Visa
Many nationalities, including those from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and Australia, can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
Rules change: check for your passport before you book.
Japan · Asia
Ōsaka is the beating heart of Japan's Kansai region, renowned for its vibrant food scene, energetic nightlife, and friendly locals. It offers fantastic connectivity and accommodation options across all price brackets, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Ōsaka is the beating heart of Japan's Kansai region, renowned for its vibrant food scene, energetic nightlife, and friendly locals.
When you plan it, day 1 and the last day fit your journey from home: a long flight keeps them light.
MorningBegin with the iconic Osaka Castle and its beautiful grounds.
AfternoonSavor street food at Kuromon Market, then shop along Shinsaibashi-suji.
EveningExperience Dotonbori's vibrant nightlife and enjoy authentic okonomiyaki.
Use the subway (Tanimachi Line for castle, Midosuji Line for Namba/Dotonbori).
Save money shopping
Where prices are lower than at home, the outlets within reach, and how to get the tax back. Editorial picks; check hours and prices on the official sites before you go.
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Tax-free
Tax-free at the till
Visitors pay no consumption tax (10%) on purchases of ¥5,000 or more in one store on one day. Show your passport at the counter; tax-free shops carry the red sign.
How it works, officiallyCheaper here than at home
Uniqlo, Muji, Onitsuka Tiger
Japanese brands cost 30–40% less at home than in Europe or the US, and the ranges are bigger.
Drugstore cosmetics and 100-yen shops
Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote for skincare and snacks; Daiso and Seria for everything else at ¥110.
Outlet
about 40 minRinku Premium Outlets
Big outlet village next to Kansai airport, 250 stores; handy on the way out.
Getting there. Nankai line from Namba to Rinku Town (about 40 minutes), a short walk from the station.
Kuromon Ichiba Marketmarket
Historic covered market popular with locals and chefs for fresh seafood and produce.
Life Supermarketsupermarket
Ubiquitous city supermarket chain relied on for daily groceries and fresh bento.
Tamadesupermarket
Iconic Osaka discount supermarket chain known for budget prices and 24-hour service.
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Streetcovered arcade
Shinsaibashi-suji is Osaka's premier shopping arcade, stretching 600 meters and packed with department stores, fashion boutiques, chain retailers, and restaurants. It's a vibrant and popular destination for shoppers.
Safety is Travlyo’s own reading, not an official figure. Official advice: US State Department ↗ · UK Foreign Office ↗
Visa
Many nationalities, including those from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and Australia, can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
Rules change: check for your passport before you book.
Getting around
Osaka boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, primarily consisting of subways and JR trains. The city center is highly walkable, and buses supplement train routes for less accessible areas.
What a day costs
Per person, for food, getting around and tickets. Stays and getting there come on top.
Good to know
Purchase an ICOCA or Pasmo card for seamless public transport use across Kansai.
We may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we earn
Cover: Roméo A. on Unsplash · Photos via Wikimedia Commons · Map © OpenStreetMap contributors