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The Ultimate Osaka Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Ultimate Osaka Travel Guide, your gateway to discovering the heart of Japan’s third-largest city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast seeking out all the best things to do, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Osaka, often known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” is a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and contemporary flair.
In this guide, we will share essential information on getting around, finding the perfect accommodations, discovering the top attractions, savoring the best local eats, and providing detailed travel itineraries. We take pride in sharing our insights to ensure your Osaka experience is nothing short of remarkable.
Best Time to Visit Osaka
The best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Spring (March to May) is ideal for cherry blossoms and comfortable outdoor activities.
Fall (September to November) offers cooler weather and vibrant foliage. Summer (June to August) features festivals and fireworks but can be hot and humid.
Winter (December to February) is perfect for winter sports and hot springs. Though for Osaka the most popular time is the Fall and Spring seasons as the summer can get quite hot and humid.
Osaka Travel Guide: Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Osaka? Before you set foot in Osaka, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
When traveling to Japan we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our Japan trip we purchased a reliable SIM card.
Where to Purchase a SIM Card In Osaka, Japan
The best place to purchase a SIM card in Osaka depends on your preference. You can get them in airport vending machines, electronic stores, or vendors in popular tourist hubs. However, we recommend an E-SIM for Japan it provided us with a lot of convenience and time in advance of our trip, and even better you don’t have to pickup any physical SIM Card, it’s all virtual. Pre-book 24 hours in advance, as instructions will be emailed to you on setting it up on your phone so you have it the moment you land.
Entry Requirements
For Japan, tourists typically receive up to 90-day visa-free entry upon arrival, and proof of vaccination or test results are not required for entry. However, it’s advisable to check if your country is on the visa-exempt list for confirmation.
Travel Vaccines
We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Indonesia on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
In Japan, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. Type A has two flat pins, while type B has two flat pins and a grounding pin. You can also opt for a universal adapter which offers many types of power plug variations for international travel.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in Osaka
In Osaka, finding the perfect place for a good night’s rest is an important part of your travel experience. We’ll guide you through the city’s best areas to stay, whether you seek vibrant nightlife, cultural immersion, or tranquility. In addition, we’ll help you discover hotel accommodations to suit every budget and preference, ensuring your stay in Osaka is nothing short of unforgettable.
Namba is arguably the most popular area for tourists in Osaka. It’s known for its lively streets, upbeat nightlife, and iconic attractions like Dotonbori, where you can eat delicious street food and enjoy colorful illuminated signs, it’s like Times Square of Japan. Namba is also well-connected to public transportation, making it a convenient base for exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
- Budget: Hotel Ichie Namba
This charming hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with free good Wi-Fi, friendly staff, and a fantastic location just steps away from Namba’s vibrant streets.
- Mid-tier: 日和ホテル 大阪なんば駅前
We love this hotel as it’s a few minutes walk from the Namba Nankai station so it’s hassle-free even if you have large luggage taking the Kansai Airport Express train. The rooms are a good size and very clean. Top attractions are close by, the staff is extremely helpful, and a lot of great dining options and convenience stores within walking distance.
- Luxury: W Osaka
Our ultimate luxury pic in Namba is the W Osaka. This elegant property has stunning city views, contemporary rooms, and top-notch dining options including one incredible breakfast. Situated in the heart of Namba, it offers a perfect blend of convenience and extravagance, the state-of-the-art gym is definitely nice for those looking to squeeze in a workout!
Umeda, often referred to as Kita (North), is another highly sought-after area. It’s the commercial and business center of Osaka, where you have an abundance of shopping options, upscale dining, and modern architecture. This is where we personally stayed for a week and loved the location. With major train and subway stations like Osaka Station and Umeda Station, Umeda provides excellent connectivity, making it a strategic choice for many travelers.
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Budget: APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower
This hotel is a well-regarded hotel located near Osaka Station. A great budget option with a variety of room options with modern amenities, on-site dining, a fitness center, a spa, and a top-floor observatory with city views. -
Mid-tier: The Westin Osaka
The Westin Osaka is a great option highly in Umeda, Osaka. The accommodations including the rooms are spacious and clean, with great city views, exceptional dining options, and very convenient access to Umeda’s vibrant shopping and entertainment. -
Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, is a stunning luxury hotel renowned for its classy rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and ambiance. The rooms are incredibly spacious including the washroom. The prime location and views from the room are breathtaking.
