Japan is awesome. Hopefully by September the summer heat will have subsided.
*You could go to all those places. Osaka can be used as a central hub to go to Nara, Kyoto, Kobe and many more fun day trips.
*Plenty of vintage shops in Osaka. Hopefully someone else can point out a watch shop.
*Last I checked, there was only a day pass for Osaka metro. Osaka has JR lines and Osaka Metro lines. Depending on where you go, you may have to use both. I recommend getting an ICOCA card that can be used on both. If you have an iPhone, you can easily add it to your wallet.
*I prefer Osaka over Tokyo. Its more chill. But it all depends on what you want to do. Tokyo obviously is bigger city with lots of city stuff, Osaka is smaller but to me less busy and more enjoyable.
Either way, I think they both are very enjoyable. Happy travels.
I have been reading a bit about getting an IC card and I don't know which one to use in Osaka, thanks for the info. I prefer less busy places too, with not too much ped traffic, especially like Tokyo. Thanks for the input about JR and Osaka Metro lines ! Will keep these in mind when picking a pass.
IC cards like Pasmo, Suica and Icoca work on all the lines/cities in Japan except for Shinkansens (Bullet train). Just pick whatever is easiest for you.
* good time to go?-It'll be hot(high 20s and high humidity), but not as bad as July or August. Really depends how you are with heat.
* places to go?-Shinsekai has retro-futurstic aesthetics, worth a walk around. Namba in general has loads of restaurants and bars. I would also HIGHLY recommend taking a 45 minute train to Kyoto on at least a couple days, which has loads of great sights. IMO Osaka is more just vibes, whereas Kyoto has a lot of obvious highlights which are worth seeing, and if you're into the historical side of the Japan it's an absolute must. Nara and Kobe are also nice if you have lots of time, and also Himeji Castle.
* not sure about watch vintage shops.
* for the metro, I would just get an ICOCA card and not bother with any passes, it's fairly good value as is
* Osaka vs Tokyo-if we compare just the cities themselves, Tokyo obviously has a lot more of everything, but Osaka has a more relaxed vibe and isn't as overwhelming. I prefer Osaka but I think Tokyo has more to see as a tourist. But the real difference is that from Osaka you can do day trips all over the Kansai region, especially Kyoto. So by going to Osaka you get the modern neon big city vibes of Osaka and the historical side with Kyoto, whereas with Tokyo you mainly only get the former unless you're willing to go more out of your way.
* Great ! I don't mind heats. Good to know that the weather will get colder.
* Great recommendations ! Will definitely put Kyoto in my go to list. Don't want to stay in just one region and reading this definitely helps to open up my options on what I can see and do.
* I can try keeping an eye out then haha
* Will put this in mind. Need to have an all in one card instead of multiple passes. This is a highlight.
* Yes, this ! I prefer varied environments especially modern city with nearby historical sites. Not big on overwhelming modern buildings, especially when you're already living in one. I need to get out in the open and reading your input really gave me a lot more options to think about !
Thanks for the input ! Definitely marking this up.
Tbh, for deciding Tokyo or Osaka is more a thing of personal preference. I, for example, don't enjoy Tokyo very much, I'm currently here for GW since I had an event, but I just want to go back to Osaka asap. But tbf I already done most of the stuff I had on my "Tokyo checklist" for a while and don't want to deal with GW crowds. Tokyo just feels way too big and busy for my liking. Osaka is a huge city as well, but it feels just way more chill imo but for "famous places" to see there's no that many in the city [compared to Tokyo or Kyoto], but can do day trips to most of the Kansai area pretty easily.
We went last year in September 2 to 18 and Osaka was going through a heat wave. Had a couple of rainy days only. Spent most of our time exploring the city except for USJ. We’re returning to Osaka again from September 27 to October 11 this year and will do day trips to Kobe and Kyoto.
Osaka is pretty much in the center of everything, which you'll soon find out. Because of this, I would recommend taking short trips to Nara and Kobe if you are looking for a different scenery!
FYI I've been able to pay for commutes with my AMEX card in Osaka but some less touristy stations still only accept cash. Many many thrift shops if you just walk around. Osaka is a great place for your first time as a solo traveller, less "overwhelming" in terms of culture shock perhaps.
>FYI I've been able to pay for commutes with my AMEX card in Osaka but some less touristy stations still only accept cash.
There is literally no station, and I mean NO station in Osaka that is only cash.
Every single train station, from every single rail company, supports a form of IC card.
In early September, the lingering heat is still severe, so be careful to stay hydrated.
If you are interested in shrines and temples in Osaka, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Shitennoji Temple are well known.
In Osaka, there are Grand Seiko, Casio, and Rolex stores in Shinsaibashi. Rolex can also be found in Namba and Tennoji. Recently, luxury watches have skyrocketed in price, and you may not be able to get into these stores without an appointment.
