Why Everyone Will Be Going To Osaka In 2025

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Besides Tokyo, Osaka, Japan is a big draw to foreign visitors. One also has to include nearby Kyoto. Usually, one doesn't visit Osaka or Kyoto without going to the other. 

The last time I visited Osaka was in 2015. Of course, we also had to visit Kyoto, but we stayed in Osaka during that portion of the trip. 

The highlights of the visit to Osaka were Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori district.

Above, Japan's food capital is Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on why everyone will be traveling to Osaka in 2025.

They begin it with:

With a long history as Japan's mercantile heart and major port of call, Osaka is dense and delightfully in your face. Now, as it gears up to host World Expo 2025 this month and welcome more travelers than ever before, the neon-lit metropolis has been reinventing itself. It has launched several ambitious urban renewal projects—like the Grand Green Osaka, a 22-acre mixed-use development that is transforming a freight terminal into verdant public spaces—to draw leisure seekers beyond the usual tourist haunts. The city has also lured some of hospitality's most luxurious names: The Four Seasons arrived last August, and the Waldorf Astoria opens its first hotel in Japan this month. Star chefs from Japan and abroad are shaking up the dining scene with inventive gastronomy, though delicious casual eats from rough-and-ready street stalls and mom-and-pop shops are still Osaka's calling card. Among Japan's major cities, Osaka remains unique: unpretentious, energetic, and ready to show you a good time—as long as you know where to go.

To read more, go here. 

Osaka: "The Kitchen of Japan"

Above, along with food, Osaka's Dotonbori has interesting restaurant signage to view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those of you who are planning to travel to Japan and are foodies, the place to go to is Osaka.

Osaka's Dotonbori district is the city's food center. I last went there in 2015 and partook in Osaka's cuisine.

CNN has posted an article on Osaka being the "kitchen of Japan."

It begins with:

Osaka, Japan (CNN) - Let’s be honest. Osaka hasn’t got Tokyo’s mind-bending urban sprawl, where every turn opens up a world of adventure. Likewise, it lacks the historic temples, tree-covered hills and ancient history of Kyoto.

What it does have, though, are two of the biggest draws any visitor to Japan could ask for. The best food anywhere in the country. And the people, who are funky, fun and playful.

This is a place to come and eat, enjoy the odd local brew and take in a city where day-to-day pleasures come to the fore unlike anywhere else.

Food is practically a religion in Osaka, which is now anticipating the global spotlight as it gears up to host Expo 2025. It is known as the kitchen of Japan, and, for foodies, any tour of its myriad culinary delights must start in Dotonbori.

To read more, go here. 

Where To Travel In Japan Besides Tokyo

Above, a restaurant at Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my eight trips to Japan was just confined to Tokyo. It was a short five-day trip, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I have been as far north (or east) as Sendai and far south (or west) as Kumamoto along with points in-between.

Yahoo! News has posted a list of places to travel to besides Tokyo.

They begin with:

Every few years, certain destinations emerge as major travel hotspots for American tourists. HuffPost recently asked travel experts to predict the most popular choices for 2024, and while many shared a variety of countries, cities, islands and other locales, a lot of them gave the same answer: Japan.

“The destination that comes to mind first for me is Japan,” said Sarah Firshein, head of editorial at Tripadvisor. “With travelers increasingly eager to spend their discretionary income on experiences and activities, I’m fully expecting Japan’s ancient temples, diverse cultures and communities, next-level food scene, and extraordinary art and architecture to be a huge draw in 2024.”

Of course, Tokyo is likely the first city that comes to mind when you think of travel to Japan. But with the growing tourist crowds, you might want to set your sights beyond the capital as well. Below, experts share the other amazing Japanese destinations they recommend.

To read more, go here. 

10 Cheap Japan Solo Destinations On A Single Budget

Above, the Dotonbori District is the heart of nightlife in Osaka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Seven of my eight trips to Japan was as a solo traveler. It gave me the freedom to do what I wanted and on the spur-of-the-moment at times. 

But I wasn't alone while there. Fortunately, I know people in Japan and we would meet up.

TheTravel has posted an article on 10 solo travel destinations in Japan on the cheap while on a single budget.

It begins with:

Japan is a beautiful and fascinating country with a rich culture and history, but many solo travelers often shy away from visiting due to the perceived high costs of travel, especially in its capital, Tokyo. Known for its technological advancement, sheer beauty, and countless iconic, Instagram-worthy spots, it’s easy to see why many would think it’s exceptionally expensive. However, the truth is that Japan can also be a budget-friendly destination, and there are many affordable attractions and experiences that a single person can enjoy without breaking the bank.

