Osaka can be a great starting point for your trip to Japan. It's lively but not as crowded as Tokyo; it has many shrines but not as many as in Kyoto; it's a friendly city, making it an ideal option to ease into your Japanese vacation. This blog will give you all the tips you need to plan your perfect trip to Osaka.

This is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century, before the advent of Buddhism. There are over 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, and they worship Kami, the gods who protect fishermen and sailors. This is the shrine of celebration for the people of Osaka. Around 2 million people come to visit the shrine each year in January, a ritual called Hatsumode, meaning the traditional first shrine visit of the year.

A whole lot of interesting sights make the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan a must-see attraction on your Osaka itinerary. The aquarium is home to almost 30,000 creatures spanning over 620 species, from the mighty whale sharks and sting rays of the ocean, to the most minuscule creatures like the jellyfish, spotted garden eels, mushroom corals and anemones.

Visiting the Shinsekai District in Osaka is to experience the retro charm of Osaka. You will find colourful neon signs, street food vendors, shooting galleries and more with the Tsutenkaku Tower serving as the backdrop.