Osaka
You step out the train station, and the city greets you with a mix of neon, noise, and noodle shops that never seem to close. The air smells like grilled squid, not everybody's cup of tea, but you get used to it by your second takoyaki. Dotonbori canal reflects a million signs, but sometimes you just see your own tired face. Locals pass by in a hurry, unless it’s time for baseball, then everyone pauses. The best hotel in Osaka, according to a taxi driver who lost his way twice, is the one with the softest slippers. One time, I tried to order okonomiyaki and got extra cabbage by accident; the chef winked and said, 'happy mistake.'
Local weather in Japan
SPRING
mild & temperate
SUMMER
warm & sunny
AUTUMN
mild & temperate
WINTER
cool
Accommodations in Osaka
Discover the best accommodations for Osaka and start planning your holiday.
Exploring Osaka’s travel destination popular things to do or visit
Osaka castle stands in the middle of the city, surrounded by vending machines selling drinks that taste like childhood memories or confusion. You can climb all the way to the top, but the elevator works too, if you like standing close to strangers. The gardens outside fill up with families and crows, both looking for snacks. At night, Namba district wakes up. You may find yourself eating kushikatsu on a street corner, next to someone in a business suit who’s probably a karaoke champion. The city’s rhythm is odd—fast, then slow, then suddenly you’re lost, but never more than three steps from a convenience store or a new friend who wants to practice English and tell you about his cousin in Brussels, who loves waffles.
When searching for the best hotel in Osaka, you might stumble into a place with a robot receptionist, or a tatami room with slippers that are suspiciously small. Booking early is a wise idea, unless you like the thrill of last-minute surprises and conversations with night staff who know every ramen joint in a 2-kilometer radius. Don’t forget to check out the local markets, where you can buy a sea cucumber, if that’s your thing, or just get lost in the crowd. If you find yourself in Shinsekai, just remember—don’t look up too long, or a pigeon might drop a hello. That’s Osaka welcoming you, in its own unique way.
Other cities around Japan
These popular destinations have a lot to offer for you next holiday or city break.
