Visit Osaka

So easy to get around Osaka, everyone is so friendly & helpful. No problems getting train/metro tickets at the stations as there is an English page on all the machines where you purchase your train/metro tickets & very easy to use. Favourite places that we visited: Kyoto, Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji-Temple, Sumiyoshi, Dotonbori canal to name but a few

Rose United Kingdom

For a first time visitor to Japan, I am glad I chose Osaka, rather than Tokyo. Whilst we did visit Tokyo, it was too large and very busy with an extremely complex underground/railway network. We stayed in two locations during our holiday. The first being appartments designed for short stay tourists. The second was a holiday home which worked out cheaper and was much more spacious. If you are travelling with a family I can highly recommend the second option. Whilst it was not centrally located, the area (Imaichi) was quiet and clearly was not used to tourists in that area (this was a good thing!) There was a more friendly atmosphere - and homely feel about the area. Central Osaka was easier to navigate than Tokyo with fewer underground lines. Wether you wanted to stay in a city envronment or visit more rural areas such as Nara or the northern beaches of Tottori (Higashihama - 100m from the station!) - It could all be done with a cheaper JR Area Pass (rather than the more expensive all Japan JR Rail Pass). Kyoto and Lake Biwa was stunning. With easy access westwards towards Himeji, Fukuyama and Hiroshima, Osaka is a much more all rounded experience of Japan. I would say self catering accommodation is the way to go. The food availalble from convenience stores and the local markets is freshly prepared, restaurant quality and ready to eat. I am amazed if the local population actually properly cook for themselves at all! I could not get over the size of the apples (huge)! Try the strawberry and cream sandwich - go on - do it!

Stuart United Kingdom

Osaka has a lot to offer: short day trips to lovely cities (Kyoto, Kobe, Nara), nice sightseeing in walkable distances, huge shopping areas and a lot of activities to book! The botanical garden has a Lightshow you don‘t wanna miss (but of course not always). Tip: go and slide down the tower of Tsutenkaku- I loved it!! (1000 Yen) The metro is easy to use and you could also book (electrical) bike vis Luup (app).

Svenja Germany

A perfect entry point towards the south of Japan and easily accessible to all other destinations in Japan and the Osaka castle and proximity to Kyoto was the logical decision to make Osaka our base upon arrival and departure.

Pia Philippines

Osaka is a wonderful city, more navigable than Tokyo with a more laid-back vibe. The amount of day trips that are possible could fill sever weeks - as well as Kyoto, NARA, Himeji and Hiroshima, give Kinosaki Onsen, Kurashiki or Mount Koya a try.

Rachel United Kingdom

More compact than Tokyo, but still loads to do. Food and drink the main draw.... USJ worth a day (get there 90mins before opening time - download the app and set up party before arriving). KIX airport is a WAY out (like NRT in Tokyo).

Paul United Kingdom