Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s kitchen, a city where street food stalls and neon-lit neighborhoods set the tone for an energetic, flavor-first experience. Come for takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori, explore the towering Osaka Castle, and dive into pop culture in districts like Shinsekai and Amerikamura. With easy access to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, Osaka is both a dynamic destination in its own right and a strategic base for exploring the Kansai region.

Osaka

Osaka

Photo by Alessio Ferretti on Unsplash

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Osaka, Japan.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
HOTELS
Afar’s resident hotel expert shares the summer 2024 openings that are worth a special trip.
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Let your mind roam free while your legs do the work on these sacred trails around the world.
For your countdowns and midnight kisses, plan a New Year’s celebration in these jubilant places around the world.
Take the road less traveled for thrilling cities like Cape Town, the distinctive cuisine of Osaka, and exotic wildlife sightings in Australia.
A life-size Mario Kart ride and much more recently opened at Universal Studios Japan, with construction underway at theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood.
Osaka is known for its modern architecture and insanely good street food. Both can be found at the city’s top hotels. Starchitect Tadao Ando masterminded the Harmonie Embrassee hotel. ANA Crown Plaza boasts the first branch of the Kyoto’s beloved kaiseki restaurant, Tankuma Kitamise. Music lovers will want to book a stay at the Rock Star Hotel—each room is themed after an iconic global rock artist or group.
The two feudal fortresses offering lodging experiences appear on the Japanese Castle Foundation’s list of “Top 100 Castles” in the country.
A country that spent much of its history in isolation, Japan claims unique arts and crafts traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation, with little influence from the outside world.
Slip into a secret garden. Climb to a rooftop oasis. Stroll an elevated park. To get a fresh angle on a city, take a walk on its green side.
Where he ate and drank while exploring Japan’s Golden route.
AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent writer Ann Friedman on a spontaneous journey to Osaka.