San Francisco International (SFO) is an international airport, 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, and it can be reached via Interstate-380 and coastal Highway 101. Flight duration is usually between 11 and 13 hours to Osaka Kansai International (KIX), and upon arrival there, the main artery to the mainland is via the Kansai Kokusai Kuko Renraku kyo.

Attractions

Osaka Castle was built in 1586 and was at that time the largest castle in Japan, with contributions of stone from each of Japan's military districts. The Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art has over 8,000 works of art, spanning periods from Japan's 12th century to modern Japanese art. Shitennoji Temple is the oldest temple in the country, dating back to 593 and it features a main Golden Hall, a five story pagoda, turtle sanctuary and a great stone gate that dates back to 1294.

Universal Studios Japan has movie-themed thrill rides, live entertainment, restaurants and shops to appeal to all visitors. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan features the largest aquarium tank in the entire world, and it houses 15 separate marine systems that include more than 35,000 specimens.

Hints and tips

May to October is the warmest months in Osaka, with average temperatures in the high 70s and 80s, although 90-degree days happen often as well. Winter temperatures stay well above freezing. December through February is the time of lightest precipitation, and all other months can be quite wet.