Osaka City Guide

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Osaka City Guide - Something For Everyone: There's no other city in Japan quite like Osaka.

Japan’s second largest metropolitan area is referred to as Japan's kitchen, demonstrating the locals' love of food and home to takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu and more delicious regional dishes. 

In this comprehensive Osaka city guide, local expert Osaka Bob provides a convincing argument for the claim that Osaka has something for everyone.

Osaka City Guide The Real Japan

Osaka City Guide - Something For Everyone
by Osaka Bob

Once the nation’s main economic powerhouse, Osaka is the place to visit in West Japan. Big city vibes and a huge helping of fun will keep you on your toes and out all night. 

The city goes by many names: Aquametropolis Osaka because of the ports and abundant waterways, Gateway Osaka due to its convenient location for travel, and The Nation’s Kitchen since it has such an incredibly rich food culture. 

There is something for absolutely everyone, from manga lovers, to sports fans, to foodies, to history buffs. Family travelers will find plenty to do here too!

Osaka City Guide: Introducing Osaka

A city of approximately 2.7 million people and the hub of Western Japan - whatever you’re looking for Osaka delivers!

From hole-in-the wall restaurants to top-tier dining, the city is famous among food-lovers for good reason. Bars, clubs, concerts, and sporting events can keep you busy well into the night. Family travelers will find lots to do from the spectacular aquarium Kaiyukan to the action-packed theme park Universal Studios Japan, which features the first ever Super Nintendo World™.

Osaka city guide views The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Osaka views, left to right: view from the top of Abeno Harukas, sidestreet yakitori restaurant, Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Japan

Beyond the big-name attractions, Osaka also has a lot to offer in the way of niche interests and a quirky personality

Anime and pop-culture enthusiasts should head straight to the Nipponbashi/Den Den Town.  Music-lovers can find tiny specialized record shops of any genre in the city. And were you looking for a dinosaur themed karaoke joint or shopping for custom-made Lolita fashion? Maybe you’re looking for vintage Sailor Moon toys or retro video games? Themed bars and cafes will take you into worlds you never dreamed of.

SEE ALSO: 11 Unique Things To Do in Osaka

Where is Osaka?

Osaka City is located on Honshu, Japan’s largest island, in Osaka Prefecture, at the heart of the Kansai region, which includes Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and beyond. It’s about halfway between Tokyo - 2 ½ hours by shinkansen - and Hiroshima - 1 ½ hours by shinkansen.


The Climate in Osaka

CURRENT WEATHER

OSAKA WEATHER

Osaka winters are mild but late summer is hot and humid.

Spring and fall are very pleasant, although you’ll want to bring rain gear if you visit during the late-spring/early summer rainy season. The many festivals, museums, and cultural institutions are a good destination during any season. The city is popular with visitors year-round thanks to its fun urban atmosphere and amazing food culture.

VIDEO: 24 Hours In Osaka

Osaka Travel Guide: How to get around Osaka

Osaka has an amazing transportation network that will get you where you need to go. And fast!

Bullet trains (shinkansen) pull into Shin-Osaka Station every few minutes connecting the city with Tokyo in approximately 2.5 hours, Hiroshima in under 1.5 hours, and over to Kyoto in less than 15 minutes. Osaka Station in Umeda, used by several private train companies, the is the largest railway station in the city, connecting many local and regional services.

Because there are a number of private railways operating in and around Osaka, you’ll want to set your sights beyond the JR network when you travel locally. Osaka Metro, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Keihan Railway, and Nankai Railway are all parts of the extensive public transportation system. Plus Northern Osaka Prefecture boasts one of the world’s longest monorail tracks

Osaka JR Station Osaka city guide The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Osaka Station in Umeda, is the largest railway station in the city

Pro-tip: The JR rail pass is a good investment for visitors planning to go far and wide. Alterntaively, if Osaka and the surrounding Kansai region is a big part of your itinerary, you might want to consider the Kansai Wide Area Pass. It's issued by JR West and covers up to 6 journeys over 5 consecutive days.

SEE ALSO: Regional Japan Rail Passes: 5 Best Value Passes


Another option is to invest in an ICOCA card (¥500 deposit) which can be purchased on JR ticket machines and charged at ticket machines on almost any train line and at most convenience stores. ICOCA is the JR West equivalent of Suica from JR East, SUGOCA from JR Kyushu, and other smart card systems.

Osaka city guide Icoca card The Real Japan

IC cards can be used seamlessly to pay transportation fares on trains, monorails, and buses. They eliminate the need to buy special tickets when you transfer between different rail companies and they make a convenient cashless payment option to be used at shops and some vending machines. Charge them on ticket machines or at some convenience stores. Before you leave Japan, return your IC card at a JR machine and collect any money remaining minus a ¥220 fee.

To explore the city at a slower pace, consider renting a bicycle or joining a cycle tour to see the city up-close at a different speed. 


9 Top must-see Osaka attractions

  • Abenos Harukas
  • Dōtonbori Area
  • HEP Five Ferris Wheel
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
  • Osaka Castle
  • Kuromon Market
  • Shitennoji Temple
  • Umeda Sky Building (Kuchu Teien Observatory)
  • Universal Studios Japan
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Abeno Harukas

Japan's second-tallest building is also home to an observation deck (HARUKAS 300) that delivers spectacular 360° views across the city and beyond, and includes shops, restaurants and cafes, an art museum, university campuses and more. The five-star Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel offers luxury accommodation on the building's floors 38 to 57.

Standing at a towering 300 meters (984 feet) tall, it has 62 floors. The department store Kintetsu Abeno Harukas, is the largest department store in Japan, occupying 16 floors! Its name “Abeno Harukas” comes from the old Japanese word “晴るかす” (harukasu). It means “to brighten, to clear up”.

Harukas Osaka city guide The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Views from the rooftop of the Abeno Harukas building reach to the edges of Osaka city and beyond

The most popular attraction of Abeno Harukas is the rooftop observatory, which is located on the top floor of the building. The observatory offers stunning, panoramic views of Osaka and the surrounding area, and is open from 9am to 10pm. After taking in the scenery from the very top, head down to the open-air observation deck on the 58th floor, where you will find a cafe selling food and drink, including ice cream and beer. Abeno Harukas is a unique destination for tourists visiting Osaka.

Access is easy as Osaka Abenobashi Station can be found in the ground and first basement levels of the building.

Dōtonbori area

The Dōtonbori area of Osaka is a vibrant (some might say gaudy!), lively shopping and entertainment district, renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and delicious street food. If you’re looking to experience the best of Osaka's food and drink scene, you absolutely must visit Dōtonbori. 

Osaka city guide Dotonbori restaurants The Real Japan Rob Dyer

The streets of Dōtonbori are full of outlandish and colourful restaurant signs

Tourists flock to the area for its restaurants and bars, which serve up a range of traditional Japanese dishes and drinks. So be prepared for the streets to be packed during peak hours. The area is best known for its iconic neon and extraordinary, colourful 3-D character signs which light up the streets at night, helping create a carnival atmosphere.

The volume and variety of restaurants here can be overwhelming, so it can be a good idea to plan ahead. 

Famous ones include Kani Dōraku Crab, which specializes in crab dishes; and the popular Ichiran, which serves up delicious ramen, specializing in tonkotsu ramen (ramen in a pork bone broth). For drinks, head for Hozenji Yokocho Alley, where you find a wealth of genuine izakaya bars, serving up a tempting range of Japanese beers and sake.

SEE ALSO: Japanese Craft Beer – A Beginner’s Guide

HEP Five Ferris Wheel

The distinctive red HEP Five Ferris Wheel is one of the most popular attractions in Osaka, located in the HEP Five shopping mall in Umeda. Although it isn’t the city’s biggest Ferris wheel, what makes this one special is that it is located on top of the HEP Five shopping mall.

The highest point of the wheel reaches 106m (348ft) above the ground, offering some great views of the heart of Osaka.

HEP Five ferris wheel Osaka city guide The Real Japan

Osaka's red HEP Five Ferris wheel sits on top of a shopping mall, close to Osaka Station

Getting to the Ferris wheel is easy. Hankyu Umeda is the closest station, but you can also get there from JR Osaka Station (the wheel is directly opposite Osaka Station’s eastern exits), as well as from Umeda and Higashi-Umeda stations on the Osaka Metro.

The wheel is popular with tourists and locals alike, and especially young couples, as the small individual cabin's glass windows provide a romantic view of the city below.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in the Tempozan Harbor Village entertainment and shopping complex next to Osaka bay. It’s home to almost 30,000 fish and other aquatic creatures, and is internationally known for its whale sharks - the world’s largest fish growing up to 12m (39ft) in length. 

The aquarium tour starts with you entering via the Aqua Gate, aka ‘fish underpass’, allowing visitors to walk through a glass tunnel and be surrounded by sea creatures.  Progress through the strikingly-designed aquarium in a spiral ramp surrounding the main water tanks. 

Osaka city guide Aquarium Kaiyukan The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at nighttime

Visitors take the escalator to start at the top, on the eighth floor, before making their way down back to the fourth floor, via a series of aquatic exhibits. Along the way, you can explore each of the aquarium's 15 large tanks, each recreating a specific region of the Pacific Rim.

Kaiyukan's highlight is its whale shark tank, which is 9 meters (30ft) deep and 34m (112ft) long, holding 5,400 tons of water. The huge tank is also home to manta rays, octopuses, ocean sunfish, Japanese giant spider crabs, otters, sea lions and more. 

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an unforgettable experience, offering visitors the chance to see some of the world's largest sea creatures up close.  It should also be noted that elevators are available for wheelchair users and there is a prayer room on the premises. Baby strollers may be checked at the information desk on the second floor.


Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most iconic castles, located in the Chuo ward in the center of Osaka.

It was originally built in the 16th century but was destroyed by fire, more than once, during conflicts and once in a lightning storm. The main castle tower is a modern reconstruction, with the most recent restoration completed in 1997. The stone walls, moat, Ōtemon gate, Tamon turret, Sengan turret, and other old buildings that can be seen today are all from the Edo period (1603 - 1867).

Osaka city guide Osaka castle The Real Japan

Osaka Castle is internationally recognised and the focus of seasonal events throughout the year

The castle is easily accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators and ramps to the upper floors. Visitors can also explore the castle's grounds, which feature a museum, gardens, and turrets. The castle is particularly popular during the cherry blossom season, which is usually in late March to early April. However, it can get very crowded during this time, so visitors should arrive early to secure a picnic spot and be prepared for crowds.


VIDEO: Osaka Castle Night Lighting

From the observation deck at the top of the main tower, there are some expansive views across Osaka City. The castle is open daily between 9am and 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm) and is closed completely from December 28th to January 1st.


Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market is a sprawling food market located in the heart of the city in the Minami (Namba) southern downtown Osaka. 

It’s one of the oldest of its kind, having been around since the Edo period, and is still a popular destination both for locals and tourists. The market is home to around 150 stores, selling everything from fresh seafood and meat produce to traditional Japanese snacks. It’s a great place to sample some of the freshest and cheapest produce available in the city, as well as the perfect spot for souvenir shopping. 

Kuromon Market Osaka city guide The Real Japan

If you don't mind bustling crowds Osaka's Kuromon Market is a must-see for foodies and great for souvenirs

When it comes to eating in the market, it’s a good idea to stroll along, and simply stop at any stall that catches your eye (or nose!). Local specialities include takoyaki, a popular Osaka snack made with octopus, grilled in batter, served with bonito flakes. Other popular options include grilled seafood, tempura, and sushi. 


Shitennoji Temple

Located in the Tennoji area, Shitennoji Temple (Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings) is the oldest officially sanctioned Buddhist temple in Japan. Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shotoku, it is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country and has been designated a National Treasure. 

Osaka city guide Shitennoji Temple at night The Real Japan

Osaka Bob visiting Shitennoji Temple, one of his favourite Osaka spots, to see it lit up at night

The temple grounds are home to a collection of buildings and shrines, including a five-story pagoda, and the Main Pavilion (Kondō), which houses the Kannon Bodhisattva statue. 

Shitennoji is also home to a large monthly antique and flea market that takes over the entire temple area and can host upwards of 300 stalls. Everything from second-hand kimonos, hand-crafted furniture, pop culture ephemera, household items, vintage 35mm cameras, children’s toys and even samurai swords can be picked up here, often for a fraction of what they’d cost outside Japan.


Umeda Sky Building (Kuchu Teien Observatory)

Umeda Sky Building (Kuchu Teien Observatory) is located in the heart of Osaka and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Standing at 173 meters high, this uniquely-designed building offers stunning views of the city from its two observatories, one on the 39th and one on the 40th floor. 

Osaka city guide Sky Building night The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Umeda Sky Building is a unique Osaka landmark and well worth including in any trip to the city

From the observatory is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the city’s skyscrapers, as well as its landmark rivers and bridges during the day. At night, the building takes on a different character. Head for the outside terrace and see the sky illuminated with the lights and hear the noises of this vibrant city. 

The building also hosts a cinema, the Sky 40 cafe (on the 40th floor), the Sky Lounge Stardust bar, a Chinese restaurant, an art museum, souvenir shops and an entire underground floor of restaurants. It's a short walk from Osaka Station City.


Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is one of the most popular theme parks in the world and a must-visit for many a visitor to Osaka. Located in the city's Bay Area, the park contains over 30 attractions, ranging from roller coasters to live shows. 

The park is divided into nine themed areas, each designed to transport visitors into a different world. The most popular areas include Super Nintendo World, Hollywood, New York, and Jurassic Park. Each area contains a number of attractions, ranging from thrilling roller coasters to interactive shows. 

Osaka city guide USJ Universal Studios Japan Super Nintendo World The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Yoshi's Adventure inside Super Nintendo World is perfect for kids - of all ages!

In addition to the classic rides and attractions found in other Universal Studios parks, USJ also offers a number of unique (and limited-run) experiences that can only be found here. 

The park also offers a range of dining options, including traditional Japanese cuisine and American-style fast food. The Universal Dining Street area is a great spot for a bite to eat, with a decent enough selection of restaurants, cafes, and snack stands. Plus themed foods, drinks, and snacks are available in each area. Try a Hello Kitty steamed pork bun or bite into a bright yellow Minion cookie. 

Osaka city guide USJ food The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Food is also fun at Universal Studios Japan!

When visiting Universal Studios Japan, it's crucial to plan ahead. The Universal Studios Japan app is convenient for navigating the park, checking wait-times, and booking timed-entry tickets to the busiest areas in the park. The park can get seriously crowded, so it's best to purchase tickets in advance and be prepared to wait in line for some attractions (Express Passes are worth the extra expense if you want to spend more time having fun than standing in queues for hours). See our Universal Studios Japan: The Ultimate Guide for everything you need to know when planning a visit to USJ.

If it’s more unusual and off-the-beaten-path things to do then you should check out the post 11 Unique Things To Experience in Osaka.

Food in Osaka

Osaka is a foodie city with its own unique food culture born from ingenuity and a variety of readily available fresh ingredients. The country’s location and major port has historically given Osaka an advantage in procuring diverse foodstuffs from all over the country. 

Plus the city’s Korean diaspora has recreated some of Korea’s best cuisine and street food in Osaka’s own KoreaTown, which is actually the largest in Japan.

Osaka city guide takoyaki The Real Japan

Takoyaki (octopus dumplings) are often served with mayonnaise and bonito flakes

New food trends pop up regularly, but here are some of the tried and true local specialties:

  • Takoyaki (octopus dumplings)
  • Kushikatsu (fried skewers)
  • Okonomiyaki (savory cabbage-filled pancakes grilled with your choice of meat, seafood, or other toppings)
  • Doteyaki (beef tendon stewed in miso)
  • Osaka Spice Curry (uniquely flavourful and less viscous than traditional Japanese curry)
  • Horumonyaki (grilled organ meats)
  • Tecchiri (blowfish hot pot)
  • Oshi-zushi (pressed sushi)
  • Kasu Udon (udon noodles topped with fried beef intestine)

Come ready to eat because this list alone will keep you busy.

Osaka’s reputation for great food goes back hundreds of years and was forged through ingenuity and innovation. Popular favorites like conveyor belt sushi and instant ramen were created right here!

The city offers plentiful options for high-end dining, with the overwhelming number of Michelin-starred restaurants serving everything from traditional Japanese to yakitori, Chinese, and French.

SEE ALSO: Ajinoya Restaurant Osaka: Japan’s Best Okonomiyaki?

VIDEO: Backstreet Night Tour In Osaka

The number and choice of places to eat and drink in Osaka can be a challenge to choose from. One sure-fire option to is to join some knowledgeable locals for a night out as part of backstreet night tour. Your personable guides navigate a small group of eight or fewer to the izakaya and backstreet bars of Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Amemura, where you sample local food and drink throughout the evening.

Read more about this Osaka Backstreet Night Tour via Viator

Shopping 

Department stores, international fashion brands, mom & pop shops, and shopping arcades. If you’re buying, they’re selling!

Hankyu Department Store and Hanshin Department Store are the giants in the north and Takashimaya Department Store does a steady trade in the south. That’s just the beginning. Beyond department stores, you’ll find a wall of independent storefronts along Midosuji Boulevard for designer brands like Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, and the list goes on. 

Underground shopping malls wind around in labyrinths under a handful of major stations like Umeda, Namba, Uehonmachi, and Shinsaibashi. Osaka also claims Japan’s longest shopping arcade, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street.


