OSAKA

Famous for its down-to-earth citizens and hearty cuisine, Osaka combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban phenomenon. At night Osaka is live-wired with flashing neon, beckoning with promises of tako-yaki (fried octopus ball), good times and lots of beer.Often maligned by visitors as 'ugly' and still best viewed under the neon light of night, Osaka is currently undergoing a facelift to woo daytime visitors to its concrete and pachinko city grid. Waterfront developments are restoring Osaka's image as a port town and creating new attractions for tourists.

When To Go

Summers in Osaka are hot (26-34°C) and sticky, which can make travelling quite uncomfortable. In winter, although snow is rare, it does get cold (1-10°C) and you will need to pack plenty of warm clothes. The best time to visit Osaka, if you want to catch some hanami (cherry blossom) action, is April through to May or, if you would like to see the leaves change colour, October and November. Both shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures (15-22°C) and not too much rain. However, hanami season is also when most Japanese take their holidays; many popular destinations get very busy and you will need to book accommodation well in advance.