Osaka Hotels

Osaka stands as one of Japan's colorful cities, known for its lively atmosphere and unique experiences. As one of Japan's major cities, Osaka holds its charm with a mix of modern and traditional elements that boasts a variety of attractions. From the iconic Osaka Castle to the bustling streets of Dotonbori, there's so much to see for everyone. The city's rich cuisine features specialties from takoyaki to traditional sushi. Doesn’t matter if you are exploring historical landmarks or enjoying the local street food, Osaka's offerings make sure that you will have life-long memories. 

From the moment you set foot in Osaka, the city’s energy makes it a destination that captures the hearts of people from around the world.  The scene of Osaka Bay and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine offers escapes from the urban bustle. Planning your trip to Osaka is like finding a treasure chest filled with gems. From the trendy vibes of Namba to the historic charm of Kuromon Ichiba Market, the city's neighborhoods have an adventure around every corner. Whether you spend a day or a week, Osaka is sure to leave you with unforgettable experiences.

Things To Know Before Going To Osaka

• Get an ICOCA card, a rechargeable IC card that can be used on most trains, subways, and buses in the Kansai region, including Osaka.
• Namba Station is one of the largest metro stations in Osaka and can be disorienting. If you get lost, find the nearest station master.
• The Osaka Amazing Pass covers free entry to over 40 attractions and unlimited use of the subway, buses, and local trains for 1 or 2 days.
• Book accommodations well in advance, especially if traveling in spring or autumn.
• Most hotels have small rooms by Western standards.
• If you plan to stay long, consider staying in Kyoto and taking day trips to Osaka, as there may not be enough to fill 5 days in Osaka alone.
• Dotonbori is a famous food street known for dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
• Visit Kuromon Market, known as "Osaka's Kitchen", for fresh seafood and street food.
• Check out the Glico Running Man sign, an iconic Osaka landmark.
• Ride the Ferris wheel at the HEP 5 shopping complex for great city views.
• Visit Osaka Castle and the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building.
• Book activities and restaurant reservations well in advance to avoid missing out.
• Eat at supermarkets and convenience stores - the food is high quality and affordable.
• Use buses to get around locally, as the JR Pass doesn't cover travel within cities.
• Stay longer in one place to save on transportation costs and immerse in the local culture.

Osaka Tips From Locals

• Tipping in restaurants is not a common custom in Japan, and some waiters and business owners may be offended if you try to leave them a tip.
• Convenience stores and vending machines are on every corner in Japan.
• If you decide to purchase something, don’t consume it while walking, otherwise, you can experience some looks of disapproval.
• You can usually find trash cans near vending machines and convenience stores, so if you eat and drink there, you have a place to throw your garbage away.
• Trains are a quiet place in Japan and the same stands in Osaka. Listening to loud music, talking on your phone, or speaking loudly is considered very rude.
• ATMs in Japan can be quite old-school and not all of them accept cards from different banks. Your best shot is to withdraw cash at 7-Eleven stores.
• Spend at least half a day exploring Osaka Castle and the surrounding area.
• Explore Namba, home to Den Den Town (electronics district), Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori.
• Eat at a variety of places like local fast food, food courts, izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), and small local restaurants.
• Kyoto is only about 30-40 minutes from Osaka by train.
• Nara, Kobe, and Himeji are also great day-trip options from Osaka.
• While many people in tourist areas speak some English, it's helpful to learn basic Japanese phrases.
• Don't over-plan and leave room for spontaneity.

Where is Osaka?

Osaka is a city in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan that is one of the three major cities of the country. Osaka is located on the main island of Honshu, roughly in the center of Japan. The city lies along Osaka Bay at the eastern end of the Inland Sea, on the delta of the Yodo River

Best Neighborhood To Stay In Osaka?

Thanks to its beauty, you will have a hard time choosing where to stay in Osaka. According to their popularity, here are some recommendations on best places in Osaka:

Best Hotels in Osaka

Find the best hotels in Osaka!

Places To Visit In Osaka

Here are some top Osaka attractions you must see during your stay:

• Osaka Castle: A historic landmark with a museum and beautiful surrounding gardens.
• Dotonbori: A lively district known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and iconic neon lights, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and street food.
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide range of marine life.
• Shitenno-ji Temple: One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
• Universal Studios Japan: A popular theme park with a variety of attractions and entertainment for all ages.

