One of the central regions of Japan, Kansai, home to Osaka, is a reflection of a fusion of the old and the new. Famous for being the “Nation’s Kitchen” in terms of its almost worship-like food culture, Osaka does not run short in terms of history and diverse and unique places to visit. If a person is lucky to have only one day in this exceedingly lively city or if he or she has more time, two days in this splendid city would still be inadequate to pay a visit to all the places of interest and to indulge in the represented activities. This historical and research-backed guide will assist you in plotting your tourist trip to Osaka by taking you through the sites and wonders of the natural world, the hidden greatness the city holds, and of course the great food that should not go unexplored in this friendly walkers’ city.
Getting to Osaka
However, prior to going out to do the Osaka trips, a lot more thinking has to be done on how to get into the city. Thus, transportation to Osaka is convenient by railways and airplanes; so, the range of transportation is rather vast.
By Train
If you are coming from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen – bullet train to Osaka, which should take you only a few hours. CIS countries can be reached in less than 2 hours by plane; most European capitals are approximately 2.5 hours of travel, thus the Shinkansen as a means of transport is effective in accessing the city. Kyoto is accessible via the JR Kyoto Line, and it takes only 30 minutes from Osaka, so you can add both historical cities to your trip.
By Plane
Osaka can be reached through Kansai International Airport (KIX) if flying since it has domestic terminals as well as international ones. Kansai airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, therefore, has a convenient connection to the core of Kansai.
Getting from Kansai Airport to Osaka Center
Transport options when moving from Kansai Airport to Osaka Center:
- There are options for getting to and from the airport through public transport like taxis, buses, and trains; all providing transit to the city center of Osaka.
- JR Haruka is an express train that takes you directly to Osaka and has services from the airport at thirty-minute intervals.
- However, the cheaper mode of transport is a locally established JR Airport Line, which takes more time to reach the destination and stops at several places such as Tennoji and Osaka.
Accommodation in Osaka
Determining an ideal kind of accommodation is always of immense significance in having a nice and comfortable stay in Osaka. This city is therefore blessed with accommodation facilities ranging from cheaper hostels to expensive hotels depending on the customer’s requirements.
Recommended Neighborhoods
- Dotonbori: It is one of the seven wonders of Osaka; an ideal place for lovers of nightlife, good stores, and stands with local meals, and well situated with close proximity to major attractions.
- Hotel Recommendation: Welina Hotel Dotonbori – This is a standard hotel in the vicinity of the center of one of Osaka’s most gastronomic and commercial areas, Dotonbori.
- America-mura (American Village): The most famous area of America-mura is the ‘thirty’, inviting the youthful, fashion-minded tourist, as well as the discoverer of districts.
- Hotel Recommendation: APA Hotel Namba – This is found in the town of America-mura. The hotel is suitable for shopping complexes, restaurants, and shows.
Exploring Osaka: Things to Be Done in a One or Two Day Trip
Welcome to Osaka! After reading this article, you will have learned how you can effectively navigate through your hotel or accommodation and if you are ready to start sightseeing, you can continue to read more about the interesting places to visit. Here are sets of itineraries you may want to follow if your time is limited to one day or two so the time that you have in Osaka is not wasted.
Osaka Itinerary for One Day
If you think to yourself that all you have is a day to get around Osaka, then you should not be too concerned. When following the proposed time periods and itineraries, the tourist will be able to observe the objects with his own eyes and feel the rhythms of the city.
Day 1:
- Osaka Castle: If you are starting your tour today, begin your day by visiting Osaka Castle as this symbolizes history and architecture in this city. Visit the castle estate, go up to the viewing platform, and figure out how the castle grew.
- Location: Tanimachi 4-chome is with numbers T23 and C18; on the other hand, Tenmabashi is T22 in the subways.
- Dotonbori: After Osaka Castle, go to Dotonbori, which is a popular nightlife area in the city. Sup on the boulevard near the canal and look at the famous neon lights; and have delicious takoyaki or okonomiyaki.
- Location: Namba Station is a merged make of Y15/S16/M20.
