Reasons for Osaka's Popularity Among Foreign Visitors
There are several reasons why Osaka is popular with foreign visitors. What aspects of Osaka make it attractive compared to other Japanese cities?
Compact City Structure and Convenient Access
One of Osaka's major attractions is that its main tourist spots are concentrated in a relatively small area. Popular spots like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan can be visited efficiently. Access from Kansai International Airport is also excellent, with the city center reachable in about an hour by train.
Osaka's city transportation network is well-developed, and most tourist spots are easily accessible by subway or city bus. Osaka Metro (subway) lines are particularly easy to understand, and multilingual signage is abundant, allowing foreign visitors to use them with confidence.
Unique Food Culture and the Charm of "Kuidaore no Machi" (Eat 'til You Drop City)
Known as the "Kuidaore no Machi," Osaka boasts a unique food culture, including Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). The passion of Osaka people for food is strong, and tourists can enjoy the authentic taste. The Dotonbori area, in particular, has many places for street food, making it easy to experience Osaka's gourmet scene.
Furthermore, a characteristic of Osaka's food culture is its focus on "providing delicious food at reasonable prices." Compared to Tokyo, you can often enjoy the same quality of meal for a lower price.
Friendly Atmosphere and Human Warmth
The people of Osaka are generally known for being cheerful and friendly. Due to its history as a merchant city, they tend to have strong communication skills and are welcoming to foreigners. The willingness to communicate through gestures, even when language is a barrier, is highly praised by many foreign visitors.
A Unique Culture Different from Tokyo and Kyoto
Unlike the modern cityscape of Tokyo or the traditional Japanese culture of Kyoto, Osaka has its own unique culture and atmosphere. The Shinsekai and Tennoji areas, in particular, retain the atmosphere of the Showa era, offering a unique charm that blends nostalgia and novelty.
Osaka is also known as the birthplace of Owarai (comedy) culture, and the sense of humor found throughout the city is another unique appeal of Osaka.
GTN Prepaid SIM
GTN Prepaid SIM is a prepaid SIM for data-only or voice + data, available for periods from a minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 90 days.
It can be applied for with just a passport, features 5G / LTE network and 8-language customer support, and is a service for short- to medium-term visitors, with the caveat that after use, the speed will be reduced and extensions are not possible.
GTN Prepaid SIM is a data-only or voice+data prepaid SIM available from a minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 90 days.
You can apply with just your passport, and it features 5G/LTE network and 8-language customer support. Note that speeds slow after data usage, with no extension possible - this service is designed for short to medium-term visitors.
Operating Company: Global Trust Networks Co., Ltd.
Pricing:
Data-Only SIM/eSIM:
- 10GB / 30 days: ¥3,000
- 30GB / 7 days: ¥3,000
- 50GB / 30 days: ¥5,000
- 135GB / 90 days: ¥10,000
Voice + Data SIM:
- 10GB: 30 days ¥8,250 / 60 days ¥14,850 / 90 days ¥21,450
- 30GB: 30 days ¥12,100 / 60 days ¥19,800 / 90 days ¥27,500
*Domestic call charges are ¥22/30 seconds (tax included), SMS is ¥3.3-33 (tax included)/message (domestic), etc., charged separately. *Information as of November 2025.
Official Website: https://www.gtn-mobile.com/
Popular Osaka Tourist Spots for Foreign Visitors
Osaka has many tourist spots, but here are some that are particularly popular with foreign visitors.
Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi Area
Dotonbori is the most popular area for foreign visitors, representing Osaka's tourism. The flashy scenery with giant signboards and illuminations is sometimes called the "Times Square of Osaka." The "Glico Sign" is especially famous as a photo spot.
The area is full of restaurants where you can easily enjoy Osaka specialties like Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu as street food. Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street, one of Japan's oldest shopping streets, is also perfect for enjoying shopping.
Recommended Spots
•Glico Sign (Photo spot )
•Tombori River Cruise (Dotonbori sightseeing from the water)
•Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Store (Famous crab restaurant)
•Hozenji Yokocho (An alley lined with atmospheric restaurants)
Osaka Castle and its Surroundings
Osaka Castle is a tourist spot that consistently ranks high in popularity among foreign visitors. It is a historic castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and from the main tower, you can get a panoramic view of Osaka city. The castle grounds also house a museum where you can learn about Osaka's history and the castle's origins.
The scenery changes with the seasons, and it is particularly crowded with tourists during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season. The vast Osaka Castle Park is also a place for citizens to relax and is suitable for a leisurely stroll.
