9 days in Osaka Itinerary

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Change things up with these side-trips from Osaka: Muko City Cultural Museum (in Muko) and Kyoto (Gion, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, &more). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Osaka Castle, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, and don't miss a visit to Kuromon Market.

For reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Osaka vacation planner.

If you are flying in from Malaysia, the closest major aiports are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. In March, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 5°C.