If you’re visiting the city for the first time, this Osaka travel guide has everything you need to plan the perfect stay and feel less overwhelmed. We’re answering all your questions about Japan’s 3rd largest city and sharing helpful tips for first-timers!
Truth be told, we didn’t expect to fall in love with Osaka.
When planning trips, we usually gravitate toward charming small towns and nature escapes over sprawling cities. And on our first visit to Osaka (Japan’s 3rd biggest city), we figured we’d pop in, see a few highlights, and move on.
But Osaka had other plans.
With its neon-lit streets, incredibly friendly locals, and some of the best food we’ve eaten in Japan (hello, takoyaki and okonomiyaki!), this city totally surprised us. So much so that we returned for a second trip—this time with more time to explore deeper.
While it may not have the timeless beauty of Kyoto or the high-tech dazzle of Tokyo, Osaka makes up for it with grit, character, and soul. It’s laid-back, welcoming, and full of personality.
And it just might end up being one of your favorite stops in Japan!
If you’re visiting for the first time, this Osaka travel guide covers everything you need to know—from when to go and how to get around, to where to stay, what to eat, and the can’t-miss experiences.
Osaka Travel Guide
- Best time to visit
- Top things to do in Osaka
- How many days
- Perfect Osaka itinerary
- Osaka map
- Getting around Osaka
- Tips for visiting Osaka
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- What to pack
- Day trips from Osaka
- Osaka video
Best time to visit Osaka
Osaka is a year-round destination, but depending on what kind of experience you’re after, some seasons are better than others.
Spring (March–May)
One of the most popular times to visit, spring in Osaka brings pleasant temperatures and the magic of cherry blossom season. Parks and riversides turn pastel pink, and locals gather under the blooms for hanami (flower viewing) picnics.
It’s a beautiful time to explore the city, though do expect crowds and higher prices around late March to early April.
Fun fact: Osaka Castle Park is one of the top spots in the city for cherry blossom viewing!
Summer (June–August)
Summer in Osaka is hot, humid, and filled with energy. Expect temperatures in the high 80s°F (30°C+), sticky air, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
That said, summer also means festivals! The Tenjin Matsuri in July is one of Japan’s biggest and most exciting festivals, complete with boats on the river and fireworks. Just pack light, breathable clothes and hydrate often.
Autumn (September–November)
Our personal favorite season in Osaka! Autumn brings cooler temps, fewer tourists, and stunning fall foliage in nearby parks and gardens. Plus, it’s a great time to indulge in Osaka’s famous street food without sweating through your shirt.
October and November are especially lovely months to visit Osaka.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is mild in Osaka compared to other parts of Japan. Snow is rare, but you’ll definitely want a warm jacket. The city decks out in festive illuminations, especially in December, making it a cozy time to visit if you don’t mind bundling up.
Bonus: Winter means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation!
→ Psst! Want a breakdown of what each season is like across the entire country? Head over to our guide on the best time to visit Japan to help you plan the perfect trip!
Top things to do in Osaka
If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Osaka, here are our top recommendations:
- Explore Dotonbori at night
- Take a cooking class
- Visit the Shiteno-ji Temple
- Go Izakaya hopping
- Osaka Castle & Nishinomaru Garden
- Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Explore Minoo Park
- Check out the teamLab Botanical Gardens
We have an entire article dedicated to the best things to do in Osaka where we share details and tips for first-time visitors.
How many days in Osaka is enough?
We recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Osaka to really soak it in. That gives you enough time to see the iconic sights, dive into the incredible food scene, and maybe even explore some lesser-known neighborhoods.
Technically, you can see some of Osaka’s highlights in a single day—especially if you’re just popping over from Kyoto or squeezing it into a packed Japan itinerary.
But we’ll be honest: you’ll be rushing around, and the experience might feel more like a checklist than an actual introduction to the city.
If your Japan itinerary allows, we think Osaka is worth more than just a quick stop.
→ Related: We’ve got tips on how many days to spend in Japan (plus sample itineraries to make it easy!).
Perfect Osaka itinerary
Want your Osaka itinerary planned for you? No problem! We did the legwork and came up with what we think is the perfect route for a 2-day Osaka itinerary for your first visit.
