Summary
No multi centre holiday to Japan should miss out on Osaka prefecture. It’s only two and a half hours by bullet train from Tokyo, so there’s no reason not to include it in your itinerary.
Osaka prefecture is on the island of Honshu and has a beautiful blend of traditional and modern attractions. For example, visiting 16th-century Osaka Castle makes for an exciting day trip if you're interested in history. There’s also a dedicated Museum of History close by.
If you’re travelling with children, there’s a Universal Studios, Osaka Aquarium, and Osaka Science Museum, which provide hours of great entertainment and education.
Osaka takes on a whole new atmosphere come nightfall with dazzling neon lights and great districts to explore. The first of these is Dotonbori, a riverside area with food, drink and shops aplenty. Hozenji Yokocho is nearby and is a small alley filled with great places to eat and drink. There are around 60 bars alone, so it’s the perfect part of the city to sample the local nightlife without feeling like you’re surrounded by other tourists.
If you don’t know where to start with Japanese cuisine, taking a guided food tour is a terrific way to tantalise your taste buds and try an array of new dishes for the first time. Other Osaka attractions include charming temples, markets and brewery tours, so you’ll never be short of things to do.
Osaka prefecture is full of life and will leave a lasting impression on you for all the right reasons.
