Off To OsakaNicknamed "The Nation's Kitchen," Osaka has an amazing food culture with mouth-watering dishes around every corner. It's also a hyper-modern city that has history tucked away among skyscrapers. If you're planning a trip to Japan, you have to include Osaka.AuthorsBreeGoux
DestinationsOsakaItinerary

Where To Stay

The St. Regis Osaka
Located on the famous Midosuji street, the St. Regis Osaka is a luxury stay in the heart of it all! It's also a convenient walk to the nearest subway station so you can navigate the city with ease.
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InterContinental Osaka by IHG
The InterContinental houses a traditional Japanese bathhouse, which makes it a great stay for anyone who is looking to partake in that experience. Combined with its relaxing spa, this is a relaxing base for an exciting city tour.
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Hotel Nikko Osaka
If you want to go shopping in Osaka's Minami neighborhood but don't want to haul your bags back to your hotel, this hotel located in the heart of it all is a perfect choice for you with over 4,000 shops within a 15-minute walk from your room.
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Mad Cat Hostel Osaka & Bar
If you're planning to stay in a hostel, then this is decidedly the best one (unless you're allergic to cats). Take the concept of a cat cafe and expand it out to a cat hotel, and you have this little slice of heaven.
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What To See

Osaka Castle
Built in 1583, this historic gem is nestled in the heart of the city. If you have the ability to, I highly recommend taking a tour of it to dive into the history surrounding this castle. If you do or don't, there's a park at the base of the hotel that is perfect for seeing the castle from all sides.
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Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
This renowned shopping street will have you putting your credit card through its paces! Put on your shopping shoes and get ready to shop until you drop.
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Kuromon Market
This 150 shop market is dedicated to all things seafood. If you want fresh-caught fish, then this is the place you want to be. The street food here is to die for - there's a reason it has been a part of the community since the Edo Period.
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Sumiyoshi Taisha
This Shinto spirit shrine is the primary Sumiyoshi shrine in the area. The stunning architecture and signature half-moon bridge make this the perfect place for a walk while contemplating the deeper parts of life.
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Shitennō-ji
This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in all of Japan, dating back to 593. While you're there, make sure to check out the Gokuraku-jodo Gardens, which were designed after Amida Buddha's description of Western Paradise.
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Nakami Shrine
The land surrounding this Heian Period shrine boasts 40 wisteria trees, making this a perfect visit in April when the flowers are in bloom. I'd recommend combining a visit here with the park below to make the most out of your visit to the southern part of Os
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Hamadera Park
Known for its sprawling rose garden and cherry blossoms, Hamadera Park is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon walk in Spring or Summer. It's a little further south than most of what's recomended here, but it's easy to reach via public transport.
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Minoh Park
Minoh National Park is the smallest of Japan's national parks! With a winding riverside trial you can follow to a 109 foot waterfall, this is a great place to spend a quiet morning soaking in nature.
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Dotonbori
Dontonbori is a place you'll want to make sure you have plenty of time to explore. This neon district lights up and comes alives at night, making it the best time to explore. Make sure to save room to sample from all the street food vendors stationed around the district.
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What To Do

Universal Studios Japan
While Universal is available in the US, the Japanese version is so much better. If you're an amusement park lover reserve at least a day (or two) to see Japan's take on Universal Studios.
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Okasa Aquarium aims to take you through the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire" and show you all the unique aquatic animals that call it home. From otters to seals and even whale sharks, marine enthusiasts will love it here.
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teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
teamLab brings a unique light show to the Osaka Botanic Gardens. This is a great place to find the intersection of nature and art.
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Umeda Sky Building
40 floors high, this circular observatory offers spectacular views of Osaka from above! With its walkways that hang out over the sky, and 360 degree views it's a great addition to any itinerary.
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Osaka Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide
With seven stops walking you through the highlights of Osaka over the course of four hours. Get to know more about the city and its long history as you walk through its streets.
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Where To Eat

Absolutamente Osaka
This three-hour night food tour will take you through the more local parts of Minami and will guide you to the best bites in "The Nation's Kitchen."
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Osaka Tonkatsu (formerly Chiyomatsu)
If you've never had tonkatsu, trust me that you want to go here and order some. It's one of my favorite foods and is always worth eating.
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Osaka Food Tour: 13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries
This food four is another option if you want someone to guide you through the best spots and what to order there. Given Osaka's reputation for producing amazing food you'll really want to book a food tour while on your trip.
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Osaka Sake Tour
Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from rice and is a very popular drink in Japan. If you've never had it before, I'd recommend booking this tour and having a bit of fun as you explore the streets of Osaka.
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PC and Retro Bar Space Station
After a long day of exploring, a fun bar and a drink always sound appealing. This retro bar is stocked with classic games and promises a great time.
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Hozenji Yokocho
This alleyway is home to 60 different shops, but it's in the eats section because of the fantastic restaurants that line the way! Take a stroll down Hozenji Yokocho and pick a restaurant to eat at, I promise you'll be delighted.
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