How to get to Osaka

When planning a journey to Japan, many tourists wonder how to reach Osaka — a dynamic metropolis and the culinary capital of the Kansai region. Thanks to a highly developed transport network, you can access this vibrant city in various ways: by plane, high-speed train, bus, or car. A trip to Osaka promises to be a memorable experience, and choosing a convenient route will ensure your holiday begins with comfort and ease.

Travelling to Osaka by plane is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city for most tourists. The metropolis is served by two major transport hubs that receive flights from all over the world and from various corners of the country.

The main aerial gateway to the region is Kansai International Airport (KIX). This unique engineering marvel, located on a man-made island in the bay, handles the majority of international flights. The airport operates around the clock and offers travellers a wide range of services, including prayer rooms and diverse dining options.

The second important hub is Itami Airport (ITM), which, despite its international status, primarily serves domestic routes. It is located closer to the city centre, making it a frequent choice for those transiting through Tokyo or travelling within Japan. Both airports have excellent connections to the city via high-speed trains and buses.

Travelling by train is arguably the most atmospheric and popular way to get to Osaka. The city is one of the key transport hubs in Japan, so railway connections here are organised to the highest standard. Most tourists arrive at Shin-Osaka Station, which receives the famous Shinkansen bullet trains connecting the metropolis with Tokyo, Kyoto, and other regions of the country.

The public transport system is thoughtfully designed down to the last detail. From the arrival station, you can easily transfer to local JR (Japan Railways) lines or the subway to quickly reach the city centre, including the Umeda or Namba districts. Rail travel not only saves time thanks to the legendary punctuality of Japanese trains but also allows you to enjoy scenic views from the carriage window.

Bus journeys across Japan are renowned for their high level of comfort, allowing you to reach the metropolis even from places without direct high-speed train lines. For instance, a trip from the neighbouring city of Sakai takes only about 40 minutes, as the distance is less than 20 kilometres. This is a budget-friendly and convenient way to find yourself in the centre of Osaka while enjoying urban views from the window.

Longer routes are also in demand due to the picturesque roads. The journey from Tokushima, located 120 kilometres away, takes approximately 2.5 hours and often passes over impressive bridges and along the coast. Equally fascinating is the trip from the city of Toyooka: the bus covers 140 kilometres in roughly 3 hours, connecting the northern part of the region with the bustling centre of Kansai.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to see non-tourist Japan at your own pace. A drive from the neighbouring city of Sakai will take only about 30 minutes, as you only need to cover 15–20 kilometres on excellent urban highways, while the scenic route from Tokushima, stretching 125 kilometres, will require about 2.5 hours.

Guests heading from the north, for example from Toyooka, will spend about 3 hours on the road to cover the distance of 145 kilometres to the centre of Osaka. Japanese roads are distinguished by perfect surfaces; however, it is worth noting that expressways operate on a toll basis. Furthermore, the cost of taxis for such long distances is extremely high and can reach several hundred dollars, making car rental a more practical choice for families and groups.

Planning a trip to Osaka is the anticipation of meeting the culinary capital of the Kansai region. To ensure your journey runs smoothly and leaves only positive emotions, it is worth learning in advance about some local customs that distinguish this city from the rest of the country.

• Comfortable footwear is a priority. Osaka is a vast metropolis, and it is most convenient to explore it on foot or by public transport. Be prepared to walk long distances daily, so choose proven trainers or flat shoes. In summer, it is very humid and hot, so clothing should be modest, light, and breathable.
• Smart travel payment. For travelling on the subway and JR trains, it is highly recommended to purchase an IC transport card (ICOCA or Suica). This will save a massive amount of time on buying tickets before every trip. Taxis in the city are expensive compared to the UAE, so they should be considered only as a last resort.
• Cash is King. Despite its high technology, Japan remains a cash-based society in many aspects. In small restaurants, souvenir shops, and when buying tickets to some temples, cards may not be accepted. The easiest way to withdraw yen from a foreign card is at ATMs installed in 24-hour convenience stores (konbini), such as 7-Eleven.
• The Escalator Rule. This is an important nuance that often confuses tourists arriving from Tokyo. In Osaka, it is customary to stand on the right side of escalators and walk on the left. This is a unique feature of the region worth remembering to avoid obstructing the flow of people during rush hour.
• Communication culture and bargaining. The residents of Osaka are known for their friendliness, humour, and directness. Unlike the reserved nature of Tokyo, here in markets and private electronics shops, it is quite appropriate to politely ask for a discount. The phrase "Makete?" (Can you lower the price?) is often received with a smile and can help you save money.
• Tipping and service. In Japanese culture, tipping is not customary. Attempting to give money over the bill amount may embarrass the staff or even be perceived as offensive. A sincere "Arigato" (Thank you) will be the best gratitude for excellent service.
• Language barrier. Although English is spoken in tourist centres, menus in ordinary cafes may only be in Japanese. Download an offline translator app with a photo translation function to your smartphone in advance — it is an indispensable assistant for daily life.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and avoid awkward situations. Osaka is open to those who respect its traditions and is ready to gift unforgettable impressions to every guest.