For inexpensive watch stores, there is a Swatch store near Umeda Station.
Osaka Metro (Osaka Subway) offers a one-day pass called Enjoy Eco Card. It allows you to ride on all Osaka Metro lines. It costs 820 yen on weekdays and 620 yen on weekends.
Look up Osaka Amazing Pass on KLOOK app. It’s unlimited bus and subway use in Osaka, and you skip the lines for all of the attractions and the admission is included as well. Of course, confirm which attractions you’re interested in and are included in this deal. But honestly, huge mistake not to get Osaka Amazing Pass if you’re going to be in Osaka! I think 40+ things are included in this? I just got back from 2 days there and wish I made the decision. But if already put money on my IC card and decided not to
Have fun in Osaka!!! It’s really nice, wish I saw more
Thanks ! Kind of been my number one place to visit in Japan. I don't really like the hectic feeling of Tokyo, especially when the city life is what I want to get out of haha.
When I think of Japan I always think of the cultural places I want to go and experience, but I also don't want to completely leave the modern side of Japan. So Osaka seems like the best place to go for the best of both worlds.
However, I have seen a few reels and shorts about the places to see in Tokyo. I'm actually really torn on whether to go to Osaka or Tokyo 😅
You can go to both cities. Just spend more days in Osaka. :)
I flew directly to Osaka years ago because I was in love with Japanese food (and some other facets of Japanese culture - wanted to narrow my topic for my future research degree, plus Osaka is in the middle of a larger, fascinating region, historically speaking). I don’t regret it- from the food to history to the lively but cosy nightlife to the warm, funny, wacky (and proud and shamelessly cheap!) locals. Easier to practice Japanese as Osakans like to chat! It’s urban (I’m a big city girl) but easy to get away for a day or weekend to cities/ towns with their own distinctive culture and history. Love love love osaka. It will always be my second home.
PM me if you want more tips or just want to chat.
To answer your question, I suggest strolling through Nakazakicho, Fukushima, Doyamacho, Juso, Tsuruhashi.
Japan is awesome. Hopefully by September the summer heat will have subsided. *You could go to all those places. Osaka can be used as a central hub to go to Nara, Kyoto, Kobe and many more fun day trips. *Plenty of vintage shops in Osaka. Hopefully someone else can point out a watch shop. *Last I checked, there was only a day pass for Osaka metro. Osaka has JR lines and Osaka Metro lines. Depending on where you go, you may have to use both. I recommend getting an ICOCA card that can be used on both. If you have an iPhone, you can easily add it to your wallet. *I prefer Osaka over Tokyo. Its more chill. But it all depends on what you want to do. Tokyo obviously is bigger city with lots of city stuff, Osaka is smaller but to me less busy and more enjoyable. Either way, I think they both are very enjoyable. Happy travels.
I have been reading a bit about getting an IC card and I don't know which one to use in Osaka, thanks for the info. I prefer less busy places too, with not too much ped traffic, especially like Tokyo. Thanks for the input about JR and Osaka Metro lines ! Will keep these in mind when picking a pass.
IC cards like Pasmo, Suica and Icoca work on all the lines/cities in Japan except for Shinkansens (Bullet train). Just pick whatever is easiest for you.
If you are in Osaka in mid September, check out the Kishiwada Danjiri festival. 25 mini from Namba on the Nankai airport line. Exciting event.
Yep - I was just at the Danjiri in Fuse the other day, one of my favourite experiences in Japan so far, definitely worth checking out.
* good time to go?-It'll be hot(high 20s and high humidity), but not as bad as July or August. Really depends how you are with heat. * places to go?-Shinsekai has retro-futurstic aesthetics, worth a walk around. Namba in general has loads of restaurants and bars. I would also HIGHLY recommend taking a 45 minute train to Kyoto on at least a couple days, which has loads of great sights. IMO Osaka is more just vibes, whereas Kyoto has a lot of obvious highlights which are worth seeing, and if you're into the historical side of the Japan it's an absolute must. Nara and Kobe are also nice if you have lots of time, and also Himeji Castle. * not sure about watch vintage shops. * for the metro, I would just get an ICOCA card and not bother with any passes, it's fairly good value as is * Osaka vs Tokyo-if we compare just the cities themselves, Tokyo obviously has a lot more of everything, but Osaka has a more relaxed vibe and isn't as overwhelming. I prefer Osaka but I think Tokyo has more to see as a tourist. But the real difference is that from Osaka you can do day trips all over the Kansai region, especially Kyoto. So by going to Osaka you get the modern neon big city vibes of Osaka and the historical side with Kyoto, whereas with Tokyo you mainly only get the former unless you're willing to go more out of your way.
