Complete Guide To Japan’s Street Food Capital

Osaka, the guts of Japan’s Kansai area, is famend for its culinary tradition and road meals scene. From mouth-watering Takoyaki to savory Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s native delicacies will tantalize even essentially the most discerning of style buds.

However exploring the town’s meals tradition is just not the one attraction — Osaka additionally boasts a wealthy historical past and a novel mix of conventional and fashionable sights. From the enduring Osaka Fortress, a towering monument to Japan’s wealthy feudal historical past, to the neon-lit streets of the Dotonbori district, a sensory explosion of colourful indicators, bustling crowds, and mouth-watering aromas, there is not any scarcity of wonderful experiences available on this unimaginable metropolis.

Becoming a member of the ranks of Tokyo and Kyoto as one among Japan’s must-visit locations, Osaka is a metropolis that rewards exploration, discovery, and a willingness to dive headfirst into the unknown. So pack these luggage and put together to find the wealthy tapestry of tradition, historical past, and delicacies that makes this metropolis such a beloved vacation spot for vacationers from all over the world.

This whole information is the right companion to discovering one of the best that Osaka has to supply. Get able to fall in love with Osaka’s dynamic power and bask in a number of the finest road meals on the earth.

Issues To Do In Osaka

Whereas guests can spend days, if not weeks, exploring Osaka’s hidden gems, listed here are ten must-do activities in Osaka, together with visiting iconic landmarks like Osaka Fortress and exploring hidden native haunts like Shinsekai.

1 Wander By way of The Dotonbori District

Wander by the bustling Dotonbori District to expertise the colourful coronary heart of Osaka’s road meals tradition. This full of life district, recognized for its illuminated neon indicators and eccentric environment, has been a preferred leisure vacation spot because the 1600s.

The district was named after a canal that was constructed throughout this era to extend the circulate of products between neighboring cities. Guests can bask in dishes like Takoyaki, a deep-fried ball of octopus goodness, and Kushikatsu, deep-fried skewered meats, and greens.

Other than the meals, guests can take within the full of life nightlife, discover the buying scene and snap an image with the enduring Glico Operating Man signal.

Associated: These Are The Best 10 Tours To Take In Osaka In 2022

2 Indulge In Thrills At Common Studios Japan

Common Studios Japan is the right vacation spot for these searching for heart-thumping adventures and out-of-this-world leisure. With an array of themed sights, this theme park is ideal for a day of enjoyable, laughter, and pleasure.

Vacationers can discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, stuffed with magical potions, Hogwarts Fortress, and the Forbidden Journey. Take a journey by Jurassic Park, encounter life-sized raptors, and scream on the best way down from the epic drops.

Guests may also immerse themselves within the dynamic world of action-packed films with life-size installations like Spider-Man and Transformers or hop on over to Tremendous Nintendo World and luxuriate in a fast recreation of life-sized Mario Kart fueled by augmented actuality.

Associated: A Guide To Everything Worth Experiencing At Universal Studios Japan

With varied distinctive park sections stuffed with thrilling rides, sights, and dwell reveals, Universal Studios Japan is a one-stop store for a thrill-packed extravaganza.

• Handle:
  2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

• Hours:
  Opening hours fluctuate however often vary from about 8 to 9 am till about 7 pm; test the web site for correct hours

• Tickets:
  Buy tickets on-line upfront or on the gate; one-day studio cross grownup tickets value ￥8,600 (about $63.35 USD)

3 Discover Sea Life At The Osaka Aquarium

Vacationers on the lookout for an unforgettable aquatic expertise should go to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Recognized for its large water tanks that home over 30,000 creatures representing no less than 620 species, it’s one of many world’s most spectacular aquariums.

The spotlight of the aquarium is the Pacific Ocean tank, which holds an immense illustration of the Pacific Ocean’s marine life. The aquarium is split into a number of sections, from the Arctic area to the tropical rainforest, every with its distinctive sea creatures.