This article introduces readers to ten of the cheapest experiences for solo vacationers in Japan. From exploring ancient temples and shrines to enjoying delicious local cuisine, readers will discover that Japan has plenty to offer for those on a tight budget, above and beyond the famous landmarks it’s known for. By the end of the article, readers will better understand how to experience the best of Japan without spending too much money. Here are 10 cheap solo travel destinations in Japan for those on a single budget.

To read more, go here. 

TheTravel: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, for foodies, Osaka's Dotonbori district is the place to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one visits Japan, they should venture out of Tokyo to see other regions and cities. There are definitely noticeable differences everywhere one goes.

One place that should be on everyone's "bucket list" is Osaka. I have visited it twice and had an enjoyable time each time. 

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

For kaiju fans, Osaka was featured in Godzilla's Counterattack (1955) (a.k.a. Godzilla Raids Again) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

TheTravel has posted their "complete guide" of things to do in Osaka in three days.

They begin it with:

Osaka, the heart of Japan's Kansai region, is renowned for its culinary culture and street food scene. From mouth-watering Takoyaki to savory Okonomiyaki, Osaka's local cuisine will tantalize even the most discerning of taste buds.

But exploring the city's food culture is not the only attraction — Osaka also boasts a rich history and a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. From the iconic Osaka Castle, a towering monument to Japan's rich feudal history, to the neon-lit streets of the Dotonbori district, a sensory explosion of colorful signs, bustling crowds, and mouth-watering aromas, there's no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in this incredible city.

Joining the ranks of Tokyo and Kyoto as one of Japan's must-visit destinations, Osaka is a city that rewards exploration, discovery, and a willingness to dive headfirst into the unknown. So pack those bags and prepare to discover the rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine that makes this city such a beloved destination for travelers from around the world.

This complete guide is the perfect companion to discovering the best that Osaka has to offer. Get ready to fall in love with Osaka's dynamic energy and indulge in some of the best street food in the world.

Above, a view of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle. It got
trashed by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Biollante. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

International Tourism To Japan Hardly "Moved The Needle"

Above, the Dotonbori area of Osaka in pre-pandemic days. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

International tourist arrivals hardly "moved the needle" in Japan. This is the case despite the foreign exchange rate between the dollar (and other currencies) and the Japanese yen being the most favorable in years.

That's according to an article in the Asahi Shimbun. 

Here's some snippets:

While Japan eased its travel restrictions on international arrivals in June hoping to attract more overseas visitors, new data shows the move barely even moved the needle.

Tourism officials said the number of overseas visitors has not increased significantly due in part to a resurgence of coronavirus cases in the country.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported on Aug. 17 that there were only 144,500 foreign arrivals in July, including those who flew to Japan on business, to study, or through the Japanese government’s job training program for young people from developing countries.

A JNTO official said several factors contributed to the dwindling tourism figures. They include the Omicron subvariant driving up COVID-19 cases across Japan, the stringent anti-coronavirus measures put in place at airports, and the government’s decision to only allow in tourists taking part in group tours.

To read the full article, go here. 

The Points Guy: Stop Believing Japan Is Reopening

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Oh-oh! A discordant note has been posted over the "hype" over the reopening of Japan to foreign tourists.

This is from Bill Fink at The Points Guy. He seems to believe that we're being bullshitted (my words, not his) by the Japanese government and spells out why.

He starts with:

On Tuesday Japanese officials made the first official announcement about the reopening of Japan to tourists, with a series of “test tours” planned for the coming month. News outlets and long-frustrated Japan travel enthusiasts reacted with excitement to the news that the nation will finally welcome foreign visitors again.

However, this announcement seems to be another false alarm about the full opening of Japan to tourists. The Points Guy has been tracking other recent announcements, and with input from some industry sources about when the “real” opening of Japan might take place, has developed some recommendations for what sort of Japan travel planning you might be able to do now.

Don’t believe the hype

Over the past year, with semiregularity, Japan’s travel-related official and unofficial announcements, rumors and hints have given people false hopes that the country is joining the rest of the world in allowing inbound tourism.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s speech in London this month implied Japan would reopen for travel in June, but he walked back and qualified his statements shortly thereafter. While Japan has begun to issue business and student visas for visitors, tourists are still left at home hoping to finally take that long-delayed trip.

