Osaka Travel Guide
- Osaka , Travel guide
- 28 Jul, 2025
Make the most of your trip to Osaka with our comprehensive Osaka itineraries, our recommendations of the best places to eat in Osaka and rundowns of essential attractions in each of Osaka’s fascinating districts
First Time In Osaka
Planning a trip to Osaka? Start here with answers to all the big questions — when to visit, where to go, why Osaka is a must-see, how to get around, and of course, how much it will cost.
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Osaka Itineraries
Explore the best of Osaka with my expertly crafted itineraries for 1 to 5-day trips.
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Places To Eat In Osaka
Discover the best restaurants in Osaka, categorized by cuisine type, with locations and price ranges to help you plan the perfect meal.
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Where To Stay In Osaka
Your ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Osaka for maximizing your time and experience.
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Osaka Ryokan
While Osaka has few authentic ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), we’ve curated the best ryokan stays in both Osaka and nearby Kyoto.
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Osaka Districts
Discover Osaka’s top neighborhoods and find out where to stay, eat, and explore — with this complete guide to the city’s 10 major districts.
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Things to Do In Osaka
Make the most of your trip with our ultimate list of the best things to do in Osaka — from must-see attractions to local hidden gems.
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Best Time To Visit Osaka
Find the best time to visit Osaka with our month-by-month weather guide and a calendar of the city’s top festivals.
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Getting Around Osaka
The smart way to use Osaka’s excellent subways, trains, buses and taxis.
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Osaka Cherry Blossoms
Osaka is a fantastic spot to experience Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. Discover the best viewing spots and average blooming dates to plan your visit.
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Osaka Fall Foliage
Osaka is more than just towering skyscrapers and neon lights — it also boasts beautiful parks and green spaces. Enjoy stunning autumn foliage as the leaves change color across the city.
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How To Get To Osaka
Osaka is served by two main airports: Kansai International for overseas flights and Itami for domestic travel. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Other Japan Travel Guides
There are several must-see destinations in Japan within easy reach of Osaka. They all make great additions to any Osaka itinerary. These concise guides provide details about what to see and do.
Tokyo Travel Guide
Explore the top things to do in Tokyo, including must-see attractions, authentic local food, and cultural travel tips — perfect for both first-time and returning visitors.
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Kyoto Travel Guide
Explore the top attractions in Kyoto, Japan — from historic temples and traditional gardens to cultural landmarks and hidden gems.
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Nara Travel Guide
Just a short 30-minute express train ride from Kyoto, Nara offers a spectacular contrast with its ancient temples, friendly deer, and peaceful parks — making it a must-visit destination in Japan.
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Kanazawa Travel Guide
Often called ‘Little Kyoto,’ Kanazawa is a captivating destination in its own right, known for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, stunning Kenrokuen Garden, and rich cultural heritage.
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Hiroshima And Miyajima
Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima offer some of Japan’s most unforgettable sights, including the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
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Takayama Travel Guide
Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a perfect stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto, offering a unique blend of traditional architecture, preserved Edo-period streets, and rich cultural heritage.
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Yokohama Travel Guide
Discover must-see attractions, local food, cultural tips, and the best things to do in Yokohama for first-time and repeat visitors.
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Kobe Travel Guide
Explore Kobe with top attractions, best restaurants, shopping spots, cultural experiences, and tips for sightseeing. Plan your perfect trip to Kobe.
Read more
New And Updated On Inside Osaka 2025
- [UPDATED] Best Okonomiyaki in Osaka — Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake-shaped dish filled with your choice of ingredients. Here are some of our favorite okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka where you can try one of city’s most famous dishes. Read More
- [UPDATED] Best Osaka Restaurants 2025 — Here is our list of the best restaurants in Osaka, divided by type of cuisine, with location and price range indicated to make it easy to choose. Read More
- [UPDATED] Eat Like a Local in Osaka — Tired of eating with tourists? Want to eat where Osaka locals actually eat? Then check out our guide to some of Osaka’s best local restaurants. Read More
- [UPDATED] Things to Do in Osaka 2025 — Here’s our updated list of the best things to do in Osaka so you can make the most of your time in the city. Read More
- [NEW] Expo 2025 Osaka Guide — Expo 2025 is a world fair event that will be held in Osaka from April 2025 to October 2025. Few details have been released, but here’s what we know so far. We’ll add information as we get it. Read More
- [UPDATED] Where To Stay In Osaka 2025 — Osaka is a big city, so it’s crucial to stay somewhere convenient. Here, we explain the best places to stay in Osaka as of January 2025, complete with a full explanation of our reasoning. Read More
- [NEW] Best New Osaka Hotels 2025 — Several great new hotels have opened in Osaka in the past year. The luxury hotel market has seen the biggest growth with brands like Four Seasons and Autograph Collection making their Osaka debut. Here are our favorite new Osaka hotels in all budget categories. Read More
Where Are These Places Located?
- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Osaka accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Osaka.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.