First Time in Osaka? Here Are Things You Need to Know.

Osaka is Japan’s lively second city, a dynamic contrast to Tokyo with its laid-back charm, delicious street food, and vibrant urban energy. I have talked with many visitors to Japan, and they all say Osaka is kind of chaotic, but in a good and charming way. If you’re planning your first trip to Osaka, here are a few key things you should know to make your visit smooth and memorable.

Why Osaka?

Historically, Osaka is known as the merchant city of Japan. With the bustling trades and busy hustlers, Osaka is famous for its friendly and enthusiastic locals, who are known as some of the most open and welcoming people in Japan. The city is the birthplace of konamon (flour-based cuisine), so food lovers come here to enjoy dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory, saucy pancakes with toppings). Besides its food scene, Osaka is home to Japan’s rich history, with landmarks like Osaka Castle, the Tomb of the Emperor Nintoku, and the Tsutenkaku Tower. In addition, Osaka is located in the center of the Kansai (West of Japan) region, making it a great base to explore Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. If you’re after a destination that combines food, culture, and convenience, Osaka ticks all the boxes.

What to Do in Osaka

Whether you’re a foodie, history nerd, shopaholic, or theme park enthusiast, Osaka has something for everyone. It seems endless for what this city can provide! Dotonbori is a must-visit, where the iconic Glico Man sign lights up the street and you can sample the best of Osaka’s street food. For history lovers, Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, while Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Japan and the first ever built by the state, provides a spiritual exploration into Japan’s traditional scene. Get all your shopping desires satisfied in Umeda for its countless large-scale shopping and outlet malls, such as the Hankyu Umeda Mall, LUCUA, HEP Five, and Yodobashi Camera. Theme park fans should not miss Universal Studios Japan, especially if you’re into the Harry Potter or Super Mario franchise! For a more local experience, try visiting Kuromon Market, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, and Karahori Shopping Street. Traveling with family and need more ideas? Check out our blog on family adventures in Osaka!

Where to Stay

Osaka has accommodation options for every budget, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels. Since Osaka is well connected by its metro system, where to stay is more of a question of preference. Namba and Shinsaibashi are central areas perfect for first-time visitors, as they put you right in the heart of the city’s food and shopping districts. You will be guaranteed all-night-long restaurants and bars to cure your midnight cravings, but be prepared for some chaos as both these districts are full of all-night party-goers. If you prefer a quieter vibe, Umeda is a great option, offering easy access to both transportation and upscale shopping. There are a few large-scale shopping malls and outlet malls in Umeda. With the Osaka Metro and JR available, Umeda is also fairly easy to navigate as a tourist. For a more local and cultural experience, consider staying in Tennoji, where you’ll be close to parks and historical sites.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Osaka is a year-round destination, but certain times of the year offer unique experiences. Spring (March to May) is a popular time to visit for cherry blossom viewing, especially at Osaka Castle Park. Autumn (September to November) is another beautiful time to visit, with cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn leaves (Momiji). From the end of Summer to the beginning of Autumn is also a peak season for tourism in Osaka, so expect crowds in popular tourist spots. If you prefer fewer crowds, winter (December to February) offers a quieter charm, and the city’s illuminations are particularly stunning during the festive season. Fun fact, did you know the most popular food in Japan during Christmas is KFC? So much so that you have to make reservations months prior to December!

Budget

Osaka can cater to a wide range of budgets. Street food is affordable, and you can fill up on takoyaki or kushikatsu (fried food on a stick) without breaking the bank. On average, a mid-range budget of ¥6,000–¥12,000 per day should cover meals, transportation, and basic sightseeing. For accommodations, budget travelers can find hostels starting at ¥2,000 per night, while mid-range hotels may range from ¥7,000 to ¥15,000 per night. For hostels, make sure you book beforehand as they can run out of space very quickly! Keep in mind that some attractions like Universal Studios Japan may require extra spending.

Getting Around

Osaka’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to navigate. The Osaka Metro and JR trains are your best friends when exploring the city. A prepaid ICOCA card can be used for seamless travel across trains, buses, and even some stores. If you already have one from your Tokyo travels, Suica cards can also be used in the public transportation system in Osaka. Don’t want to buy a physical card? Simply add a Suica card to your mobile wallet and you can go around the city with just your phone as well. The metro system is well connected, but keep in mind that Osaka is a sprawling city, so it’s helpful to plan your day by neighborhood and double-check the necessary trains for your travels by day. As someone who has been staying in the Kansai region for a while now, even if I can read Kanji, the station names can get confusing at times. Speaking from experience, make sure to always check your destination station name, which line goes through it, and which direction the train goes. There are station names in Osaka that can be very similar, such as the name Umeda station can encompass six different metro lines. So to be safe, always double-check!

Tour Guide Needed?

Osaka is a tourist-friendly city, with much English information, signs, and assistance available. And I am sure a lot of people enjoy the feeling of getting lost, exploring, and encountering cultural experiences at their own pace in such a charming city. But hiring a tour guide can enhance your experience, especially if you’re keen on diving deeper into its history, culture, and food scene. Some tours offer insider knowledge, like hidden street food gems or cultural insights at historical sites. If you want a day free of trouble, planning, and confusion, try booking a tour with Arigato Travel in Osaka. Simply show up at the meet-up location, lay back, and let your tour guide bring you to the best of Osaka.

Fun Fact: The Osaka vs. Tokyo Rivalry!

One of the most fascinating cultural dynamics in Japan is the friendly rivalry between Osaka and Tokyo. While Tokyo is the nation’s political and economic capital, seen as more formal and business-like, Osaka is often viewed as its laid-back, humorous counterpart. This difference is often reflected in the locals’ personalities; Tokyoites are considered more reserved and polite, whereas Osakans are known for being warm, direct, and outgoing. This contrast has given rise to a light-hearted feud, with jokes about everything from how they stand on escalators (Osakans stand on the right, while Tokyoites stand on the left), their dialects, and the flavor of their food (with Kansai food being lighter in both flavor and color, such as soy sauce).
The rivalry is all in good fun, and for first-time visitors, it offers an interesting glimpse into Japan’s regional diversity. Be sure to talk to locals about the best place to live or the best food in Japan, you’re guaranteed to hear some passionate opinions!

Ready to Explore Osaka?

Osaka’s charm lies in its blend of urban excitement, rich cultural history, and region-specific cuisine. If you’re stuck on where to stay and where to go for shopping, entertainment, or food, simply reference this blog for any concerns or questions regarding your first Osaka trip. Once armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to explore one of Japan’s most exciting cities with ease. Now, let’s visit Osaka!

Featured Photo Credit: Sean Pavone

If you’re coming to Osaka on your next trip to Japan, check out our Umeda Craft Beer Tour for the ultimate Osakan culinary experience!