Travel Guide In Osaka
Osaka Travel guide 2022
Osaka will for all time be close to and dear to our hearts. It became my first return journey to Japan in almost two decades. I’ve been again a total of 5 times in six years, and if the sector rights itself in 2022, then we’ll be lower back for a 6th.
Tokyo is outstanding however it’s a little too huge and overwhelming for me. I lots choose Osaka for its length. There are plenty of factors to do and its local meals subculture is one of the most well-known in Japan. Do you like okonomiyaki and takoyaki? They each originated in Osaka.
Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan and it’s area within the Kansai vicinity makes it a extraordinary leaping off factor to captivating locations like Kyoto and Nara.
OSAKA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Because of the cutting-edge worldwide situation, Osaka travel suggestions were converting very regularly. Our friends at Booking.Com and airheart created websites that list certain facts on journey restrictions around the globe.
Before making plans a experience to Osaka, be sure to check Booking.Com or airheart for records on journey restrictions to Japan. If you do determine to go to Osaka, then you can want to significantly bear in mind getting travel insurance with COVID coverage.
JAPAN VISA
You may additionally want a visa and different journey documents to visit Japan depending on what passport you carry. Check out iVisa.Com to find out about the requirements and to use for a visa (if vital).
If you’re a Philippine passport holder from Manila, then check out our guide on a way to observe for a Japan visitor visa for a step-via-step manner.
OSAKA TRIP PLANNING
When doing your own studies for a experience, do you ever experience like you’re going to overlook out on some thing? If you do, then you can want to have a vacation spot professional create an Osaka itinerary only for you.
ViaHero is a travel making plans service that links tourists with neighborhood specialists to create custom itineraries to one-of-a-kind towns round the sector, which includes Osaka. If you’d like to strive them out, then you can get a five% bargain on their offerings if you input WILLFLYFORFOOD upon checkout the usage of our hyperlink.
OSAKA AT A GLANCE
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city via population and the critical city of the Kansai location. It’s a food lover’s paradise that's why it remains one among our favorite cities to visit in Japan.
If Tokyo is Japan’s most thrilling city and Kyoto its center for subculture and the humanities, then Osaka is one of its most scrumptious. It has a history of abundance, having played a vital position in the management of the country’s financial system and the distribution of its items.
During the Edo length, feudal lords for the duration of Japan might deliver rice, produce, and other goods to Osaka for later distribution to Edo or cutting-edge-day Tokyo.
This brought about an abundance of resources, earning Osaka the nickname tenka no daidokoro or “the state’s kitchen”. Today, that call has developed to explain the metropolis’s popularity as a gourmand’s paradise.
BEST TIME TO VISIT OSAKA
We’ve been to Osaka in February, May, November, and January and they have been all extraordinary instances to head. The weather in Osaka is enormously temperate so there absolutely isn’t a awful time to visit. Winters do get cold but no longer unbearably bloodless because it does in different towns like Sapporo.
If you’d like to experience the cherry blossoms, then past due March to early April is a great time to move. If autumn foliage is what you’re after, then shoot for October to November.
DEC-FEB: This is wintry weather in Osaka so it’s the coldest time of the 12 months. It’s additionally the satisfactory time to have crab and fugu, both of that are considered iciness dishes.
MAR-MAY: Spring is one of the maximum beautiful times to visit Osaka. The climate begins warming up, kicking off cherry blossom season which commonly begins around the cease of March. The blossoms may be in complete bloom by means of the first week of April. As beautiful as Osaka is at some stage in this time, it’s additionally peak season so anticipate thicker crowds and higher than usual lodge expenses. The identical goes for the primary week of May that is the Golden Week holiday for nearby Japanese.
JUN-AUG: This is summer in Osaka. If you don’t like an excessive amount of warmness and humidity, then you definately have to in all likelihood keep away from those months. It’s commonly hottest in August and rainiest in June and July.
SEPT-NOV: October to November is a super time to visit Osaka. The weather is just like spring and the autumn foliage is adorable, specifically from around mid- to late-November. We were there in past due November on our most latest ride and spent the day in beautiful Minoo to experience the colors of fall. November can be a first-rate time to have crab and fugu as properly as it’s the start of the iciness season.
Climate: Annual Monthly Weather in Osaka
Check out excursion-climate.Com for greater at the weather in Osaka. To help you understand it better, I’ve created the average temperature and annual rainfall graphs underneath. Suggested months to visit are colored in orange.
