"Osaka" Osaka by KevinMichael

Osaka Travel Guide: 848 reviews and 2,363 photos

On my own in Osaka

First Impression (December 2001):
The nice thing about my job is that I get 3 vacations of about 10 days each a year. So, I sometimes use that time to travel in Japan.

Osaka turned out to be very different than I had imagined it would be. It's big, but it doesn't feel big like Tokyo.
And it didn't seem to be as polluted as I heard it was (however I traveled there in December).

Pollution

Osaka from Osaka Castle

Second Time (May 2008):
Well, like many places pollution seems to get worse when it gets warmer. My wife and I traveled to Osaka for our first time together and my second time there during Golden Week. From the picture here you can see some of the haze, a likely by-product of economic activity. But, compared to other cities I've been to in other Asian countries (i.e. Beijing, Bangkok, Changmai, Seoul) this is clean.

Regardless, May is a good time to see Osaka. At this time of year it's a good time to get out and be involved in the atmosphere of activity. Keep in mind that the crowds are much larger when the weather is better. But, there are many places to go and things to do.

Getting to know the people

Look at the crowds

Wow. Osaka is crowded (at least it seems so during Golden Week). Quite honestly I don't think I like Osaka crowds as much as other crowds. I was bumped many times without even a gomenasai (*I'm sorry) or sumimasen (*Excuse me) while walking around in Osaka. Also, truth be told you have to watch out for potential pick pockets.

So, Osaka is a place with a different mind set. I'm much more used to being in polite places in Japan where people are nicer (than some in Osaka). On the whole, I can't say that all of Osaka is this way. But, enough of it is so just be ready for a different Japan.
But, as my wife says, "I don't think so. They weren't so bad." My wife thinks it's because I'm bigger and maybe I was the one that bumped them (Nah'... this doesn't happen to me in other places).

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fun and good food
Cons:some air pollution, some petty crime, lack of gomenasai(s)
In a nutshell:I don't care what anybody says, I want to go again.

Last visit to Osaka: May 2008
Intro Updated Dec 28, 2008
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Comments (3)

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Bilimari Jul 17, 2006 at 1:35 PM

10days x 3!! You are lucky. Ahhhh, Takoyaki daisuki. :)
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850prc May 15, 2003 at 9:19 AM

NIce job of introducing me to a place I've never been. Thanks, Kevin.
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demonia May 6, 2003 at 11:41 AM

Nice job! :) Mmmmmm takoyaki! Thank you for sharing :)