Osaka

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About

It's quite amazing how it seems such a relatively small country in terms of land area (compared to the US, China or Russia) can have such a diverse "culture". Osaka is a totally different "vibe" than Tokyo. Osakans are generally more outgoing, loud and speak their mind compared to the restrained, business like and proper Tokyo'ites. The Japanese they speak is also quite different with a very heavy "Osaka Accent" and even many different words are not the same or additional "Osaka words" are added to their speech. Not only is character and language quite different, the food in Osaka is also quite different than in Tokyo. Have you ever tired an Okonomiyaki ("whatever you like" pancake) or Tako Yaki (Octopus fried in balls of batter)? Osakans kinda relate to American Los Angeles types where as Tokyo'ites relate more to upper class New Yorkers, both with their own positive characters.

Osaka was, off and on, the capitol of Japan on a few occasions. It was also considered the "Economic Center" of Japan for a very long time as it's seaport was a major connection between Korea and China. In the past most international travelers would always enter Japan through Narita near Tokyo but since the completion of the Kansai International Airport Osaka has became a major entrance port because of it's "closer" location to Kyoto and because Osaka itself has a lot to offer in way of attractions.

Where to stay in Osaka

Like most cities in Japan, the railway system in Osaka makes getting from "Point A" to "Point B" painless and quick. Whether you stay in Shin Osaka, Umeda, Nanba or Tennoji, all destinations and attractions can be reached fairly quickly by jumping on the right train. Although Shin Osaka is close to downtown, usually businessmen stay in Shin Osaka while tourists tend to stay in Umeda, Nanba or Tennoji. Osaka offers super modern and excellent quality hotels along with traditional Japanese Inns. If you stay in Umeda or Nanba you can venture out anytime of the day or night and immediately be immersed in the Osaka "vibe" as shopping, eating and partying establishments will surround you.

Hotels, Japanese Inns, Business Hotels (Lodging) in Osaka

What to do in Osaka

Most recently (within the recent decade), the theme park "Universal Studios Japan" was built in Osaka which is visited by Japanese from all over Japan and by many Chinese, Koreans and other Asian countries. It also has modern aquariums, shopping centers and museums. However, the "coolest" place to visit is Osaka Castle. Osaka Caste was the centerpiece for major battles that raged through Japan during the warlord and Shogun eras. The castle was made for BATTLE, not beauty, and it dominates the city from many sightseeing locations. After the castle there are many famous and very old shrines and temples which you may want to visit. Something not to be missed is the "old" and "downtown" areas of Osaka with real "Osaka" feel. Head down to Nanba on a Friday or Saturday night and catch the businessmen stumbling out of the hostess bars feeling happy and singing in the streets... then stop in at an Okonimiyaki shop and have some great food!

Access

from Kansai Intl. Airport (Terminal 1)

• by Train
  • Haruka
    If your hotel is in Tennoji, headed strait for Shin-Osaka to catch the Shinkansen or headed directly to Kyoto, the Huruka is your best option.
    to Tennoji: 31 min., 2,230 yen
    to Shin-Osaka: 50 min., 2,850 yen
    to Kyoto: 1 hour 18 min., 3,370 yen
    Please visit the official Haruka site for information, schedules and pricing.
  • Kansai Airport Rapid
    If you don't have a JR Pass and want the "Cheapest" method to get to Osaka, jump on this "Rapid" train to get into the Osaka Area.
    to Tennoji: 50 min., 1,060 yen
    to Osaka(Umeda): 1 hour 10 min., 1,190 yen
    Please visit the official Kansai Airport Rapid site for information, schedules and pricing.
  • Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t - around 1,430 yen and takes about 46 min.
    If your hotel is in the Namba area, the Rapi:t is your best option. Please visit the official Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t site for information, schedules and pricing.
• by Highway Bus
  • The "Kate" (Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise) and Osaka Airport Limousine Bus Companies offer Service from Kansai Intl. Airport.
    Bus services generally take slightly longer than the express trains BUT if a service/route drops you right at the front door of your hotel, the convenience may be worth it. During a "No traffic" time, figure around 1 hour, 1 hour and 30 min. to get into Osaka and depending on the exact location around 1,550 yen.

from Tokyo

• by Train
  • JR Shinkansen - around 14,450 yen and takes about 2 hours 30 min.
    From Tokyo Station (or Shinagawa, Yokohama) jump on any "Hikari Shinkansen" and you'll be in Tokyo in about 2 and a half hours. If you don't have a JR Pass take any train you like that fits your budget.

Hotels & Lodging

Recommended

View all Hotels and Lodging in & nearby Osaka

Area Map

The map below gives a great "over-view" of the "main" areas (cities) in Osaka.

View area on Google Maps

 

Attractions

Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Osaka.  View all Attractions in Osaka.

#1

Matsue Castle

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Last entry at 4:30 p.m.

Closed: -

Cost:

Map: Google Map

Matsue Castle, in Matsue city in western Japan on the coast of the Sea of Japan, is one of the 12 original castles remaining in Japan. It actually never saw any battles because it was built after the last great feudal war in Japan at the very beginning of the Edo Era. The Daimyo Horio Yoshiharu w... more details

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#2

Himeji Castle

Hours: Summer (April 27-August 31): 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Last entry at 5:30 p.m.)Winter: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Closed: Dec. 29 and 30.

Cost: The park around the castle is free but entrance to the main tower is 18+: 1,050 yen, 5-18: 300 yen.

Map: Google Map

Himeji Castle is one of the top 3 premier castles in Japan along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle and one of the twelve original castles in Japan. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Sitein 1993, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan. Himeji Castle is also the largest and mo... more details

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#3

Nanba

Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Map: Google Map

"Nanba" (In English usually spelled "Namba" but actually should be spelled with an "n" as the correct pronunciation is Nanba, in Japanese なんば) is a large area around the Nanba Station(s) that has an abundance or restaurants, shopping centers and drinking spots. 4 train lines stop at Nanba, J... more details

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#4

Osaka Castle

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (entrance until 4:30 p.m.)

Closed: December 28th through January 1st

Cost: Castle grounds are free. Museum - 15+: 600 yen, under 15: free

Map: Google Map

Not only is Osaka Castle (in Japanese; Osaka Jyou 大阪城) the symbol of Osaka, it is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and played a major role in the history of Japan. It's rich history has been handed down through stories, dramas and movies. Construction of the castle started i... more details

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#5

Wakayama Castle

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Last entry at 5:00 p.m.

Closed: New Years week (Jan. 29 - Jan. 31)

Cost:

Map: Google Map

Wakayama Castle has a long "Battle" history which makes it a very interesting place to visit.  Not only is the history interesting but the structures, grounds and area around the castle make Wakayama Castle a great destination for a fascinating day. Wakayama Castle survived the Mei... more details

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#6

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. October - March)

Closed: December 28 - January 3

Cost: Castle only: 300 yen, Castle + Raikyuji Temple + 2 samurai mansions and Takahashi Historical Museum: 900 yen

Map: Google Map

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is one of only twelve remaining original Japanese Castles. Furthermore it is the oldest surviving original castle AND the only "Mountaintop Castle" among those remaining twelve original castles.  The original castle was built by Akiba Shigenobu in 1240 AD on ... more details

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