Osaka

Japan's third largest city has a population of 2.5 million and is its second most important. Osaka was once the capital city of Japan and the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for many centuries. In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle at a time when the capital moved with the reign of each new emperor.

Osaka has no shortage of tourists sites but the most interesting feature of all is the city itself. You may feel like your Osaka holiday has landed you in an endless expanse of concrete boxes, pachinko (pinball) parlours and elevated highways. You will however quickly discover during your holiday in Osaka, the city has some real architectural and cultural gems. This combined with the pretty riversides, energetic shopping districts and residents that know how to enjoy themselves makes holidays in Osaka a unique experience on any Japan holiday.

Osaka is of course famous for being a great foodie city. The phrase kuidaore ('eat 'til you drop') is heard so frequently here that it's practically the city motto. Osakans however are not snobby about their food. One the of the great delicacies here is takoyaki which is grilled octopus dumplings and is usually sold as a street snack. Delicacies from okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) to conveyor-belt sushi were invented here and continue to thrive.

It’s all about timing. Osaka has a fairly mild climate and the seasons are quite distinct.

Temperatures range from about 6˚C in the winter to close to 30˚C in the summer. Snow is rare. Late June to late July is the rainy season, with the typhoon season following soon after. Given that there are many famous cherry-blossom viewing sites in town and in nearby Kyoto, spring is an excellent time to visit, as is the fall if you prefer autumn leaves. Osaka hosts a grand sumo tournament in mid-March, late July sees the Tenjin Matsuri Festival - with hundreds of elaborately decked-out boats plying the Okawa River - and for a month starting in mid-October, you can feast your eyes on fields of blooms at the Osaka Castle Chrysanthemum Festival.

Peak Season

April to May; July to August You’ll want to be in Osaka in April for cherry-viewing season and temperatures that climb to 60˚F, but so will everyone else. Other busy and expensive times include summer vacation (July and August); Oshogetsu (New Year) which lasts from December 27 to January 4; and Golden Week (a series of holidays from April 29 to May 5).

Off Season

January to mid-March; June Crowds and prices thin after Oshogetsu in January and before cherry season begins in mid-March. Due to the rainy season, June is another slow month. Expect the best hotel rates during these times. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 40˚F.

Shoulder Season

September to mid-December Autumn is a great time to visit Osaka as prices, not to mention humidity and temperatures, go down (though September is the peak season for typhoons). Visit during November and you can gaze upon the red autumn leaves during the fall season.