Recommended Spots
•Osaka Castle Main Tower (with museum)
•Nishinomaru Garden (Beautiful Japanese garden)
•Osaka Castle Park (A vast park for relaxation)
•Kaiyodo Figure Museum (A fun spot near the castle)
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Universal Studios Japan is a hugely popular theme park for families and couples. You can enjoy attractions and shows featuring globally popular characters like Harry Potter, Minions, and Mario.
It is particularly popular among foreign visitors as entertainment with a low language barrier, and many foreign visitors come every year. The park's guidance is also multilingual, allowing visitors to enjoy it with peace of mind.
Recommended Attractions
•The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
•Super Nintendo World
•Minion Park
•Jurassic Park
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Area
The Shinsekai area is a tourist spot with a unique cityscape that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era. Tsutenkaku, the symbol of the area, is an observation tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the god of happiness, Billiken, is enshrined at the top.
This area is especially famous for Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and many Kushikatsu restaurants line the street called "Janjan Yokocho." The common people's atmosphere and unique retro feel are popular with foreign visitors.
Recommended Spots
•Tsutenkaku (View from the observation deck)
•Kushikatsu Daruma (Famous Kushikatsu restaurant)
•Shinsekai Market (Enjoy the local atmosphere)
•Spa World (Large hot spring facility)
Umeda and Kita Area
The Umeda (Kita) area is a major shopping district centered around JR Osaka Station, the northern gateway to Osaka. Skyscrapers line the area, and a huge underground shopping mall, department stores, and shopping centers are concentrated here.
The "Floating Garden Observatory" at the Umeda Sky Building is a popular spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. This area is recommended for foreign visitors who want to enjoy a modern cityscape and shopping.
Recommended Spots
•Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)
•Grand Front Osaka (Latest commercial complex)
•HEP FIVE (Shopping mall marked by a red Ferris wheel)
•Hankyu Department Store / Hanshin Department Store (Department stores with a wide selection)
Popular Osaka Gourmet for Foreign Visitors
As the city known as "Kuidaore no Machi," Osaka is a treasure trove of delicious food. Here are some of Osaka's gourmet specialties that are particularly popular with foreign visitors.
Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)
Takoyaki is a representative food of Osaka, known worldwide. It is a snack made from a wheat flour batter with octopus pieces, grilled into balls, and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, green laver, and bonito flakes. It is characterized by a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.
Many Takoyaki shops are located in the Dotonbori and Shinsekai areas, and you can buy them while watching them being cooked in front of the store. The easy-to-eat size and affordable price are also reasons for its popularity among foreign visitors.
Recommended Shops
•Kukuru (Popular chain originating in Osaka)
•Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru (Dotonbori Main Store)
•Wanaka (Established in 1915)
Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)
Okonomiyaki is a local dish of Osaka, a savory pancake made by mixing various ingredients into a wheat flour base and grilling it. Vegetables like cabbage and green onions, meat and seafood, and sometimes noodles are added and grilled on a hot plate. It is generally topped with sauce, mayonnaise, green laver, and bonito flakes.
Unlike Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, Osaka (Kansai) style is characterized by mixing all the ingredients together before grilling. Many restaurants also offer the popular style of grilling it yourself.
Recommended Shops
•Mizuno (Established in 1946)
•Chibo (Osaka's representative Okonomiyaki chain)
•Kiji (Famous for its white Okonomiyaki)
•Negiyaki Yamamoto (Specialty shop for Negiyaki - green onion pancake)
Kushikatsu (Deep-fried Skewers)
Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) is a dish made by skewering ingredients like pork and vegetables, coating them in batter, and deep-frying them. It originated in the Shinsekai area, and many Kushikatsu restaurants line the street called "Janjan Yokocho."
A unique feature of Osaka's Kushikatsu is the "no double-dipping" rule for the sauce. Since the sauce placed on the table is shared, dipping a skewer into the sauce a second time is considered bad manners. For foreign visitors, this unique rule is part of the fun experience.
Recommended Shops
•Kushikatsu Daruma (Famous shop in Shinsekai)
•Yaekatsu (Established in 1950)
•Kushikatsu Specialty Shop Kushiman (Listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand)
•Shinsekai Kushikatsu Ittoku (Clean and modern store)
Kitsune Udon (Udon with Sweet Fried Tofu)
Kitsune Udon is an Osaka-originated dish of Udon noodles topped with deep-fried tofu (called kitsune, which is simmered in a sweet and savory broth). It is a simple dish, but the umami of the broth and the sweetness of the fried tofu are an excellent match.
