Japan is reopen and travelers are excited to visit Tokyo. However, there’s a city that isn’t often. first choice, but should be for many visitors to Japan. Osaka is a city that offers delicious food allowing the cultural intrigue with less busy surroundings.
Tokyo is typically at the top of people’s list when visiting Japan, but Osaka should be considered by more travelers. There is more to Japan than Tokyo and Kyoto.
Osaka is perfect for people who are looking to get deeper into Japan and are seeking grater interactions with the locals. It’s a city known for its comedians and takoyaki. The Kansai region has soul to it, and even its own dialect of Japanese.
People that come from Osaka, which is the major city of western Japan, are typically portrayed as shrewd business people who are thrifty, but will splurge and good food and drink.
In Osaka you’ll find a city that’s without pretentiousness and even gritty in some parts. You’ll also find that it’s full of high quality, yet affordable food and drinks. After 48 hours in Osaka you’ll leave with a smile and a little heavier around the middle.
Osaka Arrival
most visitors arrive by by bullet train from Tokyo or Kyoto. The city’s Chin-Osaka Station allows for an easy connection to the downtown area via the subway, or Osaka Metro. To reach the Osaka Metro, take the escalators down after exiting the turnstiles from the Shinkansen, or bullet train section of the station.
The Midosuji Line will connect you directly to the two busiest parts of the city, Umeda and Minami, where you’ll find Namba and Shinsaibashi.
If arriving by air, you’ll be landing at Kansai International Airport(KIX). If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can take the JR Haruka Express Train to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka Station and then take the metro or a taxi to your accommodation.
Klook.comIf the Rail Pass isn’t a concern, the fastest way into the city is by the Nankai Rapid Airport Express. It takes 45 minutes and drops you off in Namba.
Getting Around
You’re in one of the top cities in Japan, so the public transportation is excellent.
Rail is the most affordable transportation option. The JR Loop Line and the Osaka Metro while take you pretty much anywhere you need to go within the city. Before you go, download an offline version of Google Maps.
Uber is available, but only un Uber Taxi as of publishing.
Where To Stay in Osaka
Osaka has plenty of options for all types of budgets and travelers. The city iOS primarily divided into two parts; the North Ward (Umeda and Kita-ku) and the South Ward (Namba and Shinsaibashi). Locals commonly refer the South Ward as “Minami”, which is Japanese for “south”.
With that being said, don’t expect to find a Ryokan like you would in Kyoto. Remember, you’re in a big city.
Some Hotel Options
Starting from the north and heading south, Umeda is where most chains are located, including a Westin, a new InterContinental, Hilton, and Ritz-Carlton.
For solo travelers or those on a smaller budget, the First Cabin Nishi-Umeda offers a unique experience. Like on a commercial airliner, the hotel is divided into First and Business class.
First Class rooms are about $70 USD per night. You get a 32 inch TV, twin bed, safe, and 4.4 square meters of space. Business Class is basically as sliding door opening to a bed and 2.5 square meters of space. Don’t worry, Business Class rooms have a TV and safe built into he bed.
You do get to experience an “onsen on a budget” though. An onsen is a communal bath.
Feeling Out the Neighborhood
A few minutes south are some other hotels. There’s a somewhat new Conrad and also the Rihga Royal Hotel. The Righa Royal Hotel has been around for over 80 years. It’s considered a luxury hotel, but there are rooms available for under $100 USD.
Between the north and south wards is Honmachi where there’s an abundance of mid-level accommodations and business hotels.
Shinsaibashi is at the northern end of the South Ward, or Minami, and it’s where you’ll find the Hotel Nikko.Owned by Japan Airlines, rooms are under $200 USD and although they aren’t the largest, the access to the subway can’t be beat.
Shinsaibashi is a popular tourist area, so there are plenty of hotels to choose from when planning your trip. Near Namba Station is the upscale Swissotel Nankai. It’s a very convention hotel if you’re arriving by air because the hotel is connected tot he station.
