artwork, trendy artwork, and way more.
Sensible Data
Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory could be bought solely on the spot, on the day of the go to. You can reserve tickets in advance however should alternate the reservation for same-day tickets for a charge. 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 fans, there is no such thing as a higher place on this metropolis. The museum exhibit is different and detailed, with all an important parts of Osaka’s historical past on show. It’s vital to notice that there aren’t too many English descriptions of the reveals, however that shouldn’t cease you from visiting the museum. Most reveals are straightforward to grasp even with no description.
On the Osaka Museum of Historical past, you may see how town and its environment developed over the ages. The traditions and methods of the locals are additionally exemplified on this museum and could be noticed in interval clothes, furnishings, and even inside design.
Sensible info
Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of Historical past. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to five PM day by day besides Tuesday.
12. Attempt Kobe Beef in Kobe
Kobe is just 20 minutes from central Osaka by practice, so it’s among the best cities for a day journey in Western Japan. There are lots of causes to come back to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, however the one factor you actually ought to strive within the metropolis is Kobe beef.
Kobe beef is famous within the culinary business. It’s a sort of Wagyu beef from a particular pressure of Japanese Black cattle, that are raised solely within the area round Kobe. Though it has been exported to different nations since 2012, there’s no higher place on the earth to strive the luxurious steak than Kobe.
Steak Aoyama is likely one of the greatest steakhouses within the metropolis. Locals and vacationers have been coming right here for Kobe beef steaks because the Sixties, and it’s one of many metropolis’s highest-rated eating places. Count on 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 Data
Kobe is 20-Half-hour from Osaka by practice. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Journey velocity and ticket price rely upon the kind of practice you board; the famous time and worth are for the trains that run on the Fast Aboshi line.
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a coated purchasing avenue within the coronary heart of Osaka. With numerous outlets that promote tax-free items and provide airport supply, it’s the right vacation spot for memento purchasing. 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 traditional Japanese souvenirs and trinkets.
Loads of avenue meals stalls are nestled between store entrances, and there are many locations the place you may cease for a fast chew.
The purchasing avenue finally turns right into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Go to each the busy neon-lit middle and the favored purchasing arcade, to see two of Osaka’s most well-known areas in a single afternoon.
Sensible Data
The typical working hours for retailers on Shinsaibashi-Suji Avenue are from 8 AM till 11 PM, however the outlets don’t all observe the identical opening hours. Namba Station is the closest to the purchasing avenue entrance.
14. Play Pachinko
Pachinko is a combination of an arcade recreation and a slot machine. When 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.
Playing is illegitimate in Japan, so you may’t get cash straight 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 recreation, and a few machines mean you can alternate only one Yen for a ball. Who is aware of, if you happen to twist the knob excellent, you may simply hit the jackpot.
Sensible Data
Pachinko parlors can be found all through Osaka. Gamers have to be at the very least 18 years previous.
15. Avenue 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 famous, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is critical for understanding its heritage and traditions.
Go to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a speed tour of Osaka’s delicacies. It’s among the best locations within the metropolis for avenue meals and memento purchasing. Recent 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 may strive as many various issues as doable. Don’t simply stick to 1 restaurant since you may miss out on one thing superb.
Sensible Data
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 considered 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 change into 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 middle. The crowds listed here are smaller, and the complete 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 photographs of Osaka’s coolest vacationer attraction.
Sensible Data
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
When you really feel overwhelmed by the crowds on Osaka’s streets, escape to Nagai Park. The expansive inexperienced area within the south of town is extremely serene and gives sufficient content material to maintain you busy for a number of hours.
The park is especially beautiful throughout cherry blossom season when all of the bushes are in full bloom. Nagai Park is adorned with many gentle installations, which make the complete place come alive after darkish.
Nagai Botanical Backyard is the spotlight of this public park, with numerous beautiful flowers and a big pond on the middle. 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 be located on this park and gives perception into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the area.
Sensible Data
Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka metropolis middle by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park.
18. Race Round The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart
You can stroll round Osaka for hours and adore it, however there’s a greater method to discover town. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart and race across the metropolis streets taking in all of the sights. Sure, you may tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in actual life!
It’s among the best and most entertaining experiences within the metropolis, combining an exciting journey with traditional sightseeing. Simply needless to say 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 tours happen on precise roads, so you’ll need a sound driver’s license. Foreigners will need to have an Worldwide Driver’s Allow to have the ability to drive in Japan.
