OSAKA : mini travel guide
Japan’s kitchen Osaka should be an essential stop on everyone’s Japan itinerary. Not as overwhelming as Tokyo and less busy than Kyoto, it has a palpable energy with neon lights, delicious street food and an edge that is unbeatable.
If you are planning a trip to Osaka then check out my detailed posts on this awesome city along with a few helpful tips and recommended experiences to ensure you have a memorable Osaka trip.
Osaka Tips
- Carry cash, not everywhere in Osaka accepts card.
- Mobile Data: Never run out of mobile data with AIRALO. These e-sims are hassle-free and have a variety of data plans. My code TARA1104 gives you $3 off. I also recommend GomoWorld.
- Travel Insurance: Medical expenses are THREE times the cost for tourists when compared with residents. A simple GP visit can be approximately 34,000 yen. Make sure you have travel insurance in place before arriving in Japan. I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone outside of here.
- On a budget? Combinis have incredibly tasty and high-quality food for a fraction of the price. They all have microwaves so you can heat up the food on the spot.
- Carry a tote bag for your rubbish, bins are rare. Japanese people are expected to take their rubbish home with them.
- You should also take a small hand towel to dry your hands after washing them in public bathrooms. Not many bathrooms have hand driers or tissue.
Where To Stay In Osaka
I wrote in more detail about where to stay in Osaka here. These are are few hotels that are centrally located and clean.
- [$]: Daiwa Roynet Hotel is a 3 star hotel in Umeda, a short walk from Osaka Station. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. The hotel also has a coin launderette check availability
- [$$]: OMO7 is a 5-star hotel where every room has a city view. Located in Shinsekai, you will be in a lively area full of fantastic food options. Rooms are large, bright and modern, some room options include a kitchen. The hotel provides a shuttle bus to Universal and has an on-site bathhouse. check availability
- [$$$]: Citadines located in Namba, just a stones throw from Dotonbori, this 5-star hotel is the perfect base for your trip to Osaka. The hotel features a gym, comfortable lounge and restaurant. The rooms are spacious with modern decor. A breakfast buffet is available every morning.check availability
Best Time To Visit Osaka
The best times to visit Osaka are in spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (October and November). These seasons offer the most comfortable weather for travelling. Along with optimal temperatures, it is also when Japans beautiful scenery comes to life. In spring, Osaka’s cherry blossoms cover the city in pastel pink, making everything insanely pretty. Similarly, autumn offers a palette of reds and oranges, creating a stunning backdrop when visiting shrines and temples.
Osaka has cooler weather than Tokyo, January is the coldest month with temperatures dipping to 6°C. Whereas Summer can become very humid and wet, with the highest temperatures occurring in August reaching 29°C. June is the wettest with 9 inches of rain.
Osaka Blog Posts
Osaka Cultural Experiences
Osaka Day Trips
