Do you dream of traveling to Osaka, Japan? It’s a very modern-looking city, much like Tokyo, but it still has plenty of cultural sites and is worth a stop on your next trip to Japan. It’s also known as the “kitchen of Japan” by many locals!
Planning your first trip here can be overwhelming, so I’ve created this Osaka travel guide to help make it easier. I visited Japan in the fall of 2024 and did a ton of research for months before I went. These are some of my favorites, as well as some additional spots I didn’t get to, but that are popular and highly recommended.
And if you’re traveling all over Japan, be sure to check out my travel tips here and my 2-week Japan itinerary guide here!
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The Best Time to Travel to Osaka, Japan
Japan experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own charm and reasons to visit:
- Spring (March to May): This is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan, with the peak season in Osaka typically from early to mid-April. While beautiful, it’s also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is a good time for festivals and hiking, but be prepared for hot and humid weather. If there’s an off-season in Japan, this is it.
- Autumn (September to November): This is the best time to visit Japan for fall foliage, with pleasant temperatures and stunning backdrops. Mid-November to early December is the peak time in Osaka. It’s also popular, like cherry blossom season, so expect more crowds, but not as many as in spring.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is perfect for snow festivals, skiing, and enjoying the outdoor onsen (hot springs). While you won’t find as much of this in the city, there are plenty of options within a couple of hours’ train ride north of Osaka.
Overall, the best time to travel to Osaka (and Japan in general) is from October to May. For fewer crowds and good weather, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in late spring or early autumn.
If you’re traveling beyond Osaka, keep in mind that climate can vary significantly between regions, with Hokkaido in the north being much cooler than subtropical Okinawa in the south.
How to Get to Osaka
Osaka actually has its own international airport, called the Kansai International Airport. It’s about 45 minutes to an hour by private car transfer or about one hour by public transport to get to Osaka Station, near the city center.
If you’d rather fly into Tokyo, the two international airports are Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Narita Airport is further out from the city and tends to have more affordable flight options, so it depends on what you value more: time or money. I would recommend you then take the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Osaka, which takes about 2.5 hours.
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How to Fight Off Jetlag
You’re likely going to be dealing with a significant time difference when you land in Japan. If you struggle with jetlag, I’ve got some great tips for you:
- Slowly adjust your sleep schedule leading up to your trip. This sunrise simulator alarm clock can help you get up more easily when it’s darker in the mornings.
- Take a nap on the plane if you’ll be arriving earlier in the day (this memory foam neck pillow, sleep mask, and ear plugs are great for this). If you’re arriving later in the day, try to stay awake for at least the second half of the flight.
- Pack little snacks to munch on between meals to keep your energy up (and the hanger away!). You can also buy tasty snacks at the local stores or markets while you’re there. These reusable bags are great to use for travel and on-the-go!
How to Get Around Osaka
This section covers how to get around Osaka, including local trains, buses, and subways. Public transportation in Japan is very efficient and reliable, and it is a great way to travel from city to city and to get around each city.
Ubers and taxis are also available in most places but can be expensive, especially during late-night and peak hours. Because there’s so much to do, a lot of areas are also walkable. Make sure you wear comfy sneakers or sandals that are easy to walk in!
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is really cool and a great way to travel between cities across Japan. Osaka is an excellent base for you to stay and then take day trips to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Okayama, and Hiroshima.
For easy payment on public transport, get a rechargeable IC card like SUICA or PASMO, which can also be used for purchases at konbini (convenience stores).
How to Navigate Public Transportation
Navigating Japan’s public transport system can be scary at first, but understanding how to use your tickets and IC cards is key to a smooth journey. For Shinkansen travel, you’ll typically receive two tickets: a passenger ticket and an express ticket. Both must be inserted simultaneously into the entrance gate at the start and end of your trip.
At entry, the machine returns both tickets, but at exit, it keeps them. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly station staff. Your passenger ticket lists your car and seat numbers, and platform signs guide you to the correct boarding areas. Orderly queuing is VERY important in Japanese culture, so pay attention to these signs.
For local travel, SUICA, PASMO, and other IC cards can be easily swiped at the entrance and exit to every subway station. I added my SUICA card directly to my phone, which made tapping in and out of the subway and adding funds incredibly easy.
Check out my other post on Japan travel tips for more info on navigating the trains, subways, and buses.
Where to Stay in Osaka
Choosing where to stay in Osaka depends on your budget and the area you want to explore the most. Here are the different types of accommodations you can find in Osaka:
- Hotels: From Western-style to traditional Japanese-style.
- Ryokans: Traditional Japanese inns offering a cultural experience with tatami rooms, often with onsen access and kaiseki (set, multi-course) meals.
