The A-List

The places that keep drawing me back to Japan's most vibrant city—plus why they're worth adding to your own trip. 

Japan's third-largest city has a personality all its own—here's how to make the most of it. 

From Michelin-starred ramen to Dotonbori street eats & hidden izakayas, eat like a local in Japan’s kitchen capital. 

It’s known as the nightlife hub of Japan, with a galaxy of options to dine, drink, and sing your way around the city.  

From apartment-style digs to themed hotels steps from Universal Studios Japan.

Eat 'em hot off the iron, on kerbs and in laneways, at breakfast and at midnight.  

You’ll find just about every ramen style in Japan's Kitchen, from rich and creamy tonkotsu to seafood-based broths and light shio bowls.

Osaka does caffeine with the same devotion it brings to everything else, from locally-roasted beans to century-old kissaten and riverside pour-over spots. 

Eat your way through Dotonbori with our tried-and-tested cheat sheet, swerving from takoyaki to strawberry daifuku. 

One minute you’re riding rollercoasters, the next you’re snacking your way through Dotonbori or battling it out in an arcade. The best part? Osaka appeals to kids and adults alike. 

Whether you’re brushing up on Japan’s feudal past or diving into Osaka’s obsession with food culture, there’s a museum to pique everyone's interest. 

From ancient capitals and storybook castles to mountain retreats and coastal cities, day trips from Osaka are unmatched. 

While Hiroshima is often defined by its history, there's so much more to explore in this charming coastal city.

Sleep in a working Buddhist temple in a UNESCO-listed mountain town—Japan’s most unforgettable overnight escape from Osaka.

Where you stay shapes your entire trip, whether you prefer mornings shrine-hopping or nights chasing Osaka’s legendary street food scene. 

How to spend five epic days in Osaka: castle climbs, street food markets, day trips and everything in between.

Live like a local in Osaka with stays that swap hotels for tatami homes, zen gardens and onsen-style baths.

Osaka is ancient and ultra-modern all at once, with a hotel scene to match.

Japan’s nightlife capital ramps up after dark, with packed izakaya, cocktail dens and late-night clubs that keep going long after midnight.