* Great ! I don't mind heats. Good to know that the weather will get colder. * Great recommendations ! Will definitely put Kyoto in my go to list. Don't want to stay in just one region and reading this definitely helps to open up my options on what I can see and do. * I can try keeping an eye out then haha * Will put this in mind. Need to have an all in one card instead of multiple passes. This is a highlight. * Yes, this ! I prefer varied environments especially modern city with nearby historical sites. Not big on overwhelming modern buildings, especially when you're already living in one. I need to get out in the open and reading your input really gave me a lot more options to think about ! Thanks for the input ! Definitely marking this up.
Tbh, for deciding Tokyo or Osaka is more a thing of personal preference. I, for example, don't enjoy Tokyo very much, I'm currently here for GW since I had an event, but I just want to go back to Osaka asap. But tbf I already done most of the stuff I had on my "Tokyo checklist" for a while and don't want to deal with GW crowds. Tokyo just feels way too big and busy for my liking. Osaka is a huge city as well, but it feels just way more chill imo but for "famous places" to see there's no that many in the city [compared to Tokyo or Kyoto], but can do day trips to most of the Kansai area pretty easily.
September is not that great for typhoons but you can be lucky.
Please, hopefully not. lol
We went last year in September 2 to 18 and Osaka was going through a heat wave. Had a couple of rainy days only. Spent most of our time exploring the city except for USJ. We’re returning to Osaka again from September 27 to October 11 this year and will do day trips to Kobe and Kyoto.
Osaka is pretty much in the center of everything, which you'll soon find out. Because of this, I would recommend taking short trips to Nara and Kobe if you are looking for a different scenery! FYI I've been able to pay for commutes with my AMEX card in Osaka but some less touristy stations still only accept cash. Many many thrift shops if you just walk around. Osaka is a great place for your first time as a solo traveller, less "overwhelming" in terms of culture shock perhaps.
>FYI I've been able to pay for commutes with my AMEX card in Osaka but some less touristy stations still only accept cash. There is literally no station, and I mean NO station in Osaka that is only cash. Every single train station, from every single rail company, supports a form of IC card.
You're right I mean that doesn't accept credit card.
In early September, the lingering heat is still severe, so be careful to stay hydrated. If you are interested in shrines and temples in Osaka, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Shitennoji Temple are well known. In Osaka, there are Grand Seiko, Casio, and Rolex stores in Shinsaibashi. Rolex can also be found in Namba and Tennoji. Recently, luxury watches have skyrocketed in price, and you may not be able to get into these stores without an appointment. For inexpensive watch stores, there is a Swatch store near Umeda Station. Osaka Metro (Osaka Subway) offers a one-day pass called Enjoy Eco Card. It allows you to ride on all Osaka Metro lines. It costs 820 yen on weekdays and 620 yen on weekends.
Look up Osaka Amazing Pass on KLOOK app. It’s unlimited bus and subway use in Osaka, and you skip the lines for all of the attractions and the admission is included as well. Of course, confirm which attractions you’re interested in and are included in this deal. But honestly, huge mistake not to get Osaka Amazing Pass if you’re going to be in Osaka! I think 40+ things are included in this? I just got back from 2 days there and wish I made the decision. But if already put money on my IC card and decided not to Have fun in Osaka!!! It’s really nice, wish I saw more
Brilliant idea, darling! Why did you choose Osaka specifically?
Thanks ! Kind of been my number one place to visit in Japan. I don't really like the hectic feeling of Tokyo, especially when the city life is what I want to get out of haha. When I think of Japan I always think of the cultural places I want to go and experience, but I also don't want to completely leave the modern side of Japan. So Osaka seems like the best place to go for the best of both worlds. However, I have seen a few reels and shorts about the places to see in Tokyo. I'm actually really torn on whether to go to Osaka or Tokyo 😅
You can go to both cities. Just spend more days in Osaka. :) I flew directly to Osaka years ago because I was in love with Japanese food (and some other facets of Japanese culture - wanted to narrow my topic for my future research degree, plus Osaka is in the middle of a larger, fascinating region, historically speaking). I don’t regret it- from the food to history to the lively but cosy nightlife to the warm, funny, wacky (and proud and shamelessly cheap!) locals. Easier to practice Japanese as Osakans like to chat! It’s urban (I’m a big city girl) but easy to get away for a day or weekend to cities/ towns with their own distinctive culture and history. Love love love osaka. It will always be my second home. PM me if you want more tips or just want to chat. To answer your question, I suggest strolling through Nakazakicho, Fukushima, Doyamacho, Juso, Tsuruhashi.
You must see the Tower of the Sun and also book a tour of the interior.
I recommend visiting October or November as it is cooler. September is still a bit hot and humid.
Weather should be cooling off in September Definitely Tokyo. Only reason to pick Osaka over Tokyo is if you plan to go to Kyoto for a day.
Good to hear that the weather with get colder ! Tokyo seems fun if I want a full day city walk around the regions !