osaka travel

Osaka (���, Ōsaka) is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo . It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period , when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor , Naniwa was once Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle , and the city may have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and established his government in distant Edo (Tokyo) .

Top attractions in Osaka

Osaka by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Nostalgic Shinsekai
• Shopping arcades and food markets
• Bustling Dotonbori

• Outstanding museums
• Osaka Castle and its extensive grounds
• Ancient temples and shrines

• Famous Osaka Castle
• Japan's tallest skyscraper Abeno Harukas
• Namba entertainment district

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Osaka tourist guide, hotels around osaka, osaka hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Osaka

Experiences around Osaka

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Enjoy a faster pace in Kansai's capital

Top attractions in osaka.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Katsuoji Temple

Around osaka.

Osaka is the capital of Osaka Prefecture and one of Kansai's most beautiful cities. During night time, the illuminated billboards and skyscrapers light up the city. Places include Namba, Osaka's..

Sakai is a bustling city in Osaka prefecture brimming with scenic parks, keyhole-shaped burial mounds, and temples. Just under an hour away from Osaka city, Sakai, also well-known for its quality..

Osaka city needs no introductions. As a major tourist hub in Japan, Osaka rivals Tokyo in terms of attractions and food. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with Universal Studios Osaka, Osaka..

About Osaka

The center of western Japan and the home of Japanese comedy, Osaka Prefecture (大阪府, Ōsaka-fu ) is lively at all times, as the business district in Umeda, the shopping area of Shinsaibashi, and the neon-lit nightlife district of Dotonbori reflect the upbeat and friendly nature of the local people.

But if you’re tired of the urbanity, Osaka Castle and the Expo Commemoration Park (which contains the National Museum of Ethnology and the iconic Tower of the Sun) ensure that you won’t run out of things to do. And that’s without even mentioning Universal Studios Japan .

Walking around the streets of Osaka can be a gastronomical experience, with many food stalls selling takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other delicious fast foods and snacks. And if you have the luxury to splurge, have dinner at Kitcho, one of the most high class Japanese restaurants. 

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Upcoming osaka events.

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The Motor Camp Expo started in 2019 as a way to promote road trips and the myriad of outdoor activities associated with them, so..

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Where to eat in Osaka

Dotonbori's Top Restaurants

A saying associated with Dotonbori is kuidaore, which means to go bankrupt after spending a large amount of money on food. Not surprisingly,..

Bear Paw Cafe

On first glances, Osaka's newly-opened Bear Paw Cafe may seem like a cute gimmick, but it's much more than that.

Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace

Located on the top floor of Maraiza’s Landmark Square, the terrace offers panoramic views over Osaka Castle as well as a Japan..

Places to stay in Osaka

Amami Onsen Nanten-en

Amami Onsen Nanten-en is a traditional ryokan inn hidden deep within the Osaka countryside. Immersed in history and culture, boasting..

Cat Spa & Ryokan: Neko-Yokujo & Neko-Hatago

Located in Osaka, Neko-Yokujo and Neko-Hatago is a cat cafe and dormitory-style inn designed for cat rescue. The cafe and inn feature..

Visitors seeking a convenient base for exploring Western Japan will find karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower the perfect place..

Latest Osaka Reports

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From July 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025, USJ will open two new Demon Slayer-themed rides.

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To share Osaka’s heritage with travelers, six museums in Osaka will host a promotional campaign called the “OSAKA-HAKU” in con..

Onkochishin is a philosophy that I often associate with the chefs of Osaka. Confucius explains, “Exploring the old and deducin..

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Must-See Attractions

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The Four Seasons in Osaka

Let us introduce to you some of the Kansai region’s hidden gems as well as the best train passes to choose to help you make the most of your journey.

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About Osaka

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15 Memorable Things to do in Osaka, Japan

Osaka, Japan: where neon lights, mind-boggling structures, and avant-garde fashion meet zen temples, scenic woodland, and narrow lantern-lit alleyways. People often overlook the city of contrasts in favor of bigger places like Tokyo . However, they shouldn’t; it packs fantastic shopping, street food, and some of the most open and friendly locals in Japan ! Spend a few days enjoying all the top things to do in Osaka and its surroundings with this complete travel guide.

Things to do in Osaka

Osaka is a great place to start your Japan itinerary, with fantastic connections to nature and other major cities. The port city on Honshu Island suffered extensive bombing during the war, leaving few old buildings standing. This has made it one of the more contemporary cities in Japan.

However, what it lacks in historical architecture, it makes up for in color and flavor; discover its neon-lit bars, innovative food, well-humored residents, and bold and brave fashion choices.

Here are all your hotel options in Osaka.

1. Shopping in Osaka!

Shop to your heart’s content in Osaka, Japan! The city is home to many different shopping areas, all with their own unique characteristics. Whether you’re looking to peruse high-end designer stores or bargain with vendors at traditional markets, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Don’t miss out on America Mura, the vintage shops area of Osaka . Some of our favorite shopping spots are:

Kuromon Market Osaka

Exploring Kuromon Ichiba is one of the top things to do in Osaka, and it is known as the most famous market in the city. Within this 600-meter-long market, you’ll find street vendors selling traditional made-to-order dishes to both tourists and locals. It’s renowned for its fresh seafood; dine on oysters, scallops, and many other fish here!

See availability and tickets for a tour of Kuromon Market

Nipponbashi

Are you a fan of Japanese Anime and Manga culture? Even if you’ve never encountered the colorful, symbolic animations before, it’s an absolute must to immerse yourself in the fanatic community found in Nipponbashi. Here, you’ll see endless comic stores and Anime merchandise. You might even get a glimpse of Japan’s unique and unusual maid cafes!

Orange Street

The lesser-known Orange Street has long been hailed as ‘the place to go’ for furniture and antiques (dating back to the 1600s) However, after World War 2 and the economic boom in Japan , it became even more popular among Osakans.

These days, there are many types of shops woven in among the old furniture stores, including charming boutiques, general stores, and hipster cafes. It’s become a top thing to do in Osaka for the young and fashionable who love to come here at the weekend to peruse the vintage stores.

Shinsaibashisuji

Shinsaibashisuji is the busiest shopping street in Osaka, Japan! The long-roofed arcade is home to every type of store you can imagine, from traditional kimono stores to contemporary brands and world-renowned beauty stores (like Lush). There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from if you get hungry. 

Hotels in Osaka 😴

2. Get up High in Osaka, Japan

What better way to see the city than getting up high into the clouds for a birds-eye view of Osaka’s rooftops and monuments? There are a few great spots to gain some elevation:

Harukas 300

Harukas 300 is Japan’s tallest ‘building’ with a 360-degree view from the top deck. The 16th-floor observatory is free to enter, but you must pay 1,800 yen (9.50 USD) to visit the top deck.

See availability and tickets for the Harukas 300 Observatory

For a nail-biting experience, book ‘Edge the Harukas’ and walk along a 20-meter-long ledge attached to the building. The price is 1000 yen (6.50 USD), and you’ll need to show your passport.

Don’t miss out : Book your Edge the Harukas experience in advance

Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Visit the Kuchu Teien Observatory, a floating garden that connects the two twin towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Reach the top on a seethrough escalator ride (also the highest escalators in the world!). The entry fee is 1500 yen (10 USD)

Buy your tickets for Umeda Sky Building online

This is one of the most Iconic structures in Osaka, towering over the vibrant area of Shinsekei. At the top, there is a fantastic open deck, complete with a glass floor. And the adrenaline doesn’t stop there! Visitors can also use the ‘Tower Slider’, a giant slide that brings you from 60 meters up to the bottom — in just 10 seconds.

The entry fee is 1000 yen (6.50 USD) and an additional 1000 yen if you want to take the slide.

Get your admission tickets for Tsutenkaku here

3. Shinsekai District

Once you’ve experienced the incredible views from Tsūtenkaku Tower, take a wander around the district of Shinsekai. Known as the ‘New World’ of Osaka, the iconic street is home to contemporary stores, food stalls, and outdoor games. At night, every storefront glows with bright lights, including the Tsūtenkaku Tower, giving it a fun fairground-style feel.

Join this fascinating walking tour of Osaka!

4. Shitennō-ji Temple

One of the top things to do in Osaka is to visit the oldest temple in Japan: Shitennō-ji. This temple is known as one of the most important in Osaka, believed to have been built by the state thousands of years ago. The five-story temple has since been rebuilt but remains in its original style, situated among beautiful gardens. It’s a lovely place to come and relax, providing a quiet oasis away from the crowds of nearby Shinsekai.  

Tip: On Sunday, there’s a fantastic market in front of the temple.

Entry Fee: The outer temple is free to visit, but it’s worth paying 300 yen (2 USD) to enter the inner precinct, where you’ll find the five-story pagoda (you can also climb to the top!). The gardens cost 300 yen (2 USD), and the Treasure House, which houses ancient scriptures and paintings, has an entrance fee of 500 yen (3.50 USD).

Join this popular bike tour of Osaka (including a stop at Shitennō-ji)

Goshuin Stamp

Don’t forget to get your unique temple stamp on your visit to Shitennō-ji Temple! In Japan, it’s common for people to queue up at temples and shrines with decorated books ready for their Goshuin (shrine and temple stamps). Each shrine has its own individual stamp, so it’s a fun thing to collect on your trip! 

Tip: Normally, collecting your stamp is donation-based. However, we were unable to find a free stamp at Shitennō-ji. Instead, Hannah found a vendor who drew a unique one for her especially. The cost was 300 yen (2 USD) – a bargain!

5. America-mura (Top Thing to do in Osaka!)

The coolest neighborhood of Osaka, and our favorite, was America-Mura. Here the chilled street vibes of Osaka are in full swing, with music, colorful vending machines, abstract murals, vintage shops, trendy food spots, and decorated street lanterns. Visiting this area was one of our favorite things to do in Japan !

Even though it’s next to Mido-suji, a street laden with designer brands, America-Mura is a total contrast, with its small-town feel. Instead, you’ll find young people pushing the limits of fashion, searching for vintage treasures, or visiting the many tattoo parlors and piercing bars. It’s also a top spot for dancing and socializing at night, with some incredible nightclubs and bars. 

Tip: Pull up a chair, grab a coffee, and people-watch for hours as you spot the most ‘out there’ Japanese trends of the moment.

6. Dōtonbori District in Osaka

Welcome the busiest and most atmospheric street in Osaka: Dōtonbori. Here, you’ll find flashing neon lights, bright Japanese signs, LED billboards, wildly decorated storefronts, and unique restaurants. 

During the day, grab some delicious street food, like the famous Takoyaki Octopus Balls. After your stomach is full, visit the jaw-dropping Don Quijote, a massive store selling every item imaginable (it even has a giant Ferris wheel that you can ride on!). For a different perspective, cruise along the Dōtonbori Canal , where you can see some of the area’s most famous sites.

Book your river cruise tickets in advance

At night, Dōtonbori becomes one of the best things to do in Osaka when the neon lights are turned on and the crowds flock. As you take in all the brightly lit signage, look out for the famous ‘running man’ Glico Sign — one of the biggest billboards in town. 

Tip: For a totally unique thing to do in Osaka, book a go-kart and dress up as your favorite video game character. You’ll pass through many of Osaka’s most well-loved sites, including Dōtonbori.

Reserve your go-kart experience online

7. Hozenji Yokocho

Discover the charming Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow, stone-paved street full of tiny traditional restaurants. Even though it’s located close to Dōtonbori, it feels a world away as you dive into time-worn alleyways. In the evening, warmly lit lanterns show the way to small, bustling eateries — often frequented by the rich and famous of Osaka, Japan.

As you explore, look out for the small temple: Hozenji (the street’s namesake). The temple is home to a famous moss-covered statue of the Buddhist deity, Fudo, who is said to grant wishes. You’ll also see local people splashing water on the statue for luck and protection from evil.

8. Osaka Castle (Top Thing to do in Osaka!)

Osaka Castle is symbolic of Osaka, much like the Eiffel Tower is for France and the Colosseum for Rome . The imposing castle sits on its own island, overlooking the city, and surrounded by a deep moat. 

The surroundings are characterized by beautiful gardens filled with different types of trees; in fall, it’s spectacular with the warm-colored foliage, and in Spring, it’s a much-loved spot to see the Cherry Blossom. On weekends, local people gather in the gardens to relax in the grass, listen to live music, and look at the picturesque castle.

Avoid queuing: Book your Osaka Castle tickets online

Visiting Information Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is the city’s most popular site. Follow these tips to get the most out of your visit:

• Things to see : Inside the castle, you’ll find historical items and an 8th-floor observation deck for amazing views.
• Entry Fee: Tickets cost 600 yen (4 USD). We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance . However, if you leave it until the day, don’t worry; ticket lines go down fast.
• Duration: Spend 1-2 hours visiting the entire site. If you’d like to visit inside the castle, arrive early as it will get crowded.
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (extended during summer and cherry blossom season).

• Kimono Rental : Take some photos next to the castle wearing a traditional Kimono. In Japan, this is not considered cultural appropriation. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; locals encourage visitors to dress in Kimonos and better understand the cultural practice.  Reserve your kimono online .
• Stamps: Don’t forget to get your unique stamp on your visit to Osaka Castle! Sometimes, limited edition stamps are released during the year for various festivals or to mark the changing of the seasons.

Read: 14 unmissable things to do in Kyoto, Japan !

9. Visit the Deer in Nara

While planning your Japan itinerary, you’ve probably seen the iconic images of cute deer interacting with tourists: this is the beautiful city of Nara! This city is unlike any other in Japan , home to expansive woodlands, endless temples, botanical gardens, and romantic pagodas — all accompanied by 1000+ friendly (and cheeky!) deer.

Visiting during fall is especially lovely when the leaves pop in warm reds, oranges, and yellows. ( Book one of the many incredible tours around Nara )

Admission to Nara Park, an area close to the city center, is free. However, on arrival, you may want to purchase some natural crackers (200 yen/1.50 USD) to feed the deer. Please only feed them the crackers provided.

Explore Nara with a local guide. See tickets and availability for a half-day tour.

Getting to Nara Park

From Osaka Namba Station, you have two options for getting to Nara:

1) Yamatoji Line: Take the Yamatoji Line train from Osaka Namba Station directly to the JR Nara Station (45 minutes). Holders of the JR pass can use it for this trip. 

Buy your Japan Rail Pass in advance

2) Kintetsu Rapid Express: Take the Kintetsu Rapid Express train from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station (30 minutes). Please note that the JR Pass does not cover this route, although sometimes you can find other discounts online!

Tip: Near Nara JR station, you’ll find Nakatanidou, a store making the famous Japanese sweet treat: Mochi. Watch one of the daily Mochi-making shows, where chefs pound the rice flour dough. The end result is a vibrant jelly dessert packed with sweet black bean paste — delicious!

10. Stay in a Koyasan Temple

One of the top things to do in Osaka is to spend the day in the sacred temple village of Koyasan . Discover over 100 stunning temples dotted up the slopes of Mount Koya and gain a deeper understanding of this holy Buddhist pilgrimage site. It’s the perfect place to unwind after city life: breathe in the cold mountain air and visit the tranquil, snow-covered cemetery and gardens.

Read everything about a temple stay in Koyasan, Japan.

If you have time on your Japan itinerary, don’t miss the incredible experience of staying overnight in a Koyasan temple . The modest Buddhist lodgings are very traditional, complete with basic futons, sliding doors, and shared bathrooms; it’s the perfect opportunity to live as the monks have for hundreds of years!

During your stay, you’ll also be asked if you’d like to join the monks for a typical dinner, morning prayer, and meditation. Don’t miss out on this top thing to do in Osaka (one of our favorite adventures in Japan!).

Hotels in Koyasan 😴

Getting there: The journey from Osaka to Koyasan is relatively straightforward. First, take the train from Osaka Namba Station to Gokurabashi (1.5 hours). From here, take the cable car up the mountain to Koyosan for 390 yen (2.50 USD). Please note that the JR Pass does not cover this route.

11. Trip to Nachi Falls

Located close to the fishing town of Nachikatsuura and nestled among the Kii mountain range, discover the extraordinary Nachi Falls. Known as Japan’s tallest free-falling waterfall, the water plunges from 133 meters high, surrounded by luscious greenery and ancient woodland. 

The falls are sacred to many people throughout Japan, as it’s believed they are home to an important Shinto deity. It’s also one of the stops on the famous Kumano Kudo pilgrimage route, and many visitors stop here as part of this walk. 

Apart from gazing in wonder at the majestic falls, you can visit a few other interesting sites in the area. One iconic spot is the red Seiganto-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most scenic pagodas, framed by a backdrop of the mighty falls. 

Close to the temple is the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, an important Hiro Shrine. From the base of Nachi Falls, take a 30-minute hike up charming stone steps to the shrine for beautiful views.

Note: Although the shrine and temple are free to enter, you need to pay 300 yen for the viewing platform.

Getting to Nachi Falls

Getting to Nachi Falls from Osaka is relatively simple, but it does take a bit of time:

• Take the train from Tennoji Station in Osaka to the JR Kii-Katsuura Station in the center of Nachikatsuura. It’s a beautiful coastal train ride that takes around 4 hours (covered by your JR Pass).
• Once at Nachikatsuura, take a bus headed from Nachi Falls in 30 minutes. 
• From the bus drop-off, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Nachi Falls.

Hotels in Nachikatsuura

As the journey is relatively long to Nachi Falls, many people opt to stay in Nachikatsuura for the night. This is also a good idea if you want to explore more of the area. There are plenty of budget hotels, as well as the more luxurious hot spring hotels.

Hotels in Nachikatsuura 😴

12. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

A wonderful thing to do in Osaka is to visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the country’s most famous and beautiful Buddhist shrines. Founded in the 3rd century, it’s remained the headquarters for all Sumiyoshi Shrines in Japan.

The shrine is primarily known, though, for its spectacular Sorihashi bridge. This high-arched red bridge crosses over a pretty pond and adds to the charm of this peaceful spot. Best of all, it’s free to visit! 

13. TeamLab Botanical Gardens

For an unusual thing to do in Osaka, visit the teamLab Botanical Gardens! If you’ve already visited the famous teamLab Planets in Tokyo , you’ll be pleased to know that the botanical gardens have a similar digital art concept. The night-time project explores how nature can become art (without harming the plants) by using light and sound installations. Plus, everything is interactive, transforming according to weather conditions and the visiting humans. 

Book your teamLab entry ticket online . Open 6.15 PM – 9.30 PM/1,800 yen (12 USD).

14. Minoo Park

For a beautiful day out in nature, head for Minoo Park – located a short journey away from the city. The spectacular woodland area is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts who want to breathe in the fresh air and visit the picturesque waterfalls. In fall, it is even more unique when all the maple leaves turn a variety of deep reds, burnt oranges, and sunny yellows.

The park is free to enter; just bring 300 yen (2 USD) to try the local delicacy: deep-fried maple leaves!

