Recognition & Awards
Japan’s commercial hub and second city, Osaka is where to experience modern and futuristic Japan. It’s a dynamic and hip city of food, attractions and nightlife with a bit of history and culture on the side.
Take a street food tour of Dotonburi at night, a cinematic district of okonomiyaki stalls, restaurants, bars and shops along the river under neon nights
Take time out in the gardens of Osaka Castle, its tiered roofs contrast against the skyscrapers and the park comes alive in cherry blossom season
Den-Den Town is the place to go for rare pop culture finds, where hobbyists browse anime collectibles, vintage video games and trading cards
Go to the waters of Osaka Bay for family entertainment including Universal Studios and harbour boat trips
Summer is the time to go for lively traditional festivals and fireworks, notably the large and colourful parades over the Tenjin Matsuri
Many visitors to Osaka come for the food scene, the skyscrapers and neon lights that epitomise the Blade Runner style modernity of Japan. The lights are brightest in Dotonburi and Shinsaibashi where merchants have been plying their trade for 400 years. Shinsaibashi arcade is a shopping and entertainment hub stretching over a mile to Ebisubashi bridge, a photogenic theatre of bright lights and noise in the middle of Dotonburi. The best way to get your bearings is with an expert local guide who will take you into the hard to find local spots for authentic local flavours like hearty okonomiyaki and fresh seafood from the bay.
There’s plenty to do during the day, with international theme parks, galleries and cutting edge museums and plenty of bird’s eye viewing platforms like the Tsutenkaku Tower. Green space is provided around the lakes and gardens of Osaka Castle, a spectacular reproduction of the original and an ideal spot for a bento box picnic.
The city is easy to get around on the Osaka Loop Line, and being close to Kansai International Airport, it makes an ideal stop and the start or the end of a Japan journey.
Swissotel Nankai Osaka is a deluxe 36-storey hotel sitting directly above Nankai Railway's Namba Station in the heart of Osaka's entertainment district. It features 546 guestrooms, including executive rooms and suites with lounge access. Guests enjoy five restaurants, three bars, a café, and the Pürovel Spa & Sport wellness facilities. Flexible event spaces cater to up to 1,400 people.
In the heart of the vibrant city, just steps from Osaka Umeda station, the Intercontinental is a luxurious base. With spacious rooms featuring Japanese touches, a selection of casual and fine dining, an extensive spa and spectacular skyline views.