Osaka is a city that does not strive to be perfect, and that is precisely what makes it so charming. Loud, colourful and direct, from the very first moments it draws you into the pulsating neon lights, the aromas of street food and the constant movement. History intertwines with modernity here without any complexes: skyscrapers rise next to temples, and just around the corner you can discover an inconspicuous bar serving takoyaki, the taste of which will remain in your memory for a long time.
This guide will take you to Osaka, a city known as the “kitchen of Japan”, but offering much more than just outstanding food. It will show you the obvious and lesser-known places, tell you how to get around the city and where to experience its true character. Whether you’re here for the first time or returning for more, Osaka will quickly make it clear that it’s not just a stop on your journey.
As with other cities in Japan, it is worth spending more time here. We spent a total of about 6 days in Osaka and managed to visit most of the most interesting places. Below are links to detailed guides to all the districts of the city we visited.
OSAKA – DETAILED GUIDES
TOYONAKA – THE NORTHERN, GREEN SIDE OF OSAKA >
UMEDA (KITA) – NORTHERN PART OF OSAKA >
OSAKA CASTLE >
OSAKA CITY CENTER : DOTONBORI, NAMBA, SHINSEKAI AND TENNOJI >
WESTERN OSAKA AND ITS ATTRACTIONS >
HOW TO GET TO OSAKA?
Osaka is one of Japan’s best-connected cities, so getting here is easy. Whether you are arriving from abroad or travelling within the country.
BY PLANE
The city is served by two airports. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international airport, located on an artificial island in the bay. From there, you can reach the centre of Osaka by train (JR Haruka, Nankai Airport Express) or airport bus. Itami (ITM) mainly handles domestic flights and also has good connections to the centre.
BY EXPRESS TRAIN FROM MAJOR CITIES IN JAPAN
Osaka is an important railway hub. You can get here by shinkansen (high-speed train) from Tokyo, Kyoto or Hiroshima. The main shinkansen station is Shin-Osaka, from where you can easily transfer to the underground or JR lines.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN FROM OTHER PLACES IN JAPAN
Osaka is also easily accessible by regular trains, which are a cheaper and often very convenient alternative to the shinkansen, especially when travelling around the Kansai region. JR trains connect Osaka with Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama. They run frequently, are punctual and are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. This is a great option for day trips or leisurely travel between cities without seat reservations. Osaka is also served by several large private railway lines, including Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan and Nankai. They often offer direct, fast connections to specific districts of neighbouring cities, e.g. from Kyoto straight to Umeda or Namba. For many routes, they are even more convenient than JR.
You can easily pay for all these connections with your ICOCA card (see information below) or buy a ticket from a ticket machine. The system is simple and well marked, also in English.
BY BUS
Long-distance buses are a cheaper alternative to trains. They run regularly from many Japanese cities, often at night, which allows you to save on accommodation.
BY CAR
Osaka is connected by a dense network of motorways, but driving and parking in the city itself can be difficult and expensive. This option is more suitable for those planning to visit places outside the city rather than the city itself.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE CITY?
Osaka has a well-developed public transport system, which makes sightseeing quick and convenient. The metro goes almost everywhere, and the frequency of service is impressive. Google maps and timetables work very well. It is worth checking how to get there before going down to the underground, as GPS can get lost there. All signs are in English as well as Japanese, so there is no problem with orientation. The only problem may be the direction of travel. Therefore, it is important to stick to what Google Maps says exactly – it shows the platform.
METRO AND TRAINS
The main means of transport around the city are the metro and the JR and private railway lines. The network is extensive, well marked (also in English) and punctual. You can easily reach the most important places without changing trains or with just one short change of line.
TICKETS – IC CARD
The most convenient option is the ICOCA contactless card, which you can buy at stations and airports. It works on the metro, trains, buses and even in convenience stores. Just tap it and you’re on your way. You can top it up at machines at all stations.
The ICOCA card also works in Tokyo on most trains, subways, buses and terminals with IC readers, just like local Suica or PASMO cards. Transport card systems in Japan are interconnected, so you can use one card in many cities, including Osaka and Tokyo. Cards are issued in specific regions: in Tokyo, you usually buy Suica or PASMO, and in Osaka, ICOCA, but then all these cards work in both cities.
Please note that IC cards do not work on interregional routes (e.g. Tokyo ↔ Osaka by Shinkansen). There may be exceptions in very few local transport systems that do not accept all IC cards, but this is rare and mainly applies to small private lines.
