Osaka Holidays
Osaka Holidays,
Japan
Bold, lively, and much more relaxed than Tokyo or Kyoto, Osaka is the merchant city of Japan, with a thriving economy and an easy-going attitude. It’s welcoming and friendly, with lots to see and do all year round. The unique layout of the centre, with its river practically cutting the city in two, makes it an explorer’s destination, where amazing cafés and noodle bars can be discovered down narrow alleyways. If you’re a food lover then this is the place to come, as its gourmet scene is regarded as the best in Japan.
Book a package holiday to Osaka with Qatar Airways Holidays and you’ll uncover a very different Japan from the one you see on TV. Osaka in the spring is ablaze with cherry blossom, while the neon signs brighten up the streets all year round. From serene gardens to lively clubs, elegant shopping malls or traditional family-run restaurants, a holiday to Osaka is one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
- Osaka Castle may be a relatively modern reconstruction, but it gives you an accurate insight into the city’s early life. During the cherry blossom season, it’s a social hub for the locals, who flock here to picnic and enjoy themselves.
- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Naniwa Palace Site Park, a simple, quiet spot of tranquillity next to the castle.
- Visit one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines at Sumiyoshi, which dates back over 1,800 years and is surrounded by breath-taking gardens in the traditional Japanese style.
- Visit the city between mid-March and early April and not only will you see the thousands of cherry trees in full bloom, but you may also get a ringside seat at the city’s annual Sumo tournament – a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
- Watch an enchanting performance of Bunraku, a unique form of puppet theatre that dates all the way back to the Edo period. The National Bunraku Theatre is one of the last places in the world where you can see this traditional form of entertainment.
Holiday packages to Osaka with Qatar Airways Holidays is your opportunity to delve into a fascinating and unique culture in a destination that has a reputation for being warm and welcoming. It’s full of contradictions, from Zen gardens where the only sound is the tinkle of waterfalls, to the bustling city centre alive with neon signs and boutique shopping. A Qatar Airways Holidays package deal to Osaka lets you explore this complex city at your own pace, while we take care of all the essentials such as flights, transfers, and accommodation.
This is a food lover’s paradise, from a museum devoted to the Ramen noodle, to street food that is uniquely Japanese in flavour. Expect Wasabi with everything, as the food here is spicy and delicious. Head to the Umeda and Dotonbori area for the greatest concentration of restaurants, and make sure you add battera (a particular type of sushi) to your ‘must-try’ list.
Osaka Holidays FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
When is the best time to travel to Osaka
Osaka has four very distinctive seasons, with very high temperatures in the peak of summer, and colder temperatures during winter. June, July and August are the hottest months, climbing up to the low to mid-30s°C, but the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are much milder and more comfortable at the low to mid-20s°C. The driest months are December, January and February with June and September the months with the highest rainfall. You’ll rarely if ever see snow in Osaka. The favourite time of year to visit is in the spring, when the cherry blossom is in full bloom.
How can I travel to Osaka
The main entry point for Osaka is Kansai International Airport (KIX). The airport is connected to the city by two rail links – the high-speed Haruka Line and the slower Kansai Airport Rapid service. There are also limousine buses direct to the major hotels. Book a package holiday to Osaka with Qatar Airways Holidays and we’ll look after all the transfers for you, so you know you’ll be taken care of by our friendly, professional crew from the moment you check in to the moment you land.
How do I get around Osaka
As with all Japanese cities, the transport infrastructure is exceptional. The best way to travel around is by train or bus with an Osaka Unlimited Pass (not for use on JR trains). This will also give you free admission to around 24 of the city’s most popular attractions as well as discounts in other locations. You can also buy a two-day pass that gives you unlimited access to the subway and city bus services. The subway is the second biggest system after Tokyo. If you want to travel further afield then car rental services are available at the airport.
Good to know
Japan Standard Time (UTC +9)
Japanese, English
(+66)
100 Volts and 50Hertz
Yen
Osaka Holidays Experiences
- Experience an authentic Japanese spa treatment at Spa World. This gender-separated complex allows you to relax at any time of the day or night (tattoos not allowed)
- Visit Japan’s second-largest theme park, Universal Studios Japan, which is a fantastic day out if you’re on holiday with the kids.
- Take a day-trip to visit Kyoto and Nara and visit the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle to immerse yourself in the ancient history and complex culture of the Japanese Samurai and ruling classes.
- The sheer brashness of the neon signs in Shin-Sekai has to be seen to be believed! Dominated by the city’s iconic Tsūtenkaku tower (built originally in 1912 and rebuilt in 1956), this is the place to go to see everyday Osaka life at its busiest and brightest.