TRAVELING TO OSAKA
If Osaka is your point of entry into Japan, then you’ll be arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX). It’s the main get entry to hub to the Kansai region. There are numerous ways to get from KIX to downtown Osaka.
BY TRAIN: For me, journeying by means of train is the satisfactory manner to get from the airport for your inn. However, multiple teach lines provider the KIX-Osaka path so it’s vital to determine out which train line works high-quality for you depending on in which you’re staying. Check out this text from the Osaka Station internet site to study the differences among these lines.
You can buy educate tickets on the gate but it looks as if you may get a massive cut price in case you purchase them earlier. Click on the link to e-book tickets for the Haruka Airport Express. The Haruka Express will take you to Tennoji and Shin-Osaka stations while the Rapi:t Express will take you to Namba station.
No matter which line you pick out, you may take a look at teach timetables with Hyperdia. Hyperdia and Google Maps are the first-class gear to navigate Japan’s enormously efficient however regularly perplexing rail system. They’ll give you all of the statistics you want like train schedules, fares, and journey instances. Jump right down to the TRAVEL TIPS phase of this manual for extra data on Hyperdia and Google Maps.
There are transportation passes you may get which can be legitimate for journey between KIX and Osaka. Jump to the HOW TO GET AROUND phase of this guide for greater statistics.
BY BUS: We’ve by no means completed this however you may take a limousine bus from KIX as well. Unlike trains, they run on a 24-hr agenda so this could be the higher option in case you’re arriving at off-hours. The journey takes approximately an hour and the one-way fare from KIX to Osaka station is JPY 1,six hundred for adults. You can talk to the Kansai Airport transportation website for a timetable. Tickets may be purchased at the airport but you could get them earlier through Klook as nicely.
BY TAXI: Going with the aid of taxi is one of the maximum convenient options, specifically if you have plenty of bags, however it’s also the most expensive. A taxi to Osaka station takes round 50 mins and could run you round JPY 20,000.
BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: Booking a private switch is the maximum handy option, but it's going to additionally be pricey. If you’d like to set up for a personal transfer in advance, then you can accomplish that thru Get Your Guide.
From Other Parts of Japan
If you’re already in Japan, then you could take a educate to Osaka from anywhere you're. You can discuss with hyperdia.Com for train routes and schedules.
People on a multi-city tour of Japan may be inquisitive about purchasing a JR Pass. It’ll give you unlimited use of all JR countrywide trains in Japan – inclusive of the Kansai Airport Express Haruka, Shinkansen bullet trains, and the Narita Express – for a consecutive variety of days. 7-, 14-, or 21-day JR Passes are to be had for purchase on Klook, Get Your Guide, or Japan Rail Pass.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY
BANKS / POST OFFICES: Banks and publish workplaces have long been the maximum dependable locations to alternate overseas foreign money in Japan. However, the manner is regularly slow. I’ve exchanged currency at a few banks and there’s continually office work to be crammed out so the technique can take time (around 30 minutes).
LICENSED MONEY CHANGERS: I’ve in no way exchanged currency at an authorized cash changer in Japan, but I’ve read that they’re dependable and rates are similar. You can discuss with this manual for a list of encouraged money changers in Osaka.
KINKEN SHOPS: Kinken stores are small stores that buy and sell unused event tickets. Some of them additionally change foreign money. I exchanged currency at a kinken keep in Tokyo and got tremendous rates. In Osaka, there are kinken shops outdoor predominant metro stations.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE MACHINES: I haven’t seen these too regularly but I did change forex at an ATM-like device in Nagasaki once. It’s outstanding easy. Just insert your overseas currency and out comes the JPY equivalent. You can be able to locate them at popular visitor regions in Osaka.
ATM MACHINES: This is our preferred approach of acquiring JPY in Japan. Rates are regularly comparable and it saves us from the trouble of having to bring too much overseas currency to Japan. I endorse letting your bank know that you intend to apply your ATM abroad so that they don’t flag any transactions. In my revel in, my ATM card works in a few machines but no longer in others. In Japan, I even have the first-rate good fortune at post workplace and comfort save ATMs.
TIP: When retreating neighborhood forex from an ATM, it’ll every so often ask you in case you need to proceed “without or with conversion”. Always continue WITHOUT conversion. Proceeding “with conversion” manner that the foreign bank working the ATM will do the conversion as opposed to your nearby financial institution. This nearly continually results in horrible change quotes. According to a piece of writing on Medium, the difference between charges may be 10% or more.
