It is the city's most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping choices. SEPT-NOV: October to November is an ideal time to visit Osaka. Shinsaibashi is Osakas main shopping district while Namba is home to Dotonbori canal and its myriad Japanese street food stalls and restaurants. And if youre a little shy about the idea of bathing in public, get used to it because its a big part of Japanese culture and something youll probably need to do throughout your trip. Known as the White Heron Castle, its a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its brilliant white exterior and imposing hilltop location. From humble beginnings . Soak up the glorious sights and fragrances of the colourful flower-filled Umekita Garden. You can book a street go karting experience on Klook. Casetify. If you enjoy travel planning, then you may find Sygic Travel useful. This is an open-air museum that contains models of traditional houses and buildings. These two areas are right next to each other and comprise Osakas entertainment hub. Aside from the observatory, the building is also home to an art museum on the 16th floor and the Kintetsu department store. Head to the Umeda first to get a taste of what its all about. Japanese city Osaka has replaced Paris as one of the world's most expensive cities to live in. (1-5) can travel with an adult for free on Osaka buses. Tokyo or Osaka - Which is the best city to visit? - Check in Price :). There are plenty of things to do and its regional food culture is one of the most well-known in Japan. The 10 best things to do in Osaka and how much they cost to enter Tokyo to Osaka: Fast and Creative Ways of Getting There The area is surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood and some amazing street food, so make sure you take your time in this area when youre exploring Osaka. 3. Check out our 5-day Chubu itinerary to help you plan your trip. On average, people spend 240 on bottled water in Osaka per day. This is sufficient to see the main attractions of Osaka's city center, and . THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Osaka - Tripadvisor For your convenience, Ive compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here. This area has everything from designer shops to boutiques and restaurants. Its a good business hotel located just a few minutes walk from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. There are countless takoyaki stands all over Osaka but you may want to try it at Takoyaki Tamaya. If you mainly plan to visit central Osaka and do not require an airport transfer then the Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass is a great option to cheaply travel round Osaka. Legoland Discovery Center 3. DEC-FEB: This is winter in Osaka so its the coldest time of the year. Should I Visit Osaka or Hiroshima for Vacation? Which is Better? Which This is the case whether you stay near Osaka and Umeda stations, in Namba near Dotonbori pedestrian street and Kuromon Market or even in certain outlying areas. Situated 300 meters (984 ft) above the ground in the Abeno Harukas building, it gives you dramatic views of the entire city. Osaka: 15 Must-See Spots, Both Famous and Little Known Its where youll find a wide range of decadent food products, often with exorbitant price tags to match. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrsAdmission: JPY 2,700 for adults, JPY 1,400 for kids ages 7-15Nearest MRT Station: Osakako station. Should I bring umbrella or raincoat? You could easily spend a week in Osaka without feeling bored. Its beautiful any time of the year but its especially picturesque in spring. Nicknamed Osakas Kitchen, many of the citys chefs purchase their ingredients at Kuromon Ichiba Market. You should plan to spend around 12,950 ($93) per day on your vacation in Osaka, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. I spent 3 full days in Osaka 2 weeks ago. Youll see countless retro shop displays as you wander through the streets and probably pick up some really unusual souvenirs. If youre looking for something fun and wacky to do in Osaka, then it doesnt get better than this. Most people who visit Japan go to Tokyo, Kyoto, maybe Hiroshima, and then head home, thinking theyve seen everything they need to see in this country. First Time In Osaka - Inside Osaka Osaka has amazing and unique food, a great nightlife, and some of the best castles in the country, all ready and waiting for you to explore. Theres plenty to keep you busy in Osaka, but if youre already visited its top attractions, then you may want to go beyond the city. When it comes to the cost of travel, prices in Osaka are lower than in other large cities in Japan (except taxi fares), but that doesn't mean your trip is going to be cheap. Which is more expensive to visit? They both originated in Osaka. On the other hand, this can be a bit expenditure for travelers to the city, particularly if you dont have a Japan Rail Pass. If Kyoto was the city of the courtly nobility and Tokyo the city of the samurai, then Osaka () was the city of the merchant class. Do you like okonomiyaki and takoyaki? Oishi! Osaka, after all, remains an underrated (and overlooked) destination among tourists, in spite of how many people do business here. To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget. These are some of the things we brought with us to Osaka. You can book a room here on Booking.com or Agoda. I much prefer Osaka for its size. Add all you can eat/drink bars and restaurants into that, and there can only be one winner. What to do there: Osaka Castle is open to the public, so make sure you take the tour or show up and explore on your own. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. COPYRIGHT POLICYUnless otherwise stated, all photos, text, graphics, and videos used on this website are the intellectual property of Will Fly for Food and its contributors and protected by copyright laws. Indeed, more touristic destinations like Himeji and Nara may also see you eat at more expensive restaurants and purchase more souvenirs than you will in Osaka-proper, further adding to your costs. But thats why I created this ultimate guide to everything youll want to see and do on your Osaka itinerary. If autumn foliage is what youre after, then shoot for October to November. And this temple is the perfect chance for you to take that break. Youll see drug stores and various shops as well as some great restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy your spoils! Visit the Rai Rai Tei website for a list of branches in Osaka. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. With that said, I do hope that you find this guide useful as Im only sharing the things Ive learned from our trips. :). Theyre both unlimited use passes, the main differences being that JR Kansai Area Passes are for JR trains and need to be used on consecutive days (1-4 day variants), while Kansai Thru Passes are for non-JR trains and can be used on non-consecutive days (2- or 3-day variants). Its less than half an hour away and can easily be visited on daily trips from Osaka. You say flying into Tokyo would save you some 500$, but the trip to Osaka would cost you around 250$, honestly I don't think it's worth that much money. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Asia News Network on Twitter: "The price of a one-day admission ticket However, if Osaka is more expensive than Tokyo in any regard, its due to simple economics. And once youre done, head to Hozenji Yokocho, a connecting cobbled street filled with bars and places to eat. There are several interactive exhibits, so make sure you check them out as well. The cost of accommodation in Osaka is likely to take up a sizeable portion of an expat's income. Its one of Osakas most visited attractions, and with good reason. 3. 61 helpful votes. Whether or not to get travel insurance is something we discuss before every trip. Explore Osaka Castle, USJ, the Kaiyukan aquarium, and Minoo Park, or Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi and Tenjinbashi-sujiJapan's longest shopping streetto try local Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Is Osaka Expensive? Let's Take a Look. - Japan Starts Here The good news is that some choices exist within these categoriesyou could dine Michelin-style, or you could enjoy a street food dinner along Dotonbori, as you would if you were a tourist. Its super easy. How much money will you need for your trip to Osaka? If youre ever looking to fill a couple of hours, there is usually something entertaining going on in this area. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. If the views at Harukas 300 arent enough for you, then you may want to visit the Floating Garden Observatory as well. I'm thinking of getting a toured package but the common negative comment is you jump from one place to another and forgetting to smell the roses. In fact, walking into this temple is a lot like stepping back to a simpler time. Proceeding with conversion means that the foreign bank operating the ATM will do the conversion instead of your local bank. But be sure to click through to the full Osaka food guide for more pictures and information. You can arrange for them in advance through Klook (4G pocket wifi | 4G sim card) or Get Your Guide. Eat the Street Food in the Dotonbori District 4. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses. This shrine is also a little off the beaten path, so you shouldnt have to compete with the crowds to get a great picture. Stay safe! Why its so awesome: You cant truly understand a place if you dont understand its history and this museum seeks to encourage a better understanding of the entire world. Excluding airfare and hotel, which is more expensive to visit? My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. Is Osaka expensive? If it rains for prolonged periods of time during a trip, then we usually just buy a cheap umbrella from a convenience store. Expats who have the freedom to choose which area of the country they're going to settle down in may feel overwhelmed when they realize they'll likely be . This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers -. Located in Namba, theyre a Michelin-recommended restaurant long known for serving some of the most delicious okonomiyaki in Osaka. Categories DESTINATIONS, JAPAN, TRAVEL GUIDES, The First-Timers Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide (2023), The First-Timers Donostia-San Sebastian Travel Guide (2023). What to do there: This shrine is the perfect place for an unusual and amusing picture of your trip to Osaka. 2. Its the perfect place to take the kids or to go with a group of friends for a day of childlike fun. Make sure you check out the merchandise before you leave, as youll find some adorable options you couldnt get anywhere else. Why not find one of Osakas best Airbnbs and make Shinsekai your base for a while! Its a gastronomical sin! Jump to the HOW TO GET AROUND section of this guide for more information. Osaka - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Another option is to get an ICOCA IC Card. Why its so awesome: Dotonbori is in the Minami area and is extremely popular amongst tourists. (This is especially the case if you plan strategically, and implement even a handful of the suggestions Im about to give you.). Heres a quick 3D/4N Osaka sample itinerary to help you plan your trip. We do not represent World Nomads. Commission a custom Japan itinerary! Enjoy Japan! The blossoms will be in full bloom by the first week of April. The weather starts warming up, kicking off cherry blossom season which typically begins around the end of March. Hyperdia is great for intercity travel but when it comes to navigation apps, nothing beats Google Maps. Osaka is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Japan, second only to Tokyo. 