Where to Stay in Osaka

Our Favorite Hotels in Osaka

At the top of the five-star rankings is the Marriott, located in Osaka • 4-Top rated: A hotel
• 3-star: The Flag
• For budget-minded travelers, a great affordable option is the Bridge Hotel in Osaka • Hostel: The Pax
• For couples: New Otani, tailored for couples • For families: Universal Port Vita • Near Osaka Station: InterContinental
• Universal Studios: Liber
•

  • The Oxley Public House – $$-$$$ – Establishment known for British-style meals and quality beers in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

a clock tower in the middle of a city

The Best Areas to Stay in Osaka

Osaka is Tokyo’s hip but somewhat edgier elder brother. Its appeal has surged in recent years, with grand architectural initiatives, the country’s largest castle, nightlife, and some of the best Japanese street cuisine anywhere. It even has its own Japanese dialect (“Osaka-ben”). Osaka has served as an important commercial hub and port for over 2,000 years, and it constitutes part of the second-largest metro area in Japan.

Osaka Neighborhoods

Central Osaka is relatively easy to navigate, with everything of interest in a series of connected neighborhoods running south from Osaka Station (the main train and subway hub). Umeda (in Kita ward) is a major business and retail hub that includes the futuristic Umeda Sky Building and observatory and the island of Nakanoshima. On the island are the National Museum of Art, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, and the Osaka Science Museum.

South of Umeda lies Central Osaka/Honmachi, mostly a business area but a convenient base. East is the quieter Osaka Castle Area, home to Japan’s largest fortress and the Osaka Museum of History, though fewer hotels exist there.

Continuing south from Central Osaka, travelers will come upon the city’s most stylish shopping and entertainment districts of Minami. Visitors will find the neon-lit Dōtonbori, Amerika-mura, and Nipponbashi Den Den Town, the hub for “otaku” (Japanese pop culture admirers). This is also where vacationers can explore the city’s premier covered arcades, such as Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street and the seafood-rich Kuromon Ichiba (marketplace).”

South and east of Minami are the locales of Tennōji and lively Shinsekai, an entertainment quarter known for its retro atmosphere and affordable street cuisine. Notable features include the nostalgic Tsūtenkaku Tower, the hot spring bathing available at SpaWorld,Tennōji Zoo, the observatory atop Abeno Harukas, and Shitennō-ji temple, Osaka’s foremost Shinto shrine.

a large group of people are standing in front of a large building

Located west of the city center is Osaka Bay, home to man-made islands housing Universal Studios Japan, the massive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyūkan, and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel.

Lastly, the high-speed train (Shinkansen) stops at Shin-Osaka station, 2 miles north of Umeda and Osaka Station. This mostly unremarkable suburb provides inexpensive lodging for those with a brief stopover.

Osaka is too expansive to fully explore on foot alone, but there’s an easy-to-use, efficient, and low-cost public transportation system. The above-ground JR Osaka Loop line is convenient for those utilizing a JR Rail Pass. However, Osaka’s extensive subway system with eight lines plus 1 “New Tram” is usually faster. The Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass is a good value if you plan to pack in a lot of sightseeing (¥620 weekends, ¥820 weekdays). Trains usually have maps and announcements in English.

Safety in Osaka

Certain parts of Osaka may appear more challenging than Kyoto and Tokyo, however it remains very safe according to international standards. Standard precautions should be taken at night. Dōtonbori and Shinsekai at night can feel intimidating with their drinking and nightlife activities. There exists a noticeably large homeless population located just west of Shinsekai; that’s a little shocking for Japan. While Shinsekai is portrayed more dangerously than reality by some Japanese, it’s probably best to avoid wandering alone late at night, but during the day it`s fine. Even the entertainment district of Tobita Shinchi, south of Shinsekai, remains quite tame, however no photos are allowed at night.

