Osaka

The second largest city in Japan after Tokyo, Osaka is famous for its food and warm hospitality, as well as a more leisurely lifestyle compared to the cold bustle of Tokyo. A must-see location, or just a big city with some nice food?
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Osaka is a short (only 2 and a half hours) Shinkansen ride from Tokyo and a good base from which to take a trip to nearby locations, should lugging suitcases around not on your planned itinerary. The city if famous for its food and nightlife, and is a popular tourist destination. While Tokyo is overcrowded and some say “cold”, Osaka is noticeably less hectic, with a far more relaxed attitude to service (staff actually crack a smile if you joke with them).

The problem with Osaka is that if you are less into food and nightlife and more into temples, history and nature, then Osaka doesn’t really do anything uniquely enough to specifically warrant a trip there. Everything outside of the food is done better elsewhere in Japan, and not far away either.

Osaka Castle is just a poor-mans Himeji Castle.
Universal Studios is popular however, not very Japanese, is it?
Do eat Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki and Kushi Katsu.
Nanba is a great place to hang out during the evening.

Access and staying in Osaka

Osaka has an airport which is towards the south of the city and easily accessible by train. However, there is very little reason for a foreign tourist to use it, although there are flights from some parts of Asia directly. Domestic flights are not worth the time unless cheap deals can be found, or you are traveling from Kyushu directly.

Hotels in the city will be expensive close to Osaka station. For a cheap deal stay in Sakai, which is popular with Chinese tourists and has plenty of business hotels that will no break the bank. Hotels near Nanba are also reasonable but a bit more expensive than Sakai. If you don’t fancy the train ride from Sakai then staying in Nanba is a great option, especially as you can then stay out late without fearing the last train. Sakai is pretty quiet at night.