Planning a Vacation to Osaka? Here's Where to Visit

For first-time visitors to Japan, Osaka is often one of the top destinations to include in their travel plans. Many travelers even choose to spend several days in this prefecture.

Why Is Osaka a Favorite Among Travelers?

It’s not hard to see why. The prefecture has so much to offer that makes it a favorite spot for tourists, including:

1. Affordable travel experience

   Japan is known for its relatively high cost of living compared to other Asian countries. But in Osaka, you’ll find a variety of accommodations at budget-friendly prices. Moreover, some lodgings offer private rooms and are not dorm-style, but with shared bathrooms.

2. Strategic location

   Staying in Osaka makes it easier to explore nearby regions like Nara, Kyoto, and Tottori, which is also known as Conan Town. To save on transportation, buying a JR Pass is a good idea, so you won’t need to purchase a separate shinkansen ticket each time you travel.

3. A wide range of attractions

   One of the main reasons why Osaka is a favorite among tourists is because it has a wide range of tourist attractions to visit. Whether you’re into nature, amusement parks, or shopping, the city has something to match your interests. With so many options, feeling bored in Osaka is nearly impossible.

   Top Attractions for Your Osaka Vacation

What about you? Are you planning to travel to Japan, too, and have Osaka on your list? Well, if you’ve decided to include Osaka in your Japan itinerary, here are a few destinations you should consider visiting while you’re there.

• Osaka Castle

  This iconic landmark began construction in 1583, on the former grounds of Ishiyama Honganji Temple. A major restoration in 1997 gave Osaka Castle a modern update, including elevators to help visitors reach the top floors.

  To get there, take the Osaka Loop Line from Osaka Station to Ōsakajōkōen Station. The ticket costs around ¥170. From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the castle. Entrance tickets are priced at ¥600.

• Dotonbori

  Dotonbori is one of Osaka’s most iconic shopping and entertainment districts. Known for its bright lights and bustling streets, this area is also a paradise for food lovers. If culinary adventures are your thing, this is the place to be.

  There are a few routes you can take to get to Dotonbori. From Umeda Station, ride the Midosuji Line to Namba Station for ¥240. If you’re closer to Dobutsuen-Mae Station, take the Sakaisuji Line to Nippombashi Station for ¥190.

• Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

  Harry Potter fans should not miss the opportunity to visit USJ when visiting Osaka. Here, you can buy various Harry Potter “knick-knacks,” enjoy butterbeer and experience Harry Potter rides that are guaranteed to be fun. If you're lucky, you can even see the parade of students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons Schools of Magic.

  From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to reach Universal-City Station with a total fare of ¥190. Universal-City is a special station located directly near USJ, so you only need to walk a short distance to get to the entrance of USJ.

• Umeda Sky Building

  This ultra-modern landmark, completed in 1993, is one of Osaka’s most recognizable skyscrapers. Its main attraction is the Floating Garden Observatory, which connects the two towers and offers panoramic views of Osaka.

  You just need to walk from Osaka Station to get here as it is only 10 minutes away. Admission to this location varies depending on age. For adults, the cost is ¥1,500 and for children is ¥700.

Of course, Osaka has even more to offer beyond these four destinations. Once you’ve created your travel itinerary, don’t forget to protect your trip with Travel insurance for Japan from MSIG Indonesia before starting your trip. So, you can be more secure while traveling.