Why visit
Osaka is Japan's food capital. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. And Dotonbori's neon at night. Plus Osaka Castle and an easy day-trip to Nara.
Osaka at a glance
City population
2.8 million
Metro: 19.3 million
Elevation
24 m
79 ft
Time zone
UTC+9
Asia/Tokyo
Airport
KIX
Kansai International
Founded
1583 (castle built)
Getting around
Metro (9 lines), JR Loop Line, extensive buses
Signature dish
Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, Kuidaore food culture
Neighborhoods for travelers
NambaShinsaibashiUmedaDotonboriTennoji
Japan at a glance
Country center
36.0°, 138.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
377,930 km²
145,920 mi²
Country population
123.3 million
326/km²
Subregion
Eastern Asia
Currency
Japanese yen (¥)
JPY
Dial
+81
Language
Japanese
Demonym
Japanese
Internet
.jp
UN
Member state
ISO code
JP / JPN
Where in the world
36.0° · 138.0°
Japan
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Did you know
- Osaka has the nickname "Tenka no Daidokoro": the nation's kitchen: from Edo-era food trade.
- The city has 250+ shopping streets (shōtengai), many 400+ m long and covered.
- Takoyaki (octopus balls) were invented in Osaka in 1935.
- Japan has 6,852 islands: only 430 are inhabited.
- There are more vending machines per person in Japan (1 per 23 people) than anywhere else on earth.
Traveler notes
- Dotonbori food crawl. Glico running man
- Osaka Castle + Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine
- Nara (40 min) for deer + Todaiji Temple
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Osaka
What currency is used in Osaka?
Osaka uses the Japanese yen (¥), ISO code JPY.
What languages are spoken in Japan?
The primary language is Japanese.
What is the international calling code for Japan?
The calling code is +81.
What airport serves Osaka?
Kansai International (IATA: KIX).
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