Osaka is Japan's "Kitchen" - a city obsessed with food, fun, and friendly people. Known for its outgoing residents, neon-lit entertainment districts, incredible street food, and down-to-earth vibe, Osaka offers a different Japan than Tokyo. From takoyaki and okonomiyaki to historic castles and theme parks, Osaka is where Japan lets its hair down.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay5 days
Budget$80/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$400/day
Known For
osakakansaijapandotonborinambaumedatakoyakiokonomiyakistreet_foodfood_capitalnightlifecastleuniversal_studioskushikatsu
🇯🇵 Country Information: Japan
CapitalTokyo
CurrencyJapanese yen (¥)
LanguageJapanese , English,Korean,Chinese
Phone Code+81
Electricity100V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink
Tipping
\* Tipping is not common and may be considered rude
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards accepted in cities but less so in rural areas
- Cash is still common
- No black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Bowing is a common greeting
- Shoes must be removed indoors
- Talking on phones in trains is frowned upon
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights are improving, but legal marriage is not yet recognized
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age is 20
- Drug laws are very strict, even for small amounts of marijuana
Special Laws
- Tattoos may bar entry to hot springs
- No public smoking outside designated areas
Common Phrases
HelloKonnichiwa (koh-nee-chee-wah) こんにちは
Thank youArigatou (ah-ree-gah-toh) ありがとう
Climate
Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy with typhoon risk, 28-35°C. Winter (December-February) is mild at 3-10°C with occasional snow. Spring and autumn are ideal. Cherry blossoms late March, autumn colors November.
Getting There
- Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international hub, 50km south on an artificial island
- Connected by Nankai and JR lines (45
- 75 min to city)
- Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) handles domestic flights, 30 min from downtown
- Shinkansen connects to Tokyo (2
- 5 hours) and Kyoto (15 min)
Getting Around
- Osaka Metro is excellent with 9 lines covering the city
- JR loop line connects major areas
- Private railways connect to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe
- IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) work everywhere
- Taxis available but expensive
- Walking is ideal in entertainment districts
- Cycling popular and rentals available
Health & Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for Japan
- Japanese encephalitis vaccine for extended rural stays
- Excellent medical facilities available
- Pharmacies (drugstores) common but limited English
- Prescription medicines may need documentation
- Travel insurance recommended
- Tap water is safe and excellent
Staying Connected
- Major carriers: NTT Docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank
- Tourist SIMs available at airports
- eSIM: Ubigi, Airalo, Holafly work well
- Pocket WiFi rentals popular
- Free WiFi at stations, convenience stores, cafes
- 5G available in major areas
Local Cuisine
Takoyaki
street_food
Crispy-outside, gooey-inside octopus balls topped with special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Osaka's most iconic street food.
Okonomiyaki
must_try
Savory cabbage pancake with your choice of toppings, grilled on a hot plate. Osaka-style is mixed before cooking, unlike layered Hiroshima-style.
Kushikatsu
must_try
Deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables with Osaka's famous rule: no double-dipping in the communal sauce.
Kitsune Udon
regional_speciality
Thick wheat noodles in dashi broth topped with sweet fried tofu. The dish originated in Osaka and is named after foxes (kitsune) who supposedly love t
Kani (Crab)
regional_speciality
Osaka is famous for crab restaurants, especially the giant mechanical crab sign of Kani Doraku in Dotonbori. Enjoy crab sashimi, grilled, and hot pot.
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 1-3 months ahead
One of Japans most popular theme parks. Super Nintendo World area requires timed entry on top of park admission.
Book 1-3 months ahead
Osaka has more Michelin stars than most cities. Top sushi and kappo restaurants book months ahead.
Book when tickets release
Osaka hosts the March Grand Tournament. Tickets sell out within hours of release.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
No booking needed for trains
No advance booking needed for trains. JR Pass should be purchased before arriving in Japan.
Fun Facts
- 1. Osaka is known as Japan's Kitchen (tenka no daidokoro) and Osakans spend more on food than any other Japanese city.
- 2. The first-ever capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979, and the city remains a hub for innovative accommodations.
- 3. Osaka Castle was originally built in 1583 and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times - the current tower dates to 1931.
- 4. The city has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world.