Osaka's Udon noodles are characterized by being thin and having a firm texture, sometimes called harigane (wire), which is different from Udon in the Kanto region. Both hot and cold Udon are delicious.
Recommended Shops
•Udon no Shikoku (Traditional flavor)
•Imai (Long-established taste)
•Honmachi Seimenjo (Proud of its homemade noodles)
•Udonbo (Popular for its firm noodles)
Osaka Sushi
Osaka's sushi culture is also unique, offering styles different from Edomae (Tokyo) sushi, such as Hako-zushi (box sushi) and Oshi-zushi (pressed sushi). Battera, a pressed sushi with mackerel, is one of Osaka's representative sushi dishes.
Also, Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) is said to have originated in Osaka, and its popularity among foreign visitors stems from the ability to enjoy various types of sushi at reasonable prices.
Recommended Shops
•Gozaemon Zushi (Traditional box sushi)
•Yoshi Sushi (Famous for Battera)
•Daiki Suisan (Conveyor belt sushi)
•Daikoku Sushi (Loved by locals)
Osaka Transportation Guide for Foreign Tourists
Using public transportation is essential for efficient sightseeing in Osaka. Here is some transportation information for foreign visitors.
Major Transportation Methods in Osaka
The major transportation methods in Osaka are as follows:
| Transportation | Features | Services for Foreigners |
| Osaka Metro (Subway) | Covers major spots in the city | Multilingual signage, Tourist Information Centers |
| JR West | Convenient for wide-area travel, Shinkansen connection | Tourist Information Centers, English guidance |
| Hankyu Railway | Convenient for access to Kyoto | Multilingual guidance app |
| Hanshin Electric Railway | Convenient for access to Kobe | Multilingual guidance website |
| Osaka City Bus | Convenient for accessing detailed locations | Multilingual route maps |
Transportation Passes for Foreign Visitors
When sightseeing in the Kansai area, including Osaka, there are convenient transportation passes for foreign visitors:
| Pass Name | Features | Valid Area |
| KANSAI ONE PASS | IC card ticket, with benefits | Major Kansai transportation systems |
| Osaka Amazing Pass | Free entry to facilities + unlimited transportation | Osaka city transportation systems |
| KANSAI THRU PASS | Unlimited rides on private railways and subways in Kansai | Private railways and subways in Kansai |
| JR-WEST RAIL PASS | Unlimited rides on JR West lines | JR West area |
| ICOCA | Rechargeable IC card | JR and other major Kansai transportation systems |
The KANSAI ONE PASS is particularly popular with foreign visitors because it allows them to use major public transportation in Kansai without the hassle of transferring. It also offers discounts at tourist facilities and shops.
Access from the Airport to Osaka City
The main ways to get from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Osaka city are as follows:
| Transportation | Travel Time | Fare (Approx.) | Features |
| JR Limited Express Haruka | Approx. 50 min (to Osaka Station) | Around ¥2,400 | Fast and convenient |
| Nankai Electric Railway Rapi:t | Approx. 40 min (to Namba Station) | Around ¥1,450 | Direct to Namba |
| Limousine Bus | Approx. 60 min (to various hotels) | Around ¥1,600 | Direct service to hotels available |
| Taxi | Approx. 60 min | Around ¥15,000 | Convenient door-to-door service |
Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport) is also used as a hub for domestic flights. From Itami Airport to Osaka city, it takes about 30 minutes by limousine bus, with a fare of around ¥650.
Convenient Apps and Services for Sightseeing
The following apps and services can make your Osaka sightseeing more comfortable:
| App/Service Name | Function | Features |
| Japan Official Travel App | Comprehensive travel info, emergency info | Official app of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) |
| OSAKA-INFO | Osaka sightseeing information | Official app of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau |
| Google Maps | Route search, map | Supports Japanese public transportation |
| Japan Transit Planner | Train route search | Can search complex routes |
| Safety tips | Disaster info, emergency info | Multilingual disaster prevention app |
The Japan Official Travel App is recommended for safe travel as it provides not only sightseeing information but also emergency information during disasters.
Popular Accommodation Areas in Osaka for Foreigners
When considering accommodation in Osaka, choosing the right area is an important point. Here are the popular areas and hotels for foreign visitors.