What To Do & See
Osaka Castle is the main landmark. It’s beautiful but you can stick to the outside. The inside is a museum if you’re interested, but it’s interior isn’t the same as when it was built. However, the castle grounds are a beautiful park, so grab. coffee and enjoy the park.
Kaiyukan, or the Osaka Aquarium, is a huge aquarium specializing in the species of the Pacific Rim. The main attraction here is the nine meter by thirty-four meter Whale Shark habitat.
Dotonbori Canal in the Minami area is the quintessential “I Went to Osaka” photo. it’s best to go at night when the neon lights are on for the best look.
Picturesque Temple Photos Outside of Kyoto
Sumiyoshi Taisha has temples, a beautiful bridge over a pond, and a surrounding neighborhood that feels like time travel. Sumiyoshia Taisha is performing for a short time in the afternoon.
Tsutentaku Tower is another landmark in Osaka. The area is known as a bit seedier to the locals, the tower was originally made to mirror cities like New York or Paris.
What about eating? Try some Japanese blowfish or fugu at world famous Zuboraya. Also try Kushi-Katsu, fried skewers of meat and vegetables. But, more on food below.
Food You Can’t Miss
Osaka doesn’t have the major tourist attractions or the glitz and glamour like Kyoto and Tokyo might. However, that’s made up for in food. Osaka is a city that’s about giving you maximum flavor for your yen.
Where The Locals Go
Do you want to eat like an Osakan? Consider checking out the Fukushima neighborhood. It’s a lively spot accessible via the Fukushima stop on the JR Loop line. There are hundreds of little restaurants and pubs that you can duck into for a bite or drink. Explore the narrow alleyways and try out a few places.
Takoyaki is The Osaka Dish
Takoyaki is a starchy puff filled with octopus, tempura batter, ginger and scallion. It’s also smothered in a savory sauce, mayonnaise, and topped with fine shavings of seaweed and bonito. Most neighborhoods have street vendors selling takoyaki as a take home snack or quick bite while having a beer with friends.
Not sure where to go for this Osaka dish? Visit Takoya and try the Saucy mayo takoyaki for a traditional flavor. if octopus isn’t for you, there are plenty of other fun and delicious pub-style bites to try. Oh, and don’t forget the sake.
Where’s the Beef? it’s Here
You need to have some Wagyu, right? There’s no better place than Osaka.
A few minutes walk from Fukushima Station is Ushigatari. The owner of Ushigatari, Mr. Yamaguchi is from a family of Yamagata Prefecture cattle ranchers. the beef here is so exclusive, that only 5% of all Wagyu consumed domestically and is never exported outside of Japan.
Moving south and into the basement of the Rihga Royal Hotel.There you’ll find Sushi Man. Sushi Man has roots dating back to 1653 and specializes in Osaka style sushi.
Another Osaka staple is Kushi-katsu and you’ll need to try it. Kushi means stick and katsu is meat or a cutlet. For Kushi-katsu, meat, vegetables., and fish are all skewered up and dipped in a. deep-fried batter until golden in color.
You’ll find most kushi-katsu is standing room only, but Kushi No Bou in the Namba area is little more upscale than most. here you can order a la carte or Omakase style.
What about Korean food? You might be surprised to learn you can find some great Korean food here. But, that’s because Osaka is home to the largest enclave of Koreans and Korean descendants in Japan. If you’re adventurous and don’t mind becoming lost in a max of restaurants, take the JR Loop pine Tsuruhashi Station.
However for something easier visit Shokudoen just past the Dotombori Canal. This place has been around forever, and you can feel the place’s longevity. Fins some great grilled beef and kimchi dishes here.
Enjoy Osaka!
If you have some extra time, consider visiting Kobe. it’s close to Osaka and is a great place with a lot of word heritage sites. But if exploring Buddhism interests, go south to Wakayama where you can visit Mt. Koh and stay at a Buddhist temple.
A Kyoto Workaround: Lodging in Osaka is much cheaper and Kyoto is only a 15 minute bullet train ride away with the rail pass, or a 40 minute commuter train ride away.