Is Osaka Safe?

Thanks to its low crime rates, Osaka is considered one of the safest cities in the world. It also can be said that Osaka is safe for solo female travelers due to its well-lit and populated public areas. Lastly,  according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey for 2023, Osaka ranked 34th overall in the "City Safety Ranking" with a point of 66.9.

Is Osaka Expensive?

Osaka is moderately expensive. Expatistan reports that the cost of living in Osaka is more expensive than in 72% of cities in Asia but cheaper than in 58% of cities in the world. In terms of food prices, Osaka is in the middle of the list and when it comes to transportation the city is in the top 10 for the costs.

Osaka Currency

The currency used in Osaka is the Japanese Yen (¥ or JPY) which is the official Japanese currency. When visiting Osaka, it's advisable to exchange your currency for Japanese Yen to facilitate transactions. You can exchange currency at various locations in Osaka, including banks, currency exchange offices, and international airports.

Osaka Language

The commonly spoken language in Osaka is Japanese. However, there are some other languages spoken by the foreign population in Osaka. There are radio stations in Osaka that broadcast in multiple languages, including English. You may also find some English speakers, especially in tourist areas and international businesses.

Osaka Time Zone

The timezone in Osaka, Japan, is Japan Standard Time (JST), which is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+9). 

How Many Days To Visit Osaka?

If you have a tight schedule, one day will be enough to see the main attractions of Osaka. The must-see attractions Osaka Castle, the Kita District, and the Minami District can be seen in a day. If you find extra time, you can sightsee other popular attractions in Osaka such as the Dotonbori Canal, the Umeda Sky Building, the Osaka Aquarium, and the Shinsaibashi shopping district. If you have more time, you can enjoy most of the city within three days, allowing you to visit additional attractions such as Nishinomaru Garden and Universal Studios Japan.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Osaka?

Picking the perfect time to stay in Osaka is a matter of what suits your style and plans. Each season brings its vibe to the city:

If you love the buzz and energy of festivals, summer is your go-to. It's when Osaka is in full swing with lively events. Just keep in mind, it tends to rain quite a bit from July to early October.

For a cooler and more tranquil experience, winter is the time to stay in Osaka. The temperatures are milder, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, and though snow is rare, it might make a cameo from late December to early March.

Spring is the golden time for pleasant weather and outdoor adventures. The cherry blossoms in April and May turn Osaka into a picturesque wonderland.

If you're into a more peaceful exploration, fall is your season to fly to Osaka. The weather cools down, the crowds thin out, and it's perfect for discovering the city's historical sites and monuments.

What To Pack For Your Visit To Osaka?

When visiting Osaka, what you should pack for the trip can change according to the season. Here is the list of what to pack for your Osaka trip generally:

For summer, you should have lightweight and breathable clothes, comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella, extra socks and underwear, a rain poncho, or a light raincoat to keep yourself dry.

For winter, you should pack clothes that’ll keep you warm, a coat, scarf, hat, gloves, thermal layers, and socks.

Osaka Food

Japanese cuisine has one of the tastiest dishes in the world and is quite popular worldwide. Having a chance to eat Japanese food at the country’s third most popular country will make your palate dance with delight. Some must-try Osaka food you should give a shot:

• Takoyaki: Ball-shaped dumplings filled with diced octopus, fried scraps, and green onion, topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
• Okonomiyaki: Savory pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various toppings such as pork belly, shrimp, or squid, topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
• Kushikatsu: Deep-fried skewered meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
• Kitsune Udon: Udon noodles in a hot broth with sweet and savory fried tofu.
• Negiyaki: A savory pancake made with flour, eggs, and green onions, often served with pork or seafood.

Osaka Nightlife

Osaka's nightlife has lively options, from an exciting range of experiences to never-ending nights. Osaka's nighttime scene creates an atmosphere that you’ll wish the morning never comes. The neon lights in the streets will embrace you and be sure that you’ll have the greatest time ever. From traditional izakayas (Japanese tavernas) to modern cocktail bars, Osaka offers numerous choices. For a more relaxed experience, Osaka's canal-side bars offer eye-candy scenes. Imagine sipping your favorite drink while enjoying the soothing views of the water gently flowing by.