OSAKA

Osaka is a vibrant commercial port city boasting a population of 2.7 million people, and it is a stop on your itinerary with a seemingly endless number of incredible travel opportunities available. 

Head to the historic cities of Nara or Kyoto, or ride 20 mi/ 32 km along the coast of Osaka Bay to Kobe.  All are accessible through public transportation and make for exciting day trips. Looking for something new and different? Consider heading to the Minoo waterfall for some nature.

Staying in Osaka also presents a wide range of travel options. Highlights include the historic Osaka Castle, the Shitennoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Japan (593 AD), and the Shinsekai District which has a northern section designed to be like New York City and a southern section designed to be like Paris. If you are looking for a thrill, consider taking a ferry boat to Universal Studios Japan. For foodies, a trip to Dotonbori Canal is a must for the best concentration of traditional Japanese foods. 

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Osaka has a user-friendly metro system with English translations and elevators available. The Osaka-Ko station is a few blocks straight up from the Tempozan Pier where your ship will port. Be sure to download a free metro map app onto your smartphone prior to traveling- check out this VIDEO for more details.

The port itself is located in front of a towering ferris wheel as well as the Osaka Aquarium, and it has a convenient visitor information setup with maps and information on all the sights accessible both in and around Osaka. The step by step instructions on how to get to Kyoto and Nara by both train and bullet train are particularly handy! 

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Osaka is a port to get excited for, so be sure to get plenty of rest the night before!