1-Day Osaka Itinerary: Eating Your Way Through Japan's Food Capital Many people visit Kinosaki Onsen to go onsen hopping in winter. Why its so awesome: Osaka is incredibly modern, but its still managed to hold onto some traditions and this puppet show is a great example of that. Its a little off the beaten track and still feels more local. Best Hostels for Solo Travellers in Osaka, Japan, Affordable, Quiet, and Safe Hostels in Osaka, Japan, Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Osaka, Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Osaka, Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Osaka, Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions. Japans most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japans ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. Thank you! Universal Studios Japan needs little introduction. Located on the edge of Osaka Bay, which makes for some amazing views. Its home to some of the best and freshest seafood in Osaka. It'll give you the cost per route. What to do there: One of the most important things about traveling is the fact that it encourages you to see things through other perspectives. Ive stayed in this area twice, the first at Hotel New Otani Osaka and the second at Hotel Mystays Otemae. The weather in Osaka is relatively temperate so there really isnt a bad time to visit. Some information may have changed since the time of writing so it's important that you verify any information before proceeding. You feel SO GOOD afterwards. Theyre both popular travel insurance providers used by many digital nomads. Why its so awesome: When you travel in Osaka, youll probably need a break every now and then, particularly while youre in the busy Dotonbori district. It depends what you consider expensive, and what youre comparing it to. Required fields are marked *. Theres always something going on in this area, so if you need to fill a few hours then just show up and see whats on! Bipartisan legislation that would give people with high deductible health plans permanent access to telehealth services without having to meet a minimum deductible will cost $5 billion over the . Admission: JPY 1,050Travel Time: Around 1 hr. Its the main access hub to the Kansai area. It contains replicas of structures from the Edo Period, which spanned the 17th to the 19th centuries. Many of the citys top attractions are either cheap to enter or completely free. . It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. This almost always leads to horrible exchange rates. One of the best ways to see Osaka from above at night is from the Umeda Sky Building. I definitely agree with Sammy about the Namba/Dotonbori area. That said, expats moving to Osaka will be relieved to see significantly lower rental costs than in Tokyo. If you dont have a friend to show you around, then theres always byFood and Magical Trip. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Japan is unlike any country weve ever visited. AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSUREwillflyforfood.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Like what you're reading? Osaka is a short distance from Kyoto, and it's a popular place to visit for those exploring this part of Japan. . You may even find some of Osakas best hostels here too. Day 3: Arashimaya Bamboo Grove 2025 Osaka Expo tickets to cost 7,500 yen per adult Puppet shows started out in the Edo Period and today theyre a popular draw amongst tourists. We were there in late November on our most recent trip and spent the day in beautiful Minoo to enjoy the colors of fall. Should I Visit Tokyo or Osaka for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Osaka Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Osaka: Food & Meal I'd like to ask, your sample itinerary for day 3, are they geographically near at each other ? If youre looking for the best places to try delicious dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and ramen, then check out our food guide for a list of some of the best restaurants in Osaka. Its the perfect place to relax, cool down, and enjoy something thats just plain fun. Like the rail system, the sheer number and variety of transportation cards in Japan can be confusing. If you can get a room here at a reasonable rate (around USD 70), then I suggest staying here. However, the process is often slow. We wanted to try this legendary brand of beef but we were afraid of its exorbitant prices. View on Airbnb View on Booking.com Umeda Umeda (also known as Kita) is one of the main tourist areas of Osaka Japan, with numerous attractions as well as leisure and dining options and nightlife. Getting in and around Osaka is super easy. Save. Designed by Okamoto Taro, a famous Japanese artist. If youve ever wanted to learn more about traditional Japanese myths, this is a fun way to do it. Similar to okonomiyaki, takoyaki is made with wheat four batter and filled with octopus (tako), tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. The price of a one-day admission ticket for adults to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka will increase to as much as 10,400 yen in mid-August. 19 BEST Things to Do in Osaka, Japan [2023 Edition] - NOMADasaurus 3. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines. Its a food lovers paradise which is why it remains one of our favorite cities to visit in Japan. Dollars, before taxes & fees.).