Osaka Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Planning & Logistics
Is Osaka worth visiting? Yes, absolutely! It’s often called “Japan’s kitchen” and is a fantastic city for foodies. It’s also known for its lively, laid-back atmosphere, distinct from the more formal vibe of Tokyo.
How many days do I need in Osaka? A minimum of 2-3 full days is recommended to see the main sights and get a feel for the city. If you plan on doing day trips, you may want to extend your stay to 4-5 days.
How is Osaka different from Tokyo? Osaka is generally considered more relaxed, friendly, and known for its vibrant street food and nightlife. Tokyo is slicker, cleaner, and has a wider range of high-end dining and shopping.
Should I stay in Osaka or Kyoto? This depends on your travel style. Osaka is a great base for exploring the Kansai region, offering a bustling city experience and lively nightlife. Kyoto is more focused on traditional culture, temples, and shrines and tends to be quieter in the evenings. Many travelers choose to stay in Osaka and take day trips to Kyoto.
Where should I stay in Osaka? Namba, Shinsaibashi, or Nipponbashi are highly recommended for short stays (1-3 days) as they are centrally located and have excellent transportation links. Kuromon Market is another great area to consider.
Do I need to book my hotels in advance? Yes, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season (late March-early April) and autumn.
What’s the best time of year to visit? Spring (March-April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October-November) for the beautiful foliage are the most popular. The summer can be hot and humid.
What are some of the most common scams or things to be aware of? Be cautious of pushy touts in tourist areas. As always, be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.
What’s the language barrier like? While many people in tourist areas speak some English, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Japanese phrases. Most train signs and tourist information will have English.
Is cash or card better in Osaka? While many larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards, cash is still king, especially at smaller shops, street food stalls, and some local eateries. A daily budget of ¥3,000–¥5,000 or more is a good idea if you’re exploring the food scene.
Do I need a Japan Rail Pass? A JR Pass is typically only cost-effective if you’re taking long-distance Shinkansen bullet trains. For just exploring Osaka and the Kansai region, a local transit pass like an ICOCA card is usually a better choice.
Can I use my Suica/Pasmo card in Osaka? Yes, prepaid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo from Tokyo work just fine in Osaka and the rest of the Kansai region.
Is it a bad idea to spend all my days in Osaka and just do day trips? This is a popular and efficient way to explore the Kansai region. Osaka’s central location and great transport links make it an excellent base.
Is a taxi from Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka expensive? Yes, it can be very expensive. The train is a much more economical option.
How do I get from Kansai Airport (KIX) to the city center? The Nankai Airport Express or JR Haruka Limited Express are the most popular and efficient options.
Transportation within Osaka
What’s the best way to get around Osaka? The subway and train systems are the most efficient. The Osaka Metro and JR Osaka Loop Line are the main systems you’ll use.
What’s the difference between the Osaka Metro and JR Osaka Loop Line? The Osaka Metro is the city’s subway system, while the JR Osaka Loop Line is part of the Japan Railways network that circles the city center, similar to the Yamanote Line in Tokyo.
Which train line is most useful for tourists? The Midosuji Line (red line) is a key subway line that runs north to south, connecting major hubs like Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and Namba.
How do I pay for public transport? A prepaid IC card (ICOCA, Suica, or Pasmo) is the most convenient option. You can also buy single tickets from vending machines.
Is a one-day pass for Osaka transport worth it? The Osaka Amazing Pass or Osaka Enjoy Card can be worthwhile if you plan on using public transport extensively and visiting several paid attractions in one day.
Are buses recommended for tourists? Generally no, as the train and subway systems are more extensive and easier to navigate.
Are taxis expensive? Yes, taxis are excellent but expensive, especially during peak hours.
Is it possible to bike around Osaka? Yes, biking is a popular way to get around for locals, and there are bike-sharing services like HUBchari.
Must-See Attractions & Activities
What are the must-do things in Osaka?
Walk around Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights.
Eat street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Visit Osaka Castle.
Go to Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Explore Kuromon Market.
Is Osaka Castle worth visiting? Yes, it’s a popular and beautiful attraction with a museum inside. The surrounding park is also a great place for a walk, especially during cherry blossom season.
Is it worth going up Abeno Harukas 300? Yes, for the stunning panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. It’s the tallest building in Osaka.
What’s there to do in Dotonbori? Dotonbori is all about the food, atmosphere, and iconic neon signs, like the Glico Running Man. You can eat, shop, and take a river cruise.
Is Universal Studios Japan (USJ) worth it? Yes, if you’re a fan of theme parks, especially with the popular Super Nintendo World area. Be prepared for crowds and long lines.
What are some less touristy things to do? Explore local neighborhoods like Shinsekai, visit smaller temples and shrines, or go to a local izakaya.
What’s the best place for a night view? Abeno Harukas 300 is the tallest, but the Umeda Sky Building’s Kuchu Teien Observatory also offers a fantastic view.
