A beginner's guide to Osaka, Japan

Osaka is celebrated as Japan’s most welcoming city, known for its unique quirks—even the way people position themselves on escalators differs from Tokyo.

If you’re looking for fantastic cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and a modern Japanese city experience in a more compact setting, consider adding a few days in Osaka to your itinerary. Here’s what you need to know.

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When is the best time to visit Osaka?

In short: spring or autumn, and even into the less busy winter months.

In detail: like much of Japan, Osaka experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. June and July mark the tsuyu, or rainy season, while tropical storms and occasional typhoons occur from September to early October. Since much of Osaka's charm lies in its lively outdoor entertainment areas, rainy weather can be a downside.

There's a reason why stunning spring blooms and vibrant autumn foliage are the most popular times to visit Japan. These seasons attract crowds; while Osaka is less busy than nearby Kyoto, both cities share airports and a Shinkansen line. If your focus is on Osaka's nightlife and city life, you might find the quieter winter months ideal for your visit.

If you choose summer, you can experience the city’s lively festivals. The three main festivals in Osaka are Aizen Matsuri, held in late June to early July, Tenjin Matsuri in late July, famous for its spectacular fireworks, and Sumiyoshi Matsuri from late July to early August. In September and October, enjoy the exciting Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri south of the city, featuring crashing wooden floats.

Is it better to fly into Osaka or is Tokyo a good option?

Osaka is served by an international airport (the new Kansai Airport, code KIX, located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay) and a domestic airport (Itami, code ITM) within the city.

Several airlines provide direct international flights to Osaka Kansai, but navigating Japan is so straightforward that transferring through Tokyo—whether by plane or Shinkansen bullet train—is only a minor hassle.

Planning to travel around Japan? Check out our guide to the train network

What are my options for getting to and around Osaka?

Upon arriving at Kansai Airport, you have various choices. Depending on your destination in the city, you can take one of two “limited express” trains: JR West’s Haruka or Nankai Railways’ uniquely designed rapi(pronounced rapiito). If these don’t suit you, check if one of the KATE (Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise) Airport Limousine buses fits your needs better.

From Itami Airport, you can take the Osaka Monorail and connect to local rail services.

The Shinkansen stops at Shin-Osaka station, located north of the city center, which has numerous regional, local, and metro options to take you into the city.

Osaka features an extensive metro/subway system, local train lines that function similarly to subways, regional and commuter rail, and even a monorail. While ride-hailing apps are still developing, they can be useful since many taxi drivers have limited English proficiency (you can always show an address on your phone). However, both taxis and ride-hailing services tend to be quite pricey compared to the excellent public transport options available.

Using your phone's map application is likely the most efficient way to navigate the city, as both Apple and Google maps are well-synced with local transportation options. Be cautious of severe weather, particularly seasonal typhoons in early autumn, as the transit system may close early in anticipation of major storms.

While rail and transit passes are available, most visitors find it more convenient to use a stored-value IC smart card like the local ICOCA for seamless entry and exit at metro and local train stations.

Essential sights to see on your first visit to Osaka

Osaka is one of those cities that shifts dramatically from day to night, offering a range of activities during the day and a vibrant Japanese metropolis experience after dark.

When you’re feeling your best, head to Dōtombori, a street parallel to its namesake canal, close to Namba station. It's a hub for street food and a stunning display of neon lights, making it ideal to visit an hour or two before sunset. Stroll, snack, and explore video game arcades—it's bustling, tourist-friendly, and an unforgettable experience!

For a more local vibe with plenty of food options but fewer tourists, use your phone to locate a nearby department store and visit its basement food hall. These spaces often feature numerous stalls, including some from independent vendors, offering a variety of tasty takeaway bites.

Amerika-mura, or 'America Village,' is to Osaka what Harajuku is to Tokyo: a trendy area evolving from a hangout spot for cool kids to a neighborhood just steps from the prominent Apple Store. It’s a captivating place worth exploring. Head towards Triangle Park and choose to wander towards or away from the bustling Midō-suji avenue.

