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Osaka is Japan’s vibrant food and nightlife hub with historic sites, friendly locals, and efficient transportation. Plan for busy urban areas, seasonal crowds, and cash-friendly habits.
Visa / entry requirements
- Check your citizenship: many nationalities receive visa-free short stays (commonly 90 days). Confirm with the Japanese embassy/consulate before travel.
- Passport: must be valid for the duration of your stay (some countries require 6 months—verify).
- COVID / health: verify current entry health rules and any required forms or tests; policies change, so check official government updates before travel.
Best time to visit
- Spring (late March–April): cherry blossoms; pleasant temps but high crowds and higher prices.
- Autumn (October–November): comfortable weather and fall colors; also busy.
- Summer (June–August): hot, humid, and festival season; June has rainy season.
- Winter (December–February): colder but mild compared with northern Japan; fewer tourists and good deals.
Safety tips
- Osaka is generally very safe with low violent crime. Take normal urban precautions (watch belongings in crowded places).
- Keep copies of passport/important documents.
- Use registered taxis or apps; late-night areas like Dotonbori are lively but be mindful of crowds and pickpocketing risk.
- Emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for ambulance/fire.
Local customs & etiquette
- Politeness matters: bowing, removing shoes where required (homes, some ryokan, temples), and using quiet voices on public transport.
- Queuing: form lines for trains, buses, and at popular eateries.
- Tipping: not customary; service charges sometimes included—polite to decline offering tips.
- Eating etiquette: avoid walking while eating in formal settings; it’s acceptable in busy street-food areas but be discreet and clean up wrappers.
Currency & money
- Currency: Japanese yen (JPY).
- Cash: widely used, especially at smaller shops, markets, and older restaurants. Carry sufficient cash.
- Cards: accepted at major hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants; check before relying on credit cards.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept many foreign cards; airports also have exchange counters.
Transportation
- Rail & subway: Osaka has an extensive subway, JR, Hankyu, Keihan, and Nankai networks. IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO) are highly convenient.
- From Kansai Airport: Nankai Railway (to Namba) and JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service (to Osaka/tennoji) are fastest; airport limousines and taxis available.
- Trains punctual and frequent—allow time for transfers and peak-hour crowding.
- Buses/taxis: good for short hops; taxis are safe but expensive.
- Day trips: Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji are easily reachable by train.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Food scene: try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and street food in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Look for small, family-run restaurants for authentic experiences.
- Shopping areas: Shinsaibashi, Namba, Umeda (Grand Front Osaka) for department stores and boutiques.
- Nightlife: Dotonbori and Namba are lively; Umeda has bars and club scenes.
- Day passes: consider Osaka Amazing Pass (sightseeing and transport discounts) if visiting many attractions.
- Language: Japanese is primary; English signage common in transit and tourist spots. Carry an address card with your hotel in Japanese for taxi drivers.
- Power plugs: Type A/B, 100V. Bring adapters if needed.
- Wi-Fi & SIM: pocket Wi-Fi rentals and prepaid eSIMs/SIM cards are available at the airport.
- Seasonal attire: bring layers in shoulder seasons; heavy sun protection in summer and a waterproof layer for rainy season.
Practical checklist
- Confirm visa/entry rules and health requirements.
- Prebook accommodation and popular restaurant tickets (some places require reservations).
- Load an IC card and map apps (Google Maps works well).
- Carry cash and note nearby 7-Eleven ATMs.
- Learn basic phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me) and have hotel address in Japanese.
Enjoy Osaka’s culinary delights, friendly energy, and easy access to Kansai region highlights. Safe travels!