15 Things to Do in Osaka
Approximate reading time: 15 minutes
Glico Man in Osaka, Japan
Table of contents
Introduction
Disclaimers
15 Things to Do in Osaka
Explore Dohtonbori
Snap a Pic with the Glico Man
Try Authentic Takoyaki
Experience Ichiran Ramen
Visit Universal Studios Japan
Marvel at Shitenno-ji Temple and Flea Market
Seek Luck at Katsuo-ji Temple
Walk the Sky at Tsutenkaku Tower
Dine at the Snoopy Peanuts Café
Learn at Asahi Beer Museum
Sample Seafood at Kuromon Market
Go Thrifting at Shinsaibashi
Visit Osaka Castle
See the View from Umeda Sky Building
Wander through teamLab Osaka
Quick Travel Tips
Places to Stay
Transportation Passes
Cultural Etiquette to Remember
Ending Notes
Introduction
When it comes to Japan, one of the places you absolutely must visit is Osaka. This is why it was the starting point for us on our first trip there! Known for its abundant offerings of food, nightlife and shopping districts, Osaka is sure to give you the best of Japan from the get-go.
The reputation of Osaka as a cultural center isn’t new; even centuries ago, this area in the Kansai region of Japan already served as a hub for agriculture and trade. This is made largely possible by its proximity to both the sea and Japan’s then-capital of Nara. At one point, the capital was moved to Osaka by Emperor Kotoku until it eventually became Tokyo to this day. Still, Osaka earns its ranking as the second-best city in Japan, and with the amount of amazing things to do in this area alone, it’s not hard to see why.
This variety of activities is exactly why many travelers choose to stay in Osaka for their first time in Japan. From temples and shrines preserved since centuries ago to amusement parks with the latest technology, it becomes easier to get the full, authentic Japanese experience in this city alone.
In this article, we’ve compiled the top 15 things to do in Osaka. We personally visited most of these places on our trips, so you get only the best!
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article may be subject to change at the venue or service provider’s discretion. You may check their respective websites or social media accounts for any updates on the price, location, and other details. Additionally, this article may contain affiliate links from which we get a portion of profit, at no added cost to you. These links are safe to click.
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15 Things to Do in Osaka
Dohtonbori
You’ve surely heard of Dohtonbori mentioned alongside Osaka most, if not all the time. With good reason too – it’s got pretty much everything! This long stretch of shopping centers and restaurants are parted only by the Dohtonbori river, which makes for a great view whether in the daytime or nighttime. So not only do you experience Osaka’s best, you also get picturesque scenery while you eat by the river. That’s all in one place!
Just walking around this place gives you so many options to choose from. If you have the liberty of time, you can discover every corner of Dohtonbori! You can get the more traditional izakaya offerings on one street and modern electronics at Bic Camera on another.
Walking tours are also available for those who may be short on time, or want to hear more of the area’s history from an expert local guide.
How to get there
Subway
Take any of the following lines for Y240 ($1.53):
Midosuji Line (bound for Nakamozu)
Sakaisuji Line (bound for Tengachaya)
Sennichimae Line (bound for Minamitatsumi)
Then walk for 6 minutes to Exit 3, the exit nearest Dohtonbori area.
Taxi
Alternatively, you can also hail a taxi from Osaka Station to Dohtonbori for approximately Y1600 ($10.19) to Y1800 ($11.46).
Glico Man
Osaka, Glico landmark
Being a huge shopping district, it can be hard to figure out where to even begin with Dohtonbori – it’s overwhelming, ha! This is why it’s good to have a landmark of sorts where you can start or meet up with friends. For many, this meet-up spot is the Glico man.
Overlooking the Dohtonbori canal, the brightly lit Glico man is hard to miss especially with its size taking up nearly the entire building it’s on. We recommend taking a picture with Glico man while your arms are up, just like him! The best picture spots in the area are on Ebisubashi (Ebisu bridge), and Tonbori walk which is on the side opposite the billboard.
Culture shock in Osaka, Japan! must watch!
Also, if Glico man looks somewhat familiar… It's because he’s partly inspired by a Filipino track athlete! So don’t be surprised if he looks a bit like your cousin Jun-Jun.