Popular Accommodation Areas
The following accommodation areas are particularly popular with foreign visitors in Osaka:
| Area Name | Features | Recommended Traveler Type |
| Namba/Shinsaibashi | Concentration of restaurants/shops, vibrant 24/7 | Nightlife, street food, shopping lovers |
| Umeda/Kitashinchi | Many luxury hotels, business district, transportation hub | Business, luxury-oriented, prioritizing transport convenience |
| Tennoji/Shinsekai | Downtown atmosphere and nostalgia, reasonable prices | Travelers who want to enjoy the common people's Osaka |
| Honmachi/Yodoyabashi | Business district, calm atmosphere | Business, those who prefer a quiet environment |
| Universal City | Close to USJ, convenient for theme park sightseeing | Families, travelers whose main purpose is USJ |
The Namba/Shinsaibashi area is especially popular with first-time foreign visitors to Osaka due to its abundance of dining and shopping options and good subway access.
Popular Hotel Types for Foreigners
Osaka has various types of accommodation, but the following types are particularly popular with foreign visitors:
| Hotel Type | Features | Price Range (Approx.) |
| City Hotel | Full service, with restaurants | ¥15,000~/night |
| Business Hotel | Functional, good cost performance | ¥8,000~/night |
| Capsule Hotel | Unique experience, low budget | ¥3,000~/night |
| Guesthouse | Social, for backpackers | ¥2,500~/night |
| Private Lodging (Minpaku) | Stay in an apartment or house, for long stays | ¥6,000~/night |
| Ryokan (Japanese Inn) | Japanese cultural experience, traditional style | ¥12,000~/night |
In recent years, "luxury capsule hotels" that emphasize design and cleanliness have increased, and they are popular with short-term foreign visitors.
Popular Accommodation Facilities for Foreigners
Here are some Osaka accommodation facilities that are highly rated by foreign visitors:
Luxury Hotels
•The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka (Luxury hotel chain)
•Conrad Osaka (Modern high-rise hotel)
•Hotel Royal Classic Osaka (Luxury hotel near Osaka Castle)
•InterContinental Osaka (Luxury chain hotel)
Mid-Range Hotels
•Hotel Keihan Universal Tower (Close to USJ)
•Hotel Granvia Osaka (Directly connected to Osaka Station)
•Cross Hotel Osaka (Convenient location in Shinsaibashi)
•Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA (New design hotel)
Unique Accommodation Experiences
•Osaka Guesthouse U-en (Guesthouse renovated from a traditional Japanese house)
•First Cabin Kansai Airport (Luxury capsule hotel)
•The Wall Hotel (Concept design hotel)
Practical Information for Osaka Sightseeing
Here is some practical information that will be useful for foreign visitors to Osaka.
Best Season for Sightseeing
The best seasons to visit Osaka are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the climate is mild and suitable for sightseeing. You can enjoy beautiful scenery, especially during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and the autumn leaves season (November).
However, it gets crowded during Golden Week (late April to early May), the summer vacation period (August), and the New Year holidays, as there are many domestic tourists. Also, with the Osaka-Kansai Expo being held in 2025, significant crowds are expected during the period (April 13 to October 13, 2025).
| Season | Features | Average Temperature |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms, mild climate | 10–20°C |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Festivals, fireworks, hot | 25–35°C |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Autumn leaves, comfortable climate | 15–25°C |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Illuminations, cold | 5–10°C |
Free Wi-Fi and Internet Environment
There are many free Wi-Fi spots in Osaka city. The main free Wi-Fi services are as follows:
| Wi-Fi Service Name | Location | Connection Method |
| Osaka Free Wi-Fi | Tourist spots, public facilities | No app required, easy registration |
| Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi | Major tourist destinations nationwide | App required |
| 7SPOT | Inside Seven-Eleven stores | Free registration |
| JR-WEST FREE Wi-Fi | Inside JR West stations | Free connection |
| Hotel Wi-Fi | Inside hotels | Password for guests |
Also, for internet connection during your stay in Japan, you have the following options:
•Pocket Wi-Fi (Rental at the airport)
•SIM Card (Purchase at the airport or electronics stores)
•eSIM (Download before travel)
Emergency Contacts and Medical Information
Keep the following contacts handy in case of an emergency during your stay in Osaka:
| Service | Phone Number | Supported Languages |
| Ambulance/Fire (Emergency) | 119 | English available |
| Police (Emergency) | 110 | English available |
| Osaka Tourist Information Center | 06-6282-5900 | English, Chinese, Korean |
| JNTO Call Center for Foreign Visitors | 050-3816-2787 | English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese |
| Osaka Prefecture Medical Institution Information System | 06-6693-1199 | English |
Major Medical Institutions that Support Foreigners
•Osaka Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital (Multilingual support)
•Osaka University Hospital (English support)
•Kansai Medical University General Medical Center (English support)
•Osaka City General Hospital (English support)
Useful Shopping Information
Information to help you enjoy shopping in Osaka:
| Shopping Area | Features | Recommended Products |
| Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street | 1.2km long shopping street, various shops | Clothing, miscellaneous goods, cosmetics |
| Namba Parks | Commercial complex harmonizing with nature | Fashion, restaurants |
| Umeda Underground Mall | Vast underground mall, like a maze | Brand goods, food, souvenirs |
| Abeno Harukas | Commercial facility in Japan's tallest building | Department store goods, observation deck |
| Kuromon Market | Market for ingredients and food | Fresh ingredients, food souvenirs |
Tax-Free Shopping Method
You need to present your passport for tax-free shopping. Many large stores have a "TAX FREE" sign, and tax exemption is applied for purchases above a certain amount (e.g., ¥5,000). Products are divided into "General Goods" and "Consumable Goods," and the conditions differ for each, so be careful.
