I'll be spending way too much time in Osaka, Japan on my upcoming pairing. It's the only Pac Rim layover I don't look forward to. Do any UPS, FedEx, NWA, or United guys out there that have a good layover gouge on this place?

About the only place I know about is the Hard Rock Cafe, the long shopping mall outside of Namba station, and the Pig and Whistle. Our contracted hotel is out at the airport, but I'm willing to travel anywhere to explore some new sights, food, and drink.

Accepting any gouge material...

Thanks in advance.

 

isn't it about a million dollars to cross the bridge?

 

Like Bill said, I don't think they let you guys off the island.

If you've found Namba, that's a good start, but it's a city of 9 million, I know you can find something you like. PM me and let me know what your looking for.

 

Don't know how much time you have but there is Himeji Castle.
It is about an hour train ride from Osaka.
Take Care
WP

 

Roger that, HSLD. PM on the way.

WideSpreadPanic, that sounds like a good afternoon time-killer. I'm writing it down. Thanks!

 

If you plan of getting on a train and going far, be sure you get the correct type of shore pass from immigration. Some of the shore passes are only good for the local area, and a small mileage from your entry point.

 

Dog,

Try Den Den town, the giant electronics shopping area just 2 blocks east of Namba. You won't get bargains, but you'll find anything at all you're looking for.

There are many Japanese hot springs around Osaka, check with your hotel for one nearby. They're a fun way to kill time.

For drinking holes, I like Sam & Dave and Pig and Whistle. Check the Blue Note Jazz Cafe for large acts in town like Peabo Bryson, Bobby Caldwell, etc.. they're there alot. Make sure you bring your wallet.

Have fun!

 

Well Freight dog, just spent a 4 day layover in Osaka, in fact leaving in half an hour but here goes.
I don't know if there is ANYTHING worth coming into town for from the airport. For us it is $160 cab ride one way ,but I imagine the train would be much less but at least an hour ride.
We are in the Swiss hotel at Namba station.....pretty nice here.
1. pig and whistle british pub--go north on the main drag over the canal about 2 blocks on the right....its on the second floor and is easy to miss..
good fish and chips, pizza and happy hour price of food plus beer for $12.
2. Just across the street from the hotel going into the northern covered street is a large theatre....us language but expensive....$18 for die hard.
just past that the first lt in the allyway is the Billybong...it is on the 4th floor.
really upscale and fairly expensive, but nice...

3. of course several Macdonalds all over.

4. My favorite place was the Lone Star cafe about a 15 minute walk north but went there and it is boarded up so if someone finds out they have moved let me know....

5. New U.S. style Apple store on the main drag on the West side of the road about 4 blocks north of Namba

 

If you know Pig and Whistle go across the main street. Go in one block to the "little america" neighborhood. Then go up nearly one block away from the river. On your left you'll see a sign for Balabushkas. Think Color of Money. Free pool and darts. Nice crowd with reasonable prices. High ceiling keeps the air breathable if its busy (unlike P+W). They have comedy nights and bands once and awhile. Check it out.

 

Hub Pub. 5 min walk from Swisshotel. Ask concierge.