Bathe in neon lights along Dōtonbori

A visit to Dōtonbori is incomplete without posing in front of the iconic Glico Sign, the most famous billboard in the city. Look for the animatronic crab crawling in place at the beloved restaurant Kani Dōraku. The billboards here are larger than life and there is food, food, food!


Take a cruise on a riverboat

Experience the city from the water on any one of the river cruises along the Ō River or the Dōtonbori Canal. Or head out to the open waters of Osaka Bay on the Santa Maria, which departs from Tempozan near the aquarium.

Osaka attraction passes will save you time and money

As you're probably discovering, there's a lot to see and do (and eat) in Osaka.

This is where Osaka's attraction passes can come in handy. Not only to rationalise the array of options, but they can also save you time and money. There's several to choose from, but the best-known are probably the Amazing Osaka Pass and the Osaka e-Pass - both available in 1-Day and 2-Day versions. 

If you'd like to know more about the various passes, what they include and how they work, I have a post dedicated to them. You can read that here: 5 Great Value Osaka Attraction Passes to Save You Time and Money.


Day Trips from Osaka

Osaka is centrally located in the Kansai region making it a great starting point to launch your trip. Explore neighboring cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe on easy one-day trips to cover a lot of ground and make the most of your stay. 

Kinkakuji kyoto The Real Japan

The beautiful Kinkaku-ji Temple, or 'Golden Pavilion' in Kyoto, Osaka is just a 15 minute ride away by bullet train

Visitors to Kyoto will undoubtedly seek out spiritual beauty in the countless temples, shrines, gardens, and photogenic bamboo groves. Nara visitors flock to Nara Park to mingle with deer and step inside the main hall of Tōdaiji Temple to view the giant Buddha statue. 

PRIVATE TOUR: Kyoto from Osaka: Immersive Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari by Private Vehicle

The port city of Kobe attracts visitors with its big-name brand of beef, reputable sake breweries, and a large Chinatown. Osaka is also an essential starting point for any journey to the beloved Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trail or over to the Buddhist temples of Koyasan in Wakayama.


Venture further in Osaka Prefecture to see nature, history, and world-renowned craftsmanship

Explore other parts of Osaka Prefecture venturing north to see the adorable daruma dolls at Katsuōji Temple or the lush nature surrounding Minoh Falls. Head south to Sakai to see the world’s largest tomb Daisen Kofun, handcrafted knives, and historic sites related to Sen no Rikyū aka the godfather of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

What to do in Osaka: Seasonal events and festivals


Spring in Osaka

From the end of March thru early April, the city’s parks come alive with picnickers out to see the cherry blossoms. Popular spots include Osaka Castle Park and Sakuranomiya Park which connects to the river promenade lined with food stalls. 

Although you can’t picnic at the Japan Mint, this location is famous for the tunnel of cherry trees, which draw tens of thousands to admire the 100 varieties of blossoms.

In the beginning of May, the 3-day Nakanoshima Matsuri is a unique festival put on by citizens featuring countless hand-made attractions and amateur stage performances.


Summer in Osaka

The most exciting summer event in Osaka is the Tenjin Matsuri Festival. It’s one of Japan’s largest and is held July 24–25. In addition to the abundance of festival games and food stalls, there is procession of kami and attendants that traverse the streets and waterways of the city near Tenmangu Shrine over the two days. The festivities culminate in a huge fireworks show on the last night.

Osaka city guide Glico man The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Osaka's famous Glico Man sign in Dōtonbori forms the backdrop to the summer Namba Yasaka Jinja festival

Fans of fireworks will also appreciate the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in early August and the record-setting PL Fireworks festival in the nearby city, Tondabayashi.

Dokoton boats take over Dōtonbori for one night during the Namba Yasaka Jinja summer festival in mid-July. Don’t miss this chance to see the boats perform tight turns in front of the famous Glico Man sign. 


Autumn/Fall in Osaka

In October, take a trip to Universal Studios Japan for Halloween. The zombies are both terrifying and adorable. They’ve managed to mix up the perfect combination of psycho killer cute. Plus they can dance!

Osaka Castle also looks amazing surrounded by autumn foliage. And Midosuji Boulevard is carpeted in gold as the iconic gingko trees lose their leaves.


Winter in Osaka

Gorgeous light displays make the city shine, especially the rows of gingko trees along its main boulevard Midosuji during the winter months. New Years is lively and crowds throng to shrines and temples praying for good fortune and buying new good luck charms. Setsubun festivals abound at the city’s many shrines, temples, and landmarks.