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN OSAKA
Osaka is divided into 24 wards, every with many thrilling neighborhoods. These are the locations we’ve stayed at so far.
I’ve created the color-coded map below that will help you apprehend where most of these endorsed areas are. Click at the hyperlink for an interactive model of the map. (Please notice that marked regions are approximations simplest)
SHINSAIBASHI & NAMBA
In my opinion, the Shinsaibashi and Namba neighborhoods are the great and most handy places to stay in Osaka, particularly if it’s your first time within the town.
Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s principal shopping district while Namba is domestic to Dotonbori canal and its myriad Japanese avenue food stalls and restaurants. These regions are proper next to each different and contain Osaka’s leisure hub.
We stayed at Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi (Yes, that Best Western) on our first ride to Osaka in 2014. If you can get a room right here at an inexpensive price (round USD 70), then I propose staying right here. It’s an excellent business motel placed only some mins’ stroll from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade.
You can e book a room here on Booking.Com or Agoda. You can also check these links for trade listings within the Shinsaibashi/Namba areas: Booking.Com a number of the top-rated inns within the place:
We stayed here on our ultimate ride to Osaka and I might actually pick this location over Shinsaibashi and Namba. It’s home to Den Den Town and its wealth of electronics and anime shops. Think of it as Osaka’s model of Tokyo’s Akihabara.
It’s called the middle of geek way of life in Osaka so in case you’re into anime, cosplay, toys, or video video games, then you definitely’ll in all likelihood experience it right here. Plus, it’s only approximately a 15-minute stroll to the Shinsaibashi/Namba areas and approximately 7 mins from Kuromon Ichiba Market. You can e book a room here on Booking.Com or Agoda. Check out some of the pinnacle-rated resorts in the location:
We haven’t stayed in Umeda however this is probably the second maximum convenient region to be in Osaka, after the Shinsaibashi and Namba regions. It’s the city’s primary enterprise and transportation district and features many department shops, shops, eating places, and accommodations. You can take a look at those links Agoda. Check out some of the pinnacle-rated accommodations within the vicinity:
AROUND OSAKA CASTLE
Osaka Castle is the town’s maximum well-known ancient attraction. It’s surrounded by way of a huge lawn that’s home to 600 cherry bushes, making it a exquisite region to be at some stage in cherry blossom season. If you’re in Osaka especially for that, then this is a notable place to live.
I’ve stayed on this region twice, the first at Hotel New Otani Osaka and the second at Hotel Mystays Otemae. The former is a luxury 5-celebrity hotel whilst the latter gives spacious condominium-fashion accommodations. Both are about a 20-minute stroll to Osaka Castle. Click at the hyperlinks to e book Agoda).
You also can take a look at those hyperlinks for change listing around Agoda. Check out some of the maximum popular resorts inside the location:
PLACES TO VISIT IN OSAKA
1. Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan needs little creation. It’s considered one of Osaka’s maximum visited points of interest, and with right purpose. It’s a laugh no matter what your age.
Favorite sights consist of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Minions, Transformers, and Jurassic Park themed rides. A 1-day skip to Universal Studios usually prices JPY 7,800 for adults and JPY 5,four hundred for children, but you could every so often get a discount in case you purchase advanced tickets through KKday. KKday offers many styles of blend passes as nicely so make certain to test all of the Universal Studios Japan deals on their website.
2. Cup Noodles Museum
If you’re keen on on the spot noodles, then you need to visit the Cup Noodles Museum. It’s a unfastened museum dedicated to immediate noodles and serves as a tribute to its creator and founder, Momofuku Ando. They have a department in Yokohama as nicely.
The famous are amusing but the nice component approximately the museum is the instant noodle factory. For JPY 400, you may design and create your own custom cup of instant noodles to take home as a memento. Visit the Cup Noodles Museum website for greater records.
three. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Holding almost 11,000 lots of water, Kaiyukan is one of the world’s largest aquariums. It’s foremost tank measures a high-quality 34 meters long by 9 meters deep. The aquarium is home to many interesting reveals, each one mimicking special ecosystems from round the arena just like the Great Barrier Reef, Antarctica, and Japan’s forests.
Admission to the aquarium is JPY 2,four hundred for adults and JPY 1,200 for children a while 7-15. Tickets are to be had on the gate even though you should purchase them in advance via Klook.
