Holiday Homes & Baches in Osaka

Japan is well known for having incredible temples that have shaped its history. The Shitenno-ji Temple was founded in 593, and it is Japan’s oldest temple. It is easily accessed from Osaka Metro Shitennoji Yuhigaoka Station. The vast extension of its grounds make it a perfect site for a stroll to explore the Rokuji-rensando, or Rokuji worship hall, standing in the centre of the premises. On the 21st and 22nd of each month, festivals are held for Daishi-san (Kobo Daishi) and Taishi-san (Shotoku Taishi) so if you are there those days, make sure you don’t miss it. The Namba Yasaka Shrine, also called "Namba-shita no Miya '' is home to the giant shishi-dono, an enormous lion's head stage. The eyes are lights and the nose is a speaker. Visit the historic temple of Senjoki. As you walk down Hirano’s shopping street, the red lanterns and red gate of Osaka's Senkoji Temple will catch your eye! The Yakushi-do Hall is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Osaka. It is worth visiting its "Hall of Hell”. In Kobe you can also visit the Ikuta Shrine and the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The first one is supposed to bring luck into marriage!

Osaka is a varied city with all Japanese ingredients to spice up your trip. From the fantastic street food to temples and traditions including sumo! In spring, you can go to the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament in Osaka. This takes place in March and is located inside the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium where you will see some of the most famous sumo stars. Visit the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum dedicated to instant noodles, or go to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living which is an open air museum showcasing models of several houses and traditional buildings. What about a puppet show at The National Bunraku Theatre? Check out the Japanese art of bunraku telling the story of Japanese legends from the 17th and 18th centuries. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry, there is an English version!

Osaka Castle dates back to 1583. However, it was destroyed and the current structure was built in the early 1930s. Although the castle is no longer the original, it remains as one of the most impressive buildings in Osaka, nestled in the heart of a leafy park, encircled by a moat. When you visit the castle you can see the weaponry and the art work. Go to the observation deck on the 8th floor and take in the panoramic views over the park and Osaka. Simply breathtaking!

A great day out with the family is a visit to Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan. The aquarium is in Tempozan Harbor Village. This is one of the largest aquariums in Japan, and it has eight floors! Here you can see exhibits that include a plethora of marine life and species including whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and many more. Tropical fish fill in a huge tank offering a colourful and unique view. Come and enjoy a day out with the fascinating marine life.

The Umeda Sky Building is known as one of the main landmarks in Osaka. From the top of the building you can get incredible views of Osaka and the building itself can be spotted from any corner in town. The building is 173 metres tall, and it has an observatory on the 39th floor, known as the Garden Observatory, the famous floating garden.

Food, entertainment, live music and much more is what Dotonbori offers you. This is known in Osaka as the place to be if you want to enjoy the best of the city. This is the hub of bars, cafés and eateries. Enjoy the vibrant scene, listen to live music and see how lights fill in the city as it starts to get dark.

If you want to do some shopping, the best place to go shopping in Osaka is in the Shinsaibashi District, according to locals opinion. Find the souvenirs you need in the arcades. Try some clothes on or look for the best gift to bring back to your loved ones.