How to Get to and from Osaka


By Plane 

Osaka is accessible by two major airports - Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM), also known as Osaka International Airport. While ITM is slightly closer to the city center, KIX services more international flights. Both are very modern and have excellent dining and shopping facilities. [NOTE: Parts of KIX are undergoing renovations during 2023 that are temporarily limiting some of the facilities available.]

Rapit train Osaka city guide The Real Japan Rob Dyer

Travelling Nankai's disinctive blue Express Rapi:t Train with its round windows almost feels like a ride at Universal Studios Japan

The cool-looking Nankai Express Rapi:t Train connects Kansai International Airport with Osaka's central Namba Station in 35 minutes.

From Itami's Osaka International Airport, the Osaka Monorail service provides the only direct rail access to the airport and is also useful for the Osaka Expo Park.

SEE ALSO: Riding The Osaka Monorail


By Train 

The shinkansen stops at Shin-Osaka Station, which is within city limits and has connections to JR and Osaka Metro.

The city is also connected to neighboring cities and prefectures via Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Keihan Railway, and Nankai Railway.

A great side trip from Osaka using the Nankai Railway is to the beautiful mountain town of Koyasan. Grab yourself a Nankai Electric Railway All Line 2-Day Pass, travel to and stay overnight in the peaceful Buddhist retreat. Nankai runs Limited Express trains out of Osaka’s Namba Station.


By Car

Use the Hanshin Expressway to travel within and outside of the city to connect to the larger network of expressways. Please be aware that expressways in Japan charge a toll. See Driving in Japan Made Easy - A Beginner's Guide for more practical advice and information, including how to use Japan's toll roads.


By Boat

For travelers looking for something different, keep in mind that Osaka has a huge port. Ferry boats can take you directly from Osaka down to the southern islands of Kyushu or Shikoku on an overnight cruise.


By Bus

Buses are a great option for those on a budget, who would rather be guaranteed a seat, or looking to travel beyond the train network. Go for a relaxing getaway in nearby Awaji Island. Take a trip to a hot spring town like nearby Arima Onsen or Kinosaki Onsen. Perhaps head up north to Kanazawa or Nagano. 

TIP: Use a website like 12GoAsia to check timetables and reserve seats on highways buses.

Book your perfect stay in Osaka. Choose from thousands of hotel rooms, ryokan, minshuku, shukubo and rental properties.

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I hope this introductory Osaka city guide inspires you to add it to your next itinerary. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below...

Osaka Bob

About the Author

Osaka Bob is the mascot character for the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau. He is also an exchange student who calls Osaka his home. He shares his best Osaka travel tips and advice on Instagram and Twitter, and is working hard to build community travel resources on his website MAIDO.

Location Guide Map: Osaka City

Resources

Tours & Experiences Mentioned In This Guide

Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka

Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

Private 4-Hour Best of Osaka Local Walk with Castle

Private Car Full Day Tour of Osaka Temples, Gardens and Kofun Tombs

One day in Osaka: Six hour bike adventure

Osaka Backstreet Night Tour


Day Trip Tours From Osaka

Kyoto from Osaka: Immersive Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari by Private Vehicle

Nara Day Trip from Osaka with a Local: Private & Personalized


Osaka Info (Official Tourism Website)

Osaka Info


JNTO Osaka Guide

Best of Osaka


Things To Do In Osaka

Top Activities & Sights in Osaka (GetYourGuide)


Top 10 Tours & Excursions In Osaka

Top 10 Osaka Tours & Excursions (Viator)


Further Reading

5 Great Value Osaka Attraction Passes to Save You Time and Money

11 Unique Things To Do in Osaka

Ajinoya Restaurant Osaka: Japan’s Best Okonomiyaki?

Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba – SkySpa Luxury on a Budget

Discovering Osaka Architecture: Night Walk From Fukushima Ward to Osaka Station

Exploring The Magnificent Osaka Station City (Prepare To Be Amazed)

Going To A Thrilling Baseball Game In Japan (2023 Edition)

How To Spend A Week In Kansai (And Not Visit Kyoto)

Nanten-en Ryokan: A Peaceful Haven In Rural Amami, Osaka (Review)

Riding The Osaka Monorail

Sunshine Cafe Osaka: Coffees From Around The World in Retro Style

Universal Studios Japan (USJ): The Ultimate Guide (2023 Edition)

More Destination Ideas

Destinations Travel Hub

My List of Recommended Japan Travel Resources

Recommended Japan Travel Resources


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