Osaka, the hub of the Kansai area is a charming, lively city best known for easy-going, friendly locals and its fantastic food culture, with some history.

Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. Along with plenty of shopping and modern attractions, Osaka also has a historical side. In the 16th century, the shogun, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle, and It has prospered as an economic center throughout history.

The three major festivals in Osaka

imamiya ebisu — Imamiya Toka Ebisu Festival (JAN)

tenjin matsuri — Tenjin Matsuri Festival (JUL)

danjiri — Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri Festival (SEP)

Seasonal Highlights of Osaka

Late March to early April is the time to view cherry blossoms throughout the country. The area between Osaka castle and Sakuranomiya Park is the most popular spot in Osaka.

Osaka has spectacular firework displays in summer, such as Tenjin-matsuri Festival, Yodogawa Fireworks, PL Art of Fireworks. Osaka also has beaches you can go.

Minoo water falls, Settsu-kyo gorge are probably the best place for autumn color in Osaka.

Winter illuminations are one of the best attraction during winter. Osaka’s main street Mido-suji is beautifully lit-up in DEC.

Osaka’s Local Specialties

Takoyaki is a delicious Osakan street food made of diced octopus in a wheat flour-based batter, and extremely tasty. There are many well-established takoyaki shops in Osaka (about 700 shops).

Kushikatsu is a dish of small pieces of skewered and breaded deep-fried meat, fish, seafood and vegetables. The Shinsekai area in Osaka is famous for Kushikatsu restaurants.

“Senshu Towel” is one of Japan’s best traditional towel brands that was born in 1887. The Senshu region in Osaka is considered as the birthplace of the towel industry in Japan.

Getting to Osaka

From KIX (Kansai International Airport), Osaka

JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to JR Tennouji station (About 50 min, 1,060 yen) , JR Osaka station (About 65 min, 1,190 yen)

Nankai Airport Express to Namba station (About 44 min, 920 yen)

Airport limousine bus services can be convenient as they run between Kansai Airport and a wider range of locations in Osaka, like Osaka station, Shin-Osaka station, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Tennouji, and Universal Studios Japan.