Destination Guide
Osaka
Live it up in Osaka, Japan
Destination Guide Osaka
How We See Osaka
Food, glorious food, in the land of thinking delicious, Osaka leads the pack. Nicknamed “The kitchen of the nation,“ you’ll never go hungry in this city, whether you’re craving street stalls, hole-in-the-wall joints or Michelin-starred fine diners. Its charms are hidden among a jumble of narrow lanes and urban architecture, but like so much of Japan, it’s a case of seek, and you shall find plenty of treasures.
When In Osaka, You Must
DRINK
W STATION
1-11-32 Shimanouchi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0082
SEE
Dotonbori Riverwalk
1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
DO
Soierie
Maison Soierie Nakazaki 2-3-7 Nakazaki Kita-ku Osaka city Osaka Japan, 530-0016
EAT
Kiji
Osaka, Kita Ward, Oyodonaka, 1 Chome−1−90 Umeda Sky Building B1F, 531-0076
Know Before You Go
It’s a city of bikes! Biking in Osaka is not for the faint-hearted, but once you get used to traversing crowds of pedestrians and fellow cyclists, it’s unquestionably the best way to get around. Osaka is split into two distinct areas: Kita (North) which refers to the area of Umeda around Shin Osaka station and Minamai (south) covering Dotombori and Namba. Biking from either of these hubs can get you out and about quickly.
Talk Like A Local
Know the slang of the city.
Osakaben
\ OH-sah-ka-ben \ dialect
Osakaben is casual and more comedic dialect of Japan. "Ookini" (pronounced with a long "oh") is comparable to the English "thank you" or “Nan-de-ya-nen” (Why, or What are you talking about?). Use these, and you’ll be sure to gain some props for your effort.
Ookini!
Neighborhoods To Explore
1. Hozenji Temple
Pay a visit in the early evening, when the stone path to this charming hidden sanctuary lights up with lanterns.
2. Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi
Soak in for a soothing onsen experience with its indoor and outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by nature, plus saunas, massage services and relaxation rooms, you could easily spend hours here.
3. Orange Street
Stroll along the happening street lined with furniture, fashion boutiques and cafes.
4. Gallery Yolcha
Pop in for a taste of less commercial and more indie osais-like contemporary art.
Ultimate Access To Osaka
Ayamuya
5-17-39 Fukushima, Fukushima-Ku, Osaka 553-0003 Osaka Prefecture
The city's only Michelin-starred yakitori joint with accomplished craftsmanship, uncompromising in its pursuit of the finest in yakitori dining.
Lawrence Minamura / Insider
Sources whole Tanba chickens and the skewers prepared in the time-honoured way, taking into account how the charcoal flame will cook the meat. A must have when visiting Osaka.
Dotonobori
1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
The lively entertainment area of Osaka, most famous as a tourist destination and renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars.
Lawrence Minamura / Insider
Sink your teeth into the flavor of Osaka at one of the many street stalls for a grilling bite of takoyaki or charcoaled king crab.
Giraffe Resort
Souemoncho Building, 7-9 Souemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0084
From music lovers who want to enjoy the night as a social gathering place for adults, to those who want to get excited with hit tunes! There are 4 different ways to enjoy each floor, and every day is exciting regardless of weekdays or weekends.
Lawrence Minamura / Insider
Popular with both local residents and foreign guests, and often hosts DJs from across the world.
America Mura
542-0086 Around 1 through 2 Nishisinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
American Village, colloquially known as Ame-Mura, is a hotspot for young people to shop for the latest trends in international brands and styles.
Lawrence Minamura / Insider
Historically Ame-Mura was the first place to sell inexpensive, imported American clothing and accessories.
Either/Or
DETOX
Pilates Studio TO U
542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−13−11 3F
Reinvigorate and fuel your workout with a body-friendly pilates session with top trainers in a green and positive environment.
RETOX
Murphys Osaka
542-0085 Osaka City, Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-Suji 1-5-2 2F
The first Irish bar in Japan injecting the craic into the Shinsaibashi bar scene. A traditional Irish atmosphere attracting an eclectic mix of Japanese and Western visitors.
Packing List
Comfortable Footwear
Your feet will thank you when you’ve had a full day out exploring the city and landmarks.
Animal Print
Osakan’s love a good animal print and you can’t go wrong with a fashionable hat.
Hand Held Fan
Beat the heat and invest in a portable electric fan to keep you cool in that humid Osaka sun.
A Big Appetite
You’ll never go hungry in the city so bring a big appetite.
W Osaka
Nestled in the fun-filled heart of Shinsaibashi, on Midōsuji Boulevard, take in a fab city in Osaka, Japan, the W way.