May in Osaka is pleasant with six hours of sunshine per day and daily temperatures reaching highs of 24°C.

Visa and Passport

•    Visa: Check if your nationality requires a visa for Japan. Many countries have visa exemption arrangements for short-term tourism.

•    Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Japan.

•    Onward/Return Ticket: Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel.

Visit Japan Web: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001

•    Online Registration: Visit Japan Web allows you to register your passport, flight details, and accommodation address, and complete the customs and immigration procedures before arrival.

•    QR Codes: Upon completion, you will receive QR codes for immigration and customs, which you can present upon arrival. 

Immigration

•    Disembarkation Card: You will need to complete a disembarkation card for foreign nationals, which can be done online or on paper. 

•    Immigration Procedures: Present your passport, disembarkation card (if not using Visit Japan Web), and any other required documents to the immigration officer. 

•    Fingerprinting and Photo: All travellers, with some exceptions, will have their fingerprints and photo taken. 
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Customs

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You will need to complete a customs declaration form, which can also be done online through Visit Japan Web. 

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 Whilst this information is correct at the time of publishing the information may change without prior notice. It remains your responsibility to check your visa requirements before travelling.
 

It is advisable to take out travel insurance when visiting Japan. Medical expenses in Japan can be high and hospitals often require upfront payment.

You are required by Japanese law to carry your passport with you at all times in Osaka, and throughout Japan. This is a legal requirement for all foreign visitors. Failure to produce your passport when requested by authorities can lead to detention. 

Shopping

​•    Most shops, including major shopping malls and souvenir shops, are open from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Some stores may stay open until 10:00pm.

•    Many shops remain open on Sundays and national holidays.
 

Restaurants and Food Stalls

​•    Restaurants and food stalls often open around 11:00am  and stay open until late at night, with some staying open until midnight.​

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Entertainment

•    Bars and clubs typically open around 5:00pm and stay open until the early hours of the morning.

•    Friday and Saturday nights are particularly lively.

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Transportation

​•    The Osaka Metro generally operates from 5:00am to midnight.

Eating while walking is generally frowned upon in Osaka and other parts of Japan. It's considered more polite and considerate to either sit down or stand aside to enjoy your food or drink, rather than walking and eating. This is especially true in crowded areas or when consuming food that could easily cause a mess. 

While Osaka is generally very safe, tourists should still be aware of potential minor crimes. Pickpocketing is the most common petty crime, although it is rare. 

The currency used in Osaka, and throughout Japan, is the Japanese Yen, abbreviated as JPY or symbolized by ¥.

For details on how to reach Swissotel Nankai from Kansai International Airport and Itami International Airport, including train timetables, please click here: https://swissotelnankaiosaka.jp/access/en/

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Please note the hotel stands right above Nankai Namba Station.

Etiquette 

It is considered rude to talk loudly on public transport. You should not make phone calls and phones should be set to silent mode. Instead, you should speak softly to show respect for others' personal space. 

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​Taxis

Taxis in Osaka are readily available. Major transport hubs like Osaka Station and Kansai Airport have designated taxi stands. You can hail a taxi in the street if the roof light is illuminated, indicating it is vacant. Uber and GO Apps can also be used to book taxis in Osaka.

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Trains

Subways and trains are the best way to get around Osaka. The FIDI Conference hotel stands right above Nankai Namba Station, serving various modes of transportation such as subways, Kintetsu Line, Hanshin Namba Line.

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Osaka is huge but it’s very easy to get around using the city’s excellent public transport system. Five of the city’s main hubs are conveniently located on the Midosuji subway line, that runs north/south right through the heart of the city. A prepaid Icoca card is the best way to pay for transport, which you can purchase at stations.

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Buses

Buses aren’t recommended for short-term visitors.

Driving in Osaka city is generally not recommended for tourists due to heavy traffic, expensive parking, and the convenience of public transportation.

The voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, which is different from North America (120V), Central Europe (230V) and most other regions of the world. Japanese electrical plugs and outlets resemble North American ones. Plugs come in various versions, but most commonly they are non-polarized and ungrounded with two pins. The frequency of electric current is 60 Hertz in western Japan.

The standard time in Japan is JST (Japan Standard Time) UTC/GMT +9 hours.

You cannot smoke in public in Osaka, outside of designated areas. The city-wide ban on public smoking, includes streets, parks, and plazas. Designated smoking areas, often enclosed booths or sections, are available in certain locations like near train stations and in business districts. 

In Osaka, and Japan generally, tipping is not customary and is often declined or considered rude. Service staff are generally paid a fair wage and view good service as part of their job.

Throughout Japan, tap water is safe to drink and that includes the water found in parks, gardens, and public bathrooms.