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Osaka rivals Tokyo as a popular destination for international tourists. Osaka, the bustling central city of the Kansai region, offers a wealth of experiences that are sure to captivate international visitors, including its food culture, history, modern entertainment, and warm-hearted people. This article offers a comprehensive guide to enjoying Osaka as a domestic traveler, from recommended tourist spots, gourmet food, traditional experiences, and the latest activities to transportation access, all from a foreigner's perspective. It also provides practical information for foreign visitors to Osaka, including transportation, cultural etiquette, and English-speaking accommodations. It also introduces tips for avoiding trouble and new, popular spots perfect for social media posts. This guide is also recommended for those who want to visit Osaka but don't know what to do, or who want to plan a trip to show their international friends around. Let's dive into this fascinating domestic travel guide for foreign visitors to Osaka Prefecture.

What is the appeal of Osaka Prefecture? Why is it so popular with foreign tourists?

Osaka has long been known as the "Kitchen of the World," and was one of the economic and cultural centers of Japan, attracting people and goods from all over the country. Traces of this can still be seen everywhere today, and the city's friendly people, lively streets, and rich cuisine are popular with tourists from overseas.

Osaka cuisine has global appeal

In particular, B-grade gourmet foods such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu are all reasonably priced and popular with tourists and locals alike. Osaka's popularity as a "city of gourmets" is fueled by its friendliness, where you can walk to eat these foods.

Very convenient access to tourist spots

Transportation is highly developed, with Shin-Osaka Station, Kansai International Airport (KIX), Osaka Metro, Kintetsu, and Hankyu lines, and neighboring cities such as Kyoto and Nara are easily accessible, making it easy to enjoy sightseeing efficiently even on a short trip.

Initiatives to overcome language barriers

More and more popular facilities in Osaka Prefecture are now equipped with signs in English, Chinese, and Korean. Furthermore, the service for foreign tourists is improving year by year, with areas offering free Wi-Fi and translation apps, and tourist information centers offering multilingual guidance.

Recommended for foreign tourists! Osaka's classic tourist spots

The lineup of classic spots will satisfy everyone from Osaka beginners to repeat visitors. We've carefully selected places worth visiting, including photogenic spots.

Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi: Osaka's iconic tourist spots

The Glico sign in Dotonbori and the Kani Doraku moving sign are symbols of Osaka that frequently appear on Instagram. Foreign tourists often stroll along this lively street, enjoying shopping, gazing at the Dotonbori River, and grabbing some street food.

Osaka Castle: A symbol of Japan where you can feel history and tradition

Osaka Castle is a popular spot for foreign visitors as well. If you climb the castle tower, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Osaka city and imagine Japan's Warring States period. Multilingual audio guides are available for rent, so even if you're not an expert on history, you can still enjoy the experience.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

USJ, where you can experience the world of Hollywood movies, is extremely popular with a wide range of travelers, from families to couples and fans. In recent years, content aimed at overseas tourists, such as the Nintendo area and Harry Potter World, has been well-received, and the park boasts explosive customer attraction, with approximately half of its visitors coming from overseas.

There are plenty of hands-on activities for foreign visitors

In Osaka, the real joy of traveling is not just the tourist spots, but the experiences themselves. We've picked out some special experiences that foreign visitors will enjoy.

Takoyaki making experience

Takoyaki experiences held at cooking classes and tourist facilities are popular among tourists. Some restaurants even offer a do-it-yourself style where you can cook your own takoyaki in the store, making for a unique and memorable experience.

Japanese sweets making and tea ceremony experience

Tours that incorporate Japanese sweets making and matcha tea making are also popular among foreigners interested in Japanese culture. These tours are also held near Kansai International Airport, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture right up until the moment you return home.

Kimono rental and walking around town

In Osaka city, the number of spots where you can rent a kimono and walk around town is increasing. In particular, around Tenmangu Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, services that allow you to take photos in a kimono are popular with foreign women.

A gourmet experience unique to Osaka

One of the joys of traveling is food, and it's no exaggeration to say that the city's deeply rooted food culture is the greatest attraction of a trip to Osaka.

Takoyaki: A classic among classics

Hot, melt-in-your-mouth takoyaki instantly captures the stomachs of foreign tourists. There are dozens of stores in the Dotonbori area alone, so it's fun to try them all and compare them.

Okonomiyaki: Fun for everyone

Many restaurants offer a hands-on dining experience, where you can choose your own ingredients and have them cooked on a hot plate at your table. There are also many restaurants in the Umeda and Namba areas that offer English menus.

Kushikatsu: A cultural experience where double dipping is strictly prohibited

Kushikatsu culture, which originated in the Shinsekai region, is popular for its fun experience of the rule of "no double dipping in sauce." There are plenty of beginner sets available, so even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind.

Recommended accommodations for foreigners

Osaka has a wide variety of accommodation options, allowing you to choose a stay that suits your budget and needs.

Backpacker guesthouse

Guesthouses are popular among travelers looking for affordable accommodation. Many have English-speaking staff and social spaces for foreign tourists.

Japanese-style inn experience

We also recommend Japanese-style inns, where you can experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere with a living room, tatami mats, futons, and a Japanese garden. There are also many other lush environments outside of the city, such as Sakai City and Kishiwada.

A hidden gem? Local charms popular with foreigners

It's not just the tourist hotspots that are so appealing. We also want to draw your attention to hidden gems that foreign tourists quietly return to.

Ikuno Korea Town

This shopping street is lined with Korean food and miscellaneous goods, and is popular among Asian tourists. It also serves as a place for Japanese-Korean cultural exchange, and tourists often visit in search of delicious Korean food.

Cutlery experience in Sakai City

Sakai City, famous for its knife making, offers knife demonstrations and customization experiences at knife shops. Many foreign visitors are impressed by Japan's unique high-quality knife culture, and you can experience the craftsmanship of artisans up close.

Understanding tourist transportation access within Osaka Prefecture

You should also learn about transportation options to travel comfortably within Osaka. This will reduce travel stress, including whether or not there are English signs and how to purchase tickets.

Multilingual Osaka Metro

Osaka Metro's major stations are well-equipped with English signage and station guides, providing convenient support for foreign visitors. IC cards such as ICOCA can also be used smoothly.

Use of tourist buses and one-day passes

There are many great value transportation passes available, such as the Osaka Amazing Pass and 1-Day Pass. These passes also include free admission to museums and tourist attractions, making them a great option for round-trip sightseeing.

Check cultural etiquette and points to note in advance

When visiting Japan as a foreigner, there are certain manners and rules you should be aware of.

Awareness of maintaining public tranquility

Public manners, such as staying quiet on trains and buses and refraining from talking on smartphones, are very important to the Japanese culture, so it's a good idea to learn about them before you visit.

Verify payment method

Credit cards are common in urban areas, but some stores only accept cash or transportation IC cards, so we recommend carrying cash just in case.

summary

For foreign tourists, Osaka Prefecture is a city where history and modernity, tradition and innovation are beautifully blended. From iconic tourist spots such as Dotonbori and Osaka Castle to takoyaki gourmet experiences and traditional cultural experiences, there are plenty of attractions to be enjoyed only by visiting. Furthermore, with transportation and multilingual support in place, even first-time visitors to Japan can enjoy the city with peace of mind. Osaka has the power to make you want to come back once you've visited. It's well worth considering Osaka Prefecture as an option for your visit to Japan. Be sure to experience this city for a trip that will expose you to its unique local culture and warmth.

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