What’s special about the Umeda Sky Building? It’s known for its unique floating garden observatory that connects two towers.
Is Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan worth it? Yes, it’s one of Japan’s largest and most impressive aquariums, located in the Osaka Bay area.
What is Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street? It’s a famous covered shopping arcade with a mix of high-end brands, local shops, and diverse dining options.
What is Kuromon Market known for? It’s nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen” and is a bustling covered market where you can find fresh seafood, produce, and a wide variety of street food.
Are there any good museums in Osaka? The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is highly recommended for its immersive recreation of old Osaka.
What’s Namba Yasaka Shrine? A unique and spiritual shrine known for its giant lion head stage.
What’s teamLab Botanical Garden? An art installation at Nagai Botanical Garden that uses digital art to create a unique and immersive experience.
What are some good parks in Osaka? Besides Osaka Castle Park, Minoo Park is a great option for a nature walk and to see a beautiful waterfall.
Is there an Expo in Osaka? Yes, the 2025 World Expo is taking place in Osaka.
Is there a sumo show I can see in Osaka? Yes, there are sumo experiences and shows available, often with an optional hot pot meal.
Day Trips from Osaka
What are the best day trips from Osaka?
Kyoto for its temples and traditional culture.
Nara for its friendly deer and the Great Buddha.
Kobe for its beef and scenic views.
Himeji to see the stunning Himeji Castle.
How do I get to Kyoto from Osaka? You can take the JR Special Rapid train from Osaka Station or the Hankyu/Keihan lines. The JR train is the fastest option.
Is a day trip to Kyoto enough? While you could easily spend a week in Kyoto, a well-planned day trip can cover the main highlights like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera.
What are the best things to do on a day trip to Nara? Visit Nara Park to feed the deer, see the Tōdai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha, and explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
How do I get to Nara from Osaka? The Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba Station is often the most direct route.
How do I get to Himeji Castle from Osaka? The JR Special Rapid train on the JR Sanyo Line is the fastest way.
Is Kobe worth a day trip just for the food? Yes, if you’re a fan of high-quality wagyu beef. But Kobe also has great views from Mt. Rokko and a nice port area.
How do I get to Kobe from Osaka? The JR Special Rapid or the Hanshin Main Line are good options.
Can I combine multiple day trips in one day? It’s generally not recommended. It’s better to dedicate a full day to each destination to avoid feeling rushed.
How do I get to Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka? You’ll need to take the Shinkansen (bullet train). It’s a longer day trip but very popular.
Food & Dining
What is Osaka’s most famous food? Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are the most iconic.
What is Takoyaki? Bite-sized balls of savory batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion, topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Where can I get the best Takoyaki? There are countless stalls, but Kogaryu Takoyaki in Amerika-Mura is often cited as a top contender.
What is Okonomiyaki? A savory pancake made from a batter of flour, eggs, shreded cabbage, and other ingredients like meat or seafood, cooked on a teppanyaki grill.
How is Osaka-style Okonomiyaki different from Hiroshima-style? Osaka-style has all the ingredients mixed into the batter before grilling. Hiroshima-style has the ingredients layered and often includes noodles.
What is Kushikatsu? Skewered and deep-fried meat and vegetables. A classic “don’t double dip” rule applies to the communal sauce.
Where should I try Kushikatsu? The Shinsekai neighborhood is famous for its kushikatsu restaurants. Kushikatsu Daruma is a well-known chain.
What is the “Kuromon Market experience”? It’s a place to graze on a variety of fresh seafood, snacks, and street food. Be mindful that some items can be expensive.
What else should I try besides Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki?
Kitsune Udon: A bowl of udon noodles with a delicate broth and a large piece of sweet, fried tofu.
Yakiniku: Japanese-style barbecue where you grill your own meat.
Sushi & Sashimi: As a port city, Osaka has excellent and fresh seafood.
Butaman: Steamed buns filled with pork and vegetables.
Rikuro Ojisan’s Cheesecake: A famous, jiggly, fluffy cheesecake.
Is there a vegetarian/vegan food scene in Osaka? Yes, it’s growing. While traditional Japanese food often contains dashi (fish stock), there are now many restaurants and guides available online for vegetarian and vegan travelers.
Where can I find good ramen in Osaka? Ramen shops are everywhere. Look for ones with a line of locals, which is often a good sign.
What is a good area for a casual dinner and drinks? Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow stone-paved alleyway, has a very atmospheric, traditional feel.
What is a good area for nightlife? Namba and Shinsaibashi are the main hubs for bars, clubs, and late-night dining.
Practical Tips & Culture
Are Japanese people really friendly? Yes, people in Osaka are known for being very friendly and outgoing.
Is it true that you shouldn’t walk and eat at the same time? While not a strict rule everywhere, it’s considered impolite to eat while walking. It’s best to stand to the side or find a bench to enjoy your street food.
What’s the etiquette for dining? It’s polite to slurp your noodles, as it’s a sign of enjoyment. Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as this is associated with funerals.
