What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, set against a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.
A serene garden with a pond, vibrant pink flowers, and lush green trees.
A person riding a bicycle down a tree-lined path with cherry blossoms.
A crowded street with illuminated signs in Japanese.

Activities

The Universal Studio in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation

NZ$281
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

NZ$101
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

NZ$21
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

NZ$88
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour

Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour

NZ$2
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

NZ$51
per adult
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Osaka Kyoto Kinkaku-ji Kiyomizu-dera Temple Sannenzaka and Uji

Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji

NZ$86
per adult
Osaka / Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka & Uji
Full-Day Bus Tour of Kyoto

Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest

NZ$74
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest
eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

eSIM: Airalo Japan Package

NZ$6
per traveller
eSIM: Airalo Japan Package
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Top places to visit

1. Universal Studios Japan

Since opening in 2001, Universal Studios Japan™ has attracted millions of visitors each year with its thrill rides, exciting events and theatrical shows. Spend a day with the family exploring its eight areas, each of which has its own distinct theme and unique attractions.
Learn more
A large globe with the word "UNIVERSAL" on it, surrounded by palm trees and flags.

2. Dotonbori

Marvel at the illuminated billboards and savor gourmet meals at Dotonbori, Osaka's primary entertainment district. This glitzy precinct, situated around the Dotonbori Canal, offers diverse shopping, compelling landmarks and a large selection of high-quality Japanese restaurants.
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A bustling urban river scene with illuminated buildings and a boat tour.

3. Osaka Castle

Learn about Japan's bloody history and Osaka's ancient rulers at Osaka Castle. This romantic multi-tier castle stands on a 264-acre (106-hectare) block of raised and fortified land, and is one of the city's most iconic sites.
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A castle surrounded by autumn trees and a well-maintained park with neatly trimmed bushes.

4. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Delight in the diverse world below the waves at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The goal of this institution is to bring together the various species found around the Pacific Ocean in one place, and to care for and conserve them. Explore this high-tech aquarium and get close to playful penguins, live like an arctic seal or watch whale sharks feeding.
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A large building with a colorful mosaic mural, a central yellow structure, and a blue sky.

5. Spa World

Pamper yourself with a day of stress-melting baths, healing steam and mud massages at Osaka's Spa World. This popular health center prides itself on offering a huge range of international spa and sauna experiences.
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An indoor swimming pool with ornate arches and columns, a tiled floor with geometric patterns, and a blue-lit ceiling.

6. Tsutenkaku Tower

The Tsūtenkaku Tower, an enormous construction and tribute to a god of good fortune, has become an icon of Osaka. Take an hour or two to discover the eight-sided tower, its commanding views over the city and its statue of Billiken, a Japanese god of happiness.
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A vibrant street with colorful signs and a prominent Ferris wheel in the background.

7. Kuromon Market

At Kuromon Ichiba, Osaka's premier street food market, collect fresh vegetables, seafood or exotic meats for a meal at home. Sample fine produce that would please any gourmet.
Learn more
A busy indoor market with food stalls and people shopping.

What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Stay near popular Osaka Prefecture attractions

A large globe with the word "UNIVERSAL" on it, surrounded by palm trees and flags.

Universal Studios Japan

9.2/10 (8,231 reviews)
Watch theatrical shows, meet lovable mascots and go on exhilarating rides at this extensive movie-focused theme park.
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Our guide on where to stay in Osaka Prefecture

Find the best Osaka Prefecture areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A bustling street at night with illuminated signs and traditional lanterns.

Namba

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).

A modern urban area with glass buildings, a bridge, and a waterfront.

Umeda

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

A bustling night scene along a river with illuminated buildings and a bridge in the background.

Shinsaibashi

You'll love the popular shops in Shinsaibashi, and you might want to stick around to check out Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a top place to visit.

A brightly lit street with colorful signs and a tall tower with illuminated text.

Minami

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.

A castle with a green roof, surrounded by stone walls and lush greenery.

Chuo

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.

 

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Day trip destinations from Osaka Prefecture

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.

Osaka

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a green-lit bridge.

Kobe

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.

Kyoto

A pathway lined with trees, including a prominent tree with pink blossoms.
Photo by Yanajin33 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Fujiidera

An airplane landing with its landing gear extended, approaching a runway with a mountainous backdrop.

Itami

A thatched-roof gazebo surrounded by autumn foliage and a winding path.

Izumi

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, white walls, and golden accents, surrounded by clear blue sky and green foliage.

Kadoma

A park with tall trees and a beach in the background.

Matsubara

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