View Japan & Asia on the mapA major port city known for food and humor, and a gateway to Kyoto and Nara sightseeing, with excellent dining and lively urban walks.

Osaka

Osaka · Japan · 34.65, 135.43

Western Japan’s largest commercial city, known as the nation’s kitchen and famous for its food culture. Dotonbori’s neon lights and colorful signs, Osaka Castle, and lively downtown neighborhoods are major attractions. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other flour-based foods, along with the city’s warm and humorous character, welcome travelers.

Port highlights

About 2.75 million people (about 19 million in the metropolitan area)

Population

Humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot, humid, and muggy; winters are cold, but snow is limited. Rain is frequent during the rainy and typhoon seasons.

Climate

Japanese (Kansai dialect)

Language

Japanese yen (JPY)

Currency

Spring (March to May, cherry blossoms) and autumn (October to November, autumn foliage) are comfortable. The intense heat of midsummer is best avoided

Best time to visit

Local food

Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon, hako-zushi (box-pressed sushi)

Sights

Osaka CastleDotonbori and ShinsaibashiTsutenkaku Tower and ShinsekaiUniversal Studios Japan

Monthly average high / low temperatures

10°

3°Jan

11°

3°Feb

14°

6°Mar

20°

11°Apr

25°

16°May

28°

20°Jun

32°

25°Jul

34°

26°Aug

30°

22°Sep

24°

16°Oct

18°

10°Nov

12°

5°Dec

Unit: °C · Adapted from Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: Osaka · about 8.7 km from port · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Similar to Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)97 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, meals are somewhat cheaper; water, coffee, beer and a Big Mac cost about the same.

¥108

Water 370 ml

¥485

Coffee

¥730

Inexpensive meal

¥650

Local beer

¥500

Big Mac

Prices in Osaka. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)

Getting there from Japan

KIX

Nearest airport

50–70 min

Airport to port (approx.)

A — Direct flight

Ease of access

Access from Japan: A = direct flight / B = one connection / C = two or more connections (indicative)

Itineraries calling here

Japan & AsiaSep–Nov 2027

Source: Wikipedia “Osaka” (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Checked Jul 22, 2026

Osaka

Port highlights

Getting there from Japan

Itineraries calling here

10-Night Japan & Asia Cruise from Tokyo / Yokohama (Osanbashi)

14-Night Japan & Asia Cruise from Hong Kong to Tokyo / Yokohama (Osanbashi)

Sources