Travel Guide of Osaka in Japan by Influencers and Travelers
Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and among the largest in the world with more than 20 million inhabitants.
The Best Things to Do and Visit in Osaka
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is a public urban park and historical site situated at Osaka-Jō in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. It lies on the south of the Ōkawa and occupies a large area in the center of the city of Osaka. This park is the second largest park in the city.
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2 - Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
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3 - Shore Excursions in Osaka
Looking for a full-day, private vehicle tour that covers top spots with a fun, knowledgeable, and truly fluent English speaker? You've found it. We show you Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shin-sekai, a view from high above, and more! Plus, get some local insight and interesting commentary at some of our other recommended stops. All of this at your pace, with your own personal driver/guide, and high quality vehicle service. Your guide is *guaranteed* to be a native English speaker or honest equivalent.
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4 - Tsūtenkaku
Shinsekai is an old neighbourhood located next to south Osaka City's downtown "Minami" area. The neighbourhood was created in 1912 with New York as a model for its southern half and Paris for its northern half.
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5 - Dōtonbori
Dōtonbori or Dōtombori is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, Japan, running along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city's Chuo ward.
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6 - Culinary Tour in Osaka
-Hopping Hidden Local Bars & Taste Local Food at Namba Area- To start this All-in-one bar hopping tour that Drinks & Foods are all included, the guide will take you around Hozenji Yokocho Alley, near Dotonbori. This narrow alley reminds people of the historic old days of Osaka. We'll visit the first Izakaya bar that serves various types of Osaka's traditional food such as Kushikatsu (fried skewers). -Pub Crawl through the Indoor Food Alley featuring Osaka's Foods & Drinks- We are going to one of the most unique nightlife izakaya food alleys. A collection of 20 kinds of Izakaya bars filled daily full of locals grabbing a bite to eat at night. You can get a Taste of Osaka Drinking Culture & get to Know Osaka People. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!
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7 - Osaka City Museum
The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts is a museum located in Tennōji Park, Tennōji-ku, Osaka, Japan. The museum focuses on Japanese and east Asian art.
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8 - Nipponbashi
Nipponbashi is a shopping district of Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Japan. The area is centered along Sakaisuji Avenue, extending from the Ebisu-chō Interchange of the Hanshin Expressway in the south, to Nansan-dōri in the north.
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9 - Mountain Bike Tours in Osaka
Experience Japan's most unique city just as the locals do, on two wheels! Join a small group of travellers and a knowledgable English speaking guide to pedal the streets on high quality 'Trek' hybrid bikes. Tick off some of the 'must see' sites including Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple and Shin Sekai and get local with some of our own favourite spots. Learn a little more about the city, snap some great pictures and grab a delicious local lunch all in one relaxed and enjoyable day.
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10 - Osakajo
Ōsakajō-kōen Station is a railway station on the West Japan Railway Company Osaka Loop Line in Jōtō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The station name translates as Osaka Castle Park.
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11 - Shitennoji
Shitennōji University is a private university in Habikino, Osaka, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1922, and it was chartered as a junior women's college in 1957.
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12 - Umeda
Umeda is a major commercial, business, shopping and entertainment district in Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, and the city's main northern railway terminus. The district's name means "plum field".
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13 - Shitennō-ji
Hōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its full name is Hōryū Gakumonji, or Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law, the complex serving as both a seminary and monastery.
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14 - Miyajima
12 km away
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15 - Tōshōdai-ji
26 km away
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade.
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16 - Nara
28 km away
Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, Nara has an estimated population of 359,666, making it the largest city in Nara Prefecture and sixth-largest in the Kansai region of Honshu.
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17 - Kobe Port Tower
29 km away
The Kobe Port Tower is one of the landmarks in the port city of Kobe, Japan. The sightseeing tower was completed in 1963 and paused operation from late 2009 until April 28, 2010 for renovation.
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18 - Kobe
29 km away
Kobe is the seventh-largest city in Japan and the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture. It is located on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, on the north shore of Osaka Bay and about 30 km west of Osaka.
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19 - Kōfuku-ji
30 km away
Kōfuku-ji is a Buddhist temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples in the city of Nara, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school.
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20 - Nara Park
31 km away
Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880 it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture.
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21 - Tōdai-ji
31 km away
Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan. Though it was originally founded in the year 738 CE, Todai-ji was not opened until the year 752 CE. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism.
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22 - Nara Prefecture
31 km away
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23 - Arashiyama
38 km away
Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan. It also refers to the mountain across the Ōi River, which forms a backdrop to the district. Arashiyama is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.
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Pictures and Stories of Osaka from Influencers
20 pictures of Osaka from Juan Di Nella, Lukas, Andres Jasso and other travelers
- It was the warmest day of spring, warm tones were hitting our skin ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Sean Ang | ©Unsplash
- River passing through a city ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Alec Brunelle | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Osaka ?