Getting to Minoo Park 

• Start at Osaka-umeda Station
• Take the Hankyu Takarazu Line Express Train to Tazarazuka
• Stop at Ishibashi Handai-mae Station and transfer onto the Hankyu-Minoo line towards Minoo. The train journey takes approximately 25 minutes in total
• From Minoo Station, it’s a 1-hour walk to the falls along a pretty forest trail
• Please note that the journey to Minoo Falls is not covered by the JR Pass

Book your train tickets to Minoo in advance

15. Universal Studios (Fun Thing to do in Osaka)

Osaka, Japan , is the home of the world-famous Universal Studios! If you have time on your trip, spend a fun day out enjoying the theme park and the various rides. Get your adrenaline pumping on rapid Jurassic Park rollercoasters, eat snacks in the shape of your favorite film characters, and visit a real-life Hogwarts castle.

Book your Universal Studios tickets in advance here

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Osaka

Street food in Osaka is king, and you can find sweet and savory delicacies on almost every corner. In fact, the city is so well-loved for its cuisine that it’s fondly referred to as ‘the nation’s kitchen’. 

Make sure to try the delicious Osaka Style Pressed Sushi! This type of sushi is made with brightly-colored toppings and vinegar rice and molded into perfect rectangles.

Learn more on this popular food tour in Osaka

Some of our favorite restaurants in Osaka are:

• Sakana no Jimbe
• Falafel Sababa
• B portland Coffe Bakery
• Bistro Tachizushi Kalimotxo
• Gyukatsu Motomura
• Paprika Shokudo Vegan
• Okonomiyaki Sakaba O
• 炭火焼鳥 一兆 日本橋本店
• Trattoria Pizzeria Allegro

Tip: Bring your reusable water bottle with you; you can drink water from the taps in most places in Japan! This is an excellent way to save money and travel plastic-free .

Where to Stay in Osaka, Japan

Locate yourself close to all the best things to do in Osaka by staying close to the bustling areas of Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, or Namba. America Mura was our absolute favorite district in Osaka and is also a fantastic place to stay. However, if you want to stay in this fashion hotspot, we recommend booking well in advance, as hotels and guesthouses get booked very quickly.

• Hotels in America Mura
• Hotels near Shinsaibashi
• Hotels in Dotonbori
• Hotels near Namba  

How Many Days in Osaka?

We recommend 2-3 days to see all the top things to do in Osaka. However, if you want to see some of the beautiful places outside the city, like Nara Park or Nachi Falls, 5 days is a good option.

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How to Visit Osaka

Osaka has two major airports: Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport (domestic). Although Kansai Airport is further away from the city center, it has excellent public transport connections and serves many destinations worldwide. 

Tip: It’s best to get an eSim in advance so you’re directly connected when you land in Japan. Buy your sim online here .

You’ll most likely fly into Kansai, where you can take a leisurely train from the airport with a seat reservation for 1350 yen (9 USD) per person. The journey takes 50-70 minutes, depending on which district you’re heading to in Osaka.

Book your train tickets from Kansai Airport

Osaka to Tokyo

Flying into or out of Tokyo ? Use your JR Pass to book bullet train tickets to Osaka (3-4 hours).

Osaka to Kyoto

The Shinkansen takes just 15 minutes to travel from Osaka to Kyoto. Alternatively, the JR trains take 30 minutes to travel from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.

Getting Around

Traveling around Osaka is a dream; the organized Japanese public transport system makes it super easy to get from A to B. Metros, and trains reach most of the top things to do in Osaka, and you’ll also find excellent connections further afield using the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train). 

Note: Because the travel network in Osaka is so organized, you’ll never experience delays; trains and metros depart precisely at the minute specified.

Osaka is also known as a bike-friendly city, and you’ll see lots of locals and tourists enjoying the extensive network of bike lanes. Use these to visit some of the city’s best sites and enjoy cycling along the waterfront for a more peaceful activity in Osaka. 

Join this popular bike tour of Osaka

Is the JR Pass worth it? ( Calculate it here ) The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all public transport throughout Japan, so it’s a great option if you plan on taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) several times. It’s also multi-use for other trains, ferries, and buses throughout the country. 

Buy your Japan Rail Pa ss in advance

How Much Does Osaka Cost?

Like most destinations in Japan, Osaka is on the more expensive side to visit. However, prices are lower than in bigger cities like Tokyo , and you can keep to your budget if necessary. For example, by eating street food at the markets, walking or renting a bike, or booking a hostel for your trip. Visit Osaka outside of the more popular seasons of Spring and Fall, and you’ll also see a reduction in accommodation prices. 

Budget Tip: If you’d like a quick snack or an affordable takeaway lunch, we recommend going to the supermarkets 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson. You can find delicious Onigiri (a rice ball with fish inside and packed in crunchy seaweed) or even mix a cup of frozen fruits into a smoothie.

Costs of Traveling in Osaka

Travel on a budget in Osaka, from $390 − $520 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1600 − $3230 USD, and high-end from $2910 − $4540 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $90 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $30 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $40 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $35 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $30 − $140 USD
• Activities: $5 − $50 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Osaka

To see Osaka at its most beautiful, Spring and Fall are the times to visit. During this time, the trees around most of the city’s popular attractions turn candy pink with cherry blossoms or showcase the warm colors of fall.

For day trips outside the city to places like Minoo Park or Nachi Falls, with expansive woodland, the autumn season elevates the scenery to another level.

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Koyasan Temple Stay: Live with Buddhist Monks

22 best things to see and do in japan, 12 best things to do at mount fuji, japan.

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Best Hotels

Public Transportation

Top Things to Do

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Osaka

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Osaka: The Complete Guide

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As Japan’s third-largest city  , as well as its comedy and food center, there’s a lot to love about the city of Osaka. It has a markedly laidback atmosphere when compared to Tokyo, while still having everything you might expect of a big and bustling city. It’s also within easy traveling distance of Kyoto and Nara, making it a fantastic hub for exploring the country further. Find out everything you need to know before planning your trip to Osaka.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Summers are humid, hot and can be rainy during June and July, so anytime during spring or fall is ideal. Osaka comes to life with cherry blossoms during spring and yellow ginkgo trees in the fall, and the weather is temperate.
• Language: Japanese. Osaka locals famously have their own strong dialect, which is known as Osaka-ben.
• Getting Around: The subway or train is the best way to get around Osaka. You can pick up the ICOCA travel card or use the Suica or Pasmo travel card from Tokyo to make tapping in and out easier. Much of what you’ll want to see is on the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south through the city. Taxis are also an option, and you’ll find them outside most stations, or you can flag them down, but they can be expensive.

Getty /fotoVoyager

Things to Do

Osaka is a city that really unravels, given enough time. With quirky neighborhoods and an abundance of food and cafe options, it’s a perfect blend of old city charm and modern skyscapes. Here are a selection of things you must do when visiting Osaka:

• Visit Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle is one of the highlights to any visit to the city. The five-story castle features a museum displaying historical artifacts, armor, and weapons and also a fantastic view of the gardens and city from the top.
• Spend a day at Universal Studios. The first Universal Studios to open in Asia and the only one to feature The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is a perfect Osaka day trip within the city and fun for all ages.
• Catch a view from the Umeda Sky Building. Two buildings linked at the tip with a giant observatory is the perfect spot for getting gorgeous photos of Osaka from above. The observatory is on the 39th floor and once you’re done at the top you can head to the basement where you’ll find an underground labyrinth of shops and restaurants. 
• Visit one of Osaka’s quirky museums. Osaka has plenty of fun and interesting museums which you won’t want to miss out on. One of the highlights is the Cup Noodles Museum where you can learn all about the international phenomenon of convenience ramen and make your own cup noodle! If you love art then make sure to visit the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum where you can see rare wood prints and try out woodblock printing for yourself.
• Visit Osaka’s shrines and temples. Like most places in Japan, there’s no shortage of historical spots to explore. In Osaka you’ll find stunning spots like Hozen-ji temple and Shitenno-ji temple which is Japan’s oldest temple.
• Shop in Shinsaibashi. Osaka’s covered arcades are like taking a step into the past. Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade is the best place to indulge in all things shopping with 600-meter long covered area to stroll down featuring everything from stationery to kitchenware.

Plan more of your itinerary with our guides on the best things to do in the city and how to spend 48 hours in Osaka.

Getty/ Calvin Chan Wai Meng

What to Eat and Drink

Osaka is repeatedly named as one of the top food cities in the world, and you’ll notice the sheer amount of street food and restaurant options almost immediately. Osaka is proud of its food culture and with good reason. This is the city that has specializes in three of the most comforting Japanese dishes—okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and takoyaki—all fried and all delicious. 

Dotonburi and Shinsekai are two of the major food districts in the city. Still, you’ll also find gems such as Kuromon Market, which dates back to the Edo Period and Miyuki-Dori Shopping Street, a 300-meter shopping street where you can choose from over 150 Korean restaurants. Aside from the local specialties, Osaka is also a perfect place to tuck into other Japanese favorites such as sushi, ramen, katsu curry, and yakiniku.

Getty /simonlong

Where to Stay

Osaka is a wonderfully exciting city with 24 wards to explore and hotels available all over the city. Here are some of the most popular areas to stay to enjoy your trip to the full.

Minami (Namba): One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, Namba is the entertainment hub of Osaka and where you'll find the famous Dotonburi canal and running man neon sign. It's one of the most exciting restaurants and street food areas and ideal if you want to experience Osaka's nightlife, whether that's terrific bars or bunraku and kabuki cultural performances at the theater.

Nipponbashi: This is a perfect place to stay if you're hoping to explore the nerd and electronics haven that is Denden Town, Osaka's version of Tokyo's Akihabara. Once a year, there's a big cosplay festival, and there are often small events happening in some of the local businesses. You'll also be close to Kuromon Market and Namba, so it's an easy way to be close to the action but have room to explore some of the smaller neighborhoods.

Osaka Bay Area: This is an ideal area to stay if you’re hoping to be close to some of the family-friendly attractions of Osaka like the giant Ferris wheel and the world’s largest aquarium  ! There is also shopping, restaurants, and a ferry that will take you to Universal Studios. The gorgeous views of the harbor alone make it worth staying here.

Shinsekai: This is a traditional area that’s ideal for foodies and people looking to experience traditional aesthetics and neon side streets. Shinsekai is where you’ll find the iconic Osaka Tower and local hole-in-the-wall restaurants that specialize in kushikatsu, sushi, and yakiniku barbecue joints. You can also pay a visit to Spa World, perfect for relaxing in after hard day sightseeing and the Osaka Museum of Fine Arts

Shinsabashi: This dynamic area near Namba puts fantastic tax-free shopping opportunities on your doorstep. You have the Shisabashi shopping arcade and plenty of boutique shopping options as well as nearby America-mura (also known as Amemura), where you’ll find trendy and vintage shopping plus eclectic cafes and bars.

Getting There

To access Osaka by plane , you’ll arrive at either Osaka International Airport or Kansai Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights. From Osaka Airport, you can reach downtown in around half an hour, and you’ll find several options such as taxis (around $50), a bus ($60 and a combination of train and subway ($6). You can also hire a car from the airport to drive downtown, which will take you around 25 minutes.

If you’re traveling from Kansai Airport, the easiest way to get downtown is via train ($11), which takes around 70 minutes. You can also catch a taxi which will take 45 minutes, but it is a more expensive option at $165. Finally, if you are arriving on the shinkansen from Tokyo or another Japanese city, then you’ll arrive at Osaka Station, which is a prime location to simply hop on the subway to your next destination or get a taxi to your hotel.

Culture and Customs

• There's no need to tip in Osaka. In some cases, it can even be considered offensive.
• If you're shopping, whether at a convenience store, department store, or boutique, make sure to place your money in the dish on the counter. Your change will also be placed there. On that note, remember to carry cash as some places don't take cards. You'll find plenty of ATMs around the city if you're stuck.
• The bow is the standard form of greeting in Japan, but a head nod will usually suffice. Politeness goes a long way!
• When on the subway, make sure not to use the seats reserved for the elderly, even if there are no elderly on the train car who might want to sit down. Even when the car is packed, and those seats are empty, don't ever sit in them.

Money-Saving Tips

• If you’re using a JR pass then you will also be able to use this on the JR subway and train lines within Osaka. If you can avoid buying another pass and just use the JR lines you can save money.
• Get the ICOCA & Haruka card at Kansai airport for discounted travel into the city center on the train. You’ll also be able to use the ICOCA as a travel card going forward.
• Make sure to try some convenience store food and coffee to save money. Stores like 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart have excellent quality bento boxes and hot snacks—perfect for picking up breakfast, a quick meal or gathering a picnic.
• Take advantage of tax refunds while you’re shopping. Purchases more than 5,000 yen (around $46) are exempt from the 10 percent consumption tax  . Wherever you see the tax refund sign just show your passport and that store and they’ll seal your items and give you a receipt to show at the airport before you leave.
• Look out for Osaka’s free attractions like walking in Minoo Park, exploring the grounds of Osaka Castle, and visiting the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, the third-largest tomb in the world.

Statista. " Population of Osaka Prefecture in Japan from 1920 to 2018 ." November 2019.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan .

Japan Tax-Free Shop. " Japan's Tax Exemption ."

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GUIDE Ultimate must-see guide to Osaka

Food, fun and nightlife meet history and culture in osaka.

Osaka is a vibrant and dynamic city with something to offer every traveller – from foodies and families to those who like to stroll traditional shrines and temples to art lovers and those who love to shop until they drop. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll discover something new and leave with fond memories that will keep you coming back for more.

Osaka is located in the Kansai region, the centre of the Honshu, the largest of the four main islands of Japan.

Takoyaki, a savoury snack sometimes referred to as ‘octopus balls’ in English. Image: fumi901/Shutterstock.com 

There’s nothing quite like the food in Osaka. Known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’, you’ll find everything from hearty street food and authentic family-owned restaurants to Michelin-star fine dining. Whatever your tastes, you are sure to leave Osaka with a full belly and delicious memories. 

As far as street food goes, you can’t go past the Dotonbori district. Along the river, you will find endless stalls serving takoyaki (spherical savoury dumplings filled with cooked octopus pieces and topped with savoury sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed and bonito flakes), ramen and okonomiyaki (savoury pancake made with chopped cabbage, flour and egg with toppings) to name a few. The streets and alleys also have plenty of options for dining in at izakaya (casual Japanese-style pubs), bars and restaurants. Try a crab restaurant which this district is famous for. Or perhaps the Osaka-style sushi called hakozushi (boxed sushi) where they are pressed in a square wooden mould! For a more traditional market experience head to Kuromon Market in the Namba district and wander some 170 stalls specialising in fish, meat and produce. Or if you’re wanting to dine where the locals do, a visit to Tenma is a must. 

Neon nightlife

Tsutenkaku Tower lit up at night* in the Shinsekai (new world) district at night. Image: Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock.com

Dotonbori is not only known for its amazing street food, but it is also the location of bright lights and buzzing nightlife. This restaurant and bar district certainly comes to life after dark. Stroll along the strip and take in the colourful lights and signs of the lining buildings. The evening is perfectly paired with a cold Japanese beer and a hot snack from a street vendor. Don’t forget to take a snap with the giant neon Glico man! 

Take a stroll and be wowed by bright lights and colours at Shinsekai, also known as the ‘New World’ district. Designed as an entertainment district in the early 20th century, the district is not your typical Japanese neighbourhood with Western cultural influences in its architecture and design. The northern half of Shinsekai was inspired by Paris while the southern portion is inspired by New York City’s, Coney Island.

It will also be hard to miss the famous Tsutenkaku Tower which is a popular attraction in Shinsekai. Built in 1912 and inspired by Paris’ Eiffel Tower, the tower stands at an incredible 103 metres high with the main observatory deck at 91 metres, so get ready for some amazing views of the vibrant Shinsekai district! 

*Note: The LED lights on Tsutenkaku Tower are under renovation until September 2023.

Seasonal festivals and events 

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri. Image: StreetVJ/Shutterstock.com

Japan is well known for its vibrant festivals and events and Osaka is no exception. Shogatsu (New Year) is a fantastic time to visit if you’re looking to celebrate and discover matsuri (festival) traditions.

Many shrines hold New Year's events including Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. On 1 st January, multitudes of people visit for hatsumode – the customary first shrine visit of the year. And if you think the celebrations are over at the conclusion of the first day of the year, think again. Toka Ebisu Festival is held one week after New Year from January 9 to January 11 at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Enjoy the festive parade, street food and lucky charms! For a summer parade with all the trimmings, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival features hundreds of men and ornately decorated traditional wooden floats called danjiri. Other summer festivals include Tenjin Matsuri and Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival.

If you’re looking for something more modern, plan your visit around Summer Sonic or the Osaka Festival of Lights held in winter.

Natural wonders

Beautiful waterfall in autumn in Minoo Park, Osaka. Image: anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock.com 

Pack a picnic and take a stroll through the magical cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring. Some of the best places in Osaka to view sakura include Expo ’70 Commemorative Park , Kema Sakuranomiya Park , Osaka Castle Park and Kishiwada Castle .

But it’s not just spring that provides spectacular natural phenomena, autumn is an amazing time to see the trees ablaze with colours of crimson, orange and gold. You can experience koyo (autumn leaves) in a number of places around Osaka. Walk down Midosuji Street to see the yellow ginkgo trees or explore the grounds of Katsuoji Temple to admire the fiery red of the Japanese maples. If you’re up for a hike, take the main trail in Minoo Park and admire the autumn foliage before arriving at the majestic waterfall. Or head to Mt Inunaki and visit the hot spring resort located at the foot of the mountain, Shipporyuji Temple or its many hiking trails to marvel at the autumn colours.

Tradition and heritage 

Shishiden (Lion hall) of Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Image: Jasonyan/Shutterstock.com

With over 1,400 years of history, Osaka has countless locations where the tradition and culture of Japan can be experienced. One of the main attractions is Osaka Castle . Set amongst the modern backdrop of the city and surrounded by parkland, it is an iconic sight to behold. Other significant sites include Shitennoji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine and Hozenji Temple . After your visit to Hozenji Temple, be sure to grab a bite to eat along the street of Hozenji Yokocho and step back in time to the Osaka of old.

Art and culture lovers 

The Tower of the Sun at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Image: tbbstudio/Shutterstock.com

Osaka is a wonderful mixture of old and new, creating a vibrant and interesting culture. The expression of this can be seen in the many modalities of art displayed across the city. 

With over 8,000 pieces of contemporary art, The National Museum of Art, Osaka , is a good place to start. Or perhaps the newly opened Nakanoshima Museum of Art on the island of Nakanoshima . Then go back in history at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Admire the re-created buildings and streets and feel what living in Osaka was once like.

Wander Midosuji Sculpture Street for your public art fix and for theatre lovers there is the National Bunraku Theatre*. For something completely different, visit the  Cupnoodles Museum and learn all about instant ramen noodles! Don’t forget to drop by My CUPNOODLES Factory on the first floor to create your one-of-a-kind cup noodles package where you get to design the cup and choose your favourite soup base and toppings. 

