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 $19
Riverside HOSTEL CHILLAX Namba
Dorm bed · per night
from $20
R Hostel Namba South
Dorm bed · per night
from $27
Backpackers Hotel Toyo Osaka
Private room · per night
from $56
Air Osaka Hostel
Private room · per night · 'Honestly, my favorite hostel in the world.
Trips that take it in
Asia · 11 days · loop · 3 nights in Osaka
The Golden Route
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo
$498
plus flights · Dec 2026 dates