Japan's kitchen, and Tokyo's louder, friendlier cousin. A city arranged around eating and drinking, with Kyoto and Nara both half an hour off.
Free things to do
Free
Dōtonbori food gauntlet
Takoyaki, kushikatsu, the Glico man: kuidaore, eat till you drop.
Free
Osaka Castle park and moats
The park, moats and stonework cost nothing and open at dawn. The ticket is only for the keep, a 1930s concrete rebuild with a lift in it.
Free
Kuromon market breakfast
Grilled scallops and uni before 10am.
Where to stay
from $50
The Pax Hostel/Records/More
Dorm bed · per night
from $29
Air Osaka Hostel
Dorm bed · per night · 'Honestly, my favorite hostel in the world.
from $30
Backpackers Hotel Toyo Osaka
Private room · per night
from $62
&And Hostel Shinsaibashi East
Private room · per night
Trips that take it in
Asia · 11 days · loop · 3 nights in Osaka
The Golden Route
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo
$812
plus flights · Jan 2027 dates