As one of the designated cities in the Kansai region, Osaka offers its visitors with a right balance of hustle and bustle of a metropolitan as well as historical excellence.

In the olden days, Osaka served as the main porting hub between the eastern and the western regions of Japan. Nowadays, as one of the largest cities in the world, it thrives in being a major economic area as the Osaka Securities Exchange and big multinational companies are located there.

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. It has a record high of 39.1 degrees Celsius and a record low of -7.5 degrees Celsius. The locals of Osaka use Kansai dialect to communicate daily.

How to Get There

You can fly into the city through one of the two airports: Kansai International Airport or the Osaka International Airport. The former is where international flights would port while the former focuses more on domestic and cargo logistics. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main hub for All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, and Peach, Japan’s first low-cost airline.

Kansai International Airport is currently the longest airport in the world. It consists of two terminals; Terminal 1 for main international flights while Terminal 2 is reserved for low-cost carriers (LCC). Both terminals are connected by bus, rail, and ferry service. It also has taxis and car-rental services to take you to the town or to your Osaka hotel.

Public Transportation Available

Rail

Osaka has an extensive rail transportation that comprises of many different lines and train types. There’s the Osaka Metro system to connect passengers travelling within the city. It comprises of 9 lines and 133 stations throughout the city. For travels to the surrounding regions, the JR West Urban Network, as well as many other private lines, are available.

Bus

An alternative to the rail transportation mode is the Osaka City Bus system. It has 103 bus routes and 29 red bus routes. To ride the Osaka City Bus, you can use the One-Day Pass, the Multiple Ride Card, or the Rainbow Card. These tickets are also applicable for the Osaka Metro.

Tourist Attractions

Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle is perhaps the most famous landmark in the city. It’s a prominent landmark due to its role in unifying the country in the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The castle grounds are approximately 61,000 square meters with various buildings, gates, and turrets located around the main castle.

Universal Studios Japan

Opened in 2001, this Japanese Universal Studios theme park is one of six in the world. The theme park has 8 different sections: Hollywood, New York City, San Francisco, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, Universal Wonderland, WaterWorld, and Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Dotonbori

Visiting Dotonbori is a must for any food lovers. It’s an area located along the Dotonbori canal consisting of many restaurants, bars, and various entertainment venues. Dotonbori is famous for its neon signage and the billboard by Glico featuring a runner crossing a finish line.

Where to Stay

You have a wide range of options if you want to stay overnight in Osaka. From Airbnb to opulent five-star hotels, you can easily find all kinds of accommodation all over the city.

Centurion Hotel CEN Osaka

This 3-star Osaka hotel offers cosy rooms with contemporary design. It’s located near the Namba bus and train station. The Osaka Castle is 8 minutes away by car while Dotonbori is 12 minutes away by foot.

Hotel Granvia Osaka

As an upscale Osaka hotel that won’t break your budget, Hotel Granvia gives you no-frills rooms that are clean and comfortable. It has a French and Spanish restaurant with the addition of a hip bar. The hotel is connected to the Osaka train station, which makes it easy to travel around the city.

InterContinental Osaka

Expect no less from this luxurious 5-star Osaka hotel with lavish lodging. The InterContinental Osaka is situated 7 minutes from Osaka Station and 6km away from the Osaka Castle. Amenities include posh restaurants, gym, spas, and pools.