See what the experts are saying about Osaka. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
-
Introduction
The idiosyncratic mood of this metropolis is perhaps best reflected in its nationally-televised manzai teams: duos who put on bawdy performances in the manner of Abbot and Costello that rock the rest of straight-laced Japan. The flip side... Continue reading »
-
History
Around fifteen hundred years ago when it was known as Naniwa, Osaka was Japan's most significant gateway to China and Korea, the main cultural and political hubs of East Asia. Many of the arts that signify Japanese culture and, are perhaps mo... Continue reading »
-
Where to stay
There are so many hotels in Osaka that you would need several months to spend a night in each one of them, exactly what you would expect of West Japan's largest city. What may come as a surprise, though, is how easy it is to choose a hotel. W... Continue reading »
-
Eat drink
The Japanese have a special term that sums up the people of Osaka: kuidaore, eat till you drop. This is good news for visitors. Whatever tickles your fancy is available here, whether it be a local specialty or something from one of the far o... Continue reading »
-
Entertainment
From large sports stadiums and theme parks to museums and theaters, Osaka has many choices to offer visitors. Theme Parks There is no bigger entertainment attraction in Osaka than Universal Studios Japan, which opened in the spring of... Continue reading »
-
Tours
Osaka's location in central Japan makes it an excellent point of origin for day trips or over-night excursions. Owing to fate and history, Osaka also happens to be very close to some of the country's most important cities and tourist destinat... Continue reading »
-
Getting there
By Air Osaka's Kansai International Airport (+81 724 55 2500/ http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/) offers service on numerous airlines to destinations around the globe. Its terminals house the following airlines: Air Canada (+1 80... Continue reading »
-
Fun facts
Osaka Prefecture: Osaka Country: Japan Osaka By The Numbers Population: 2,626,635 Elevation: 49 feet/ 15 meters Average Rainfall: 52.8 inches/ 134 centimeters Average Winter Temperature: 40 degrees F/ 4 degrees C Average Summer Tempe... Continue reading »
-
Introduction
553km (343 miles) W of Tokyo; 42km (26 miles) SW of Kyoto; 339km (212 miles) E of Hiroshima Although its history stretches back almost 1,500 years, Osaka first gained prominence when Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the most powerful lord in the land,... Continue reading »
-
Planning a trip
Getting There By Plane -- Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX; tel. 072/455-2500; www.kansai-airport.or.jp) receives both domestic and international flights. The two major domestic airlines that fly into KIX are Japan Airlines (JA... Continue reading »
-
-
Osaka Travel Experiences
-
Historical Kyoto
Peter and Ani took us out to Kyoto, to visit the Kiyomizu Temple and the Imperial Gardens (like Tokyo, you can’t visit the Palace). ... Continue reading »
-
From the reef to ramen
So its been an age since I last wrote the blog - sorry what can I say, Australia definately makes you laid back - No worries mate!!!! Af... Continue reading »
-
Tea for Two
After a night of karaoke and Chu-Hai - fizzy, fruit flavoured alcohol - Jas and I decided to take it easy and avoid t... Continue reading »
-
The Pola Museum and the train
Today was my last day in Hakone. I even took time to do a bit of yoga this morning. One last soak ( I swear it does wonders f... Continue reading »
-
Kyoto, land of many temples and gardens
We took the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto Saturday morning, arriving at 11:45am. It was a 2.5 hour ride, very comfo... Continue reading »
Popular Osaka Hotels
- Ramada Osaka
- Radisson Miyako Hotel Osaka
- Cross Hotel Osaka
- Westin Grand Osaka
- Hotel New Hankyu
- Hotel Il Monte
- Shin Osaka Seni City Hotel
- Mitsui Urban Hotel Osaka
- Shin Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza
- Kanku Hineno Station Hostel
