Osaka
If Kyoto was the city of the courtly nobility and Tokyo the city of the samurai, then Osaka (大阪) was the city of the merchant class. Osakans take pride in shedding the conservatism found elsewhere in Japan, and this spirited city – Japan's third-largest – is a place where people are a bit brasher, and interactions are peppered with playful jabs.
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14 days / 13 nights
Japan’s Golden Route: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fuji in 14 Days
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Japan’s Golden Route: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fuji in 14 Days
14 days / 13 nights
highlights
- 1 Savor Uji matcha from the source during a traditional tea ceremony
- 2 Meander among peaceful bamboo groves and orange-hued torrii shrines in Kyoto
- 3 Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing on a four-day tour of Tokyo, past and present
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Osaka travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
Osaka's unique vibes are causing a buzz on Japan's travel map. Here are the city's best experiences.
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Best Neighborhoods
Tokyo and Osaka are two world-class cities with famous sights and hidden corners that offer something for every traveler
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Traveling with Kids
To help you make the most of this friendly Japanese city as a family, here are our top recommendations for both big and little kids exploring Osaka.
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