Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan after Tokyo. Known for its lively and exotic atmosphere, it was called “天下の台所 (the kitchen of the country)” as a bustling trade city during the Edo period, and still serves as a political and economic hub in the Kansai region.There are many attractive tourist spots for both Japanese and foreigners, ranging from historical buildings to large commercial facilities.
In this article, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots, accommodations, and best foods in Osaka from a Japanese perspective.
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1.About Osaka
Osaka is one of the major cities in Japan. It flourished as the economic and political center of Japan as early as the 5th century and served as a gateway for foreigners, technology, and culture. There was also a period in the mid-7th century when the emperor lived in Osaka, where several imperial tombs still exist.
Osaka was chosen as the base by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan at the end of the 16th century. Even after the political center moved to Edo, Osaka continued to be a vital base for logistics and the economy as “the kitchen of the country.”
Today, Osaka is a hub of politics, economy, and culture in western Japan. It is popular as a tourist destination, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad throughout the year.
Moreover, Osaka’s well-developed transportation network makes it easy to access other areas of the Kansai region, such as Kyoto, Nara, and Hyogo (Kobe).
2.Main Modes of Transportation in Osaka
Osaka has an extensive railway network, including JR, Osaka Metro, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway, and Keihan Railway. The JR Loop Line and Osaka Metro are convenient for traveling around the city center. The fares are reasonable, and you can quickly reach your destination.
For public transport, you can use regular tickets, IC cards, or the “Osaka Amazing Pass (大阪周遊パス)” designed for tourists. The pass comes in one-day or two-day versions, offering unlimited rides on trains and buses and free entry to over 40 tourist spots.
Taxis are convenient for reaching areas without train stations or for late-night travel. Many drivers do not speak foreign languages, but you can communicate effectively using translation apps. However, fares are high compared to trains.
If the weather is nice, cycling is also recommended. Osaka offers many services for renting bicycles to tourists, allowing you to move freely to your desired locations without worrying about time.
Passengers using public transport in Japan are expected not to be noisy. Speaking loudly, making phone calls, or playing music is considered rude behavior, so please refrain from it.
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3.Recommended Tourist Spots in Osaka
Osaka boasts a variety of tourist spots, from historical landmarks to trendy clubs. Here, we introduce four particularly recommended spots.
3-1.Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle was constructed by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the 16th-century Sengoku period. The castle tower stands almost in the center of the vast 100-hectare Osaka Castle Park. The current tower is not the original but the third reconstruction, which was completed in the 20th century.
The interior of the tower is a history museum, housing exhibits such as a golden tea room, folding screens, paintings, and armor. From the observation deck on the eighth floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka’s cityscape, imagining that you were a feudal lord. Osaka Castle Park is one of the premier blossom viewing spots in Osaka, where beautiful plum and cherry blossoms bloom in spring.
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3-2.Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a bustling district located in the Minami area, vibrant with numerous restaurants, cafes, and clubs along the Dotonbori River. It’s an excellent place to savor Osaka’s famous culinary delights, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki, amidst a variety of food genres.
The area is also known for its unique and eye-catching signs, featuring giant crabs, gyoza, and sushi, which are icons of Dotonbori. The riverside promenade “Tombori River Walk” and the sightseeing boat “Tombori River Cruise” that tours the nine bridges crossing the Dotonbori River are also popular with tourists.
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3-3.Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, faithfully reproducing the natural environment of the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding seas, and showcasing around 620 species and approximately 30,000 creatures. Visitors can meet various popular marine animals, including whale sharks, ringed seals, and dolphins.
Feeding sessions and training demonstrations for animals like otters and penguins are conducted according to a scheduled timetable. Starting at 5 PM, the aquarium presents “Night at the Kaiyukan,” where lighting creates a post-sunset environment, offering a unique opportunity to observe marine life in a mystical atmosphere.
