Osaka

This name is one of the top destinations in Japan that many people dream of visiting once. If you are a true Japanese traveler Many people probably stop by to visit each other I don’t know how many times and how many times already. But there are still many people who have never traveled here. Therefore, this Osaka travel guide is mainly written for beginners who want to travel to Osaka.

Osaka is a prefecture in the Kansai region. There is a very dense population with economic prosperity, trade, modernity, as well as prosperous culture, traditions, and local identity. Therefore, Osaka can be called the center of the Kansai region.

for tourists Transportation is very convenient. There are two airports serving: Kansai International Airport, which supports flights from all over the world. and Itami Airport, which handles most domestic flights, two of which are the closest to Osaka. But besides the plane Osaka can also be reached by many other types of vehicles as well.

Getting from Kansai Airport to Osaka

For people from Thailand Of course, flying to Kansai Airport will be the fastest. But when you get there, how will you enter the city? We have options to look at

• JR Haruka Limited Express is a limited express train that runs to Shin Osaka Station, takes about 50 minutes, tickets cost around 2,800 yen
• JR Kansai Rapid Train is a regular express train that stops at various stations. Osaka Station, takes about 70 minutes, tickets cost about 1,200 yen
• Nankai Rapit is a limited express train. It reaches Namba Station in downtown Osaka. It takes about 40 minutes, the ticket is about 1,430 yen
• Nankai Airport Express is a regular express train, stops at many stations, we get off at Namba Station, takes about 45 minutes, the ticket is about 920 yen
• You can take the Airport Limousine bus, about 1,300 yen. Get off at Osaka Station
• or call a taxi But the price is quite expensive, about 15,000 yen.

Traveling from Other Cities to Osaka

For those who have traveled to other cities before, such as the Kanto, Kyushu region, must read it.

Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka We can go both planes. Shinkansen trains and buses as follows:

Plane

If you want to make time to get to Osaka quickly. got on the plane as fast as possible From Narita Airport to Kansai Airport, it takes about an hour and a half. And if taking a low cost plane like Peach Airlines, the ticket price is not too brutal. About not more than 10,000 yen

or choose to board a flight from Haneda Airport (Haneda Airport) to Itami Airport (Itami Airport)

from Itami Airport can travel to Osaka as follows

• Limousine Bus sat down in osaka It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs 640 yen.
• Monorail from Osaka Airport Station, get off at Hotarugaike Station, about 5 minutes, tickets cost 200 yen, then transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line, get off at Hankyu Umeda Station, about 15 minutes, tickets cost 220 yen – Taxi, about 3,700 yen, ride to Osaka

Shinkansen

From Tokyo Station Tokyo to Shin Osaka Station by “Nozomi” train takes about 2 hours and 27 minutes (fast travel However, the JR PASS cannot be used on “Nozomi” trains

• or if using “Hikari” it takes about 3 hours and 4 minutes (stops at some stations) and “Kodama” takes about 3 hours and 57 minutes. (This is the slowest train because it stops at every station.)
• From Shin-Osaka Station to the actual central station, Osaka (Umeda), take the JR Tokaido Sanyo Main Line (fare 160 yen). Travel time is about 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for about 1600 yen in about 10 minutes. More than a minute

Bus

Traveling by bus is another convenient option. There are many bus terminals in Tokyo. But the place most people come to use the service is Shinjuku Bus Terminal. There are many bus times from morning to late night. And the bus runs straight to the destination without having to go to the bus again. It takes about 9 – 10 hours to run, but it really runs at night so it doesn’t waste time traveling. The fare is about 3,500 – 10,000 yen depending on the class of the car.

The following options are available for traveling from Fukuoka to Osaka.

Shinkansen train

We can take the Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Shin Osaka Station by “Sakura” which takes about 2 hours 54 minutes, “Hikari” takes about 3 hours 56 minutes, “Kodama” takes about 4 hours 33 minutes, “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes, but the JR PASS is not valid for “Nozomi” and “Mizuho”

Buses.

From Kyushu, you can take night buses from major stations such as Hakata Station or Kokura Station, and get off at major spots. For example, USJ or Umeda, the ticket costs about 3,700 – 5,000 yen, takes about 8 hours and 45 minutes, but runs at night so it doesn’t waste time traveling. Save money on one night’s hotel fees.