Guests can see creatures reminiscent of an enormous crab, a whale shark, and varied playful dolphins (amongst different sea life), making Osaka Aquarium a unprecedented place to discover the underwater world.

• Handle:
  1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

• Hours:
  Monday to Friday from 10 am to eight pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to eight pm

• Tickets:
  Vacationers can buy Osaka Aquarium tickets on-line upfront; tickets begin at ￥2,700 (just below $20 USD)

Arrive after 5 pm to take pleasure in a nighttime expertise when the aquarium adjustments the music, and the fish start to swim below synthetic moonlight.

4 Marvel At The Historical past Of The Osaka Fortress

Nestled within the coronary heart of Osaka sits the majestic and iconic Osaka Fortress. Constructed within the mid-Sixteenth century by Hideyoshi Toyotomi (often known as Japan’s Napoleon), this citadel symbolizes energy, status, and resilience for generations.

Its elegant structure and breathtaking magnificence affirm its standing as a nationwide treasure, and visiting this grand construction will transport vacationers to a different period altogether.

Guests can take a stroll by the citadel’s meticulously preserved gardens, admire the gorgeous view of the town from the uppermost flooring (there are eight in whole), or discover the citadel museum to realize a deeper understanding of Osaka’s wealthy historical past.

• Handle:
  1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

• Hours:
  Day by day from 9 am to five pm

• Tickets:
  ¥ 600 for adults; free for youngsters 15 and below

• Getting There:
  The Osaka Fortress is accessible by the Tanimachi, Chuo, and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi metro strains in addition to the Osaka Loop line and Tozai line of the JR practice system

The Osaka Fortress is surrounded by over 260 acres of lush greenery, making it the right respite from the hustle and bustle of the town.

5 Snap Photographs At The Kuchu Teien Observatory

For unimaginable panoramic views of Osaka’s huge skyline, the Kuchu Teien Observatory, located atop the Umeda Sky Constructing, presents an unparalleled expertise. This landmark constructing is 173 meters excessive and is broadly thought-about one among Japan’s most outstanding architectural feats.

Guests can take a fast journey on the specific elevator and luxuriate in a shocking 360° hen’s eye view of the bustling metropolis from the open-air deck on the observatory, aptly referred to as “Kuchu Teien” as a result of it means “The Floating Backyard” in Japanese.

• Handle:
  Japan, 〒531-6039 Osaka, Kita Ward, Oyodonaka, 1 Chome−1−88 梅田スカイビル

• Hours:
  Day by day from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm (the final entry to the observatory deck is at 10 pm)

• Tickets:
  Guests can buy tickets to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on-line; the fee is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥700 for youngsters ages 4 to 12

There are reductions for folks with disabilities, and guests may also take pleasure in lowered ticket costs by buying a Koji Kinutani Tenku Artwork Museum ticket set with entry to the observatory.

6 Pattern Osaka Road Meals At Kuromon Market

No go to to Osaka is full with out a journey to the town’s culinary coronary heart, the Kuromon Market. This bustling hub is house to over 150 meals stalls and distributors, every providing delectable bites which might be assured to tantalize style buds.

From contemporary seafood to juicy wagyu beef skewers, crispy Takoyaki to mouth-watering Okonomiyaki, Kuromon Market has all of it.

A road vendor named Tomekichi Endo created Takoyaki in Osaka within the Thirties.

Probably the most fashionable meals gadgets out there is tuna sashimi, which is sourced contemporary from close by ports and served sashimi-style, with a aspect of wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger. One other must-try is the oden, a standard Japanese dish made of varied elements simmered in savory dashi broth, reminiscent of daikon radish, fish truffles, and boiled eggs.

Meals-focused vacationers strolling by the market ought to preserve their eyes peeled for the large Hokkaido scallops, the plump, juicy strawberries, and the large chunks of fatty, marbled beef which might be grilled to perfection on the spot.

