TPG's Guide to Osaka, Japan
Following my recent trip to Japan to film new episodes of TPGtv, I was getting a ton of questions from readers about what I recommend doing in Tokyo and Osaka. While I've already covered my favorite things to do in Tokyo — what things you should definitely do and what you should skip — I'm now turning my attention to Osaka.
Although I wasn't in Osaka for very long, I was extremely impressed with the city and all it has to offer. As the second-largest city in Japan, it's vastly populated and is quite large, geographically speaking. That being said, there's plenty to do no matter how long you're staying in the city. Whether you choose to wander the luxury boutiques or take in the cultural sites, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Osaka. Here's my list of what you should definitely set out to do and what you can skip in Osaka, Japan.
GETTING THERE
Bullet Train — Japan's transportation system is perhaps best highlighted by its high-speed railway, Shinkansen. I took the bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka in both directions and was generally impressed with both the speed of the train and how nice it was. I've been on Amtrak before in the States and it's usually a pretty bumpy ride, so I was pleasantly surprised when the bullet train was extremely smooth. This is a great way to get around Japan. Recommend.
HOTEL
The St. Regis Osaka — This SPG property is centrally located in Osaka. Within walking distance of its front doors, you'll find everything from shopping to art galleries, restaurants, cafés and more. Also within walking distance of the hotel is the famed Osaka Castle (more on that below). My two-night stay here was great with all the amenities I could ever need and I wish I could have stayed longer. The St. Regis Osaka is a Category 6 property, requiring 20,000-25,000 Starpoints per night. Recommend.
THINGS TO DO
Floating Garden Observatory — The Umeda Sky Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in Osaka, as its two-building structure is connected at the top by an atrium-like crosswalk. The Floating Garden Observatory offers unbeatable views of Osaka from the top of the building. As an added bonus, it's outside so you'll get to feel fresh air — and strong winds — from the top of the building. 531-0076 1-1-88 Oyodo-naka, Kita-ku, Osaka. Recommend.
Osaka Castle — This is definitely not worth missing if you're in Osaka. While the castle itself is well worth the visit, the cherry blossoms that surround the pathways within the park add to the overall experience. I was in awe standing beneath the castle and looking up at its stature — truly unlike anything I'd ever seen. Surrounded by several moats of water, the views are breathtaking. Recommend.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Shinsekai (Osaka) — The Shinsekai neighborhood of Osaka is located near the downtown area. Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai offers those at the top of its structure unobstructed views of the city below. The neighborhood is full of bright signs and overwhelming clusters of objects when you look up. It's a really neat neighborhood, even if you're only able to explore it for a couple of hours. Recommend.
RESTAURANTS
Zuboraya — Shinsekai is well known for its mass amount of fugu-specialty restaurants. In case you don't know, fugu is the Japanese word for pufferfish — aka one of the most dangerous foods in the world. When you're in good hands with chefs who know what they're doing, the fish is entirely safe and actually can taste quite good. You should definitely try it if you're in the area. 1 Chrome-4-16 Ebisuhonmachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka. Recommend.
Fujiya 1935 — We actually bumped into TPG reader Clare and her husband John, who we'd first met on my flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Narita (NRT) when I tested out Singapore Suites, at The St. Regis Osaka and invited them to join us for lunch at Fujiya 1935. The restaurant has three Michelin stars and from my lunch there, I can definitely see why. Everything from the service to the food to the wine selection was great — I really couldn't have asked for a better meal. I was especially impressed with the meal presentation, as each course looked picture perfect — and tasted even better. 2-4-14 Yariyamachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka. Recommend.
Bar Masuda —If you're in the mood to try some one-of-a-kind drinks in Osaka, Bar Masuda is the place to go. There, you'll find a quiet, cozy and dark lounge that is home to some really neat drink concoctions. The bartenders there really know what they're doing — when I was there, we were treated to a showing of drinks that featured flames, gasses and more. Yubinbango 542-0085 Chuo-ku, Osaka Shinsaibashisuji No. 2-chrome 3 No. 11. Recommend.
Bottom Line
Osaka is a great city that's full of things to do and places to see. No matter where you choose to go, chances are you'll find something you'll enjoy. However, I must say that it's worth it to try some new things when you're in a new place, like tasting fugu in the Shinsekai neighborhood.
What are your favorite things to do in Osaka?
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.