The Best Places to Stay in Osaka

Best Places in Osaka for…

  • Best Neighborhood to Lodge for First Timers/Sightseeing: Umeda (Kita)
    Given the large size of Osaka, first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible should reside in Umeda, preferably near the major transportation hubs around Osaka Station. The JR lines and the private Hankyu, Keihan, and Hanshin lines converge here. Umeda Station on the Midosuji subway line is connected to most central areas of interest. Umeda has also evolved into an enormous shopping and entertainment district (especially near Osaka Station), with vast malls, department stores, and food courts. It’s also home to some of the city’s major sights, including the Umeda Sky Building and the museums of Nakanoshima ( Nakanoshima Museum of Art,National Museum of Art, and Osaka Science Museum). Lastly, there’s a huge range of lodging here, at every price range. Having said that, Minami/Namba makes an excellent alternative – if the primary interest is in Osaka’s street cuisine and nightlife, reside in this more southerly city section
  • Most Romantic Neighborhood: Osaka Castle Area

    There are plenty of romantic things to do in Osaka, like taking river boat trips, enjoying night views from sky-high Harukas 300, and riding on the Hep Five Ferris wheel. But there’s no specific romantic neighborhood. Staying near Osaka Castle Park is a good idea. It’s much quieter in this part of the city at night (though you’re not far from the action by subway or taxi), and the park is a beautiful space full of gardens, cherry blossoms, canals, and ancient monuments. Osaka Castle is the most iconic sight in the city and makes a spectacular backdrop to picnics or evening strolls (it’s lit up at night). Get a room with a view of the castle and the park at New Otani.

  • The neighborhood in Osaka most renowned for nightlife excitement is Dōtonbori.

Osaka has a thriving nightlife, but for first-timers, the best place to start is Dōtonbori in the southern Minami area. Pedestrianized Dōtonbori-dōri near Ebisu-bashi Bridge (over the Dōtonbori canal) is the epicenter with late-night food stalls, restaurants, and bars. Check out Hozen-ji Yokochō, a narrow alley of watering holes south of the main strip (okonomiyaki specialist Hozenji-yokocho Yakizen is here). It’s worth seeking out Milk Bar a few blocks north of the canal for its speakeasy vibe, cocktails, and hip background music, or Moonshine Karaoke Bar if you like to sing. Crystal Bar is popular with expats and tourists, while Bar Fun is small but offers tasty cocktails and a decent whisky collection. Fun nightclubs include Club Life Osaka,Club Under,Ghost, and Pure.

  • Best Neighborhood for Food and Restaurants: Minamia person cutting up vegetables on a cutting board

    The northern half of the city has plenty to eat, and Shinsekai is excellent for street foods. However, Minami generally offers the best way to experience Osaka’s renowned cuisine. Browsing the stalls at Kuromon Ichiba (marketplace) is an essential Osaka experience (though it can become crowded during weekends and holidays), featuring fresh snow crab, sea urchin, pike conger eel (hamo), the infamous fugu (blowfish), and all sorts of shellfish.

    In nearby Dōtonbori, famous stalls and eateries are serving Osaka classics. Try Ajinoya,Chibo,Mizuno, and Hozenji-yokocho Yakizen for okonomiyaki; Dotonbori Imai for udon and soba noodles; Takoyaki Kukuru and Takoyaki Juhachiban for octopus balls; Kushikatsu Daruma for deep-fried kushi-katsu snacks; and Kani Doraku for crab. There’s also Marufuku Coffee, an old-school kissaten (café) since 1934.

    a box of donuts sitting on top of a counter In the Namba area of Osaka, dining recommendations included no-frills udon at Kidatake, famous cheesecake at Rikuro’s, Chinese-style pork buns (“butaman”) at Futami no Butaman, dumplings at 551 Horai, and grilled octopus balls at Takoyaki Wanaka. Some higher-end recommendations included seasonal kaiseki restaurants and kappo-style dining, such as Asai Togei, the tiny restaurant Momen, and Shimanouchi Ichiyo. Hitoshi Takahata’s Taian gained recognition with its 3 Michelin stars for French-Japanese fusion seasonal menus

  • For shopping, Umeda/Kita and Minami in Osaka cannot be beaten.
    Osaka is a wonderful place for shopping – much of the city feels like an enormous marketplace. Osaka Station in Umeda/Kita lies at the center of a vast network of shopping malls and giant department stores, starting with Osaka Station City and Grand Front Osaka complexes. The immense Yodobashi Camera Store is a haven for electronics, cameras, and computers. For department stores, check out Hankyu,Daimaru, and inexpensive Don Quijote. On the eastern side of the district, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is considered Japan’s longest-covered arcade).

