Osaka Dotonbori river view with boats and the famous Glico running man

Osaka Travel Guide 2024

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, has been a pivotal center of commerce and culture for over 1,400 years. Its strategic location along Osaka Bay, intersected by numerous rivers and canals, facilitated its development as a major port and gateway for international trade. In the 5th century, Osaka emerged as a political and economic hub, with the establishment of Naniwa-zu port serving as a crucial link between Japan and other Asian nations. This period marked the introduction of advanced technologies and cultural practices from abroad, significantly influencing Japan's development.

Osakans are celebrated for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor. The local dialect, Kansai-ben, is known for its expressive and humorous nature, embodying the region's lively spirit. Visitors often experience this warmth firsthand in the city's bustling markets, eateries, and festivals, where the community's welcoming attitude enhances the overall experience.

Often called the “Nation’s Kitchen,” Osaka is famous for its local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).Whether you’re a foodie, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, Osaka has something for everyone. We also summarized all 52 Things to do in Osaka for you. Welcome to Osaka and enjoy your visit!

Osaka weather

There are 4 seasons in Osaka
1. Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant with temperatures from 14°C to 25°C. Osaka's cherry blossoms bloom is in late March to early April.
2. Summer (June to August): Hot and humid with temperatures from 20°C to 34°C. It is rainy season in June and July in Osaka.
3. Autumn (September to November): Mild and pleasant with temperatures from 9°C to 29°C. Osaka's vibrant autumn foliage is from mid November to early December.
4. Winter (December to February): Cold with temperatures from 2°C to 10°C. Driest season of the year.

Osaka weather forecast (7 days)

More forecasts: 東京 天気 10 日間

Travel to Osaka

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Traveling to Osaka is convenient, with multiple transportation options available:
1. Flight: Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located approximately 50 km from central Osaka, KIX serves as the primary international gateway to the region. It offers direct flights from various global cities.
2. Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines connect Osaka with major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. For instance, the journey from Tokyo to Osaka takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
3. Highway Buses: Long-distance buses operate between Osaka and various cities across Japan, offering a cost-effective alternative to trains and flights.

Read for more information before getting to Osaka.

 

Top attractions in Osaka to explore history and traditions

Top attractions in Osaka for family fun

Top attractions in Osaka to meet the blend of modern and retro

 

And we recommend to enjoy your trip with Osaka Amazing Pass
1. Unlimited trip on Osaka subway, tramway and bus
2. Free entry to around 40 iconic Osaka tourist sites

Osaka street eats

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Absolutely! Osaka is a food lover’s paradise, often referred to as the “Nation’s Kitchen.” Here are some must-try stree eats . Of course, you can also find Sushi, Ramen and other fresh Japanese food in Osaka.

Traditional sushi restaurants in Osaka

Osaka ramen guide and ramen restaurants loved by MATCHA users

Official Osaka travel tips

The official Osaka travel tips by local convention and visitors bureau, travel alliance, tourism association in Osaka, which will bring you deeper information on things to do.

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    Osaka Shopping Streets

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    Higashiosaka City

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    Minoh City

Official Osaka airport (KIX) and railways / limited express tips

The official transportation tips by Osaka airport (KIX) and railways / limited express to give you more ideas to travel around Japan.

Itineraries for 2-day trips from Osaka to other sightseeing spots

Traveling from Osaka to other areas by train is very convenient. Here are some ideas for a 2-day trip to enjoy the beautiful nature or discover the history of the nearby areas.

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    Katsuyama

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    Setouchi

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    Hiroshima

Hot deals for your Osaka trip

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We highly recommend these deals to help you enjoy your trip to Osaka while staying within your budget. Book now to enjoy unlimited rides on the railway and unlimited entry to popular sightseeing spots in Osaka!

Osaka Hotels

We have selected a wide range of hotels for you to choose from. Most of them are located in Umeda or Namba, the most covenient areas for sightseeing.

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