- Minshuku: Family-run guesthouses (bed-and-breakfast style), typically more budget-friendly than ryokans.
- Hostels: Ideal for budget travelers and those seeking a social atmosphere.
- Capsule Hotels: Very budget-friendly hotels offering small, pod-like sleeping spaces.
For a truly authentic cultural experience, I recommend spending at least a couple of nights in an onsen hotel or ryokan. Your whole stay is an experience to enjoy and relax rather than just a place to rest your head at night.
Although, Osaka may not be the best city for a ryokan stay (I’d recommend Kyoto or a small, countryside town for that).
A few notes about booking accommodations in Japan:
- Not all hotels have air conditioning available year-round. I visited in the fall, and they had already switched the central air to heating instead of cooling, even when the weather wasn’t that cold yet. You can ask the front desk for a mini fan to use during your stay.
- Always check if you’re booking a traditional-style or a Western-style room. Many traditional rooms include tatami mats on the floor, which are actually more comfortable than they sound.
- If you have tattoos, you may not be able to visit most onsen as they are still considered taboo. In that case, look for hotels with a private onsen.
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Hotels in Osaka
Osaka may not be as big as Tokyo, but it isn’t exactly easy to walk from one side of the city to the other. Thankfully, public transport in Japan is fantastic! So, you can choose a fairly central spot to stay and walk or take the bus or subway as needed.
The best area to stay in Osaka will depend on what you want to see and do. Here are some popular areas of Osaka that are good for sightseeing and activities:
- Dotonbori/Namba
- Nakanoshima
- Umeda
- Osaka Castle
As far as specific hotels in Osaka, we stayed two nights at the Miyako City Osaka Hommachi, which might have been my favorite hotel of the whole trip. The rooms were a good size, with nice amenities, and a wine and sake machine in the lobby. It’s about a 20-minute walk to Dotonbori and 40 minutes to Osaka Castle.
Photo Credit: Miyako City Osaka Hommachi
Other Accommodation Options
If you prefer to stay in an apartment in Osaka, VRBO has plenty of options for you. Stay in a modern city apartment or a traditional home in a more suburban area. You’ll have more space and privacy, and it’s often more affordable than hotels for longer stays or group travel.
TrustedHousesitters is a unique way to stay in local homes and immerse yourself in the local experience. It connects homeowners with travelers willing to care for their homes and pets in exchange for much more affordable accommodations than a hotel. Use my special discount code, ABUNDANT25, for 25% off new annual memberships!
Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
There are so many cool things to do in Osaka, from exploring parks, temples, and shrines to shopping and eating all the delicious food! I’ve tried to choose the most popular sights and activities for this Osaka travel guide, including things I did on my trip that I thoroughly enjoyed.
If you’re staying for at least 3 or 4 days, you should be able to see and do a lot.
Go On a Food Tour
I always recommend that you go on a food tour on your first day in a new destination. This is a great way to get a feel for the town and figure out what you want to spend the rest of your time doing. This is especially true in a place like Osaka, which is known as the “kitchen of Japan!”
If you have a local guide, you can ask them for recommendations on things to do in Osaka and other places to eat.
Walk Through Dotonbori Street
Dotonbori Street is full of restaurants and street stalls with delicious local foods. You could easily spend hours going up and down this street, and that’s just what we did! Seriously, we ate so much food.
We jumped around from vendor to vendor, trying wagyu, cheese gyoza, Kara age, and yaki soba. This is a very lively area at night; you can also find some karaoke spots here if that’s your thing! Explore on your own or join a walking tour with a local guide.
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Explore the Shrines & Temples
Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are integral to Japanese culture, and you’ll find them everywhere. While both are places of worship, they have distinct characteristics. Buddhist temples often feature large Buddha statues and incense burners, and may have a pagoda. Shinto shrines are recognized by their torii gates and are often dedicated to specific kami (Shinto deities).
Here are a few popular shrines and temples to see in Osaka:
- Shitennoji Temple
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
- Isshinji Temple
- Ikukunitama Shrine
- Hozenji Temple
- Tsuyunoten Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin)
- Namba Yasaka Shrine
When visiting these sacred sites:
- Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes if indicated at the entrance. Pack a large scarf or shawl with you; linen fabrics are best for warm weather, and cashmere is best for cooler weather.
- Follow purification rituals at the entrance, such as washing hands and mouth at the provided water fountain.
- Bow slightly before entering the main hall. At shrines, do not walk through the middle of the torii gate. Walk through toward the left or the right side.
- For prayers or offerings, toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, and then bow once more. You may make a wish or say a prayer after your offering.