    Minami has several kilometer-long covered shopping promenades like Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street and Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street, as well as Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street focused on kitchen supplies.

    people walking down a city street

    The Amerika-mura district is renowned for second-hand American clothing and trendy fashions. Nipponbashi Den Den Town is home to vintage electronic shops, manga (Japanese graphic novels), anime (Japanese animation), character goods, and cosplay. In Shinsaibashi, Mido-suji (street) is lined with high-end boutiques, while Namba is home to Takashimaya Department Store and another huge underground shopping complex.

  • Neighborhood with the Most Local Atmosphere: Shinsekai

a statue of a bear in front of a store The Shinsekai district features narrow walkways and alleys filled with inexpensive food stalls, pachinko parlors, and affordable izakayas (Japanese bars). It is centered around Tsūtenkaku Tower, initially constructed in 1912 as part of an amusement park, though the present tower was rebuilt in 1956. Follow the habits of locals and roam the streets exploring snacks. Try the famed Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant renowned for kushi-katsu (deep-fried meats and vegetables on skewers) or other regional favorites like Yakko or Yaekatsu. Obtain an economical sushi fix at Taikosushi Minami. Grab a stool at Tengu, an izakaya (bar) located in another covered alley specializing in kushi-katsu (search for the red-faced demon with an extended nose outside). Or head over to The Pax Hostel, which doubles as a trendy café and record shop

  • Ideal Locale for Families: Osaka Bay
    There are various family-friendly attractions spread throughout Osaka. Kids Plaza, a massive hands-on science and educational complex located in Kita, and Osaka Castle and its surrounding park are always enjoyable for children, however Osaka Bay has the biggest offerings. At the top of the list is Universal Studios Japan, a major outpost of the famous US movie-themed park franchise. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is present here, along with Universal City Walk shopping center. Across the Aji River is Tempozan Harbour Village, a mall housing LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka (for kids ages 3-10), Osaka Aquarium Kaiyūkan, and Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. It’s simple to make day trips to these locations from the city center using train or subway, but there are also several hotels in the nearby area, especially surrounding Universal Studios. The best family hotels are Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Port Vita

    The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Osaka for Tourists

    1. Umeda (Kita)

    Umeda, situated in the northern part of Osaka known as Kita Ward, is at the core of the city center around Osaka Station and serves as the focal point for private railway lines. The area surrounding the station offers abundant shopping opportunities, such as Grand Front Osaka,Hankyu Department Store, and the expansive Yodobashi-Umeda electronics department store, all interconnected by skywalks. Near the station, fans should explore the Pokémon Center Osaka and public art like the Izumi-no-Hiroba (shiny tree sculpture) and Ted Hyber, the giant green teddy bear sculpture. The Hep Five Ferris wheel provides a birds-eye panorama of the lively surroundings especially vibrant at night.

    Nakanoshima, a 2-mile (3.2km) island found within Umeda, has high-rise buildings and stylish shopping complexes. Several museums are situated on the island, such as the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, the National Museum of Art (focusing on Japanese and international contemporary art subsequent to World War II), the fashionable Nakanoshima Museum of Art (contemporary and modern art from globally), and the family-friendly Osaka Science Museum, with its interactive exhibits. The Osaka International Convention Center lies at the western conclusion of the island.

    Towards the north lays the Kuchu Teien Observatory located at the top of the progressive Umeda Sky Building. The twin structures have glass elevators in between transporting visitors up the 568 feet (170 meters) to the highest point.

