Best Time to Visit

Osaka is pleasantly temperate all year round but it is probably preferable to avoid the humidity and the heat of the summer months which can become uncomfortable. The city can also get quite crowded from June through August. The best times to go are the spring and autumn months when temperatures and crowds have subsided. Towards the end of March, the cherry blossoms come to life for one beautiful week until their delicate petals fall a week later at the start of April.

Information

Passport/Visa

For stays of up to 90 days, visitors that hold a valid passport from 67 countries including most of Europe, North America and Oceana as well as some countries in South Asia and South America are not required to apply for a visa before entering Japan. Upon arrival, you may be asked to fill out a short visa application form on which you must state the planned length of your trip. Your passport must be valid for the entirety of your stay. For stays of longer than 90 days and for work or study visas, be sure to check the visa requirements specific to your country ahead of time.

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport is located 50 kilometres south of Osaka. One of the easiest ways to travel between Osaka and the airport is by train. You can also choose between different bus services and shuttles. Airport limousine buses go to more specific places and hotels in Osaka. A journey to Osaka Station takes approximately one hour via train and around 40 minutes by bus or car. There are a lots of taxis outside the airport and several ride-hailing apps including JapanTaxi, Grab and Go that operate in the area. There is also a high speed ferry service that takes you to Kobe Airport.

Public transport

The subway provides the fastest and most efficient way of getting around Osaka. Lines operate from early in the morning until midnight. There are a number of travel passes for Osaka and the Kensai region available from the Osaka Info website. A one-day pass is valid for unlimited trips on subways, the tram line and city buses. Multiple Ride Cards can be used until their fare expires.

Taxi

Taxis are a very convenient way of getting around Osaka as they are numerous and run through the day and night. You can call one via one of the many taxi companies in the city such as Toho Taxi Co, hail one in the street or use one of the ride-hailing apps such as Go, Uber or Grab to organise quick and easy transport.

Post

Osaka Central Post Office is the main post office in Osaka where you can go to send all types of mail and packages, either domestic or international. The postal service in Japan is fairly uncomplicated and the staff are very helpful. Post boxes are red and stamps can be obtained online and printed out. For express services, a separate form must be filled out in relation to the EMS (Express Mail Service) or you can contact one of the other international companies such as DHL and Federal Express.

Pharmacy

Considering that Osaka is the third biggest city in Japan, you can easily find a pharmacy here. Medical care in Japan is considered some of the best in the world and the Universal Healthcare system throughout the country ensures good health for all inhabitants. Perhaps the largest and most comprehensive drugstore chain in Osaka is the Sugi Drugstore, which offers a wide array of OTC (Over the Counter) medicines as well as non-essential items. Pharmacies in Japan are referred to as 'Yakkyoku' and stock prescription medicines that require the consent of a doctor for purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osaka expensive? Japan, on the whole, is an expensive country to visit and live in but Osaka is much more affordable than Tokyo. Is Osaka safe? Generally speaking, yes. Japan is a very safe country to visit, however, Osaka does have the highest crime rate in all of Japan. Try to stay out of the Kamagasaki district to avoid any unwanted attention. What is Osaka known for? Osaka is the second largest city in Japan and as such, has a very long and interesting history. It was once even the capital of the country before Tokyo was established. It is also home to the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan.

Best Time to Visit

Osaka