Boat

Take the Meimon Taiyo Ferry from Shinmoji Port to Osaka Nanko Port. The fare is about 5,000 – 18,330 yen.

Travel in Osaka

You don’t have to worry that it’s difficult to travel around in Osaka. because he has convenient transportation There are many JR, private train, subway and bus lines serviced by bus stops at stations. The trains and subways available in Osaka seem to be the most frequently used means of transportation. And probably the most convenient if we are going to a big trip. that are along the route these trains pass through There are 7 companies in Osaka serving as follows:

1. JR West is a train network that connects all over Osaka. It is served by the main Osaka Loop Line, and it also provides train services to Kansai Airport, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara and USJ Osaka theme park
2. There are eight subway lines in service: Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line, Yotsubashi Line, Chuo Line, Sennichimae Line, Sakaisuji Line, Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, and Nanko Port Town Line covering the Osaka Loop Line connecting Kita and Minami areas. (Minami)
3. The Nankai Railway — connects Namba and Kansai Airport, Wakayama and Mount Koya
4. The Hankyu Railway connects Umeda Station and Osaka’s Kita area. Kobe and Kyoto
5. The Kintetsu train — connects Osaka with Nara, Kyoto, Asuka, Yoshino, Ise and Nagoya starting at Namba Station, Tennoji Station and Nagata Station
6. Kobe Starting at Umeda Station and Namba Station
7. the Keihan Railway — connects Osaka with Kyoto. Starting at Yodoyabashi Station and Nakanoshima Station

We can purchase a pass to travel according to our style and suitability. Here are some interesting passes to use in Osaka:

YOKOSO! OSAKA TICKET

This is a ticket package that allows us to use it in two parts. one way and the second section for unlimited travel on subways and Osaka City Buses for one day. The ticket price is 1,500 yen online purchase, 1,650 yen purchase at the ticket office. The

Osaka Amazing Pass

This is a popular pass that visitors to Osaka must have. Yes,

Value 1 can be used on Osaka Municipal Subway, New Tram, all bus lines and private railways Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu and Nankai.

2nd value, TOKUx2 coupon can be used to get many privileges and discounts. In addition, there is a barcode on the back of the pass for free access to 35 places participating in the campaign.

There are 2 types of passes: –

1 Day Pass (2,500 yen)
2 Day Pass (2 Days Pass) 3,300 yen

Enjoy Eco Card (Osaka 1 Day Pass)

can be used for unlimited rides on Osaka Metro, Osaka City Bus, and New Tram (except OTS Line) within one day. Weekdays
800. yen Holiday 600 yen

Culture and food

Osaka has been a city that has been trading since ancient times. Bustling with merchants from the west and the east come to do business. The culture here is about eating culture. Osaka values ​​food so much that it is called the national kitchen. So we can see the food source. Eating and drinking in Osaka is a big area. Many bustling and colorful places such as Dotombori, Shinsaibashi, Shinsekai, etc.

In addition to eating culture Like if you want to see a festival that reflects the traditions of Osaka a bit. Must not miss the Tenjin Matsuri, which is ranked 1 of the 3 famous festivals in Japan. It is a parade of gods on land and water. Organized by Tenmangu Shrine, rituals are performed to commemorate the deity Tenjin. The spirit of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of wisdom, was summoned. At night there are beautiful fireworks. This festival takes place from 24th to 25th July every year.

Since it is a food town, there will surely be a variety of food menus. But I would like to give examples of two famous foods of Osaka. I think they are well known. and have eaten together before Osaka’s signature dish has to be takoyaki. which is round Made from kneaded flour Grilled with squid filling Then topped with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

Garnish with dried fish another equally outstanding menu is Okonomiyaki. Or Japanese pizza with flour, vegetables, cabbage, onions and various meats. Let’s put it on top, then mix it together and grill it on the stove. Topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes, and came out looking appetizing. There are many recipes for this okonomiyaki. By the way, if you come to Osaka, don’t forget to stop and taste the food here. Next, it’s time for us to go to the famous places of Osaka.