Travel to Osaka if you like:
🏘️ Town 🌆 Skyline 🗼 Landmark 🏰 Pagoda 🌲 Forest 🤿 UnderwaterHow to visit Osaka ?
To get to Osaka, you have several options. The most common is flying into Kansai International Airport (KIX), which serves as the primary gateway for international flights. Alternatively, you can fly into Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airport and then take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka station, which takes around 2.5 hours.
Booking in advance is highly recommended for popular attractions such as Universal Studios Japan, especially if you plan on visiting during peak seasons like the summer holidays or Golden Week. Additionally, reserving seats on the Shinkansen is advisable during busy travel times to ensure a comfortable journey.
The costs of traveling in Osaka can vary depending on your preferences, but overall, it's a relatively affordable destination. Public transportation is efficient and cost-effective, with a day pass for the subway costing around 800 yen. Dining options range from budget-friendly street food to high-end restaurants, while accommodations can cater to various budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels.
Some of the best things to do in Osaka include exploring the historic Osaka Castle, strolling through the bustling Dotonbori area, and taking a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for a panoramic view of the city. For a taste of traditional Japanese culture, visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine or attend a Kabuki performance at the Shochikuza Theatre.
When it comes to dining, Osaka is a food lover's paradise. For a taste of the city's famous street food, head to Kuromon Ichiba Market and try takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancake). For a more upscale dining experience, visit Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M, which specializes in melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef or Kani Doraku, a renowned crab restaurant.
Choosing where to stay in Osaka can be overwhelming due to the vast number of options. For a convenient and affordable option, consider staying at Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka, located near Namba Station. If you prefer a more luxurious experience, the InterContinental Osaka offers exceptional service and amenities, while the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel boasts stunning city views.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in Osaka, venture to the quirky Shinsekai district, which features a retro atmosphere reminiscent of Japan's post-war era. Here, you can explore the colorful and nostalgic streets, visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, and indulge in kushikatsu - a local specialty of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Another offbeat experience is visiting the Instant Ramen Museum, where you can learn about the history of this popular dish and even create your own customized cup noodles to take home as a souvenir.
Learn More about Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka is a megalopolis rich in contrast with a more popular side than Tokyo, more lively, more artistic and cultural, and also more welcoming.
Some temples have been preserved after the second world war as well as its famous fortress which dominates the city.
The vertiginous skyscrapers attract the eye with their giant screens, don't miss the giant aquarium of 14 levels in the port district of Osaka.
Osaka is not only the commercial center of Japan, but also the main industrial center and port of the Kansai metropolitan area. Osaka's economy, infrastructure and tourism are not inferior to any tourist city in Asia. It has countless attractive places that attract thousands of visitors every year. As for cuisine, Osaka leaves a bold impression with the name "National Kitchen" because Osaka city is full of famous delicious dishes of localities across the country.
Osaka during the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter is likened to a colorful natural picture with its own irresistible beauty. From March to May, this is the time when all kinds of flowers bloom, especially cherry blossoms covering all the roads. Therefore, spring is always the season that attracts the most tourists to Japan of the year. Traveling to Osaka in the spring, you cannot ignore the cherry blossom festival that is known and loved by many international tourists.
Every year, on New Year's Day alone, more than 2 million visitors visit Sumiyoshi Temple. Therefore, this place is considered as one of the three largest and oldest temple in Japan with a history of nearly 2,000 years. Shopping paradise Shinsaibashi is a famous neighborhood in Osaka. In Shinsaibashi you can find anything from super expensive luxury items to affordable items. Along with that, there are also countless restaurants, large and small eateries with a lot of delicious dishes for you to enjoy. Universal Studio is a place where you can have fun all day without getting bored. Visitors will admire the miniature world against the backdrop of recreating famous movies such as Jaws, Jurassic Park The Ride, Minion Park or Wizarding World of Harry Potter...
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Osaka
There are Hotel Cordia Osaka (1,4km), Hotel androoms Osaka Hommachi (2km), Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Sakaisuji Honmachi (2,6km)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/daiwaroynethotel-osaka-sakaisujihonmachi.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hotel-androoms-osaka-hommachi.html
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hotel-cordia-osaka.html
If you travel with your kid, you should visit Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Osaka Castle and Kuromon Market.
Where to Stay in Osaka
More Travel spots to explore around Osaka
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Osaka
🏘️ Town spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🌆 Skyline spots 🏰 Pagoda spots 🏰 Historic site spots 🚴 Cycling spots 🏰 Temple spots 🌉 Arch bridge spots 🤿 Underwater spots Cycle sport spots Ferris wheel spots 🌲 Forest spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots Norwegian forest cat spotsTravel map of Osaka
Explore popular touristic places around Osaka