Osaka is Japan's third largest city and the centre of the Kansai region. It was a merchants' city through its history, and a local saying sums that past up: an Osakan spends their money on food. Street dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki were invented here, and both banks of the Dotonbori canal are the shop window of that kitchen. In the historic centre stands Osaka Castle, raised by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Kyoto and Nara are less than an hour away by train, which makes Osaka the natural base for the Kansai region.
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See flights to Osaka →When to visit Osaka
Late March and early April is the cherry blossom period, and the castle gardens are at their busiest that week. October and November are the best months for autumn colour, with temperatures between 18C and 22C and dry weather. Mid June to early July is the rainy season, and August is the hardest month, humid with temperatures reaching 34C.
Things to do in Osaka
Osaka Castle
The castle raised by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 played a decisive part in the unification of Japan, and the present main keep was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1931. The museum inside tells the history of the castle and the city, and the surrounding park holds some three thousand cherry trees.
Dotonbori
The street on both banks of the canal, dug in 1615, is the entertainment and eating quarter of the city and lights up at night with huge neon signs. The Glico running man sign has stood here since 1935, and takoyaki and kushikatsu stalls line the street.
Shitennoji Temple
Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, the temple is considered the oldest state built Buddhist temple in Japan. The buildings have been renewed many times after fires, but the original layout has been kept, and the five storey pagoda and the inner garden are open to visitors.
Umeda Sky Building
Completed in 1993, the building is made of two towers joined at the top, and the ring shaped open deck between them shows the whole city from 173 metres. The way up is a glass escalator suspended between the towers.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, it preserves the sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture that predates the arrival of Buddhism. The steeply arched red Taiko bridge at its entrance is the shrine's emblem, and the city crowds here at new year.
Kuromon Market
The covered arcade about 600 metres long has been the city's fish and vegetable market since the 19th century and is called Osaka's kitchen. Most stalls cook what they sell on the spot, with seafood, wagyu beef and seasonal fruit on offer.
Flights from Turkey to Osaka
A direct flight from Istanbul to Osaka takes about 11 hours and the route is operated by Turkish Airlines. It runs daily, so dates are flexible, and the return leg is around two hours longer because of the winds.
Osaka FAQ
How many days do you need in Osaka?
Three days cover the centre, the castle and Dotonbori. Using Osaka as a base for day trips to Kyoto and Nara makes six or seven days a comfortable Kansai programme.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Kansai International Airport is built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, about 50 kilometres from the centre. The express train on the Nankai line reaches the centre in around 40 minutes.
Do you need a visa for Japan?
No visa is required for a Turkish passport for tourism, and stays of up to 90 days are allowed. Fingerprints and a photograph are taken on entry, and a Japan Rail Pass for travel within the country can be bought in advance from abroad.
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