How do I handle trash? Trash cans are rare in Japan. It’s a good idea to carry a small plastic bag with you to store your trash until you can find a bin, which are often located inside convenience stores or train stations.
Is tipping customary? No, tipping is not a part of Japanese culture and may even be seen as an insult.
What are the best apps for travel in Osaka?
Google Maps: Essential for navigation and public transport routes.
Navitime: A popular app specifically for navigating Japan’s complex train system.
Google Translate: For language assistance, especially with the photo translation feature.
What’s the deal with the multiple “Namba” stations? Namba is a major transport hub, and there are several different stations operated by different companies (JR, Nankai, Osaka Metro). Be sure to check which one you need for your destination.
How should I handle large luggage on trains? You can book reserved seats for large luggage on the Shinkansen. Alternatively, you can use a luggage shipping service to send your bags ahead to your next hotel.
What is a “shotengai”? A “shotengai” is a traditional covered shopping arcade, like the one in Shinsaibashi-suji. They are great places to explore and find local shops.
Where can I buy souvenirs? Many tourist areas have souvenir shops, but you can also find unique items in shopping arcades or places like Doguyasuji Arcade, which is known for kitchen supplies.
What’s the deal with the “no double dipping” rule for kushikatsu? The shared sauce is a communal pot, so for hygiene reasons, you should only dip your skewer once.
Are there many arcades and gaming centers in Osaka? Yes, areas like Den Den Town in Nipponbashi are known as “Osaka’s Akihabara” and are full of electronics, anime, manga, and arcade games.
Accommodation
Are there good budget accommodation options? Yes, Osaka has a wide range of hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels.
What’s a ryokan? A traditional Japanese inn. While more common in Kyoto, you can find them in Osaka as well. It’s a great way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality.
What is a love hotel? A hotel where rooms are rented by the hour. They are typically used by couples and are usually discreet and well-maintained.
How far in advance should I book my hotel? As with most travel, the earlier you book, the better. This is especially true for popular times like public holidays and festivals.
What’s the best area to stay for foodies? Namba and Dotonbori are the heart of Osaka’s food scene, with an endless number of restaurants and street food stalls.
Shopping & Markets
What’s the best shopping area in Osaka? Shinsaibashi-suji and the surrounding area have everything from high-end boutiques to local shops.
Where can I buy kitchen knives? Doguyasuji Arcade is famous for its vast selection of kitchenware, including high-quality Japanese knives.
What kind of things can I buy at Kuromon Market? Fresh seafood (including sashimi and uni), produce, wagyu beef, snacks, and sweets.
Where can I find electronics and anime merchandise? Nipponbashi’s Den Den Town is the place to go.
What are the big department stores in Osaka? Hankyu Department Store and Grand Front Osaka are major commercial complexes.
Etiquette & Safety
Is it safe to walk around Osaka at night? Yes, Osaka is a very safe city, even late at night.
Is it rude to talk loudly on public transport? Yes, it is. Most people are quiet on trains and subways out of respect for others.
What’s the etiquette for visiting a shrine or temple?
Bow at the entrance gate.
Purify your hands and mouth at the water fountain (temizuya).
Don’t walk on the main path.
Make a small offering, bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more before leaving.
What’s the etiquette for using escalators? In Osaka, it’s customary to stand on the right, leaving the left side open for people in a hurry. This is the opposite of Tokyo.
Is it okay to take photos of people? You should always ask for permission before taking a photo of someone, especially in a private setting.
Miscellaneous Questions
What’s a good itinerary for a first-time visitor? A common plan is:
Day 1: Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and Namba.
Day 2: Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, and explore Kita.
Day 3: Day trip to Kyoto or Nara.
Are there any “hidden gems” in Osaka? Many locals recommend exploring the backstreets of Shinsekai or checking out smaller, lesser-known izakayas.
Can I use my phone’s data while in Japan? You can rent a portable Wi-Fi device or buy a data-only SIM card at the airport or a convenience store.
What’s the deal with “jiggly cheesecake”? Rikuro Ojisan’s famous cheesecake is a light, fluffy, and wobbly baked cheesecake that’s a must-try dessert in Osaka.
Are there any good aquariums in the area? The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a world-class aquarium.
Is it worth getting a private transfer from the airport? Only if you have a lot of luggage or a large group and are willing to pay a premium for convenience. Otherwise, public transport is the way to go.
Is there anything to do near the Expo 2025 site? The Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a large public park with play areas and seasonal flower displays.
Can I find gluten-free or vegetarian food easily? You may need to do some research beforehand, but there are a growing number of restaurants that cater to these dietary needs.
Is it true that Osaka has a more “working-class” vibe than Tokyo? Yes, many people note that Osaka’s culture grew from its history as a commercial hub for merchants and workers, which gives it a more down-to-earth and friendly feel.
Is there a “best” castle to visit in the Kansai region? While Osaka Castle is great, Himeji Castle is often cited as the most magnificent and well-preserved castle in all of Japan.