    • The Best Hotels in Umeda (Kita):
      A hotel brand Contact number: +81 66 374 5700
      Conrad Hotel phone number: +81 66 222 0111
    • place – Hotel phone: 416.531.5042

      • Another hotel brand Contact number: +81 66 343 7000
      Westin Hotel phone number: +81 66 440 1111

    • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
      Boly Hotel phone number: +81 66 222 7768
      Cordia Hotel phone: +81 66 449 2030
    • Best Boutique Hotel: Anavana Beach Resort

      • Hankyu Respire Hotel contact number: +81 66 372 8006

    • Best Hostels:
      OGK Hotel phone: +81 66 453 0177
      Rota The hotel`s contact number is +81 64 804 9001

    2. Central Osaka/Honmachi

    The southern region of Umeda and across the Tosabori River is known as Central Osaka, which contains the Honmachi neighborhood as well as the Semba business and financial district. This area lacks some of the attractions found elsewhere, but serves as a practical base with reasonably priced lodging and excellent dining and nightlife establishments. Families with children could explore the free scientific exhibits at the OSTEC Exhibition Hall or unwind at Utsubo Park.

    Just south of Honmachi Station is the Namba Shrine, a tranquil Shinto temple known for its cherry blossoms and 400-year-old camphor tree. It should not be confused with the further south Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its huge lion`s head over the entrance.

    You’ll find many excellent mid-range hotels and a few high-end names here. The central location makes it a good base for longer visits to the city.

    3. Minami/Namba

    a city street filled with lots of colorful umbrellas

    Central Osaka’s southern section is Minami, meaning “south.” It’s old-fashioned Osaka, a little rougher than anything you’d see in Tokyo, and lots of fun. It’s an excellent base for shopping and nightlife. While you wonder, you can sample some of Japan’s best street food in a tradition called “tabe aruki,” translating to “eat while you stroll.”

    There are many shopping prospects in Minami in the districts of Shinsaibashi, Dōtonbori, Nipponbashi Den Den Town, and Namba. Additionally, the vintage U.S. attire shops in the Amerika-mura area. Covered Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street extends south from Shinsaibashi Station to the neon-smothered Dōtonbori nightlife district. There, you can see the famous 1930s “Glico” Sign and the giant crab over the entrance to the Kani Doraku restaurant.

    From here, the covered Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street continues south for several blocks into the heart of Namba, another major nightlife and shopping district. Find the vast underground Namba City shopping mall and Takashimaya Department Store here.

    a large red umbrella hanging from the side of a building

    Just east of Namba lies one of the city’s biggest attractions, the Kuromon Ichiba (marketplace). Besides fruits, vegetables, meats, and sweets, it sells fresh and cooked seafood with delicacies like snow crab, sea urchin, eel, sushi, and all sorts of shellfish. Plus, the most sought-after pike conger eel (hamo) and the potentially deadly blowfish (fugu).

    The most famous stalls attract long lines, and it gets crowded on weekends and holidays. In the middle of the market is a public space with restrooms and tables where you can eat your purchases.

    A bit farther south, Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is renowned for kitchenware. Nipponbashi Denden Town is comparable to Tokyo`s Akihabara, initially dedicated to electronic goods. Now, it is famous for shops specializing in manga (Japanese graphic novels), anime (Japanese animation), character items, and cosplay. It also houses numerous “maid cafes” like Maidreamin. Most of the area`s 500 stores extend along Sakaisuji-dōri (avenue) and its side streets.

    Other notable attractions incorporate the National Bunraku Theatre. It’s the ideal location to see traditional Japanese puppet performances, with productions about five times a year. Osaka’s renowned Yoshimoto Kogyo comedy shows are at Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater, but they are carried out in Japanese and may be difficult to appreciate unless one speaks the language.

    The best reasonably-priced hostels in the city are featured here. Accommodations lack a good selection of budget and mid-range hotels as rates tend to be on the higher end.

