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
4.5/5Wonderful!(276 area reviews)
With thrilling amusement arcades, underground bars, neon billboards and second-hand shopping, this dynamic district never ceases to surprise.
Experience a shopper’s paradise and symbol of downtown Osaka as you explore the bustling arcade where brightly colored storefronts display the latest fashion trends.
This Osaka neighborhood, with a name that translates to New World, is a historic entertainment district with cultural, shopping and gastronomic attractions.
This family-friendly Osaka hotel is located on the riverwalk, within a 10-minute walk of Osaka International Convention Center and Osaka Science Museum. Festival ...…This family-friendly Osaka hotel is located on the riverwalk, within a 10-minute walk of Osaka International Convention Center and Osaka Science Museum. Festival ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (5,606 reviews)
"I like because if Cosy & have shuttle bus"…""I like because if Cosy & have shuttle bus"WWW…"
Located in Nishi, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Osaka Science Museum, Osaka International Convention Center and Umeda Sky Building. Osaka Museum of History ...…Located in Nishi, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Osaka Science Museum, Osaka International Convention Center and Umeda Sky Building. Osaka Museum of History ...WWW…
3.8/5Good! (3,108 reviews)
"I like the fact that it is near the station, so it is very accessible."…""I like the fact that it is near the station, so it is very accessible."WWW…"
Located in Namba, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater and Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Nipponbashi and Shinsaibashi Shopping ...…Located in Namba, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater and Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Nipponbashi and Shinsaibashi Shopping ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (4,970 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Great customer service. Great room and gorgeous view."…""Fantastic location. Great customer service. Great room and gorgeous view."WWW…"
Follow scents of spices and smoked goods into the covered alleyway of this bustling food market. Its popularity with chefs has earned it the nickname Osaka’s Kitchen.
Discover the 3 World Heritage listed sites (Kiyomizu temple, Tenrryuji temple and Kinkakuji Temple) in Kyoto. Besides, we will visit 2 popular spots: Fushimi Inari Shrine and bamboo forest in Sagano. Please be intoxicated magnificent Japanese historical places.
Explore the must-see sights of history-rich Kyoto, including the spectacular Nijo Castle, eminent Kinkaku-ji, and grand Kyoto Imperial Palace. In the afternoon, embark for Nara, home of pacific Nara Park and the famous temple of Todai-ji.
Take a journey through the wonders of ancient and modern Japan with a day trip that shows you the historic cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. With destinations from the peaceful bamboo forest of Arashiyama to the lively Kobe Mosaic, you get a look at centuries' worth of culture.
A beautiful city with beautiful people. I was traveling by myself and met locals who were very warm and welcoming. I enjoyed the city very much.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 16, 2020
Osaka is a place you should experience once. I wouldn’t recommend anymore then 4/5 days. We were able to explore Osaka, visit Nara and go to universal studios in our 4 full days. By the end we were ready to move to our next location in Japan.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 8, 2020
Chuo-Ku, Osaka-shi- Niippombashi most memory place top visited
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 8, 2020
Easy to do side trips to Kyoto and Hiroshima.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 6, 2020
An interesting city that worth People to come back to explore deeper.
Rugby World Cup Japan: Things to Do Between Matches
Crouch, bind, set for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan! With matches spread over 12 venues in cities across the country, traveling for the Rugby World Cup lets you experience Japanese culture and hospitality beyond the usual tourist cities.
