Osaka is Tokyo's wild sibling. It's a place where folks laugh loudly, comedy flourishes, and neon lights glitter bright throughout the city's main canals.
It’s also the hometown of culinary extravagance. In Osaka, the term ‘kuidaore’ (to eat oneself into bankruptcy) is thrown around as a term of pride because, according to Osaka denizens, to eat and live so carefree is something to be admired.
Located in Kansai prefecture, an hour’s drive south of the cultural capital of Kyoto and two hours from Tokyo on the bullet train, Osaka is Japan’s third largest city. It’s also colloquially known as Japan’s kitchen, thanks to its Edo period (1603 – 1868) history as Japan’s rice-trade hub and its contemporary reputation as a gourmand’s paradise.
In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city so you can start planning your itinerary.
Osaka is Tokyo's wild sibling. It's a place where folks laugh loudly, comedy flourishes, and neon lights glitter bright throughout the city's main canals.
Before you launch into responsibility-free fun in the Japan, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including JPY) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.
While its networks may not be as labyrinthian as Tokyo’s, Osaka is still a train-centric metropolis. There are two main city hubs, kita (or north), which sprawls out from around Osaka/Umeda Station and minami (south), which encompasses Namba Station and its surrounds. If you want to see the city more intimately, renting a bike is a very worthy choice, too.
If there’s one thing Osakans do like it’s an Olympic sport, it’s having fun. So add Misono Building to your must-visit list. This retro complex houses some of the city’s most unique and interesting bars. Before going hard on the bar hopping, get your fill at Torikizoku, a much-loved chicken-focussed izakaya chain.
Hit Kuromon Market and partake in a little tabearuki — a Japanese term for walking and snacking. This street has existed since the Edo Period and remains as buzzy as ever, with local vendors selling fresh seafood, excellent produce, and a scrumptious selection of sweets.
Five of the Best
Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Stay in style in some of Osaka's finest. No matter your budget, huge or humble, the city has a place for you.
Coffee and Sweets
When hours of exploring call for a little pick-me-up, get your caffeine or sugar hit at one of these five stellar spots.
Cultural Sites
Want to take a deep dive into Japanese history? Start by visiting these culturally significant locations.
Must-Try Food
Narrowing down Osaka's dining scene to five spots is near impossible, but this selection gives you a good sample of the city's best delicacies.
Fun Stuff
From quirky, family-friendly fun to cultural experiences, there are many ways to fill your time in this busy city and beyond.
Shopping Districts
Hot tip: go to Osaka with an empty suitcase. Find designer wares, cooking accessories, state-of-the-art tech and more.
Five of the Best
Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.
Explore Osaka Your Way
Dive into Osaka’s vibrant neighbourhoods with our interactive map. Save must-see attractions, plan your route, and build your dream itinerary — all in one place. Whether it’s buzzing streets or serene escapes, this is your ultimate tool to navigate the city with the help of your HSBC Everyday Global Account.
Click 'add to trip' on the pop up box to begin your journey. Save, share & export.
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Further Afield
If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan from Osaka.
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Kyoto
Step back in time with a visit to Japan's former capital city, Kyoto. Traditional Japanese culture remains alive here, so spend time visiting temples, teahouses and gardens. -
Kobe
There's more to this harbourside city than premium wagyu (though you must try that while you're here). Visit sake breweries, onsens and stunning vistas from the top of Rokkosan or Mayasan. -
Himeji
Himeji is home to one of Japan's most beautiful castles, now considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. -
Mount Koya
A visit to Mount Koya will give you a greater understanding of history of Buddhism in Japan. You can explore sacred sites, stay in a temple and take part in meditation sessions. -
Minoo Park
Based just on the outskirts of Osaka, Minoo Park is a great to visit for a dose of a nature. Take the 2.7km hike through the forest to the waterfall.
Get Started
Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.
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Asahi Beer Museum
Asahi is Japan's most well-known beer and you can go behind the scenes at its Osaka factory to learn the production process. Tours cost 1000 yen pp and reservations are a must, which you can do on the website. -
Street Kart Osaka
Live out your childhood 'Mario Kart' fantasies IRL by zooming through Osaka's streets in a go kart. The experience costs JPY 17,500pp and can be booked here. -
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
Visit Japan's first malt whisky distillery, just outside Kyoto. You'll get a look at the manufacturing process and sample exclusive drops on the Monozukuri tour. Prices start from JPY 3000pp and can be booked here.
Where to eat and drink
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CafeZeroku Hommachi
This 110-year-old hang-out was one of the city's earliest rice cracker and ice cream stores — and it's still kicking.