4. Harukas three hundred
There’s no higher location to get a fowl’s eye view of Osaka than the Harukas 300 observation deck. Situated 300 meters (984 toes) above the ground within the Abeno Harukas building, it gives you dramatic views of the whole city.
Aside from the observatory, the constructing is likewise domestic to an artwork museum at the 16th floor and the Kintetsu branch store. Covering over one hundred,000 rectangular meters of retail area, it’s the biggest branch shop in Japan.
You should buy tickets to the observatory at the gate or in advance thru Klook or Get Your Guide.
5. Umeda Sky Building
If the perspectives at Harukas three hundred aren’t sufficient for you, then you may need to go to the Floating Garden Observatory as properly. At 173 meters (567.Five feet) above the floor, on pinnacle of the ultramodern Umeda Sky Building, it isn’t as high as Harukas 300 however it’s perspectives are just as high-quality.
The Umeda area is domestic to many malls, stores, restaurants, and cafes so you may need to spend an entire day exploring the region. This is where you’ll locate some of the town’s first-rate depachikas as properly.
You should buy tickets to the Floating Garden Observatory on the gate or earlier via Get Your Guide.
6. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is the city’s most famous historic enchantment. It’s taken into consideration one of Japan’s most well-known landmarks, set in a beautiful spacious park and surrounded by way of 600 cherry trees.
It’s lovely any time of the 12 months but it’s particularly picturesque in spring. If you’re touring Osaka in late March to early April, then that is a amazing place to see (and take selfies with) the cherry blossoms.
You can purchase tickets at the gate or earlier via Klook. If you’d opt to go together with a manual, then you could book a tour via Magical Trip, Klook, or Get Your Guide.
Suggested Length of Visit: 1-2 hrs
Admission: JPY 600 (Castle Tower), JPY two hundred (Nishinomaru Garden)
Nearest MRT Station: Tanimachiyonchome or Osakajokoen station
THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA
1. Shop in Shinsaibashi, Eat in Dotonbori
This is the heart of Osaka. If Shinsaibashi is the metropolis’s most efficient purchasing district, then Dotonbori in Namba is its kitchen. Visiting Osaka without making a stop right here might be like going to Paris with out seeing the Eiffel Tower. It’s a gastronomical sin!
If it’s your first time in Osaka, then we pretty advise staying in the Shinsaibashi or Namba regions due to the fact this is exactly where you want to be. Check out my submit on Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori in Osaka for extra pix and facts.
If you’d want to e book a excursion in Dotonbori, then you could accomplish that through Get Your Guide.
2. Eat like a Local
Needless to mention, nearby knowledge is king, in particular when it comes to food. Some of the great things we’ve eaten on trips have come from nearby tips. One of my correct pals is from the Kansai place so a few of the places we’ve visited had been encouraged via him.
If you don’t have a friend to reveal you round, then there’s always Magical Trip. Magical Trip is a a laugh tour business enterprise that offers small institution excursions led by using locals in several Japanese towns, together with Osaka.
They do offer non-food excursions as nicely however what pastimes us the most are the food excursions. We haven’t long gone on any in their food tours in Osaka however we did go on this Shinjuku meals tour in Tokyo and this Gion meals excursion in Kyoto.
On our subsequent trip to Osaka, we’ll do this Namba bar hopping meals excursion or this Dotonbori avenue meals move slowly. Oishi!
three. Eat the Best Street Food at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Nicknamed “Osaka’s Kitchen”, the various city’s cooks purchase their elements at Kuromon Ichiba Market. It’s home to some of the high-quality and hottest seafood in Osaka.
Delicacies like uni, diver scallops, otoro, oysters, octopus, and unagi can be enjoyed right here as street meals. And for reasonably-priced too! Kuromon Ichiba Market is one among our favourite places in Osaka and one we attempt to visit on every go back ride to the city.
Check out my submit on Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka for extra snap shots and records. It’s easy sufficient to explore the marketplace on your personal, however if you’d like to move on a guided tour with a local, then you may take a look at out this Kuromon Ichiba strolling excursion with Magical Trip.
4. Go Cruising in a Go Kart
If you’re keen on the Mario Kart sport, you then’re going to love this go karting revel in. For 1-2 hours, you may put on humorous costumers and pressure round downtown Osaka in go karts. It looks like a lot amusing.
We wanted to try this but we didn’t have time to get worldwide driver’s lets in before our journey. If you’re looking for some thing a laugh and wacky to do in Osaka, then it doesn’t get higher than this. It’s so uniquely Japan!
