Incredible Things To Do in Osaka Plus Where to Stay & What to Eat!

What to Eat in Osaka

Food is practically a religion in Osaka (much like the rest of Japan!) From Sushi and Sashimi to Yakiniku & Horumon (Japanese BBQ) and Ramen & Udon – you can find just about any Japanese dish that you have ever heard of!
Small cafe’s and street vendors offer the most authentic experience, and here’s a guide to (just a few) local dishes to help you know what you are looking at!

• Makizushi – sushi rolled into long cylinders (aka the sushi roll)

• Miso Soup – a staple in Japan and often served with vegetables, tofu, seafood or meat
• Yakitori – literally translated as ‘grilled chicken’, Yakatori often refers to all items (vegatable/tofu/meat/seafood) grilled on a stick.
• Tempura – deep fried fish and vegetables in a light batter
• Edamame – young soy beans cooked in salty water (and best when smothered in wasabi!)
• Noodles – Udon, Soba, Ramen – whatever your noodle preference, Osaka has you covered
• Mochi – a sticky rice pounded into a paste
• Okonomiyaki – a savory pancake often utilized to use up left-overs (Takoyaki are ball shaped versions with octopus in the middle)
• Sashimi – raw, sliced fish
• Oden – a hot pot that is ordered by item and is a street food favorite.
• Natto – fermented soy bean
• Onigiri – rice designed to be eaten by hand (like a sandwich!)
• Yakiniku – Japanese BBQ
• Sukiyaki – a Japanese stew that’s typically cooked in a hotpot on your table as you dine. It consists of thin-sliced beef, vegetables and tofu in a fairly thick broth of soy sauce, sugar and mirin. Sukiyaki is often served with raw eggs as a dipping sauce.

If you like to really get to the heart of a city through its food, book yourself onto an evening food tour and eat and drink at some of the best spots in town. Or you could try your hand at creating some local delicacies yourself at traditional Japanese Cooking Class or Specialist Sushi Cooking Class.

RELATED: If you’re a Food lover (like me!), Vietnam has some awesome cuisine. Why not visit the UNESCO heritage city of Hoi An and continue you’re foodie journey!

Where To Stay in Osaka

	Imperial Hotel Osaka (5*) - Luxury Stay ($200+ per night) Just a short drive from Shinsaibashi, the hotel showcases exclusive views of Osaka. Some of the popular facilities at this sophisticated 5-star hotel include outdoor tennis courts, a free shuttle service, free Wi-Fi and has a gym with a swimming pool. The on-site spa provides a variety of treatments and a chance to relax. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
	Mitsui Garden Osaka (4*) - Mid-Range Stay ($150-$200 per night) This comfortable hotel in Osaka provides free Wi-Fi, as well as a 24-hour reception and a free shuttle service. It is close to the National Museum of Art Osaka, restaurants and shops. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
	Arietta Hotel (3*) - Budget Stay ($100-$150 per night) The modern rooms at Arietta Hotel & Osteria Osaka include a refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities and wireless internet access. A shower, cable/satellite channels, a hair dryer and free wifi are also provided. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews
	Drop Inn Hostel - Backpacker Option (<$80 per night) There are a variety of facilities on offer to those staying at the hostel, such as a 24-hour reception, a coffee bar and a vending machine. In addition, the multilingual staff can offer tips and local knowledge. Drop Inn Osaka has 69 traditional rooms that are filled with a range of essential amenities to ensure guests have an enjoyable stay. Book Now | Compare Prices for Later | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

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Extra Osaka Adventures

IF YOU HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME AND CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF OSAKA, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE GREAT DAY TRIPS & TOURS TO EXPLORE THE SURROUNDING AREA:

• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour inc Golden Temple & Todai-ji Temple – Begin your cultural excursion with a guided tour of the ancient Nijo Castle, and then absorb the aesthetic majesty of both Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Revitalize with a traditional Japanese lunch then explore nearby Nara, home to majestic monuments like the Great Buddha of Tadoi-ji Temple and Kasuga Shrine
• Hiroshima & Miyajima Day Tour – See the historical highlights of Hiroshima on a comprehensive full-day tour from Osaka, led by a knowledgeable guide. Ride on the super-speed bullet train to Hiroshima then board a boat to the idyllic Miyajima Island, home to the splendid Itsukishima Shrine before returning  to Hiroshima to visit the magnificent Hirsohima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Day trip to Kyoto, Nara & Kobe – Spend a day exploring historic neighborhoods, visiting temples, and shopping on a full-day tour from Osaka to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.Looking for more day trip inspiration, take a peek at these other epic day trips from Osaka.

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Essential Visitor Info

How To Get to Osaka

• Japan has great transport links and Osaka can be reached by planes, bullet trains, express trains, buses, cars, ferries.
• A private taxi will cost around $28USD; There are 4 train line options available from the airport to the train station and range between $10-25USD.
• The bullet train station is at the entrance to Osaka and from here it is possible to transfer to the subway lines to reach central parts of the city.
• If arriving by domestic flight, the airport bus is the most practical method of transport to take to the city. Buses are comparable in cost to the trains but go direct to some city center hotels, which can save time.

How to Get Around Osaka

• Osaka City is largely divided into two areas: the Umeda area, called “Kita,” and the Namba/Tennoji area, known as “Minami.” Depending upon your destination, you can travel through the city using the subway, which goes all throughout the city, the JR Osaka Loop Line, which circles the central districts, and other private railways that connect in various parts of the city. (Pre-Book your JR Pass Here – it’s the cheapest price on the web)
• As Osaka is located on the water and you can enjoy a truly ‘Osakan’ experience by cruising the waterways on the waterbus or a cruise.

WiFi in Japan

• Whilst wifi is available in almost every hotel in Osaka, there are not as many hot spots available whilst you’re out exploring. If you absolutely need to have access to the internet whilst traveling around, you can rent a Mobile WiFi Hot Spot which can be picked up and returned to the International Airport.

When to Visit (Climate + High/Low Seasons)

• You can visit Osaka at any time of year because the weather is temperate. The best times to visit Osaka are the fall (October/November) and spring (March/April/May). Summer (June/July/August) in Osaka is hot and humid.
• In spring (late March to mid April), you have the blossoming of the various flowers, notably Japanese apricot (ume) and cherry (sakura). The weather is usually temperate at this time and the humidity is relatively low.
• One time to avoid in spring would be Golden Week (usually around the first week of May although it moves slightly from year to year). Huge numbers of Japanese travel domestically at this time and you can expect large crowds and high prices for accommodation and transport.
• Summer and winter are less attractive with muggy, humid weather dominating the summer months, and cold temperatures combined with snow in the winter.

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So there you have it – hopefully we’ve given you enough information to plan the perfect trip – and given you a great list of Things To Do in Osaka to make sure you get the most from your visit. Don’t forget to let me know you’re own highlights once you’re back!

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