Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. As one of the three major cities, Osaka is the capital city of and the third most populous city in Osaka Prefecture. Osaka is the country’s significant economic hub because it’s an important textile center in Japan, making it known as the ‘Manchester of Japan’.
Also called the “nation’s kitchen”, Osaka is a city where the specialties of Japan’s diverse regions have come together and flourished. It also contributes to the country’s culinary development and innovation where Japanese cuisines have been taken to new heights. This is why this city attracts perennial repeat visitors, especially those keen on Japanese food. Tako-yaki and okonomiyaki are some of the most favorable snacks in Osaka.
Not only for food, many tourists around the world also come to Osaka because of its vibrant retail shops. A large number of shopping centers built both above and underground can be found throughout the city. Ranging from clothing and catering outlets, Osaka has a good reputation for quality merchandise for all budgets. Now that Osaka is in your mind, below are some travel info along with hotels in Osaka for your fulfilling urban trips:
Now, let’s start your vacation in Osaka from some famous destinations in the city. Check out the lists below:
As a part of the Universal Studios theme parks worldwide, Universal Studios Japan was the first to open outside the United States. Open everyday at 9 am to 8 pm, the park features a wide range of rides and attractions spread across 11 different areas: Hollywood, New York City, San Francisco, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, and more. This park is exactly the destination you should visit first if you travel with your families.
Your next stop would be Osaka Castle. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the city, known for its stunning architecture with rich history. Not only is it a beautiful photo spot, the castle is a living museum with each floor offering different parts of Japanese history, ranging from the galleries filled with samurai artifacts to the intricate sculptures adorning the walls. Make sure to stop by any day between 9 am to 5 pm.
Still can’t get enough of the famous sites in the city? Get on several public transports to navigate Osaka; here are some of them:
Trains and subways of Osaka Loop Line are the best way to get around the city. There are 2 lines that will get you almost everywhere: the red Midosuji and the green Chuo Line. You can use a Japan Rail Pass for the most useful Osaka Loop Line. For the payment, make sure to have a prepared Icoca card.
Most travelers in Osaka use the city’s trains and subways to roam around. However, buses are also easy to use, even though you probably won’t need to take them during your trips. Most buses operating in the city charge a flat fee of RM 6,17 for adults and RM 3,23 for kids between 6 and 11 (younger ones are free). Prepare the payment with Icoca, Pasmo, or Suica cards.
If you have to go to places not near a train/subway station, you can take a taxi. While catching taxis is relatively easy on any street throughout Osaka, it’s an expensive mode of transport. For the first 2 km, you may spend RM 19,40 and RM 2,35 for each additional 296 meters. You can also cross town for about RM 58,78.
Based on every traveler’s preference, you can stay in any part of Osaka. However, some best places to stay are Kita, Minami, Honmachi (Central Osaka), and the Shin-Osaka Area. Kita and Minami are the major transport hubs in Osaka facilitating you to get around other parts of Osaka. They also boast a huge and vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If you seek a quieter and calmer area, Honmachi is another good choice, especially if you’re a keen walker. Meanwhile, staying in Shin-Osaka Area gives you easy access to the shinkansen (bullet train) and striking distance of downtown Osaka.
Are you a budget traveler? Start your Osaka’s adventures from considering budget-friendly hotels in the city, such as:
Situated strategically near an entertainment district, Business Hotel Wako is a 2-star hotel featuring Japanese-decorated rooms, basic in-room amenities, and WiFi throughout the property. Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, Tennoji Zoo, and Namba Yasaka Shrine are the nearest attractions from the hotel. Remember to check in from 10 am and check out before 9 am.
Nestled in the Nishinari Ward district of Osaka, Hotel Beaver 2 is another affordable hotel in the city. It features rooms designed in a comfortable manner, a vending machine, and a lift. Osaka City Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, Haginochaya Shopping Street, Universal Studios Japan, and Keitakuen Garden are only a driving-distance from the hotel. The check-in is served between 3 to 7 pm, while you have to check out before 10 am.
Osaka would be very nice to explore with the whole family. Here some recommended family-friendly hotels to accommodate you and the loved ones:
The first is Citadines Namba Osaka. This 4-star hotel provides immersive in-room amenities, like a writing desk, sound-proofed windows, a fridge, kettle, stovetop; as well as hairdryers, separate bathrooms, and a shower. Also featuring the city views from the rooms and toys and children games for the family-friendly facilities, the hotel has easy access to Kiyomizudera Temple Tennoji and Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum. Please check in between 3 pm to am and check out before 11 am.
Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji is a 3-star hotel with inclusive services, like afternoon tea, karaoke, darts, and some family-oriented amenities. The hotel’s luxurious interior design is inspired by a resort hotel on the Indonesian island of Bali. With check-in and check-out served at the same time as the previous hotel, Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji is near several famous sightseeing spots, like Tsutenkaku Tower and Shitennoji Temple.
To vary your stay experience in Osaka, you can find accommodations other than hotels. Take a look at some recommendations below:
Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi North is a 4-star apartment in Chuo Ward, Chuo. For your mid- and long term stays, the property facilitates you with kitchen, dining tables, well-equipped bathrooms, and other utter facilities. Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, and Tennoji Zoo are some attractions a couple minutes away from the apartment. If you want to get all these advantages, make sure to check in between 3 to 10 pm and check out before 11 am.
Situated in Shimanouchi, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is a 2-star hostel for you to take a good stroll, eat, have fun, talk, laugh, and rest. They offer furnished dormitories and private rooms to meet all the travelers’ needs. Your check-in would be served between 3 to 10 pm and check-out before 10 am. Explore the nearest attractions: Dotonburi, Namba Yasaka Shrine, and Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade only a hundred meters from the hostel.
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama is a 4-star ryokan (a type of traditional Japanese inn) featuring a private hot spring and Japanese-Western guest rooms. Nestled on the side of a mountain, you can have the mesmerizing views of Sanda’s and Kobe’s mountain range from your comfortable rooms. As you walk 10 minutes outside, you’d greet ancient Japanese on Arima Onsen old streets. Please check in between 3 to 7.30 pm and check out before 11 am.
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Total Accommodation | 4,435 Properties |
Popular Area | Naniwa Ward, Chuo |
Popular Hotel | Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka |
Popular Landmark | Dotonbori, Universal Studios Jepun |