You can e book a road cross karting revel in on Klook.
5. See What Designer Fruit Looks like at a Depachika
I had heard of those USD 200 dressmaker melons earlier than however I had never honestly visible one until we visited a depachika.
A portmanteau of depato meaning “department save” and chika that means “basement”, a depachika is a great high-give up food corridor located at the basement of luxury branch stores. It’s where you’ll find a huge range of decadent food merchandise, often with exorbitant charge tags to healthy.
There are a few depachikas you could check out, however we suggest touring the only in the Hankyu department save in Umeda.
6. Eat Maple Leaf Tempura in Minoo
I’ve been looking to visit this vicinity ever due to the fact that I saw this video from Great Big Story. Minoo (or Minoh) is a metropolis in Osaka prefecture about 15 km (nine.3 miles) north of Osaka city.
Minoo is domestic to a national park with picturesque hiking trails, a waterfall, and maple leaf tempura. Known regionally as momiji, it’s said to be the simplest place inside the global wherein you can have this uncommon crunchy candy treat.
I examine momiji is to be had pre-packaged during the year however if you need it sparkling, then you’ll want to go within the fall. We visited in overdue November and we were treated to freshly fried momiji and a fireworks display of autumn foliage.
It’s smooth to go to Minoo for your very own, however if you’d want to explore it with a manual, then you may ebook a tour thru Get Your Guide.
7. Go Bargain Hunting at Don Quijote
If you like bargains, then you definitely’re going to like this location. Shopping in Japan doesn’t need to be highly-priced and Don Quijote is proof of that. Like Daiso shops, Don Quijoute is a reduction chain store with over a hundred and sixty branches in the course of Japan. There are several in Osaka, inclusive of a large one near Harukas three hundred.
Many in their branches are like mini branch shops with several testimonies of products ranging from groceries to electronics to garb to dildos. Yes, dildos. And not simply any old dildos, but tax-free dildos!
8. Take a Cooking Class
Ever given that we took this amazing cooking elegance in Hoi An, Vietnam, Ren and I were searching for cooking lessons anyplace we move. It’s only a a laugh, palms-on way of studying the nearby delicacies.
There are many web sites that offer cooking training, however I recommend trying to find one on airKitchen or Cookly. Both are reserving systems that offer cooking classes in distinct towns around the world.
We haven’t taken one in Osaka but I did take a cooking magnificence in Tokyo. Click at the links to search for cooking training in Osaka on airKitchen and Cookly.
If you’re inquisitive about more unconventional things to do in Osaka, then check out this thrilling list of off-the-crushed route points of interest in Osaka and Kyoto. I like uncommon places myself so I’ll surely be touring some of the ones places on out next journey to the Kansai vicinity.
DAY TRIPS FROM OSAKA
There’s plenty to preserve you busy in Osaka, but in case you’re already visited its pinnacle points of interest, then you could want to go beyond the town. Check out our article on some of the satisfactory day trips from Osaka. Listed beneath are a few of our favorites.
1. Kyoto
Every listing of aspect journeys from Osaka ought to begin with Kyoto. It’s liked by way of the Japanese and has lengthy been considered one of the united states of america’s facilities for humanities, culture and delicacies.
So crucial is Kyoto to the Japanese experience that now not many travelers go to Osaka without spending a few days right here as properly. It’s less than half of an hour away and might effortlessly be visited on daily journeys from Osaka.
Check out our Kyoto travel manual for greater information. If you’d opt to go to on a guided tour, then you may e-book a Kyoto day excursion on Klook or Get Your Guide.
The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan
Travel Time: Around 30 mins
2. Nara
Like Kyoto, many vacationers go to Nara from Osaka. It’s 2nd best to Kyoto in its wealth of temples, shrines, and traditional gardens in Japan.
Apart from its cultural websites, Nara is fine recognized for its parks with tame Sika deer. There are an estimated 1,two hundred Sika deer in Nara which visitors can feed with these sika senbei or “deer crackers”. Nara is much less than an hour from Osaka making it an excellent place for a day or in a single day journey.
You can test out our day tripper’s journey guide to Nara that will help you plan your experience. If you’d choose to go to Nara on a guided tour, then you may need to check out these Nara excursions on Klook (Option 1 mins
three. Himeji Castle
I’ve visited some castles in distinctive towns in Japan, and Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle are my favorites. They’re via some distance the maximum putting and are of Japan’s twelve ultimate unique castles (not reconstructed).
Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited fort in Japan. Known as the White Heron Castle, its a UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledged for its high-quality white outdoors and imposing hilltop region.
You can explore Himeji Castle to your very own or cross on a guided walking tour.
Nagoya is the capital of Aichi prefecture and the biggest city within the Chubu vicinity. Like Osaka, it’s one of the nice Japanese towns to visit for meals. It’s where you’ll locate a number of our favorite regional cuisine like hitsumabushi and miso katsu.
Aside from its extraordinary meals, Nagoya is home to the Toyota Motor Corporation and to several thrilling museums just like the Toyota Techno Museum, the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, and the Nagoya City Science Museum.
Nagoya is over one hundred eighty km (112 miles) from Osaka however way to the Shinkansen, you can get there in about an hour. You should buy Shinkansen tickets on the station or in advance via Klook.
If you propose on exploring Nagoya and the Chubu location, then you may be interested by getting a JR Chubu Pass. It’ll provide you with unlimited tour on JR trains in principal Japan for five consecutive days. Check out our 5-day Chubu itinerary that will help you plan your experience.
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
5. Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen is a lovely onsen town about two and a 1/2 hours from Osaka. It’s an atmospheric vicinity known for its seven public hot springs or soto-yu.
Many human beings go to Kinosaki Onsen to head onsen hopping in winter. You sense SO GOOD afterwards. No wonder it’s so popular many of the Japanese!
You can visit hot spring baths in many locations however I suggest going to an onsen metropolis like this one. The revel in is absolutely exceptional. Check out my submit on Kinosaki Onsen for greater pictures and facts.
JAPANESE FOOD GUIDE
We adore Japanese meals. If I needed to devour just one cuisine for the relaxation of my existence, then it'd absolutely be Japanese.
If you revel in Japanese delicacies as a good deal as we do, then our Japanese Food Guide may be of interest to you. It lists a number of the maximum popular dishes in Japan as well as regional specialties by way of prefecture, which include Osaka.
WHERE TO EAT IN OSAKA
As defined, Osaka is domestic to a number of the first-rate meals in Japan. If you’re searching out the pleasant locations to try scrumptious dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and ramen, then take a look at out our meals guide for a list of some of the quality eating places in Osaka.
25 could be too many for most tourists. To help you cut it down, we’ve indexed six of our favorites under. But make sure to click through to the overall Osaka food guide for greater photographs and information.
1. Okonomiyaki Mizuno
Okonomiyaki and takoyaki are middle Osaka dishes in order that they’re something you want to have, especially if it’s your first time within the city. Okonomiyaki is a savory-candy pancake made with wheat flour batter and different ingredients like inexperienced onion, seafood, beef belly, greens, and cheese.
There are many okonomiyaki restaurants at some point of Osaka however Mizuno has a popularity for being one of the pleasant. Located in Namba, they’re a Michelin-recommended eating place long acknowledged for serving some of the maximum delicious okonomiyaki in Osaka.
2. Takoyaki Tamaya
As defined, takoyaki is one in every of Osaka’s most crucial dishes so it’s some thing you need to strive. Similar to okonomiyaki, takoyaki is made with wheat four batter and filled with octopus (tako), tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.
There are infinite takoyaki stands throughout Osaka but you could want to attempt it at Takoyaki Tamaya. They make their takoyaki with lobster broth.
Kura Sushi is one of the maximum famous kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) chains in Japan. It’s my Japanese buddy’s cross-to region for sushi every time he wants some thing excellent but less expensive.
Every plate of sushi at Kura Sushi – from kani, to sake, to tamago, to ika – is going for simply JPY 100. That’s equivalent to approximately one US greenback. This area rocks! Visit the Kura Sushi internet site for a list of branches in Osaka.
Kura Sushi, Kyoto, Japan
Expect to Pay: Around JPY 1,000-1,500 in line with man or woman with beverages
4. Rai Rai Tei
Like sushi, ramen is one of the quality dishes you could have in Japan. There are more popular chains like Ippudo and Ichiran (focusing on Fukuoka’s Hakata ramen) but for us, Rai Rai Tei is one of the nice ramen chains around.