Recommended Souvenirs
•Takoyaki Senbei (Snacks that reproduce the taste of Osaka)
•Kushikatsu Sauce (The taste of Shinsekai for home)
•Butter Cookie "Gurakoro" (Popular souvenir cookie)
•Models of Tsutenkaku and Osaka Castle (As a souvenir)
•Mint Bureau Coin Set (Products from the Osaka Mint Bureau)
Osaka-Kansai Expo Information (Held in 2025)
The "Osaka-Kansai Expo" will be held for 184 days from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in Yumeshima, Osaka. It is an international exposition with the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."
| Item | Details |
| Period | April 13 to October 13, 2025 (184 days) |
| Venue | Yumeshima (Konohana Ward, Osaka City) |
| Estimated Visitors | Approx. 28.2 million (of which approx. 3.5 million are foreigners) |
| Theme | Designing Future Society for Our Lives |
| Access | Walk from Osaka Metro Chuo Line Yumeshima Station (temporary station) |
Access Methods to the Expo Venue
•The most convenient way is the Metro extension from Osaka Metro Chuo Line "Cosmosquare Station" to the temporary station "Yumeshima Station."
•Shuttle bus (Scheduled to operate from JR Osaka Station, Namba Station, etc.)
•Water transport (By boat from USJ and Osaka city)
Services for Foreign Visitors
Various services for foreign visitors are planned to be enhanced in conjunction with the Expo. Multilingual apps and visitor passports are planned. Also, visa fee exemption measures are scheduled to be implemented during the period.
Day Trip Tourist Spots from Osaka
There are many tourist spots that can be visited on a day trip from Osaka.
Kyoto (Approx. 30-45 minutes by train)
The ancient capital of Kyoto is a popular tourist destination that can be fully enjoyed on a day trip from Osaka.
•Kiyomizu-dera Temple (World Heritage Site, excellent view)
•Fushimi Inari Shrine (Famous for its thousand torii gates)
•Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) / Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (Both are World Heritage Sites)
•Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, etc.)
•Gion (Traditional townscape, you might see a geisha/maiko)
It takes about 30 minutes by JR Limited Express or about 45 minutes by subway/private railway, making it recommended for a half-day to full-day tour.
Nara (Approx. 45-60 minutes by train)
Nara, famous for the world's oldest wooden structure and the Great Buddha, can also be easily visited from Osaka.
•Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall, World Heritage Site)
•Nara Park (Interact with deer)
•Kasuga Taisha Shrine (World Heritage Site, lined with stone lanterns)
•Kofuku-ji Temple (Five-story pagoda, World Heritage Site)
•Horyu-ji Temple (World's oldest wooden structure, World Heritage Site)
It takes about 45 minutes by JR Yamatoji Rapid Service or about 35 minutes by Kintetsu Limited Express. You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the ancient capital.
Kobe (Approx. 20-30 minutes by train)
Kobe, which flourished as a port city, is attractive for its stylish cafes and exotic townscape.
•Kobe Harborland (Beautiful night view of the port)
•Nankinmachi (Chinatown, gourmet spot)
•Kitano Ijinkan-gai (Area lined with Western-style houses)
•Meriken Park (Port town atmosphere)
•Kobe Beef (Taste of high-grade Wagyu beef)
It is close, taking about 20-30 minutes by JR, Hankyu, or Hanshin, making it recommended for a half-day tour.
