Things to do in Osaka

Find the fairway at a top golf course

Golf in Japan is serious business, with numerous top-class courses and even more practice nets. Osaka doesn’t buck the trend and has rooftop nets dotted across the city. Golfers after a greener round can enjoy 18-holes at the Ibaraki Country Club (www.ibarakicc.com), just 50 minutes from Osaka Station on the Tokaido-Sanyo Line.

Hope for a home run at a Hanshin Tigers game

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the country, and Japanese fans are as fervent as their American counterparts. Whilst in Osaka, make the Hanshin Tigers (http://hanshintigers.jp) your team. The season runs from late March to October and games at the Hanshin Koshien stadium (www.hanshin.co.jp/koshien/global) regularly sell out, so book in advance.

Pull on your boots and hike an ancient pilgrimage trail

Not that you would guess from central Osaka, but the surrounding landscapes that flank the city boast some superb hikes. Minoo Park is only a 30-minute drive north, and its gentle trails are popular with locals. For a more challenging hike, try tackling Mount Koya’s ancient pilgrimage trail, Koyasan Choishi Michi.

Strap on some skis and hit the slopes

Snow lovers in Osaka will find themselves ideally placed to hit local slopes. Hyogo has 16 resorts, and as it’s only an hour’s drive west of Osaka, it makes for an easy day trip. Shiga Kogen, northeast of the city, is a slightly longer drive and offers eight resorts of powdery snow.

Unwind how you wish with a day at the beach

A trip to the beach is a great way to escape the hectic pace of the city. Nishikinohama Beach Park, an hour south of Osaka by train, is well equipped for all tastes. Swimmers will find this a lively spot, whilst sporty types can enjoy beach volleyball and thrill-seekers, jet skis.

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Featured Hotels

Hearton Hotel Nishi-Umeda

The Hearton Hotel Nishi-Umeda is part of a reliable and popular business hotel chain. It is conveniently located just behind the main post office next to JR Osaka Station. The rooms are small but clean, and come with cable TV and complimentary internet access. There's also a restaurant with a deck.

Hotel Unizo Yodoyabashi

Hotel Unizo Yodoyabashi is a cheap yet elegant business-type hotel close to Osaka's museum district. The rooms are exceptionally clean and comfortable with spacious bathrooms and large-screen TVs. There's also an in-house spa and Japanese and Italian restaurants.

Toyoko Inn Shin-Osaka Chuo-guchi Honkan

Part of the excellent-value business hotel chain, this Toyoko Inn is just five minutes from the Shinkansen station and makes a solid choice for a cheap hotel in Osaka. The Toyoko Inn has good facilities such as free Wi-Fi, coin-operated laundry facilities, and a free breakfast buffet.

Hilton Osaka Hotel

With its excellent location just outside JR Osaka Station, the Hilton Osaka offers convenience as well as luxury to its guests. There are four restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, including Windows on the World, which boasts great views of the city from the 35th floor and live music every evening. The hotel has a business centre, a beauty salon, swimming pool and fitness room.

Imperial Hotel Osaka

This opulent hotel is in a pleasant location overlooking the Okawa River in the north of Osaka, and is just as luxurious as its famous Tokyo cousin. Purified air is pumped into the rooms, the service is extremely attentive and there's also a golf driving range. The Imperial Hotel's elegant in-house restaurants serve French, Chinese and a range of Japanese cuisines, including teppanyaki and sushi.

Hotel Nikko Osaka

Hotel Nikko Osaka is a top-class hotel in Osaka, close to the main nightlife and shopping arcades of the Minami area. The spacious rooms are supremely comfortable and decorated in a sleek, modern style, with the upper floors offering views of Mt Ikoma. There's a good range of restaurants, including three offering breakfast. There's also a business centre in the hotel.

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