3-4.Abeno Harukas
Located in the Abeno district of Osaka, Abeno Harukas stands as a landmark of the city. This skyscraper, reaching 300 meters in height, houses a department store, restaurants, an art museum, a hotel, and offices. It is directly connected to JR Tennoji Station and Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station, ensuring excellent access to public transport.
The observation deck located on the 58th to 60th floors is particularly popular, featuring an indoor glass-enclosed corridor, a sky garden with an open ceiling, restaurants, and cafes, all offering spectacular views. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island.
4. Accommodations in Osaka
In Osaka, choosing accommodations in convenient areas like Umeda or Namba can greatly facilitate your sightseeing experience. Opting for luxury hotels equipped with restaurants, spas, and other amenities can ensure an even more comfortable stay. Here are three hotels we recommend.
-St. Regis Osaka:
This five-star hotel is located along Midosuji Boulevard, lined with high-end brand stores. It boasts 160 guest rooms and suites, restaurants, bars, and a luxury spa. A highlight is the butler service available to all guests, adding a touch of elegance and personalized attention to your stay.
-Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel:
Situated in the upper floors of the towering Abeno Harukas skyscraper, this hotel offers spectacular views of Osaka. It features 360 rooms between the 38th and 55th floors, along with a selection of restaurants and lounges, providing a luxurious retreat high above the city.
-Hotel Royal Classic Osaka:
This hotel inherits the exterior design of the former Osaka Shin Kabukiza Theater. It offers 150 rooms, with hotel staff dedicated to providing heartfelt service to each guest, ensuring a memorable and personal experience.
Besides these, Osaka hosts a variety of accommodation options, including capsule hotels, traditional Japanese inns, and familiar chain hotels, catering to every preference and budget. You’re sure to find an accommodation that fits your needs and budget.
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5.Best Foods in Osaka
Osaka has been the cornerstone of logistics and the economy of Japan since the 17th century, boasting a diverse food culture befitting its moniker, “the kitchen of the country.” Here are four of Osaka’s best foods:
| Okonomiyaki |
|---|
| Representing one of Osaka’s iconic dishes, okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made from a batter mixed with cabbage, meat, and seafood, then grilled and typically topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Popular okonomiyaki restaurants favored by locals and tourists alike can be found throughout Osaka. |
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| Kushikatsu |
|---|
| This is a dish of bite-sized meat and vegetables skewered, breaded, and deep-fried. It’s served fresh with a dipping sauce. Casual eateries, including standing bars, offer kushikatsu, making it a perfect quick and tasty treat. |
Top 8 Recommended Kushi-katsu Restaurants in Osaka
| Takoyaki |
|---|
| A staple street food in Osaka, these ball-shaped snacks are made with a wheat flour-based batter and cooked with octopus filling, and typically topped with sauce and bonito flakes. Takoyaki is so integral to Osaka’s culinary scene that it’s said that nearly every household in the city has a takoyaki maker. |
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| Kitsune Udon |
|---|
| Originating in Osaka, this udon noodle dish is served in a dashi broth and topped with sweet simmered fried tofu, which was believed to be a fox’s favorite food, hence the name “kitsune” (fox) udon. |
These four selections are beloved by the people of Osaka and are noted for being affordable and casual dining options.
When dining in Osaka, it’s important to note that Japan does not have a tipping culture; service charges are usually included in the bill. Also, many establishments do not accept credit cards, including debit cards, so carrying cash is advised.
Conclusion
Osaka serves as a key hub for politics, economics, and culture in Western Japan, and is conveniently located for easy access to other Kansai regions such as Kyoto, Nara, and Hyogo. With numerous attractions like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Abeno Harukas, Osaka is beloved by both locals and international travelers.
The city is also renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering a variety of affordable and accessible dishes. When traveling in the Kansai area, basing yourself in Osaka to explore the tourist spots, shopping, and food is highly recommended.
*This article is based on information available as of March 2024.
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