Luxury holidays in Osaka

Once an imperial seat, the coastal city of Osaka endures as Japan’s mercantile hub, its neon-lit downtown dotted with ways to achieve kuidaore (eating yourself into bankruptcy). Dive into pachinko parlours and Michelin-starred kitchens, alongside humble takoyaki stands. Beyond its luminous avenues, Osaka Castle preserves samurai-era ambition in stone.

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When to go

Osaka’s coastal climate brings mild weather year-round, with hotter, (slightly) more humid days from June to August. For cooler temperatures and clearer skies, visit in October or November.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Kansai International Airport is the closest hub for international flights, with Osaka an hour away by train. From Tokyo International Airport, the bullet train takes just under three hours to reach the city.

  • Trains

    Osaka’s metro is swift, efficient and the simplest way to criss-cross the city, without denting your yen or your patience.

  • Automobiles

    Osaka’s roads aren’t for the uninitiated — you’ll need nerves of steel and the right licence. For a less stressful ride, stick to the slick train system or hail a cab.