Japan
Osaka
City of food and lights, with Japan's funniest people. Umeda by day, Namba by night.
Why go
Osaka is called Japan's kitchen, and the food is so varied you'll find everything.
It has Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World, Osaka Castle, and the lights of Dotonbori on the canal at night.
And it's the best place to fly home from: arrive in Tokyo and leave from Osaka, so you don't lose a day going back.
Areas
- 1Umeda Umeda
The main station, malls, and the Umeda Sky Building.
Best time: By day
- 2Osaka Castle Osaka Castle
The castle and its park. Two hours is enough.
Best time: Morning
- 3Namba and Dotonbori Namba · Dotonbori
The lights, street food, Hozenji alley, Shinsaibashi-suji for shopping, and America-mura.
Best time: At night
- 4Tennoji Tennoji · Shinsekai
Old Osaka, and Harukas 300, the highest view. Lovely at sunset.
Best time: Afternoon
- 5The bay and Universal Bay · USJ
Universal Studios Japan and the Kaiyukan aquarium.
Best time: USJ needs a full day
An extra day? Nakanoshima (the river, the NAKKA museum and cafés), Den Den Town for anime, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and the Tower of the Sun.
Umeda by day, Namba by night.
Don't miss
Super Nintendo World. Book tickets and the Express Pass ahead, the Express Pass before the day pass so you know it's available that date.
Walk the canal at night and photograph the Glico sign.
Go into the park even if you skip the castle.
The seafood market.
Old Osaka and Tsutenkaku tower, with Harukas 300 close by.
One of the world's biggest aquariums, with a whale shark. Good for families.
Where to stay
Umeda for trains and ease. Namba or Shinsaibashi if you want to step out into the food and lights.
Suggested days
- 1Universal Studios Japan
- 2Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Harukas 300
- 3Kaiyukan aquarium, Namba, America-mura, Dotonbori
Food
Halal restaurants in all three cities, like PANGA, Honolu and Gyumon; most need a booking. Tendon Makino has an Osaka branch too.
Always ask about pork in toppings and alcohol in sauces.
Coffee
- LiLo Coffee Roasters
- Mel Coffee Roasters
Day trips from here
Articles and videos
My videos from here
AllFree
First time? Start with the guide
Tokyo
Kyoto