Osaka is broken into 24 wards. In central Osaka, the main north/south thoroughfare is Midosuji Boulevard. Two main shopping and entertainment centres are at each end of this road. Umeda district is on the north end and located in Kita Ward while the Namba district in Naniwa Ward is at the southern end. Many foreign consulates can be found in Kita and Chuo wards along with lovely parks, company offices as well as residential neighbourhoods, while the Minato ward is home to the Port of Osaka and the aquarium.

Umeda

Umeda is the city’s main railway terminal at Kita or the north end and where the main shopping and hotel district lies. Arguably the best shopping in the city can be found here, from the city’s largest department stores and gigantic malls to boutiques and intimate specialty shops. Many of the cities high rise buildings are in Umeda along with famous hotel brands.

Namba

As Umeda is on the north end, Namba is on the south. The city’s major south/central railway station is at Namba, making this a bustling area. Namba is probably the main entertainment district featuring bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Excellent shopping is also available here and the area features a large underground mall.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a major tourist destination famous for its flashy atmosphere and neon signs. Situated along an inner-city canal, Dotonbori is home to many restaurants where tourists and locals alike usually go to sample Osaka’s culinary delights.

Chuo-ku

The ward of Chuo-ku is home to one of Japan’s most famous castles, the Osaka Castle. This beautiful landmark played an instrumental role in the history of Japan and is also a great place for photos. Photographers can capture traditional Japanese culture and architecture at this impressive site. Chuo-ku is also home to many foreign consulates and is the main financial district.

Osaka has a thriving entertainment and leisure scene and is home to many fine parks that are beautifully decorated with Japanese fixtures and elaborate gardens. A myriad of shrines and temples offer excellent insight into traditional Japanese architecture while the many renowned museums highlight the cultural richness of this great city. Visitors can view the finest in art or learn about the area’s natural history, maritime history and much more. The city also possesses a fine aquarium which boasts one of the largest aquarium tanks in the world.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is located in Konohana-ku and is the fourth and one of the most successful Universal Studios of them all. Ranked as one of the most popular theme parks overall globally, this fun-filled park has all the famous attractions – from themed rides for Back to the Future and Jurassic Park to speciality rides in 3D and 4D dedicated to The Adventures of Spider-Man and Terminator 2 – and that’s just for starters!

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is something to behold. Built in 1583, the original structure was burned in the aftermath of a battle in 1868 and later rebuilt in the 1930s. An impressive sight perched high on a stone foundation covering an area of 106 hectares, the castle overlooks the city as if to protect it. Surrounded by imposing stone walls and a moat it is today an historic curiosity and national treasure. Located in Chuo-ku, the castle is open daily from 9 am.

National Museum of Art

The National Museum of Art near Central Osaka houses fine works of art from all around the world. Housing a permanent collection as well as hosting internationally renowned touring exhibits, the museum holds over 6,000 pieces. While the collection is far-ranging and eclectic, over a third of the works are beautiful prints from artists such as Cezanne, Picasso and many of Japan’s greatest artists.

Like any major city, Osaka has many choices when it comes to accommodation. Many budget and backpacker-oriented properties line Midosuki Boulevard mostly in the Umeda area. As this area is also a major cultural, arts and entertainment district, luxury hotels from boutique to brand names can be found here too.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located in the heart of Osaka Bay and is a key international airport in Japan's Kansai region. It is approximately 50 kilometres away from downtown. HK Express currently operates direct flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

To transfer from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to the city centre, you can take the Nankai Electric Railway (Airport Express/Rapi:t Express) or JR West Railway (Kansai Airport Rapid/Haruka Express) from Kansai Airport Station in Terminal 1, with travel times between 34 and 65 minutes. You can also opt for the airport limousine bus which can reach directly to Namba in approximately 50 minutes. Taxis are another option for a quick and comfortable ride.

DEC - FEB (Winter)

Average: 9°C - 12°C
Don't forget your winter coat - it's going to be freezing!

MAR - MAY (Spring)

Average: 13°C - 24°C
Great time for sightseeing as cherry blossoms bloom beautifully around the city.

JUN - AUG (Summer)

Average: 27°C - 33°C
Bring sunglasses and a hat and make sure to drink lots of water.

SEP - NOV (Autumn)

Average: 17°C - 29°C
Expect plenty of rain so bring an umbrella or a raincoat.

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Electricity

100V 50Hz

Language

Japanese, English

Timezone

UTC+9

Tel code

+81

Religion

Shinto, Buddhism

How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Osaka?

The average flight time from Hong Kong to Osaka is 3 hours and 50 minutes.

What’s the best season to visit Osaka?

Japan's cherry blossom season starts from March to May (Spring) and the weather will be warmer and milder, making it a perfect sightseeing season to visit Osaka.

What transportation can I take to transfer from Kansai International Airport to the city centre?

You can take the Nankai Electric Railway, JR West Railway, the airport limousine bus or taxi for travelling between Kansai Airport and the city centre.