The Glico man billboard on Ebisubashi is just a 5 minute walk from the Osaka Metro Namba station, making it a convenient meeting or starting place.
Takoyaki
With all that shopping and exploring, we know it can be easy to get tired and most of all… hungry! If you find yourself wanting a little snack, it’s the best time to try takoyaki in its place of specialty. Osaka is known for their takoyaki, so be sure to enjoy a 6-piece with some melon soda or Asahi beer to push it down easily.
These seafood pancake balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with bits of vegetable and octopus as the main ingredients. It’s usually topped with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and dried seaweed, but takoyaki are sometimes also filled with cheese, bacon, and other food combinations.
With the amount of stalls available in the shopping district, it comes as no surprise that many of them would sell this regional specialty. We tried the 6-piece takoyaki at Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori for Y800 ($5.10) and the burst of flavors was indescribable! You can try the same place, or check out others on your own along the row of stalls and restaurants.
Pro tip: split the takoyaki ball open first to cool down the center – don’t make the same mistake we did! Your tongue will thank you later, trust us.
Ichiran (for first-timers)
The noodle, the myth, the legend. We guarantee you’ve never had ramen like this before! More than just their tasty ramen, Ichiran’s one-of-a-kind experience is their claim to fame.
Instead of the usual process of servers taking your order at the table, you place and pay for your order at a vending machine inside the restaurant. Afterwards, you are shown to your table, an intimate, individual booth where you can enjoy your noodles in peace and slurp to your heart’s content – all without having to talk to anyone. You simply put your order ticket on the table and a waiter comes over to take it and bring your bowl of liquid gold to you. If you’re an introvert who loves ramen, this is just the place for you!
Wanna go in Japan, as a solo traveler? this is a must watch !
Famous for their rich tonkotsu broth and secret spicy sauce, Ichiran has many stores all across Japan to meet the people’s demand for the best ramen in town. We can vouch for it! As a Filipina and European couple, this experience at Ichiran was definitely a first for both of us. Every second and every slurp of ramen was delightful.
And if you want more after your bowl, you can buy their instant noodles to make Ichiran at home.
The Ichiran branches in Osaka can be found at Dohtonbori’s Main and South buildings, Shinsaibashi, Midosuji, Namba Umeda, Umeda Hankyu-Higashidori and Abeno. A regular bowl typically costs Y1180 ($7.52) and the full set costs Y1620 ($10.32).
USJ
Have you ever wanted to walk down the hallways of Hogwarts? Jump around and save Princess Peach in an 8-bit world? Or are you looking to relax on the roof like Snoopy and Woodstock? Packed with a variety of timeless classics and exciting attractions, Universal Studios Japan is the place to be when you find yourself in Osaka. There’s surely something to enjoy for people from all groups and all walks of life!
Universal studios Japan, must watch!
My favorite was probably the wizarding world of Harry Potter; I’ve always wondered what the hype was about butterbeer, but after trying it myself I got the hype! It’s got a sweet, subdued caramel flavor that’s perfect for a winter day.
The Jurassic Park area houses the fastest roller coaster ride in the park with so many twists and turns – literally! If you aren’t into that kind of thrill, you might enjoy Super Nintendo World more. Step into the 8-bit world of the Super Mario Brothers and relax with some of their themed food like Toad’s mushroom soup, or the iconic blocks as tiramisu. We’d love to go here as a family someday so we can all appreciate it, too!
There are rides more suited for children while others are only for the older kids and above, so be sure to read the rules of each ride. It also gets packed during the weekends and holidays, so be sure to check out the USJ crowd calendar to figure out the best day for you.
The regular adult pass costs Y8600 ($54.40) but if you want to skip long lines, you can get the Express Pass for Y17800 ($113.09).
Universal Studios Japan
How to get there
Train
From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line bound for Sakurajima and alight at Universal-City Station. You can also take the Osaka Loop Line Counter-Clockwise, alight at Nishikujō Station, and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line bound for Sakurajima. Alight at Universal-City Station and enjoy USJ! Both routes cost Y190 ($1.21) and take 12-13 minutes.
Taxi
You can also hail a taxi for Y2800 ($17.84) to Y3100 ($19.75). The ride will take approximately 25 minutes from Osaka Station.
Shitenno-ji temple sightseeing and flea market
Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺), located in Osaka, Japan.
