Time zone
GMT +09:00
No time difference
Currency
Japanese Yen
1EUR = 180.70JPY
Official languages
Japanese
Best time to visit
APR - MAY
Cherry Blossom season
Recommended trip duration
3 days

Osaka
Osaka, Japan’s lively city in the Kansai region, is full of vibrant energy, rich history, and endless attractions. Among the many things to do in Osaka City, you can explore Osaka Castle and walk its gardens during cherry blossom season. Discover central Osaka near Osaka Station City and the Umeda Sky Building, where every corner blends tradition and modern charm.
If you're a foodie, you'll enjoy a food tour in Osaka, where you can try street food like takoyaki, pressed sushi, and udon noodles around the Namba district, home to neon lights and lively izakaya hopping spots!
Make time to visit Universal Studios Japan, where the Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World bring fun for all ages, or relax by Osaka Bay with its impressive aquariums and Ferris wheel. Even if you’re soaking in Japanese culture, shopping in Grand Front Osaka, or exploring hidden gems around the Osaka Metro, your Osaka trip promises an unforgettable adventure.
Book your Osaka attractions and tours on Klook today!
Top things to do in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass
Osaka Amazing Pass
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket in Osaka
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Ticket
HARUKAS 300 Observatory Ticket
Solaniwa Onsen Ticket in Osaka
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket
Have Fun in Kansai Pass
[Kyoto & Nara Day Trip] Arashiyama Train & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine's Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Forest Path & Kimono Forest (Departure from Osaka)
Kyoto Amanohashidate & Ine Boathouse & Ine Bay Scenic One Day Tour (From Osaka or Kyoto)
Top attractions in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Castle
Dotonbori
Umeda Sky Building
Namba
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Umeda
Tennoji Zoo
Pokémon Center Osaka
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Shinsaibashi
Transport in Osaka
Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t Ticket
JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express Ticket
Osaka Metro Pass
Limousine Bus Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kansai Area
JR West Kansai Area Pass
JR Kansai Mini Pass
JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass
Kyoto & Osaka Sightseeing Pass
JR Whole Japan Rail Pass
JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
Hankyu Pass
Hotels in Osaka
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Namba Station
Smile Hotel Premium Osaka Higashi Shinsaibashi
Osaka travel guide
Reviews of Osaka activities
Quick facts about Osaka

What to know before visiting Osaka
Top Attractions in Osaka
Osaka Bay Area
Universal Studios Japan: Experience thrilling rides at Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring sea creatures from across the Pacific.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Enjoy stunning city and bay views from one of Osaka, Japan’s, most famous landmarks.
Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Dotonbori Canal: Walk along the lively riverfront filled with street food, lights, and entertainment.
Glico Running Man Sign: Take a photo with this iconic symbol of Osaka, Japan’s nightlife.
Namba
Namba Yasaka Shrine: Visit this unique shrine known for its massive lion head stage.
Hozen-ji Temple: A peaceful moss-covered temple hidden among Osaka, Japan’s lively streets.
Tennoji
Shitenno-ji Temple: One of Japan’s oldest temples, built over 1,400 years ago.
Abeno Harukas: Japan’s tallest skyscraper with an observation deck overlooking Osaka, Japan.
Northern Osaka
Umeda Sky Building: Visit the observation deck for panoramic city views.
Grand Front Osaka: A stylish complex near Osaka Station City with shops, dining, and entertainment.
Tips before visiting Osaka
Stay Connected with eSIMs and Wi-Fi
Get an eSIM or portable Wi-Fi before your trip to stay online for maps and translation apps. It’s the easiest way to navigate the Osaka Metro to get around Osaka's top attractions
Use the Osaka Metro and JR Pass
The Osaka Metro connects major areas like Namba, Umeda, and Osaka Castle quickly. If you plan day trips around the Kansai region, consider getting a JR Pass or the Osaka Amazing Pass to save money.
Try Local Food Like a Local
Osaka, Japan, is famous for its street food! Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and pressed sushi. Join a food tour in Osaka or explore Dotonbori for the city’s best flavors.
Learn a Bit of Local Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting temples like Shitenno-ji and Hozen-ji. At the same time, showing respect through polite gestures like bowing and saying “arigato” goes a long way, and tipping isn’t required.
Stay Near Convenient Areas
Book hotels in Namba or Umeda for easy access to shops, food, and trains. Families will love the Osaka Bay area, within walking distance to Universal Studios Japan and other attractions.
FAQs about Osaka
How far is Osaka from Tokyo?
How far is Osaka from Tokyo?
Osaka is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Tokyo. You can take the shinkansen (bullet train), which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, or a domestic flight, which takes about 1 hour. Trains are the most popular and convenient way to travel between the two cities.
Where to stay in Osaka?
Where to stay in Osaka?
Stay in Namba if you want a lively area full of street food, shopping, and nightlife. Umeda is also great for a more modern feel and easy access to trains for day trips. For culture and history, the Osaka Castle area is perfect, while Tennoji has great budget stays. If you’re visiting with family, the Osaka Bay area is a great choice since it’s close to Universal Studios Japan and other family-friendly attractions.
What is Osaka Best Known for?
What is Osaka Best Known for?
Osaka is best known for its amazing food. Often called the “kitchen of Japan,” it’s a paradise for food lovers where you can enjoy everything from street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki to sushi and ramen. The city’s friendly locals and fun, laid-back vibe make it a great place to experience Japanese culture through food.
Is Osaka or Tokyo better for tourists?
Is Osaka or Tokyo better for tourists?
Both Osaka and Tokyo have plenty to see and do, including shops, parks, and temples. Tokyo is much larger and great for a three- to five-day visit, while Osaka is smaller and easier to explore in two to three days. If you want modern sights and city life, go for Tokyo. But if you love food, nightlife, and a more relaxed trip, Osaka is the better choice.
What is the best month to visit Osaka?
What is the best month to visit Osaka?
The best time to visit Osaka is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). The weather is comfortable, and the city looks beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall. These months are also popular with tourists, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Explore more on Klook
Top attractions in Osaka
- 1 Universal Studios Japan
- 2 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- 3 Osaka Castle
- 4 Dotonbori
- 5 Umeda Sky Building
- 6 Namba
- 7 teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
- 8 Umeda
- 9 Tennoji Zoo
- 10 Pokémon Center Osaka
- 11 Kuromon Ichiba Market
- 12 Shinsaibashi
- 13 Nipponbashi
- 14 Solaniwa Onsen
- 15 Shinsaibashisuji
- 16 Abeno Harukas
- 17 Namba Station
- 18 Tempozan Ferris Wheel
- 19 Shin-Osaka Station
- 20 Floating Garden Observatory
Everything you need for your Osaka visit
- 1 Osaka Hotels
- 2 Osaka Car rentals
- 3 Osaka Private airport transfers
- 4 Osaka Tours & experiences
- 5 Osaka Tours
- 6 Osaka Day trips
- 7 Osaka Cultural experiences
- 8 Osaka Food & drinks tours
- 9 Osaka Cooking classes
- 10 Osaka Workshops
- 11 Osaka Outdoor & sports activities
- 12 Osaka Photoshoot
- 13 Osaka Traditional clothes rental
- 14 Osaka Go-karting
- 15 Osaka Massages
- 16 Osaka Cruises
- 17 Osaka Sightseeing cruises
- 18 Osaka Hot springs
- 19 Osaka Beauty services
- 20 Osaka Spa & massages