Osaka is the second biggest city in Japan and one of three the most popular tourist destinations in Japan along with Tokyo and Kyoto. It is located in Kansai Region and about 2,5 hours journey by high speed train to the south from Tokyo.
For you who wants to travel to Osaka for first time, here are some tips we share for you;
HOW TO REACH OSAKA
If you don’t fly directly to Osaka and get in Japan through Tokyo, there are several transportation options to reach Osaka from Tokyo, the first is by plane, the second is by train and the third is by bus.
- By Plane
You could fly through Haneda International Airport in Tokyo to Kansai International Airport in Osaka. There are several airline serve this route, among them are Japan Airline, All Nippon Airways, Japan Transocean Air, Skymark Airline, Air Nippon, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, Spring Airline Japan, Air Asia Japan, and etc. The fare is about 6.500 yen (about 56 dollar) to 12.000 yen (about 112 dollar) depend on the airline you choose, the date of the flight and the time you book.
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- By Train
You could get Osaka from Tokyo by Shinkansen (high speed train). The one way fare is around 13.500 yen on Nozomi train and around 14.500 yen on Hikari train. You can take the Shinkansen Train from two station in Tokyo; Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station. But if you buy unreserved seat ticket (there are two types of Shinkansen ticket; reserved seat ticket and unreserved seat ticket. The unreserved seat ticket has cheaper fare than the reserved seat one but you don’t have certainty for getting seat at the train. It depends on the condition of the train, if you the train is crowded, you could not get seat), I suggest you taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station for bigger chance of getting seat at train because Tokyo station is the starting departure point. The train will arrive at Shin-Osaka station, and to get Osaka central Station you still need to take local train from Shin-Osaka station. The train schedule is every 30 minute and take time around 2,5 hours to arrive in Shin-Osaka station.
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If you have schedule to visit Kawaguchiko Lake, you could take Shinkansen without going back to Tokyo. You could take the Shinkansen from the nearest station, Mishima Station, where you can reach by bus. The Shinkansen ticket fare from Mishima is cheaper than from Tokyo. Therefore, you could save your money and your time. If you need help about information of the the bus to Mishima, you could ask for help from the officer at the tourist information in Kawaguchiko station. Don’t worry. it is easy.
- By Bus
For cost consideration, bus is the best option to reach Osaka from Tokyo. Bus fares is the cheapest compared to Plane fare and Shinkansen fares. The other advantage is if you take the night bus that arrive in Osaka at next morning, you don’t need to take a hotel.
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WHERE TO STAY
As first timer, I suggest you taking hotel near the Osaka central station. There are several great hotel near the station which can be reach by walk such as Hilton Osaka, Westin Osaka, Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda, Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel, Hotel Granvia and Hotel Mystays Premier.
WHAT TO VISIT
There are several places to visit in Osaka. For first timer, I suggest you visiting at least 2 areas, namely KITA (UMEDA) and MINAMI (NAMBA).
- KITA (UMEDA)
- Yodobashi Umeda
Yodobashi Umeda is a huge electronic shop. It offers wide range of electronic product such as Camera, Smartphone, Smartwatch, etc. Some foreign tourist usually search for Japanese electronic product while visiting Japanese cities, included Osaka. Electronic goods are the most sought after by tourists when visiting Japan is the camera and its accessories. There are usually discounts for cameras with very cheap prices, especially camera products manufactured specifically for sales in Japan. But one disadvantage is that the guarantee does not apply internationally.
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- Underground Shopping Arcade
Under Umeda street sprawls an extensive network of interconnected shopping malls housing hundreds of shops and restaurants. This shopping arcade connects to all of department stores and train stations. You can buy various products and various food here. Tourists usually reach their hotel (for certain hotel) through this underground street, therefore they can shop while walking to their hotel.
- Hankyu Department Store
Hankyu Department Store is very large Shopping center in Osaka. This Department store has 13 floors plus underground floor. it offers various products such as Men and Women Clothes, babies and children wear, Stationary, Sport fashion, Nursing care products, Pets Product, Jewelry, Eyeglasses, Shoes, Cosmetics, etc. it is also housing several international boutiques that will tempt you to shop. Located in Osaka city center, no wonder if this Department Store is very crowded by visitor. As first timer, You need to ask the officer or other visitors which floor the product you are looking for located. As a foreign tourists, you can get tax refund here by showing your passport. For General goods (clothing, fashion accessories, watch accessories and household items) with minimum purchase amount 5.000 yen on the same day (not included tax). For consumable goods (medicine, cosmetics and beverages with minimum 5.000 yen and maximum 500.000 yen on the same day (not included tax). But the term and conditions could be changed. Then, if you feel hungry and want to have meals, there are several restaurant at the upper floor.
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- Hanshin Department Store
Hanshin Department Store is one of the largest department store in Osaka alongside Hankyu Department Store. This Department store has 9 floors plus underground floor. it offers wide range of product such as Men and women wear, babies and children wear, shoes, handbag, cosmetics, travel accessories, jewelry, watch, kimono, Japanese craft, nursing care product, etc. And then, as foreign tourist, you could also get tax refund.
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2. MINAMI (NAMBA)
- Dotonbori
Dotonbori is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Osaka. Dotonbori is famous for its gaudy neon light, shops and enormous variety of restaurant. For culinary fans, Dotonbori is the right place to be explored which offers various types of food. One of the most popular restaurants is the Kani Douraku restaurant which is famous with its red giant crab picture.
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- Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
Shinsaibashi shopping arcade is Osaka’s premier shopping center with long around 500 meters. This shopping arcade is home for many retail stores and trendy boutique. You can explore the shops and search for some interesting stuff either for yourself or as gifts for family and friends. If you are lucky, you could get certain product with cheap price.
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Thus, hopefully helpful.
duscik ceolah 