Osaka is home to one of the oldest temples in Japan; despite its age, it still stands 103 meters tall, carefully preserved as close to its original design in the 6th century.
The five-story pagoda of Shitenno-ji temple is hard to miss, making it one of the more remarkable spots for taking a photo. This pagoda can be found in the inner precinct of the temple, which requires an admission fee of Y300 ($1.91) to Y500 ($3.18) to enter.
While you are at the pagoda, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden is also nearby, adorning the temple grounds in a stunning pink blanket during the cherry blossom season and an array of warm orange in the fall.
The rest of the temple grounds are free of charge, so make sure to roam around the area to get the most of the experience.
If you’re a thrift shopper like us, you’d probably like the flea market at Shitennoji once every month! It’s usually held every 2nd Sunday of the month, unless it rains. You can also check the schedule of flea markets in other regions on this website.
Katsuo-ji temple
Katsuo-ji temple
Situated in the mountainous parts of Osaka, Katsuo-ji is one of the popular destinations in the fall. The reason is very obvious when the display of reds and oranges burst all over the area from October to early December. But more than their visuals, Katsuo-ji is somewhere people go to pray for “victor’s luck” for their aspirations – exams, job applications, even love! With the cool breeze and fantastic views, it’s easy to feel lucky in this scenic spot in Northern Osaka.
Boasting magnificent maple foliage, Katsuo-ji temple blends with its environment painted in red and gold, usual colors signifying victory. The temple gains its fame from granting good fortune to its inhabitants and worshippers, and it continues to garner more visitors praying for luck and victory every year.
Scattered across the temple are also cute little doll figures called ‘Daruma’, which you can buy in hopes of granting a wish! It goes like this: first, you get a daruma with empty eyes, then you make a wish. Afterwards, fill in one of the eyes, and pray for your wish to come true. Once it comes true, that’s when you can fill in the other eye. It’s a great way to mark your achievements, too! Seeing the countless daruma figures around the temple grounds gives Katsuo-ji more credit, too.
From Senri-Chuo station, one of the central hubs for transportation in Northern Osaka, getting to Katsuo-ji temple requires a bit of a walk/hike. We suggest taking caution when traveling with companions of older ages, or those with health conditions. You can also book a tour that includes roundtrip transfers to and from the meet-up location indicated, for convenience.
How to get there
Train
From Umeda Station, take the Midosuji Line bound for Minoh-Kayano and alight at Minoh-Kayano Station. From there, take the bus on Saito Line 23 bound for Saito Nishi Station and alight at Saito Ao Minami 7. As mentioned, this will require a 5km walk/hike, so be ready!
This route costs Y760 and takes 50 minutes before, and 2 hours and 14 minutes after the walk/hike.
Taxi
You can also choose to take a taxi from Minoh-Kayano Station all the way to Katsuo-ji temple for Y2700 ($17.20) to Y3000 ($19.11). This takes an additional 18 minutes.
Skywalk at Tsutenkaku Tower
Skywalk at Tsutenkaku Tower
In the heart of the Shinsekai shopping district, the Tsutenkaku Tower stands tall at 108 meters. With a name meaning “a tall building leading to the heavens”, Tsutenkaku houses a variety of shops and activities to do for relaxation or even a bit of a thrill.
On the third floor, you can find a slide that takes you all the way outside up to the basement level through a 60 meter long tube, while you overlook Osaka. How exciting! If that isn’t enough, there’s also a Dive-and-Walk experience attraction on the same floor. It’s as the name suggests: you go for a walk on the observation deck roof, and DIVE! The middle observation deck is where you land safely with your harness, and then you can roam around the shops to walk off that adrenaline rush.
For those just looking to relax, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka and its neighboring countries on the golden observation platform. Here, you’ll meet “Billiken”, a statue that is said to bring good luck to those who touch his feet.
Entrance to the tower is free, while the tower slider and entrance to the upper observation deck require an admission fee of Y500 ($3.18).