• Handle:
  2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

• Hours:
  Opening hours fluctuate relying on the stall, however usually from 8 am to six pm

7 Take pleasure in The Shiny Lights Of Minami

The Minami district of Osaka is an lively and thrilling place to discover after darkish. Referred to as the town’s leisure hub (it’s tremendous near the Dotonbori district talked about above), Minami presents a plethora of actions that cater to a various vary of pursuits.

As guests stroll alongside the neon-lit streets, they’ll discover themselves surrounded by theaters, arcades, and karaoke rooms.

Guests will discover the previous neighborhood of Shinsekai tucked away in Minami. It was inbuilt 1912, with the southern half of the neighborhood modeled after New York and the northern half after Paris.

The world can also be recognized for its scrumptious road meals, with Takoyaki balls and Okonomiyaki pancakes the right snack to gasoline an evening of exploration. Alternatively, catch a standard theatre efficiency on the Shochikuza Theatre or just benefit from the full of life environment open air if the climate’s good.

8 Take part In A Japanese Tea Ceremony

Able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s busy streets? Benefit from the serene environment of a standard Japanese tea ceremony.

Originating centuries in the past, the tea ceremony, or “chanoyu,” is a cultural exercise that goals to convey concord to the thoughts, physique, and spirit by the appreciation of finely ready tea served in a tranquil setting.

In Osaka, there are a number of locations to expertise a standard tea ceremony, together with the Urasenke Tea Ceremony, one among Japan’s oldest and most revered tea faculties, within the neighboring metropolis of Kyoto.

The Kimono Tea Ceremony, held at Maikoya in Osaka, is one other fashionable alternative, held at Maikoya, and teaches visitors in regards to the wealthy historical past of the distinctive custom.

9 Discover The Historic Shitennoji Temple

Inbuilt 593 AD, the Shitennoji Temple is the primary Buddhist temple to be established in Japan. This historic temple was initially constructed by Prince Shotoku, generally known as the daddy of Japanese Buddhism. The temple grounds are house to quite a few historic buildings, together with a five-story pagoda, a fundamental corridor, and a treasure home.

Guests can discover the temple’s peaceable gardens (at no cost), that are adorned with cherry blossom bushes and conventional Japanese structure. There’s a charge for getting into the Gokuraku-jodo Backyard, or treasure home, there’s a charge.

Nonetheless, inside, there’s a gorgeous five-storied pagoda positioned within the pebble-covered courtyard. Guests may also try the Principal Corridor (referred to as Kondo), which enshrines Prince Shotoku as a statue of Kannon.

Do not miss the chance to expertise a Buddhist ceremony, which is held six occasions each day on the Rokujido.

• Handle:
  1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan

• Hours:
  Day by day from 8 am to 4 pm

• Tickets:
  Friends are required to buy a separate entry ticket for every space; ticket costs fluctuate relying on age however begin at ¥100 (about $.74 USD)

10 Go to The Mozu Tombs

The Mozu Tombs are a must-visit for historical past buffs and archeology fanatics alike. Positioned in Sakai Metropolis, simply south of Osaka, these historic burial mounds date way back to the third century and at the moment are thought-about a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Consisting of over 100 tombs in whole, they’re the biggest burial mounds constructed in Japan through the Kofun interval. Guests can discover the inside of a number of the tombs, that are adorned with clay figures, swords, and different ceremonial objects, through digital actuality on the Sakai Metropolis Museum.

On the coronary heart of the Mozu Tombs lies the Daisenryo Kofun, the biggest tomb on the positioning and one of many largest in Japan. Standing at a towering 35 meters excessive and measuring 486 meters in size, the tomb is a testomony to the unimaginable engineering feats of historic Japanese civilization.

Whereas it hasn’t been confirmed, the Daisenryo Kofun is believed to accommodate the late Emperor Nintoku.

