"Osaka" Osaka by worldkiwi

Osaka Travel Guide: 848 reviews and 2,363 photos

Osaka is a vast urban landscape that is well worth exploring. It was my first 'base' during my short business trip to Japan in April 2004. I stayed in the Umeda area in north Osaka. The city has an excellent subway system that makes getting around easy. Although it is difficult to say that Osaka is a city aiming to attract tourists, it does have a small number of must sees... some of which I saw!
In April 2007, I based myself in Osaka once again at the start of a business trip to Japan. I had four days in this sprawling urban landscape.

Osaka in the height of spring - 2007

Sakura at its height in Osaka Castle grounds.

The 6th of April, 2007 was a glorious spring day in Osaka. After a meeting was moved from this day, I was able to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Osaka Castle and its neighbouring gardens. There, people were enjoying strolls under the beautiful displays of sakura or setting up their spots for hanami, or traditional family picnics under flowering cherry trees.

Osaka Castle in spring, 2007.

Osaka Castle is a must see on any trip to Osaka.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An interesting city that's easy to get around.
Cons:The relentless urban landscape can be a bit overwhelming!
In a nutshell:Well worth exploring.

Last visit to Osaka: Apr 2007
Intro Updated May 4, 2007
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Reviews (15)

Conveyor-belt Sushi - 2007 Restaurants (4)

This fantastic Kaiten Sushi, called "Sakae", was somewhere east of Umeda station. Unfortunately, the only map I have is... more travel advice

Vie de France Cafe, Yodobashi Camera, Osaka. - Osaka

Affordable (and tasty) breakfasts in... Restaurants (4)

Vie de France Cafe is a chain that you will find all over Japan. Often they are located in train or subway stations, or... more travel advice

10 minute walk from Umeda. Hotels (1)

The Ramada Osaka is located right beside the Nakatsu subway station on the Midosuji line, one stop north of Umeda and... more travel advice

A Midosuji line train coming into the station. - Osaka

Osaka subway. Transportation (1)

The Osaka subway makes getting around this vast urban landscape quite easy. Most fares in the central city area are 230... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Explore the Kuromon Market.
Shopping (1)
Take your earplugs when you go!
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Comments (3)

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CALSF Oct 10, 2004 at 8:56 PM

The Ebisu-bashi bridge area does look like the scene in 'Blade Runner'. Maybe the dept. store employees get higher pay or ift not should get a higher pay for listening to that continuous, nagging theme song!
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b1bob May 21, 2004 at 7:25 PM

Maybe the shop assistants at Yodobashi can negotiate for a less grating theme song at their next contract.
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hunterV May 7, 2004 at 3:15 AM

Oh, what a charming and nice place to visit! it's a dream country and a dream city!