Destination Profile
Osaka is part grit, part charm, part tradition. Merchant guilds and industry have thrived here since the Kofun era in the 300s AD, giving rise to districts like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, where colossal shopping malls converge on neon-lit signage ad infinitum. In the midst of it all, Osaka Castle stands tall – a fading remnant of the Momoyama period in the 16th century that blooms beautiful with cherry trees each spring. Just outside of town are escapes of a different sort, from Mount Koya's mystical shrines to the untouched maple forests of Mino. Cheap flights to Osaka from New Zealand will usually involve stopovers, taking between 17 and 24 hours on average from departure to arrival.
Try to catch Osaka Castle during the annual cherry blossom to witness its gabled roofs rising from a sea of pink and white.
Get ready for the haze of neon that is Dotonbori – Osaka's main shopping and entertainment district.
Shinsekai channels New York's Manhattan to create a unique Osaka district that's replete with beer bars, noodle joints, and striking landmarks.
No airlines fly direct between New Zealand and Osaka.
The best airline to fly to Osaka from New Zealand is Singapore Airlines. The best low-cost airline is Jetstar.