A good Osaka guide will help you explore the food scene, museums, festivals, and more.
Osaka is full of energy and excitement, which is very different from the traditional culture of its neighbor, Kyoto.
Even though Osaka is close to Kyoto, a very important place in Japan, people visiting Japan for the first time sometimes skip it. But, those who have been to Japan before, people who love Japan, and food lovers often like Osaka.
Osaka is famous for its yummy street food and friendly people. It’s probably the best place in Japan to try street food. Food lovers enjoy snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki there.
People in Osaka are lively and friendly, which makes eating and drinking there a fun experience. If it’s your first time in Osaka and you’re not sure where to go or what to do, the Beginner’s Travel Guide to Explore Osaka is perfect for you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Osaka? – [Osaka guide]
You can visit Osaka any time of the year. Like the rest of Japan, the weather in Osaka changes a lot with the seasons.
Summers are hot and sticky, but they can also be fun and lively, especially if you visit during a local matsuri (festival). Usually, the spring and fall seasons have the nicest and most comfortable temperatures. Winter in Japan can be very cold, just like in Tokyo. But, Osaka is usually a bit warmer than nearby Kyoto.
How to Get to Osaka
Getting to Osaka is easy.
Osaka has two airports, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (OSK). These airports connect Osaka to the rest of the world with international flights and to all parts of Japan with local flights.
The fastest way to get to Osaka from cities like Tokyo, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Nagoya is to take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka Station.
If you’re traveling to Osaka from Kyoto, which is only 27 miles (43 kilometers) away, there are many train lines that connect the two cities. Sometimes, it might be better to use a private car, but most of the time, taking the train is quicker and easier.
Taking the Train from Kyoto to Osaka – [Osaka guide]
There are many ways to travel between Kyoto and Osaka, and the best one depends on where you start in Kyoto and where you want to go in Osaka.
If you have internet, you can use Google Maps, Hyperdia, or Jorudan to find the best travel options.
You can take the Japan Railways (JR) Special Rapid train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station. It takes about 30 minutes and is a good choice because it leaves often.
You can also take the Hankyu Railways from Kyoto’s Kawaramachi Station to Osaka’s Umeda Station. This trip takes about 40 minutes.
Another option is the Keihan Railways from Kyoto’s Gion-Shijo Station to Osaka’s Yodoyabashi Station. This trip takes about 55 minutes. You can upgrade to the Premium Car for a more comfortable ride. You need to buy tickets before you get on the train.
The fastest way is the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station. It takes about 15 minutes. But, it’s not always the best choice because the stations in Kyoto are not very convenient.
What to Do in Osaka is a list of things to do in Osaka.
Osaka is more about the food and the people than the sights.
Lots of food lovers visit Osaka for its delicious and simple food. People in Osaka love to eat and drink, which is why they have a saying, kuidaore, which means “to eat oneself to ruin.”
You can find all kinds of food in Osaka, from street food like takoyaki (fried balls filled with octopus and other yummy things) and okonomiyaki, to fancy restaurants with Michelin stars.
Osaka is also home to some of the most fun people in Japan. Many famous comedians come from Osaka, and the fans of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team are some of the most passionate and loud.
One of the best ways to really experience Osaka is to take a private tour with a local food expert. It’s good to explore the city and visit local places that tourists don’t usually go to.
While Osaka has some of the best fancy restaurants in Japan, part of the fun is eating and drinking with the locals at small izakayas (Japanese pubs), tachinomi (standing bars), and hidden cocktail bars.
More activities to do and places to see in Osaka
- Walk around the stylish Horie neighborhood. It has unique shops and cool places to eat. Then, visit Amerika-mura (Osaka’s version of Harajuku) and the nearby Shinsaibashi area. They have a lively shopping street and big brand stores.
- Tenma and Fukushima are two great neighborhoods to explore. You can try food and sake at many casual restaurants, food stalls, and bars.
- Some people like to see the bright lights of Dotonbori, Japan’s most famous food street. But, if you want a less touristy experience, go to the side streets of the nearby Namba area. There, you’ll find local shops and stalls that sell cheap and tasty food like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, yakitori, and more.
- Tsuruhashi is Osaka’s most popular Korean area. It has a great atmosphere and delicious food.
- In the old and interesting Shinsekai area, you can eat kushi-katsu and drink with locals and other visitors.
- The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the best aquariums in the world. It’s great for families and people who love marine life.
- Osaka Castle may be a restoration and not very interesting inside, but it’s beautiful on the outside. The park next to it is a nice place to relax.
Where Should You Stay in Osaka?
There are several outstanding hotels in the city, however not as many as in Tokyo or Kyoto in terms of fascinating boutique and luxury hotels. Here are some of Osaka’s greatest hotels:
- The St. Regis Osaka: This hotel is a great mix of relaxed luxury and convenience. It’s easy to get to all the city’s attractions from here, like the many restaurants and bars in Namba, the streets of Shinasaibashi, and the trendy Horie area.
- Conrad Osaka: This is one of the newest luxury hotels in the city. It’s in the middle of the city on the urban island of Nakanoshima. It has amazing views of the city skyline and the ocean.
- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel: This hotel is all about the views. It’s in Tennoji, which is a bit far for most visitors, but the beautiful city views make up for it.
- Swissotel Nankai: This is a reliable and convenient mid-range hotel. It’s on top of Nankai Namba Station in the heart of the city. This makes it easy to get to all parts of Osaka and even the Buddhist mountaintop of Mount Koya.
