What's the Weather Like in Osaka in January
Temperature
Temperature averages in Osaka range between 3C (37.4F) and 10C (50F) in January. In this regard, the second largest city in Japan features significantly higher air temperatures than Seoul, South Korea, this time of year. Still, daily lows tend to go below the point of freezing (down to -2C/28.4F) while highs may rise up to 13C (55.4F). Even bigger variations in daily temperatures are possible, albeit they take place rarely. The end of January is usually colder than the beginning of the month for a few degrees.
In general, the interval when it feels very cold (up to 7C/44.6F, for example) lasts from around 6 pm to 7 am. This interval is a bit shorter in the first week of January in Osaka, the capital of the Osaka Prefecture. The rest of the day, air temperatures remain between the aforementioned value and maximum daily temperatures.
Sunshine Hours
The city of Osaka receives between 4:30 and 5 sunshine hours per day during January on average. Cloud cover, when the sky is partially cloudy, mostly cloudy or overcast, has a share of approx. 50% of daylight hours. Still, the chances of cloudy weather increase at a slow rate from the beginning of the month toward its end.
Rainfall
January is a relatively dry month in this destination. The city receives around 50 mm/1.97 in of precipitation in the course of the month on average. Sporadic rain is the most common form of rainfall in the Japanese port city of Osaka during this period. Yet, sleet and light snow do take place now and then. On average, the city typically features 7 rainy days in January. From the statistical point of view, the possibility of a wet day is slightly bigger in the second half of the month than in the first. Consequently, this period features a somewhat larger distribution of rainfall.
Days are usually rainier than nights. The highest probability of wet weather is around noon while the least possible time of the day of having rainy weather is around midnight.
Wind speed
The average speed of the wind is on the slight increase as time goes by in Osaka, Japan. At the beginning of January, the strength of the wind is 3.9 m/s, while it measures 4.1 m/s by the end of the period. Days are windier than nights, and the time of day when it is most windy is around 1 pm.
Humidity
On average, the relative humidity in this destination in January is 62%, which feels somewhat dry. In general, the chances of a humid weather throughout the month are insignificant at best.
Sunrise and sunset
The port city of Osaka features longer daylight with the passage of days in January. On January 1, the sun appears on the horizon at 7:04 am while it sets at 4:57 pm, giving the city 9:53 hours of daylight. On January 31, daybreak takes place at 6:57 am while sundown occurs at 5:25 pm. Then, this Japanese destination has 10:28 daylight hours.
Average sea temperature
Albeit average sea temperatures tend to fluctuate, these usually remain between 15C (59F) and 17C (62.6F) this time of year.
Extraordinary weather occurrences
Japan and Osaka lie in the area where various sorts of natural disasters occur on a regular basis. These are in relation to seasonal weather conditions (monsoons in particular) and to the geographical position of the country.
The islands of Japan are near the boundaries of, no more, no less, 4 major tectonic plates. These are North American, Eurasian, Philippine and Pacific tectonic plates. Because of this, earthquakes take place almost on a "regular basis" everywhere in Japan. Most of these aren't especially powerful, but once in a while, catastrophic earthquakes do occur. And they could take place literally anywhere.
Underwater earthquakes trigger tsunamis, which manifest through multiple waves that travel fast (up to 643 kph/400 mph) and increase in size by the coast. These natural hazards tend to cause massive floods. This is because the drainage system and nearby rivers can't absorb immense amounts of water at once. In regard to risks of tsunamis, Osaka, Japan, and its neighbor Kobe are among the riskiest places on earth.
Abundant rainfall brought by typhoons is another cause of flooding. Yet, January is out of the typhoon season.
Osaka Hotels in January
Osaka, the capital of the Osaka Prefecture, features accommodation units suitable for all types of travelers, from budget to high-end. Lodging costs are high in the beginning of the month, but they grow reasonable after the New Year's holidays.
Osaka Hana Hostel
Osaka Hana Hostel is a budget property, located a few minutes away from the nearest train station. The hostel disposes of dorms with several beds and private rooms. They may feature shared or private bathrooms. Free wireless internet and shared kitchenette are also available. The main railway station is some 10 minutes away by train.
