Skip to main content

Osaka Travel Guide: What to Do, See, and Where to Stay in Japan’s Lively City

Osaka is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Japan, with a rich culture, a delicious cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you are looking for history, entertainment, shopping, or nature, Osaka has something for everyone. In this article, I will share with you some of the best things to do and see in Osaka, as well as some of the best hotels to stay in.

Photo by Björn on Unsplash

Things to do and see in Osaka

Osaka is a city that never sleeps, with countless attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights:

Photo by miram Oh on Unsplash
  • Dotonbori: This is the most famous and lively area in Osaka, where you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and neon signs. Dotonbori is especially popular at night, when the lights and sounds create a festive atmosphere. Don’t miss the iconic Glico Man sign and the giant moving crab sign.
  • Osaka Castle: This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Osaka, dating back to the 16th century. The castle is surrounded by a moat and a park, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn colors in fall. The castle museum displays historical artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Osaka.
  • Universal Studios Japan: This is one of the most popular theme parks in Japan, offering thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on famous movies and characters. You can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minion Park, and more. You can also enjoy seasonal events and parades throughout the year.
  • Kuromon Market: This is a food lover’s paradise, where you can find fresh seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies. You can either buy the ingredients and cook them yourself, or eat them on the spot at one of the many stalls and restaurants. Kuromon Market is also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen”, as it supplies many of the local chefs and restaurants.
Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
  • Umeda Sky Building: This is one of the most distinctive buildings in Osaka, consisting of two towers connected by a floating garden observatory. The observatory offers stunning views of the cityscape, especially at night. You can also enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants on the top floors.

Best hotels in Osaka

Osaka offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels in Osaka, based on their ratings, reviews, location, and facilities:

Cross Hotel, booking.com
  • Cross Hotel Osaka: This urban city hotel is located in the heart of Osaka, just a minute’s walk from the Dotonbori area and a 3-minute walk from Namba Subway Station. The hotel has stunning views of the city, a natural hot spring spa, and four restaurants. The rooms are spacious and modern, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
  • Swissôtel Nankai Osaka: This five-star hotel is situated above Namba Station, offering direct access to Kansai International Airport and other major attractions. The hotel has a classic European style, with elegant rooms and suites. The hotel also has a fitness center, a sauna, and a beauty salon. The restaurants serve Japanese, Chinese, and French cuisine, as well as a buffet breakfast.
    The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan, booking.com
  • The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan: This hotel is located right in front of Universal Studios Japan, offering easy access to the theme park and other nearby attractions. The hotel has a colorful and playful design, with themed rooms and suites. The hotel also has a restaurant, a cafe, and a convenience store. The breakfast buffet serves tasty dishes featuring the best of Osaka’s ingredients.
  • HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi: This hotel is located in central Osaka, just a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Shopping Street and a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori. The hotel has a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, with stylish rooms and suites. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge. The breakfast buffet offers a variety of dishes, including local specialties.
  • Conrad Osaka: This hotel is located on the top floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, offering panoramic views of Osaka and the surrounding mountains. The hotel has a sophisticated and contemporary design, with luxurious rooms and suites. The hotel also has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. The restaurants serve Japanese, Chinese, and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as afternoon tea.

I hope this article helps you plan your trip to Osaka. Osaka is a city that will surprise you with its charm, energy, and diversity. Have fun exploring this amazing city! 😊







Popular posts from this blog

The Overhyped and Overrated: Travel Destinations That Left Us Wanting More (But Not in a Good Way)

Picture this: You've seen the glossy brochures, heard the endless raves, and succumbed to the peer pressure of the hashtag hype. But after finally arriving at some of the world's most overrated travel destinations, you can't help but wonder, "Did I really travel all this way for this?" Join us on a tongue-in-cheek journey as we explore the travel spots that had us scratching our heads and saying, "Meh." 1. Times Square, New York City: Oh, Times Square, the "Crossroads of the World." Or is it the crossroads of chaos, oversized billboards, and aggressive Elmo impersonators? Sure, it's iconic, but let's face it: unless you're a die-hard fan of overcrowded sidewalks and blinding neon lights, you might want to skip this one. Photo by Andreas M on Unsplash 2. Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles: Expecting to rub shoulders with A-list celebrities? Well, prepare to rub your shoes on some less-than-pristine pavement instead. The Hollywood W

Tokyo Accomodation

Tokyo is a fascinating city that offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers of all budgets and preferences. Whether you are looking for a modern hotel, a traditional ryokan, or a quirky hostel, you will surely find something that suits your needs and tastes in this vibrant metropolis. In this post, we will introduce some of the best places to stay in Tokyo, based on our own research and experience. Photo by  Louie Martinez  on  Unsplash If you want to experience the authentic Japanese hospitality and culture, staying at a ryokan is a must. A ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that features tatami-mat floors, futon beds, sliding paper doors, and often serves kaiseki cuisine (a multi-course meal) and has onsen (hot spring baths). Ryokan are usually located in scenic areas or near historical sites, but you can also find some in the heart of Tokyo. Here are some of our favorite ryokan in Tokyo: Chashitsu Ryokan Asakusa,  booking.com Chashitsu Ryokan Asakusa : This

Get Ready to LOL: The Best Travel Destinations for a Good Time

Pack your bags, sunscreen, and your sense of humor and let me take you on a hilarious adventure! It's time to leave your worries at home and set off for destinations that promise laughter, fun, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a comedy connoisseur, a laughter-loving traveler, or just in desperate need of a break from reality, these travel destinations are ready to tickle your funny bone. 1. Bali, Indonesia: Bali - where the palm trees sway, the ocean waves beckon, and the wifi signal screams "vacation mode." It's the perfect place to experience that 'Eat, Pray, Laugh' vibe. Yoga with monkeys? Check. Sipping coconuts on the beach while trying to pronounce "ubiquitous"? Absolutely. Photo by Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash 2. Santorini, Greece: You've seen the postcards of those blue-domed churches and sunsets that make you question your existence. But did you know that the locals have an epic sense of humor too? Picture yourself trying