Osaka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Osaka
Osaka
Osaka
Osaka
Osaka

Osaka Travel Guide Video

Old meets new in Japan’s third-largest city that features peaceful gardens, ancient temples, towering high-rises, cutting-edge fashion and family fun.

Osaka is a colourful hub of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture that sits in the centre of a ring of popular tourism destinations: Kobe, Kyoto, Sakai and Nara. After a short time in the city it won’t take long to discover Osaka has more to offer than just its location. Go north of the centre to Kita and its central business district for shopping. Head south to see shows in the upscale Namba district.

Kita makes for a great starting point on any visit to Osaka. The area is home to the underground National Museum of Art, which features post-World War II Japanese art and travelling exhibitions from prominent international galleries. The National Museum of Art neighbours the Osaka Science Museum, an interactive attraction with a busy program of shows and a focus on children’s education. The Umeda Sky Building and its 40-storey-high observation deck offer an unparalleled panorama of the Kita skyline.

Tennoji, located in the centre of the city, is full of family-friendly destinations. The Tennoji Zoo can be found here and is the only major attraction with animals in Osaka. The beautiful blooms in Tennoji Park offer some respite from the busy city. See sixth-century ruins at the historic Shitennoji Temple and climb up the city’s emblem of prosperity, Tsūtenkaku Tower.

Head to Osaka’s Bay Area and find one of the world’s largest aquariums. Osaka Aquarium has more than 29,000 sea and freshwater creatures, including a whale shark. Universal Studios Japan® is just a 10-minute ferry ride from the aquarium and features Hollywood blockbuster-inspired theme park rides and entertainment.

Take a break from the city in the peaceful Osaka Castle, built in 1585. Walk around the fragrant rose gardens in Nakanoshima Park.

Splash out on a luxury purchase or window shop in the Minami shopping district with upscale stores as well as traditional local retailers. Entertaining performances are staged at the Nanba Grand Kagetsu, the city’s major comedy theatre. Cap off your day in Osaka strolling under the neon lights of the bright and busy Namba district.

Where to stay in Osaka

Namba featuring a city

Namba

4.5/5(291 area reviews)

Visitors to Namba love its popular shops, and you can check out Dotonbori and Namba Parks. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

Namba
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Umeda

4.5/5(32 area reviews)

Umeda is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Herbis Plaza and Sankei Hall Breeze. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nishi-Umieda Station or Umeda Station (Hanshin).

Umeda
Shinsaibashi showing street scenes

Shinsaibashi

Travellers to Shinsaibashi praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Mitsutera Temple.

Shinsaibashi
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Minami

4/5(20 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Minami. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station to see more of Osaka.

Minami
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Kita

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

Travellers love Kita for its popular shops, and you can see more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nakazakicho Station or Nakatsu Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Osaka Museum of Housing and Living and Umeda Arts Theater.

Kita
Osaka Castle which includes a city

Chuo

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Chuo is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Sakaisuji-hommachi Station or Matsuyamachi Station.

Chuo
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is NZ$129 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$129
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,139 reviews)
"Very convenient for OCAT bus terminal access. Enjoyed their big bath house"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

3 out of 5
2-4-10, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and value. Hotel is older and bathroom smells of sewage. It is clean though, just old; it might be due to ventilation issues. No smart tv."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

3 out of 5
Nanba Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is NZ$181 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
NZ$181
7 Aug - 8 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,183 reviews)
"Pretty nice"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Eslead Hotel  Namba Daikokucho

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho

4 out of 5
2-4-19, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Spa World are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (104 reviews)
"It was ok. Clean and more space. No breakfast available inside."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho
Minn Juso

Minn Juso

3 out of 5
Jusohon-machi 1-17-20, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (647 reviews)
"perfect"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Minn Juso
MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST

4 out of 5
3-chome-1-14 Motomachi, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and Netflix. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Dotonbori are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
"Easy access to local convenient stores, fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and walking distance to train station and the main shopping district in the city. The rooms were very clean and spacious for a group of adults. Definitely would rec"

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

MONday Apart Premium Osaka Namba WEST
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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