If you have a forthcoming trip to Japan, you must have been wondering if it’s still okay to travel in Osaka at this time when coronavirus remains uncontained.
Japan currently has 783 active cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
So, “Is Osaka safe to travel now?”
COVID-19 Cases in Osaka, Japan
As of June 25, 2020, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Osaka Prefecture are 1,809 and 1,687 have recovered in the prefecture so far.
You can check out the live COVID-19 tracker in Japan here.
For real-time updates, follow the Japan National Tourism Organization’s (JNTO) Twitter account.
Is Osaka, Japan Safe to Travel Now?
Is it safe to travel to Osaka despite coronavirus? How are the people doing in Osaka?
People in Osaka are out and about, with their everyday life still the same. But to say whether or not it’s safe to visit Osaka now is a vague question that has no definite answer.
However, given the current situation, we highly recommend just staying at home for now or at your accommodations to make sure you are safe.
If you have already booked your trip to Japan, you might want to postpone your travel plans. It’s best to wait for coronavirus to be thoroughly contained before making your travel plans. Prevention is always better than cure.
Can I Still Travel in Osaka?
The short answer is yes. Everything is like on a regular day in Osaka, except people are wearing face masks to avoid contracting coronavirus.
Schools, business establishments, and tourist attractions in Osaka are still open. Most travel services, like Osaka Localized, are also accepting bookings.
On the other hand, some museums in Osaka are closed to the public right now.
Temporary Closures of Attractions in Osaka
Here’s a list of the attractions that are now open:
Universal Studios Japan
The National Museum of Art, Osaka
Osaka Castle Museum
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda
Harukas 360
Tsutenkaku Tower
Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Osaka National Museum of History
Isaka Museum of History
Osaka Science Museum
Hirakata Park
Umeda Sky Building
Kids Park Plaza
Mint Museum
National Museum of Ethnology
The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka
You can check out the complete and updated list of temporary closures of attractions in Japan and via TripAdvisor (in Japanese).
How to Prevent COVID-19
If you wish to travel Osaka, here are some preventive measures you need to know before flying in:
Bring your own masks as most stores in Japan have run out of face masks.
Avoid crowded attractions and observe social distancing.
Always clean your hands with soap and water properly.
Use alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizers all the time.
Always wear your face mask when going out.
Cover your nose and mouth with tissue paper or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing.
Keep away from people who have cold or flu-like symptoms.
Visit the World Health Organization’s advice for the public for more tips.
What to Do If You’re Suspected to Have COVID-19
In case you suspect to have caught coronavirus symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath, get yourself checked at the nearest hospital.
Refer to this list of English-speaking hospitals in Osaka Prefecture.
Always be on your guard. Travel safe.