The Points Guy recommends:

The Points Guy recommends waiting on that Japan trip until 2023. If you do have an insatiable desire to travel to Japan as soon as possible, find a reputable organized tour that can ensure you get the access and experience you’re looking for in order to make the long journey worthwhile.

To read the full article, go here.

Study Finds Superbugs Hitching Rides During International Travel

Above, Osaka's famous Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, this is news that may put a major damper on thoughts of enjoying international travel again.

Apparently, those vaccinated will find that superbugs resistant to drugs are "hitching rides" internally.

The Japan Times reported:

WASHINGTON – Newly vaccinated travelers enjoying a return to trips abroad may find a drug-resistant superbug hitching a ride in their gut, a study in Genome Medicine says.

U.S. and Dutch researchers studying the effects of travel on the bacteria in our stomachs were unnerved to find that a third of their subjects who traveled to Southeast Asia carried a bacterial gene resistant to “last resort” antibiotics for infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.

“These findings provide strong support that international travel risks spreading antimicrobial resistance globally,” said Alaric D’Souza, a researcher studying microbial genomics and ecology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis who co-authored the study published this week.

The team, which studied the feces of 190 Dutch travelers before and after travel to parts of Africa and Asia, found international travelers to be “reservoirs and spreaders” of drug-resistant superbugs.

When the travelers returned home, their fecal test kits revealed a “significant amount” of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) genes that do not respond to commonly used antibiotics.

 To read more, go here.

10 Japan Love Hotels To Suit Every Taste

Above, the entrance to an Osaka love hotel near Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japanophiles are familiar with pretty much all aspects of Japanese culture and that would likely include the "love hotels".

What is a "love hotel"?

Savvy Tokyo has an article on them and they it start with:

These 10 love hotels are perfect whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran ‘rabuho’ guest. 

What do you do if you’ve found somebody special, but aren’t really digging the thought of bringing them back to your tiny apartment, in need of a spicy adventure in your love life, or on the look of a really special Staycation? Go to a love hotel (ラブホテル) of course! 

What’s a Love Hotel again? 

A love hotel is basically a facility that offers short stays—by the hour or for one night only. A rest or short stay can range from 2-4 hours and cost between ¥2,900-¥7,000 depending on the date, hotel, and room type. On the other hand, a stay or overnight can cost anywhere from ¥3,900 to well over ¥20,000. These prices are of course all before tax and don’t include any room service, extra amenities, or costume rentals. 

To read more, go here. 

Japan: Foreign Visitors Down 99% In April

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The COVID-19 pandemic shot Japan's tourism industry to smithereens.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan are almost non-existent compared to a year ago.

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - The number of foreign visitors to Japan in April tumbled 99 percent from a year earlier to 1,256 as the country tightened border controls in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, immigration authorities said Thursday. 

Visitors from China, who until January had accounted for the largest proportion of foreign tourists, totaled 29, down from 598,896 a year earlier, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. 

The number of visitors from South Korea stood at 24, down from 546,368. The number of travelers from the United States stood at 296, down from 164,435, and those from Europe totaled 58, down from 236,707. 

Last month, Japan expanded entry bans to a total of 87 countries and regions, including the United States and the whole of China and South Korea, as it scrambled to curb an increase in coronavirus infections.

To read more, go here. 

Fewer People On Japan's City Streets

Above, the Dotonbori section of Osaka usually sees hundreds of people during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In my most recent shopping trips into Gallup, New Mexico, I found far fewer cars on the streets and people walking around. We are under stay-at-home orders.

We're not alone.

There are far fewer people on the streets of Tokyo and other Japanese cities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to News On Japan:

Far fewer people were on the streets of shopping areas in Tokyo and other cities in Japan on Saturday, after authorities issued stay-at-home requests in the wake of the rapid spread of the new coronavirus. 

For the second straight weekend, many people in Japan refrained from going out after the country's National Governors' Association on Thursday called on residents to avoid leaving their homes except for essential reasons. The number of temporarily closed stores and restaurants increased from the previous weekend. 

"As the vast majority of stores are shut, the number of people on the streets is only about 10 percent of normal times," said a 48-year-old shop employee in Tokyo's Omotesando shopping district. "I hardly see foreign tourists now these days." 