• Handle:
  Daisencho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0035, Japan

• Hours:
  Open 24 hours

• Tickets:
  Free admission

11 Greatest Time To Go to Osaka

Osaka is finest skilled through the spring and fall seasons when the local weather is delicate, and the town is bustling with festivals and occasions.

Springtime, from March to Might, sees the blooming of cherry blossoms across the metropolis, remodeling Osaka right into a picturesque canvas of pink and white hues. Within the fall, from September to November, the town is a panorama of autumn foliage.

Associated: 10 Tips For Chasing Cherry Blossom Season In Japan

12 The Greatest Means To Get Round Osaka

With a sprawling cityscape and glorious public transit system, exploring Osaka’s eccentric neighborhoods may be each enjoyable and daunting. From using the fashionable metro to studying get a Japan Rail Pass, discover one of the best ways to navigate the town like an area.

Strolling

Probably the greatest methods to discover Osaka is by foot. Town is compact and simple to navigate, with charming alleyways and bustling streets which might be doable to traverse completely in a few hours.

Wander by the full of life neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Shinsekai, discovering countless choices for indulging in native road meals. Take a leisurely stroll by the peaceable Osaka Fortress Park, admiring the blooming cherry blossoms within the spring or vibrant autumn foliage.

With loads of pedestrian-friendly areas, strolling is the right method for vacationers to immerse themselves within the vibrant power of Osaka.

Osaka Metro

Osaka boasts a complete public transportation system, with the metro being one of the best ways to get round and see most vacationer sights. In truth, the 5 fundamental metropolis hubs are conveniently positioned on the Midosuji subway line:

• Shin-Osaka
• Kita
• Central Osaka (Honmachi)
• Minami
• Tennoji

Solely two vacationer facilities, Osaka Fortress Space and Osaka Bay Space, are off the Midosuji subway line. Nonetheless, vacationers can simply attain the Osaka Fortress Space from Kita on the JR Osaka Loop line or from Honmachi through the Chuo subway line.

The Osaka Bay Space can also be reachable by the Chuo Line or the JR Yumesaki Line.

• Osaka metro fare:
  Fares are set in response to zones (of which there are 5) and begin at ¥180 (about $1.33 USD)

• The place to buy tickets:
  It’s tremendous fast and simple to buy metro tickets at any automated ticket station contained in the metro stops

A pay as you go card, reminiscent of Icoca, is essentially the most environment friendly method to pay for trains and subways when exploring Osaka. These touring from Tokyo with a Suica or Pasmo card from Tokyo may also use these playing cards on Osaka public transportation (and the remainder of Kansai).

Vacationers ought to bear in mind to maintain monitor of their tickets. They’ll be required to insert them into the ticketing machine when exiting the metro at their vacation spot.

JR Trains

Vacationers planning to go to different cities exterior of Osaka should buy a Japan Rail Cross, which is just out there to overseas vacationers. These passes permit limitless entry to the JR practice community, together with the Shinkansen bullet trains, native practice strains, and JR bus companies.

With quite a lot of cross choices out there, guests can simply discover all that Osaka has to supply.

• Price of 7-Day Cross:
  ¥33,610 (about $247.60 USD)

• Price of 14-Day Cross:
  ¥52,960 (about $390.14 USD)

• Price of 21-Day Cross:
  ¥66,200 (about $487.68 USD)

With a JR Cross, guests can simply navigate Osaka’s in depth rail community, from the bustling Umeda district to the charming neighborhoods of Tennoji and Shinsaibashi.

Plus, the cross will also be used for day journeys to close by cities like Kyoto and Kobe, making it a flexible and cost-effective choice for these trying to totally discover the Kansai region and past.

Associated: Everything You Should Know About Using A Japan Rail Pass

Metropolis Buses

Whereas most vacationers will discover the metro and rail system to be environment friendly and handy sufficient for short-term visits, Osaka metropolis buses additionally provide a handy and inexpensive choice for locating the metropolis. The buses function on a fixed-fare system and provide varied route choices.

