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Feb 28, 2020 · The four most popular spots among foreign visitors are Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Laid out along the railway, they’re all cost-efficient and easy to get to. For travelers to whom every minute counts, this is incredibly important. Osaka also has easy access to the popular former capitals ...
Mar 6, 2020 · 06 March 2020. With both retro charm and modern flair, Osaka is a captivating city that offers some of the best food, culture and nightlife in Japan. Culture Trip spoke to people who live and work in Osaka for their take on what makes it such a great place to visit. Tourists often pass through Osaka, using it as a transfer city to the region ...
- Martha Knauf
- Is Osaka Worth Visiting?
- Things to Do in Osaka
- Places to See in Osaka
- Things to Do in Osaka at Night
- Cultural Places to Visit in Osaka
- People in Osaka: Friendly Locals
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan (population 2.7 million) behind Tokyo and Yokohama. It has a rich history dating back some 1,500 years. Popular for its nightlife, food and shopping, Osaka should definitely be on your list when planning your Japan itinerary.
There are too many things to do in Osaka to cover everything in a short trip. But you can certainly get a good taste of the city in a few days. Here are some of the best things to see in Osaka (and do) – and why you must visit Osaka on your next trip to Japan… Known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” the city lives up to its reputation with restaurants and...
National Bunraku Theater
Osaka’s downtown area, or Kita, is the business area. But Minami, uptown, is Osaka’s famous entertainment district – and where you want to be. The National Bunraku Theater in Minami is a good place to watch the creative performances of the “little humans” set against a backdrop of music and storytelling. You’ll definitely want to put catching a show here high on your list of things to see in Osaka! Each puppet for a major character is manipulated by three puppeteers. One puppeteer controls th...
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Over at the Kaiyukan Aquarium, gape at some 30,000 sea creatures – from Pacific dolphins, manta rays, penguins and jelly fish to giant whale sharks. One of the biggest public aquariums in the world, it’s noted for how it recreates the natural environment of the various species. It’s a real crowd pleaser – also consistently rated one of the best things to do in Osaka. If traveling as a family, visiting the aquarium is one of the best activities to do in Osaka with kids.
Universal Studios Japan
And don’t forget Universal Studios Japan. One of four such theme parks in the world, its attractions include the hit “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Enter Hogwarts, then fly on a broomstick as you’re strapped to a bench in a floating candle-lit room. The state-of-the-art 4K3D technology makes it a magical ride for muggles of all ages.
The nightlife in Osaka is busy, fun and bright. Many bars, clubs and restaurants stay open late – whether hip-hop or swing, you can dance the night away. Club Joule is wildly popular. For karaoke, head to the Moonshine Bar Osaka, which mixes Southern American and Japanese-style karaoke. For a belly full of laughs, check out a comedy show. Osaka is ...
Museum of Housing and Living
Travel back in time to the Edo Periodat the Museum of Housing and Living in Kita. The Edo Period between 1603 and 1868 is when Japanese society was organized around castle towns ruled by shoguns. Rent a kimono at the museum and wander through recreated buildings and alleys – public bathhouses too – showing everyday life at the time. The museum is one of the best places to visit in Osaka if you’re interested in Japanese culture and history.
Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses
Another interesting museum on the history of Osaka and Japan is the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses. Here you find 11 old farmhouses with displays showing how the farmers lived; you can learn about silk worm farming and see cooking demonstrations. Check the event schedule to see when there’s a tea ceremony or story-telling session.
Osaka Castle
One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castlewas built in 1583 by a powerful warlord who ruled the country at the time. Inside is a museum, where you can see samurai costumes and other historical artifacts. Outside, the castle’s extensive gardens bloom with over 600 cherry trees in springtime.
You’d think that with Osaka being so crowded, the locals would be cranky and annoyed. Wrong. They are not only helpful to tourists, but are friendly, open and have a great sense of humor. They’re interested in where you come from and what you think of their city. They truly hope everyone who visits has a good time and they go out of their way to ma...
Jul 6, 2022 · Of course, these days the most important factor of livability is being able to afford food and shelter, and Osaka’s got some great deals on both! It is a big city and has its fair share of expensive homes and condos, but I once rented an apartment that was about a three-minute walk from a major train station and only cost me 27,000 yen a month (US$198).
Jun 12, 2024 · A first time guide to Osaka, Japan. Osaka is renowned as Japan ’s friendliest city, and one of its delightfully quirkiest — all the way down to people walking and standing on the opposite sides of escalators than in Tokyo. If you want great food, buzzing nightlife and modern Japanese skyscraper metropolis, but at a manageable size, add a ...
Apr 11, 2023 · The longest shopping street in Japan, it runs for 2.6 kilometres and spans three subway stations. Its shops, mostly independently owned and run, sell clothing, groceries, books and more. The street was established in the early Meiji era (1868 – 1912) and locals have been shopping here ever since. Image credit: Flickr.
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Jun 27, 2024 · Firstly, one of the key reasons why Osaka is so liveable is its excellent infrastructure. The city is well-connected by a comprehensive public transportation system, making it easy to navigate and explore. Whether you choose to take the subway, bus, or train, getting around Osaka is a breeze. This efficient infrastructure also extends to its ...
