Nestled along the vibrant shores of the Japanese island of Honshu is Osaka, a testament to the captivating fusion of rich history and dynamic modernity. Osaka is one of Japan’s most populous and culturally significant cities, sprawling with urban districts, advanced transportation networks, and a wealth of tourist attractions. 

How Big is it?

Osaka is a massive metropolitan city, covering a vast expanse of approximately 55,000 acres. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation since its creation. In its current state, it encompasses an area 25 times larger than its initial establishment. Unlike some other cities in japan, Osaka’s landscape is predominantly urban and is surrounded by mountains on three sides while the other side is ocean. The geographical confines of Osaka have led to the development of artificial islands, serving as the home to Kansai International Airport (KIX). 

What’s the Weather Like?

Osaka maintains an average of 60° Fahrenheit throughout the year, varying every season. Annually, the city receives on average 54 inches of rainfall, contributing to the city’s lush greenery and vibrant landscape. September marks the beginning of what the Japanese refer to as typhoon season. Although typhoons are very rare, it is possible for one to happen anytime. During the winters, Osaka is typically cold and dry, while in the summer, it is humid and hot. The extremes in weather conditions prompt the people of Osaka to adopt diverse methods of transportation to navigate the city comfortably and efficiently.  

How Can I Travel in Osaka?

The many different methods of transportation in Osaka may be difficult to understand from a foreigner’s perspective. The most popular method of transportation are subways, which are utilized by a significant majority of Osaka’s residents. While the subway maps might initially appear confusing, with consistent practice, many individuals find this mode of transport to be the swiftest means of reaching various destinations within the city. There are four different railways/subways you can take. The Osaka Metro is the most common railway as it has seven different lines that connect to almost everywhere in the city. The Keihan Line is the same, except it is a single line that extends to distant locales. The JR Line is like Osaka Metro, but facilitates travel beyond Osaka, reaching destinations like Kobe and Kyoto. better. Lastly, the Shinkansen, which is also known as the bullet train, is the fastest way to get to other areas in Japan without buying an airplane ticket. The bullet train is a train that can go extremely fast because of its ability to float due to electromagnets. While cars are owned by residents, their prevalence is limited due to the scarcity of parking lots in Japan. Buses are also a convenient source of transportation, often used to go to train stations. Unlike America, taxis are everywhere, so you can call one almost anytime. This transportation is mainly used to travel to one of Osaka’s many tourist attractions.

What Makes Osaka So Famous?

Finally, one of the main reasons why Osaka is so famous is because of its many tourist attractions. One of the most famous districts is Dotonbori, which is known for its plethora of shops and delicious street food. Notably, fresh crab delicacies, including crab meat and crab roe soup, are a standout feature, attracting visitors despite the higher cost. Another example is the sidewalk ramen shops, where people eat ramen without the luxury of chairs. The unconventional setting adds an intriguing dimension to the dining experience, attracting many tourists. Besides Dotonbori, there is also Universal Studios Japan. Although it is almost identical to every other Universal Studios, it is mostly known for its “Konan Escape Room.” Participants in this escape room, themed around the anime “Detective Konan, are tasked with defusing a bomb within a 60-minute frame to escape the room. Additionally, the city is home to a colossal castle and one of Japan’s largest aquariums, featuring an impressive array of sea life, including the whale shark and incredibly plump seals. 

As you can see, Osaka is an incredible city that is slowly becoming more popular than Tokyo. When it comes to the geographical features, transportation, and tourist attractions, Osaka might have an edge of popularity over most places in Japan. Without Osaka, Japan would quickly lose popularity as there will not be many fun places there. However, because it is here, people can go to Japan knowing that there won’t be only a limited amount of entertaining places. Japan has truly made an amazing city. Maybe in the future, Japan can be the ultimate tourist attraction by turning itself into a giant capsule toy.