Osaka, a vibrant metropolis in Japan, captivates guests with its dynamic mix of modernity and historic appeal. Famend for its culinary delights, full of life avenue markets, and iconic landmarks like Osaka Fort, this bustling metropolis on Honshu Island invitations travellers to take pleasure in its wealthy tradition and concrete power.
As one among Japan’s greatest cities, Osaka might look like a concrete jungle at first look. Nevertheless, you’ll discover unimaginable avenue meals, electrical nightlife, cutting-edge structure, and historic landmarks beneath the tall skyscrapers.
A Little bit of Historical past
Osaka is amongst Japan’s earliest recognized capital cities, predating the Nara Interval when every new emperor prompted capital relocations. Though Osaka Fort, a Sixteenth-century icon, displays town’s previous political prominence, Osaka has advanced right into a thriving business hub and common vacationer vacation spot in modern instances.
Following the devastation of Western Japan throughout World Battle II, Osaka underwent gradual reconstruction, leading to many historic buildings and temples being newer than their origins. However, town has steadfastly maintained its standing as a cultural hub in Japan, boasting delectable delicacies, a few of the nation’s pivotal shrines, and museums chronicling its wealthy historical past.
You’ll discover loads of issues to do in Osaka to maintain you busy for days. Having explored this metropolis in depth, we hope our information will enable you uncover one of the best Osaka provides.
Right here is our tackle one of the best issues to do in Osaka!
Learn how to Get to Osaka
Osaka is a straightforward metropolis to achieve in Japan, from home locations like Kyoto and Tokyo, in addition to abroad locations.
The quickest and most effective option to journey to Osaka is by rail, however flying can also be an possibility.
By Aircraft
A number of airways function between Tokyo and Osaka. Itami Airport is the first regional airport and is the closest to Osaka’s metropolis heart. This airport is most frequented by home flights from Tokyo and different cities in Japan. It’s effectively linked by trains (each Monorail and Hankyu Railway), limousine buses and taxis.
Osaka’s principal worldwide airport is Kansai Airport. It’s situated on a man-made island, about 40 kilometres (24.8 miles) south of Osaka.
This airport is well-connected by practice to town heart. Haruka Categorical leaves each half-hour to Osaka Station, whereas the Kansai-Airport Speedy Practice provides one other barely slower and cheaper possibility.
By Practice
The quickest and most effective option to attain Osaka is by practice, notably the bullet practice.
Tokyo (Tokyo and Shinagawa stations) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) are linked by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. There are 3 kinds of trains to Osaka: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama.
- Nozomi trains are the quickest possibility, requiring about 155 minutes to achieve Shin-Osaka Station from Tokyo.
- Hikari trains take about 3 hours
- Kodama trains about 4 hours
The common one-way fare is sort of 14,000 yen for a non-reserved seat or round 14,500 yen for a reserved seat. For those who plan on travelling round Japan, we extremely suggest getting a Japan Rail Move to avoid wasting on rail prices throughout your journey.
The Japan Rail Move is legitimate on Hikari and Kodama trains, however an additional charge is charged for Nozomi trains.
Road kart in Osaka
Learn how to Get Round Osaka
Osaka has an easy-to-use and environment friendly public transport system, notably the subway and trains, which journey throughout town steadily.
We suggest buying a pay as you go IC Card or Icoca Card from one of many JR Stations. This doesn’t provide you with a reduction on rides however makes it simpler to board trains with out shopping for particular person tickets.
For those who’re solely going to be in Osaka for a short while, it’s also possible to buy 1-day passes. For instance, the Osaka Wonderful Move gives limitless use of subways and metropolis buses on one or two consecutive calendar days, plus free admission to lots of Osaka’s common vacationer sights, reminiscent of Osaka Fort and the Umeda Sky Constructing.
Finest Time to Go to Osaka
Spring and Fall are thought-about one of the best seasons to go to Osaka. Reasonable temperatures and the addition of the cherry blossom season in Spring and the Fall foliage make these seasons the most well-liked amongst guests to Japan.
Nevertheless, there are some perks for visiting in different seasons, too, relying on what fits your journey.
Osaka skyline
Winter
Whereas most individuals keep away from winter in Osaka, the climate isn’t as unhealthy as in different elements of the nation. Snow is uncommon, and the temperatures usually sit between 40 and 50 °F (5 to 10 °C) and solely drop to round 32 °F (0 °C) in a single day.
This additionally means you may count on fewer crowds and cheaper costs, making it a a lot simpler time of yr to decrease your total Osaka funds.
Spring
Spring is arguably the nicest time of yr to go to Osaka. The lingering coolness of winter regularly offers option to milder temperatures and sunnier days, reaching the low 70s F (20s C) by April and Could.