Osaka Castle has faced destruction throughout its history, with the current main tower being a concrete replica housing an excellent museum. Nonetheless, the castle and its expansive park-like grounds remain stunning, especially at night. The impressive moats and walls, along with the cherry blossoms in spring, add to its allure in photographs.

The nearby Osaka Museum of History is perfect for enthusiasts and a great option for a rainy or humid day. It also provides fantastic views of the castle and gardens against the backdrop of modern Osaka.

For stunning views, skip the expensive observation decks and enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars, where prices can be more reasonable! I adore the expansive ceiling and glass walls of the Ritz-Carlton's panoramic bar, complete with an impressive martini menu. The Sky Lounge Stardust in the iconic Umeda Sky Building is another excellent choice, offering a variety of appealing cocktails (and mocktails) that won’t strain your budget, all while providing breathtaking sunset views.

Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan and a Legoland Discovery Center, but for a more local vibe, don’t miss Hirakata Park, the city’s oldest amusement park.

Are you a cat lover? Take a train ride south along the bay to Wakayama, about an hour and a half away. There, you can switch to the Wakayama Electric Railway, which features a cat-themed train to Kishi Station, famously shaped like a cat and home to the world-renowned stationmaster cat, Tama (now succeeded by Nitama). Be sure to check the website for the hours when the cats are at work, and remember to head to Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, not the one in Osaka Prefecture!

What dishes should I sample?

Local cuisine is a major draw for Osaka visitors. Here are some must-try dishes throughout the city:

• Takoyaki: a piping hot octopus dumpling ball snack — handle with care!

• Okonomiyaki: a highly customizable and hearty cabbage pancake-fritter — be sure to taste the Kansai version (more cabbage) here and the Hiroshima version (more noodles) there.

• Kushikatsu: the quintessential street food of battered skewers filled with meats and veggies.

• Kitsune udon: a local udon noodle specialty topped with seasoned tofu, thought to be a favorite snack of foxes, known as kitsune.

Is it pricey? How much cash should I bring?

If you're paying in dollars, Japan, including Osaka, is quite affordable right now. You'll find clean and quintessentially Japanese 'business hotels' like Toyoko Inn for about $50 a night, while midrange international hotels might cost around double that.

Traveling around the city is very cheap (around $1–2 per trip), and indulging in Osaka's food scene is almost shockingly affordable — you can enjoy a plate of hot takoyaki for under $5, lunch sets for less than $10, or a satisfying okonomiyaki dinner for well under $15.

Cash remains the preferred payment method in Japan, but Osaka is more card-friendly than rural areas. While credit cards are commonly accepted at hotels and restaurants, stored-value IC cards (as mentioned in 'getting around') are also quite handy — though they’re generally loaded with cash rather than credit. You'll need cash for taxis and street food, and most locals carry a good amount, especially in coins. Not all ATMs accept international cards, but those at post offices and most convenience stores usually do.

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How long should you spend in Osaka?

Allocate several days to fully immerse yourself in all that Osaka has to offer, both day and night, plus a few extra days for regional exploration or relaxation — giving you more time to savor the city’s culinary delights.

Is Osaka a good base for exploring western Japan?

If you prefer to unpack your suitcase just once while utilizing the fast Shinkansen to visit various spots in western Japan, there are better base options than Osaka, like Hiroshima, Himeji with its stunning castle, Okayama with its renowned gardens and local hero Momotarō, the island of Shikoku, and the picturesque Seto Inland Sea. You'll find more affordable hotels closer to the stations in these western cities.

Among these, Okayama stands out as an excellent base. It’s conveniently located on the Shinkansen line and serves as a rail hub between Shikoku and the northern coast of the Chugoku region, making it a charming, practical, and economical choice. It’s also the furthest west you can travel from Tokyo on the Hikari Shinkansen, which is the fastest train available with the Japan Rail Pass.