Osaka Hotels

Tokyo often pops up first whenever people think of Japan, but Osaka doesn’t pale in comparison to it. It has everything Tokyo has — a bustling city centre, the kawaii cafes, and amazing cultural centers.

If there is one thing that sets this city apart from the others is that there is food everywhere you look. From okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and sushi, you will find it here and it can be said that you will never find a bad place to eat in the city.

How to Go

Most travelers that arrive directly to Osaka land in the Osaka-Kansai Airport (KIX). It is easy to get to the city because a scheduled bus that leaves every 30 minutes is there on the regular. Taking this would drop you off at the central Namba Station of the city that is just a short walk to the central areas of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

Taking the train is also a great option since travel time would just be about 40 minutes and given the extensive train system in Osaka, it would be easy to find a stop near your hotel.

Getting Around

Osaka is a highly pedestrianized city and most places are walkable. If you find yourself in the Shinsaibashi area, Dotonbori and the American Village are a short walk away. Taking the train is also one of the best ways to get around since most tourist and sightseeing areas have a station nearby. Taxis are also everywhere in the city so flagging one in ranks won’t be difficult at all.

Top Things to Do

Osaka has a lot in store for its visitors and among this would be culture, shopping, and dining. The first stop on everyone’s list should be Osaka-Jo. The castle is located in a vast expanse that is littered with beautiful sakura trees. Visiting during spring and autumn would be a sight to behold because of all the colors that serve as a backdrop for the amazing castle.

Once you’re inside, you can admire the vast selection of weapons and clothing in the castle. There’s also an observation deck that you can climb to get a wider view of Osaka. Sumiyoshi Shrine is another stop being one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. You will find ornate architecture that is distinctly Japanese along with a picturesque zen garden.

If you want a great view of the city on top of one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Umeda Sky Building is the place to go to. Standing at an impressive 173m, it has a panoramic view of the city from the Garden Observatory. It also has an impressive hanging garden for those who want to see more local flowers and plants.

Meanwhile, 20 minutes away from the city by train, the Osaka Aquarium or Kaiyukan is one that cannot be missed by those who love animals and want to learn more about sea life. It is also perfect for families to see because this place boasts amazing exhibits of wildlife from otters, turtles, and dolphins. There is an interactive area where people and kids get to touch the backs of manta rays and sharks. It also overlooks the beautiful Osaka Bay where you can simply sit back and relax. For those who love adventure Universal Studios Japan is also nearby. It’s simply 10 minutes away from the aquarium, but about 25 minutes coming from the city.

For those who love shopping, Shinsaibashi is filled with stores that range from high-end to low. It has a lot of international and local brands, with each one guaranteed to have pieces that are special in Japan. The American Village is a younger area that has a lot of costumes for cosplay and underground Japanese brands.

If you’re a fan of anime, Osaka’s Nipponbashi DENDEN Town is the best place to find games, manga, and merchandise. It comes alive at night with many performers dressed up and dancing as your favorite anime characters. It rivals Japan’s Akihabara District.

What to Eat

Once you touch down in Osaka, the first thing everyone should do is eat. Walking all over the city, you’ll find endless stores selling takoyaki and all sorts of izakayas that serve everything from more exotic sashimi to melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef. If you want some ramen, the famous chain Ichiran is on every street corner, but of course, the ones on the street gives you a uniquely Japanese experience of just sipping and leaving right after.

The restaurant Zendou-Ya is also a great stop since it’s 24 hours, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a late-night slurp of ramen. Okonomiyaki, the unique savory Japanese pancake is famous in the city too. In Shinsaibashi, you’ll notice a line in Okonomiyaki Mizuno, a Michelin star restaurant. They serve all sorts of bases from pork to an oyster.

If you end up in the Kuromon Ichiba Market, that means you’re at the heart of Osaka. You will find shops that sell the freshest seafood and the finest meat. This is street food galore because of all the takoyaki, tako tamago, and scallops on sticks in every corner.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Osaka features a lot of quirkier bars in unassuming corners that serve unique drinks. Space Station is an Osaka staple with tourists and locals. It’s a video game themed bar with its drinks named after iconic characters. Hana Sake Bar is a lot more local with a wide variety of sake. All of this is partnered with amazing light dishes to fill you up.

Cafe Absinthe, on the other hand, is a more subdued spot but people flock to it especially if absinthe is your thing. It’s also known for its regular cocktails that come with shisha to help you relax and settle down more.

Where to Stay

The city is an organized mess of neon lights and finding a hotel in Osaka can be overwhelming. To simplify things, figure out what you want to do most in the area. Ideally, every accommodation should be a short walk from the station to avoid the hassle of making your way around the winding streets of Osaka. But with the things you want the most out of your trip at your doorstep, who wouldn’t want that?

If you want to be close to food and nightlife, staying in the Namba/Minami brings you to the heart of this. You’ll find dining areas all next to each other. The iconic Dotonbori man is also nearby. Amerikamura is similar but if you’re younger and you’re traveling with friends, this would be the best area to stay in. It’s littered with different concept cafes and bars as well as underground brands.

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