This era coincides with the height cherry blossom season, creating a panoramic cityscape. Nevertheless, cherry blossoms entice crowds, ensuing within the busiest interval and better lodging costs.
Summer time
Summer time in Osaka sees the hottest climate, with temperatures hovering over 90 °F (32 °C). it’s additionally the wet season, which may wreak havoc on journey plans. The rains sometimes start by the tip of June, making strolling round outside relatively humid and uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t rain day-after-day, so it could actually nonetheless be a pleasant time to go to when you can deal with some humidity with far fewer crowds than in Spring or Fall.
Fall
Together with spring, Fall is one other common time for visiting Osaka. Temperatures are nonetheless fairly heat at the start of the season, sitting across the excessive 70s °F (excessive 20s °C), however the rains have subsided, making it preferrred for exploring town heart.
The temperatures begin to cool off by October, and the leaves begin to change, bringing orange hues all through the parks.
Summer time in Osaka
Issues to Do in Osaka
At first look, Osaka might appear to be a sprawling concrete jungle from the surface, however there are such a lot of superb issues to do in Osaka. From museums to conventional meals, you may uncover Japanese tradition and all its great intricacies by spending time in Osaka metropolis.
Listed below are the finest issues to do in Osaka so as to add to your Osaka itinerary!
Discover Dotonbori
By far, the most well-known vacationer vacation spot within the metropolis is the Dotonbori district. The realm refers back to the canal and the primary avenue that runs parallel to the canal’s south financial institution. It’s probably the most vibrant and full of life a part of town and is understood for its vibrant neon lights, large indicators, and powerful aroma of Japanese meals. It is usually at all times crowded!
We suggest heading to Dotonbori within the night so you may mix a stroll with a drink or dinner. That is additionally when the neon lights and large billboards are at their finest, making for excellent pictures. Don’t miss an iconic photograph of the Dotonbori Glico Signal, which has been put in since 1935.
Attempt Ichiran-Ramen Dotonbori – a well-liked casual ramen store chain, or Kani Doraku Dotonbori Higashi Mise for crab-based dishes and contemporary meals, Kura Sushi – for conveyor belt sushi expertise or splurge on one of many all-you-can-eat yakiniku buffets.
Go to Shinsekai
Shinsekai is the retro district of central Osaka, situated simply south of downtown.
It’s well-known for the Tsutenkaku Tower at its heart, inbuilt 1912 and reconstructed after the warfare. The tower stands at round 103 meters (338 ft) excessive, with the primary observatory at a peak of 91 meters (300 ft). It provides an open-air statement deck on prime of the primary observatory and a 60-meter (197 ft) lengthy slide on the tower’s base.
Shinsekai is understood for its avenue meals and conventional Japanese dishes. Attempt Kushikatsu, one of many metropolis’s specialties. It consists of assorted skewered, battered fried meals, starting from rooster to pumpkin and even banana and ice cream for dessert.
Calm down at Spa World
The district can also be dwelling to a novel attraction often called Spa World. This large bathtub advanced options numerous swimming pools on a European-themed flooring and an Asian-themed flooring. The swimming pools are fed with pure water from scorching springs pumped from underneath the earth’s floor.
The flooring alternate between genders every month, and as customary in Japan, public bathing is loved bare. The pool entrance charge is round 2000 yen on weekdays and a pair of,500 yen on weekends.
Go to Osaka Fort
Osaka Fort is unquestionably the most visited attraction in Osaka. The long-lasting landmark sits simply exterior downtown and could be accessed by a number of subway and JR practice stations. Initially inbuilt 1583 on the previous web site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, it was destroyed and rebuilt once more by Tokugawa Hidetada within the 1620s.
The fort park space is stuffed with over 5,000 cherry blossom bushes, which bloom in spring, attracting hundreds of tourists yearly at the start of April.
The fort tower is now a completely trendy a part of the fort, even that includes an elevator for simpler accessibility. It homes an informative museum in regards to the fort’s historical past and provides you nice views over town skyline.
Osaka Fort
A reproduction of the Osaka Fort grounds
Go to Namba Yasaka Jinja Shinto Shrine
Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, this Shinto shrine is a haven within the busy Namba district. Only a quick stroll from JR Namba Station, this shrine is well-known for its lion-shaped stage, which stands out as a novel piece of structure amongst the in any other case conventional temple buildings.
The massive lion’s mouth is believed to swallow evil spirits and produce good luck, particularly for these trying to do effectively at school and enterprise.
It’s free to go to, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction in Osaka.
Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine
Store at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Among the best issues to do in Osaka for foodies is to go to the Kuromon Ichiba Market. This coated buying avenue is likely one of the finest locations to take your self on a meals tour and uncover all of the great produce and meals that Japan is known for.