*English translations are available for some performances. It is recommended to contact the theatre directly to confirm.

Experiences

Umeda Sky Building at night. Image: GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock.com

An architectural icon of Osaka has to be the Umeda Sky Building , which consists of 2 modern tower buildings connected by the circular Floating Garden Observatory (Kuchu Teien) at the top. Head up to the observatory to enjoy 360° views of Osaka’s cityscape, then make your way down to the basement floor and explore the retro restaurant alley encapsulating Showa Period (early 20th century). 

Neighbourhoods

Namba , Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi  

Think shopping, eateries and entertainment. The popular Dotonbori street and canal dissect the two neighbourhoods of Namba and Shinsaibashi. Shinsaibashi offers some great shopping opportunities such as the eight blocks of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street , and the street fashion and vintage hub of Amerikamura . For budding and professional chefs, a visit to Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street in Namba will fill up your cooking cup. A 150-metre long street lined with stores selling every type of cooking utensil and kitchen item you could dream of.

Nipponbashi

Den Den Town in Nipponbashi is perfect for hobbyists who are interested in Japanese anime and manga. Pop culture stores sell collectible figurines and other interesting merchandise. It’s also a great place to shop for electronics and appliances. If you’re in the market for vintage video games and consoles, this could also be the perfect hunting ground. Once you’ve shopped up a storm, stop in at one of the restaurants or cafes, some of which are anime themed.

Horie (Minamihorie and Kitahorie)   

The Horie River runs between Kitahorie and Minamihorie. Horie is a fashionable neighbourhood and a visit here should include a walk down Orange Street . Featuring boutiques, craft ateliers, furniture stores, bars and trendy cafes.

Osaka Castle and around

A mixture of the historical and the modern, the main attraction of this neighbourhood is of course, Osaka Castle . Pack a picnic and wander the beautiful grounds of Osaka Castle Park and visit the nearby Osaka Museum of History . 

Conveniently located near JR Osaka Station, Umeda is a popular commercial neighbourhood full of tourists, business people and shoppers. One of the most iconic attractions is the Umeda Sky building . From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Head to Grand Front Osaka for shopping, Tsuyuten Shrine for a traditional experience or the SUPER DRY Umeda beer hall for food and drink.

Tennoji and Shinsekai are urban centres full of alleyways that reflect an Osaka of the past. While in Tennoji, visit Tennoji Park , Shitennoji Temple and the current tallest skyscraper in Japan, Abeno Harukas. You’ll know you're in Shinsekai when you glimpse the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower . Tachinomi (standing bars) are also a common feature of the Tennoji and Shinsekai areas. A great place to stop and enjoy a beverage with the locals.

Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a fantastic neighbourhood for contemporary art and culture lovers. It is actually an island and the centre for commerce and government in Osaka. It is also home to many great hotels, museums and restaurants.

The Osaka Bay Area offers attractions that are family-friendly or for those big kids at heart. It is here that you’ll find Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan . Visit the Tempozan promenade for shopping, ride the giant Ferris wheel and dine at the restaurants. And of course, one of the best ways to see the bay is to hop on a cruise.

Sakai and Kishiwada  

Accommodation in Osaka is available to suit all budgets and comfort levels, offering everything from western-style to traditional Japanese stays for you to enjoy. 

Experience a shukubo (traditional temple stay) and get a glimpse of daily temple life including vegetarian meals, prayers and meditation - expect nothing less than a peaceful and tranquil visit. Or you can witness first-hand Japan’s famed omotenashi (hospitality) at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). Dating back to the 8th century, you can expect to see traditional tatami flooring, futon beddings, private baths and delicious in-house kaiseki  (multi-course meal). 

For a modern stay, Osaka offers plenty of western style hotels with settings and amenities familiar to travellers from Australia and New Zealand. Generally, you will find western-style beds, a small writing desk, a refrigerator, a kettle and an ensuite bathroom. 

Other factors to consider when choosing accommodation are access to transport and distance to shops, restaurants and attractions. Popular locations include Namba, Umeda, Honmachi (Central Osaka) and Shin-Osaka areas. 

How to get around

Osaka is a 2.5-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, or you can also fly to Kansai International Airport (KIX). Travel around the city via the subway, the JR Osaka Loop Line (circling the central districts) and private railway lines. There are also a number of economical train passes and tickets available for exploring Osaka and the Kansai region.

You can also explore Osaka via water bus or a cruise. Sightseeing taxis are available as well. Osaka is bicycle friendly with English-speaking bike rental services available.

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

©Mlenny/Getty Images

If Kyoto was the city of the courtly nobility and Tokyo the city of the samurai, then Osaka (大阪) was the city of the merchant class. Osakans take pride in shedding the conservatism found elsewhere in Japan, and this spirited city – Japan's third-largest – is a place where people are a bit brasher, and interactions are peppered with playful jabs.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Abeno Harukas

This César Pelli–designed tower, which opened in March 2014, is Japan's tallest building (300m, 60 storeys). The observatory on the 16th floor is free,…

After unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of…

Highly photogenic Dōtombori is the city's liveliest night spot and the centre of the southern part of town. Its name comes from the 400-year-old canal,…

Amerika-Mura

West of Midō-suji, Amerika-Mura is a compact enclave of hip, youth-focused and offbeat shops, plus cafes, bars, tattoo and piercing parlours, nightclubs,…

National Museum of Ethnology

This ambitious museum showcases the world's cultures, presenting them as the continuous (and tangled) strings that they are. There are plenty of…

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyūkan

Kaiyūkan is among Japan's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins,…

A century ago, Shin-Sekai ('new world') was home to an amusement park that defined cutting edge. Now this entertainment district mixes down-at-heel with…

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Dedicated to Shintō deities of the sea and sea travel, this graceful shrine was founded in the early 3rd century and is considered the headquarters for…

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Osaka Starts Here

I’ve created this Osaka travel guide to address an unfortunate quandary. Namely, that many travelers disregard Japan’s second-largest city entirely, particularly on their first trip to Japan .

Those who do make the plunge may only stay only a night or two, making a visit to Osaka Castle, eating some street food and calling it a day. I’ve even met people who only visit Osaka on a day trip from Kyoto, assuming they even come at all!

This is a shame. From Osaka attractions like the aforementioned castle (as well as some of Japan’s oldest sacred sites), to cultural experiences that dramatically transcend a tray of bonito -covered takoyaki , Osaka is in many ways the most underrated big city in Japan—you shouldn’t miss it on your next trip. Continue reading to learn where to go in Osaka.

When to Visit Osaka

As is the case for most other Japan destinations , spring is the most beautiful time to visit Osaka. Whether you traipse amid Osaka cherry blossoms at the castle or enjoy pleasant temperatures during day trips to outlying destinations, springtime in Osaka is hard to beat when it comes to the overall enjoyment of your trip.

With this being said, Osaka is arguably as much of a 365-day destination as the rest of Japan. Although things to do in Osaka in winter can be limited, since snow doesn’t fall much within the city limits, autumn colors suit Osaka well , and there are plenty of indoor activities you can do to escape the tsuyu monsoon that occurs during summer.

Where to Stay in Osaka

The top hotels in Osaka are scattered through the city, which is good and bad news. The good news is that if you’re simply looking for an amazing place to stay (such as the opulent St. Regis Osaka or the five-star Ritz-Carlton Osaka ), you can find accommodations such as these near Shin-Osaka, Namba and everywhere in-between.

On the other hand, if you’re like me and choose a place to stay based on what to do in Osaka (and which particular activities interest you), you’ll want to search based on location. In general, I like to stay in the Umeda (Osaka Station) area for convenience’s sake, which usually sees me select boutique business hotels like Welina Hotel Umeda and Hotel the Flag , which is actually one subway stop south of Osaka Station in Shinsaibashi.

The Best Things to Do in Osaka

Visit ancient (and modern) osaka.

Most travelers know about 17th-century Osaka Castle , even those who haven’t consulted an Osaka travel guide as detailed as this one. However, this is only the beginning of ancient adventures in modern Osaka—both Shi-tennoji temple and Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine date back nearly 2,000 years, even if their current iterations are more recent. Additionally, a visit to the Osaka Museum of History (which also offers a bird’s eye view of the castle complex) elucidates the city’s surprisingly rich and storied past, and how some of its oldest sights blend into its ultra-modern cityscape.

TIP: Enjoy an ancient tradition in the heart of modern Osaka if you come in July for the annual Tenjin Matsuri , one of the top summer festivals in Japan !

Explore Osaka’s Sacred Sites

Speaking of temples in Osaka, they may be small in number, but they tend to have very interesting backstories. In addition to Shitenno-ji and Sumiyoshi Taisha, many other options exist within the spiritual neighborhood of Shitaderamachi , just north of Tennoji Station . Hozen-ji is notable because of the serenity it offers only a stone’s throw from manic Dotonbori pedestrian street, while Ohatsu Tenjin is a monument to a tragic 17th-century love story you might consider Japan’s answer to “Romeo & Juliet.” Sleep at the “temple stay” of Waqoo Shitaderamachi to round out the experience. Also make sure to visit temples and shrines elsewhere in the city, such as the strange Namba Yasaka Shrine pictured above.

Sample Osaka’s Best Street Food

Another thing about Dotonbori ? It’s the best place to sample the aforementioned street food, whether you choose  takoyaki octopus fritters, yaki kani grilled crab or fried gyoza dumplings. Shinsekai , meanwhile, is better for Osaka nightlife (though you can enjoy a meal in one of its Izakaya pubs), while both offer a variety of colorful and bizarre scenery to liven up your Instagram feed. Kuromon Market is also a great place for this.

Visit Universal Studios Japan and Kaiyukan Aquarium

I’ll be honest: Universal Studios Japan , is in my opinion, a hot mess—a disaster, even—in spite of being arguably one of the most popular things to do in Osaka with family. However, you can still head to that part of Osaka (the port, generally speaking), whether or not you’re traveling with family. Both big adults and small children, to be sure, love seeing the undersea creatures on display at award-winning Kaiyukan and the dramatic view from the nearby Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel , which is quite high but also moves rather slowly.

Stroll Amid Neon-Bathed Landscapes

Looks aren’t everything, but Osaka is serving up plenty of them! In particular, I love walking along the aforementioned Dotonbori pedestrian street (and the nearby canal—make sure to say “Konbanwa” to the Glico Man!) and in Shinsekai at night time. While Osaka’s neon lined streets and alleyways don’t get nearly as much love or attention as their counterparts in Tokyo, they’re at least as worthy of acclaim, in my book.

Day Trips from Osaka

Taking a trip to Nara from Osaka is probably the most popular Osaka day trip option, whether you go for the friendly deer that roam the city center, or to explore the ancient wooden architecture. Both hearken back to a time about 1,200 years ago, when Nara (before Kyoto, notably) was the capital of Japan. If you want to stay overnight in Nara, I’d recommend checking out my more extensive Nara itinerary , which includes some hotel recommendations.

Among my favorite unique things to do in Osaka in autumn is a day trip to Minoh , home of the internet-famous tempura -fried maple leaves. However, this isn’t the only reason to travel to Minoh (sometimes written Mino-o), which is located about an hour north of the city center via the Hankyu private railway. Dramatic Minoh Falls is an exhilarating ( and potentially dramatic ) 45-minute hike from the station, and is beautiful all year (though moreso during fall, which is convenient if you think you’ll be in the Kansai region then).

Traveling from Osaka to Himeji takes only an hour or so using the Shinkansen (from Shin-Osaka station), but it’s quite a departure. This might sound surprising, since Osaka’s castle and Himeji’s might not look very different from afar. But in addition to the delicate white coloring of celebrated Himeji Castle , the experiencing of exploring the fortress (which is just 15 minutes by foot from Himeji Station) is a serene one, especially amid the flowers of sakura season, which are one of my favorite Osaka things to do.

Mt. Koya and the Kumano Kodo

Although some of the unique things to do in Osaka are of the spiritual sort, nothing within the city compares to what you find further south in Wakayama prefecture: Holy Mt. Koya and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage . While the former is easier to do on a day trip (using a combination of train and funicular railway takes less than two hours in each direction from Namba Station, provided you don’t want to do a temple stay ), you can visit the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine (aka the “Waterfall Temple”) in a day if you don’t mind renting a car .

Although it’s somewhat poor form to list Kyoto (which is one of the most amazing cities in the entire world) as a day trip within my Osaka travel guide, it can fit in this category in certain instances—namely, if you’re in Osaka on a time-sensitive business trip, but still want to experience Kyoto. If you visit Kyoto on a day trip from Osaka, plan on leaving early and coming back late, so that you have time to explore the temples of Higashiyama, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and the spellbinding Fushimi Inari Shrine (at a minimum).

How Many Days to Spend in Osaka

For a long time, I had an article that detailed how to spend 3 days in Osaka, and while it was popular I found it wasn’t versatile enough. As I explained during the  Osaka itinerary planner I’ve published in its place, how long you spend in Osaka depends upon how committed you are to exploring all the city has to offer. If you simply want to see the Castle and eat some kani doraku  grilled crab, one full day or 2 days in Osaka or even just 1 day in Osaka might be sufficient for you.

However, if you want to explore the nooks and crannies of the city center and take a day trip (or three), four or more days in Osaka (and a week or longer in the Kansai region ) might be more appropriate, especially if you want to really get a feel for how Tokyo vs Osaka compare. Even if you’re simply looking at city-center things to do, Osaka has a lot more to offer than you’re probably expecting.

Other FAQ About What to Do in Osaka

What’s osaka known for.

Osaka is known for its delicious street food, the famous Osaka Castle and for thrilling Universal Studios Japan, which attracts tourists from all over Asia. The city first achieved international fame, meanwhile, during the 1970 World Expo; it hopes to replicate this in 2025, when it will host that year’s edition .

Is Osaka worth visiting?

Osaka is absolutely worth visiting! Whether you eat your way along Dotonbori pedestrian street, enjoy the view from the tenshu of Osakajo or visit off-the-radar temples in Shitaderamachi, Japan’s second city (third, if you count Yokohama) is a first-rate destination.

How far is Osaka from Kyoto?

Osaka Station is about 30 minutes by rapid ( tokyu ) train from Kyoto Station. Note that while you ride the Shinkansen from Kyoto in about half this time, it will arrive at Shin-Osaka Station, which is relatively far north of Osaka’s city center.

The Bottom Line

As you can see reading through this Osaka travel guide, the sheer number of things to do in Osaka is staggering, even if you regard the diverse range of satisfying attractions the city offers. Far more than simply Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori pedestrian street, even a simple Osaka itinerary offers profound rewards for adventurous and curious travelers. This is without even taking into account all the amazing day trips you can take from Osaka, whether by heading west to the castle town of Himeji, or south into spiritual Wakayama prefecture. No matter which Osaka things to do appeal to you most, your trip to Osaka starts here!

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Inside Osaka

Your Osaka Travel Guide

Osaka 3-Day Itinerary

If you have three days, you can really explore the different districts of Osaka. Our 3-day Osaka itinerary allows you to see the best sights efficiently and easily.

Itinerary Summary

• Three days allows you to explore Kita, Minami and the Osaka Bay Area, plus one outer district of Osaka.
• Base yourself somewhere central to save time.
• On Day 1, visit Osaka Bay Area and Kita.
• On Day 2, visit Minami and Tennoji.
• On Day 3, visit one of Osaka’s outer districts like Northern Osaka

Osaka Holiday Essentials

• Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka .
• Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
• Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner .
• Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan .
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.

Full Itinerary

Note: The first two days of this itinerary are based on our Osaka 2-Day Itinerary . See that page for full details on these two days.

Day 1: Osaka Bay Area and Kita District

• 9:30am: Travel to the Osaka Bay Area
• 10am: Visit Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
• 11:30: Eat Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace
• 1pm: Travel from Osaka Bay Area to the Kita District
• 1:30pm: Explore the Kita District
• 3pm: Travel to the Osaka Castle Area
• 3:30pm: Visit Osaka Castle
• 6pm: Dinner in Kita , Minami or Central Osaka

Day 2: Minami District and Tennoji

• 9:30: Travel to the Minami District
• 10am: Explore Minami
• Noon: Dotombori Area and Lunch
• 1:30pm: Visit Hozenji Yokocho
• 2:30pm: Walk through Doguyasuji Arcade
• 3:30pm: Visit Den-Den Town
• 5:30pm: Eat dinner in Minami
• 7:30pm: Check out the evening views from the Abeno Harukas 300 observation decks in Tennoji

Check Osaka Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Day 3: Outer District of Osaka

• On your third day in Osaka, it’s a good idea to head out of central Osaka to explore one of the surrounding districts. The most rewarding sights outside of the city center can be found north of the city, including those in the Expo City/Banpaku Park area. See our Northern Osaka page for full details.
• Alternatively, you could spend a day at the Universal Studios Japan theme park in the Osaka Bay Area, or take the train to Nagoya to visit Legoland Japan and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Hints, Comments and Variations

• If you’re only going to be in the city for three days, choose a hotel in a central location so you don’t waste time on transport. The most convenient areas are Kita , Central Osaka , and Minami . For more on where to say, check out my Where to Stay in Osaka page. For hotel recommendations in Osaka, check out our Osaka Hotels page.
• Note that Kyoto is only 14 minutes from Osaka by shinkansen and about 30 minutes by regular express trains. If you’re based in Osaka, you can easily make a daytrip to Kyoto. See our dedicated Kyoto travel website InsideKyoto.com for full details on Kyoto.
• Likewise, Nara is only about 50 minutes from Osaka by express train. You can easily visit Nara as a daytrip from Osaka. See our Nara travel guide for full details on Nara.
• For more daytrip ideas from Osaka, visit our Best Osaka Daytrips page.
• Don't try to do any more than this on three days in Osaka – you’ll tire yourself out. If you want to relax, subtract one or two places from this itinerary. As usual, it’s better to enjoy a few places properly than to sprint through many places.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
• Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka , Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Osaka District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area

Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, things to do in osaka: an osaka travel guide including easy day trips.

I visited Osaka for the first time in the spring of 2017, to meet up with Kat, my best friend from college. We hadn’t seen each other in person for almost eight years since I moved away from LA but we kept in touch every day via chat apps. That spring, we finally decided to meet up in Japan.

Since we had such an amazing time catching up in Osaka last year, Kat and I decided to do an encore and meet up again this year. Long story short I’ve found myself visiting Osaka five times since then. So yeah, this post is long overdue – it’s about time I impart some knowledge and my favorite things to do in Osaka.

Getting to Osaka

There are two best ways to get to Osaka:

By Shinkansen train – Most people get to Osaka by train from Tokyo via Shinkansen, Japan’s famous ultra-fast bullet train. If you are coming here from Tokyo and you don’t have a JR Pass, you can book the Tokyo – Osaka Shinkansen here . You’ll most likely get off at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, where you will have plenty of convenient options for local trains to switch to. If you have the Unlimited JR Pass, then the Tokyo – Osaka train is already included so you don’t need to buy separately!