Getting Around Osaka
Navigating Osaka efficiently is essential to make the most of your visit. In this section, we’ll break down the various transportation options available, ensuring you can explore the city with ease.
When you arrive in Osaka, your journey starts at one of two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM).
- Kansai International Airport (KIX): KIX is well-connected to Osaka by various transportation options. We found the quickest and most convenient way to reach the city center is by taking Nankai Railway, Kansai Airport Express Ticket. Trains depart every 60 minutes, you can pre-book your ticket in advance for convenience.
- Itami Airport (ITM): Closer to the city, ITM primarily serves domestic flights. To reach central Osaka, you can use buses, taxis, or the Osaka Monorail. The monorail connects to the Osaka Metro system, making it a seamless and cost-effective option.
Private Car Chater: If you prefer the ultimate convenience of door-to-door service and are traveling in groups, you may choose to pre-book a car charter in advance of your trip to Osaka.
*If you’re wondering the best way to get from Tokyo to Osaka, we will be sharing a Tokyo to Osaka Travel Guide walking through your options.
Osaka has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, making it easier to get around. Here are the key components:
- Osaka Metro: The Osaka Metro system consists of multiple subway lines that cover the city comprehensively. It’s a convenient way to reach popular destinations the popular area of Dotonbori, the stunning Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios Japan.
- JR West: Japan Railways West (JR West) operates a network of train lines connecting Osaka to nearby cities like Kyoto and Kobe. The JR Loop Line circles central Osaka, offering easy access to major hubs. We had a very short time used the JR line to visit Kyoto for a day trip.
- Osaka Amazing Pass: We used this for two days and it was perfect! It comes with unlimited subway rides while giving you access to dozens of Osaka’s top attractions for your choice of one of two days. Check our our guide for this unforgettable and cost efficient experience.
Taxis are readily available in Osaka and are a convenient option for door-to-door service. We found they can be a lot more expensive than public transport, however, they are efficient and comfortable when needing to transport luggage from accommodation versus taking it on the metro.
Travel Itineraries for Japan
We crafted travel itineraries, thoughtfully designed to make the most of your Osaka visit. These itineraries are your key to unlocking the city’s hidden gems, top attractions, and culinary delights. With detailed locations, budget-friendly options, and recommendations for the best things to do, see, and eat, we’ve taken the hassle out of planning, allowing you to focus solely on experiencing the magic of Osaka.
Let our itineraries be your guide to a seamless and unforgettable journey through this incredible city starting with 14 Things To Do in Osaka.
Top Attractions in Osaka
Osaka has some incredible attractions, where history, culture, and modernity come together to create unforgettable experiences. Discover the timeless elegance of Osaka Castle, a majestic symbol of the city’s heritage.
One of our favorite experiences in Osaka was walking through the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, where neon lights and street food fill the streets. If you love amusement parks, you can’t miss the enchanting Universal Studios Japan, where movie magic comes to life. Join us on a journey through these iconic landmarks and more as we unveil the essence of Osaka’s charm, one attraction at a time.
Best Restaurant & Eats in Osaka
When in Osaka, you need to go on a culinary journey! We’ll delve into the gastronomic wonderland that is Osaka. Known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” this city takes its food seriously, offering an incredible array of flavors, from savory street food eats to gourmet dining experiences on the Michelin guide.
Osaka is famed for its okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and iconic taiyaki (fish-shaped pasty). Join us in exploring the delectable world of Osaka’s culinary delights starting with a guide on Must Try Street Food on Osaka’s Dontonbori Street.
Our Thoughts on Osaka, Japan
Osaka is a must-visit city in Japan. We loved the mix of cultural attractions like Osaka Castle, and the vibrant and fun atmosphere of Dotonbori Street which visited many times in the evening time. If you have a chance to spend a day at Universal Studios Japan, we highly recommend it. So many nostalgic moments for us, we rode almost every ride and some even twice!
One thing to note is that with public transportation and using the Metro, some days can include quite a bit of walking up and down stairs to the subway station. We found some stations had elevators conveniently located so seek them out especially if you’re traveling with your elders!
The food scene in Osaka is truly remarkable, with so many options for everyone including authentic Japanese street food. Even the convenience stores you can find some great quality food and don’t get us started on the pastries there! We would return to Osaka in a heartbeat and will be back again!
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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