Osaka Holidays

Osaka holidays serve up all sorts of things to do, as this lively city is home to some of Japan’s iconic attractions. Osaka Castle should be at the top of your list. Originally built in the 16th century, this much-renovated building is a fine example of Japanese architecture. And it’s in the heart of the Osaka-jo Koen Park so you can go for a relaxing stroll afterwards. Make sure you also tick off the ancient Buddhist temple of Shitenno-ji, as well as Sumiyoshi-taisha – one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, it was built over 1,800 years ago.  

There are some modern must-sees, too. The quirky Umeda Sky Building is 173 metres tall and boasts a lovely Garden Observatory on the 39th floor. This ‘floating garden’ is filled with native plants and flowers, and has sweeping views to boot. Nature-lovers should also check out Osaka Aquarium – it’s the largest in the world and is filled with a variety of marine life. And no holiday to Osaka would be complete without a trip to Universal Studios Japan. You can spend a day zooming around on the incredible rides at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

Osaka is proudly Japan’s foodie capital. Offering everything from casual fare to gourmet dining, this place is famous for its delicious dishes – so you’ll definitely want to sample some local treats during your Osaka holiday.

Make your way to Dotonbori – known as ‘Eat Street’ – by the river and you’ll find dozens of cafés, restaurants and street food stalls. Here, you can snack on traditional octopus dumpling called takoyaki and try tasty Osakan pancakes, okonomiyaki. Literally meaning “whatever you like, cooked”, this fritter-style dish is made with batter, crispy fried cabbage, pork belly and a slightly sweet sauce – but you’ll often see additional toppings like cheese, shrimp and kimchi.

Tuck into barbecued beef yakiniku or, if you’re feeling brave, try the infamous fugu – a poisonous pufferfish which can only be cooked by a specially-trained chef. Once you’ve had your fill, why not head to a pub-like izakaya and enjoy a glass of chilled sake?

There are lots of great places to stay in Osaka. Whether you’re looking for a swanky hotel or a traditional Japanese inn – called a ryokan – this city has something for everyone. For a convenient base, consider Hilton Osaka. It’s right in the centre and close to Osaka Station, giving you easy access to Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan and the airport.

But if you’re dreaming of a luxurious stay, take a look at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka. Inspired by an 18th-century English manor, this five-star hotel is home to plush suites, a first-class spa and four gourmet restaurants. To top it off, this gorgeous retreat is in a central spot, making it easy for you to explore on your Osaka holiday.

Conrad Osaka is another one of our favourites. On the upper floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, this luxury hotel boasts sweeping panoramas of the city – and, in true Osaka style, five top-notch restaurants. Tuck into teppanyaki and sushi 180 metres above ground, or sip cocktails in 40 Sky Bar and admire the view.

To see the city at its best, try to plan your Osaka holiday for spring or autumn. In April, Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms burst into bloom and temperatures hover in the high teens until the end of May. It’s a similar temperature in autumn but, instead of pink, the trees will showcase their vibrant red and orange foliage. With an average temperature of 25°C, September is the warmest autumn month – but you can expect to see a bit of rain, too.  

It’s best to avoid visiting Osaka in summer, as it gets very hot and humid. July’s also the wettest month of the year, which is not ideal for sightseeing. You could plan your Osaka holiday for winter, but be prepared to wrap up warm – temperatures rarely get above 10°C and are often much colder. On the plus side, though, Osaka will be crowd-free so you can explore at a leisurely pace.