How to get there
Train
Take any of the following trains from Osaka Station:
Osaka Loop Line (Counter-Clockwise) to Shin-Imamiya Station (Y190 or $1.21)
Midosuji Line (bound for Nakamozu) to Dobutsuen-Mae Station (Y240 or $1.53)
Sakaisuji Line (bound for Tengachaya) to Ebisucho Station (Y240 or $ 1.53)
Alight at their respective stations and walk to the Tsutenkaku Tower for about 6 to 9 minutes. You will immediately see the tower decorated with lightning in the middle of the Shinsekai shopping district.
Peanuts cafe (Snoopy)
If Snoopy World at USJ wasn’t enough or the crowd was too much for you, there’s a place for Snoopy lovers that is just perfectly nestled in Osaka! Although, a cute Snoopy pancake might be too cute to eat…
Inspired by the original Peanuts comics, the Snoopy-themed cafe takes you to the world of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and other friends! From the coasters and table napkins to the walls, Snoopy is everywhere in this cute little café. You can even find the yellow school bus outside if you want to take more pictures!
This Peanuts Cafe in Osaka has a variety of food to choose from, with the main entreés being pizza, pasta and burgers. If you have a sweet tooth, a dessert buffet is also available for only Y2244 ($14.3).
Some tableware are also available as merchandise for you to take home – in case you want to Snoopy-fy your home like this place.
How to get there
Train
Take either of the following trains from Osaka Station:
Midosuji Line (bound for Minoh-Kayano) to Senri-chuo Station
Hankyu-Kyoto Line (bound for Kita-Senri) to Yamada Station
Then ride the Osaka Monorail at Senri-Chuo station bound for Saito-Nishi. In 6 minutes, you will arrive at Bampakukinenkoen Station where you will walk for 10 minutes to the Peanuts Cafe.
Asahi beer museum
When you ask beer drinkers which ones are the best, it’s likely that Japanese beers would be in the top 5 for many of them. For Asahi brewery, they proudly proclaim Asahi Super Dry as Japan’s No. 1 beer. You can see for yourself exactly why the production of high quality lager beer can be experienced at the Asahi Beer Museum in Osaka!
Built inside Asahi’s first brewery from way back in 1891, the Asahi Beer Museum brings the history of the beer industry in Japan. The Asahi brewery, then known as the Osaka Breweries, Ltd., rose to fame with their German-inspired beer made from large amounts of rice. To this day, Asahi keeps their reputation as one of the best beers in the game.
The Asahi Beer Museum isn’t exclusive for beer enthusiasts; if you like learning more about history, you might just find yourself enjoying it, too. One of the interactive experiences even gives you a POV of a beer can inside the factory by taking you on a ride!
And of course, what’s a trip to a beer museum without a pint of beer? You can find a café here for fully customizing your beer to your liking switch up the alcohol content or play around with the flavors as you want it.
The Asahi Beer museum only serves beer and alcoholic beverages to visitors age 20 years old and above. Tickets are available on their website for Y1000 ($14.3) for adults and Y300 ($1.91) for elementary students.
How to get there
Train
Take any of the following trains from Osaka Station:
JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line (bound for Kyoto) to Suita Station (Y190)
Hankyu-Kyoto Line (bound for Kita-Senri) to Suita Station (Y240)
Then walk for 9 to 10 minutes until you arrive at Asahi Beer Museum. This route takes 19 minutes.
Taxi
You can also hail a taxi from Osaka Station for Y3200 ($20.38) to Y3600 ($22.93). This route will take 22 minutes.
Kuromon market
Kuromon market
Being so close to the sea, it comes as no surprise that Osaka would have fresh seafood available at many stores. It gets easier to try all of them too when you’re in a public market with their delicacies all lined up!
Stretching over 600 meters in length, Kuromon Market is the perfect hub for those looking to try Japan’s seafood selection. Fresh oysters, uni (sea urchin), and tuna are prepared right in front of you, and you can even eat it right away or have them grilled for that extra roasted taste. Our personal favorites are the takoyaki, you just can’t go wrong with this explosion of flavors especially on a cold day!
For those feeling a little more adventurous, there are also stalls that serve blowfish sashimi. Don’t worry, they’re trained and certified! Regardless, there are plenty of other offerings of sashimi throughout the entire market.
Be sure to respect the rules of the stores in the market: it’s considered rude to eat while walking, so either eat inside the stalls or stand somewhere nearby with your food.