Sensible Data
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. Journey 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 possibly match as much as 480 passengers without delay. It’s a large construction that gives a spectacular view of Osaka from the highest.
It’s greatest to experience the Tempozan Wheel at night time when the complete construction will get illuminated with all colours of the rainbow. And since Osaka’s skyline appears one of the best after darkish when all the metropolis’s vibrant lights are on.
Sensible Data
Tempozan Big Ferris Wheel is open day by day from 10 AM to 9-10 PM (it’s open longer on the weekends). Tickets for the experience are 900 Yen ($6.1).
20. Roam Round Shinsekai
Sinsekai is considered 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 within the aftermath of WWII. Felony exercise flourished, and for some time, Shinsekai was nearly a harmful place to be in Osaka. That’s not the case, and loads of vacationers in Osaka cease by this colourful district.
Come here for cheap street food, memento outlets, arcade video games, Pachinko parlors, and vibrant neon indicators.
Sensible Data
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 considered one of Osaka’s most well-known Buddhist temples. It was first constructed within the sixth century and reconstructed a number of instances 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 considered one of Osaka’s largest temples, by way of the scale of the advanced. Along with the primary temple constructing, there’s additionally a backyard, a treasure corridor, an previous bell tower, and a number of other different buildings on the grounds.
Sensible Data
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 because of the extremely quick Nozomi bullet trains that attain speeds of greater than 300 km/h. Town 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 within the metropolis. It particulars the occasions of the atomic bombing and the results it left on town and its folks, in addition to the reconstruction that adopted. Some reveals are very emotional, and the museum gives you a brand new perspective on the occasions of that grim day.
Hiroshima Fortress is one other standard landmark, very near the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Backyard is one other great spot to go to with ponds and exquisite landscaping.
Sensible Data
Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet practice.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
What Is Osaka, Japan Finest Recognized For?
Osaka is greatest recognized for scrumptious avenue meals and pleasant locals. There’s no higher vacation spot within the nation for a radical exploration of Japanese delicacies.
Is Osaka, Japan Value Visiting?
Sure, Osaka is price visiting. It’s the third most populous metropolis in Japan, recognized for glorious meals and an exquisite mix of historic and trendy Japan.
Is 3 Days in Osaka Too A lot?
No, 3 days in Osaka will not 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 will not be essentially nicer than Tokyo, however it’s cheaper and fewer crowded. Tokyo continues to be one of the 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.
The place To Keep In Osaka
Discover lodging in central Osaka for simple entry to all one of the best sights. Motels within the metropolis aren’t too costly, and there are a great deal of choices for lower than $50 per night time. Lodging outdoors the middle is okay so long as it’s near the metro. Listed here are among the greatest inns in Osaka for all budgets:
The place To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is all about the food and there’s no scarcity of wonderful eating places on the town. From avenue meals stalls to Michelin-starred eating places, Osaka gives something you might need. A few of the metropolis’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 one of the best place for avenue meals. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has among the greatest beef in Osaka, whereas Halal Ramen Naniwaya is likely one of the hottest locations for ramen and katsu dishes. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama has three Michelin stars and a inexperienced star, so it’s among the best for high quality eating. Endo Sushi is likely one of the highest-rated sushi eating places in Osaka that’s operated for greater than a century.
Ideas And Data 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 might keep away from touring to Osaka in the summertime as a result of it’s scorching, humid, and crowded.
Spring is a superb time in Osaka. The climate is delicate, and the numerous flowers and cherry blossom bushes within the metropolis are in full bloom. When you’re most considering Osaka’s pure landmarks, spring might be one of the 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 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 related to town middle by practice, and it’s roughly an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station.
Osaka Worldwide Airport is way nearer to town middle. It’s additionally related to central Osaka by practice, and the journey time is just Half-hour. When you can select which airport you need 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 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 costliest one, and I extremely recommend the JRail Pass if you happen to’re within the nation for some time and also you need to discover.
The cheapest JRail Pass is $355 for per week of journey, so it’s solely definitely worth the cash if you happen to plan to extensively journey via 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 move is definitely worth the cash for you.
One factor to notice is that the JRail Go doesn’t cowl metro strains 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 may set aside two days for town. A tour is doable in a day, but it surely wouldn’t mean you can correctly benefit from the sights since you’d continually be dashing to see the following factor. However two days is sufficient time to see all one of the best of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing.
However, 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 town and has loads to supply.
Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very near Osaka and it’s doable to go to every metropolis on a day journey. Frankly, I feel you want at the very least three days to totally 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 best than not visiting town in any respect.