By Airplane via KIX – If you are flying and landing at Kansai Airport (KIX) and will be staying in the city, I recommend taking Haruka line by Japan Rail (JR). This line takes you straight from KIX to the city, stopping at major stations Tennoji and Shin-Osaka before going on to Kyoto. If you have the unlimited JR Pass, this is already included. Make sure to check ahead if your accommodation is closer to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka as there is a slight fare difference for the bundles – Tennoji is closer to the airport so it’s cheaper. From there, you can resume with local trains using your IC card .

If you are staying at a hotel in Osaka, you might be interested in the luggage delivery services from Kansai International Airport . Luggage delivery is common in Japan and reliable. It lets you travel without having to carry your heavy luggage.

Getting around Osaka

Osaka is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Japan, second only to Tokyo . As with other big cities, you’ll find it very accessible and well-connected. Getting in and around Osaka is super easy.

Local trains in Japan run on IC (Integrated Circuit) Cards. This IC card will be your lifeline during your stay. It allows you to tap in and out of each train station without having to buy a ticket every single time you take a train. And because everyone has an IC card in Japan, you can even use your card balance to buy things from convenience stores and vending machines. Whenever the balance is running low, you can easily refill the card using cash or credit card at any train station.

Learn more about IC Card and how to use your mobile phone as an IC Card in Japan!

The IC card used in Kansai is called ICOCA. Different areas in Japan have different brands of IC cards, but they all work exactly the same way across the country. For example, in the Kanto (Tokyo) area, the popular brand is Suica or Pasmo. In the Kansai (Osaka) area, they are called ICOCA – a play on the Japanese word “Ikouka”, which means – “Let’s go!”.

Regardless of the brand, IC Cards can be used across Japan. You can use Suica and Pasmo in Kansai, and you can use ICOCA in Tokyo.

Using the virtual IC Card

Good news for iPhone users – the IC cards have gone virtual and you can use your phone as an IC card! This makes everything even more convenient, as you can refill the balance via your phone without having to go to the station.

Note that you  do not need to buy a physical IC card to do this , just start the process straight from your phone! However, if you DO have an existing IC card you can still transfer the balance to your phone. Your existing card will then stop working and you can only use your phone as an IC card from that point onwards.

If you prefer to have a physical IC card, you can buy the ICOCA Card online and pick it up from the Kansai airport. But if you already own an IC card from Tokyo or other areas of Japan, then you can just continue to use that – you don’t need to buy another one.

Do I need a JR Pass?

JR pass is a form of rail pass that gives you unlimited access to  all JR trains  in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. I bolded the JR train part for emphasis since this gets confusing for some people – in Japan, there are many train companies and Japan Rail (JR) is one of them, and this pass is only valid for JR trains! Getting a JR Pass makes sense if you are planning to visit multiple cities in Japan . The trains between cities aren’t cheap and you’ll be saving a lot more this way.

You HAVE to have already bought the JR Pass before your trip. You cannot buy it once you’re in Japan. You can buy the Unlimited JR Pass here and have it shipped to your house, so ensure you get it ahead of time!

The price of Unlimited JR Pass has increased by 70% since 1 Oct 2023 . Even though you’ll see many recommendations for buying a JR Pass to save some costs, it could be outdated. Since the price hike, it has become harder to justify the cost of the JR Pass, however regional passes like the JR West Kansai Pass might still be worth it. I am working on updating my blog post to reflect this change.

If you are in Osaka just to visit the Kansai area though, you might not need the unlimited JR Pass. The following JR Kansai pass covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, and can be picked up at the Kansai Airport (KIX). All you need to decide is how many days you want to use the pass for!

• 4 Day JR West Kansai Pass (you can also get 1, 2 or 3-day JR West pass – just click on the link in the description)
• 5 Day JR Kansai Wide Pass (if 4 days is not enough for you)

Coin Lockers in the train stations

Flying out late but have to check out early from your accommodation? You don’t have to carry your luggage around all day. You can leave your luggage in a coin locker.

Coin lockers are available everywhere in major stations and they are quite spacious and cheap to rent. I was able to fit my 45L backpack into that tiny 300 yen one at the bottom. There is an English instruction on the machine to rent them – super easy.

Be sure to come early if you are going from a popular station – I once tried to do this in Kyoto station around noon but I was not able to find any available locker. In the end, I gave up and had to lug my backpack around all day.

Where to stay in Osaka

In Osaka, it’s best to stay close to a major train station – anywhere near Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba, Tennoji and Umeda / Osaka station is a great option.

Here are some recommendations:

• Zentis Osaka in Umeda  ($$) – Located within a few minutes walk to Osaka Station. They have studio apartments as well as family rooms for those who want bigger accommodations.
• InterContinental Osaka  ($$$) – Also located within a few minutes walk from Osaka station, this hotel is very convenient with many amenities nearby
• Hotel Noum Osaka  ($$) – A cute modern hotel located one station away from Osaka-Umeda station.
• Umedaholic  ($$) – Small hotel near Osaka-Umeda station and close to the city center.
• Guesthouse Ten-roku  ($) – Female-only dorm, perfect for solo travelers who are looking to save on accommodations.

Things to do in Osaka

Alright, now that you know all about traveling to Osaka, here are the things I enjoyed doing in Osaka:

1. Visit the Osaka Castle

This is a must-visit when you’re in Osaka. Personally, I was way more impressed by the area around the castle rather than the castle itself. It’s surrounded by this amazing park and makes for a picturesque stroll especially if you happen to be here during Hanami (Sakura) or Momijigari (Autumn) season .

I would recommend entering the park from the southwest corner – the closest station is Morinomiya on the Chuo line – and walking through the park before finally getting to the castle.

The walk from this point would take about 20-30 minutes , so be sure to plan your time accordingly if you want to enter the castle.

You can pre-purchase the entrance ticket to the Osaka Castle here

2. Eat all the street food in Dotonbori

Dotonbori is the center of everything “Japan” in Osaka. You can find a 24-hour Donki (Japanese variety shop), Restaurants, Arcades with Gashapon machines, drug stores, vertical neon-light billboards, and most importantly for me: Takoyaki ! You can read more about Takoyaki in the “What to eat” section below.

3. Visit the anime town at Den-Den Town in Namba

If you enjoyed Akihabara in Tokyo, you’ll love Den-den town. It’s basically Osaka’s hub of everything geeky – electronics, Anime goodies, Gashapon machines, comic book stores, and video games. You can also find decent shopping here at Japanese variety stores like Loft and Donki.

If you don’t know what Gashapon is, you must try them while you are in Japan! They are these capsule toy machines that you can find all over Japan. The machine dispenses small toys or figurines in a capsule. Each machine has different themes with 4-5 possible options of toys that you can get, but you won’t know exactly which one you get until you put in your yen coins and turn that knob. It’s the literal definition of cheap thrill – each capsule toy costs only 200-400 yen.

4. Visit the Osaka Aquarium

The Osaka Aquarium is one of the most impressive aquariums I’ve ever visited so far. They have an intensive collection of marine life sourced from different parts of the world, including a pair of whale sharks in a massive tank along with other species like Manta Rays, Nurse Sharks, and Eagle rays.

However, as an avid diver, I have to admit this made me uncomfortable… especially seeing highly intelligent animals like dolphins in captivity. On the other hand, I can see how this is a great educational opportunity for kids and adults alike.

You can buy the tickets to the Osaka Aquarium online here so that you don’t have to wait in line.

5. See Osaka city from above

If you would like to see the city from high up, there are plenty of options around Osaka!

1. Highest Point of View at Harukas 300 (300m)

For the highest point of view, I suggest visiting the Umeda Sky Building Observatory at Umeda / Osaka station or Harukas 300 at Abeno Harukas in Tennoji station. The true highest one in Osaka is Abeno Harukas at 300m, while the Umeda Sky Observatory is only 170m above the ground.

You can pre-purchase the ticket to Umeda Sky Building (1500 yen) and Harukas 300 (1800 yen).

2. Retro Tsutenkaku Tower at Shin-sekai (91m)

My favorite is Tsutenkaku at Shin Sekai. Although not very tall at 103m (and the observatory is at 91m), I thought it was the most interesting tower because it has more history and character.

It was originally built in 1912 but refurbished multiple times over the years. As you are going up the tower and coming back down, you’ll be able to enjoy the retro Japan exhibition they have in the tower – stuff like Atom Boy and the retro history of Pocky and Glico snacks can be seen for free!

Purchase the Tsutenkaku ticket here and exchange it for a physical ticket when you get there

I would also highly recommend topping up an additional 300 yen to be able to reach the top deck. You can do this when you’re at the observatory.

Normally, I would not recommend topping up to get to the higher point of an observatory because it’s usually not worth it. But in the case of Tsutenkaku, it was TOTALLY worth it! The normal observation deck was indoors, but the top deck was completely outdoors. There is also a section with a glass floor so you can test your bravery by standing there and looking down. I did not pass that test because my legs were shaking as soon as I looked down 😛

3. Ferris Wheel at HEP FIVE

For a cheaper option, you can take the Ferris Wheel at HEP FIVE near Osaka station – It’s small but it’s only 600 yen per ride, you get a private car to yourself and the wait isn’t very long.

You can speed up the process too by buying the ticket ahead of time here: HEP Five Ferris Wheel , then all you have to do is scan the QR code when you get there.

6. Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Museum

Also known as Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, the gentleman who founded Nissin Food Products – the company that makes Cup Noodles. I didn’t get to do this on my visits (yet!), but if you’re like me and lived off cheap instant ramen in college, I reckon this museum warrants a visit. You can even decorate your instant ramen cup!

7. Go back in time to Kyoto (Day Trip from Osaka)

Kyoto needs no introduction – it is a must-visit when you’re in Osaka. The city is an easy 30 minutes on the rapid local train or 15 minutes on the Shinkansen.

Further Reading: I’ve written a dedicated blog post for Kyoto here:  Kyoto Travel Guide , so please check that post on all my recommendations for Kyoto.

Although I filed this under day trips outside Osaka, you need 2-3 days to properly visit Kyoto – there is so much to see and do here that it warrants a separate post by itself . Set aside one day to visit the Arashiyama side of Kyoto (west), and 2 days to visit the temples (east side of Kyoto).

But I would still recommend staying at a hotel in Osaka because accommodations are cheaper here.

8. Get friendly with Sika deer in Nara (Day Trip from Osaka)

Nara is another popular trip to take from Osaka due to its proximity – only 30-45 minutes by local train. The city is quite small, but they have many temples and shrines to visit. They also have a huge park where you can walk and interact with the free-roaming wild Sika deer population in Nara.

Further Reading: I’ve written a dedicated blog post for Nara here:  Nara Travel Guide , so please read that post for everything I know about Nara

9. Take a walk at Akame 48 Waterfalls (Day Trip from Osaka)

Akame 48 Waterfall is about an hour out of Osaka by train. It’s a short, easy trail following the main river which forms many small waterfalls. There are less than 48 waterfalls, but they used 48 in the name to signify endless waterfalls.

Further Reading:  You can read  my post about visiting Akame 48 !

10. Visit Kobe (Day Trip from Osaka)

IKobe is also 30 minutes away from Osaka by train. Kobe is well-known for… well, the delicious Kobe beef, which you’ll find plenty of in Kobe. Aside from the beef, Kobe is known as the port city and a place where immigrants thrived when Japan began trading with the outside world. So make sure to check out Kobe’s Chinatown area, the Kobe ropeway, and the Nunobiki waterfall.

11. Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery

If you are a whiskey lover, a trip to this distillery is a must. They are located about 30 minutes from Osaka / Umeda station. You can visit the Yamazaki Whiskey Museum for free and do some whiskey tasting (not free). If you’re interested to learn about the whiskey-making process then they have tours that cost 1000-2000 yen.

Make sure you book your slot for the tour ahead of time here

12. Bonus: See Mount Fuji from above if you’re coming to Osaka on a domestic flight from Tokyo

If you are flying to Osaka from Tokyo, try to get a window seat on the right side of the plane. You might just get lucky and see Mount Fuji about 30 minutes into the flight. I knew about this before so I picked a window seat on the right side of the plane on my way there, but I wasn’t lucky with the weather. Mount Fuji was hiding underneath all those clouds… :/

What and Where to Eat in Osaka

Just like other big cities in Japan, there is plenty of good food in Osaka. Here are some of my favorites!

1. Takoyaki (Octopus Ball)

When visiting Osaka, eating Takoyaki is a must . Takoyaki is one of the most well-known street snacks in Japan. It’s a ball-shaped snack made from a wheat-flour-based batter with chopped-up juicy octopus tentacles and other ingredients such as ginger and green onion, grilled in a pan with hemispherical holes to help shape it into a ball. Once done, it’s served with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo, then topped with crispy bonito flakes. Although you can find this all over Japan, it was popularized in Osaka.

I tried Takocha near Umeda station. It’s a very small stall manned by one guy, and you might have to wait for your takoyaki. However, the takoyaki is stunningly delicious.

Takocha Closest Station: Osaka-Umeda Station or Osaka Station Direction: Google Maps

One of the most popular places to get Takoyaki is Dotonbori. The one I tried is from the Konamon Takoyaki Museum in the middle of Dotonbori and it was delicious! The batter is crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. The bits of octopus are also quite generous. Best of all, they’re always made fresh on the spot! If you see a queue forming, fret not. They’re just waiting for the next batch and once that’s done, the queue moves fast. I ended up eating a dozen of these by myself…

Konamon Takoyaki Museum  Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line) Direction: Google Maps

2. Japanese Cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise

Rikuro Ojisan no mise means “Grandpa Rikuro’s store”. You might have seen this store making its rounds on social media.

Popular for the fluffy cheesecake that “jiggles” as it comes out fresh out of the oven, Rikuro Ojisan cheesecake originated from Osaka and for a while could only be found in Osaka and Kobe, though I heard there are now branches in Shanghai and Beijing.

Their cheesecake is different from the ones you get in, say, New York, which tends to be very rich. Rikuro’s cheesecake is very fluffy in texture and light in taste – much like other Japanese desserts, it’s not too overly sweet. I only got a slice but I feel like I could have eaten an entire cake on my own.

3. Yakitori at an Izakaya in Namba

Visiting an Izakaya for some yakitori is a must when you’re in Japan. There are tons of them near Namba station, on the south-west side.

Izakaya is popular among corporate men and women as an after-work watering hole because they serve cheap small plates of various grilled skewers that go well with alcohol. My favorite is called Yakitori Nambatei, a small hole-in-wall restaurant where each plate costs 300-400 yen and comes with 3 skewers. I recommend having their draft beer as well!

Yakitori Nambatei Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line) Direction: Google Maps

4. Naniwa Omurice

Trivia: “Naniwa” is the old name of Osaka from the 6th century. The earliest record of the city being referred to in Osaka dates back to 14th century.

In Japanese cuisine, there are plenty of occurrences of “japanized western food” aka yoshoku , where the Japanese have adopted western dishes and made it into their own. Omurice is a popular example of this and has become a staple comfort food for many Japanese households. It’s usually made by a mother for their small children as it’s fun to eat and tastes good.

Omurice can be served in tomato-based sauce, or demi-glace sauce (savory beef sauce). I prefer the latter. Naniwa Omurice serves both styles and you can add more toppings such as Kaarage (Japanese fried chicken), fried prawn, pork cutlet or cheese.

Naniwa Omurice Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi (Midosuji) Direction: Google Maps

5. Fishing Boat Restaurant Zauo

If you want a bit more drama with your dinner, try visiting Zauo at Namba. At this restaurant, you can catch your own fish and they will prepare them for you in any style you want.

It’s not for the faint of heart though – I for one couldn’t bear to fish because I felt so bad for them… while fishing, you can feel the hooks dragging against their scales and I just couldn’t do it. So, I let my friends do the hard work and enjoyed the catch later 😡 But it’s still fun!

Zauo Fishing Boat Restaurant Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line) Direction: Google Maps

6. Zundouya Ramen

Zundouya Ramen specializes in Tonkotsu ramen, a type of ramen where the broth is made from boiling pork bone for hours until it turns white. It’s originated from Fukuoka but you can enjoy it all over Japan these days.

Zundouya is one of those ramen shops where you order outside the shop at a vending machine, then bring the voucher in and they’ll make your order for you. You can customize the noodles (curly or straight), the done-ness of the noodles (al dente, regular or soft), and the intensity of the broth (light, regular, or strong/fatty).

There are a few locations in Osaka but the one I went to is near Umeda / Osaka Station.

Zundouya Ramen Nearest Station: Umeda Direction: Google Maps

Alright, folks! That’s all from me about traveling in Osaka. Let me know in the comment below what you think and if there is anything else you want to know. I’ll be happy to answer your question as best as I can.

Til next time 👋

Are you planning a trip to Japan? I’ve written loads about the beautiful country. Check out the  ‘Japan’ category of this blog for some travel inspiration.

19 Comments

• March 11, 2024

Please don’t eat octopus, they are the most intelligent creatures on the planet behind humans (way above dolphins and chimps). I dare you to watch “My octopus teacher” and then eat octopus, squid or calamari. I’m also a diver and this documentary is very powerful. Great blog, well done! I’m going in May and look forward to all the things to see, eat and do.

• December 14, 2023

My friend n I (ladies age 60-72) would like to see Sakura from April 6-20 2024. Appreciate your recommendation which place should we go in order not to miss Sakura.

• October 18, 2023

Hi Melissa, I am just glad to find your posts. I’ll be traveling with my family to Osaka in December for 4 days. Can you share some of your recommendation on my first day in Osaka as I want to explore the city before we get to the AirBNB which is near Nishikujo station (close to USJ). will be coming from tokyo by bullet train but have not bought tickets yet. i am planning to get the 6:30 AM bullet from tokyo but will be too early to check in the air BNB. any recommended places close to shin-osaka station that we can look around to pass time? thanks

• June 21, 2023

Nice reading info for Osaka. Is our first trip to Japan.. hope get more info from you.

We will reach Kansai Airport then to Tokyo for 5 days then back to Osaka for 5 days before back to Singapore. From Kansai airport to Tokyo hotel, near Shin-Okubo. Would you suggest to buy JR Pass? Our trips rather straight forward, as NEW to Japan.

Mainly all the famous spot in Tokyo and Osaka such as Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Asakusabashi, Shibuya and Harajuku for Tokyo. As for Osaka will be Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi-Suj, Kuromon Market and Nipponbashi Denden Town..

looking forward to your suggestion..

thanks sooooo much

Hey Rosalind, the one way cost to get from Tokyo is already $140 one way on the bullet train (shinkansen), so it’s definitely worth it to get the 5 days Unlimited JR even if just for the Osaka-Tokyo and then back. Just make sure the JR pass is still active for your shinkansen journey. You can buy the Unlimited JR Pass here

• May 23, 2023

Hi Mel, Planning to self drive in kansai & gifu prefectures and will be staying 2 nights in osaka. It is difficult to drive around and for car parking in osaka? Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you. Keong ( singapore )

Hey Keong, driving in Osaka is pretty similar to Singapore – it’s a big city so if you’re used to Singapore you should be fine. Parking is a little expensive in Japan but it depends where you are. If you are in the town area then it will get pretty expensive but if you’re in the outskirts then it might be free.

