Photo: Osaka Castle in spring
At last, Japan is reopening!
On Thursday 22nd September, Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida announced in New York that the country would restore visa-free travel to citizens of many countries. After more than two and a half years of seclusion, free independent travel returns on October 11th (for full details, see our page Can I Travel to Japan Now?). With all the pent-up demand for Japan travel, you’re going to have to act fast to enjoy the country before the crowds return.
Photo: Japan Airlines planes at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com
Mind-Blowingly Cheap Airfares To Japan
You’d think that with high oil prices and crazy demand, fares to Japan would be through the roof. But we’ve found some amazing roundtrip fares from, for example, Los Angeles to Tokyo. Osaka is served by two airports – Kansai for international flights (KIX) and Itami for domestic (ITM). See the comprehensive guide to Kansai (on our sister site InsideKyoto.com) to plan your trip and check the latest airfares.
Photo: The St. Regis Osaka
Great Osaka Hotel Deals
The yen is at multi-decade lows against the US Dollar and three years of closed borders have resulted in some unbelievable bargains on Osaka hotel rooms. See our hand picked recommendations of the best Osaka hotels to suit all budgets. Our Where To Stay In Osaka guide helps you understand the layout of the city and the most convenient locations to look for accommodation.
Photo: Street vendors selling food: MACH Photos/Shutterstock.com
What (And Where) To Eat In Osaka
Osaka is famous throughout Japan for its cheap, hearty and delicious food. Specialties include tako-yaki, okonomiyaki, ramen and kushi-katsu, but every Japanese specialty and regional cuisine is also available, and plenty of French, Italian, Chinese and Korean food. Our What To Eat In Osaka guide introduces the main specialties and recommends the best places to find them.
What Now?
Now that Japan is reopening, we’ll be publishing regular updates and information on new hotels, attractions and restaurants. Stay tuned to get the best of Japan 2.0.
Photo: Osaka Castle and tall buildings
Osaka Vacation Checklist
For all the essentials, see my First Time In Osaka guide
For ideas on how to structure your trip, see my list of Osaka Itineraries
See my one page guide on Where To Stay In Osaka
You can buy a Japan SIM card or an unlimited data pocket wifi router online before you arrive in Japan for collection on arrival
View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
Save a ton of money with the Japan Rail Pass
Why it’s essential to have travel insurance for Japan
Visiting Tokyo or Kyoto too?
Don’t forget my companion websites TrulyTokyo.com and InsideKyoto.com for in-depth guides to these fascinating cities.
Happy travels!
Chris Rowthorn