The market is especially recognized for its contemporary seafood and meat, the place you may select what you need and have it cooked instantly. Hundreds of individuals, from locals to vacationers alike, head to the buying arcade day-after-day, so attempt to keep away from peak meal instances.
The market is open from 8am till 6pm day-after-day, though many retailers are closed on Sunday. Nipponbashi Station on the Sennichimae and Sakaisuji subway traces is the closest cease.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Get pleasure from a Conventional Tea Ceremony
A conventional Japanese Tea Ceremony is a should for any customer in Japan. Whereas many imagine {that a} tea ceremony is one of the best expertise in Kyoto, we’re right here to substantiate {that a} tea ceremony in Osaka could be simply as attention-grabbing.
We suggest this Tea Ceremony Expertise in Dotonbori, the place you may participate in a conventional ceremony whereas studying in regards to the tradition, traditions, and conventional etiquette of this outdated observe.
You’ll learn to make matcha and pair it with scrumptious Japanese sweets whereas stress-free in a conventional tea home. No kimonos are required, and hourly time slots can be found all through the day. It’s the proper option to break up your day of sightseeing!
Matcha tea ceremony is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Osaka
Eat Kobe Beef
Kobe beef is the extremely prized Wagyu beef from the Kōbe area of Honshu island. It comes from the Tajima pressure of Japanese black cattle raised within the Osaka prefecture in Kobe, simply south of town. It’s distinguished as a young, flavorful meat that’s effectively marbled with fats and is a delicacy in Japanese delicacies.
Kobe beef manufacturing could be very restricted, which makes consuming Kobe beef a premium expertise.
In Kobe
To attempt one of the best of one of the best, hop on the practice to Kobe (it’s solely a 30-minute trip) and head to a steak home, like Tor Street Steak Aoyama, Kobe Beef Eikich, Steakland Kobe-kan, or a barely extra down-to-earth spot, known as Meriken Hatoba. Be ready to spend $50-100+ in your meal.
In Osaka
For those who don’t have time to go to Kobe, you may nonetheless pattern Kobe beef in Osaka. We suggest heading to a steakhouse, like Steak Home Juju within the Dotonbori district or Kobe Beef Steak Ken, simply throughout the Ebisubashi Bridge.
Have Yakiniku
One other foodie addition to one of the best issues to do in Osaka is Yakiniku, which accurately means “grilled meat”. Yakiniku is a Japanese-style barbecue meal that options thinly sliced items of beef grilled over a range or charcoal.
There are many yakiniku eating places in Osaka. A lot of them are all-you-can-eat, that includes high-quality Wagyu or Kobe Beef, served with rice, greens and dipping sauces.
One of the best locations for yakiniku in Osaka are within the Dotonbori district. They’re usually extra inexpensive and informal than steak homes and high-end eating places serving Kobe beef as a specialty. We suggest Yakiniku Rikimaru Sennichimae, Yakiniku Lab Umede, or Korean kitchen ZEN.
Take Day Journey to Kobe
For those who do wish to attempt Kobe Beef in Kobe, you may as effectively make a day journey of it.
Kobe is likely one of the finest day journeys from Osaka, because it’s situated solely 12 minutes away by Shinkansen or 35 minutes by native practice.
1 day is loads of time to see the primary sights in Kobe and be again in Osaka by night. We propose testing the Kitano district, the historic district the place you’ll discover the previous houses of many international retailers and diplomats.
Different issues to do embrace taking the Kobe Ropeway to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. From the ropeway, you get to take pleasure in a few of the finest views of town. The journey takes round 10 minutes and, on a transparent day, lets you see so far as Osaka. The ropeway ticket additionally consists of entry to the gardens, which can also be value exploring.
When it’s time for lunch, head to Nankinmachi District, one of many few Chinatown districts in Japan. This space was rebuilt after WWII and now options many avenue meals distributors and Chinese language eating places alongside the primary highway. Attempt Chuka Ryori (Japanese-adapted Chinese language meals) from any of the little stalls.
A lovely mural in Kobe
Kobe waterfront
Go to Common Studios Japan
Harry Potter followers shouldn’t miss a visit to Common Studios Japan! Because the second Common Studios amusement park to open exterior the US, that is one of many greatest draw playing cards in Osaka.
Common Studios Japan is situated southwest of town heart. You may attain it by taking the JR Yumesaki Line to Sakurajima Station.
You’ll want a full day to expertise all of the rides and sights within the theme park. An Entry Ticket prices round 8,600 yen per grownup and provides you entry to the park and use of all sights. Be ready for lengthy traces (particularly on weekends) and severe crowds.
If funds permits, skip the traces by buying an Categorical Move. The move is pricey, starting from 6,800 to 18,800 yen relying on the rides, however is effectively definitely worth the funding in case you are quick on time and don’t wish to spend 60-90 minutes in line for every trip.