• April 7, 2023

Hi Can share the day itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto ? Can’t figure out where to start from day trip in Kyoto Also can’t plan the Osaka day trip Thanks for sharing

• March 12, 2023

Dear Melissa. I love what you have written. Mostly travel writers focus on putting up good pictures. I found your photos honest, true and look a lot of fun. Of course, the writing is also witty. Kudos 🙂

• March 13, 2023

Thanks Sahana!

• March 9, 2023

hi Melissa, From Singapore to Osaka, if my flight land at 9:35pm. it is ok? will there be train to city? what the train operation timing? i plan to stay 10 days in Osaka/stay in Osaka and move around. i need the wide area(5 days ) or jr-west kansai pass(4days)? what the different?

Hey John, the trains generally stop around midnight in Japan.

• January 11, 2023

Dear Melissa, I came across your blog by accident. You are very informative and insightful. My husband and I (in our 50s) are planning to visit Osaka in October 2023. Would greatly appreciate if you could help with planning our itinerary. We will fly into and out from Osaka. We have about 8-10 days of holiday. Osaka and Kyoto are the main places of interest at the moment for us. Please advise and revert. Thank you.

• November 22, 2022

Dear Melissa My friend and i are planning a 1 week trip from 12 Dec- 19Dec.to Western Japan with Osaka and Kyoto in mind as the places to go among others. This is our 1st time traveling to Japan. We will be flying in at about 3pm and out Kansai Airport at around 6pm flights. Any suggested itinerary? 12 Dec Kansai Airport to Kyoto via train JR pass

12 Dec – 15 Dec * Kyoto (book stay)

13 Dec Take the train from Kyoto to Hiroshima for a day trip. 1 day stay (Miyajima Island/Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park) ** or any other suggestions for places or city instead of Hiroshima

14 Dec Take train back to Kyoto (Day trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest)

16 Dec Leave Kyoto via train to Osaka

16 Dec – 19 Dec Osaka (book stay) (Osaka Castle, Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi (Shisaibushi-Suji), Tempozan (Ferris wheel, Osaka Aquarium), Universal Studios Japan), Shinsekai, Food Art Gallery(JTRRD Cafe), Pokemon Cafe

19 Dec Checkout/to Kansai Airport for evening flight

How about trains/transportation..should we just get the JR pass. Can we use the JR pass to take the Shinkansen)? Would love to experience the bullet train. 🙂 Any recommendation for accommodation which is cost saving? My colleague said that despite the places to stay is cheaper away from central Osaka, it is far from the train station and the train fares are expensive.

Do you think the suggested itinerary is ok or ambitious. Do you have any suggestion. We are unsure. Would really appreciate your help and advice.

Looking forward to hear from you the soonest possible so that we can plan and make the necessary bookings/reservations.

• October 27, 2022

Hi Which area in Osaka would you recommend for small kids?

• January 10, 2020

Hi Melissa!

I’ll be visiting and staying in Osaka during early Oct 2020 for 5 days and want to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe! Should I get both the JR Kansai wide pass as well as the Haruka + ICOCA card? Or will the Haruka + ICOCA card be enough for me to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe?

Thank you, Ricky

Hey Ricky, if you are ok with taking local trains (usually slightly slower and no booked seats) then you’re fine with just the Haruka + ICOCA card. You can use ICOCA card to do the local travels. Whether it would be cheaper or not depends on how often you’ll be taking JR trains during the day, since the JR pass can also be used on local JR trains.

• July 28, 2019

Dear Melissa,

I am thinking to doing Tokyo and Osaka (2 of us). In terms of time and costs, what will be your recommendation: fly into Tokyo and fly out from Osaka or the other way round? of should I just fly in/out from Tokyo?

thank you, Tham

i think depends on whether you are getting a JR pass and whether the Osaka – Tokyo train portion is covered or not. Also depends on the price difference between flying out of Tokyo vs Osaka. I personally would just fly out of Osaka to be more efficient!

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• Travel Tips

Osaka City Travel Guide 2024

• Chisa Nishimura

Here's all the important stuff you need to know before traveling to sightsee around Osaka City! Read on to find out how to best spend your time in Osaka by learning about the top areas to visit, stay, and eat, as well as useful information about weather and transportation!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Introduction to Osaka

Osaka City, the capital of Osaka Prefecture, is the second main city in Japan following the Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes Tokyo and Yokohama. The city is the largest in western Japan with a population of approximately 8.8 million people. Thanks to the Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), the city is easily accessible from overseas and only two and a half hours away from Tokyo via bullet train.

Roughly 500 years ago, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, famous for unifying Japan and ending the violent Sengoku era, built Osaka Castle and gathered nearby townsmen to establish a city. Combined with Osaka's valuable location on the eastern edge of the Seto Inland Sea, a major transportation route for Japan, Osaka gradually developed into a hub for politics and the economy. Later in the Edo period (1603 - 1868), the city grew rapidly with today's Namba and Shinsaibashi districts at its center. Businesses and circulation of commodities thrived, so much so that the city was referred to as "Japan's kitchen" and served as the economic capital of the country.

As such, the city prospered with lively interactions between customers and merchants. Merchants used entertaining conversations to sell their products, and a unique culture of comedy emerged from the honing of these entertainment skills. Today, Osaka is known as "the birthplace of Japan's comedy culture". People from the region are characterized as particularly friendly and candid, even with strangers, making it an unforgettable city for foreigners to feel comfortable and welcomed in.  

A major reason why Osaka is a great tourist destination is the sheer abundance of places to visit. From the trendy commercial district, Umeda; the culinary and fashion districts, Namba and Shinsaibashi; the downtown districts, Tennoji and Shinsekai; all the way to the entertainment district, Bay Area, which includes Universal Studios Japan, there is a wide variety of exciting areas sprawled across the city. Osaka was also chosen as the hosting city for the 2025 World Expo and continues to be a thriving major city in Japan.

Where Is Osaka Located?

Osaka Prefecture is located in the western area of Japan, called the Kansai region. The southwestern edge of the prefecture faces the Osaka Bay, which is a part of the Seto Inland Sea.

Weather in Osaka

Climate and rainfall.

Osaka generally has a dry climate with fairly little rainfall throughout the year. Because there are many buildings and lots of concrete, the city gets very hot during the summer as a result of the notorious urban heat island phenomenon. The temperature does not get much lower in the night, so make sure to take good care of yourself during your visit. During the winter months there is almost no snowfall in the flat areas, and when it snows it usually does not exceed a few centimeters.

Although the weather is often quite clear, make sure to check the forecasts during your visit. Especially during the typhoon season between July and September, checking the weather regularly will help you plan your trip and avoid getting stuck in the rain without an umbrella.

Our Top Tips

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Explore Japan in the most convenient and economical way with a Japan Rail Pass! It is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR. 

Top Sightseeing Areas in Osaka

There are plenty of places in Osaka to experience its unique culture. Here are some of the must-visit areas for your visit.

1. A Taste of History: Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is adored by locals as a symbol of the prefecture. Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi, the strongest political figure in Japan at the time, ordered the construction of Osaka Castle in 1583. Built on top of where Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple once stood, the glorious castle was designed to reflect Hideyoshi's status as the legendary "unifier of Japan". After Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa Hidetada, the second shogun (general) of the Tokugawa dynasty, ordered a complete rebuilding of the castle.

In 1997, Osaka Castle was recognized as one of Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties. The castle tower as it now stands has 58 floors, reaching 54.8 meters high. The sengan-yagura (turret), which was built to manage Otemon Gate at the front entrance of the castle from the northwestern part, is historically known as the "impenetrable tower".

Floors 1-8 in the castle have a tearoom, archive, decorative folding screens, and plenty of exhibited objects and models that recreate the historical setting of the castle. The observation deck on floor 8 provides a beautiful view of Osaka's streets and Osaka Castle Park from 50 meters aboveground.

▼Osaka Castle Official Website:

Japanese: https://www.osakacastle.net/  

2. Downtown Exploration: Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku, Yokocho)

Located in the southern part of Osaka City, the Shinsekai district is famous for its Tsutenkaku Tower and Janjan Yokocho Alley. The district was established in 1903 when Tenno-ji Park, the first Tsutenkaku Tower, and an amusement park were built to commemorate the site of the 5th Promotion of Domestic Industries Exposition (today's Tenno-ji and Shinsekai districts). Theatres and cinemas followed, developing the district into the thriving area it is today, which can be viewed from Tsutenkaku Tower's 94.5-meter high observation deck.

Nearby, the 180-meter long Janjan Yokocho Alley is packed with Osaka's staple cuisines, including kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers) and doteyaki (beef tendon stewed with miso and sweet sake seasoning). You will find a lively downtown atmosphere and plenty of restaurants offering cheap and delicious dishes. Many visitors also enjoy taking photographs of the colorful store banners and amusing sights, such as the statue of Billiken, the god of good fortune, and the restaurant Zuboraya's large pufferfish-shaped lantern. The vibrant alley is popular from day to night with both locals and visitors.

▼Shinsekai Website Japanese: https://osaka-info.jp/page/shinsekai English: https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/shinsekai  

3. Endless Food and Shopping: Osaka Minami (Shinsaibashi and Namba Districts)

In Osaka, the Osaka Station and Umeda Station area is referred to as the Kita (north) area, while the Shinsaibashi Station and Namba station area is called the Minami (south) area. The Kita area is a bustling metropolitan terminal area, with skyscrapers, hotels, and large shopping malls. The Minami area has a more of a downtown atmosphere, full of the rich liveliness special to Osaka. 

In the Minami area, you can visit the Dotonbori neighborhood to see the colorful neon lights; Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, which attracts around 60,000 shoppers on weekdays and 120,000 people on weekends; America-mura, the center of Osaka's youth culture; the Horie neighborhood, which has many stylish stores and cafes; and the comedy theatre, Namba Grand Kagetsu.

The Dotonbori area is a great place to enjoy Osaka's cuisine, which is characterized by being both affordable and delicious. Always vibrant with both locals and visitors, there are plenty of restaurants where you can try local Osaka dishes such as takoyaki (ball-shaped fried batter with octopus), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), and kushikatsu. If you want to take a break from the energetic atmosphere, the 80-meter long Hozen-ji Yokocho (alley) provides a quieter, classically Japanese setting, with traditional Japanese restaurants, izakaya, and bars.

Osaka Gourmet Guide

Cheap and delicious are the two major characteristics of Osaka's local cuisine. Historically referred to as "Japan's kitchen", Osaka is still considered an important food capital that developed from its background as a prosperous merchant society. 

There are three main must-try local dishes in Osaka. The first is takoyaki, made by mixing in pieces of octopus meat and other ingredients into a flour batter and cooking them into ball-shaped, bite-size portions. Okonomiyaki is another staple local dish, a kind of savory pancake made with ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables mixed into a flour batter. Finally, fried meat/vegetable skewers, called kushikatsu, are also indispensable to the food culture of Osaka.

There are countless specialty restaurants that serve these three dishes, so make sure to try them all!

Osaka has an inexhaustible number of areas to enjoy delicious food. Head to the main downtown district Umeda for a wide range of cuisines and price ranges, Dotonbori for inexhaustible restaurants and bars, or Shinsekai for their specialty kushikatsu stores. Alternatively, the Korea town Tsuruhashi is a great place to look for yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ) restaurants, and Kuromon Market has a large selection of fresh seafood, fruits, and local cuisines.

Food tourism is a must in Osaka, and it will not disappoint! If you don't know where to start, click here  to find our recommendations for "29 Cheap and Delicious Restaurants in Osaka".

Osaka Shopping Guide

There is no shortage of places to shop in Osaka, whether it's in Umeda for large stores and brands, Nakazaki-cho for handmade products, America-mura for trendy items, Shinbashi and Namba for shopping streets and malls, or Kuromon Market for a wide range of food products. If you're ever confused or can't decide what to buy, try asking the staff for help! With so many places to shop from, you will undoubtedly come across many items you want to purchase. Click here to see our recommendations for trendy shopping spots, or here to read about "20 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Osaka"!

Save while shopping at the Kintetsu Department Store in Osaka with this coupon!

Events in Osaka

Spring (march, april, may).

Japan's most important spring event is arguably "hanami", where people gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. There are many popular spots around Osaka to take part in the cherry blossom viewings, including the Expo '70 Commemorative Park planted with 5,500 cherry blossom trees of nine varieties, Osaka Castle Park where you can enjoy the view of Osaka Castle and the surrounding trees together, and Kema Sakuranomiya Park to see the banks of Kyu-yodo River painted pink with the cherry blossom flowers. 

The Japan Mint's cherry blossom viewing area is particularly popular every year, and around 350 cherry blossom trees of roughly 130 varieties line its 560-meter long path. 

Cherry blossom trees bloom depending on weather conditions, so it varies every year, but they usually bloom between late March to mid-April. If you plan a visit during then, you will hopefully encounter these beautiful sights!  

Summer (June, July, August)

During the summer months, many events take place around Osaka, including traditional Japanese festivals, fireworks, outdoor music festivals, and beer gardens. Osaka's largest festival, Tenjin Matsuri, takes place at Osaka Tenmangu every year on July 24th and 25th. On the 25th, you can see the Rikutogyo celebration where around 3,000 people wearing colorful traditional clothes accompany the carrying of a small portable shrine. The Funetogyo celebration takes place on the same day, filling the Kyu-yodo River with many traditional boats.

The finale of the Tenjin Matsuri, which has a history of over 1,000 years, is the Tenjin Matsuri Hono Fireworks Show. Around 5,000 fireworks light up Osaka's evening sky in a dynamic fashion, accompanying the Funetogyo celebration's elegant parade on the water. 

Other popular fireworks events include the Naniwa Yodo Fireworks Show, featuring an astonishing 20,000 fireworks, which takes place on the second Saturday of August near the Yodo River, and the Senshu Oto to Hikari no Yume Fireworks Show, where the fireworks are accompanied by music, which takes place on a weekend sometime in late August to early September every year at Tarui Southern Beach.  

Autumn (September, October, November)

Osaka's famous autumn event is the nationally famous Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri. With a history extending 300 years, this event is held in Osaka Prefecture's Kishiwada City. This festival was originally celebrated in prayer for bountiful grain harvests, but in recent years it has become known as a festival for people in the community to come together. 

The highlight of this festival is the Yarimawashi event, where a large group of men carry a 4-ton danjiri (the Western Japanese word for festival floats) at full speed and make sharp right turns. Feeling the energy and speed of this event is an unforgettable experience.

It can be quite dangerous when the danjiri passes through, so if you go see this event, be careful and stay away from the road area or you may be knocked over! This festival takes place in two parts, with the first in mid-September and the second in early October.  

Winter (December, January, February)

The winter season is busy with festivals for Japanese people as they ring in the new year. Around 1 million people attend the popular Ebisu Matsuri (Toka Ebisu), which takes place over three days between January 9th and 11th. The festival is celebrated to pray for business prosperity at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, which is known to be the dwelling place of the god of business.

Visitors who come to pray are conferred (paid) "lucky charms" from the shrine called kodakara or kiccho. These come in the form of bundled items such as komedawara (straw rice bags), koban (gold coins), and red sea breams. It is said that displaying these kodakara brings prosperity to businesses, so if you have a chance to attend the festival, we recommend that you receive one!

A major event that takes place all around Japan on the 3rd of February each year is Setsubun. This event is celebrated by scattering roasted soy beans and reciting the phrase, "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi", meaning "demons outside, good fortune inside". Afterwards, the number of beans equal to your age (or one more) are eaten to ward off evil. At Sumiyoshi Shrine, to help you ward off evil, free soy beans and zenzai (a sweet soup made with sugar-boiled adzuki beans) are handed out!

If you visit Osaka during the winter, visiting these shrines is a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture and customs first hand.

How to Get to Osaka

Osaka's two airports are the Kansai International Airport and the Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), which is used primarily for domestic flights. As of April 2019, Kansai International Airport has an average of 579.8 arrivals and departures, and Osaka International Airport has an average of 376.1 arrivals and departures every day. With many direct flights to and from around Japan, Osaka is a popular access point for foreign visitors. 

Main train stations of nearby prefectures can be conveniently accessed from either airport, including Osaka's Umeda Station, Hyogo's Sannomiya Station, and Kyoto's Kyoto Station. For visitors with a lot of luggage, express buses are available so that you don't have to worry about carrying around your luggage.

Traveling Within Osaka

Trains get very packed with commuters during the morning and evening rush hours. The peak congestion times are 7:00 am to 8:30 am and 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm on weekdays. If possible, avoid using the trains during these times, or make sure to plan ahead for any delays. As a traffic-heavy city, Osaka has one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in Japan. Many of these accidents take place at intersections, so take care and look out for cars when crossing the street.

Trains are the general mode of transportation to get around Osaka, and there are many train companies, including JR, Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Keihan, and Kintetsu. All of the main sightseeing and shopping areas are easily accessible by train, making them the most convenient option.  

Osaka's city bus has bus stops in many convenient locations, such as the Abe-no-Hashi stop near Osaka Station, as well as Namba, Abeno Harukas, and the Nishikujo stop to catch the train to Universal Studios Japan. The advantage of taking the bus is that you can enjoy views of the city, but be warned that depending on the road traffic, times can be less reliable compared to the trains.

Osaka's taxis have a base fare of 660 yen. If you are traveling as a group, depending on the distance to your destination, it may be cheaper to split a taxi ride. An increasing number of taxis now accept credit cards for an easier payment process. Taxis are quite safe and reliable in Japan, and you won't run the risk of getting unfairly charged.

Many taxi drivers will not be able to accommodate foreign languages, but as long as you are able to communicate your destination, taxis are the most comfortable way to get around the city. You can find taxi stands at trains stations or raise your hand to call one over to the side of the road.

If you aren't traveling on a tight budget, we recommend booking a tour taxi. The average rate for a regular 4-seater taxi is about 15,000 yen for 3 hours, and you can choose from a variety of routes to explore the city comfortably. Your taxi driver may even be able to recommend some local spots to personalize your tour!

Car Rentals

If you own an international driver's license, we also recommend renting a car if you would rather not be worried about time or getting to the right location via public transport. For larger groups of people, the total cost can be split, so renting a car may be an ideal inexpensive option. Make sure to drive carefully if you do rent a car, as Osaka has a fairly high rate of car accidents. Take extra caution when driving near intersections to avoid collisions, and refrain from driving if you are not confident driving on the left side of the road!

Bike Rentals

For shorter distances, renting bicycles is highly recommended, especially during the comfortable temperatures in spring and autumn. You can move about at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and enjoy the view while you're at it! If you want to experience the city like a local, this is the best way to do it.

Osaka Accommodation Guide

Osaka is a popular tourism destination for Japanese people, but because direct flights are accessible from many other Asian countries, the number of foreign tourists has increased significantly in the past few years. As a result, many of the popular accommodations quickly get fully booked, so we recommend making accommodation plans are early as possible!

