Osaka is a city filled with vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and exciting attractions. While there’s plenty to do within the city limits, there’s also a wealth of activities and destinations just a short ride away. Taking a day trip from Osaka is an excellent way to explore the surrounding areas and get a taste of Japanese culture beyond the city. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the very best day trips from Osaka, including scenic walks, historic landmarks, and more. So, grab your camera and let’s explore the best Osaka has to offer beyond its city limits.

The 2 Best Day Trips in Osaka

1. Mt Koya Sacred Full Day Private Tour Osaka Departure With Licensed Guide
2. Full Day Osaka Bike Tour

The 2 Best Day Trips in Osaka

1. Mt Koya Sacred Full Day Private Tour Osaka Departure With Licensed Guide

Discover the UNESCO-listed temple settlement of Mount Koya, the center of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan’s most sacred sites, on this private full-day walking tour departing from Osaka. Your knowledgeable and licensed local guide will personalize your experience in line with your interests and provide insights into the traditions and spirituality of Mount Koya. The tour is exclusively for your party and can be customized to include 3-4 sites from the ‘What to expect’ list. The guide will meet you at your Osaka-area hotel to start the tour. The tour includes private transportation, transportation fees, and entrance fees for yourself. This is a walking tour, and a private vehicle is not included. Experience the magic of Mount Koya and the sacred atmosphere of this special place on a private tour tailored just for you.

2. Full Day Osaka Bike Tour

Explore Osaka like a local on a full-day bike tour that takes you to some of the city’s top attractions. Your English-speaking guide will lead you to Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Shin Sekai, as well as lesser-known spots favored by locals. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s history, culture, and cuisine. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and high-quality bike and helmet rental. Bottled water is also provided. The meeting point is in Tenma, a 10-minute walk from the Temmabashi metro station on the Tanimachi Line.

Frequently Asked Questions About Osaka

Osaka is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Japan, attracting millions of tourists every year. However, many visitors may have several questions about the city before their trip. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Osaka to help you plan your trip.

1. What is the best time to visit Osaka?

Osaka is a year-round destination; however, the best time to visit depends on the traveler’s preferences. The spring season (March to May) is an ideal time to visit Osaka as the bloom of cherry blossom trees around the city is a picturesque sight. The summer season (June to August) in Osaka is hot and humid but offers lots of festivals, including the Tenjin Matsuri, which is one of the biggest festivals of Osaka. The fall season (September to November) offers a pleasant temperature with colorful autumn leaves, while winter season (December to February) is mild and offers stunning illuminations across the city.

2. How do I get to Osaka?

Osaka is well connected with the rest of Japan as well as international destinations. Visitors can fly in at the Kansai International Airport, which has direct flights to many cities around the world. From the airport, you can take the train, bus or taxi to reach Osaka city center. Alternatively, there is also Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), which has domestic flights connecting the city with other parts of Japan.

3. What are the best places to stay in Osaka?

Osaka has a wide range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular neighborhoods to stay in Osaka include Namba, Umeda, and Shinsaibashi, which are conveniently located near shopping, entertainment and dining options. Alternatively, travelers can also choose to stay near Osaka Castle or in the quieter suburbs of the city.

4. What are the must-visit attractions in Osaka?

Osaka has many fascinating attractions that visitors must see on their trip. Some of the top attractions include:

i. Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle is a must-visit attraction in the city, offering a glimpse of Japan’s rich history and culture. The castle was built in the 16th century and has been meticulously restored to its former glory, with stunning architectural details and beautiful gardens.

ii. Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a lively entertainment district famous for its neon-lit signs and delicious street food. It’s the perfect place to experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife and sample some of the city’s most popular dishes.

iii. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is a theme park with thrilling rides, live shows, and attractions inspired by popular movies and TV shows. It’s a perfect family-friendly destination in Osaka.

iv. Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple dates back to the sixth century and has a rich history and cultural significance.

v. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world, with a diverse range of marine life from around the world. Visitors can see everything from penguins and dolphins to whale sharks and manta rays.

