Osaka Travel Guide

Location: Osaka Prefecture in the southwest of Honshu Island, southwestern Japan
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Area: 225.33 km² (55,599 acres)
Population: about 2.7 million

Osaka, Japan's second-largest city with a 1,400-year history, transformed into a commercial hub in western Japan under the 16th-century ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who constructed Osaka Castle and attracted a significant influx of people.

Today, Osaka remains a lively city, featuring bustling commercial districts like Umeda and Shinsaibashi, historic landmarks like Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Shitennoji Temple, and diverse entertainment such as Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Osaka Attractions – Best Places to Visit

Osaka stands out with its unrestrained spirit, contrasting sharply with Tokyo's sophistication and Kyoto's quaint charm. As you wander through the lively streets of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, savor culinary delights at Kuromon Ichiba Market, or gaze at the dazzling neon nightscape of Osaka Bay, you'll feel the city's overflowing enthusiasm and vitality.

Don't miss out on Osaka's historical treasures, such as its iconic Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest, which bear witness to the city's rich past.

Osaka Photos & Osaka Videos

Tour Planning

For its seamless transportation and concentrated attractions, Osaka is perfect for a fast-paced tour. To maximize your visit, allocate 2 to 3 days to explore four key areas: Namba, Osaka Castle, Osaka Bay, and Southern Osaka, visiting approximately 5 to 6 attractions per day.

Unmissable experiences include the iconic Osaka Castle, a culinary adventure with local delicacies at Kuromon Market and Dotonbori, and retail therapy in the shopping havens of Shinsaibashi and Umeda. For those seeking relaxation, Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan offer thrilling and serene escapes respectively.

When selecting accommodation in Osaka, consider bustling commercial hubs, serene residential neighborhoods, or the scenic Osaka Bay, based on your budget, itinerary, and personal tastes. For first-timers, the Namba and Shinsaibashi area is a prime choice, immersing you in the vibrant pulse of this international metropolis.

Sakura Season in Osaka

A Local Market in Osaka

Osaka Weather & Best Time to Visit

Osaka experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Its coastal location results in a generally humid climate.

March to May in spring and October to November in autumn offer mild weather, making them ideal times to enjoy the cherry blossoms and maple leaves respectively.

7-Day Osaka Weather Forecast

Transportation

Osaka boasts an extensive and efficient transportation network that caters to both local commuters and international tourists. At the heart of this network are the city's nine Osaka Metro lines and JR trains, offering the most convenient and cost-effective way to navigate through Osaka.

Besides convenient transportation within the city, Osaka serves as a gateway to the Kansai region, with easy access to cities like Nara, Kyoto, Himeji and Kobe by its highly practical private railway network. Beyond Kansai area, the Shinkansen provides a swift and reliable connection between Osaka and other major Japanese cities, such as Tokyo and Nagoya.

The city's extensive bus network covers almost the entire city and extends to distant destinations such as Kyoto and Otsu. What’s more, Osaka’s unique water bus system adds another layer of transportation options, reflecting the city's nickname as the "City of Water."

For international travelers, Kansai International Airport provide convenient access to the city from around the world, while Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) offers more selections to Japan cities.

Food

Nestled by the coast, Osaka boasts rich and fresh seafood, earning it the title of "Japan's Kitchen". Offering dishes more approachable than Kyoto's delicate kaiseki cuisine and the exclusive Kobe beef, Osaka is more like a "gastronomic paradise for the masses". Among them, okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) stand out as must-tries.

It is highly recommend to visit Dotonbori, a culinary hub perfect for late-night snacks amidst the glittering neon lights. Alternatively, Kuromon Ichiba, known as "Osaka’s Kitchen”, offers a local market atmosphere where you can find the freshest seafood.

Tokoyaki, Osaka

Kuromon Market, Osaka

Nightlife

The nightlife in Osaka is truly vibrant. Dive into local flavors in Dotonbori, hunt for bargains in Shinsaibashi, then soak up the city's skyline from Umeda Sky Building or glide under the stars on a river cruise. Or, simply chill out in a cozy bar or izakaya (traditional Japanese bar).