The third largest city in Japan and a workhorse for Kansai province, earthy Osaka has a long history that counters Kyoto’s refined elegance – as a good example of a modern Japanese city, there is much to eat, many places to shop and a considerable dose of neon charm, while much typical Japanese etiquette is loudly discarded. As a historical gateway to Japan and the first to open itself up to the world after Japan’s isolation, it is a popular place for foreigners, and its unique charm keeps many there for years at a time. As the third largest city in Japan it is an imposing city, but there are plenty of opportunities to get under its skin and thanks to its location there are many places around the city to visit with a car rental Osaka and take in this country from different angles. With just a few clicks you can have your Osaka car rental ready to go at an affordable price. HAPPYCAR is here to help you find the best car hire Osaka has to offer so you can take full advantage of this layered city, and cars from a number of airports, including a car hire Kansai Airport, is also available. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals on a car hire to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your specific needs. You have the options of choosing car size, pick up location and type of insurance to ensure you get the best deal on a great car hire!
General Information
Osaka was once the seat of Imperial power and after the capital moved to Kyoto, Osaka retained an important role as “the Nation’s Kitchen,” distributing most of the country’s supply of rice to each province. More recently Osaka has been taken under the wing of ambitious entrepreneurs, and while the city is not the prettiest in Japan, it remains the country’s best place to eat, drink and be merry. This is a place where you can eat yourself into ruin, with some districts containing a dizzying string of one restaurant after another. Typical Osakan foods are very much the pick-up-and-go kind, and includes battera, a block type mackerel sushi, okonomiyaki, a do-it-yourself ensemble of fried cabbage cake, and takoyaki, a classic Osaka delicacy that resembles dumplings filled with fried octopus.
Osaka’s sights are spread out, but are certainly worth a visit. Osaka Castle is perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, and remains a grand sight despite having been rebuilt multiple times throughout history. Another beautiful sight, especially in the springtime, is Shitennoji, Japan’s oldest officially administered temple, and carrying with it a ton of rich history. Alongside these historical treasures you can also find various excellent museums, such as the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, one of the best in the world, and a fascinating aquarium that contains a wide range of aquatic habitats.
Using a car hire in Osaka
Much of Osaka can also be experienced with little planning: Osakans are friendly, and chowing down on some tasty morsels and guzzling a beer with them is the best way to get to know the city. A trip to the Bunraku Theater, home of one of the last surviving ancient puppet shows, or a visit to the local baseball game, are both truly unforgettable experiences. But further out of the city itself are many delights that help you understand the region as a whole and its place in the country. Less than an hour and a half away by car is Himeji Castle, unarguably the most impressive feudal fortress in Japan and a stunning sight. Around Kobe, home of the infamous Kobe beef, is a large thermal spa complex, and Kyoto, the other ancient capital, is extremely close by with its astounding glut of temples and gardens. Nara, much maligned against its neighbor Kyoto, also has a ton of scenic and historical sites that are most certainly worth your time, and even Tokyo, today’s capital is accessible from Osaka. There is so much to see in this part of the world, and an Osaka car hire can help you uncover some of the many mysteries just waiting to be discovered. The HAPPYCAR teams wishes you a pleasant journey!