    • The Best Hotels in Minami/Namba:
      The Hotel The Flag can be reached at +81 66 121 8111
      Citadines Hotel contact number: +81 66 695 7150
      Mimaru East Hotel phone: +81 64 256 4010
      Guesthouse U-en Hotel contact number: +81 67 503 4394
      MIMARU North Contact: +81 64 708 7852
    • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
      The Bridge Hotel phone: +81 64 963 6501
      The Hotel Forza is located in Osaka, Japan. Its telephone number is +81 66 214 3111
    • Best Hostels:
      Feel Osaka Yu Hotel phone: +81 50 5241 6291
    • Kupfert & Kim – $$-$$$ – Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free restaurant. Casual spot for a quick meal.

      • Poly Hotel contact number: +81 66 710 9901
      Mimaru North Hotel contact number: +81 66 648 8730
      Picnic Hotel phone number: +81 66 567 7400
      Ultra Hotel phone: +81 80 4937 1386

    4. Tennōji/Shinsekai

    people walking down a city street

    Southeast of Minami lies Shinsekai and Tennōji. Shinsekai represents an antique-fashioned amusement quarter that looks back to pre-World War II times. It’s another great place for low-cost street foods, notably for octopus fritters (takoyaki), blowfish (fugu), and all sorts of deep-fried “kushi-katsu” snacks.

    a sign that is on the side of a building

    The area centers around Tsūtenkaku Tower, constructed in 1956, with spectacular views from its observation deck. Keep an eye out for the area’s mascot “Billiken,” a monkey-like symbol of good fortune. Rubbing the soles of his feet supposedly helps wishes come true. He can be found throughout in souvenirs, statues, and his shrine.

    If you require a respite, journey to SpaWorld, one of Japan’s most expansive indoor hot springs facilities. The baths are themed with worldwide regions like Bali, Ancient Rome, Atlantis, and the Blue Grotto Capri. There is also an indoor water park featuring a kids` pool, colorful slides, a sunbathing terrace, and an outdoor hot tub with scenic views of Tsūtenkaku Tower.

    a large group of people standing on top of a lush green field

    Shinsekai borders an area known as Tennōji Park (Tennōji-kōen), home to the Tennōji Zoo housing over one thousand animals, a collection of temples, and the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts (closed until 2025 for a significant restoration). Towering above the park is the tallest construction in Osaka, Abeno Harukas. Reaching 984 feet (300m), it accommodates Kintetsu Department Store, a Marriott hotel, and the Harukas 300 observatory with spectacular regional perspectives. Visit early on clear days to avoid lengthy wait times.

    Just northeast of Tennōji Park stands Shitennō-ji temple, which has spiritual significance for Osaka. At over 1,400 years old, it was the first and oldest temple established in Japan. It has been reconstructed faithfully to depict its original 6th-century grandeur after being destroyed during the siege of Osaka in 1615 and again in World War II. The five-story Buddhist pagoda contains a vast main hall and a Japanese garden. Also worth visiting is the flea market held on the temple grounds on the 21st and 22nd day of each month.

    Fans of traditional Japanese architecture and culture should check out the ancient Shinto shrine of Sumiyoshi Taisha. It has stood for over 1,000 years but has undergone rebuilding multiple times. It is located approximately 4 kilometers south of Tennōji Station and takes around 20 minutes to reach by train.

    While there are many inexpensive hotels, the quality tends to be lacking, though some exceptions are noted below. You’ll find good hostels and decent mid-range choices here as well.

    5. Osaka Castle Area

    The historic center of the city lies east of Central Osaka/Honmachi. The region is anchored by Osaka Castle, Japan’s grandest and most renowned castle – despite being a recreation. Surrounded by an expansive park renowned for its cherry trees, this constitutes one of Osaka’s top attractions. Arrive early to avoid long waits if touring the interior is intended.

    Military leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi started construction of the fortress in the 1580s, but Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu dismantled it after capturing it in 1615. It has been rebuilt several times since then, most recently in concrete following World War II. The Main Tower functions as a high-tech museum that describes the castle’s history and displays swords and other artifacts, with a full-scale reproduction of the Gold Tea Room. The views from the top deck serve as a bonus.

