Every nation has an anti-city. In England, Manchester stands opposed to London; in Scotland, Glasgow is everything that Edinburgh is not; in Sicily, Catania is the antithesis of Palermo. Osaka is no exception. Compared to glitzy and expensive Tokyo, Osaka is gritty, vibrant, entrepreneurial and fun-loving. The best place in the country for a bar crawl, it is the economic heart of the Kansai region and its second-largest metropolitan area, brimming with bars, restaurants, shops and a famously friendly population. Ranging from simple ryokans to ultra-luxury hotels, the best places to stay in Osaka reflect the city’s buzz and its welcoming spirit, perfect for a fantastic city break.
For a sense of Osaka’s past, take a guided tour of imposing Osaka Castle or the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, both of which are iconic heritage landmarks. The Osaka Museum of History is fascinating, as are the National Museum of Art, the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum and the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Families should look to Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Science Museum and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Kuromon Market are also excellent.
A hub for Japanese tech start-ups and the AI industry, Osaka has a bright, youthful feel. You’ll get a real sense of this creative spirit in the downtown districts of Minami, Dotonbori and Kita, which boast brilliant bars, upmarket restaurants, chic cafes and cool shopping areas. Get chatting to welcoming locals in thriving eateries, and dance the night away at some of the city’s top bars and clubs before returning to one of the best places to stay in Osaka.