Himeji (Approx. 1 hour by train)
Himeji, famous for the World Heritage Site "Himeji Castle," is also within day-trip distance from Osaka.
•Himeji Castle (Beautiful castle also known as White Heron Castle)
•Koko-en Garden (Japanese garden)
•Himeji Central Park (Safari park)
•Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple (Temple with a thousand years of history)
It takes about 1 hour by JR Special Rapid Service. A half-day is enough to enjoy just Himeji Castle.
Overcoming the Language Barrier
Osaka is focusing on improving English support as an international tourist city. However, English is not spoken everywhere. Here is some information to help you overcome the language barrier.
English-Friendly Tourist Spots
The following tourist spots have enhanced English guidance:
| Tourist Spot | English Support Service |
| Osaka Castle | English signage, English pamphlets, English audio guide |
| Universal Studios Japan | English-speaking staff, English signs |
| Abeno Harukas | English notation, English-speaking staff always present |
| Umeda Sky Building | English guidance, multilingual guide app |
| Osaka Tourist Information Center | English-speaking staff always present |
Language Support Tools
The following language support tools are useful when visiting Osaka:
•Translation apps (Google Translate, DeepL, etc.)
•Osaka Free Wi-Fi (Free Wi-Fi service)
•Multilingual voice translators (Available for rental)
•Interpretation apps dedicated to tourist spots (Provided in some areas)
•OSAKA-INFO (Multilingual tourist information app)
Useful Japanese Phrases
Learning a few simple Japanese phrases will make your trip more fulfilling.
| Japanese | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| こんにちは | Kon-ni-chi-wa | Hello |
| ありがとう | A-ri-ga-to-u | Thank you |
| すみません | Su-mi-ma-sen | Excuse me / Sorry |
| おいしい | O-i-shi-i | Delicious |
| いくらですか | I-ku-ra-de-su-ka | How much is it? |
| トイレはどこですか | To-i-re-wa-do-ko-de-su-ka | Where is the toilet? |
| 英語を話せますか | Ei-go-o-ha-na-se-ma-su-ka | Do you speak English? |
Advice for Enjoying Osaka Safely
Osaka is generally a safe city, but you can enjoy your sightseeing with more peace of mind by following the advice below.
General Safety Measures
•Carry a copy of your passport separately (keep the original in the hotel safe).
•Avoid walking alone late at night (especially in areas with many restaurants).
•Keep valuables on your person (do not put them in the outer pockets of your backpack).
•Keep emergency contact information handy (embassy, credit card company, etc.).
•Purchase travel insurance (medical expenses can be high).
Preparation for Natural Disasters
Japan is a country where natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons can occur. Consider the following measures:
•Turn on the setting to receive Earthquake Early Warnings.
•Download disaster prevention apps like "Safety tips."
•Check the evacuation routes of your accommodation.
•Bring small disaster preparedness goods (flashlight, mobile battery, etc.).
•Check weather information frequently (especially during typhoon season).
Tips for Health Management
•Be careful of heatstroke in the summer (frequent hydration, rest in the shade).
•Medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, etc.) can be purchased at convenience stores and drugstores.
•Many restaurants accommodate food allergies (inform them in advance).
•Tap water is safe to drink (bottled mineral water is also widely sold).
•Avoid over-scheduling and get enough rest.
Conclusion
Osaka is a charming city where tradition and modernity are fused. Fully experience the rich food culture known as the "Kuidaore no Machi," the vibrant tourist spots, and above all, the warmth of the people of Osaka.
Here are the key points for enjoying your Osaka trip to the fullest:
•Savor the gourmet food: Experience Osaka's unique food culture, such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu. Street food is also a major pleasure of Osaka sightseeing.
•Combine major spots with hidden gems: In addition to classic spots like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle, visit shopping streets and markets where locals gather.
•Utilize transportation passes: Using passes like the KANSAI ONE PASS allows for efficient sightseeing. Also, since many areas in Osaka can be explored on foot, combining walking with public transportation is a good idea.
•Interact with locals: Osaka people are friendly and love to chat. Don't be afraid of the language barrier; try to interact with greetings and simple phrases.
•Consider day trips to Kyoto and Nara: Osaka is a transportation hub in Kansai, and you can easily access historical cities like Kyoto and Nara.
Osaka is a fascinating city where traditional Japanese culture and modern city life coexist. Travelers of all styles are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Osaka. Getting a taste of Osaka's comedy culture, such as the phrase "Nande ya nen!" (Why not!), will surely be a fun memory.