The most popular places to stay are near famous sightseeing areas such as Umeda Station and Tennoji, which are also easily accessible from other parts of Japan. We also recommend the Nakanoshima area, near Kyu-yodo River and Tosabori River. It is a business district with many tall buildings, but the area is also home to the nature-filled Nakanoshima Park as well as historical buildings.

The Osaka City Central Public Hall in Nakanoshima is a designated Important Cultural Property, and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library is also located right next to it. Why not pay a visit before taking a break at one of the stylish riverside cafes? With a wide range of options in every area depending on your preferences and budget, you should have no problem finding an ideal accommodation in the largest city in western Japan. For specific recommendations for places to stay in Osaka, click here !

The average price range for hotels in Japan is approximately 8,000 - 20,000 yen for a night per person. Services vary depending on the hotel, but most of them have a concierge and are able to provide information and recommendations regarding transportation and places to go around the city. In recent years, there has been an increase in concierges that are able to accommodate various languages, so feel free to ask for their help! 

From large hotels that have restaurants and public baths to smaller and more affordable city hotels, the advantage of staying at a hotel is the ability to find the right place according to your budget and purpose from a wide variety of options. 

Ryokan (Japanese-style inns) are on average 10,000 - 20,000 yen per night, per person. Services vary depending on the ryokan, but they are a wonderful way to experience Japanese culture, from tatami (straw mats) flooring, yukata (casual kimonos), onsen (hot springs), and Japanese gardens, to traditional Japanese houses. There are many opportunities to enjoy uniquely Japanese experiences, like having a Japanese dinner in your thoughtfully designed and traditionally-styled room. If you stay at a ryokan with a public bath, you can take a relaxing bath to soothe your body after a busy day.

Business Hotels

Business hotels are a good alternative to hotels and ryokan if you are looking to save some money, at an average price of 6,000 - 10,000 yen per night, per person. They are able to keep costs low by only providing the necessary services for a comfortable stay, with minimal furniture, electronics, and amenities.

Because they used to be frequented mostly by traveling businessmen from around Japan, many of the business hotels are located near train stations. More recently, business hotels have been popular with foreign tourists for their clean and comfortable rooms provided at affordable prices.

Capsule Hotels

We highly recommend experiencing a capsule hotel as one of your uniquely Japanese experiences. At approximately 2,500 - 5,000 yen per night, per person, they provide simple sleeping spaces that fit one person in each "capsule". Capsule hotels were originally used by salarymen who had missed the last train home, but more recently they have become quite popular with travelers looking for cheap accommodation.

More and more capsule hotels have been popping up around the city, popular for their simplicity, design, amenities, and comfortable mattresses. The newer ones are especially concerned with providing comfort for visitors, so it's definitely worth considering staying at one!

Guest Houses

Guest houses are popular for backpackers, and they generally provide accommodation for about 3,000 - 7,000 yen per night, per person. Prices are relatively cheap, but they are also used by travelers who enjoy interacting with other visitors and locals in shared spaces. An increasing number of guest houses are connected to cafes or bars where you can make conversation with the owner or locals to learn more about the city.

*Prices mentioned for all the types of hotels above vary depending on busy periods.

Osaka Tourist Information Centers

Osaka's ever expanding transportation network means that you may find yourself lost at one point, but not to worry! Here are some tourist information centers you can look out for if you have any trouble reaching your destination. Of all the tourist information centers, we recommend finding one with a JNTO certification. JNTO stands for the Japan National Tourism Organization, and they have established tourist information centers in convenient areas around the city.

Here are 3 tourist information centers that offer help and information English, as well as some other languages. If you need directions, recommendations, or help, make use of these centers to make your trip a smoother and more enjoyable experience!

Kansai Tourist Information Center (Kansai International Airport)

This tourist information center, located on the 1st floor of terminal 1 of the Kansai International Airport, provides tourism information for Osaka as well as other areas of Japan in English, Chinese, and Korean. They offer transportation passes as well as ticket reservations for Universal Studios Japan. Other services include money exchange for 33 currencies, and reservations for hotels all around Japan.

▼Kansai Tourist Information Website

Japanese: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/service/general/02.html English: https://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/service/general/02.html

・Hankyu Tourist Center (Umeda District)

The Hankyu Tourist Center is run by the Hankyu railway company, which connects Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto Prefectures. Located in Umeda Station, the multilingual staff provide a variety of services, including offering useful pamphlets containing tourism and transportation information, transportation tickets/passes, rental Wi-Fi routers, and even free unisex kimono rentals for you to take memorable photos!

▼Hankyu Tourist Center Website English: http://www.hankyu.co.jp/global/en/help/tourist_center/index.html

・Tourist Information Center Namba Match (Namba District)

This tourist information center is located on Namba Nankai-dori in Namba's busy area. The staff speak English and Chinese (and sometimes Korean) and are able to provide you with directions to various sightseeing spots. There are also tablets in the information center that you can use to search for information about the surrounding areas, including restaurants, shopping areas, and recommendations from locals, making them a useful way for you to design a personalized travel itinerary.

▼Namba Match Website English:  https://osaka-info.jp/en/spot/tourist-information-namba/

Japan Shinkansen, Narita Express (N'EX) & Express Train Tickets

Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

Osaka Emergency Information

Medical emergencies.

If you experience an injury or fall ill during your stay in Japan, use the website below to search from around 900 medical facilities around Japan that accept international patients. The downloadable PDF Guide for Using Medical Institutions provides information on how to access medical help, a bilingual chart to describe your symptoms, and information in case of an earthquake or emergency.

▼Medical Emergency Guide

Japanese: https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/jpn/mi_guide.html English: https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html

Visit a police station if you encounter any troubles, lose an item, get lost, or become victim of a crime. The website below has a map of police stations around Osaka, as well as answers to common questions about lost property and emergency numbers for police stations. Give it a read to enjoy a safer trip and make sure you are prepared if any issues occur.

▼Osaka Prefectural Police Website

Japanese: https://www.police.pref.osaka.lg.jp/sogo/oshirase/1/889.html English: https://www.police.pref.osaka.lg.jp/foreign_languag_selection/english/index.html

Information for Muslim Travelers

For information about halal restaurants, take a look at the website below. You can filter restaurants by keywords, prefectures, and genres to help you find the right restaurant!

▼Halal Gourmet Japan Website

Japanese: https://www.halalgourmet.jp/ja/list?q%5Blocation_id_eq%5D=27 English: https://www.halalgourmet.jp/list?q%5Blocation_id_eq%5D=27l

Traveling from Osaka

Whether by bullet train, plane, or bus, there are many ways to travel to other major tourist destinations in Japan including Hokkaido, Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.

● Bullet Train The Japan Rail Pass allows you to ride JR-operated train lines and buses, including bullet trains, freely for its duration. The 7-day pass costs 29,110 yen, and the 14-day pass costs 46,390 yen. We recommend that you buy a bento box (Japanese lunch box) at the station to enjoy on the bullet train. Traveling across Japan via bullet train as you gaze at the views outside of the window is a uniquely Japanese experience.  Click here to learn more about the JR Travel Pass!

● Airplane Depending on the distance from the airport to your destination, traveling by airplane is the most efficient way to travel long distances. Japanese airlines are known for their hospitality, and LLC (Low-Cost Carrier) flights are becoming more popular, so flights can be a fast and affordable way to travel to other destinations. During some seasons, you can buy round-trip flights to places like Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Okinawa from Osaka for around 5,000 yen by taking the earliest or latest flights.

●Express Bus If you are looking for the most affordable option, we recommend traveling via an express bus. The travel time is significantly longer compared to bullet trains or airplanes, but the prices are normally a few thousand yen, half or less of what you would pay to ride a bullet train. At cheapest, there are buses that run between Osaka and Tokyo for about only 1,500 yen!

Taking a night bus will also allow you to get some rest, making it not only cheap but time-efficient! The advantage of taking an express bus is that it allows you to enjoy the delicious regional cuisines offered at the rest stops along the way.

Research the best option for your budget and destination beforehand to travel efficiently and comfortably in Japan!

*Prices vary depending on destinations and busy periods.

Shin-Osaka - Hokkaido (Hakodate City)

Via Bullet Train: Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes (Osaka Station → Shin Osaka Station → Tokyo Station →  Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station → Hakodate Station)

Via Airplane: Approximately 3 hours and 30 mins (Osaka Station → Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) → Hakodate Airport → Hakodate Station)

Shin-Osaka - Tokyo (Tokyo City)

Via Bullet Train: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (Shin-Osaka Station → Tokyo Station)

Via Airplane: Approximately 3 hours (Shin-Osaka Station - Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) → Haneda Airport → Tokyo Station)

Via Express Bus: Approximately 8 hours (Osaka City bus terminals → Tokyo bus terminals)

Shin-Osaka - Fukuoka (Hakata City)

Via Bullet Train: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (Shin-Osaka Station → Hakata Station)

Via Airplane: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes (Shin-Osaka Station → Kansai International Airport → Fukuoka Airport → Hakata Station)

Shin-Osaka - Okinawa (Naha City)

Via Airplane: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes (Shin-Osaka Station → Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) → Naha Airport)

* These estimates are minimum travel times. Actual times may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. 

Visit the Exciting City of Osaka!

Osaka is a lively place, filled with visitors from all over the world. With so many things to do, it may be difficult to decide what to prioritize. We hope that the information in this guide will help make sure you know all the tips and tricks to enjoy a smooth and pleasant visit!

Osaka is also near some other popular sightseeing destinations like the prefectures of Kyoto and Nara, which are easily accessible from Osaka. If you have the time, we highly recommend that you also visit these places which are rich with historical charm!

Title Image: Manuel Ascanio  / Shutterstock.com

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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50 things to do in Osaka, Japan | Ultimate Osaka Travel Guide!

Are you planning a trip to Japan ? Then let’s talk about things to do in Osaka, because while most trips begin in Tokyo, no itinerary would be complete without a visit to “Japan’s Kitchen”. Osaka is a city filled with street markets, food experiences and restaurants galore, all of which make it a great destination for a first-time visitor – especially if you happen to be a foodie!

Located in the Kansai region, Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city but its size doesn’t detract from its friendliness. In comparison to Tokyo or Kyoto, Osaka has a very laidback vibe and it’s the kind of place where it’s easy to linger while feasting on delicious Japanese food .

In this article, we’re going to share some of the best things to do in Osaka, combining a mix of food adventures, popular attractions, and one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll only get in Japan. This isn’t so much an Osaka travel itinerary , as much as a list meant to offer some travel inspiration, so feel free to pick and choose to create your perfect trip to Osaka!

50 Things to Do in Osaka

1) Visit Osaka Castle. 

This is the city’s main tourist attraction and it is a beautiful sight! The castle sits right in the middle of Osaka Castle Park, surrounded by imposing stone walls and a wide moat.

You can even climb the steps up to the 8th floor of the castle for 360-degree views of the area.

If your trip happens to be in the springtime and coincides with cherry blossom season, get ready to enjoy sakura galore at Osaka Castle Park.

3) Join a Japanese food tour.

A street food tour is a fun way to get your bearings in a new city and also try some of the local cuisine. Osaka isn’t nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen” for nothing!

This city is renowned for its cuisine and street food is a good place to start. One snack that you can’t miss is takoyaki, which are ball-shaped pancakes filled with octopus, pickled ginger, tempura and green onion. You can watch them be cooked right in front of you in moulded pans.

This Osaka street food tour takes you to 5 different eateries where you get to try 13 different dishes! This tour runs 3 hours in length.

3) Ride a boat around the moat. 

One of the many things to do in Osaka Castle Park is to ride the  Golden Wasen . This is a covered boat that takes you on a leisurely ride along the castle moat and allows you to experience the park from a different perspective. You can catch the boat just off of the Gokuraku Bridge.

4) Visit Shitennoji Temple. 

Founded in the year 593, this is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the buildings you see today have been rebuilt over the course of the centuries. The temple is named after the shitenno: the four heavenly kings of the Buddhist tradition said to guard the world against evil.

Within the Shitennoji Temple complex, you can also visit Gokuraku-jodo Garden, a Japanese-style garden complete with ponds, bridges, and walking paths. It feels like a secret oasis.

5) Take a Japanese cooking class.

Another fun way to get familiar with Osaka is to join a cooking class! This is a fun way to learn to make some of the city’s local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki – two staples you’re bound to come across either in restaurants or while sampling street food.

This Osaka cooking class runs 2.5 hours in length and you’ll learn to make two local specialties. It’s a small-group class limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

6) Go on a walk through Tennoji Park. 

This urban park has a lot to offer; it is home to botanical gardens, a zoo, an ancient burial mound, and an art museum. There are also some restaurants, cafes and ice cream stands on the southeast end of the park if you get hungry along the way.

7) Make dreams come true at the Horikoshi Shrine. 

This shrine is a place of pilgrimage for people who have a wish that they want to come true. The place is also home to trees that are over 550 years old. There are a series of  torii gates next to the shrine which makes it feel like a miniature version of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

8) Join a guided walking tour of Osaka.

A guided walking tour is a great activity to do early on in your trip to Osaka. It’ll give you a good lay of the land and introduce you to some places that you might’ve otherwise missed.

This Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour covers a lot of the city’s main attractions like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai and more! It’s a great option if you’re pressed for time and want to see the highlights.

9) Browse the shops in Den Den Town. 

Often compared to Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district, Osaka’s Den Den Town is the place to shop for cheap electronics, manga comics, cosplay costumes, and anime-related collectables.

You can also play arcade games while you’re at it. Taito Station is the leading name when it comes to arcade gaming in Japan. The Den Den Town location offers 5 floors of entertainment – you could easily spend a few hours gaming here.

10) Ride the wheel at HEP FIVE. 

Osaka has quite a few Ferris wheels to choose from. This one is located on the roof of the HEP FIVE shopping mall and it’s painted bright red. It reaches a maximum height of 106 metres and you can enjoy views of Osaka as far as the harbour.

11) Visit the lion shrine. 

Namba Yasaka is one of the most unusual shrines you will encounter in Japan. Within the complex, there’s a stage built to resemble a roaring lion. It’s believed that the lion’s mouth can swallow evil spirits and bring people good luck both in school and business. That means it sees a lot of visitors during exam times and at the start and end of the financial year.

12) Drive around Osaka dressed in costume. 

This is a real-life superhero go-karting experience complete with outrageous costumes that are sure to turn heads. Just remember it’s important that you get an international driving permit in your home country before arriving in Japan because they will not accept your regular driver’s license!

You can book the Osaka GoKart Tour with a funny costume rental here. The tour runs 1 hour. 

13) Try not to go deaf inside a Pachinko. 

Pachinko is an arcade game somewhere between a pinball machine and a slot machine. One thing is for sure, Pachinko parlours are deafeningly loud and you can often hear them before you even see them! It’s one of those things you should experience at least once in Japan, even if you just walk through one briefly.

14) Watch a Japanese baseball game. 

Baseball in Japan is a one-of-a-kind experience. We went to see the Hanshin Tigers and were not disappointed by all the cheering, chanting, dancing, and unique songs the fans had for each player. It’s worth adding to your list of things to do in Osaka even if you’re not the biggest sports fan.

15) Explore Shinsekai at night. 

Shinsekai experienced a few decades of neglect which only helped to fuel its seedy reputation, however, this neighbourhood has a cool old-school feel. When you walk down the main strip towards Tsutenkaku Tower with all the bright neon lights, it almost feels a bit like time travel – like you’re seeing what people in the past thought the Osaka of the future should look like.

16) Eat sumo-sized meals in Shinsekai. 

Sumo wrestlers need to adhere to a pretty strict diet to keep up their weight, and there are restaurants out there that specialize in sumo meals. Chankonabe is the stew consumed by wrestlers, but in Shinsekai you can also find restaurants serving up all sorts of sumo-sized dishes. Just maybe bring some friends to help you out!

17) Play 80s and 90s retro arcade games. 

There are plenty of arcades in Osaka, but retro arcades are a rare gem. There’s one on the left diagonal lane moving away from Tsutenkaku Tower. Games include blasts from the past like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Mario-Kart and more!

18) Go up Tsutenkaku Tower. 

Literally meaning “Tower Reaching Heaven”, at the time of its construction in 1912, this was the tallest tower in Asia. Today it has a height of 103 metres, with the main observation deck sitting at 91 metres. It’s open to the public and offers a bird’s eye view of Shinsekai.

19) Ride the Dotonbori Ferris Wheel. 

After an almost decade-long hiatus, the famous  Dotonbori Ferris Wheel  recently reopened to the public. It’s built onto the facade of the Don Quixote store (a discount store that can be found all over Japan) and also features Ebisu (the god of business prosperity) on its facade. It takes 15 minutes to do the full loop! Keep in mind it’s free to ride if you buy an item inside the Don Quixote store!

20) Cruise down the Dotonbori Canal. 

Another fun thing to do in Osaka is to take a river cruise on the Dotonbori Canal, especially if you can do so at night once the lights come on. The boat departs from the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock.

21) Pose with the Glico Man. 

This is a very popular photo stop in Dotonbori. The Glico Man sign first went up in 1935 and it features an athlete in a victory pose. It’s actually an advert for the Ezaki Glico brand which manufactures confectionery products, but it’s proven to be very popular with locals – especially if there’s a sports-related victory.

22) Attend a sumo tournament. 

If you want to see sumo in Japan, you will have to time your visit accordingly because it only happens during a short window and tickets sell out fast! There’s a guide on how to watch sumo in Japan  here  and you can check out tournament dates  here .

23) Check out the giant food signs in Dotonbori. 

Even if you don’t know Japanese, in Dotonbori you can easily figure out what each shop specializes in based on the massive food signs on their storefronts. Picture a giant crab with moving legs, a massive octopus glaring down, and a pufferfish daring you to walk through its doors. It’s advertising at its finest!

24) Learn about takoyaki at the Konamon Museum. 

This museum is dedicated to Osaka’s most popular dish: takoyaki! Here you can learn about the famous octopus-filled pancake, and even make wax samples of takoyaki which you can then take back home as souvenirs. Just look for the giant red octopus along the main drag and you’ll know you’ve found the place.

25) Make your own okonomiyaki.

Some call it a Japanese pancake, others call it a Japanese pizza. This dish consists of a flour-based batter, shredded cabbage, green onions, vegetables and meat (usually a mix of pork belly, octopus, squid and shrimp). In some restaurants, it’s cooked in front of you, and in others, you can play chef at your own table. Either way, it’s a dish you should not miss in Osaka!

26) Order ramen from a vending machine. 

Japan is all about convenience, and this includes pre-ordering your bowl of ramen before you enter the shop – a picture menu makes it relatively straightforward. Once you’re inside, hand in your ticket, grab a seat at the bar, and slurps up!

27) Eat conveyor belt sushi and win some prizes. 

Conveyer-belt sushi, or kaiten sushi, is another one of those things that you need to experience in Japan . We went to Kura Sushi Namba Motomachi, where you pay 100¥ per plate. The fun thing about this restaurant is that you can also win prizes as you eat sushi. For every 5 plates you slide into the machine, you can win a capsule toy. We tried 5 times without success, but it sure is an incentive to keep eating!