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CafeRikuro's Namba
Cheesecake isn't a traditional Japanese food, but Japan does cheesecake better than most. Visit this cosy cafe to see for yourself.
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CafeYARD Coffee & Craft Chocolate
Artfully brewed coffee, craft bean-to-bar chocolate, and a sleek interior — this hang-out blends modern style with a traditional Japanese artisan ethos.
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RestaurantIzakaya Toyo
A simple but buzzy street food-style izakaya serving delicious meals and plenty of character, too. Try the tuna cheeks.
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RestaurantOkonomiyaki Mizuno
Okonomiyaki, aka 'Japanese pancake', is a street food staple. This buzzy restaurant takes it up a notch and has received a Michelin nod of approval.
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CafeBrooklyn Roasting Company Namba
Born in Brooklyn and re-interpreted by Japan's third-wave coffee experts, this effortlessly cool chain offers the best of both worlds.
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RestaurantTakoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori
This lantern-adorned corner store sells some of the best takoyaki in the city, a great option for a snack on the run.
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RestaurantRai rai tei
Ramen is so ubiquitous in Osaka that, to be locally loved, it has to be excellent. Rai Rai Tei is a place that gets the locals excited.
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RestaurantKushikatsu Daruma
This popular hangout is the best place to sample kushikatsu — delicious deep-fried meat and vegetables, Osaka-style.
What to Do
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Things to DoMozu Tombs
Have you seen a megalithic tomb before? This cluster of ancient tombs is flanked by artfully curated Japanese gardens, surprisingly tranquil and beautiful.
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Things to DoOsaka Castle
An icon of the city, surrounded by a sprawling public park, this castle is a living piece of history.
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Things to DoShitenno-ji Temple
One of Japan's oldest temples and an archetypical marvel. If you're lucky, you might just see Buddhist monks praying.
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Things to DoSumiyoshi Shrine
A spectacular collection of vermillion buildings, this shrine complex is one of Shintoism's most important destinations.
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Things to DoUniversal Studios
This mega theme park is home to Harry Potter World, a whole swarm of minions and more attractions than you can point a wand at.
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Things to DoExpocity
Home to endless shopping adventures and stunning panoramic city views and nightscapes, this complex is well worth the visit, no matter your budget.
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Things to DoKaiyukan Aquarium
Officially the world's largest aquarium, this aquatic mega-complex is home to some of the most marvellous sea creatures in the world.
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Things to DoCup Noodles Museum
There's a lot more to instant noodles than you'd think. Discover the scientific marvels and delicious innovation behind Japan's favourite snack.
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Things to DoSeki Hamono Museum
Learn the way of the samurai and inspect fearsome swordmanship and incredible craftsmanship. You'll never look at a knife the same way again.
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Things to DoOsaka Museum of Housing and Living
Take a trip back in time at this immersive museum that showcases the evolution of Japanese life during the influential Edo period.
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Things to DoTachibana-dori (Orange Street)
This is where the city's most stylish shop. Here, you'll find high-end brands, stylish cafes and endless people-watching opportunities.
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Things to DoDotonbori
The unofficial star of Osaka, this neon-drenched canal street gets wild after dark and is home to countless bars, izakayas, and incredible food.
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Things to DoShinsaibashi
An enduring symbol of the city, this neighbourhood has been the main shopping area of Osaka since the Edo period.
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Things to DoKintetsu Department Store
A sleek department store in the heart of the city — there's no better place for a little retail therapy.
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Things to DoTenjinbashi-suji
Old-school Japanese shopping streets are charming and full of surprises. This 2.5-kilometre strip is no exception.
Where to stay
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HotelHotel Royal Classic Osaka
Part hotel, part cultural experience, the Hotel Royal Classic has the city at your feet and limitless style to boot.
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HotelKOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsaibashi
A fresh take on the convenience hotel model. This simple but tasteful chain offers city access and no unnecessary extras you don't want to pay for.
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HotelHotel the Grandee Shinsaibashi
Charming and laidback, this mid-range boutique hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city for those who want to maximise their time.
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HotelConrad Osaka
Forget Osaka Castle — this luxury hotel is fit for an emperor. Admire the landscape of the city below as you indulge.
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HotelThe St. Regis Osaka
Based on the aptly named Champs Elysées of Osaka, the street of Midosuji, this luxury hotel showcases Japanese hospitality with a European twist.
Be prepared for your Japan adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.
This is a sponsored post in partnership with HSBC. This advertisement provides general advice only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the product terms and conditions before acquiring the product, available at www.hsbc.com.au.
Illustration: Haylee Poppi