J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse
J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse is another affordable accommodation provider, located near Osaka Station. The property offers private rooms and dormitories with shared bathrooms. Wi-Fi is free of charge, as well as the use of air-conditioners. Shared kitchen is an additional facility of the guesthouse.
Fraser Residence Nankai
Fraser Residence Nankai is a 4-star hotel, minutes away from the nearest subway station that provides fast (up to 20 minutes) transfer to Osaka Station. The property has studios and apartments ranging in size from 28 m2 to 77 m2, with LCD TVs, iPod docking stations and DVD players at disposal. Free Wi-Fi is also available, as well as a gym, meeting rooms and a sauna.
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is a 5-star property. It is minutes away by walking from Tennoji Station, served by the subway and the national railway lines (Japan Railways). The luxurious hotel has rooms and suites featuring various amenities, including a minibar, coffee makers, views of the city and complimentary Wi-Fi. A fitness center, business center and an on-site parking are some additional facilities.
Bars and Restaurants
The Japanese port city of Osaka is a great culinary destination. It offers everything between budget-friendly and exclusive dining options. If you don't plan to spend much on food, popular Takoyaki (octopus dumplings) should be on your "menu." Have in mind to have a certain amount of cash since credit cards aren't always accepted, and not only at restaurants.
Yakumido
Yakumido is an affordable eatery serving great curries. The additional asset of the restaurant is that you can ask the chef to adjust the spiciness and ingredients the way you prefer.
Ajinoya
Ajinoya is a mid-range restaurant that specializes in okonomiyaki and yakisoba. The former is a savory pancake while the latter is a dish whose main ingredients are noodles, vegetables and pork meat. Since Ajinoya is very popular, make sure to reserve your table in advance.
Kuma Kafe
Kuma Kafe is another moderately-priced eatery, but this one serves western specialties. In the menu of this dining venue you will find pancakes, burgers and pizzas. Kuma (Bear) Kafe's opening hours are from noon to 7 pm daily except on Monday and Tuesday.
Fujiya 1935
Fujiya 1935 is an upscale restaurant serving Spanish specialties. Among other dishes, the restaurant serves sea basses, crabs, shrimps and other locally-sourced ingredients. A selection of Spanish and Italian wines complements the offer. Fujiya 1935 is open daily (except on Sundays and first Mondays) from noon to 1 pm, and between 6 pm and 8 pm.
Things to do in Osaka in January
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is one of the top attractions of the city of Osaka. It features vast entertaining opportunities that will occupy you the entire day with ease. The entire complex comprises eight sections, some of which are Hollywood, Jurassic Park, Amity Village and Waterworld. In each of them, you can join various roller coaster rides that range from relaxing to adrenaline packed. To skip long queues for selected rides, purchase the Express Pass, but be quick since the daily allowance tends to sell out quickly. Besides rides, diverse shows take place on a daily basis.
Osaka Museum of History
Osaka Museum of History casts light on the history of the city that spans the period of around 1350 years. Every floor of the museum, starting from the top floor, elaborates a certain period in the historical development of the second largest city of Japan. Besides small-scale models and life-size reconstructions, the museum's exhibits encompass photos, films and hands-on exhibits. In addition to permanent, the Osaka Museum of History stages temporary exhibitions.
Osaka Prefectural Central Library
Osaka Prefectural Central Library is an intellectual space open to everyone. If you have a particular interest in arts, geography, science or any other field, you can find related publications in this library. Besides areas suitable for reading, you can also make use of internet and video sections. The use of all publications and materials is free of charge. Help for people having issues with reading is available upon registration.
Osaka Bay
Osaka Bay is a waterfront area consisting of islands and peninsulas. Here, you can enjoy many attractive dining, shopping and leisure activities. Some of the city's top tourist attractions, such as the Universal Studios, Osaka Aquarium and the Cosmo Tower, are located here. Take a look of the port city from the Cosmo Tower's 256-meter tall observation deck and while enjoying the ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel (112.5 meters).