Like Dohtonbori, walking tours are also available at Kuromon Market if you’re in a hurry! This half-day tour is perfect for those with a tight itinerary to follow.
Thrifting at Shinsaibashi
shinsaibashi shopping street
One of our favorite things to do in Japan? Thrifting! It’s just incredible to see so many vintage and high quality items for cheap in this country. Chances are, your clothes are also one of a kind when you go back home.
You won’t see thrift stores in busy areas very often, so you have to do a bit of a scavenger hunt. At Shinsaibashi, the town is pretty small so it will feel intimate and easier to explore. Our personal recommendations for shops are RAIN and 2nd Street.
The prices can range anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 yen, and while it’s still quite pricey, it’s a much cheaper option than buying something brand new. After all, the quality is still the same – just with a few minor imperfections for some.
We also visited different Book-Off branches in Osaka since they sell secondhand items for less, too. Remember to look for the Book-Off PLUS! These stores are bigger and sell a variety of items.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
One of the best spots for cherry blossom photos is probably Osaka Castle. With the delicate pink blooming against a background of historical Japan architecture, it paints the perfect picture for an authentic trip to the land of the rising sun.
Built in 1583, this large castle is flourishing with Japanese history in its museum, garden, moats and stone walls. Osaka Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt, then reconstructed in 1997 to preserve and showcase that history for many to learn about.
It’s nice to visit the castle grounds, sit on the grass and enjoy nature, since entry to the area is free of charge. For the Nishinomaru Garden, an admission fee of Y600 ($3.82) is required to access the area filled with numerous cherry blossom trees, a tea house, and a fantastic view of the Osaka Castle.
It takes a lot of walking to roam around the castle grounds, so be prepared with the right shoes!
You can book a ticket in advance here, but buying a ticket there on the day itself is also possible.
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building
The panoramic view of a city skyline, especially at night, really is something special. It’s nostalgic, exciting, and romantic all at once for different people. We’ve talked about the view of Osaka from Tsutenkaku, but let’s take it up further – waaaaay further, 173 meters up.
The high rise building in the Kita District of Osaka is actually two, connected by an observation deck and garden at the topmost floor. Here, you can look out at the view of the city from the clouds, hence the name Umeda Sky. The breeze from the open air deck gives you the chills along with your thrills.
If you’ve seen your friends take a picture along a lengthy span of escalators, then this might be one of the few places they could be at. Spanning 4 floors tall, the escalators leading up to the observation deck and garden are lined with windows, already giving you a magical sight of the cityscape before even getting there.
At the topmost floor also sits a cafe, while a shopping street on the basement floor replicates a town during the Showa period. The retro vibes in this place really bring you back to the time of all things old-school. After you’re done eating there, you can also explore other parts of the Umeda Sky; there are a lot of floors in one building alone after all, and you even have double of that!
Do note that this place can get crowded especially on the weekends and holidays, so it’s best to visit early before it gets difficult to take a picture with no one else in the frame!
Entrance to the building is free, while admission to the observation deck costs Y2000 ($12.40).
teamLab Osaka
teamLab Osaka
You’ve probably already seen the colorful visuals of teamLab in Tokyo – but did you know there’s another teamLab in Osaka too? Compared to its counterpart in Tokyo, teamLab Osaka is themed after a garden, hence the name Nagai Botanical Gardens. When you take the digital artworks in Tokyo to a beautiful garden in Osaka, you get a stunning show of colors alongside nature.
Located inside Nagai Park, teamLab Osaka’s project concept is the coexistence and interaction of art and nature. It’s interesting to see how these artworks are made around the environment, and not to them; one of the key points of this exhibit is not to harm the plants.
While teamLab Tokyo is certainly one for the books, the botanical gardens in Osaka certainly offer a different, more mellow experience. The interaction of elements – wind, rain, and people – are considered to be part of the art as well. This way, we are made more aware of our closeness to the environment and how we take part in it.
There is an admission fee of Y2000 ($12.79) to enter teamLab’s Botanical Gardens.
Travel Tips
Transportation
Japan is known for its efficient transportation system as it’s always on time and reaches destinations far and wide across the country. But this efficiency can still be confusing for some at first – it does take some getting used to. This confusion can cost you unnecessary expenses if you’re just using a regular commuter pass or ticket, so thankfully there are passes available to foreigners for unlimited rides!