BUSES
Buses are mainly useful where the underground does not reach, but they are less likely to be the first choice for tourists. However, if you do use them, the stops and timetables are easy to understand.
ON FOOT OR BY BICYCLE
The centre of Osaka is great for walking, as many attractions are close to each other. Bicycles are also an increasingly popular option and can be rented in various parts of the city. Please note that bicycle parking is subject to a fee.
TAXIS
Clean, safe, but quite expensive. They are a good option in the evening or for short journeys, especially when travelling with several people.
WHERE TO STAY IN OSACA?
The choice of accommodation in Osaka depends mainly on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything from modern hotels to atmospheric hostels and traditional ryokans.
Namba and Dōtonbori are the best options for those who want to be right in the centre of the action. Close to attractions, restaurants and nightlife, with excellent transport links. The perfect place for your first visit to Osaka. This part of the city never sleeps, so if you like peace and quiet, don’t stay here.
Umeda (kita – north of the city) is a modern business district with large hotels, shopping centres and excellent rail connections. A good choice if you plan to make frequent trips to Kyoto, Kobe or Nara. We spent 4 nights here at The GALA Hotel Umeda . I recommend it for its charming interiors, exceptionally spacious and well-equipped rooms, and good location.
Shin-Osaka – a practical location near the Shinkansen station. Less attractive to tourists, but convenient for people travelling around Japan and changing cities. We stayed in this district for one night to be close to the station (before leaving for Tokyo).
Tennoji – A quieter neighbourhood with good access to the underground, parks and temples. It often offers cheaper accommodation and a more local atmosphere.
If you decide to book accommodation in Osaka, I recommend using Booking.com , which we have tested dozens of times. Use the link to book your accommodation with a 15% discount!
Enter the dates you are interested in and book securely:
OSAKA – WHERE TO EAT?
Osaka is not without reason called the ‘kitchen of Japan’. It is a city where food is important, and you will not leave hungry.
Dōtonbori is the culinary heart of the city and the perfect place for your first encounter with Osaka cuisine. Neon signs, queues for restaurants and classic street food: takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki in dozens of variations.
Kuromon Ichiba Market is a paradise for fans of fast food. Fresh seafood, grilled skewers, wagyu, sweets and snacks that you can eat on the go. A great place for a culinary stroll.
Shinsekai is an old, somewhat retro district known for kushikatsu, or deep-fried skewers. The atmosphere is relaxed, with local bars and one rule: don’t dip your skewer in the sauce again.
Namba and Umeda – In the evenings, it’s worth visiting the small izakayas, which serve simple, home-style dishes, beer and sake. This is the best way to see how the locals eat in Osaka.
What should you definitely try?
- takoyaki
- okonomiyaki
- kushikatsu
- kitsune udon
- ramen at local ramen-ya
SAFETY AND RULES
Osaka is a very safe city, and travelling around it rarely involves any risk. However, it is enough to know a few local rules and customs to feel comfortable and avoid committing a faux pas.
SAFETY
Crime is low, even at night. You can safely walk around the city centre or use public transport after dark. Pickpockets are rare, but as everywhere else, it is worth keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The police are helpful, and police stations (kōban) can be found in almost every district.
BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC PLACES
In Japan, peace and order are valued. Avoid loud conversations and phone calls on trains and the underground. Eating and drinking are not allowed, except on the Shinkansen. Eating while walking is frowned upon (exception: street food in designated areas). Tattoos may be a problem in some public baths, swimming pools and onsen. Always check the rules before entering!
QUEUES AND PUNCTUALITY
Queuing is sacred. This applies to trains, lifts, restaurants and attractions. Public transport is very punctual, so delays are practically non-existent.
TIPS
In Japan, tipping is not customary. Attempting to leave a tip may cause embarrassment to the staff. Good service is the standard here, not an extra.
RUBBISH
There are few bins on the streets. Rubbish is taken with you and disposed of in the appropriate place (e.g. in shops). Waste sorting is important, even in hotels.
VIEWS OF OSAKA AND THE BAY FROM THE AIRPLANE
And finally, a few more views of the city and the entire Osaka Bay from the plane on the way to Kansai Airport. Osaka Bay lies between Osaka, Kobe and Awaji Island and is part of the Seto Inland Sea. Its shores are home to Osaka, Sakai, Kobe and Kansai Port (with an airport on an artificial island).
JAPAN – COUNTRY GUIDE >
OSAKA – GUIDE AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION >
DETAILED GUIDES :