Besides Tokyo, where a surge in new cases has made the capital the worst-hit area in the country, stay-at-home requests have also been issued by prefectures including Osaka, Fukui, Fukuoka, Miyagi and Ibaraki.

To read more, go here. 

Top Things To Do In Osaka

Above, one of the entrances to Dotonbori, Osaka's restaurant center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More and more visitors to Japan are venturing further away from Tokyo and heading out to other cities and rural areas.

One of the cities visitors are spending more time at is Osaka.

Japan Cheapo has an article of the top ten things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

Known as Japan’s Kitchen and home to dozens of weird and wonderful sights, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan, but often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Kyoto.  

Originally a vital trade hub with a strong reputation for Edo-period Kabuki and Bunraku theater, Osaka has become one of the most vibrant and interesting places to explore. Stereotyped from as far back as the 18th century as a place full of people who are both incredibly stingy and “devour their food until they collapse”, we cannot think of a city better suited to experiencing Japan on a budget. If you’re looking for some local specialities to try, we have the definitive gourmet guide, but without further ado, here are some of the top things to do in Osaka.

To read more, go here. 

Top Things To Do In Osaka

Above, Osaka's foodie paradise, Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming weekend, the focus of attention will be on Osaka, Japan when the city hosts 20 world leaders for the G20 summit.

This, naturally, will give people ideas on visiting Osaka (and nearby Kyoto).

CNN Travel has posted an article on top things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

CNN) — It's taken some time but Osaka, gateway to Japan's Kansai region, has moved well out of Tokyo's long shadow. 

Today, Japan's third largest city is one of Asia's top urban travel destinations and rightfully so -- it's a vibrant city filled with unique culinary, cultural and eye-opening experiences you won't find anywhere else in Japan. 

Osaka will appear under the global spotlight this weekend, with the city hosting the G20 summit from June 28-29. According to officials, the event is expected to draw more than 30,000 people to the city. 

In honor of the diplomatic action, we've put together a quick list of some of the top things to do in Osaka if you're a first-time visitor. (Bear in mind, many of Osaka's attractions will close or adjust their hours during the summit.)

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Pictured in this blog post are two of the top things to do. To see more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Osaka Accommodation Guide

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori restaurants have interesting signage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For kaiju fans and non-kaiju fans alike, Osaka is a great place to visit. Godzilla paid the city "visits" in 1955 (Godzilla Raid Again, a.k.a. Godzilla's Counterattack) and in 1989 (Godzilla vs. Biollante). It is also known as Japan't food capital.

If one is planning a visit to Osaka, where should they stay?

Fortunately, Japan Cheapo has a guide with advice on places to bunk in for the night (or two).

They start with:

Osaka needs more than a day trip to make the most of its neon charm, so if you’re keen to sample the nightlife and spend the night, where do you stay? 

Days exploring castles and temples, evenings spent eating everything from oonomiyaki to kushikatsu before trying out the bars and izakayas at night—you’re going to need at least one night’s sleep in the wonderful city of Osaka. The city is actually the birthplace of the capsule hotel, so it’s the perfect place to give it a try, but there are plenty of more traditional options too! Best seen at night, the glowing Dotonbori is a sight to behold, and there are simple too many restaurants to choose from, so finding somewhere to stay might be the last thing on your mind for the city. Whether you want convenience for late-night stumblings or early morning departures, take a look at our accommodation guide to see which areas and which places suit you!

To read more, go here.

Foreign Visitors To Japan Rises 7.5% In January

Above, a restaurant sign in Osaka's Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2019 is starting off to be pretty good for the Japanese tourism industry as foreign visitors to Japan in January topped the previous year.

According to Nikkei Asian Review:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The estimated number of monthly foreign visitors to Japan increased 7.5 percent in January from a year earlier to a record 2,689,400, the Japan Tourism Agency said Wednesday.

To read more, go here. 

Osaka Rainy Day Ideas

Above, one rainy day suggestion is a visit to Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've been to Osaka twice. First, it was a day trip with G-TOUR in 2004. Second, we stayed overnight in Osaka and took a day trip to Kyoto in 2015. On both occasions, the weather was nice and sunny.

However, Mother Nature may have other plans during your visit to the city. However, Japan Cheapo has some suggestions on what to do in Osaka during rainy days.