Our Japanese friend Tsutomu calls it his favourite ramen eating place and it’s easy to apprehend why. It’s truely scrumptious, with a depth of taste that exceeds most bowls of ramen we’ve had so far in Japan. Visit the Rai Rai Tei internet site for a listing of branches in Osaka.
five. Tempura Tentomi
Like sushi, tempura is one among our favourite Japanese dishes. We desired to consume at a in reality properly tempura restaurant in Osaka but the hassle changed into, many are high priced. Thankfully, we located Tempura Tentomi.
Not most effective do they offer super tempura at an inexpensive rate, however they serve Kanto-fashion tempura which isn’t as common in Osaka. Our Japanese pal Tsutomu loved it right here as properly.
Tempura Tentomi, Osaka, Japan
Expect to Pay: JPY 1,000 for a tendon bowl (lunch)
6. Tsurugyu
This vicinity is all about Kobe red meat. We desired to do this legendary brand of pork but we have been fearful of its exorbitant costs. Luckily, we had insider expertise.
Tsutomu used to work at a 5-superstar resort and this region became recommended to him by using his meat supplier. According to him, Tsurugyu serves actual Kobe Beef minus the certification, why is why it’s a lot less expensive.
Take that statistics for what it’s well worth however for us, it remains the satisfactory beef we’ve ever had in our lives. Check out my submit on Tsurugyu in Osaka for greater images and records.
POINTS OF INTEREST IN OSAKA
To assist you navigate, I’ve pinned the eating places and sights advocated in this manual on a map. Click on the hyperlink to open the interactive map in a new window.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN OSAKA
The subway machine in Osaka could be very efficient. It’s probable the only mode of transportation you’ll need. However, it’s produced from several strains and frequently requires a couple of transfers, so it may be a little perplexing. But in case you rent a pocket wifi device and feature get admission to to Hyperdia and Google Maps, then you must be great.
Like the rail system, the sheer variety and form of transportation playing cards in Japan can be puzzling. I’ve narrowed it down to the maximum pertinent ones beneath to make it less intimidating. For extra records, you can test out this article on Osaka journey passes.
One tremendously recommended option is the Osaka Amazing Pass. Available in 1- or 2-day editions, this traveler bypass will not handiest come up with unlimited use of the subway and bus machine in Osaka, but it’ll give you unfastened get admission to to 35 of the metropolis’s key points of interest as nicely like Osaka Castle and the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building. Please be aware that the 2-day model have to be used on consecutive days.
JR Kansai Area Pass / Kansai Thru Pass
If you’ll be using the train loads to get across the Kansai place, then you could do not forget getting a JR Kansai Area Pass or a Kansai Thru Pass.
They’re each limitless use passes, the principle variations being that JR Kansai Area Passes are for JR trains and want to be used on consecutive days (1-four day variants), while Kansai Thru Passes are for non-JR trains and can be used on non-consecutive days (2- or three-day editions). Though they’re to be used on exceptional educate lines, both can get you to Osaka from KIX.
ICOCA IC Card
Another alternative is to get an ICOCA IC Card. It isn’t a limiteless use bypass like the JR Kansai Area Pass but it’ll provide you with discounts on JR trains (such as the Kansai Airport Express Haruka), the subway, personal railways, and buses. It’s rechargeable so you can think of it as a stored price card much like Seoul’s T-Money Card. Click at the link for more information on Japan’s IC Cards.
JR Pass
Lastly, if Osaka is just certainly one of many stops on a countrywide excursion of Japan, then a JR Pass can be a terrific funding. As defined, it’ll give you limitless use of all JR countrywide trains in Japan – consisting of the Kansai Airport Express Haruka, Shinkansen bullet trains, and the Narita Express – for a consecutive variety of days. You should purchase a JR Pass in 7-, 14-, or 21-day editions from Klook, Get Your Guide, or Japan Rail Pass.
HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY / OSAKA ITINERARY
Assuming you’re spending time only in Osaka, then three days should be sufficient. It’ll give you sufficient time to go to all of the major points of interest inside the city.
Here’s a brief 3-D/4N Osaka sample itinerary that will help you plan your experience. Be positive to click on through to our complete three-day Osaka itinerary for greater details.
TRIP TO OSAKA BUDGET / SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
Japan has a recognition for being an costly us of a. While that can be authentic as compared to countries in Southeast Asia, you don’t ought to spend an arm and a leg to have a amazing time.
