If your trip to Osaka is all organized but your itinerary is a bit on the empty side, we can give you a helping hand.Your buddies back home will be green with envy when you share with them all the incredible pictures of you in front of Osaka Science Museum and Osaka Castle. And after they’ve finished hearing all your amazing stories about Osaka Takoyaki Museum and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, they’ll be racing to book their own vacation to Osaka!You’ll have to rise early if you’re planning to see all the fascinating sights this place has to offer. Umeda Sky Building and Mint Museum are non-negotiable. Osaka Museum of History and Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade shouldn’t be overlooked either.Stop by Kyocera Dome Osaka. It’s one attraction you’ll find on most travelers’ to-do lists. If you still have some room on that travel schedule, Nipponbashi and Kuromon Ichiba Market will keep you entertained too.

If you’re searching for other places to discover, Fuke has plenty to do. About 35 miles from Osaka, Hojuji Temple is one of the top attractions.

Steer your car in the direction of Omae Beach Park. It’s 10 miles from Osaka and is a lovely place to stretch out your legs. Enjoy a peaceful stroll by the water and watch the frothy waves lapping against the shore.

After a long day of mingling with like-minded people, it’s always nice to know you can rest your head someplace nearby. If you’re traveling to Osaka for work-related purposes, these are some of the top convention centers that are close to hotels, cafés and restaurants:

• Osaka International Convention Center (1 mile away).
• Osaka International House Foundation (3 miles away).
• ATC Exhibition Hall (7 miles away).

If you’ve never visited Osaka, you’re in for an incredible time. With icons like Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Osaka Castle, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t plan your escape sooner. But like all big cities, getting behind the wheel can be a little daunting — so why not lock in a mini? Parking is a piece of cake and handling is about as easy as it gets. Alternatively, if you’d rather steer clear of downtown and marvel at the more remote bays in Osaka Prefecture, you can’t beat an SUV or a four-wheel drive.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to renting a car in Osaka. From luxury models to economy rides that are a snap to park, you’ll find it all here. Selecting your perfect match of course depends on your budget and what activities you plan on doing. There are some road trips that are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others don’t need anything more than four wheels and a gas pedal. Which car will you be sliding behind the wheel of this trip?

The left side is where you’ll be clocking up the miles in Osaka. Take note that the controls of your rental vehicle here, like the steering wheel and gearshift, will be on the opposite side of what you’re used to.

Getting a car space in Osaka isn’t always a breeze. That’s why many travelers opt for a hotel that has its own parking. When leaving the car around the city, take careful note of the signage. Overstaying the time limit could land you a large fine.

Since the population of Osaka is about 2,592,400, you’re likely to come across some traffic congestion in the city center. Before and after work hours is when traffic is at its worst, so it’s smart to stay off the road during these times.

While motoring around the streets of Osaka, keep in mind that the speed limits typically range from 30km/h to 100km/h. Most residential zones are 40km/h unless signed otherwise.

More often than not, your chosen rental car company will charge the amount of the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may share your contact information with the relevant local law enforcement agency so they can issue a fine to you directly.

It is prohibited to use your cell phone while cruising in your car around Osaka, and you may even be charged a fine for just holding your phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. However, using hands-free or Bluetooth functions is allowed, as long as your attention stays on the road.

When driving in Osaka, it’s an offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) higher than 0.03%. Planning to have a few drinks while you’re out? Consider using a ride-sharing service or taking a taxi.

No, so don’t risk a fine by doing it. In Osaka, red means stop, with no exceptions. When approaching a set of traffic lights, always drive at a safe speed so you can easily stop when you need to.

They sure are. However, there are a couple of exceptions for vehicles run by public transportation systems.