The port city of Osaka is Japan’s third biggest city and one of the country’s major commercial centres.

However, it also has a lot to offer foreign tourists, with impressive modern architecture, a renowned nightlife scene and some amazing food.

One of the most well-known landmarks in the city is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which played a major role in Japan’s reunification during that period and has undergone many restorations throughout the years.

The castle’s grounds are also very popular, with a moat and beautiful plum, peach and cherry blossom trees and the city is also home to one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, Sumiyoshi-taisha.

When you’re done sightseeing and the sun has gone down, it’s time to check out the city’s famous nightlife, where locals hit the Dotombori for late night karaoke sessions or head to one of the city’s many amazing restaurants.

Foodies will truly be at home in Osaka, with some writers going as far as to call it the food capital of the world.

Local delicacies include okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake), takoyaki (octopus in fried batter), udon (a noodle dish) and oshizushi (pressed sushi).

So whether you’re heading to Osaka for business or pleasure, be sure to check out our cheap flights from Australia to Osaka here at Globehunters.

5 Things You Need to Know About Osaka

Before setting off to Osaka, here are some important facts you might want to know:

Time Difference: GMT +9 hours
Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)
Native Language: Japanese
Weather: Mild winters, with highs of 9.3°C, with a rainy season between June and July. Hot and humid summers, with average highs of 33.5°C in August and a cooler Autumn. Generally rainy all-year round with winter being the driest season.
Sales Tax: 8%

Flying to Osaka from Australia

Here’s everything you’ll need to know when travelling from Australia to Osaka, such as flight times and entry requirements.

Flight Times

Direct flights to Osaka are available from Sydney and generally take around ten hours. If you’re flying from elsewhere in Australia, you’ll have to catch a connecting flight, which will obviously take longer.

For example, indirect flights from Melbourne will take at least 12 and a half hours, while those from Cairns will take at least 11.

Entry Requirements

Australian citizens travelling to Osaka will require a passport that’s valid for at least six months, although you won’t require a visa if you’re travelling for less than 90 days if the visit is for tourism purposes, but those travelling for business will require a business visa.

Airlines That Fly to Osaka

The following airlines currently offer direct flights from Australia to Osaka:
- Jetstar Airways
- Qantas

The Airports

Osaka is home to two airports, although Osaka International primarily deals with domestic and cargo flights:
- Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Osaka International Airport (ITM)

Kansai International (KIX)

Kansai Airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, about 38km southwest of the city’s main train station.

The airport is connected to the mainland a road/railway bridge, with two separate train lines, as well as bus services too.

10 Osaka Must-Dos

Here are our picks for the ten best things to see and do during your trip to Osaka.
- Osaka Castle
- Universal Studios Japan
- Dotonbori
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- Umeda Sky Building
- Tsutenkaku
- Nakanoshima
- Shitenno-ji
- Nipponbashi
- Osaka Castle Park

Book Cheap Flights to Osaka with Globehunters

So, if you’re planning a trip to Osaka in the near future, be sure to compare your flights, hotel and car hire here at Globehunters to ensure that you get the very best deal possible.