While Tokyo often takes center stage as Japan’s beating heart, Osaka, the nation’s lively second city, deserves just as much of the spotlight. With nearly 19 million residents in its greater metropolitan area, Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city (after Tokyo and Yokohama) and one of the most dynamic urban hubs in the world.
Getting There & Getting Around
Most international visitors arrive via Kansai International Airport, perched dramatically on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. From here, the journey into the city is effortless: hop on the sleek, ever-punctual railway network. Not only is it faster than traffic, it’s infinitely more affordable than taxis—and navigating Osaka’s trains is refreshingly simpler than Tokyo’s famously labyrinthine subway.
For maximum ease, savvy travelers pick up the Osaka Amazing Pass (available online before you arrive). This all-in-one ticket covers unlimited public transport and complimentary entry to dozens of attractions across the city. Pair it with a portable Wi-Fi device such as Samurai WiFi, easily rented in Malaysia before departure, and you’ll never lose your way in this sprawling metropolis.
Universal Studios Japan: Family Fun at Full Throttle
Osaka is home to one of the most visited theme parks in the world: Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Since opening in 2001 as the first Universal Studios park in Asia, it’s drawn millions of visitors each year with its Hollywood-grade attractions.
Expect adrenaline-pumping roller coasters (including one that zips backwards for an extra thrill), immersive 3D and 4D rides based on blockbusters like Spider-Man and Back to the Future, and the wildly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The latest obsession? Super Nintendo World, where Super Mario leaps off the screen into real life. For families and thrill-seekers alike, USJ is pure joy.
Osaka Castle: History in the Heart of the City
No trip to Osaka is complete without visiting its most iconic landmark, Osaka Castle. Once a formidable military fortress, the castle today houses an engaging museum showcasing Japan’s feudal history through paintings, dioramas, and multimedia displays.
Climb to the top floor for sweeping views of the city skyline, or linger in the surrounding park, especially enchanting in spring when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom. Unlike the strenuous stair climb of Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves, the walk here is gentle, shaded, and rewardingly picturesque.
A City That Eats—and Shops—Like No Other
Osaka proudly wears its reputation as Japan’s “kitchen of the nation.” From street stalls serving piping-hot takoyaki (octopus balls) to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is a playground for food lovers.
For Muslim travelers, there are excellent halal-certified spots such as Halal Restaurant Naritaya Osaka or Café Bintang, where Indonesian flavors shine. After indulging, it’s time to explore Osaka’s retail meccas.
The Namba district is the beating heart of the city—an electric blend of neon lights, bustling arcades, and endless shopping. Walk across the Dotonbori Canal, where the neon-lit Glico Running Man billboard has become an icon of Osaka nightlife. A short stroll away, the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade offers hundreds of boutiques, from fast fashion to high-end Japanese labels.
This is also where Osaka’s stylish youth gather, blending cutting-edge streetwear with the city’s famed fashion-forward sensibilities. For souvenirs, browse shops selling Osaka-made goods, from artisanal sweets to quirky collectibles.
Why Osaka Captures the Imagination
Osaka may play second fiddle to Tokyo in global recognition, but to travelers, it’s a city that feels instantly alive—less polished, perhaps, but more playful, with an edge of grit and boundless character.
Between the fantasy worlds of USJ, the grandeur of Osaka Castle, and the vibrant chaos of Dotonbori, every corner of the city invites discovery. And whether you’re a first-timer to Japan or a seasoned returnee, Osaka delivers one certainty: your expectations will not only be met, but exceeded.
