Osaka Shanghai ferry

Osaka Guide

What is there to do in Osaka?

Osaka embodies the quintessential modern Japanese city; the skyline is littered with skyscrapers and extravagant restaurants, whilst the streets are flooded with tourists and businessman buzzing around the high tech infrastructure. The main attraction for the city is Universal Studios Japan, one of the world’s biggest and most popular theme parks. It’s perfect for a family day out, especially in the colder months when the rides are generally easier to access. To continue the family day out, it is worthwhile heading to the aquarium, showcasing an array of fascinating sea life at affordable prices. As well as an array of entertaining activities, there is plenty of historical and cultural landmarks dotted around the city. The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living are two of the most notable sites in the city – the former providing an interesting insight into the architectural history of Osaka. To really embrace what Osaka has to offer, there are tours available for a full immersion into Japanese culture.

How do visitors get around Osaka?

There are many forms of public transport around the city, including the subway and train systems that cater to all areas of the city. Rental bikes are also available for those that like to stay healthy, alternatively there are taxis readily available throughout the city.

Shanghai Guide

What is there to do in Shanghai?

Food has become the fulcrum of China’s social scene; friends, family and couples will always meet over some dumplings or noodles to talk about their social calendar – luckily Shanghai’s culinary scene is as cheap as it is varied. Food from all over the globe is represented in the myriad of enticing restaurants, outlets and cafes, most of them mixing a quintessential Chinese experience with exotic flavours. From the rooftop restaurants and bars you can look out over the city - the view of the Huangpu River proving a popular subject of enviable photos. Obviously, the taller the building usually means the more impressive the view, so for a bird’s eye view of Shanghai, the World Financial Centre affords spectacular vistas. Whilst looking out over the city, you’ll notice the vitality and energy flowing around the Bund promenade. Numerous tourists and locals adorn the area, especially come nightfall when it comes alive in a sea of vigour. It’s not just the Bund that is popular in the evening, Shanghai boasts a thriving nightlife that rivals its western counterparts in terms of disparity, prices and vivacity – copious clubs provide all genres of music until the hours of the morning.

How do you get around Shanghai?

Public transport is rife in Shanghai; bus, tram and train services make the city very efficient for travel. For alternative travel, there are also scooters and cars available for rent, or you can traverse by bicycle or on two feet.