Welcome to the street food capital of Japan! Osaka welcomes visitors with open arms to all kinds of delights. From its vast entertainment hub to its trendy neighbourhoods and extroverted community, experience the beauty and attraction of this bustling metropolis. For an enhanced travelling experience, make sure to check out staples such as the Osaka Castle, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the city’s very own Eiffel Tower: Tsutentaku.
Visit Osaka: get started
There are many things to do in Osaka, starting with a photo sesh by the glowing Glico running man overhead the Ebisubashi Bridge. Once across, enjoy delectable treats on Japan’s gaudiest culinary street—Dotonbori—before catching the Tampozan Ferris Wheel in action in the Tempozan Harbor Village. End your escapade with one last stop at Tanimachi Yonchome Station and walk 20 minutes to Osaka Castle Park for a picnic featuring pickings from your eventful day.
Osaka travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Japanese
When to visit
We recommend going during the off-season, from December to February or from June to August, when there are fewer crowds. The peak season is when the cherry blossoms bloom from March to May.
What to bring back
Keep the nostalgia going with souvenirs from your visit! Visit Amerika Mura—Osaka’s designated trendy district—for a wardrobe revamp, or shop for products from luxury brands stationed in Midosuji. Plush toys from Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan are also recommended, or take a day trip to Kyoto, less than an hour away from Osaka by car, for traditional Japanese keepsakes like yukata summer robes, pottery and green tea sweets.
What to eat
Osaka is otherwise known as tenka no daidokoro—the Nation’s kitchen. Tastings of ooey-gooey takoyaki (octopus chunks covered in clumps of batter) and okonomiyaki (cabbage-based pancakes) are a must-have, and roaming Dotonbori begs for a few nibbles of kushikatsu (deep-fried meat or vegetables kebabs) and yakinitu (grilled meat strips) along the way.
Fun fact
Tokyo may be Japan’s capital today, but did you know that that title once belonged to Osaka?
In 645, the city (formerly known as Naniwa) was declared as the country’s capital by Emperor Kōtoku. At the time, Osaka was considered Japan’s most popular port. Since then, it has established itself as one of Japan’s largest economic hubs and its third largest city.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
