If you’re like most travelers, you probably want to get the full Osaka experience without missing out on the comforts and authentic local experiences that this popular city in Japan offers. Well, start by not skimping on where you’ll stay. Luxury accommodation in Osaka will ensure you’re well-rested, super comfortable, and ready to explore and walk like there’s no tomorrow.
*This is a collaborative post. Image Source
*This is a collaborative post. Location Is Everything
Where you stay sets the tone for your entire trip, and the best area offers accessibility to both nightlife and cultural attractions. Well, there’s no shortage of strategic locations in Kinki Region’s largest city.
- Namba is home to the famous Dotonbori that transforms into a sparkling wonder at night. It’s the perfect spot for nightlife and street food, too
- Umeda connects you to other places in Japan, thanks to its well-connected transport links. It’s also popular for its shopping malls and skyscrapers
- Shinsaibashi is one of Osaka’s must-visit shopping centers, especially with the covered shopping street of Shinsaibashi-suji at its heart
Visit Architectural Wonders
- Osaka Castle is a popular inclusion in many guided tours, but its real beauty lies in its hidden Nishinomaru Garden and secret viewpoint that locals are familiar with, but most tourists don’t
- The Gate Tower Building is known all over for its quirky architecture, particularly the highway that passes right through it. Head to the rooftop cafe of the adjacent TKP Gate Tower Building for a good view of the passing vehicles
- Tsutenkaku Tower is worth checking out, especially at night, but what you should be checking out are the maze of alleyways and eateries surrounding it
Explore Osaka’s Street Eats
Osaka’s street food is popular for a lot of reasons, and it should be a part of your itinerary. You’ll be spoilt for choice of what to eat, but there are eats you shouldn’t miss.
- Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made primarily with cabbage that is flavorful and filling. You can choose to add different meats into the mix, including squid.
- Mitarashi-Dango are glutinous rice balls skewered and grilled to sweet and chewy perfection
- Torikara is Japan’s delectable version of deep-fried chicken served with fried potatoes and a sauce of your choice from a variety of selections
- Takoyaki are octopus batter balls that draw long queues in almost every Takoyaki stall
Free Things to Do
If you want to afford to travel more, even in expensive destinations like Japan, you should look into attractions and activities that you can enjoy without paying for entrance fees.
- Visit the Namba Yasaka Shrine and its famous “Shishiden” or lion’s head hall, where it’s believed you can improve your luck
- Eiraku Dam is a circular path where you can hike and walk surrounded by nature. If you visit in different seasons, you’ll have different experiences as well. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom when you visit early April, for example.
- Settsukyo Park is where you can experience first-hand the natural wonder of a refreshing valley, and similar to Eiraku Dam, it offers different delights for different seasons
With a lot of things to do and explore in Osaka, you can spend an entire vacation in the city and still not see everything. Make sure you stay healthy during your trip for maximum enjoyment. Ready to book a luxurious stay in Osaka? Choose the Swissotel Nankai Osaka as your wonderful base.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