Osaka Map: Our favorite spots!
Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to our custom Osaka Map. It’s filled with 100+ custom pins of our favorite Osaka sights, activities, restaurants and more!
How to get around Osaka
Osaka is a very well-connected city, and public transportation is affordable and efficient. It can be a bit overwhelming at first to understand how to get around and just what types of passes you’ll need. Fear not, we’re here with all the info you need!
JR Lines
If you have a JRail Pass, you’ll have free access to JR Lines in Osaka, which is great because the Osaka Loop Line is very helpful. However, the JR lines can be quite a walk from some of the attractions you’ll likely want to visit, like Dotonbori.
For this reason, we’d also recommend getting an ICOCA Card, which we will describe below:
ICOCA card
This is a prepaid metro card for the Kansai Region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and the surrounding areas. You can even use this card in other places in Japan as well, like Hiroshima and Tokyo.
Comparable to the Oyster Cards in London, you can pre-load these cards and use them to tap in and out of metro stations. You can even use them to buy items at 7-Eleven.
You’ll need to buy one ICOCA per person you are traveling with.
Purchase the card from a ticket kiosk in most stations starting at 1,000 yen. There is a 500 yen deposit, but you can get this refunded once you are done traveling in the Kansai Region. You cannot get the ICOCA card refunded outside of the Kansai Region so be sure to get your deposit refunded before you leave.
The Suica and Pasmo cards work the same way, but those deposits can only be refunded around Tokyo Region.
Rent a bike
Osaka is actually pretty bike-friendly, and there are plenty of bike lanes through the city.
HUBchari is one of Osaka’s bike share programs and you can rent a bike for around 200 yen per hour. You could also find a local bike rental shop near your hotel and rent a bike for the day.
Getting to and from the airport
There’s a good chance you’ll be flying in or out of this metropolis, since Kansai Airport (KIX) is the third busiest hub in Japan. Located on it’s own airport island in Osaka Bay, the best way to get to KIX is by train.
If you have the JR Pass, you can travel from KIX to Osaka for free. If you don’t have the JR Pass it might cost you up to 2400 yen one way. Using JR Lines, hop on the Kansaikudo Line that connects KIX to Osaka Station, or you can use the Hakura Line and transfer at Tennoji Station to get on to the JR Osaka Loop Line.
Tips for visiting Osaka
Whether it’s your first time in Japan or you’ve been here before, Osaka has its own unique personality—and knowing a few local tips can help you make the most of your visit.
1. Stay near a major train line (preferably the Midosuji Line)
Osaka’s subway system is efficient, but like many big cities in Japan, it can feel overwhelming at first.
We’ve found that staying near a station on the Midosuji Line (Osaka’s main north-south subway line) makes getting around so much easier. This line connects most of the city’s top attractions, and having easy access to it means less time commuting and more time exploring.
Our recommendation: Namba, Umeda, and Shinsaibashi are all great areas with easy access to public transport, restaurants, and nightlife.
2. Try the street food—you have to!
Osaka is known as “Japan’s kitchen,” and in our opinion, it’s one of the best cities in Japan for food lovers.
Some of our favorite meals here have come from little street stalls or tucked-away counters. Jump down to our where to eat section to find out which Osaka specialties you absolutely must try!
Our recommendation: Grab takoyaki from a vendor in Dotonbori and eat it along the canal like the locals do.
3. Skip the taxi—take the train (or walk!)
We’ve never needed to take a taxi in Osaka—public transport is reliable, easy to use (once you get your bearings), and way more budget-friendly.
And honestly, we love walking around the neighborhoods. Some of our favorite finds—tiny ramen joints, vintage stores, random shrines—have been places we stumbled upon while exploring on foot.
Our recommendation: We especially love walking between Namba and Shinsaibashi. It’s lively, easy to navigate, and full of little surprises like cool alleyways, quirky boutiques, and local izakayas.
4. Don’t just stick to the tourist areas
Dotonbori is flashy and fun, but it can feel a little overwhelming (and crowded). We’ve found that some of Osaka’s real charm lies in its lesser-known neighborhoods. Areas like Nakazakicho or Shinsekai give you a peek into local life and have a quirky, retro vibe we really enjoy.