    Other highlights include the recently established Osaka Museum of History. There are three levels of exhibits chronicling the city’s history up until 1945, and it offers fantastic views of the castle. Some labels are in English. A brief walk away is the Osaka International Peace Center, which commemorates the eight deadly “Great Osaka Air Raids” that essentially demolished the city in 1945. The bombings killed over 10,000 civilians. There are downloadable brochures in English.

    There tends to be fewer lodging options situated near the castle, contributing to a more tranquil environment.

    • The Best Hotel in the Osaka Castle Area:
      New Otani Hotel contact number: +81 66 941 1111
    • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
      The Lutheran” The contact details for this property are: “Hotel phone: +81 66 942 2281
      The Luxcare Hotel, located at phone number +81 66 946 7352,
    • Best Hostel:
      An accommodation provided is Furoya reachable by phone at +81 70 1543 5580

    6. Osaka Bay

    people walking in front of a large clock tower

    On the western edge of the city lies Osaka Bay. The formerly industrial area around Osaka Port has emerged as a series of pleasant waterfront districts. It differs from the rest of the city as it`s new, close to the water, and popular with families. However, it`s not considered “traditional” Osaka. There are three major areas of interest: Universal City, Tempozan Harbour Village, and the Sakishima Cosmosquare region.

    The locale known as Universal City is home to Universal Studios Japan, an offshoot of the US movie-centric theme park franchise. Attractions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Universal City Walk shopping promenade, Zepp Osaka Bayside for live concerts, and an assortment of hotels. It has its own train station with frequent service into the city center.

    a crowd of people standing in front of a large building

    Across the Aji River lies Tempozan Harbour Village. Part of the shopping center houses LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka for youngsters ages 3 to 10. It is home to Japan`s finest aquarium, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyūkan, showcasing 15 diverse Pacific Ocean habitats. Also found is the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. Arriving from Universal City, there is a complimentary hourly ferry or the Tempozan Bridge. From the city center, it connects via subway at Osakako Station.

    The Sakishima Cosmosquare Area is a single stop additional west on the subway. Home to ATC-Asia-Pacific Trade Center and INTEX Osaka convention center. Check out the splendid views of Osaka Bay from the observation deck at Sakishima Cosmo Tower. On the western end of the island, there`s an exceptional natural walking trail where migratory birds nest in the Osaka Nanko Bird Sanctuary.

    Osaka Bay is a great day trip spot. There are hotels here, but it’s not convenient for exploring the rest of the city, despite good rail and subway connections to the center. If you are attending trade shows, Quintessa is the best place to remain.

    a tall building with a clock on the side of it

    7. Shin-Osaka

    a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

    If you’re traveling by train or high-speed train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo or Kyoto, you’ll arrive at Shin-Osaka Station. It’s about 2 miles (3.5km) north of Downtown and Osaka Station. Here, you’ll transfer to local trains or the subway to reach the rest of the city.

    Even though it’s a modern area with nothing notable to see, it’s convenient to lodge here if you have a brief stopover while traveling by bullet train. Compared to Downtown Osaka, there are many inexpensive yet satisfactory hotels in the area. You can leave your bags at one of them and start exploring the city using public transportation.

    It is also the best starting point for exploring attractions in Northern Osaka. Approximately 14 minutes northeast of Shin-Osaka by train, the Asahi Beer Museum occupies the famous beer company`s initial factory, built in 1891. Around 25 minutes north of Shin-Osaka (and a 15-minute walk from Ryokuchikoen Station) lies the atmospheric Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses. See 12 historical wood and thatch buildings from all over Japan, including a rural kabuki theater.

    To the northeast lies the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. The site of the 1970 World’s Fair, home to the monumental, fanciful Tower of the Sun monument, the National Museum of Ethnology, and the Redhorse Osaka Wheel (Ferris wheel). Further west is the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, and in the mountains, the Minoh Falls.

    a large building with a sign on the side of it

    • The Best Hotels in Shin-Osaka:
      Karaksa Hotel Grande Hotel phone: +81 66 391 6602
      The Holiday Inn has a phone number of +81 66 399 5000 Courtyard Hotel telephone number: +81 66 350 5701
    • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels:
      Hotel androoms Hotel contact number: +81 64 807 5111
    • Estiatorio Volos – $$-$$$ – High-end Greek cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients is prepared with creative flair here. Meals may be ordered individually or as part of a fixed-price theater-style menu.
    • The Queen and Beaver Public House – $$-$$$ – British pub serving locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with a wide range of beers and ciders.
    • .