- Respect photography rules. Look for signs indicating where photos are allowed.
Explore Osaka Castle & Park
Osaka Castle symbolizes the tumultuous history of Japan’s unification. While the current central tower is a modern reconstruction, the towering stone walls and impressive moats are truly awe-inspiring. The castle houses a multi-level museum detailing the life of Hideyoshi and the castle’s pivotal role in Japanese history.
Be sure not to miss Osaka Castle Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a picnic, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. There are stunning views from the top observation deck!
Go to a Comedy Show
How fun would it be to go to a comedy show in another country? Osaka is also known as Japan’s “comedy capital,” so this is the perfect place. Osaka Comedy Club (formerly ROR) has all-English speaking shows, so there’s no need to worry about things getting lost in translation.
It’s one of the only stand-up comedy venues in Asia and was one of the first English-speaking clubs in Osaka. They typically have a show every day (except Tuesdays) at 8 pm; you can reserve a spot on their website and pay cash at the door.
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What & Where to Eat in Osaka, Japan
Japanese cuisine is a huge reason many tourists visit Japan, with diverse flavors and culinary experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t miss out on trying some amazing foods such as sushi, ramen, kara-age (fried chicken), tempura, udon/soba, curry rice, yakitori, and okonomiyaki (to name a few). And, of course, you have to drink some sake and matcha, too.
You’ll see various dining experiences in Osaka, including Kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal), Teishoku-ya (serving “set” meals), and Izakaya (Japanese-style pubs). There are many more types, and a lot of restaurants specialize in one kind of food, like soba, tempura, or sushi.
Use the Tabelog app to find places to eat based on local reviews rather than Google Maps. The rating system is stricter, so a 3.5-star rating can be equivalent to a 5-star rating on Yelp or TripAdvisor. Don’t miss out on a fantastic restaurant because you think it has a “bad” rating!
Here are some of my favorite spots to eat and drink in Osaka, Japan:
- 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson (everywhere!)
- Dotonbori street vendors
- Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten
- Kawafuku honten
- Dontaku Doyama
More Tips for Visiting Osaka
Learn Some Japanese Phrases Before You Go
Before your trip, try to learn some Japanese to help you order food, ask for directions, and buy things in the shops run by locals who don’t speak a lot of English. In general, it’s considered good etiquette to make an effort at the local language, no matter where you travel.
If you’d like to learn more of the language, including how to read Japanese characters like kanji and hiragana, start learning now with Rosetta Stone!
Currency & Cash
Japan’s currency is the yen (¥). While credit card acceptance is increasing, many places prefer cash, and some won’t take credit cards at all, especially outside major cities. ATMs accepting foreign cards can be found at most 7-Eleven stores and Japan Post offices. When withdrawing cash or paying by card, always select the local currency, NOT your home currency!
It’s always a good idea to have small bills (10 yen and 100 yen coins, as well as 1,000 yen notes), as many ticket and vending machines will not accept larger ones (especially 5,000 and 10,000 yen bills). I recommend getting a coin purse to keep track of all the coins you’ll get back as change!
On another note, tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes be considered rude. Excellent service is the norm and is not expected to be rewarded with extra payment. Some tour guides do appreciate tips, but it’s best to ask first. And always hand over (or accept) money with two hands.
If you’re planning a trip across Japan, check out my other post on my 2-week Japan itinerary. It includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more!
Bring a Credit Card with Travel Perks
I always travel with one or more of my favorite credit cards for travel perks. I typically look for things like low or no foreign transaction fees, discounts on airport lounge access, and VIP customer service for booking exclusive events and experiences.
And, of course, I want one that has an amazing earning system that allows me to get points or miles with every purchase. I’ve saved thousands of dollars on flights and hotels using travel credit cards like these!
Check with your credit card company before you go to see what kind of foreign transaction fees they charge. And be sure to let them know when and where you’ll be, so your card isn’t declined for making a foreign purchase.
Daily Drop is my favorite newsletter that teaches you how to make the most of your points and miles in under 5 minutes a day. Learn how to earn and redeem miles and points, find cheap fares, and more!
Ready to book your trip to Osaka, Japan?
Hopefully, this Osaka travel guide gave you some good ideas for your own adventure! My number one tip for you: as tempting as it can be, don’t try to cram everything in.
Take your time, stick to a few sights per day, and leave yourself time to wander and explore. That’s how I found some of the delicious food spots and cute little shops for souvenirs and keepsakes.
Have a fantastic time in Osaka (and hopefully you get to explore the rest of Japan)! And then come back and let me know your favorite spots in the comments below.
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