Insider tip: Nakazakicho is full of artsy cafés, vintage shops, and a quiet charm that feels totally different from the rest of the city.
5. Know your escalator etiquette
Here’s a fun one: in Osaka, people stand on the right side of escalators and walk on the left—the opposite of Tokyo!
This totally threw us off at first, but it’s one of those little quirks that make Japan travel so interesting. Once you notice it, you’ll never forget it.
→ Psst! Torn between Kyoto vs. Osaka? We break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which city really fits your travel style.
Where to eat in Osaka
Osaka is known around the country for its food scene, and locals are known to be able to put down a LOT of food.
In fact, there is a saying in Japanese: “Osaka no kuidaore,” which literally translates to “the Osaka habit of eating until you drop”. But the true meaning is actually “the habit of eating until you go into debt.” Either way, I think you get the point that food is a BIG DEAL in Osaka.
This list is far from exhaustive, but it highlights some of our personal favorite restaurants and places to eat in Osaka.
- Wagyu IDATEN: excellent wagyu restaurant featuring only A5 quality meat
- Gyozaoh: cozy izakaya serving vegetarian gyoza, edamame, and cucumber salad
- Matsusakagyu: yakiniku (bbq) restaurant where you order different grades of meat and grill them yourself
- Sake Bar Shiki: sake food pairings in a cozy, foreigner-friendly izakaya
- Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten or Okonomiyaki Sakaba: both are cozy okonomiyaki joints in the Dotonbori area, they can have a long wait around peak mealtimes
- OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar: great vegan and vegetarian okonomiyaki
- Ichiran: if you didn’t have a chance to try this iconic ramen chain in Tokyo, now’s your chance
Foods to try in Osaka
There are endless food options in this city, but here are 3 of the most famous local delights you should try:
Takoyaki: bite-sized balls made with batter and stuffed with a piece of octopus (tako). Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside and topped with sauce & dried bonito flakes. Osaka has more than 700 takoyaki shops.
Okonomiyaki: Osaka is home of this Japanese dish that is often described as a “savory pancake” that consists of a batter topped with shredded cabbage, choice of veggies, & meat or seafood, topped with a sweet-savory sauce, Japanese mayo & seaweed flakes.
Kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers of meat or vegetables served with a worcestershire-based sauce (don’t double dip!); the best place to get them is the Shinsekai neighborhood.
→ Love food as much as we do? Here’s everything you need to know about what to eat in Japan—plus tips to help you dine like a local.
Where to stay in Osaka
There is no shortage of hotel options in Osaka. And unlike hotels in Tokyo, there are actually some pretty affordable options!
We’re highlighting 2 unique hotel options as well as more traditional offerings:
Stay in a Local Neighborhood
If you like getting off the typical tourist path on your travels, keep reading because we think you might like this accommodation option…
Sekai Hotel was created to address a few issues that Osaka, and Japan in general, is facing:
- Combat over-tourism in the crowded city center
- Support local businesses that otherwise wouldn’t see the benefits of tourism
- Reinvigorate neighborhoods that are seeing a decline of residents
- Encourage local and tourist interactions in a more authentic way
Vacant apartments have been converted into guest stays in a local neighborhood—kind of like an Airbnb. Ours was basic but comfy and had everything we needed.
Guests get a neighborhood “pass” with perks like free breakfast at a mom-and-pop diner (chatting with the owners was a highlight for us!), access to the public bath, free takoyaki, and more. It’s a fun way to explore the area and support local businesses.
We’d recommend this option for confident, self-sufficient travelers who prefer apartment stays over hotels. The main office is open during the day, and staff respond quickly to messages after hours.
Good to know: The potential downside to this is that you’ll be based outside of the city center. To see the major attractions you’ll have to take the train about 20 minutes into town. If that doesn’t deter you, we think you’ll really enjoy this local stay.
There are two locations, one in the Nishikujo neighborhood and another in the Fuse neighborhood of Osaka. Check Booking.com for availability.
Stay in a Capsule Hotel
If you’re curious about capsule hotels, Osaka is a great place to try one—they’re clean, efficient, and surprisingly cozy! They’re also a great option for budget travelers, especially solo female travelers.
