Sometimes overshadowed by Japan's more famous cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama, Osaka is the third-largest city in the country and has plenty going for it in terms of tourism. Around 3 1/2 hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train, as well as being served by its own international airport, Osaka is as easy to reach as any other major Japanese city. There is also a fantastic number of Osaka serviced apartments to choose from, as well as many other forms of serviced accommodation.

Many tourists (and indeed Japanese citizens) travel to Osaka for the incredible number of retail shops in the city. The longest Shōtengai in Japan is found in Osaka, and in this type of shopping mall you will find fashion outlets, game centres, massage parlours, izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and Pachinko parlours (gambling arcades). There are plenty of Osaka apartment rentals found near the city's Shōtengai. The Chuō district is particularly of interest to keen shoppers, with over 10,000 shops found here alone.

Another shopping area of Osaka is known as Den Den Town, and is especially well known for its electronic and manga/anime stores. If you're looking to visit Osaka to make a bargain electrical purchase, also considered visiting the Hankyu Sanbangai shopping mall as well as an enormous electrical appliance store known as Yodobashi Camera.

Historically, Osaka has been referred to as the ‘nation's kitchen’ as it is well known for its culinary prowess and wholesale food trading. Local delicacies worth taking back to your Osaka service apartment are takoyaki (octopus dumplings), traditional oshizushi (pressed sushi), okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake) and udon (a noodle dish). You'll often find the snacks you can buy it on the side of the street and in small snack bars are equally as delicious as the expensive meals you can buy in Osaka restaurants.

As with any other long established Japanese city, Osaka has an abundance of historical sites, temples and shrines to visit. The most famous of which is Osaka Castle, a 16th century landmark which has played an important role in the development of Japan as a unified nation. Sumiyoshi Taisha is an 1800-year-old Shinto shrine and is visited by large numbers of tourists and locals every day. These are both excellent trips to take from your Osaka holiday apartment - just don't forget your camera!

When booking your Osaka short-term apartment, be sure to check whether your stay will coincide with any of the city’s annual festivals. Holiday rentals fill up quickly during these events and pre-planning is certainly a good idea.

Serviced and self-catered apartments, flats, holiday lets and aparthotels can be up to 30% cheaper than most equivalent hotel rooms and are becoming increasingly popular due to the freedom they offer. Whether it’s a short stay apartment you are looking for or a long term apartment, our holiday apartments combine all the amenities and comforts of home.  With plenty of room why stay in a cramped hotel room when you can stay in spacious surroundings in and around the Osaka city centre.

From budget serviced apartments, through to mid range and luxury serviced apartments, compare prices and get an instant booking confirmation at CityCentreApartments.com