Come to Osaka Hungry
Osaka takes food seriously, but not itself. This is the home of kuidaore, the idea of eating until you've spent yourself broke, and the city gives you plenty of opportunities to put that philosophy to the test. Follow the crowds around Dotonbori for takoyaki and okonomiyaki, pull up a seat at a tiny counter or explore Kuromon Market with an appetite. In Osaka, eating isn't something squeezed between sightseeing. It's one of the main reasons to come.
There's much more here than dinner. Osaka Castle brings centuries of history into the middle of the modern city, while neighbourhoods such as Shinsekai, Namba and Umeda each show a different side of Osaka. The city has a reputation for being more easygoing and outgoing than Tokyo, giving first-time visitors another take on urban Japan.
Osaka also puts some of Kansai's biggest experiences within easy reach. Kyoto's temples and gardens, Nara's ancient sites and famous deer, and the port city of Kobe can all be reached by train, making Osaka an excellent base for seeing much more than one city.
Osaka — Quick Facts
Top Things to Do in Osaka
When to Fly to Osaka
January and February can be a smart time to look for cheaper flights to Osaka from Australia. Once the New Year rush has passed, fares typically settle down — and you're well ahead of the crowds arriving for cherry blossom season in late March and early April.
That changes quickly as Japan moves into some of its busiest travel periods. Cherry blossoms, Golden Week from late April into early May, and the autumn colours of October and November all bring extra demand, while Christmas and New Year are another time when airfares tend to climb.
June and July are worth checking too. Fares can be reasonably priced, particularly compared with Japan's major holiday periods. Osaka is warm and humid at this time of year, so you'll want to factor that into your plans — especially if you expect to spend long days sightseeing on foot.
Osaka's Airports
Getting Around Osaka
Osaka is one of those cities where the trains quickly become part of the routine. The subway and JR Loop Line will get you to most places you'll want to visit, and an ICOCA card makes it easy to tap on and off without buying individual tickets. You can pick one up at the airport and use it on trains, subways and buses, as well as at many convenience stores. Planning day trips to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe? A JR Kansai Area Pass may be worth comparing with individual fares, depending on how much travelling you plan to do.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. Simply arrive with a valid Australian passport.
- Cash: Japan is still largely cash-based, especially at smaller restaurants and shops. Carry Japanese Yen — ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post are the most reliable for foreign cards.
- ICOCA Card: Get an ICOCA card at the airport — it's Osaka's IC card for trains, subway, buses and convenience stores. Works across Kansai (Kyoto, Nara, Kobe too).
- Travel Insurance: Break an ankle in Dotonbori, and most local clinics won't touch your Australian Medicare card — they expect full payment upfront before you even see a doctor. Locking in travel insurance for Japan hooks you up with 24/7 translation support and arranges direct hospital billing so you aren't emptying your bank account on the spot.