Designed to promote Japan’s railway systems and travel destinations, special commuter passes like the JR Kansai Pass and Osaka Metro Pass allow foreigners unlimited use of their designated trains for a certain number of days. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the passes available within the Osaka area.
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ICOCA Commuter Pass
First off, the most convenient way of paying for your train and bus rides around the Kansai region is with the ICOCA commuter pass. It’s a prepaid transportation card that you can load money into, so that you can just breeze through station gates with a tap of the ICOCA.
ICOCA is usable in most stations and other railway lines throughout the country, but it’s only really sold in the Kansai area. Different regions of Japan have their own versions: KitaCa in Hokkaido area, SuiCa in Tokyo, and SugoCa in Kyushu, and more. It’s fun to collect them all!
To get an ICOCA, simply buy one at any train station for at least Y1000 ($6.37). This fee includes a deposit of Y500 and an initial load of Y500. You can still use your ICOCA on your next trip to Japan, or you can return it at the station to get your Y500 back. What a steal!
Loading it is easy, too – just find a ticketing machine where instructions are available in English, or approach the kind staff at the ticketing booths.
Osaka Metro Pass
There are 7 railway systems in Osaka, but the most widely used among foreigners are the JR, Kintetsu, and Osaka Metro Railways. Conveniently, there are passes available for each of these railways.
The Osaka Metro Pass is available for 1 day (Y820 or $5.25) or 2 days (Y1,500 or $9.59) of unlimited rides. Without the pass, regular fares cost anywhere from Y190 to Y390 so you’ll get the most of this pass in just one day! What’s more, this pass saves you more than train fees – you get discounts on different attractions around Osaka, too! Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle and Shitenno-ji are just some of the places that give discounts for Osaka Metro Pass holders. You can check the full list of participating places here.
Be sure to keep your pass with you at all times, since this is not replaceable. Also, the pass is valid until midnight of the expiry date so it’s best to claim the ticket early in the morning to make full use of it.
The Osaka Metro 1-day and 2-day Pass is available on Klook. After payment, you will receive a voucher in your e-mail, which you can just present at the participating stations to claim the pass. It’s as easy as that!
Kintetsu Rail Pass
The Kintetsu railway is another line available in the Osaka area, but it can also take you to Nara, Kyoto, Mie and Nagoya! So, not only can you explore the best of Osaka, but you also get to experience nearby destinations. Be sure to check out our Kyoto and Nagoya guides if you avail of this rail pass!
Roam the old streets of Kyoto, then across Nara Park while feeding polite deer that bow back – all in the same day. You can avail of the Kintetsu Rail 1-day pass for Y1800 ($11.41) or the 2-day pass for Y3000 ($19.15). This includes unlimited rides on the Kintetsu trains and some buses.
To go to Nagoya, you’ll need to get the 5-day pass for Y4500 ($28.75), while the 5-day pass PLUS takes you to Mie for Y5700 ($36.39). Compared to the regular fare of Y2680 ($17.07) from Osaka-Namba station to Kintetsu-Nagoya station, you easily save Y860 ($5.47) from a roundtrip alone, plus short trips around Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
If your itinerary includes trips to these places, it makes sense to avail of the Kintetsu Rail Pass to maximize your budget. You can check the routes covered by the pass to make sure it fits your itinerary. And, like the Osaka Metro Pass, there are also discounts and benefits that come with the Kintetsu Rail Pass! Check out the exciting offers at their website.
You can easily book the Kintetsu Rail Pass on Klook, where you can also find more information about the different pass durations.
JR Kansai Mini and Kansai-Wide Passes
Known as one of the major and most popular railway companies in Japan, JR offers unlimited train rides in different areas of the Kansai region alone. You can choose whichever pass type suits your agenda more: traveling around Osaka alone? There’s a Kansai Mini Pass for that! Wanna explore further west to Hiroshima? It’s a breeze with the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass.
The Kansai Mini Pass is more apt for travelers going around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe only. It also covers the train bound for Universal City which is the station for Universal Studios Japan, and the rapid express from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Osaka station. The limited express Hello Kitty Haruka train requires an extra fee, however.
