Osaka Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Osaka, Kansai, Southern-Central Honshu, Japan)



Cityscape pictureA visit to Osaka can only be enhanced by a little advance planning and for up-to-the-minute details about everything that is currently taking place all over the city, the 'Kansai Time Out' magazine can prove an invaluable source of information. Perfect for those wishing to plan an itinerary and not miss out on any interesting events in Osaka, the 'Kansai Time Out' publication offers an insight into local life and can be found at the main information offices.

When you are picking up a copy of this useful magazine, also look for the pocket-sized 'Meet Osaka' guide, which boasts the latest events listings, and also the 'Osaka Tourist Guide', which is sure to nicely supplement any city information that you have currently picked up. Here are a number of travel tips about life in Osaka.


Photo of business district

Useful Contact Details

The following visitors information offices in the city are all operated by the Osaka Tourist Association, with the main outlet being located at Osaka Station and open daily, from 08:00 until 20:00. Many people often find that this particular office is hard to locate. It can be found on the right-hand side of the Mido-suji gateway and is actually sited just outside of the station itself, alongside a large bus terminal

Both Osaka Airport and Kansai Airport also features helpful information desks, with staff on hand to help find you somewhere to stay in the city.

Namba Station Tourist Information Centre (TIC) - Namba Station, Minami, Osaka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 06 6643 2125

Osaka Station Tourist Information Centre (TIC) - Osaka Station, Kita, Osaka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 06 6345 2189

Shin-Osaka Station Tourist Information Centre (TIC) - Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 06 6305 3311

Tenno-ji Station Tourist Information Centre (TIC) - Tenno-ji Station, Osaka, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 06 6774 3077

Image of the city monorail

Language and Dialect

To most English speakers, the Japanese language appears rather complex at first, although basic phrases can be quite simple to pick up and are often enough to ingratiate yourself with the locals. If you are having trouble communicating, try writing the words down. Japanese are often able to understand written English much easier. Useful Japanese phrases to use in Osaka are as follows:

Hello - konnichiwa
I am looking for a... - ... o sagashite imasu
Public telephone - koshu denwa
Toilet - o-tearai / toire
Tourist office - kanko annaijo
What time does it open / close? - nanji ni akimasu / shimarimasu ka?

Visa Information and Passports

You do not need to organise a visa in advance when planning your holiday in Osaka, unless that is you are intending to work during your stay in the city. If you are simply a holidaymaker, you will receive a temporary visa upon your arrival in Japan, better known to the locals as 'tanki-taizai'.