Making the most of Osaka
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships dock at the Tempozan Pier, in the center of Osaka's ever-developing waterfront. It is adjacent to a large mall and impressive Ferris wheel.
A complete refurbishment of the port’s cruise terminal was completed in in mat 2024.
With a population of over five million people, Osaka is Japan's second largest city. For centuries, Osaka was Japan's cultural and commercial gateway to Asia -- the point of entry not only for trade goods, but most importantly, cultural influences that shaped Japan. Today, Osaka is a vibrant cultural center known for its shopping and exquisite cuisine.
Getting around
Osaka has a convenient subway system (easily navigable by non-Japanese speakers), and there's a stop at Tempozan Harbor Village. A taxi from the pier to the Sony Building in Shinsaibashi, a central area of downtown for shopping and dining, costs 3,000 yen (about $20).
Universal Studios Japan is a 10-minute ride from the port.
Nearby places
Its location makes Osaka a perfect base for doing one-day trips to nearby cities like Kyoto (30 minutes), Kobe (20 minutes), Nara (40 minutes) or Himeji (1 hour). (Typical times shown on JR Trains available without extra express charges starting from Osaka Station.)
Food and shopping
Osaka's most famous shopping district is Shinsaibashi, which offers a mix of huge department stores, high-end Western designer stores, and independent boutiques ranging from very cheap to very expensive.
Money
The currency in Japan is the yen. It comes in denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes, as well as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 coins.
ATMs in Japan are becoming more useful, and most can be used to withdraw funds from overseas accounts. Post offices also offer ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at a majority of stores and restaurants in large urban areas, but if you plan on spending any time in rural areas, be sure to carry sufficient cash. Japan is still very much a cash society and some stores, hotels and restaurants-regardless of location-refuse credit cards.
Don't tip, as it's considered rude!
Staying connected
Osaka Free Wi-Fi is available at stations and major locations. Osaka Free Wi-Fi Lite is available at individual stores.