Why Go to Osaka
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Osaka is Japan's kitchen, and its unofficial motto is kuidaore, eat until you drop. Japan's third-largest city, on the main island of Honshu, is known for its warm, outgoing people, bright lights and incredible food, making it a fun, high-energy contrast to elegant Kyoto just 15 minutes away by bullet train.
Start in Dotonbori, where neon signs reflect in the canal and street-food stalls serve takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and kushikatsu. Explore the massive Osaka Castle and its park, shop in the arcades of Shinsaibashi and visit the retro Shinsekai district. For thrills, spend a day at Universal Studios Japan, home to Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Osaka is also a perfect base for day trips to Kyoto, Nara and its friendly deer, and Kobe.
U.S. travelers can fly into Kansai International Airport, built on a man-made island in Osaka Bay, which makes for a memorable landing. I'll plan your rail passes, hotel and food tours and connect Osaka with Tokyo and Kyoto.
BEST FOR
Foodies, families, nightlife lovers, theme-park fans and first-time Japan visitors
BEST MONTHS
March to May or October to November
EXPLORE
- Namba: Dotonbori and nightlife.
- Umeda: Shopping and transportation hub.
- Shinsaibashi: Shopping.
- Bay Area: Universal Studios Japan and Kaiyukan.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Osaka
Asia › East Asia › Japan › Osaka Prefecture
Neon-lit Dotonbori, legendary street food and Japan's most fun-loving city.
Historical & Heritage
Culinary
Nightlife
Castle
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Buy Universal Studios Japan tickets and Express Passes well in advance; they often sell out, especially for Super Nintendo World.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Visit at night for the lights and street food.
Dotonbori
Osaka's famous neon-lit entertainment district.
Visit in spring for cherry blossoms.
Osaka Castle
A grand castle surrounded by gardens and moats.
Buy tickets in advance.
Universal Studios Japan
A theme park with thrilling rides and Super Nintendo World.
See the whale shark.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's largest aquariums.
Combine it with Dotonbori.
Shinsaibashi-suji
A long covered shopping street.
A luxurious hotel on Osaka's grand boulevard.
The St. Regis Osaka
Midosuji
Hotel Tags
A luxury hotel with sweeping city views.
Conrad Osaka
Nakanoshima
Hotel Tags
A modern luxury hotel with a spa and fine dining.
Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Dojima
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel close to shopping and nightlife.
W Osaka
Shinsaibashi
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel steps from Dotonbori.
Cross Hotel Osaka
Dotonbori
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Osaka
High 63°F · Low 49°F · Rain 2.8 in
Fall colors peak at Osaka Castle and nearby Minoo Park.
The best times to visit Osaka are March through May for cherry blossoms and October through November for fall colors. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is mild.
Best Times to Visit Osaka
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Osaka is famous for its street food and the motto kuidaore, eat until you drop.
- Takoyaki: Octopus balls are Osaka's most famous street food.
- Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake with cabbage and toppings.
- Must-try: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu and Kobe beef.
06
Walking
Namba and Shinsaibashi are easy to explore on foot.
05
Taxis
Taxis are widely available.
04
IC Cards
Use an IC card like ICOCA for trains and buses.
03
Subway
The Osaka Metro is easy to use.
02
Trains
JR and private railways connect Osaka with Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
01
Flying In
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is about 45 to 60 minutes from the city by train.
Most travelers fly into Kansai International and take the train into the city. Once you're here, the subway and trains make it easy to get around.
Getting Around Osaka
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
You Might Also Like