28) Eat the fluffiest pancakes.

There’s a food trend in Japan at the moment, and that’s fluffy souffle pancakes. Gram, Brothers Cafe, and A Happy Pancake are some of the names that continually top the list for the best fluffy pancakes, so why not sample a few?

29) Visit the garden in the Abeno Harukas Building.

This is currently the tallest building in Japan and it was one of my favourite attractions in Osaka. Abeno Harukas offers some incredible views over the city. You have the rooftop garden on the 16th floor, which offers free admission, or alternatively, you can pay to ride up to Harukas 300 on the 60th floor

30) Strike a pose inside a purikura. 

These Japanese photo booths are a lot of fun. They will give you the widest eyes and the clearest skin you’ve ever had in your life, in fact, you’ll hardly look like yourself! Grab a couple of friends and snap a few souvenir photos, and then get carried away decorating them with stickers.

31) Visit the Pokemon Center. 

If you’re a Pokemon fan, then you’ll want to swing by Pokemon Center Osaka, which is located on the 13th floor of the Daimaru Umeda Department Store, right next to Osaka Station. Here you can shop for all sorts of original Pokemon products.

32) Explore Koreatown.

Osaka is home to the largest Koreatown in all of Japan and you can find plenty of Korean restaurants to satiate your kimchi cravings. The area around Tsuruhashi Station is especially popular for cook-it-yourself Korean barbecue. There’s also a covered market where you can shop for cute K-POP socks and hanbok ( traditional Korean dresses) !

33) Sample all the matcha desserts.

Japan loves all things matcha-flavoured, and what better place to try these than in the foodie capital. Matcha ice cream, matcha lattes, matcha cheesecake, matcha milk, matcha cookies, matcha chocolate – you can really try it all!

34) Get a taste of the US of A in America-mura. 

Also known as Ame-mura and American Village, this area has been regarded as the centre of youth culture, fashion and entertainment for at least 40 years now. The area is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, and of course, a varied mix of fashion. Whether you’re into the lolita, punk or hipster style, chances are you kind find it here.

35) Check out the art scene in Nakanoshima. 

Nakanoshima is a 3-kilometre-long sandbar that sits between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers. It’s home to several art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces including the Osaka Science Museum, the National Museum of Art Osaka, GRAF, and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics Osaka.

This Osaka street art bike tour explores 3 different neighbourhoods where you’ll go in search of street art, graffiti and urban scenes. You’ll also try local coffee, visit an old-school Japanese standing bar, and end off with pizza!

36) Feel like a kid at Universal Studios Japan. 

Yes, there rides and roller coasters, but the main draw at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With the use of your magical wand, you can walk through Hogsmeade casting spells.

37) Dress up at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. 

This museum  recreates buildings and streets that show what Osaka would have been like in the late Edo Period. Setting foot in this museum is like stepping back in time . They also allow guests to dress up in kimonos, just keep in mind that there can be long wait times if you visit on a weekend .

38) Learn about the art of bunraku. 

Bunraku is a type of traditional Japanese puppet theatre that become a popular form of entertainment for ‘commoners’ during the Edo Period. Today it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and the National Bunraku Theatre is one of the few places where you can still see the artform. You can check  their schedule  for upcoming performances.

39) Watch a kabuki performance. 

Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama featuring elaborate costumes, bold make-up, and exaggerated movements. It’s an art form that dates back to the Edo period, and in Osaka, you can catch a performance at the Shochikuza Theater.

40) Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. 

We’ve already mentioned a few Ferris wheels, but if you’re looking to get some real height, then you need to visit the Tempozan Ferris Wheel! This wheel has a 110-metre diameter and reaches a height of 112.5 metres. It takes 15 minutes to complete a full revolution.

41) Go up the Umeda Sky Building.

This is one of the most futuristic constructions in Osaka. Since we had already checked out the city views during the daytime, we decided to go up the Umeda Sky Building at night and this place did not disappoint.

42) Belt some tunes at karaoke. 

Another quintessential experience in Japan is to sing karaoke. Since Dotonbori is known as the nightlife district of Osaka, you have a lot of variety when it comes to karaoke – budget karaoke vs. VIP karaoke, small singing rooms vs. party-sized room, with drinks or without drinks. It’s best to browse around and check prices before you settle on a place.

43) Relax at Spa World. 

This place takes the onsen experience to the next level. Spa World Osaka is an onsen theme park where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas, swimming pools, massages and even restaurants.  Their onsen  is divided into a European Zone and an Asian Zone with numerous pools that transport you to different parts of the world.

44) Take a stroll through Kuromon Market.

When it comes to street food in Osaka, most people flock to Dotonbori, but the Kuromon Market is a good alternative. Come hungry because there’s a lot to eat here.

45) Shop for your kitchen. 

The Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade is the place to transform your kitchen into a place worthy of a chef. The arcade is lined with stores selling cookware, accessories and utensils, which is why this place is nicknamed “the kitchen of the world”.

46) Have a convenience store meal. 

Lawson, 7Eleven, Family Mart – all of these are great options for a quick, cheap and easy do-it-yourself convenience store meal. Keep an eye out for things like onigiri, oden, and instant ramen.

47) Walk the longest shopping street in Japan. 

Stretching 2.6 kilometres in length, Tenjinbashi-suji is the longest shopping street in Japan. It’s a bit like a covered arcade, so perfect for a rainy day activity.

48) Try a traditional Japanese breakfast.

There’s nothing like a bowl of miso, grilled fish and white rice to start off a busy day of sightseeing in Osaka!

49) Visit a museum dedicated to ramen.

The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum is located a little ways outside downtown Osaka, but if you’re a ramen enthusiast, it’s worth the trip! They have workshops where you can learn to make ramen by hand, create your own noodle cup flavours, and tour the various exhibits.

50) Go on a day trip!

There are lots of easy day trips you can take from Osaka, the most popular being Kyoto for a city steeped in history, Kobe for a taste of their famed beef, and Nara in search of deer .

Where to stay in Osaka

• The Dorm Hostel Osaka
• Poly Hostel 2 Namba
• Home Hostel Osaka
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
• Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitaham
• Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel
• Swissotel Nankai Osaka
• InterContinental Hotel Osaka

Travel tips for visiting Osaka

• Fly into Osaka. If you’re visiting a few different destinations in Japan , consider flying into Osaka’s Kansai International Airport as opposed to Tokyo as international flights to Osaka tend to be cheaper. You can use Skyscanner to compare airfare here .
• Get an Icoca Card. If you’re going to spend a few days in Osaka and you’re planning to make use of public transport (and you should because the metro is the easiest way to explore Osaka!), it’s worth getting an Icoca Card as opposed to paying for single-ride tickets. You can then load money on to your card as needed, plus you can also use this card to pay at certain stores and vending machines.
• Use free WiFi at konbinis. If you’re travelling without a data plan and you ever get lost and need to access GoogleMaps for directions, you can do so at convenience stores because there’s almost always free WiFi. Keep an eye out for konbinis like 7Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson.
• Download GoogleTranslate on your phone. The app has a function where you can use the camera to translate text. This comes in handy with restaurant menus and mystery food items in grocery stores.
• Pick up a guidebook. I always like having a guidebook to better acquaint myself with the destination. I used the Rough Guide to Japan to help plan my trip to Osaka.
• Carry cash on you. While Japan is a very modern society and you can use credit cards at most stores, there are instances where cash is king, especially if you’re having street food or dining at small restaurants.
• Think about getting the JR Pass. Depending on the pace of your trip, it might be a good idea to get a Japan Rail Pass to get around the country. The pass must be purchased in your home country, and it’s good value if you’re planning to do a lot of train travel in a short period of time.
• Consider taking a guided tour of Osaka.  Explore the most entertaining spots in the most efficient way, accompanied by a local guide. You can visit spots recommended by locals without getting lost in translation, and you won’t be confused about where to go and what to try. Best of all, you can experience Osaka’s traditional and stunning culture!  Find Magical Trip’s Osaka Tour here .
• Don’t forget to get travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where in the world you’re travelling, you should never head out on a trip without travel insurance because accidents can happen and you don’t want to end up with a surprise medical bill.
• Go at it with a group. If group travel is more your style, you may want to consider a Japan group tour that includes Osaka as one of the stops, like Japan Express or Epic Japan . 

Did I miss any other fun things to do in Osaka? If so, share your ideas in the comments below!

I’m saving this and go do each one of them when I go to Japan. Thanks for this!

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Osaka Travel Blog – A Complete Travel Guide to Plan Your Trip

Osaka Travel Blog – For first-timers heading to Osaka, this complete travel guide is all you need to plan your trip. It covers all the questions you might have about entering and exploring this wonderful city in Western Japan, and includes helpful tips on how you can make the most of your stay here. Whether you’re planning to stay over the course of a week and want to include day trips from the city centre, or you’ve only got a spare few day and need to max out your hours in the day, we’ve got the necessary information below for you to make the most of your visit.  

Osaka Travel Blog – The Accommodation

One of the biggest questions that most travellers to new places ask is “Where is the best spot to stay?”.

Of course, the answer will vary for different types of travellers; some people thrive on the never-ending buzz of the crowds and actually prefer staying smack bang in the city so that the white noise of conversations never really drowns out; others will prefer staying at a location that’s relatively convenient on the outskirts of town so that they can get as much peace and quiet as possible, and don’t mind a little bit of extra traveling.

Others still, will not care where they stay as long as it provides easy access to everything that they want to do.

We’ve curated a short but detailed list of areas of Osaka that you might want to familiarise yourself with, as they are some of the most popular destinations in Osaka. We’ve also recommended some highly rated accommodation in each area which might interest you also.

Check out our blog post to choose the best area guide for your accommodation in Osaka: Where To Stay In Osaka >>

For a different kind of accommodation experience that is unique to Japan, you might want to consider staying in a capsule hotel. Like many hotels in general, you will get your own private space in a capsule hotel, however, unlike many hotels, that space might only be enough to fit you and your luggage.

You basically sleep in a capsule room, and most other facilities are shared, such as bathrooms, common rooms, and study areas. Before your turn your nose, there are actually many styles and variations of capsule hotels, and these days, some actually rival that of fancy and modern hotels!

Osaka hosts some of the most incredible capsule hotels you’ll ever come across; if you want to find out some cream of the crop capsule hotel options, we suggest you read our article here about the best capsule hotels you should try in Osaka .

Osaka Travel Blog – The Best Local Food

Every prefecture, region, city, and town in Japan is special in their own unique way. A great way to get to know a local spot is through their specialty dishes, and Osaka is no small fish in the sea when it comes to delectable dishes you absolutely need to try!

If you want to discover the local food with a guide, check these 3 great food tours in Osaka:

• Downtown Osaka and local food walk
• Adventurous evening of food and drink in Osaka
• Market tour and Japanese home cooking in Osaka

Number one on the list is takoyaki. For all those who have ever heard of takoyaki, they are one of the most classic Osakan snack foods, and you will see endless street carts and restaurants selling them in Osaka.

They are basically round balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filed with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. They can be topped with a variety of toppings, but the most classic combo would be with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, green seaweed and bonito shavings.

Okonomiyaki

Second on this list is okonomiyaki. This dish is a savory pancake that consists of flour batter, shredded cabbage, eggs, grated yam, mixed together and cooked fresh on a teppanyaki grill right in front of you. At most places, you’ll be able to select from additional fillings such as pork belly, seafood, and other vegetables.

You absolutely cannot leave Osaka without trying at least one kushikatsu restaurant. Kushikatsu are skewered meats and vegetables that are placed in a crumbly batter and deep-fried fresh to order, served with a variety of sauces to dip it in. Pretty much anything you can imagine will be on the menu, including pork, beef, chicken, innards, pumpkin, onion, quail eggs, asparagus, mushroom…the list goes on and on. The only rule here is: no double dipping!

Lastly, the Osakan’s believe that they do yakiniku differently, and we’re inclined to agree. Some of the best yakiniku restaurants are based right in the middle of Osaka, with certain cuts of their meat being so perfectly marbled, you’ll be left craving it for the rest of your trip. Being so close to regions like Hyogo (i.e. where Kobe beef hails from) certainly has its benefits!

Osaka Travel Blog – The Best Places to Visit

Now to the best part of this article: the best places to visit in Osaka. We guarantee you that every single person you speak to who has experienced Osaka will provide you with differing views of what you must do and must eat, and they probably wouldn’t be wrong.

Osaka is a densely populated city with so much going on and so much to see, with hundred-year-old traditions entrenched in historical buildings and structures still existing in the city, hidden amongst high rise towers that offer expansive observation decks that offer beautiful sweeping views of the city.

With this in mind, you can imagine that there are heaps of attractions to see and do in Osaka.

If you’re an Instagrammer, then you’re going to love our article on the most instagrammable places in Osaka . It covers a handful of spots in the city that will allow you to capture stunning images of traditional and modern Japan, all within easy access of transport. If you need some inspiration, why not check out these locations on Instagram before heading there to see what it is about these places that attracts people there?

Most Instagrammable places in Osaka >>

For those who are after the quintessential experience of onsen bathing in Japan but are worried that their body art tattoo, then we’ve got your covered! Whilst traditional onsen rules have forced establishments to turn away guests with tattoos, in relatively recent years, more and more hot spring facilities have opened up to them.

It’s a great step in the right direction, and if you want to find out more, check out our article which details tattoo-friendly onsen in Kyoto and Osaka .

If you love hot springs, you can also check out our list of the 7 best onsen towns near Osaka .

If you’re planning to visit Osaka during the cherry blossom season, we have the perfect article for you to have a read and get to know the top cherry blossom spots you have to visit in Osaka .

Osaka city itself is a sprawling metropolis that you may think is full of flashing lights and traffic, but there are actually some (very!) decent spots within the city that take you away from that futuristic aspect of Japan and allow you to appreciate the beautiful sakura blossoms in all their glory.

For those who don’t want to travel far from the city centre at all, you have plenty of options to choose from.

For those after a more traditional cherry blossom celebration where you can pack a picnic mat and basket and sit under the sakura trees, eating and being merry with crowds of other tourists, there are plenty of parks around the city that you can easily get to. We’ve outlined these options in this article:  Osaka sakura blossom spots >>

If you want to check out more cultural spots, make sure you read our article about the best free museums in Osaka !

Osaka Travel Blog – The Best Itinerary

Building an itinerary is a very important task, and the bigger and greater the city (i.e. Osaka), the more difficult it will be, especially given the amount that you can actually do and experience and the sheer size of the city.

However, we’ve broken down the best of the best activities for you to experience in Osaka across a jam-packed 3-day itinerary that will take you from the Northern district of Osaka all the way across to Osaka Bay, back into the city centre to experience some epic food adventures, and even across to Universal Studios – an Osaka must-do (specially with the new Super Nintendo World ).

We believe that the perfect itinerary must have lots of excitement, some leisurely downtime, impressive architecture, jaw dropping views, a mix of scenery, and enough time at each location for you to really immerse yourself and enjoy what you’ve come to see, and our itinerary does just that.

Check out this blog post for more details: Osaka Itinerary >>

What To Do Around Osaka

If you’re staying a tad longer than three days, you might want to consider basing yourself in Osaka and traveling outside the city to do someday trips. Depending on where you go, this will allow you to experience some unique cities and towns, try different foods, get a glimpse of the rural life in Japan, come across images you’d never have seen before, breathe in fresh mountain air, and ultimately get a glimpse of the side of Japan you’ve probably only ever seen in pictures.

We’ve dedicated an article to 10 of the best day trips from Osaka that you can do, as a solo traveller or as a group of travellers. From the essential Kyoto to the lesser-known but equally captivating Ise or Koyasan , we’ve highlighted some of the beauty that you can expect to see at these cities so you can determine whether it’s something you’re interested in.

All of them can easily be done in one day, and if you’re pressed for time, you might be able to squeeze in two! (But for the sake of enjoyment, one day-trip per day is the perfect way for you to leisurely travel to and from, explore at your own pace, discover things off the beaten path, and not worry about missing last trains).

Read more about our 10 best day trips from Osaka >>

Again, with so much to see and so much to do, planning a trip to Osaka can be overwhelming. Hopefully reading this article has helped you in some way to plan how you’re going to shape your trip to this exciting city.

From deep fried food to amusement parks to gorgeous waterfalls short train rides away, a visit to Osaka would be a feast for all of your senses.

Wanna save money during your trip? Check out our guide on how to travel to Osaka on a budget .

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KYOTO AND OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Your Ultimate Travel Companion for a Memorable Journey and Profitable Exploration to Unlocking the Charms of Kyoto and Osaka Paperback – March 4, 2024

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KYOTO AND OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE: Your Ultimate Travel Companion for a Memorable Journey and Profitable Exploration to Unlocking the Charms of Kyoto and Osaka.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the cultural wonders of Kyoto and the vibrant energy of Osaka with our meticulously curated travel guide. This isn't just a book; it's your key to unlocking the secrets of two Japanese gems.

🌟 Why Settle for the Ordinary When Kyoto and Osaka Beckon Your Exploration?

Can you envision yourself wandering through the historic streets of Gion, catching glimpses of geishas, and then immersing yourself in the bustling street markets of Osaka? Are you ready to uncover the tales woven into Kyoto's ancient temples and Osaka's modern skyline? Do you crave an authentic encounter with the heart and soul of Japan?

Let this Guide Be Your Passport to Discovery

📚 Immersive Storytelling: Dive into captivating narratives that transport you to the heart of Kyoto's traditional tea ceremonies and Osaka's vibrant street food scene.

🏰 Historic Charms: Uncover the rich history of Kyoto's temples, gardens, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Traverse Osaka's castle and learn the stories echoing through its walls.

🍣 Culinary Exploration: Navigate the culinary delights of both cities, from Kyoto's kaiseki to Osaka's famous takoyaki.

Benefits of Having Your Kyoto and Osaka Travel Guide

• Deep Cultural Understanding: Go beyond the surface and understand the cultural nuances, allowing you to connect with the locals authentically.
• Effortless Planning: Seamlessly plan your itinerary with our expert recommendations tailored to your interests.
• Hidden Gems Unveiled: Discover lesser-known spots, ensuring your journey is filled with extraordinary and unique experiences. Ready to unlock the wonders of Kyoto and Osaka?

🌟 Dive into the ultimate travel experience now! Click 'Add to Cart' and gift yourself the journey of a lifetime. 🎁 Perfect for explorers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone dreaming of a memorable Japanese adventure.

• Book 24 of 36 ULTIMATE TRAVEL COMPANION
• Print length 179 pages
• Language English
• Publication date March 4, 2024
• Dimensions 6 x 0.41 x 9 inches
• ISBN-13 979-8883769824
• See all details

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Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CX4F1DKJ
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (March 4, 2024)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 179 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8883769824
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.41 x 9 inches
• #75 in Kyoto Travel Guides
• #133 in Tokyo Travel Guides
• #662 in General Japan Travel Guides

About the author

Noah Hicks, a seasoned travel guidebook author, boasts over a decade of experience in the vibrant travel industry. His passion for exploration has taken him to more than 30 countries, shaping him into an insightful chronicler of diverse cultures and landscapes.

