About Osaka

 

Osaka is the kind of destination that blends ancient history with ultra-modern attractions. On one day you could tour the ramparts of Osaka Castle and venerable temples before shopping for the latest electronics and riding the 100-meter-tall Tempozan Ferris Wheel.

 

Famous for the quality of its cuisine, Osaka will delight foodies, but it's just as enticing for nightlife fans thanks to neighborhoods like Umeda that never seem to sleep.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Osaka
1. It's a Great Place to Explore Japanese History
Osaka is an ancient city and was one of the strongholds of the Edo Dynasty. These days, it has the castles, temples and palaces to prove it. You can visit stunning historical attractions like Osaka Castle or the temple of Shitennō-ji, which can trace its history back 2,000 years.

2. It's Japan's Gastronomic Capital
Osaka's informal city motto is "eat until you drop" and you won't find many better places to explore Japanese cuisine. With superb eateries like Chibo, Imai Honten, and Shoubentango-tei around, anyone with a taste for teriyaki or a soft spot for sushi will be in heaven.

3. The Nightlife in Umeda
Osaka is a city that loves to have fun. It might be a busy commercial center, but when night falls, neighborhoods like Umeda are full of music, lights, and places to drink.

4. Watch Puppet Theater in the Birthplace of Bunraku
Osaka was the birthplace of Bunraku (Japanese puppet theater) and these days, places like the National Bunraku Theater are the best locations in Japan to catch a mesmerizing performance.

5. There Are So Many Shopping Opportunities
The city has always been a commercial hotspot, and modern Osaka remains a wonderful place to shop. From the electronics stores in Denden Town to the apparel boutiques in Shinsaibashi and Midosuji, there are plenty of opportunities to fill your cases with Japanese products.

What to do in Osaka
1. Osaka-jo: Defense and Elegance
Set among fantastical gardens is the city's foremost landmark. The castle, atop a fortified hill surrounded by moats, reminds visitors of its military function over the centuries. Rebuilt time and time again, the classical architecture stands out and maintains its glory. The surrounding parks provide leisure for locals and tourists year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season, when the grounds are sprinkled in pink petals. Don't miss the Osaka Museum of History.

2. Shitennō-ji: Faithful through the Centuries
Known as the first Buddhist Temple in the country, Shitennō-ji is a well-preserved complex that tourists cannot miss. Its construction thousands of years ago near Osaka Bay gave a platform to the new religion in Japan leading up to this day. The gardens are the pinnacle of serenity, while the temple itself invites all visitors for reflection. And the Treasure House displays valuable items from the temple through the ages, from scriptures to paintings.

3. National Museum of Art: A Contemporary Window
The NMAO is a world-renowned institution of art, resting with importance on Osaka's Nakanoshima Island at the heart of the city. Amongst significant government offices and near the Osaka Science Museum, this attraction stands out for its modern architecture and art collection. Most of the galleries focus on the post-war era, with exceptions including the greats like Cézanne and Picasso. Of course, there is also a unique focus on local artists worth exploring.

4. Kaiyukan: Below the Ocean's Surface
As an island-country, Japan has long depended on its surrounding seas, and Kaiyukan Aquarium celebrates that relation. It is one of the largest public aquariums in the world, and the dozens of habitats recreated focus on habitats surrounding Earth's volcanic "Ring of Fire". Nearby this nautical experience, tourists will also find the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, as well as the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for views across the city.

5. Tennōji Zoo: Cross-Continental Journey
Nestled inside of Tennōji Park is one of Japan's most famous zoos, welcoming 1.5 million visitors each year. The habitats recreated here are particularly well executed, and nearly as much of a spectacle as the animals themselves. From the African savanna to the tropical rain forest, adults and children alike will feel transported to unknown lands. The Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art shares the public park with this zoo, offering a contrasting cultural experience.

How to Get to Osaka
Plane
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is around 24 miles southwest of Osaka's city center and has connections to US cities like San Francisco. The best route into town is via the JR Limited Rail Express, which takes just under an hour and costs ¥1,300. You can also catch limousine buses to selected downtown hotels for ¥1,550 and taxis will cost around ¥4,000.

Train
Another popular way to reach Osaka is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka station. The Tokyo service takes a little over two hours and costs ¥14,050. When you get to Osaka, switch to the Midosuji subway line into the city center.

Car
If you are driving to Osaka from Tokyo, the best route to take is Highway 1, which runs directly into Osaka via Kyoto, a short drive to the north.

Bus
Plenty of buses cover the route between Tokyo and Osaka, including Willer, JR Bus, Hankyu, and Kintetsu. Bus stops vary, but the most common terminus is Shin-Osaka station, although it's worth checking the schedule to ensure you have a route from the bus stop to your accommodation.