Overview
Take a trip to Osaka on your Japan Vacation
Osaka is located in central Japan on the main island of Honshu. Osaka is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture, and although the prefecture is Japan’s second smallest in area, Osaka has one of the largest population densities in all of Japan.
Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka was Japan’s capital from 683-745 AD. Given its ideal location, approximately 40 minutes travel time between Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, Osaka is an important commercial centre and point for land and water transportation, as Osaka Bay is situated to the west of the city. Once referred to as the ‘nation’s kitchen’, Osaka was Japan’s trading centre for rice.
Osaka is surrounded by mountains to the north, south, and east. With canals and rivers running through the city, Osaka features over 800 bridges.
Osaka was a major target during World War II, having bombs continually being dropped on its industrial districts during the last year of the war. Facing enormous devastation, Osaka’s resilience was demonstrated when it quickly rebuilt its infrastructure after the war and regained its status as a major industrial and cultural centre.
With Osaka Castle being the city’s most well-known structure, Osaka also features many museums, galleries, parks, temples and shrines, and various cultural venues to be enjoyed during Oska tours on a Japanese vacation. As well, it boasts having Japan’s longest shotengai (Japanese-style street shopping arcade).
Known for its cuisine, Osaka is considered a food lover’s paradise. Its central location makes Osaka a prime city to visit and experience Japanese culture, history and life.
Osaka was a major target during World War II, having bombs continually being dropped on its industrial districts during the last year of the war. Facing enormous devastation, Osaka’s resilience was demonstrated when it quickly rebuilt its infrastructure after the war and regained its status as a major industrial and cultural centre.
With Osaka Castle being the city’s most well-known structure, Osaka also features many museums, galleries, parks, temples and shrines, and various cultural venues to be enjoyed during Oska tours on a Japanese vacation. As well, it boasts having Japan’s longest shotengai (Japanese-style street shopping arcade).
Known for its cuisine, Osaka is considered a food lover’s paradise. Its central location makes Osaka a prime city to visit and experience Japanese culture, history and life.
At a Glance
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Japanese Yen (JPY)What do the experts say?
You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.
What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.
Every season offers something to fall in love with, but autumn feels especially magical—fewer tourists, crisp weather, and foliage that rivals the famous blossoms.
Osaka's entertainment and nightlife district
The Osaka Castle is always a popular inclusion ...
Faces representing people from around the world
The dense skyline of Umeda District
Japanese castle architecture
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
OsakaLight Rain
36°C / 97°F
84mm / 3.3"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke EcholsOur 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ WheelerA BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever.
Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems.
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He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!SherriGoway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'NeillWe entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime!
E&DI recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals.
We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc.
We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets.
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Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy HayWe enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow.
Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.INEverything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire
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