Osaka - Travel Tips for Visitors

Weather in Osaka

Osaka's climate is generally mild. Osaka summers are hot and humid.

Winters are usually cold and many times temperature drops in a single digit.

Usually, Spring (March/April/May) and fall (October/November) are the best seasons to visit Osaka.

Clothes & Shoes in Osaka

If visiting in winter, bring a good jacket as it can get cold.

Bring a good pair of walking shoes as you will be walking a lot in Osaka.

Clothes and shoes are Asian size (0-9) for women and (s-m) for men.

Finding clothing/ shoes may be difficult in Kyoto if your size is outside these parameters.

Heavy Luggage Transportation

As most people use trains/subway/metro to commute.

It is common in Japan that anything bigger than your carry-on bag is transferred by luggage delivery (locally called as takuhaibin) for a small fee.

These luggage delivery is operated by specialized companies and delivers luggage to your hotel or destination address.

These companies have counters at all major Airports in Japan.
They also pick-up service from home or hotel for delivery to Airport or other destination address in Japan.

Local transportation in Osaka

Pickup local map in English at Osaka Station or any Tourist visitor center.

Tourist attractions are well connected by the JR trains/Subway network and/or bus system.

The train/subway system and public buses are inexpensive, organized, efficient, and the fastest way for local commute in Osaka.

Osaka's Taxi cabs are efficient and affordable.
Make sure to have a destination address written in Japanese in case your driver does not speak your language.

JR rail passes are worth purchasing if you plan to travel to many cities in Japan in a specific timeframe.

You must buy a JR rail pass outside of Japan.

Usually, You cannot purchase this JR Rail passes in Japan.

If you plan on going only to one or two cities buy roundtrip tickets for the Shinkansen (bullet) train.

Make sure to get reserved seats if possible for any train.
Japanese trains are fast, roomy, clean, comfortable, safe, and efficient.

Eating in Osaka

Japanese love good food- simply prepared but always elegantly presented.

There are many local Osaka restaurants and cafes serving:
Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Negiyaki, Taiko-Manju, Udon, Yakiniku or very fresh Sashimi/ Sushi at reasonable prices.

Most local restaurants have English menus and usually located in alleys along the main streets.
FYI: Many times Lines for restaurants can be long so be patient- most are worth the wait.

Many local restaurants are tiny so try to eat earlier or later, especially if you have a large group/family.

Another affordable option for meals is Bento boxes.
They are sold in trains stations and in the food section of large department stores.

Some restaurants have ticketing machines for meals.
Simply select and pay for your meal choice, and go into the restaurant with your meal ticket/token. After a few minutes, you will be served!

Osaka has many bakery shops. Eat at a bakery.
Get a tray and sample any of the delicious, fresh, and affordable breads and sweets for a nice snack or breakfast!

Restaurant Tipping

Tip is not expected and will be refused if you offer in most places in Osaka and the whole Japan.

In most local restaurants after finishing a meal go straight to the counter.
And place your money on the money tray next to pay your bill.

Safety in Osaka

People are friendly and always ready to help strangers in Osaka.

Although Osaka is safe, it is a big city and you should consider these safety tips:
- Be aware of your purse or backpack, especially when on crowded subways or buses.
Don't walk around by yourself late at night.

- Always know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.

Languages in Osaka

English, Korean, and Chinese are spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurants, and tourist places.

However, languages other than Japanese are not widely spoken.
Japanese is the most commonly spoken language.

Remember to carry your hotel card and/or a map in case you need to ask directions.
Tourist counters at Stations and big hotels have maps of attractions in English, Korean, and Chinese and to make visitors life easy.

Downloading a language translator on your smartphone can be helpful in communicating with others in Japanese.

Electronic Japanese Toilets

You will encounter toilets with electronic features all over Japan.

The multiple buttons can be confusing initially, however, are easy to use.

They are basically automated bidets. Hotel has toilet paper in the bathroom as well.

Electricity (Power)

If visiting from outside, 100 Volts (as compare to U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply.

Culture Corner in Osaka

Rule for Queue: Don't try to cut a queue or line.
Japan is a very orderly and polite society and taking your turn is a big rule to keep.

Money/ credit cards are never directly given from hand to hand. This is considered impolite.
Put your cash or credit card on the money tray provided and pick up any change/ receipt from the tray.