Osaka, Japan

• Osaka is Japan's third-largest city, sitting in the Kansai region. People come here for the food - takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu - and the city has a reputation for being more casual than Tokyo. Locals are chattier than in other Japanese cities, though don't expect fluent English conversations. The nightlife scene centers around Dotonbori and Namba.
• Eating alone is normal here - there's even a Japanese term for it, 'ohitorisama.' You'll see counter seating at most restaurants, from cheap ramen spots to nicer places. Staff in tourist areas like Namba and Umeda deal with foreign visitors regularly, but English gets limited quickly once you leave those zones. Having Google Translate ready helps.
• Crime rates are low compared to most cities. Violent crime is rare, pickpocketing happens but isn't common. Walking around at night in main areas like Umeda and Namba is generally fine, though use normal city awareness. Women-only train cars run during rush hours (7:30-9:30am, 5-8pm weekdays) - look for pink signs on the platform. Some capsule hotels have women-only floors.
• The metro system has nine color-coded lines. Get an ICOCA card at any station - it's a rechargeable transit card that works across Japan. The Midosuji Line (red) runs north-south through the main areas: Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Tennoji. Most places you'll want to go are on or near this line. Trains run from 5am to midnight.

Japanese is the main language. English is limited outside major tourist areas, though hotel staff, bigger restaurants, and tourist spots usually have basic English. Japan Visitor Hotline (24/7) and Tourist Support Line (050-3816-2787) have English, Chinese, and Korean help. Emergency services (110, 119) have interpreters - stay on the line if you need one.

• Say 'sumimasen' (excuse me) to get someone's attention or apologize. No tipping - it's considered rude and they'll refuse it or chase you down to return it. Wait to be seated at restaurants even when you see empty tables.
• Keep your voice down on trains and buses. Don't take phone calls on public transport. Eating or drinking while walking is frowned upon - find a spot to stand still or sit down. Blowing your nose in public is gross here; go to a restroom.
• Chopstick rules: don't stick them upright in rice (funeral thing) and don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. When taking from shared plates, flip your chopsticks to use the clean end or use the serving chopsticks if provided.
• Shoes off when you see a step up or shoe racks - homes, temples, some traditional restaurants, ryokan. You'll figure it out by looking at what others do. English is limited outside Umeda/Namba, so download Google Translate before you arrive.

• The metro has nine color-coded lines. The Midosuji Line (red) runs north-south and hits most places tourists go: Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Tennoji. Trains run 5am to midnight. Miss the last train and you're taking an expensive taxi or waiting until morning.
• Buy an ICOCA card at any station - rechargeable transit card that works on trains, subways, and buses. Works across Japan, not just Osaka. SUICA and Pasmo cards from Tokyo work too. Day passes cost around 800 yen if you're making 3+ trips.
• Women-only cars run weekdays during rush hours (7:30-9:30am, 5-8pm). Pink signs on the platform show you where to board. Usually at the front or rear of the train. Helpful during crowded commutes.
• Taxis are clean and safe but cost more than the metro. Uber barely exists here - use regular taxis from the street or have your hotel call one. Doors open automatically (don't pull them). Most drivers don't speak English, so have your destination in Japanese ready on your phone.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Osaka with local guides and curated experiences.