They begin with:

Unfortunately, plenty of the main sights in Osaka—Dotonbori, Tennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha, for example—require some outdoor strolling, which can be pretty unenjoyable in the miserable rain. You might not have factored in the wet weather, but in a city that sees around 110 days of rain a year, you probably should have. Fortunately, Osaka did, so you’re not short of things to do—from huge covered shopping streets to relaxing spas to great museums and galleries. Take a look at our top ten suggestions and you might find yourself hoping for a bit of rain.

To read more, go here. 

Dotonbori, Osaka's "Eat Street"

Above, interesting restaurant signs are plentiful in Osaka's Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Three years ago, I visited Osaka's restaurant district, Dotonbori, and partook in a hearty meal. This was one of the things I wanted to see and do while in Osaka. It was well worth the trip.

Dotonbori is an interesting place to visit. Along with enjoying aromas coming from its restaurants, looking at the signs is also a lot of fun.

Osaka is known for its culinary delights and The Guardian has an article on taking a "foodie tour" of the city.

They begin with:

The woman on the early morning train from Osaka station made swift work of a large noodle-stuffed omelette, and just as I was thinking that was a substantial breakfast for a far from substantial person, it was out with the chopsticks again as she set about a generous bento box, its nine compartments filled with rice, fish, veg and pickled bits and bobs. 

But that’s Osakans for you: prodigious appetites for food and, in marked contrast to Tokyoites, also for drinking and general fun. You have to love a city that has a word for “scoff till you drop”. Kuidaore literally means “eat to ruin” (whether that’s financial or physical is not specified).

To feed those appetites, the eating opportunities in central Osaka are many, hugely varied and, for those with only very basic Japanese, mystifying. So we asked Ayako “Aya” Kiyono, an Osaka-born tour guide whose hobby is restaurants, to take us on a night out.

Above, the counter of one Dotonbori eatery. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Visitors Topped 20 Million Already

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori restaurant area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the third year in a row, the total number of foreign visitors to Japan exceeded 20 million.

According to Nippon.com:

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors arriving in Japan in 2018 reached some 21,308,900 as of the end of August, surpassing the 20 million mark earlier than any other year in history. The JNTO cites the addition of new aircraft and expansion of flight routes, together with the continuous development and promotion of tourism, as the drivers behind this record-breaking number. 

The greatest number of arrivals from the August 2018 totals were from China, with 5,795,600 (up 18.7% from 2017); South Korea, with 5,218,300 (up 12.0%); and Taiwan, with 3,360,800 (up 8.0%). The countries with the biggest percentage hikes since last year were Russia, which increased by 27.2% to 60,900; Vietnam, up 26.9% to 262,000; and Spain, up 21.5% to 79,500.

Unfortunately, the article doesn't indicate the number of arrivals from the U.S. Apparently, we're not making that much of a dent.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle.

Godzilla has trampled through Osaka a couple of times (Godzilla Raids Again in 1955 and Godzilla vs. Biollante in 1989), and I have also been there twice.

Osaka is a draw for kaiju fans for those reasons, but there's other things to see and do in Osaka that would delight any visitor, kaiju fan or not.

Japan Cheapo has an article on ten things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

Known as Japan’s Kitchen and home to dozens of weird and wonderful sights, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan, but often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Kyoto.  

Originally a vital trade hub with a strong reputation for Edo-period Kabuki and Bunraku theater, Osaka has become one of the most vibrant and interesting places to explore. Stereotyped from as far back as the 18th century as a city full of inhabitants who are both incredibly stingy and “devour their food until they collapse”, I cannot think of a city better suited to experiencing Japan on a budget. Obviously we can’t scratch the surface of such a ridiculous city, but here are some of the top things to do in Osaka!

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori is a mecca for foodies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Osaka Earthquake Disrupts Transit Systems

Above, restaurant signs in Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Osaka Prefecture has disrupted transportation services in the region.

Travel Agent Central reported:

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit Japan at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time Monday morning. The earthquake struck north of Osaka and affected large parts of western Japan, including Kyoto, ABC News reports. The earthquake poses no tsunami risk, according to The Japan Meteorological Agency. 

According to the latest update from the Japan National Tourism Organization, there are still flight delays and cancellations to and from Osaka International Airport, but all highways in the Kansai region are passable and ferries are “mostly” on schedule. 

The tourism organization also stated that the Tokaido Shinkansen train station has resumed operations, though some routes on the Sanyo Shinkansen, JR, Osaka Metro, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, Kintetsu Railway, Keihan Railway, and Nankai Electric Railway are still under suspension, causing cancellations and delays.

To read more, go here.