MileHacker Logo
Higashiosaka Travel Tips

Higashiosaka Travel Tips

Higashiosaka Osaka, Japan Travel Guide

Mobile Connectivity

Data-only SIM cards for tourists at airports (Kansai International Airport (KIX)), electronics stores, and online. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals are a highly recommended alternative for continuous internet access on multiple devices.

Options

  • Local SIM Cards (NTT Docomo, SoftBank, AU)
  • Pocket Wi-Fi Rentals
  • Free Wi-Fi at terminals, stores, cafes

Language & Translation

Japanese (Nihongo) is the official language. English proficiency varies, often low outside key visitor areas. In Higashiosaka, you might find fewer English speakers than in central Osaka.

Resources

  • Google Translate & DeepL apps
  • Some Pocket Wi-Fi devices include translation functions
  • Japanese phrasebook

Phrases

Learning basic Japanese phrases shows respect and frequently brings a warm response from locals.

Useful Phrases

  • Hello: Konnichiwa
  • Thank you: Arigato gozaimasu
  • I apologize: Sumimasen

More Phrases

Japan Post offices are numerous and offer reliable domestic and international mail services.

Common Interactions

  • Yes: Hai
  • No: Iie
  • English?: Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?

Practical Queries

Asking Directions

  • How much?: Ikura desu ka?
  • Where is the station?: Eki wa doko desu ka?
  • Can you help me?: Tetsudatte kudasai?
  • In what place is the shop?: Mise wa doko desu ka?

Connectivity & Learning

Connectivity Tip

For reliable internet on your journey, consider an Airalo eSIM for seamless data access, or a Solis Wi-Fi portable device for continuous connectivity. Begin your language journey with Rosetta Stone before your trip.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops & Retail

Typically open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Big retailers and malls may operate later.

Restaurants

Lunch STARTING at 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. Dinner 5:00 PM-10:00 PM. Izakayas may stay open until midnight.

Convenience Stores

Many konbini are operating 24/7, offering food, drinks, and various services.

Banking & ATMs

Banks open 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, weekdays. ATMs are widely available at convenience stores, post offices, and bank branches, many operating 24/7 and accepting overseas cards, making cash withdrawals easy.

Locations

  • 7-Eleven ATMs
  • Lawson ATMs
  • Post Office ATMs

Holidays & Closures

Japan features several public holidays. Services may be limited, and getting around and attractions can become crowded during peak periods. Plan travel and bookings carefully in the vicinity of these times.

Peak Times

  • New Year (late Dec - early Jan)
  • The Golden week holidays (late Apr - early May)
  • Obon (mid-August)

Travel Considerations

Holiday Impact

  • Plan travel and bookings carefully around holidays.
  • Expect crowds at attractions and on transport.
  • Some services might be limited.

Off-Season Notes

  • Smaller businesses might have irregular closures.
  • Always check websites or call ahead.
  • Be aware of restricted timetables.

Important Advice

Always carry a business card from your hotel or accommodation. This helps taxi drivers or locals assist you if you become lost.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observing local customs enriches your travel and shows respect for the culture.

Greetings & Attire

Bowing is a common greeting. A slight nod is good for casual encounters. Use "Konnichiwa." Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees in temples. Remove shoes before entering residences and some traditional places.

Actions

  • Bowing: Common, slight nod for casual
  • Attire: Modest, cover shoulders/knees
  • Shoes Off: Before entering homes, temples, some restaurants

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not customary. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food with them. Use hashioki. Sharing dishes is common at izakayas. Wait for "Kanpai!" before drinking.

Chopstick Rules

  • No upright chopsticks in rice
  • No passing food that has chopsticks
  • No pointing with chopsticks

Photography & Privacy

Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children. Do not photograph inside temples, shrines, or private homes if prohibited by signs or explicit requests.

Ethical Photography

  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • No photography where signs prohibit it.
  • Respect privacy; avoid close-up shots of strangers.

Taboos & Conduct

Don't have direct confrontation; communication is often indirect. Keep your voice down in public spaces. Public displays of affection are generally discreet.

Social Sensitivities

  • Avoid direct confrontation.
  • Keep voices down in public spaces.
  • Public displays of affection are discreet.

Important Social Notes

Tattoo Considerations

  • Tattoos may restrict entry to onsen, gyms, pools.
  • Consider covering tattoos in some public settings.
  • Attitudes are changing, but caution is still advised.

Gender & LGBTQ+

  • Women traveling alone are safe.
  • Major cities like Osaka are becoming more tolerant.
  • LGBTQ+ friendly venues exist in central Osaka.

Religious Site Etiquette

Attire & Demeanor

  • Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees.
  • Remove shoes before entering certain areas.
  • Maintain silence or low voices within sacred spaces.

Rituals & Respect

  • Follow purification rituals at Shinto shrines.
  • Avoid photography where signs prohibit.
  • Do not touch sacred objects.

Cultural Immersion

Learning a few basic Japanese phrases and observing local customs shows deep respect and frequently brings a warm response from locals, improving your overall journey.

Accessibility Information

Japan has made significant progress in enhancing accessibility for travelers.

Mobility Infrastructure

Major train stations, airports, and contemporary buildings often have ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets. Older shrines and shrines may have stairs or uneven paths, which may present difficulties.

Accessibility Features

  • Ramps and elevators in new buildings.
  • Accessible toilets are widely available.
  • Modern public transport is often wheelchair-friendly.

Sensory Impairment Support

Tactile paving for visually impaired individuals is common in stations and on sidewalks. Announcement systems in trains and stations often provide information in both Japanese and English.

Support Systems

  • Tactile paving for visually impaired individuals.
  • Multilingual announcements in stations.
  • Japan National Tourism Organization accessibility guides.

Accessible Attractions

Many up-to-date attractions and public transport systems (trains, subways) are wheelchair-friendly. Look for accessible entrances and routes when planning your visits.

Planning Resources

  • Check for wheelchair-friendly facilities.
  • Identify accessible routes in advance.
  • Look for accessible entrances.

Travel Support Organizations

The Japan The National tourist office Organization (JNTO) provides comprehensive accessibility guides and information for travelers with disabilities. Refer to their website for detailed resources.

Organizations

  • Japan Official Tourism authority Organization (JNTO).
  • Comprehensive accessibility guides.
  • Refer to JNTO website for detailed resources.

Airport Services & Resources

Lounge Access

Frequent travelers find independent airport lounge access globally.

Explore Priority Pass

Flight Compensation

Service that helps for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Visit Compensair

Lost & Found

Airport services for retrieving lost items.

Travel Planning Tip

To make the journey smoother through airports, Priority Pass provides frequent travelers with autonomous airport lounge access. If facing flight disruptions, Compensair assists with compensation claims for delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane.