Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan after Tokyo. It has long flourished as a commercial city.
Even today, Osaka remains one of Japan’s economic centers, hosting the headquarters of numerous companies. Furthermore, Osaka has evolved into an international city, drawing in a large number of foreign tourists.
Renowned for its rich culinary culture, Osaka boasts a plethora of unique local dishes. Its cuisine is highly esteemed among foreigners for its accessibility to international palates.
In addition to its culinary delights, Osaka is celebrated for its vibrant culture of manzai and comedy, nurturing many of Japan’s beloved comedians. As a result, Osaka people are often characterized by their quick wit and sense of humor, making them easily relatable.
Travel Information
How to get around Osaka City?
The best way to get around Osaka City is by public transportation such as subways, trains, and buses.
How many days do I need for my Osaka trip?
3 days and 2 nights are usually sufficient for sightseeing.
How to travel from Tokyo?
Transportation | Travel time | Price | Pros and cons |
Shinkansen (Bullet train) | 2.5 hours to 4 hours (Depends on the type of Shinkansen) | 14,030 to 19,750 JPY | The most used. Fast, easy. However expensive. |
Bus | 8 to 9 hours | from 4,000 JPY | Cheap. However, it is noisy in the bus when you are with a group of students. |
Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes | Around 10000 JPY | It takes time to get to the airport in both Tokyo and Osaka, and you have to get to the airport early to check in for your flight. |
Weather in Osaka
Osaka Prefecture has a mild Seto Inland Sea climate. Its main characteristics are hot summers and little rainfall throughout the year. Osaka City is one of the hottest cities in Japan, with an average of 68 midsummer days a year with a maximum temperature of 30°C or higher and 31.5 tropical nights a year with a minimum temperature of 25°C or higher, due to poor sea breezes and the tendency for heat to accumulate in the area.
Month | Highest Temp | Lowest Temp | Average Temp | Precipitation (mm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 |
Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 68 |
Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 10°C (51°F) | 102 |
Apr | 19°C (67°F) | 13°C (56°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 93 |
May | 24°C (76°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 22°C (71°F) | 108 |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 120 |
Jul | 32°C (89°F) | 27°C (80°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 117 |
Aug | 33°C (92°F) | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (87°F) | 75 |
Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 23°C (74°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 105 |
Oct | 23°C (74°F) | 17°C (63°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 96 |
Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 6°C (42°F) | 8°C (47°F) | 49 |
Osaka’s Local Food
Japanese street food of round batter balls filled with octopus, cooked in a special pan, and topped with sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and seaweed
Japanese pancake made with batter, cabbage, and various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables, cooked on a griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.
Japanese dish of skewered and deep-fried meat, seafood, and vegetables, typically served with a dipping sauce.
10 Activities in Osaka
1.Dotonbori (道頓堀)
Located in Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Dotonbori is an entertainment district renowned for its theaters, restaurants, and various establishments. The iconic feature of Dotonbori is its colossal billboards. As night falls, neon lights illuminate the area, transforming it into a dazzling spectacle.
For a panoramic vista of Dotonbori, visitors can ascend the bridge spanning the Dotonbori River, a favored spot for photography enthusiasts. River cruises along the Dotonbori River are also a popular attraction.
While Dotonbori offers daytime attractions, its allure is heightened after dusk when the neon lights come to life, creating an electrifying ambiance. We recommend experiencing Dotonbori at night for a truly unforgettable experience.
2.Osaka Castle (大阪城)
Osaka Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan and a well-known landmark in Osaka.Construction of Osaka Castle began in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was completed in 1597.
The Osaka castle has eight floors, with both lifts and stairs. There are also daily sightseeing boats that take visitors on a 20-minute tour of the inner moat of Osaka Castle.
Opening Hours : 9:00-17:00
Admission fee : 600 yen
https://www.osakacastle.net/exhibition/
3.Shinsekai (新世界)
Shinsekai is one of Osaka’s most popular tourist spots.
There is a tower called Tsutenkaku, approximately 103 meters tall, which serves as a symbol of the area. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Osaka city.
Shinsekai is an old bustling district, retaining its historical charm with buildings and signs reminiscent of the Showa era, evoking a sense of nostalgia among visitors. Moreover, Shinsekai is home to numerous affordable eateries offering delicious Osaka specialties such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.
Photo by Nomadic Julien on Unsplash
4.Universal Studios Japan
This is a theme park where visitors can enjoy attractions, cuisine, merchandise, and more based on a variety of themes ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to Japanese anime and games.
Since the addition of Super Mario World, its popularity has surged even further.
It takes a full day to fully enjoy all the offerings within the park. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid visiting on holidays or weekends as it tends to be very crowded.
https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
5.Tsuruhashi ( Korean Market )
Osaka hosts the largest population of Korean residents in Japan, and its Tsuruhashi district is renowned as the country’s largest Korean town. Tsuruhashi boasts around 1,000 Korean-related establishments, including Korean restaurants, grocery stores, and shops selling Korean goods. Additionally, the streets are adorned with signs and posters in Korean, offering visitors an atmosphere reminiscent of being in Korea.
6. Harukas 300 (Observation Deck)
Harukas 300 (Observation Deck) is located atop Abeno Harukas, a 300-meter-tall building featuring 360-degree glass walls.
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00
Admission fee : 1800 yen
https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/observatory/
7.Namba Yasaka Shrine (難波八阪神社)
The shrine is located in Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, and is believed to be effective in warding off misfortune, dispelling disease, promoting successful marriages, and ensuring safe deliveries.
One of its most renowned features is the Lion Hall, characterized by a large open-mouthed lion statue located at the entrance of the precincts. It is believed that the lion’s gaping mouth consumes evil spirits, drawing numerous worshippers seeking blessings for academic success, job opportunities, and favorable exam outcomes.
8.Kaiyukan (海遊館)
The large aquarium replicates the natural habitat of the Pacific Ocean, allowing visitors to observe approximately 30,000 plants and animals spanning about 620 species. Notably, it features a massive aquarium tank housing whale sharks, providing them with ample space to swim freely. Additionally, visitors can engage in various nature-related activities within the facility.
Opening Hours : depend on the day
Admission fee : 2700 yen
https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/
9.Kuromon market
Kuromon Ichiba is renowned as Osaka’s kitchen. This bustling market is a hub for an array of food items sourced from across Japan, spanning from the west to the east. With approximately 150 stores, the market exudes vibrant energy. Visitors can indulge in a unique culinary experience, with numerous eateries offering delectable treats perfect for enjoying while strolling through the market. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a diverse selection of rare Japanese delicacies.
10.The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (大阪くらしの今昔館)
This public museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of urban living in Osaka City. It features exhibits comprising materials and models of houses from the late Edo period to the postwar era, offering a realistic portrayal of Japanese townhouses.
Opening Hours : 10:00-17:00
Admission fee : 600 yen
https://www-osaka–angenet-jp.translate.goog/konjyakukan?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja
Comments
List of comments (6)
Sehr hilfreich und auf den Punkt gebracht, danke!
Thank you very much! danke!
Perfektní čtení, bylo to snadno pochopitelné.
Thank you very much! Děkuju!
Bravo pour cet article, il m’a beaucoup aidé !
Thank you very much!merci!