5. What are some of the best food and drink experiences in Osaka?

Osaka is often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan” due to its rich culinary heritage and diverse food scene. Some of the must-try food and drink experiences in Osaka include:

i. Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a popular street food dish made with diced octopus and batter, cooked on a specialized grill and served hot with toppings such as mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and green onions.

ii. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake-style dish made with vegetables, meat or seafood, and a variety of toppings. Visitors can cook their own Okonomiyaki at many restaurants across Osaka.

iii. Ramen

Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle soup dish with a rich and flavorful broth, served with various toppings such as pork, bamboo shoots, and boiled eggs. Osaka has its own style of ramen, known as “kotteri ramen,” which has a thick and rich broth.

iv. Sake

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. Osaka has many breweries and tasting rooms where visitors can sample different varieties of sake and learn about the brewing process.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Osaka

Osaka, one of the largest cities in Japan, is a fantastic travel destination. Known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, and friendly locals, Osaka offers a unique experience of Japanese culture. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their visit. In this guide, we’ll help you plan your perfect trip to Osaka with detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Choosing the Best Time to Visit Osaka

The best time to visit Osaka is during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can also visit during the off-season (December to February or June to August). Keep in mind that summer can be hot and humid, and typhoons are common from July to September.

Step 2: Book Accommodation in a Convenient Location

When visiting Osaka, it’s important to find accommodation in a convenient location. As a tourist, you’ll want to stay near the major attractions and public transportation. The best places to stay in Osaka are Namba, Shinsaibashi, or Umeda areas. Here are some recommended options:

• Namba: Namba is the busiest area in Osaka and is known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping. Recommended hotels include Swissotel Nankai Osaka or Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka.
• Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi is a fashionable shopping district with many luxury brand stores. Recommended hotels include Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka and CROSS HOTEL OSAKA.
• Umeda: Umeda is the central business district of Osaka and is known for its modern architecture. Recommended hotels include Hilton Osaka and InterContinental Osaka.

Step 3: Must-Visit Attractions in Osaka

Osaka offers a wide range of attractions, from historical temples to modern theme parks. Here are our top picks:

3.1 Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Osaka and is a must-visit for all tourists. The castle was built in the 16th century and played a significant role throughout Japanese history. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views from the top of the castle and learn about the history of Japan at the Osaka Castle Museum.

3.2 Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is a popular theme park that offers a wide range of attractions, including Harry Potter World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors can also enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and parades.

3.3 Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a vibrant and busy street in Osaka known for its delicious street food and neon signs. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and take a boat tour along the famous Dotonbori Canal.

3.4 Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market is a famous food market in Osaka, where visitors can taste a wide range of delicious seafood, fruits, and vegetables. This market is also a great place to buy souvenirs.

Step 4: Experience Osaka’s Food Culture

Osaka is known for its delicious food culture, and no trip to Osaka is complete without trying some of the local specialties. Here are some must-try dishes:

4.1 Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a popular street food in Osaka, made of dough balls filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion. Visitors can find Takoyaki stands all over the city.

4.2 Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with vegetables, meat, seafood, and flour batter. The dish is grilled on a hot plate and topped with special sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes.

4.3 Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu is a Japanese skewered meat dish that is fried until crisp. The dish is often served with sweet sauce and mustard.

Step 5: Getting Around Osaka

Osaka has an excellent public transportation system that includes subways, buses, and trains. The city’s subway system is easy to navigate and affordable. Visitors can purchase one-day passes or single-fare tickets at the ticket machines. Taxis are also a convenient and efficient way to travel around Osaka, but they can be expensive during rush hour.

Conclusion

Osaka is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a unique travel experience. With our clear step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to plan a fantastic trip to Osaka and make the most of your time. Remember to choose the best time to visit, book accommodation in a convenient location, visit the must-see attractions, try the local food specialties, and use the public transportation system to get around. Enjoy your trip to Osaka!