Available for Y3000 ($19.15) and valid for 3 days, the Kansai Mini Pass can save you thousands of yen when you travel from the temples of Nara to try the world-class beef from Kobe! A roundtrip costs Y2900, so you immediately get the pass’ worth from that adventure alone.
If you want to travel further west, the 3-Day Kansai Area Pass also covers the train to Himeji and more stations around Kyoto for Y5800 ($36.59). Unlike the Mini version, this pass already covers the Hello Kitty-themed train from KIX to Osaka and Kyoto.
Taking it a step further, JR also offers Kansai-Wide and Kansai-Hiroshima passes that include the fastest trains: the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen or bullet trains. Lucky travelers can chance upon the Hello Kitty-themed Shinkansen from Osaka all the way to Okayama just with their Kansai-Wide Pass for Y12000 ($75.69)! This Shinkansen also goes all the way to Hiroshima with the Kansai-Hiroshima pass for Y17000 ($107.25).
With these Kansai-Wide and Hiroshima passes, you get unlimited rides on the Shinkansen and around most of the Kansai region for 5 to 7 days. Shinkansen and Limited Express tickets can cost anywhere from Y5000 ($31.85) to over Y11000 ($70.06) for one way, so a roundtrip feels more beneficial with these passes.
The routes and trains available differ for each pass, so be sure to check out the information on Klook or JR’s website to make sure it coincides with your itinerary.
Cultural customs / Etiquette
While it can certainly be exciting to travel around Japan, remember that there are behaviors they are used to and rules they expect to be followed, so it’s good to know about these before going there. After all, we’re visitors of their land; do as the Romans do, or in this case, as the Japanese do!
No Eating While Walking
This is something that definitely surprised us, coming from the Philippines. It seems to be normal here, but in Japan it’s considered to be rude. There are even signs in some stalls that advise store goers to eat there and not walk around while eating. It makes sense if you think about it – when you’re standing or seated in one place, it probably helps you focus on the flavors more.
In any case, it’s still a pretty sensible rule that is easy to follow! No need to worry about bumping your food into a random person’s shirt, for sure.
Stand on the Right Side of Escalators and Stairs
Yup, this matters too! To give way to others who are in a rush, commuters stand on one side of the escalator only, often the right side. This “stay on the right” rule also applies to walkways and stairs, so that there’s less chances of you bumping into someone.
Station staff won’t really reprimand you if you don’t follow this, but you’ll just get judged… heavily. By a lot of people. Not cool!
No Tipping Culture
Rejoice, all those who have trouble computing how much to tip! In Japan, it’s considered rude to give tips to workers. A simple ‘thank you’ will suffice most of the time.
Although some establishments offer – but not require – an option to give tips, it is generally not customary to do so in most places. You’re definitely going to be doing a lot of food trips in Osaka, so keep this in mind wherever you go.
Keep Your Voice Down
The rural side of Japan is unmistakably very quiet, but even the highly urbanized areas of Osaka and Tokyo don’t get that noisy. In the residential areas and inside apartments, you may be disturbing others when you talk in a loud volume with someone who is just in front of you. If the person is far away from you, either send them a text or go to them to talk.
The same is expected in trains and buses; in such closed spaces, noises tend to sound louder so it’s advisable to refrain from answering calls here.
Shrines and temples especially observe silence. We have personally never been noisy enough to be escorted out of any place for our volume, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Traditions at Shrines and Temples
Speaking of shrines and temples, some follow certain practices, such as washing hands before entering the temple or clapping your hands in prayer. A lot of shrines and temples will have guides in English or provide pictures, so it’s best to ask the local guides or staff for more information.
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Ending Notes
Dotonbori in Osaka, Japan
Did you see everything you wanted to do in Osaka? We hope so! We compiled the best of Osaka just for you, mostly from our adventures together. Hopefully we can do the same on our next trip with our daughter, Tokyo.
There is definitely more to Osaka than what we’ve covered, but this was just an overview of things that first-time travelers should try in Osaka, Japan. If you want a more detailed itinerary, we’ve got your back! 5 days in Osaka isn’t enough? This 7-day itinerary in Kansai might just sate your traveling needs!
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Bring us along on your adventures by tagging your Instagram-worthy posts in Japan with #MarveTravelGuides. Safe travels, Marvekada!