• Grownup bus fare:
  ¥210 ($1.55 USD)

• Youngster bus fare:
  ¥110 ($.81 USD)

Contemplate Japanese bus etiquette earlier than getting on a bus in Osaka. For instance, riders pay for his or her fare when exiting the bus in Osaka. It’s additionally necessary to notice that riders board in the midst of the bus, not within the entrance, as is the case in most Western international locations.

One of the best ways to pay for an Osaka bus fare is with an Icoca, Pasmo, or Suica pay as you go card.

13 The place To Eat In Osaka

Referred to as Japan’s road meals capital, Osaka is a culinary haven that boasts various and mouth-watering cuisines. Expertise the town’s scrumptious choices at each nook at the most effective locations to eat in Osaka beneath.

Associated: Japanese Food Etiquette: The Dos And Don’ts Of Dining In Japan

Breakfast

Elk New York Brunch

• Handle:
  Japan, 〒545-0052 Osaka, Abeno Ward, Abenosuji, 1 Chome−6−1 あべのキューズモール地下1階

• Hours:
  Day by day from 10 am to 9 pm

• Really useful:
  Don’t go away with out ordering their extremely fluffy pancakes; the Eggs Benedict is a superb choice, although, for these craving a savory breakfast in lieu of one thing candy

Melbourne Coffee

• Handle:
  1F Sanei Moor Constructing ３丁目 ８ 7 ８, 8 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, Japan

• Hours:
  Day by day from 9 am to 1 pm

• Really useful:
  Vacationers swear this place serves the very best espresso in Osaka (the joint is run by an Australian, so it’s price sampling their flat white), with different favorites together with the muesli and avocado smash

Lunch

Craft Burger Co.

• Handle:
  1 Chome-6-12 Kitahorie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0014, Japan

• Hours:
  Day by day from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm

• Really useful:
  Their 100% additive-free beef comes straight from Hokkaido and is price sampling of their Deluxe Beef Burger; if it’s not too early, pair it with one among their chilly beers

Kaminari Sushi

• Handle:
  1 Chome-9-20 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074, Japan

• Hours:
  Day by day from 4 pm to 12 am

• Really useful:
  They open later within the afternoon, making this spot nice for a late lunch or early sushi dinner; diners beneficial ordering the toro and unagi

Dinner

OKO — Fun Okonomiyaki Bar

• Handle:
  Japan, 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−13−9 ２

• Hours:
  Day by day from 6 pm to 2 am

• Really useful:
  That is one of the best spot for plant-based Okonomiyaki in Osaka; the nice and cozy, cozy vibes and enjoyable environment are an added plus

Stardust

• Handle:
  1-1-88, Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 531-6023

• Hours:
  Day by day from 5 pm to 10:30 pm

• Really useful:
  Uncover this trendy restaurant on the thirty ninth ground of Osaka’s Umeda Sky Constructing whereas indulging in nice Italian dishes and sweeping metropolis views

Drinks

Dotonbori Riverside Grill Wonder

• Handle:
  Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−1−6 B1 川沿い

• Hours:
  Day by day from 5 pm to 2 am

• Really useful:
  This riverside bar and grill serves up some gorgeous views alongside nice drinks, like conventional Japanese sake

Bar Nayuta

• Handle:
  Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−6−17 マリオビル5F

• Hours:
  Day by day from 5 pm to three am

• Really useful:
  Discover the hidden entrance close to Triangle Park and waltz into an intimate area stuffed with craft cocktails and nice vibes (attempt the wasabi-based cocktail if it’s on the menu)

14 The place To Keep In Osaka

Osaka is a metropolis that by no means sleeps, boasting numerous choices for vacationers trying to keep the evening. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious accommodations providing gorgeous metropolis views, there’s something for everybody on this vibrant metropolis.

