Second
only to Tokyo as a tourist destination, Osaka is known for gourmet fare like
takoyaki and okonomiyaki. This article will recommend what to see and eat when
you visit this great Kansai city.
Where Is
Osaka Located?
The heart of Japan’s western Kansai region,
the city of Osaka is about 500 kilometers from Tokyo, two and a half hours away
on the fastest Shinkansen train.
Around 500 years ago, Osaka took its first
steps toward becoming the great metropolis it is today, when the samurai lord
Hideyoshi Toyotomi built Osaka Castle. As the city developed its own culture
and flourished as a trade hub, it became second only to Edo (now Tokyo) in
major metropolitan status; Osaka’s influence on Japanese food culture is so
significant that the city is nicknamed “the nation’s kitchen,” and regional
cuisine from all over Japan can be found in Osaka.
In modern times, Osaka is known for
characteristic dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and teppanyaki, and travelers
flock to its popular landmarks like Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.
From Tokyo
Station
The Shinkansen is the most convenient way to
get to Osaka. The journey takes two and a half hours and costs around 15,000
yen. The train ride is smooth and the trains are spotless, making for a
comfortable commute. It also takes the least time compared to other methods.
For more information, check out our Traveling
from Tokyo to Osaka? A Guide for Prices and Times article. Also, if you plan to
take the Shinkansen, getting a Japan Rail Pass beforehand will save you a lot
of money.
From Haneda Airport
Take the Keikyu Airport Line Airport Express
train to Shinagawa Station, switch to the Shinkansen line and head to
Shin-Osaka Station (14,030 yen, three hours).
Read more on... Osaka
Travel Guide: Sightseeing Tips, Dining, Shopping And More!
Author: Lester Somera
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