Due to the impact of COVID-19, you are recommended to check travel restrictions from your government sources and contact local venues to verify any new rules

World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > Japan > Osaka

Local time Osaka

Currency

Osaka tours and excursions

Osaka tours

Boat tours

Osaka’s waterways are the foundation of the city’s economic history, and a cruise along the Okawa River is both picturesque and informative. There are also boat tours of Osaka Bay which stop at Tempozan Village, the site of some exciting port redevelopment projects. Osaka Waterbus runs the Aqualiner, a futuristic-looking tourist boat cruising the Okawa River. The company also offers a gourmet and music group.

Tel: +81 75 341 1413.
Website: https://suijo-bus.osaka/english/

Walking tours

Seeing Osaka on foot is a great way to become acquainted with both the modern and historical landmarks of the city. The views from Osaka Castle and Umeda’s Floating Observatory offer different perspectives of the bustling metropolis. Sunrise Tours organise guided walking tours, taking in all the key sights.

Tel: +81 75 341 0357.
Website: http://www.jtb.co.jp/sunrise_tours/index_en.asp

Osaka excursions

Kyoto

Japan's old imperial capital and still the cultural heart of the nation, Kyoto is 15 minutes away from Osaka on the Shinkansen (bullet train). The city has more than 2,000 temples and shrines and a wealth of other cultural and historical treasures, including the old Gion entertainment area where real geisha can still be spotted dashing between teahouse engagements. Other highlights include the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, with its thousands of torii gates up in the hillside behind it, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, with its verandas, seemingly hanging in the air above the steep hillside below. The Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive gold-leaf-covered pavilion, has a lovely garden, as does the Heian Shrine.

Tel: +81 75 343 0548.
Website: http://www.kyoto.travel

Nara

A city older than Kyoto and the first permanent capital of Japan before Kyoto, Nara is located just 30 minutes by car away from Osaka and has a wealth of cultural riches, including a large number of old temples, shrines and artworks. It boasts what was the world's largest wooden building until 1998 at Todaiji Temple, which houses a famous bronze Buddha of gigantic proportions, as well as the world's oldest wooden structure at Horyuji Temple. Both have status as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and are among the most important temples in Japan. The city has many other interesting temples in addition to some beautiful parkland and plenty of arts and crafts and souvenir shops.

Tel: +81 742 364 894.
Website: http://www.city.nara.lg.jp

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

15 shrines and temples to visit in Japan

Stepped in heritage, thousands of shrines and temples dotted around Japan and here are 15 of the best shrines and temples to visit

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hilton Osaka Hotel

With its excellent location just outside JR Osaka Station, the Hilton Osaka offers convenience as well as luxury to its guests. There are four restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, including Windows on the World, which boasts great views of the city from the 35th floor and live music every evening. The hotel has a business centre, a beauty salon, swimming pool and fitness room.

Imperial Hotel Osaka

This opulent hotel is in a pleasant location overlooking the Okawa River in the north of Osaka, and is just as luxurious as its famous Tokyo cousin. Purified air is pumped into the rooms, the service is extremely attentive and there's also a golf driving range. The Imperial Hotel's elegant in-house restaurants serve French, Chinese and a range of Japanese cuisines, including teppanyaki and sushi.

Hotel Nikko Osaka

Hotel Nikko Osaka is a top-class hotel in Osaka, close to the main nightlife and shopping arcades of the Minami area. The spacious rooms are supremely comfortable and decorated in a sleek, modern style, with the upper floors offering views of Mt Ikoma. There's a good range of restaurants, including three offering breakfast. There's also a business centre in the hotel.

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka is located in the heart of Namba, above the Nankai train station, which makes it extremely convenient for direct access to Kansai International Airport. The rooms are modestly decorated and have great views over southern Osaka. There are also seven restaurants, bars, a gym, spa and indoor swimming pool.

Cross Hotel Osaka

This surprisingly stylish business hotel is just minutes away from the Minami shopping and nightlife scene. The decently sized rooms are decorated in modern colour schemes and include internet access. There's also a Japanese restaurant and a bar.

Hearton Hotel Nishi-Umeda

The Hearton Hotel Nishi-Umeda is part of a reliable and popular business hotel chain. It is conveniently located just behind the main post office next to JR Osaka Station. The rooms are small but clean, and come with cable TV and complimentary internet access. There's also a restaurant with a deck.

Introducing Osaka

While you’re there

Plan your trip

Japan Information

Airports