As Japan’s third largest city, Osaka is a huge metropolis with a big reputation. A city of shopping, eating and nightlife, Osaka is a bit more brash than Tokyo and a lot less refined than Kyoto. Thriving, lively and friendly, Osaka should definitely be on your list of must-do destinations in Japan! On this page you will find the following information:
In close proximity to Kyoto and Nara, Osaka is one of Japan’s true metropolises and third largest city, behind Tokyo and Yokohama. With a reputation for being more brash and loud than Tokyo, Osaka has long been a merchant city and one of the few areas of Japan that maintained some contact with the outside world through trade during the country’s long, self-determined isolation.
A thriving city, Osaka is all about having a good time boasting some of Japan’s best food, shopping and nightlife. Though it may not have the historic attractions of nearby Kyoto and Nara, if you’re asking whether it’s worth visiting, the answer is definitely yes!
Where Is Osaka?
Osaka is located in the west of the main island of Honshu, on Osaka Bay. It lies within close proximity of Kyoto - around 45KM - and Nara - around 40KM - both of which are easy to reach using train services running from Osaka. Osaka is huge and as such, has multiple major train stations - including Osaka, Namba, Umeda and Shin-Osaka - with numerous lines running between them. For visitors using the Shinkansen network, Shin-Osaka Station is serviced by the Sany’yo Shinkansen running west to destinations including Okayama, Hiroshima and Hakata (and then connecting to lines running to Kyushu) and the Tokaido Shinkansen running east into Central Japan including Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo. The city is also serviced by Kansai International Airport which lies around 55KM to the south of the central city on a reclaimed island on Osaka Bay. As one of Japan's largest cities, Osaka offers plenty to entertain you for multiple days with shinkansen and other express train lines making it a convenient launching point from where to head west, east or into Central Japan.
How To Get To Osaka
In this section you will find information on how to reach Osaka from the following starting points:
KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – KYOTO – NARA – NAGOYA – TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT – HANEDA AIRPORT – KANAZAWA – HIROSHIMA
We endeavour to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
FROM KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT / approx. 50 minutes
From the Kansai Airport, take the Limited Express Haruka service bound for Osaka. The train includes both reserved and non-reserved seating and takes just under 50-minutes / JPY2910 (res.) and JPY2380 (non-res.) to reach Shin-Osaka Station.
FROM KYOTO / between 13 to 30 minutes
Reaching Osaka from Kyoto is quick and easy as both are stops on the Tokaido Shinkansen running from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, including stops at Kyoto and Nagoya among others. The fastest services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line will get you from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station in 14 minutes / JPY1450. Alternatively, the JR Special Rapid service from Kyoto Station takes just under 28-minutes / JPY580 to reach Osaka Station (rather than Shin-Osaka Station).
FROM NARA / between 40 to 50 minutes
When travelling from Nara to Osaka, you have two options with a couple of important points to note. Two lines connect the two cities – the Kintetsu Nara Line to/from Kintetsu-Nara Station and the JR Yamatoji Line to/from JR Nara Station. Of the two, the Kintetsu Nara Line is faster and Kintetsu-Nara Station is closer to the city’s most popular attractions including Todaiji Temple, Nara Park and the Kasuga Grand Shrine. This Kintestsu Nara Line is not however covered by any Japan Rail (JR) Pass. Taking a little longer and heading to Osaka Station from Nara Station, the Yamatoji Rapid Service is covered by the JR Pass. For that reason, we have included both options below:
1 / Starting from Kintetsu-Nara Station (fastest/most convenient): take the rapid express service on the Kintetsu Nara Line – approx. 40-minutes / JPY560 – bound for Osaka-Namba Station*.
2 / Starting from JR Nara Station (covered by JR Pass): take the Yamatoji Rapid Service bound for Osaka Station – approx. 50-minutes / JPY800*.
*Please note, Osaka Namba Station and Osaka Station are not stops on the Tokaido or any other shinkansen line. To access the shinkansen network you will need to transfer to Shin-Osaka Station.
FROM NAGOYA / approx. 50 minutes
Nagoya Station is another stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, as you head from Tokyo to Osaka. From Nagoya, the fastest services take only 50-minutes / JPY5940 to reach Shin-Osaka Station. There are numerous services each day. For more information about everything on offer in and around Nagoya, see our 'Nagoya & Kii Peninsula' destination page.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
FROM TOKYO / approx. 2.5 to 3 hours
From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen, between 150 to 170-minutes / approx. JPY14,000 (depending on which service you choose). For more information about everything on offer in the capital, see our ‘Tokyo’ destination page.
FROM KANAZAWA / approx. 2.5 hours
Reaching Osaka from Kanazawa Station is a but tricky. From Kanazawa, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga and then transfer to the Limited Express Thunderbird – 130 to 150-minutes / JPY9410. For more information about everything on offer in around Kanazawa, see our ‘Kanazawa’ destination page. Also if you are interested in stopping off in Tsuruga for the transfer see our Things to do in Tsuruga page.
FROM HIROSHIMA / approx. 1.5 hours
Reaching Osaka from Hiroshima Station is fast and straightforward. Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen directly from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka – around 85 to 90 minutes / JPY 9,890. For more information about everything on offer in and around Hiroshima, see our ‘Top Things to do in Hiroshima' page.
Where To Stay When Visiting Osaka
Osaka offers travelers a huge range of accommodation dotted throughout the city. To make your time there as easy as possible, we recommend choosing a hotel or guesthouse nearby a major train station, allowing you to move around the city and beyond with ease. Our ‘Where To Stay In Osaka & Kansai International Airport’ page listed the best areas including accommodation listings.
Things To Do In Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
One of Japan's great metropolises, Osaka is a confident and thriving city known for its mercantile character, friendly locals, great food, shopping and nightlife. Our ’40 Things To Do In Kyoto, Nara & Osaka’ page lists some of the most enjoyable attractions and activities in the city along with the nearby cities of Kyoto and Nara. We hope we can entice you to visit!
Looking for more specifics about Osaka such as Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, and the neon-lit food paradise of Dotonbori, check out the Things to do in Osaka 2026 page. It also details the city's rich merchant history while exploring scenic regional day trips, including the ancient temples of Kyoto, the deer of Nara Park, and the mystical mountain retreat of Koyasan. Also, for those looking for onsen in the city our Tattoo-Friendly Onsen & Sento in Osaka 2026 Guide is great! Finally, for the seasonal spots of Osaka check out our Cherry Blossoms in Osaka, Summer in Osaka and Fall Colors of Osaka pages.
Private Charters & Tours In Central Japan
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any destination in Central Japan.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule including transport to and from any destination in Central Japan. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about arranging a charter or tour in Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