Osaka Castle

Not visiting Osaka Castle is the same as not visiting Osaka. Because this is an important landmark that appears on all Osaka tourist brochures. Osaka Castle was built in 1583 as a residence for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s headquarters, but in 1615 it was destroyed by war, and in 1665 it was struck by lightning again and in 1868 it burned down. Until it was renovated in 1931 to look like the present.

Osaka Castle is located in a large park in the center of Osaka. The park in the castle grounds is vast and has 600 cherry trees planted. or cherry blossom viewing Osaka Castle Park is one of Osaka’s most important cherry blossom viewing spots.

Business hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Holidays: December 28 – January 1,
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults, junior high school students and younger. free

How to get there

• Take the subway Tanimachi or Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station and walk for 10 minutes. –
• Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajo Koen Station and walk for 15 minutes.

Dotonbori

Dotombori area used to be a district full of entertainment and theater. But now it has become a famous shopping and eating place. It is another famous neighborhood of Osaka that has it all. This area is filled with many local snacks. There is a restaurant with a prominent sign that draws attention for us to go in and try the restaurant’s food. For example, Kani Doraku’s giant moving 3D crab sign, which has a variety of crab dishes. Or the Konamon Museum sign, which is a 3D octopus that invites you to try takoyaki, is eye-catching. And if you come to this area, you need to find Mr. Glico’s signboard. which is a landmark that anyone who visits has to take a picture as a souvenir once Many shops open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Admission is free.

How to get there:

• Take the subway Midosuji Line to Namba Station, then walk for about 4 minutes.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a theme park that many people dream of visiting. Opened in 2001, it is a theme park that is as grand as Disneyland in Tokyo. There are plenty of rides themed around popular cartoon characters such as One Piece as well as famous Hollywood characters such as Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. (Jurassic Park) Spider Man (Spider Man) should have a full day of fun here because of his rides, activities and shows. During festivals such as Halloween, there are parades and shows that are very spectacular.

Opening hours and closing hours are uncertain.
General opening hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM.

Admission fee: for 1Day Studio Pass
Adult (over 12 years old) 7900 yen.
Children (ages 4-11) 5400 yen
Seniors (ages 65 and over) 7100 yen

with 2Day Studio Pass
Adult (ages 12 and over) 13400 yen
Children (ages 4-11) 9000 yen

for Universal Express™ Pass 7, 7600 yen, Universal Express™ Pass 4, 5200 yen, Universal Express™ Pass 3, 4200 yen

How to get there:

• there Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, change to the JR Yamesaki Line, get off at Universal-city Station. Then walk for about 10 minutes.

Shinsekai district

The Shinsekai area is another popular shopping and drinking district in Osaka. There is a famous landmark, Tsutenkaku Tower, located in the center, which is beautifully lit up at night. Can go up to see the view of Osaka city. The Shinsekai area has a slightly retro feel, with pufferfish paper lanterns floating around as an eye-catching symbol of the area. and is another source of famous restaurants in Osaka which is kushikatsu Kushi-katsu is kushi-katsu, deep-fried skewers that can be enjoyed as a snack or as an appetizer. Opening

Hours: Open daily at different stores.
Admission: Free

How to get there:

• Take the Midosuji or Sakaisuji subway lines. Get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station. then walk for about 3 minutes

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Let’s go see a variety of rare aquatic animals in a cool aquarium. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, or as we call it Kaiyukan for short, is located at Tempozan Harbor Village near Osaka Bay. Opened in 1990, it is one of the best aquariums in Japan. Inside the aquarium exhibits both aquatic animals. amphibian Reptiles Birds Mammals There are more than 15 large tanks including boneless animals and plants. Especially the central tank where the whale shark lives is 9 meters deep and 34 meters long. It’s another highlight. See the list of tourist attractions that you must not miss when coming to Osaka.

Business hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, please check the link (English)
Admission fee: 16 years old and over: 2300 yen, Over 60 years old 2000 yen, 7-15 years old 1200 yen,4-6 years old 600 yen,
children under 3 free

How to get there:

• Take the Chuo subway line to Osakako Station and walk for about 10 minutes.

Source: allabout-japan