- Shinsekai (New World): It shall be your endpoint in the day because Shinsekai is a jovial commercial district that exudes old-school Tokyo and offers you great places to grab a bite. Go to the Tsutenkaku Tower that has a birds-eye view of Osaka and wander around the area where streets are venues.
- Location: The original subways are Dobutsuen-mae which is M22 and K19 and Ebisucho which is K18, Exit 3.
Thus, if you have one day for an excursion according to the proposed schedule, you will be able to visit some of the most recognizable tourist attractions and areas in Osaka.
Osaka Itinerary for Two Days
In regard to Osaka, one actually can even get more insight if one has two days in this city and is able to find out even more interesting things in it and to learn something more about the culture of this city.
Day 2:
- Hozenji Yokocho: Next pleasant thing to do is to take a walk in the morning through the informative and rather impressive Hozenji Yokocho. The latter includes the flavors of the local food and the mood of the history of the area’s cuisine.
- Location: Near station Namba minoku yakumo green tower; close stations Y15, S16, M20.
- Nipponbashi Denden Town: Subsequently, head to Nipponbashi Denden Town, which is Osaka’s electronics and manga navigating street. Spend some time walking through the shops and arcades to fully immerse oneself in the world of Japanese manga and watch anime.
- Location: At S17/K17 station, Nipponbashi station, and at the K18 station, that is, Ebisucho station, specifically, Exit 3.
- Ota Road: If you have visited Denden Town, it is time for Ota Road Street, which is the street of maid cafes and anime shops. Go to a large number of exhaustive shops like Animate Osaka and experience the penetration of this segment.
- Location: In the Nipponbashi area, close to Denden Town.
- Abeno Harukas Tower: Conclude your two-day trip with a visit to Abeno Harukas Tower, which is the tallest building in Osaka. Go to the observation deck of the tower to see the skyline of the city after which you remember fond memories of the fabulous Osaka.
- Location: Close to Tennoji Station of JR Yamato Line and Kansai Main Line (exit no M23 and T27).
Exploring Osaka’s Culinary Scene
However, it would prove unwise not to talk about the culinary delights, especially since Osaka is globally famous for this. The more pictures of food that consumers see online, the more satisfied they are with the food they consume. From the ordinary “stall foods,” restaurants, food carts, to five-star restaurants, the city offers a food trip that is appealing to anyone with an openness to good food.
Must-Try Foods in Osaka
- Takoyaki: Octopus ball is a delicious food that is famous as the street food of Osaka. It comes in a ball shape and is eaten hot topped with seasonings.
- Okonomiyaki: Called “Japanese pancake” or “okonomi pancake,” it is a type of pancake prepared using a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage; toppings include pork, squid, bean sprouts, and several sauces.
- Kushikatsu: Takoyaki is a horizontally rotatable and deep-fried skewered food, which is relatively well-known in Osaka and therefore should be considered one of the street foods of the city.
- Kaiseki Ryori: If you want a more classy dining experience, you may go for Kaiseki Ryori, which is a form of ceremonial food in Japan that comprises different courses served based on the season.
Where to Eat in Osaka
- Dotonbori: Go shopping in the REALLY crowded Dotonbori district and attempt to try almost all the things you hear and see about Japanese foods on wheels and eating joints.
- Kuromon Ichiba Market: Visit the largest market in Osaka and enjoy seafood and other delicious items, with many specialties of restaurants in the market.
- Umeda Sky Building: Follow one of the restaurants located on the forty floors of the Umeda Sky Building and, on top of the easily appreciated cityscape, you can also savor all types of food at your convenience.
Conclusion
Osaka’s culture and tourist destinations are visible in several areas, neighborhoods, and fabulous foods. To ensure that any visitor to Japan’s “Kitchen of the Nation” will not be in the dark about what and where to go for the best eats in this fast-paced city, I have prepared both a one-day and two-day itinerary of this lively city. And that is why it is time you dust off your travel bags, put on your traveling shoes, and move out of your house to tour this enchanting city.