We stayed at Cargo Capsule Hotel, and it was definitely a unique experience! The pods are gender-separated, so we had to sleep apart—which we didn’t love (yes, we’re that couple!), but overall it was more comfortable than we expected.
Hotel Cargo is a little nicer than the common capsule hotel. Each capsule comes with pajamas (athletic shirt and capris) and a bag of goodies: headband, loofah, brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, cotton swabs and slippers. Plus they have an onsen on the top floor.
Other Osaka accommodation options
- Mid-range: Kamon Hotel Namba – Great for couples, this hotel has standard rooms with private bathroom. But once you see the breakfast options, you’ll want to book now. It’s one block from a subway station and steps from Dotonbori.
- Luxury: Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station – Located the corner opposite from Namba Station, this highly rated hotel is close to all the action of Osaka. The rooms are quite spacious for Japan and the breakfast looks delicious.
- Airbnb: Osaka really surprised us with the number of highly rated and affordable Airbnbs, like this apartment. You can find entire apartments with a small kitchen and private bathroom just a few blocks from Dotonbori.
- We have loads of info on how to book Airbnbs, red flags to watch out for when booking, and our favorite Airbnbs in our Airbnb article.
What to pack for traveling to Osaka
We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating these super helpful guides full of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Japan that you won’t find anywhere else:
- Our Japan packing guide lists all the essentials (many of which you might not think about), as well as what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan.
- This article on what to wear in Japan will help you create a perfect capsule wardrobe for every season and let you in on some cultural taboos so you can be sure to dress appropriately.
- With this FREE Japan packing list PDF download, we’ll send checklists straight to your inbox for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra stuff you may want to have on-hand just in case. Enter your email and we’ll send a free copy straight to your inbox!
Day trips from Osaka
If you’re looking to combine your trip to Osaka with a few other places, or you’re simply in search of nearby adventures, you’ve got a ton of options.
There are so many places near Osaka that you can go for a quick adventure or a weekend getaway, so we decided to do an entire round-up of the best day trips from Osaka.
Our experience in Osaka video
We created a video of our experience that walks you through the best things to do in Osaka. So grab your popcorn and watch the city come alive!
Plan your trip to Japan
After 3 trips (and counting!), we’ve fallen head over heels for Japan—and we’ve created TONS of resources to help you plan your dream trip. Start with our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide and be sure to check out these helpful articles:
- First time? Our Japan Trip Planner walks you through everything you need to know.
- Use our Japan Rail Pass guide to determine if getting a train pass is optimal for your trip.
- Here’s our curated list of the best things to do in Japan—from iconic sights to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Not sure where to go? Our Japan itinerary ideas will help you map it all out.
- Foodies, rejoice! This guide to what to eat in Japan will have you drooling before you land.
- This guide to what to wear in Japan (and what not to wear) will help you blend in.
- Use our ultimate Japan Packing List to make sure you don’t forget anything.
- Before you go, brush up on these essential Japan travel tips (including major do’s and don’ts!).
- Avoid awkward moments by brushing up on Japanese etiquette.
Still have questions? Drop us a comment—we LOVE helping travelers plan unforgettable trips to Japan!
Perfect Japan itinerary
Want the perfect itinerary planned for you?
If you don’t have a ton of time to spend planning your Japan itinerary (or you just don’t find travel planning fun), we’ve got something you might be interested in…
We created the ultimate done-for-you Japan itinerary that is packed full of all sorts of tips we’ve gathered from 3 trips to Japan as well as literally hundreds of hours of research (no exaggeration).
We have both an off-the-beaten path route as well as a classic itinerary that hits the top attractions (perfect for your first visit to Japan!).
Don’t miss your chance to grab our custom Osaka map!
Get our custom Osaka map sent straight to your phone! We loaded this map with all our favorite restaurants, sights, hidden gems, and more, so you can make the most of your time in Osaka.
Just enter your email and we’ll immediately send you access instructions!
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We want to hear from you!
We hope this Osaka travel guide was a big help in planning your first trip to the city. If you still have questions about traveling to Osaka, leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!