Why Osaka Should Be on Your Japan Itinerary
By Jessica Montevago
Osaka, a modern Japanese skyscraper metropolis, should be added to any Japanese itinerary. It’s known for its thriving food scene, has fewer tourists than its Tokyo counterpart, and is bursting with a lively, vibrant energy.
Visiting during the winter off-season (where temperatures average in the 46°F to 50°F range) allows travelers to skip the crowds and cut costs. Special to this time of year is Setsubun, an age-old Japanese ceremony celebrated across the country. This year, on February 2nd, festival goers at the Naritasan Fudoson temple will mark the end of winter on the old lunar calendar by throwing incense sticks into a fire to ensure good fortune for the year ahead. Spring will make its welcome return, as do the blooming sakura, or cherry blossoms, typically around mid-March. A special three day festival is held in Ogimachi Park to celebrate the occasion with a beer garden, food trucks, and live music.
When exploring Osaka, travelers should take in the bright, neon lights that line Dōtombori, a busy street parallel to the canal. Almost a mile long, Shinsaibashi arcade stretches from Shinsaibaishi station to Dōtombori and is one of the busiest and oldest shopping streets in Japan. It’s also the best way to experience Osakan food culture, packed with restaurants, bars, and stalls serving local specialties. Two signature delicacies that should be on any must-try list: takoyaki,ball-shaped snacks made of octopus, and okonomiyaki, savory pancakes made with cabbage, meat and seafood.
Takoyaki
Gain insight into the city’s rich and expansive history with a visit to Osaka Castle and marvel at the expansive double moats and grand stone walls. Much of the site was reconstructed in the 1990s, after the city was bombed during World War II. Exhibitions and events on the grounds feature dives into Japanese history, art, and culture. Take an elevator to the top of the castle and look over the grounds and neighboring skyscrapers.
Ideal for kids and Mario fans alike, Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, which opened Super Nintendo World in 2021. Families can also enjoy day trips to the Legoland Discovery Center, Hirakata Park, Osaka’s oldest amusement park, or the aquarium.
Dōtombori | Arcady - stock.adobe.com
Where to stay
Located in the Umeda, The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is one of the tallest buildings in the district and overlooks downtown Osaka from its Club Lounge on the 37th floor. This luxury hotel channels old-world European elegance, designed after an 18th-century English manor house. Reimaged accommodations feature Italian marble bathrooms, soaking bathtubs, and expansive windows. Guests looking to immerse themselves in tradition can stay in the Japanese suite with shoji screens, tatami mats, and a Mikage stone bathtub. There’s several upscale dining options to choose from: Michelin-starred French restaurant La Baie; Hanagatami, which offers sushi, sumibiyaki, teppanyaki, kaiseki, and tempura; and Xiang Tao for Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. Cap off the night with a glass of whisky and live piano music at The Bar.
For a boutique stay, book the recently opened Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda. The brand’s locally-inspired ethos is on display throughout the property, such as a Fukusuke doll–a traditional charm–welcome amenity. Other unique touches include lighting fixtures and decor inspired by takoyaki, the city’s famous octopus-filled snack. The 308 stylish guest rooms include 52 suites, along with 19 connecting rooms. Rounding out the amenities are a 24-hour gym with panoramic views of the city, a Japanese fusion restaurant, and bar with an outdoor terrace. Adventurous guests can also take advantage of the property’s complimentary rental bicycles to explore the city.
The InterContinental Osaka offers a respite for guests looking for luxury and relaxation. Contemporary accommodations overlook beautiful views of the glittering city skyline. Unwind in the comfort of a king-size bed outfitted with high thread count linens. The spacious guest rooms also feature a walk-in wardrobe and marble bathrooms with separate bath and rain shower. At the hotel’s spa, a mindfulness tea ceremony sets the tone for the treatments that await. Cap off the experience at the Japanese bathhouse, with a soak in the baths or a visit to the steam and dry-sauna rooms. Located steps from Osaka station, the property is well suited for day trips to discover Kyoto, Kobe and Nara.
As the country’s tourism industry booms, travelers are looking to lesser-known corners to explore. As more venture to Osaka, the city is adding to its already robust upscale and luxury hotel scene with recently opened properties, including a Four Seasons, and new developments. This year, as part of Hilton-owned Waldorf Astoria’s global expansion strategy, Osaka will open a location of the luxury hotel chain. As the luxury travel market remains strong, Osaka is ready to welcome your clients.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Osaka Castle
