Planning a trip to Osaka? This vibrant Japanese city promises incredible street food, neon-lit streets, and warm hospitality. To ensure a smooth adventure, here’s your ultimate pre-departure checklist:
✈️ 1. Travel Documents & Essentials
- Valid Passport & Visa: Check Japan’s visa requirements for your country (many nationalities get 90-day visa-free stays).
- Vaccination Certificates: Verify if any are required (e.g., COVID-19 docs).
- Travel Insurance: Cover medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
- Copies of Documents: Save digital/physical copies of your passport, visa, and insurance.
- Cash & Cards: Japan is cash-centric. Withdraw yen at airports or 7-Eleven ATMs (international cards accepted). Notify your bank of travel dates.
🏨 2. Accommodation & Transportation
- Book Lodging Early: Especially in tourist hubs like Namba, Shinsaibashi, or near Osaka Station.
- Airport Transfer: Reserve tickets for the Haruka Express train (Kansai Airport to central Osaka) or limousine buses.
- IC Cards: Buy an ICOCA or Suica card for trains/buses. Load it with ¥2,000–3,000 initially.
- Osaka Amazing Pass: If sightseeing heavily, this covers transport and entry to 40+ attractions.
📶 3. Connectivity
- Pocket Wi-Fi/SIM Card: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi (book online for airport pickup) or buy a SIM at Kansai Airport. Major carriers: Sakura Mobile, Ninja WiFi.
- Offline Maps: Download Google Maps or NAVITIME for Osaka.
🌐 4. Cultural Prep & Language
- Learn Key Phrases:
- Sumimasen (Excuse me)
- Arigatō gozaimasu (Thank you)
- Eigo no menyū arimasu ka? (Do you have an English menu?)
- Tipping: Not required. Politeness (bow slightly) suffices.
- Cash Etiquette: Use trays when paying cash at shops.
☔ 5. Weather & Packing
- Season-Specific Gear:
- Spring (Mar–May): Light jacket for cherry blossom season.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Breathable clothes + umbrella (humid/rainy).
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Layers for cool evenings.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Thermal wear (temps ~5°C/41°F).
- Comfortable Shoes: Expect lots of walking!
- Portable Charger: For non-stop photo sessions.
🍣 6. Food & Attractions
- Must-Eat Foods:
- Takoyaki (octopus balls) at Dōtonbori
- Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at Mizuno
- Kushikatsu (fried skewers) in Shinsekai
- Book in Advance:
- Universal Studios Japan (USJ) tickets.
- TeamLab Botanical Garden entry.
- Free Experiences: Explore Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle Park, and Shinsekai’s retro alleys.
⚠️ 7. Health & Safety
- Prescription Medications: Bring enough (with doctor’s note). Some OTC drugs in Japan differ.
- Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Stay Hydrated: Convenience stores (Lawson, FamilyMart) sell bottled water everywhere.
🎌 Bonus Tips
- Garbage Bins: Rare in public areas—carry a small bag for trash.
- Public Transport: Trains stop around midnight. Use taxis or late-night buses if out late.
- Tattoo-Friendly Onsens: Research sentō (public baths) if tattooed; many ban ink. Try Spa World.
Final Check:
✅ Confirm flight/hotel bookings 48h before departure.
✅ Download translation apps (Google Translate, VoiceTra).
✅ Inform family of your itinerary.
Osaka’s “kuidaore” (eat-until-you-drop) spirit awaits! With this checklist, you’re set for an unforgettable journey. ✨ Safe travels!