Osaka Parking & Smoking Finder is a free web app for finding parking lots and designated smoking areas across Osaka City on a map. It's built for the moment you're out and thinking "where can I park?" or "where am I actually allowed to smoke?" — questions that are especially hard to answer as a visitor to Japan, where smoking on the street is restricted in much of central Osaka. Add it to your phone's home screen and it opens like an app.
Parking and smoking area data comes from OpenStreetMap community data, the City of Osaka's published list of designated and reported smoking areas, and submissions from people using this site.
Q. Is it free?
A. Yes, completely free, and there's no sign-up. You can start searching the map right away.
Q. Which areas are covered?
A. Osaka City is the main coverage area. Some spots just outside the city are included, but Osaka City has by far the most complete data.
Q. Where can I legally smoke in Osaka?
A. Much of central Osaka is a no-smoking-on-the-street zone, and fines can apply. This site maps the designated smoking areas published by the City of Osaka, so you can find a place where smoking is permitted. Always check the on-site signage, as rules can change.
Q. Are the rates and hours accurate?
A. They come from OpenStreetMap, City of Osaka open data and user submissions, so they may be out of date. Please also check the on-site signage or the operator's website before relying on them.
Q. How do I add or correct a spot?
A. Tap the "Add a spot" button on the map and choose a location. You can also tap any existing marker and choose "Add or correct information". Photographing a sign can fill in the name, rate and address for you.