Assuming you’re sharing mid-degree lodges with yet another person, then a day by day budget of round JPY five,000 in keeping with man or woman must be sufficient. This takes under consideration your accommodations, transportation, meals, drinks, and pocket wifi apartment. Here’s a quick breakdown of costs:
ACCOMMODATIONS
This depends on multiple elements like resort choice and range of travel companions. You can get a respectable room for much less than JPY four,000 a night time. Expect to pay much much less if you’re staying at a hostel.
MEALS
Osaka is all approximately true food so this might be one element you shouldn’t scrimp too much on. If you stick to reasonably priced meals like ramen or okonomiyaki, then I’d say round JPY 2,000-2,500 a day in step with man or woman is enough. If you need to spend less, then reasonably-priced but exact meals can be had at convenience shops like Family Mart, Lawson, or 7-Eleven.
POCKET WIFI RENTAL
If you’re sharing the price with one more individual, then you definately’ll every be paying JPY 390 per day.
TRANSPORTATION
Assuming you’re staying simplest in Osaka, then a transportation finances of round JPY 500 an afternoon consistent with man or woman need to be enough.
TOTAL
This comes out to about JPY 4,890 a day consistent with character. Keep in thoughts that this estimate doesn’t include purchasing or admission expenses. If you plan on going to Universal Studios Japan or taking any day trips, then you may upload the value to this baseline price range.
OSAKA TRAVEL TIPS
1. Plan your Trip with Sygic Travel
If you enjoy travel making plans, then you may discover Sygic Travel useful. I’ve been the usage of this loose journey planning app for several years now. It allows me to pin all points of hobby on a map – like our motel, eating places, metro stops, and visitor points of interest – then grouping them collectively by using region so I can create as efficient an itinerary as possible. It’s available for free on iOS and Android.
2. Rent a Pocket Wifi Device
A consistent wifi connection is a must when visiting nowadays, in particular in Japan. There are few free wifi zones in this country so you’ll want it to navigate the subways, convert currencies, and find out how to say “where is the nearest Kura Sushi” in Japanese. Having get right of entry to to Hyperdia and Google Maps justifies the value. We by no means cross everywhere now with out renting a pocket wifi tool first.
You can live connected to the net in Japan via renting a pocket wifi device or shopping for a sim card. We constantly rent pocket wifi gadgets however sim cards are nice too. You can set up for them earlier through 4G sim card) or Get Your Guide.
Three. Use Hyperdia
As I’ve mentioned frequently in this guide, Hyperdia could be precious in your Japan experience. You’ll be using trains loads, regularly converting traces and services, and this website will inform you precisely how to get from one station to the next. It’s correct and dependable and in particular beneficial for intercity journey.
WEBSITE: hyperdia.Com 4. Navigate with Google Maps
Hyperdia is splendid for intercity journey but on the subject of navigation apps, not anything beats Google Maps. It’ll let you know precisely a way to get from point A to factor B both by using on foot or the use of any metropolis’s nearby transportation system. Having both will make touring in Japan a lot easier.
5. Check for Osaka Travel Deals
I’ve purchased cut price vouchers from numerous e-trade travel systems however the sites I use the most are Klook and Get Your Guide. They provide tour deals in lots of cities around the sector, such as Osaka. Even if I don’t buy something, it’s constantly a laugh to look because I regularly study exciting new tours and sports.
6. Get Travel Insurance
Whether or now not to get tour insurance is some thing we speak before every journey. Though we do get it greater frequently now, we don’t usually buy travel insurance. It depends on the trip.
If we’re simply going to a metropolis like Osaka to consume for some days, then we likely won’t get it in view that our credit cards come with simple tour coverage anyway. But if we plan on doing something physical like wrestling with alligators or rolling boulders uphill, then we’ll virtually pick out up a coverage.
We get insurance from World Nomads or SafetyWing. They’re both reliable travel medical insurance vendors used by many virtual nomads. Check out my article on why we purchase journey insurance for a breakdown of the two. You can comply with the links to get a loose quote from World Nomads or SafetyWing.
7. Bring the Right Power Adapter
Japan has Type A or Type B electric retailers so make sure to deliver the right strength adapters for your gadgets. Electrical voltage is 100V and the standard frequency is 50/60Hz.
8. Learn Basic Japanese Etiquette
Japan is in contrast to any united states we’ve ever visited. It’s quirky in lots of approaches and has a variety of unwritten regulations. You don’t need to unknowingly offend all and sundry, so it’s an amazing concept to make yourself familiar with some of the rules. Here’s an excellent assessment on Japanese etiquette for tourists.
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