Noah Hicks is Renowned for his meticulous understanding of the countries he explores, Noah has cultivated a reputation for capturing the very essence of diverse cultures and customs. His books are celebrated for their thoroughness and engaging writing style, reflecting his unwavering commitment to providing readers with an immersive travel experience.

Beyond his guidebooks, Noah extends his influence to numerous travel blogs and magazines, contributing insights and perspectives gained from his extensive journeys. Holding a degree in travel and tourism from the University of Michigan, Noah currently calls San Francisco, California, his home.

Away from the world of writing and exploration, Noah finds joy in the company of his wife and two children. An avid reader, hiker, and guitar enthusiast, he relishes moments of tranquility when not traversing new landscapes or penning his next travel narrative.

Noah Hicks emerges as the quintessential guide for those yearning to traverse the globe. Through his literary works, he generously shares an insider's perspective on the places visited and the people encountered, equipping readers with the confidence and knowledge to maximize their travel experiences.

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Traveloka Team

24 May 2024 - 6 min read

How to travel from Tokyo to Osaka

Tokyo is a city that has always been bustling with people that offer a blend of advanced modern technologies and unique culture. Now, Tokyo city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations around the world that offer various activities and attractions that can be enjoyed by everyone at all ages.

From the famous landmark of Tokyo Tower which is said to be the second-tallest structure, an ancient temple of Sensoji Temple where you can step through the infamous vermillion Kaminarimon Gate, Take a walk on the famous-busiest place in Japan, Shibuya Crossing, enjoy your unique experience at TeamLab Borderless museum that showcasing various interactive digital art, And for those of you who love Ghibli’s movies, There is a must-visit theme park inspired from all Ghibli’s movies that you can’t experience anywhere else.

While in Osaka, the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan, is widely known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, delicious food scene and historical places. With numerous things you can do in Osaka such as exploring the Dotonbori District, visiting the well-known Osaka Castle, Enjoying the views of Dotonbori Rivers, and immersing yourself in the a World of Universal Japan, there will be the time where you want to take a step back and take a relaxing and rest time in the cafes around the area.

There are a lot of travelers who say that visiting Tokyo only is not enough if you’re already in Japan. You need to visit the other tourism cities such as Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Osaka. Here, Traveloka has especially listed down some of the transportation services that you might want to consider from Tokyo to Osaka as well as the tips that you need to know before starting your journey to Osaka.

1. Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

TSUKASA HASEGAWA / Shutterstock.com

The infamous shinkansen, which is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan, and is said to be one of the fastest in the world. Famous not only for its speeds, but also for its efficiency and safety that connected distant regions of Japan in a flash.

As for the fastest shinkansen that you need to take to go from Tokyo to Osaka is the Nozomi Shinkansen with only 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Osaka. You don’t need to worry about these exceptional trains, because they are known for offering cleanliness, comfort and efficiency.

Because Shinkansen is one of the busiest trains in Japan, it is recommended for you to buy the ticket and reserve the ticket in advance, especially during peak season. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can also take the unreserved seat in the train.

Japan Full Package Tour (Tokyo, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kobe) - 5D5N Tour (Hanoi Departure)

2. Regular Train

While Shinkansen is the fastest way to get to Osaka, but Regular Trains are another option for those of you who are conscious of their budget. It is a lot cheaper but with a longer travel time, from 4 to 5 hours. Even so, it just means you can take your time on enjoying the scenic views of the countryside along the way.

While not as luxurious as the shinkansen, Regular trains also provide a comfortable seat and enough space for you to be all relaxed and enjoy the leisure journey.

Please be reminded that the Regular Train has fewer departures compared to the Shinkansen throughout the day, so please check on the schedule firsthand before planning your trip.

3. Highway Bus

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A budget friendly option that is even cheaper than the Regular Train. But again it will take longer travel time as well, for around 8 to 10 hours, depending on the traffic conditions and the specific routes. Many of the Highbus are offering comfortable reclining seats, toilets, Wi-fi and any basic amenities, even a luxury such as personal TVs and charging ports where you do not need to worry about running out of battery during your travel.

Here are Bus Company Option that will get you from Tokyo to Osaka

Willer Express

One of the most favorite options for people who are budget conscious but still want to have a comfortable journey from Tokyo to Osaka. The Willer Express offer three types of buses, which is Standard Bus that offer all the basic needs like reclining seats, toilets, and Wi-fi, A double Decker buses with more legroom and service, Night buses with full reclining seats that are specially designed for sleeping.

JR Bus Kanto

Another good option that offers comfortable seats and relaxation during your travel from Tokyo to Osaka. The bus offers all the basic amenities that you need from reclining seats, toilets, Wi-fi, where some of the buses even offer personal TVs and charging ports. JR Bus Kanto is dedicated for travelers who are looking for relaxation, making it a perfect choice for those of you who want to get some rest on the way to Osaka. There are two options of seats that they provide for you, from the standard seats to wider seats where you can get extra legroom to move around.

The most popular departures from Tokyo to Osaka are scheduled during nightimes, where you can sleep throughout your way to Osaka, and once you wake up, you have arrived in Osaka. Besides, it also saves you quite a lot of money from staying in a hotel.

4. Domestic Flights

The fastest way to get to Osaka from Tokyo in only 1 hour, but in exchange it will take more cost from your wallet. But it is a great choice if you are either in a hurry or don't want to waste your time too much on the way.

There are numerous Airlines that are available to send you from Tokyo to Osaka, from the cheapest one which is Jetstar Japan, Peach Airline, All Nippon Airways, and last but not least which is the most luxurious is the Japan Airlines.

In Tokyo, there is two main airport that serves flight from Tokyo, which is Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT), While in Osaka there is two airport that still actively serves travelers which is Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM) which is a lot more closer to the city center.

Another option for those of you who prefer to have more free-travel where you can decide to stop and visit one place to another along the way based on your will. There are numerous ways for you to rent some car in Tokyo, and Traveloka might be able to help you with that.

If you have an international license, then you might be able to save some money from hiring a driver, but if you don’t and want to have a more relaxed and leisurely journey, then you might need to hire a driver.

Driving might take a longer time to get to Osaka -which is around 6 to 8 hours-, and sometimes it's more costly than using the Highway Bus service. Because fewer people would need to pay for the full price of the toll, while in Highway Buses, there are more people that ride and pay for the toll, and so each person would pay for a smaller part of the toll. But again, in exchange you get more freedom. For example, if on the way you want to have a short stop to enjoy the scenic views of Mount Fuji or the other parts of Japanese countryside, you can just stop.

Travel Tips from Tokyo to Osaka

Byjeng / Shutterstock.com

First of all, before you book the rides or any other accommodation, it is recommended for you to plan on activities and attractions by making an itinerary in order to make your travel more effective and efficient.

When you have planned everything and decided to book the transportation service, the next thing that you need to do is to make sure that the tickets as well as the schedule of the transportation tickets that you’ve chosen and set your priority right.

If you would like to get to Osaka fast, you might want to use the Domestic Flights service or try the infamous fastest train in Japan, Shinkansen. If budget is your priority, then you might want to choose either Highway Bus or Regular Train. And last but not least, If you want to prioritize the freedom of travel, then you might want to rent a car and have some fun drive to Osaka.

Flight to Osaka

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Do you plan to move from one city to another city multiple times? Then you might want to buy the JR Pass. By buying a JR Pass it presses your budget and makes your travel cheaper. IT covers almost all of JR Lines, but sadly except for two fastest bullet trains which are Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen. However you can purchase a special surcharge to use on these train tickets on top of your JR Pass.

That’s all the transportation services from Tokyo to Osaka that are available for you to book. Each of them gives different priorities, from budget, time, and freedom, you can choose them based on your needs. If you would like to visit Tokyo or Osaka soon, Traveloka are here ready to help you to book the flight ticket , hotel , accommodation and even the tourist activities in the area. Giving the best price with a number of combos, discount and promotion for you, only in Traveloka !

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7 Best things to do in Japan in 2024

A s a travel enthusiast starts planning a 2024 travel itinerary, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, ticks all the boxes. It is the ultimate travel destination thanks to its historic streets of Kyoto, savoring delicious street food in Osaka, exploring the religious shrines, or staying at the ryokans . From the age-old cherry fields to the peaceful country roads, this place is a feast for the senses.

Springtime being this place's truly magical venture, Japan comes alive with color and energy, and visitors are feasted on a lot of enjoyable destinations to explore. Its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty offers an array of adventures for every travel enthusiast.

Disclaimer: This is purely the writer's opinion, and might have missed some favorite destinations.

The top activities to experience in Japan in 2024

Whether the avid traveler is a history buff, a food enthusiast, or a nature lover, Japan is the perfect place for their visit in 2024.

Ahead, Team Sportskeeda has thoughtfully created a list of the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 and make the most of their visit.

• Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto
• Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo
• Feed the deer at Nara
• Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima
• River cruise at Osaka
• Ski at Hokkaido
• Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

1) Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan , is a must-visit spring destination for avid travelers. Considering that the best time to travel is in late March to early April, this holiday and sightseeing place is well-known for its cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Sight-seers should not miss the spectacular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the traditional Gion District. For lodging, one should consider staying at a classic ryokan to experience the hospitality at its best. Kansai International Airport, the nearest airport, can be easily commuted to thanks to local transportation.

Once in Kyoto, one should also make sure to try out the local cuisines, like kaiseki (a multicourse feast) and various matcha confectionaries. Noted diners like Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley also rule the culinary delight list.

2) Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo

Be it the onset of autumn or spring, the metropolis of Tokyo, Japan, is always bustling with a unique blend of modernity and ritual. Including Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, this metropolis' main attractions are decorated with cherry blossoms, catering to a panoramic view.

Once in Tokyo, tourists can enjoy activities like hanami (flower viewing) picnics in Ueno Park and boat or yacht cruises along the Sumida River. For an unforgettable stay, visitors can select a hotel in the vibrant Shibuya or Shinjuku districts and indulge in a wide variety of delectable local cuisines, like sushi tempura and ramen at Tsukiji Outer Market, and the food stalls at Ameyoko Market.

Read more: 6 Best European countries to visit in Summer 2024

3) Feed the deer at Nara

Nara, well-known for its friendly deer and ancient religious shrines, it is always the perfect time for any travel enthusiast to visit this charming destination.

Visitors can engage in activities like feeding deer and exploring the picturesque Isuien Garden at Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the main attractions they shouldn't miss. Once here, a holiday enthusiast can stay at cozy homestays or ryokans for an authentic lodging experience. There are also sample local delicacies, like Kakinoha sushi and persimmon leaf sushi, at the best diners in the Nara-machi district.

4) Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a Japan metropolis with a resilient spirit and a profound history, is best visited in early April. From the local Hiroshima Airport, courtesy of its travel-friendly communication, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden are the main places of interest that offer serene beauty. Here, tourists can engage in activities like visiting the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history.

One can also plan their stay at comfortable hotels and savor local cuisines like okonomiyaki and oysters from the best diners like Okonomimura and Mitaki-en.

5) River cruise at Osaka

Considered one of the most vibrant cities, Osaka is famed for its lively environment and mouthwatering delicacies. The best time to visit is late March or early April. Once landing at the Kansai International Airport, a vacationer can enjoy their holiday by visiting the main attractions, like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori.

Thanks to its panoramic view, travelers can enjoy local activities like exploring the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market and river cruising along the Okawa River. Planning a 2 to 3-day trip to Osaka, a vacationer can book their stay at downtown's trendy hotels and indulge in local cuisines like takoyaki , okonomiyaki , and kushikatsu at street food stalls, and best-eating joints like Mizuno and Kani Doraku.

Read more: 6 Best treks in the world

6) Ski at Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost island, is a must-see spring holiday destination in Japan, courtesy of its spectacular natural attractions. When hiring local transportation or pre-paid cabs from New Chitose Airport, the best time to visit is late April or early May. During this time, tourists can enjoy the main attractions, such as the vast fields of Shikisai-no-Oka and the majestic beauty of Shikisai Hill.

They can engage in activities like exploring Biei's charming beauty, skiing, Onsen (hot springs), enjoying a relaxing soak in the famous Noboribetsu hot springs, or staying at comfortable ryokans or motels with stunning mountain views. They can also savor these gastronomical delights in local delicacies like fresh seafood , spicy ramen, and tasty dairy products at the best diners like Ramen Yokocho and Nijo Market.

7) Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

Off-boarding at the Naha airport, Okinawa's gorgeous shorelines and rich history welcome avid travelers, making it an excellent destination year-round for all travel enthusiasts visiting Japan. Once here, travelers can explore the lively marine life at the Churaumi Aquarium and the Ryukyu culture of historical Shuri Castle.

They can rest and recoup at beachfront resorts like the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, or Halekulani, Okinawa, to experience the true essence of Okinawa, Japan. Visitors can also spoil their tastebuds with the local flavors of sample Okinawan soba, agu pork , goya champuru, and rafute pork.

Read more: 6 best Spring destinations in the world to take a family vacation

These are the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 that promise an array of unforgettable experiences for travel enthusiasts. So, avid travelers can start backpacking to enjoy their adventure-packed holiday.

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재미를 위해 설계된 목시 오사카 신 우메다는 일과 놀이, 휴식에 필요한 모든 것을 제공합니다. 일본 오사카의 주요 중심지 중 하나인 우메다에서도 인기 지역에 위치해 있으며, 반려견을 동반하실 수 있습니다. JR 후쿠시마역에서 도보 5분 거리이며, 유니버설 스튜디오 재팬, 오사카성 등 주요 관광지와의 접근성도 뛰어납니다. 세련되고 아늑하며 반려견 친화적인 숙소에 머물러 보세요. 라이프스타일 호텔에서 기대할 수 있는 모든 편의시설을 제공합니다. 목시 호텔 브랜드의 시그니처이자 야외 테라스와 활기찬 분위기가 돋보이는 바 목시, 잠시 신경을 끈 채 조용히 재충전 할 수 있는 라이브러리 존, 투숙객 전용 24시간 피트니스 센터, 쾌속 인터넷을 제공하는 무료 초고속 와이파이 등 재미를 도모하는 시설로 가득합니다. 그리고 스타일리시한 공용 공간에서 새로운 것을 시도하고, 연결하며, 활력을 채워보세요. 이 모든 재미를 목시 오사카 신 우메다에서 경험해 보세요.

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체크인: 오후3:00

체크아웃: 오후12:00

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동반 가능한 반려동물 최대 무게: 15kg

객실 내 최대 수용 가능 반려동물 수: 1

목시 오사카 신 우메다의 바 목시는 캐주얼하고 유쾌한 칵테일 바입니다. 조식은 오전 6시 30분부터 오전 10시 30분까지 제공되며, 투숙객만 이용 가능합니다.

HAPPY HOUR # AT THE BAR MOXY

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Full circuit fitness, gymnastics area and the signature racer bike

목시다움이 뭔지 보여주는 바 목시에서 수제 음료와 타파스, 게임을 즐기며 친구들과 놀고 새로운 사람들과도 어울려 보세요. 바 목시는 프런트 데스크이기도 하니 바 목시에서 객실 키를 수령하면서 칵테일도 음미하세요.

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크기? 중요하죠. 그래서 목시는 기존의 룰을 깨고 자투리 공간까지 최대로 활용하는 객실을 디자인했습니다. 모션 센서 LED 무드 조명, 대형 샤워실 등, 예상치 못한 디테일로 기분 좋은 투숙 경험을 선사하고, 뭐든 편리하게 걸 수 있는 월행잉 디자인으로 수납까지 완벽하게 해결해 컴팩트한 객실을 보완합니다. 나의 룸에서 나만의 스타일에 맞게 공간을 활용하세요.

7-22-1 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, 오사카, 일본, 553-0003

난카이 전철 및 JR(일본철도), 요금: 1,110엔(JPY), 편도, 정기 운행

오사카 공항 교통편 및 JR(일본철도), 요금: 650엔(JPY), 편도, 정기 운행

고베 신교통 및 JR(일본철도), 요금: 750엔(JPY), 편도, 정기 운행

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Naomi Osaka has more going on than tennis at the French Open: Her daughter is learning to walk

Italy Tennis Open Japan's Naomi Osaka returns the ball to China's Zheng Qinwen during her match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Monday, May 13, 2024. Qinwen won 6-2, 6-4. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP) (Alfredo Falcone/AP)

PARIS — (AP) — The big news in Naomi Osaka's life has nothing to do with the French Open or clay-court tennis: Her 10-month-old daughter, Shai, is taking her first steps.

“Yesterday, she walked for the first time, so I was really happy about that,” Osaka said at Roland Garros on Saturday, a day before the tournament begins. “We’re going to practice some more when I get back. But it’s really cool to have her here, just to see how much she’s grown and how many things she’s doing differently. It’s kind of surreal.”

As any parent knows, being distant from kids while on the road for work is not easy. Especially when the child is as little as Shai is — she will turn 1 in July.

“I mean, being away from her was really tough, but I called her every day,” said Osaka, a former No. 1-ranked player and four-time Grand Slam champion. “I saw how well she was doing and I saw how happy she was, so that made me happy, too.”

The European clay circuit began more than a month ago for Osaka in Rouen, France, then took her to Madrid and Rome. She lost her opener in Rouen, and her second match in Madrid.

But it was at the Italian Open that Osaka showed signs of having made serious strides on the slow, red surface that is not necessarily kind to her powerful strokes because it slows balls down. She had never won a match on clay against a player ranked in the top 20 until doing so twice there, getting past Marta Kostyuk and Daria Kasatkina along the way to reaching the fourth round.

“I have made a significant amount of progress, and I feel like people can kind of see that throughout the tournaments that I have played," Osaka said. "I feel like I have dedicated a lot of time to learning about clay.”

Her major titles came in 2018-21 and all on hard courts, two apiece at the U.S. Open and Australian Open. She has yet to make it past the third round in Paris or on grass at Wimbledon.

Repeated questions about difficulty on clay contributed to the anxiety and depression Osaka talked about experiencing when she declined to participate in news conferences at the 2021 French Open before withdrawing from the event. That was followed by a series of mental health breaks.

She took more time away while she was pregnant, before returning to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open this January with a first-round loss.

If Osaka can get past her opening match on Sunday at Court Philippe Chatrier against Lucia Bronzetti, up next could be what amounts to the toughest task these days in women's tennis: taking on No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the second round.

Swiatek is eyeing a third consecutive trophy at Roland Garros.

Osaka isn't quite there on clay herself, but she does say she is much more at ease these days.

"Honestly, at this point, I feel pretty comfortable on clay, to the point where I don’t know if I’ll be a little confused my first day back on hard," she joked.

“Clay is fun. You get to slide around. You get to see how strong you are, in and out of corners,” she said. “For me, there is a lot of really valuable lessons that I’m learning from clay-court tennis.”

Howard Fendrich has been the AP's tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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