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Osaka Holidays

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Holidays to Osaka

Things we know you won't be disappointed in; finding a spare fiver in your pocket, your footie team winning the league, and a trip to Japan's third-largest city, Osaka. 

The industrial metropolis of Osaka lies just 26 miles south of Kyoto, meaning you can get there in less than 15 minutes by bullet train. Osaka is an ancient city which was influential in the days of the feudal lords and samurai. Now, the city is a commercial hub that has a reputation as one of the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Japan, which makes it an ideal holiday destination. 

Visitors to Osaka will find it incredibly easy to get around, as the city boasts a highly developed public transportation system that spans the entire area and is particularly accommodating of foreigners. A lot of the travel information in Osaka, such as signs, maps, and noticeboards, is presented in English, which can make the difference between reaching one's destination quickly and hours of bewildered wandering.

Osaka offers many of the same hardcore shopping opportunities that Japan's other major metropolises do, with the most famous shopping district, Shinsaibashi, offering a mixture of department stores, fashionable boutiques, and Western stores. 

Osaka has a distinct cuisine, putting its unique stamp on everything from sushi to Okonomiyaki (DIY-style curbside fare). After dinner, head out for some fun in one of the karaoke bars or experience the lively nightlife in Dotombori.

To book your Osaka trip, pop in-store to speak to one of our travel experts. Your Far Eastern trip could be just around the corner.

Selection of Hotels in Osaka

Top 5 Things to do in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan - This sprawling theme park dedicated to popular American movies features rides & live entertainment.
Osaka Castle - The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan.
Dōtonbori - Lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants & theaters.
Tsūtenkaku - Famous for its neon lights, this landmark features an observation deck open to the public.
National Bunraku Theatre - One of the last places in the world where bunraku, a form of intricate puppet theatre from the Edo period, can be seen live.

Location

Osaka City Overview

Japan's third-largest city, the industrial metropolis of Osaka lies just 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto. Osaka is an ancient city, powerful in the days of the feudal lords and samurai. Now the city is a commercial hub, focused on making money and having a good time: it has a reputation in Japan as one of the best places to eat and drink.

It is worthwhile visiting the city just to see the magnificent Osaka Castle. Osaka's castle dates back to the 16th century, built by the powerful lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It was rebuilt following World War II, renovated in 1997, and is today a national treasure.

The city has a number of other attractions, including museums dedicated to science, wood-block printing, peace, and even ramen. There are also a number of beautiful temples and the famous Bunraku Puppet Theatre. Other attractions in Osaka include an impressive aquarium and Universal Studios Japan, a theme park focusing on the American movie industry.

Osaka offers many of the same hardcore shopping opportunities that Japan's other major metropolises do, with the most famous shopping district, Shinsaibashi, offering a mixture of department stores, fashionable boutiques, and Western stores. Nipponbashi is the best place to go for electronics.

Osaka has a distinct cuisine, putting its unique stamp on everything from sushi to (street food). After dinner, head out for some fun in one of the karaoke bars. The liveliest nightlife is found in Dotombori.

Getting Around

Visitors to Osaka will find it incredibly easy to get around, as the city boasts a highly developed public transportation system that spans the entire area and is particularly accommodating of foreigners.

A lot of the travel information in Osaka, such as signs, maps, and noticeboards, is presented in English, which can make the difference between reaching one's destination quickly and hours of bewildered wandering.

Osaka's extensive subway network provides easy access around the city with its discernible colour-coded lines. The Osaka metro is generally open from 5 am until around midnight, and many of the lines have English as well as Japanese announcements for each approaching destination.

Visitors in Osaka can also use over-ground trains to get around the city. The JR Osaka Loop Line circles the main city districts and can be useful for getting across Osaka while avoiding the crowded central areas.

A further transport option for travellers in Osaka is the city's dense network of public buses. While inevitably being susceptible to heavy traffic, buses do allow visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as they travel. Ferries are also a fun and scenic way for visitors to travel along the coast of Osaka Bay, stopping at several popular tourist attractions.

Most residents in Osaka get around by bicycle, as the city is flat and easily navigable. There are numerous places throughout the city where visitors can rent a bicycle.

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When to Visit

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Currency Yen
  • Flying time from the UK There are very few non-stop flights. Fastest one-stop flight between London and Osaka takes close to 13 hours.
  • Primary Language Japanese
  • Passport & Visas If you have a ‘British Citizen’ or ‘British National (Overseas)’ passport, you can enter Japan as a visitor for up to 90 days without a visa.