There are many enjoyable rides within the park to take pleasure in. And they aren’t only for youngsters. The Flight of the Hippogriff and Hollywood Dream Trip have been our favourites. The well-known Jurassic Park Trip was sadly closed for refurbishment throughout our go to.
Go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
One of the common elements of the theme park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which brings areas from the magical world to life.
Get pleasure from a fantastic curler coaster trip, tour Hogwarts Fort and the Black Lake, and see iconic props just like the Hogwarts Categorical practice and Ron’s flying automobile from The Chamber of Secrets and techniques. Buy a magic wand and take a look at your hand at wand spells as you meander across the park.
Harry Potter World, Common Studios Japan
Go to Tremendous Nintendo World
Tremendous Nintendo World is a reasonably new and really thrilling addition to Common Studios Japan. This vibrant and interactive part is devoted to Nintendo’s iconic characters and video games.
There are a few enjoyable rides right here, a restaurant serving some funky Tremendous Nintendo-inspired dishes, and a few retailers with Mario Kart paraphernalia.
Tremendous Nintendo World, Common Studios Japan
Have a Drink within the Submarine Bar
For a unique night time out, head to Chuo Ward east of downtown to go to the Submarine Bar. It’s not too removed from Osaka Fort, so it makes for a pleasant spot for night drinks after a day of sightseeing.
The Deepening Submarine Bar SHINKA is a uniquely themed and considerably weird bar with an inside designed like the within of a submarine. It may be arduous to seek out, because it’s hidden down an alleyway, however yow will discover it on Google Maps.
There’s restricted seating contained in the submarine, so get in early and order one among their iconic gin and tonics to kick the night off.
Go to Pokemon Centre
Positioned near Osaka Practice Station, a Pokemon Centre is a must-visit for any Pokemon fan. Along with Pokémon recreation software program and card video games, the store additionally provides a variety of authentic merchandise, from toys to stationery, t-shirts and snacks.
The shop is open each day from 10am to 8pm and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Osaka for these with youngsters or anybody desirous to unleash their inside baby.
Umeda Sky Constructing
A standout piece of recent structure within the metropolis is the Umeda Sky Constructing, a landmark constructing within the Kita district not removed from Osaka Umeda Station. The 173-meter (568 ft) tall constructing consists of two towers linked by the Floating Backyard Observatory on the thirty ninth flooring.
The observatory provides nice views of town by means of its home windows and from its open-air deck. We suggest arriving there within the late afternoon to catch the sundown and or in early night when the fashionable metropolis lights illuminate the panorama. You may get free admission to Umeda Sky Constructing with the Osaka Wonderful Move till 4pm or pay 1500 yen for entry till 10pm.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Positioned proper subsequent to one another in Minato Ward on the sting of Osaka Bay, you’ll discover one of many largest Ferris wheels on the planet. The 100-meter (330 ft) diameter Ferris wheel takes guests on a 15-minute tour of the sky. The journey is finest at night time when town is totally illuminated.
Tempozan Large Ferris Wheel
Skip a Go to to Osaka Aquarium
Whereas Osaka Aquarium, also called Kaiyukan, is a well-liked attraction showcasing a various vary of marine life, we suggest reconsidering a go to for moral causes.
The confinement of marine animals in captivity, regardless of efforts to recreate pure environments, raises considerations about their well-being and the influence on their pure behaviours. By opting out of a go to, you actively contribute to a motion supporting marine life of their pure habitats.
Go to Some Museums
For those who’re focused on studying extra about Japanese historical past, listed here are just a few world-class museums value visiting in Osaka.
Osaka Science Museum
Filled with interactive displays focused at educating youngsters in regards to the pure world, this museum is ideal for households searching for a wet day exercise.
Osaka Museum of Pure Historical past
Positioned contained in the Nagai Botanical Backyard, this museum contains a bunch of archaeological and paleontological finds from across the Osaka area.
Nationwide Museum of Artwork
Positioned near the conference heart in downtown Osaka, this artwork gallery showcases a variety of up to date artwork from Japan and world wide, with rotating particular displays every year.
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
For a unique expertise, this small quirky museum is situated north of town in Ikeda district. This on the spot ramen museum is devoted to the historical past and tradition of ramen noodles with shows and tastings accessible.
Dotonbori Road signal
As you wrap up your time in Osaka, take with you snapshots of its numerous cityscape. From the full of life avenue markets to the tranquil shrines, Osaka leaves an impression of a metropolis balancing custom and modernity. It’s not simply in regards to the sights however the mix of flavours and native encounters.
We hope our solutions for prime issues to do in Osaka help you respect one of the best of Osaka’s vibrant lights, its down-to-earth authenticity, and tradition and help you have many enriching experiences.