Osaka
Osaka is Japan's street food capital — think takoyaki from a stall in Dotonbori at midnight and kushikatsu in Shinsekai where the neon signs are older than you. It's louder and more rough-around-the-edges than Tokyo, with people who'll actually talk to strangers. The city runs on good food and a no-nonsense attitude, and a day pass on the metro costs about ¥820.
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Osaka travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Osaka?
Three days covers the essentials — one for Dotonbori and Namba, one for Osaka Castle and Shinsekai, and one for Kuromon Market and Umeda. If you want to do day trips to Nara or Kobe, add a day for each.
Is Osaka cheaper than Tokyo?
Slightly, yes. Street food in Osaka runs ¥300–600 per item, and you can eat a full meal for under ¥1,000. Hotels near Namba start around ¥5,000/night for a decent business hotel. The gap isn't huge, but food in particular is noticeably cheaper.
How do I get from Osaka to Kyoto?
The JR Special Rapid train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station takes about 29 minutes and costs ¥580 — no reservation needed, just tap your IC card. The shinkansen is faster (15 min) but costs ¥1,450 and is overkill for this distance. Hankyu Line from Umeda to Kawaramachi is another good option at ¥410.