Japan’s third-largest city is louder, friendlier and more food-obsessed than Tokyo. Locals call the habit of eating until you drop kuidaore.
Top things to do in Osaka
- Dotonbori: neon signs, the Glico running man, takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Osaka Castle: the main tower museum and the park, beautiful in cherry blossom season.
- Universal Studios Japan: Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Kuromon Market: seafood, wagyu skewers and fruit.
- Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower: retro streets and kushikatsu.
- Umeda Sky Building: the Floating Garden observatory at sunset.
- Day trips: Nara’s deer and temples (40 min), Kyoto (15–30 min), Himeji Castle and Kobe.
Where to stay in Osaka
Namba is best for food and nightlife; Umeda (Osaka/Kita) for transport and day trips; Shinsaibashi for shopping. Osaka hotels are generally cheaper than Tokyo or Kyoto.
Compare hotel prices in OsakaGetting around
The Osaka Metro covers almost everything; pay with an IC card (ICOCA, Suica) or a phone wallet. The Osaka Amazing Pass includes unlimited metro and bus rides plus free entry to Osaka Castle and dozens of attractions.
Airport to the city
From Kansai Airport (KIX): Nankai Rapi:t or Airport Express to Namba, or JR Haruka to Tennoji, Osaka and Shin-Osaka. Itami airport (domestic) is linked by monorail and buses.
Best time to visit
Spring (cherry blossoms around late March–early April) and autumn (October–November) are ideal. Summer is hot and humid, and the rainy season runs in June to mid-July.
Before you go
- Most visitors from Europe, the US and many other countries can enter Japan visa-free for short stays.
- Cash is still useful at small eateries and markets.
- Osaka charges a small accommodation tax per person per night, paid at your hotel.
- For events and official information, see Osaka Info, the official tourism site.
Osaka guides
- 20 best things to do in Osaka
- Osaka itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Osaka
- Best time to visit Osaka
- Kansai Airport to Osaka
- Universal Studios Japan tickets
- Osaka Castle tickets
- Osaka street food guide
Also in Japan: our Tokyo and Kyoto guides.
FAQ: Osaka travel
How many days do you need in Osaka?
Two to three days, plus extra days for USJ, Nara or Kyoto.
Osaka or Kyoto as a base?
Osaka has cheaper hotels, better nightlife and easy trains to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe; Kyoto is quieter and more traditional.
Is Osaka expensive?
It’s good value by Japanese standards, especially for food.
Plan your trip to Osaka
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
