Osaka transportation heaven
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and just edging out Nagoya, stands tall on Honshu with its unmistakable skyline and two bustling airports. It is the hometown of my favorite voice actor, Kenjiro Tsuda, and a city that sparks debate online; some call it gritty and unappealing, while others consider it a must-visit. Despite the mixed reviews, Osaka consistently ranks among the top three destinations for JETs choosing their placements. I spent a few days exploring Osaka during Obon, and here I’ll share my impressions and help you decide if it deserves a spot on your Kansai itinerary alongside Kyoto and other popular stops.
To start with a fun tidbit, Kansai International Airport is a YouTube sensation and frequently lands on lists of the world’s most impressive megaprojects. The airport’s artificial island is slowly sinking each year, adding to its intrigue. When you arrive, you’ll find it remarkably easy to get around, with seamless connections to destinations across the Kansai region.
During my stay in Osaka, I wandered through the lively Namba district, sampling delicious local dishes and admiring one of the city’s striking towers. Although my visit was brief—most of my day was spent at the expo, which I’ve covered in a separate blog—there was still so much to discover, especially near the harbor. The area boasts a fantastic aquarium and plenty of attractions that come alive at night, offering stunning views. Osaka buzzes with an energy like Tokyo, brimming with diverse food and shopping options. The metro system is impressively frequent, and stations conveniently announce when the last train is departing.
Osaka’s skyline unfolds from endless industrial blocks to gleaming skyscrapers that watch over the sea. The city pulses with energy, inviting street photographers to capture its vibrant life. For travelers, Osaka delivers much of Tokyo’s excitement without the need to fly to the capital. While I’m usually not drawn to capital cities, Osaka surprised me with its lively spirit, even if it echoed some familiar urban rhythms. Despite enjoying my nine days there, my memories of Osaka blur a little, perhaps because I was always on the move and never truly paused to dive into the city’s everyday life.
Osaka is well worth a visit, especially with its international airport making it an ideal gateway to Japan—whether you’re starting your journey or wrapping up your adventure. For me, it was a personal pilgrimage to the birthplace of my favorite voice actor and a top pick on my JET application. Its location is perfect: close enough for quick trips to Tokyo yet nestled in the heart of Honshu with easy access to countless hotspots. The city buzzes with diverse cuisine, stadiums for sports and concerts, and a rich tapestry of history. From Osaka, you can reach many Kansai prefectures in under forty minutes, making it a fantastic base for exploring the region’s famous sights and hidden gems.
When planning your Osaka trip, be sure to include some adventures in the neighboring prefectures, as Osaka boasts an impressive network of trains allowing most prefectures near it to be reached within forty minutes. Osaka truly is a hub of travel and offers exciting ferry options for those wanting to get more adventurous. Osaka to me holds more of an industrial city vibe, whilst Tokyo is more the sprawling metropolis of tall buildings and a hidden glimpse of its historic past sometimes emerging. Whilst Osaka still holds its industrial roots on display. It's certainly not a city for everyone, but it is very much worth the visit, if not only for its amazing connections and international airport.