    Osaka With More Time

    With more time, it’s worth traveling northeast of Osaka Station to the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Japan’s longest covered passageway or “shotengai.” Extending 1.6 miles (2.6km) between Tenjinbashi 6-chome and Ogimachi stations. The covered arcade has about 600 shops offering various goods, mainly attracting local customers. To the south lies Osaka Tenmangū, a revered Shinto shrine established in the 10th century but most famous for its Tenjin Matsuri festival, held yearly July 24–25.

    Osaka Travel Tips

    • Osaka becomes busy during cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April and for the fall foliage season in November. Make hotel reservations months ahead and expect huge crowds during these times.
    • The bullet train (Shinkansen) only calls at Shin-Osaka Station, around 2 miles (3.5km) north of Osaka Station and downtown. Transfer is necessary to local trains or subway to reach the city center.

      • `

    • Osaka is served by two airports: Kansai International Airport (around 30 miles/50km southwest of Osaka Station, situated out in Osaka Bay), and domestic Osaka International Airport or Itami (8 miles/13km northwest of Osaka Station). From Kansai, travelers can take the Kansai Airport Rapid train (just over 1hr to Osaka Station, 45min to Tennoji), and the “Limited Express Haruka” train service to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. Taxis will charge ¥16,000–19,200 (US$115–135) to Osaka Station, depending on arrival time. From Osaka Airport, take the monorail to Hotarugaike or Senri-Chuo stations to transfer to local trains and subway lines (allow 30–40 minutes to Osaka Station).

      • `

    • There is little purpose to staying at either airport, given how straightforward it is to access the city, but if you require lodging at Kansai, the most convenient option is Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. The First Cabin Kansai Airport capsule hotel nearby offers cheaper and adequate accommodation for one night, if you are accustomed to this kind of hotel.
    • Public transportation is excellent in Osaka, and the subway or train can bring you within walking distance of nearly every attraction. It may be better not to rent a car due to high parking costs, congested roads that could perplex newcomers, and the potential for confusion when driving here.
    • Cycling is a popular activity in Osaka. Though the terrain is relatively flat, the city is quite large. Docomo operates the bike share program across Osaka – day passes cost approximately ¥1,527 or around US$10. For English-language bike tours and rental services, contact the friendly team at Cycle Osaka.
    • Though most hotels and some shops and restaurants will have English speakers on hand, don’t assume everyone will comprehend you fully. The staff at the main JR Ticket Office at Osaka Station can communicate in English, menus usually have photos you can point at, and signage in the station (and around the city) is translated into English, but try to learn a few words and numbers in Japanese if you can.
    • The city runs several tourist information centers: – In front of the central ticket entrances of Osaka Station (7am–10pm) – On the 3rd Floor, Central Concourse at Shin-Osaka Station (8am–10pm) – And on the 2nd floor of Nankai Namba Station (9am–7pm).
    • The Osaka Amazing Pass is a well-liked tourist discount card in the city, though it`s only cost-effective if planning to visit numerous attractions. Some included sites are the Umeda Sky Building, Hep Five Ferris Wheel, National Museum of Art, Legoland, and Osaka Castle along with boat cruises. It provides complimentary entry to over 40 museums and places of interest and unlimited use of local trains and buses for ¥2,800 for one day (around US$20) or ¥3,600 for two days (around US$25).
    • Complimentary wi-fi is available at hotspots throughout the city thanks to “Osaka_Free_Wi-Fi,” but you must enroll your email to access the service. Osaka Fortress is covered, as are most stations and major sights.
    • Escalator etiquette: Stand on the right when using escalators in Osaka. Though, it’s conventional to stand on the left in Tokyo and most other cities in Japan – use the left side if you intend to walk.
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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

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