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Osaka Prefecture

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Japan

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Osaka Prefecture

Being the second-largest metropolitan city in Japan after Tokyo, Osaka offers numerous cultural heritage and historical sites alongside its majestic skyscrapers. For this reason, Osaka becomes one of the favorite tourist destinations among foreign visitors. Aside from its strong historical legacies, Osaka is also home to some modern attractions that is suitable for everyone, such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium, Osaka castle, Umeda Sky Building, and Minami Area. There are also city parks like Kema Sakuranomiya, Nagai, and Tennoji, where both local people and international tourists come to see the cherry blossoms in spring or the red and yellow foliage in autumn.

Get to Know Osaka Prefecture

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Travel Tips for Osaka Prefecture

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Osaka Prefecture

A guide to Osaka Prefecture's local transportation

Osaka Monorail
Nankai Line Airport Express
Rickshaw
Osaka Metro

The Osaka Monorail is a monorail system that connects Itami Airport with various stations in the city. The single-track line spans about 21.2 kilometers, starting from Senri-Chuo Station in the north and terminating at Itami Airport in the south. The Osaka Monorail serves important stations in Osaka, including Hotarugaike, Toyonaka, Esaka, and Minami-Ibaraki. The journey from Umeda Station (Osaka Station) to Itami Airport takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Operating from around 5 in the morning until midnight, the monorail runs with high frequency, particularly during peak hours, with trains typically arriving every 3 to 6 minutes. The Osaka Monorail is well-connected to other transportation systems in Osaka. Fares for boarding the monorail range from JPY 200 to JPY 550, depending on the distance traveled. The Osaka Monorail is compatible with IC cards like ICOCA, providing passengers with a fast and convenient payment process. ICOCA can be used not only on the monorail but also on trains, buses, and ferries in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and beyond. Passengers can purchase ICOCA at ticket sales machines or counters at train stations in the region. The card has an initial deposit fee of around JPY 2,000, which includes the initial balance for transportation fares. The balance can be topped up at ICOCA top-up machines or counters.

Practical Tips for Osaka Prefecture

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to visit Osaka?

The best times to visit Osaka are in the spring (March-May) and fall (October-November). The weather is pleasant, making it comfortable to explore the city. The best time to see cherry blossoms is from the last week of March to the first week of April. Make sure to plan your visit during those weeks to experience the beauty of sakura in its home country.

How long should I stay in Osaka?

You need at least three days to explore every corner of Osaka. Transportation in this city is well-connected, making it easier for you to move from one place to another.

Which places are a must-visit for first-time vacationers in Osaka?

When visiting Osaka for the first time, one of the must-visit tourist destinations is Dotonbori. This popular district, known as the best culinary hub in the Kansai region, offers a blend of shopping and entertainment. While you are here, take a photo in front of the giant Glico sign, which is the city's icon. Don't miss out on the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, which combines trendy boutiques and high-end department stores featuring international designer brands. Another place not to be missed is Osaka Castle, one of the oldest castles in Japan. Additionally, explore the exhilarating underground shopping center in the Kita district. In the same area, don't miss the chance to ride the Ferris wheel at Hankyu Entertainment Park, also known as HEP. When traveling with kids, be sure to visit Universal Studios Osaka, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—the only one in Asia. Moreover, consider taking them to LEGOLAND Japan Resort. Another fascinating attraction to explore is the CUPNOODLES at the Osaka Ikeda Museum. Here, you can customize your own cup noodles.

What are the must-try foods in Osaka?

Osaka is known as the "Kitchen of Japan," so make sure you try the local cuisine here. When in Osaka, do not miss out on trying takoyaki, a ball-shaped dish filled with octopus that you can find throughout the city. Another must-try is okonomiyaki. The dish, referred to as "Japanese-style pizza,” features a combination of flour and egg dough with vegetables, garnished with sauce and dried seaweed. Head to Takotako King, which has many branches in the city, for a taste of this dish. Don't forget to try kushikatsu, a delectable dish consisting of deep-fried breaded meat and vegetables served on skewers. Apart from that, there are many other typical Osaka foods like benishouganotempura (pickled ginger fried in flour), butaman (juicy pork buns), and more.

What is the best mode of public transportation to use while visiting Osaka?

Subway and JR trains are the best transportation you can use while visiting Osaka. To explore the fascinating attractions in Osaka, you can buy daily tickets. You can also use a Suica card for a cashless option when taking the subway to various tourist attractions in this city. Alternatively, if you have a larger budget, you can opt for taxis to navigate the city. However, it is worth noting that taxi fares in Osaka, like those in Tokyo and Kyoto, tend to be higher than other transportation options.

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