Price range-Pleasant

Hotel Wing International Premium Osaka-Shinsekai

• Handle:
  3-6-16 Ebisuhigashi, Osaka 556-0002

• Facilities:
  24-hour reception, air-con, in-room TV, fridge, shampoo and pajamas, backyard views

• Price primarily based on double occupancy:
  $54/evening

Mid-Degree

Hotel The Leben Osaka

• Handle:
  2-Chome-2-15 Minamisenba Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0081

• Facilities:
  Free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, free toiletries, pajamas, air-con, parking, bathtubs, feather pillows, a four-minute stroll from Nagahoribashi Station

• Price primarily based on double occupancy:
  $153/evening

Luxurious

Conrad Osaka

• Handle:
  Nakanoshima 3-2-4, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0005

• Facilities:
  Indoor pool, health middle, bar and lounge, spa and wellness middle, espresso machine, pajamas, free toiletries, close to monuments, sweeping views

• Price primarily based on double occupancy:
  $479/evening

15 How To Spend The Excellent Day In Osaka

Osaka is a metropolis that by no means sleeps, stuffed with scrumptious meals, breathtaking sights, and thrilling issues to do. Vacationers with simply someday to spend in Osaka needn’t fear — with this journey information, it’s doable to find the magic of Osaka and switch simply someday into an unforgettable expertise.

Begin the day proper with a scrumptious breakfast at an area café or bakery. Take pleasure in a standard Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, and natto, or go for a Western breakfast at one of many metropolis’s fashionable cafés, like Melbourne Espresso, to take pleasure in a flat white and a few granola.

After breakfast, hop on the well-connected metro system and head to Osaka Fortress, one of many metropolis’s most well-known landmarks. Discover the citadel’s internal courtyard and gardens, and climb to the highest for a shocking panoramic view of the town.

For lunch, head to Dotonbori, the place there are all kinds of road meals distributors and native eating places. Strive some Takoyaki, a preferred Osaka specialty made with octopus and dough balls. Then, stroll off lunch by exploring the buying streets of Shinsaibashi.

Within the afternoon, take a stroll in Nakanoshima Park, positioned within the coronary heart of the town. The sprawling greenery and seasonal bushes create a serene and peaceable environment. Tradition-hungry guests may also go to the Osaka Museum of Historical past to study Osaka’s wealthy historical past.

Because the solar units, head to Shinsekai, a full of life neighborhood recognized for its colourful neon indicators and scrumptious road meals. Right here, vacationers can expertise Osaka’s nightlife and luxuriate in some Kushikatsu earlier than wandering out and in of one of many space’s many karaoke bars.

Finish the day at a rooftop bar, the place vacationers can take pleasure in a drink whereas taking within the dazzling views of Osaka at evening. Certain, by the tip of the day, vacationers won’t have seen all the pieces Osaka has to supply, however they’ve actually captured the essence of this distinctive and vibrant metropolis.

FAQ

Q: What’s Osaka finest recognized for?

Referred to as the nation’s kitchen, Osaka is known for its scrumptious delicacies, together with tasty road meals, conventional dishes, and Michelin-starred eating places.

Town can also be house to many thrilling festivals, together with the full of life Tenjin Matsuri Competition and the Osaka Fortress Illuminage, whereas the Dotonbori district presents a bustling nightlife, neon lights, and mouth-watering classic Japanese dishes.

Q: Is Osaka nicer than Tokyo?

Evaluating Osaka to Tokyo is like evaluating apples to oranges — each are fantastic however completely different. Whereas Tokyo is thought for its modernity and custom, Osaka is known for its welcoming locals, scrumptious meals, and distinctive environment.

Each cities have their attraction and are price together with on any serene journey through Japan.

Q: Is three days sufficient for Osaka?

Whereas guests may spend weeks exploring this Japanese metropolis, three days in Osaka is the right period of time to find its distinctive attraction.

Nonetheless, Osaka is a metropolis brimming with pleasure, so vacationers involved in immersing themselves within the tradition may keep for no less than 5 to seven days to offer themselves sufficient time to essentially see the town with out feeling rushed.