Top things to do in Osaka
Attractions, tours, and activities in Osaka
Osaka: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Osaka
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Namba
2.8 miles from downtown
Hit your funny bone at Namba Grand Kagetsu, where famous comedians take center stage. Osaka’s showbiz is the country’s largest and it tends toward the comedic. Subverting Japanese stereotypes, these locals are far from shy. Head to the red lantern-lined streets and eat your way through this district to find out why Osaka’s called “Japan’s stomach.”
Places to stay from $10 a night
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Dotonbori
2.4 miles from downtown
Larger-than-life crustaceans and illuminated ads – sound appealing? Then you’ll love Osaka’s nightlife: surreal, chaotic and too trendy for its own good. Festive lights reflect in the Dotonbori-gawa canal to create a neon ambiance. Don’t leave without eating a hot octopus ball (takoyaki) from Kukuru Takoyaki (they’re kind of a big deal).
Places to stay from $16 a night
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Shin Osaka
2 miles from downtown
Osaka’s gateway, Shin Osaka whisks travelers to Kyoto and beyond on the Shinkansen (bullet train). Entertainment and shopping options are sparse, but the sleepy town’s a favorite among locals who are looking to be near the hubbub of Kita, but far enough away for some privacy.
Places to stay from $17 a night
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Umeda
0.2 miles from downtown
Trendsetters, tip your hats to Umeda’s funky fashion. There’s enough in this urban maze to delight all stripes, no matter what color your collar. Photograph your way through the Floating Garden Observatory or get even higher by taking a turn on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel that’s perched atop a building. Hello, stunning Ikoma Mountain view.
Places to stay from $17 a night
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Kita
In downtown
Punch the clock right next to Osaka’s busiest. This transportation hub buzzes with worker bees. But the 9 to 5ers know how to let loose after hours. Eat or imbibe at Dojima Center and satisfy your retail cravings away from the sun in one of Kita’s underground malls. For luck in future travels, as well as love, head to Tsuyunoten Shrine.
Places to stay from $17 a night
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Shinsaibashi
2.2 miles from downtown
Shinsaibashi is synonymous with shopping. High-fashion brands like Prada dominate on Midosuji Street, and Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Center has a plethora of boutiques between its box shops. Pinch a penny by purchasing a bento box in the basement of Daimaru Department Store and eat outdoors on the roof.
Places to stay from $11 a night
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Minami
2.8 miles from downtown
Hang with the thespians. From kabuki (dance-drama) to bunraku (Japanese puppet theater) to comedy plays, this area scratches your entertainment itch. Once better known for its underworld charm and colorful nature, cultural shifts have turned it into a new hipster hangout. Peruse Kuromon Ichiba market for some fresh sashimi and strawberry mochi.
Places to stay from $5 a night
About Osaka
Including tips for the best time to visit Osaka
Osaka combines innovative developments and timeless traditions, all culminating in its top restaurants, tasty street food, and vibrant nightlife.
When cherry blossom season starts in spring, a cotton-candy pink blooms across the entire city. Walk along the Okawa River or through the grounds of Osaka Castle for the best views. This 16th-century citadel overlooks beautiful surroundings and features an ancient collection of art, armor, and artifacts. Its 8th-floor observation deck offers great 360º views.
For more panoramic views and lush scenery, head to the top of the 570-foot-tall Umeda Sky Building, whose two towers are connected at the top by a beautiful floating garden.
Delicious yet affordable street food is another of Osaka’s biggest attractions. Try local favorites like Okonomiyaki—a cross between a pancake and a pizza—or Takoyaki, a grilled ball of batter with octopus chunks inside.
Osaka and Umeda train stations are linked by underground shopping centers, and the Shinsaibashi’s America Village draws in a younger, edgier crowd. Down by the river, Dotonbori’s neon lights signal all the shops and eateries considered to be some of the best in the city.
If you want to visit Tokyo, you can hop the bullet train from Shin-Osaka station, which also has a direct line from Osaka to Kyoto. The city airport is only a domestic terminal, but international flights depart from the regional Kansai Airport.
Tonight
From $24 per night
This weekend
From $83 per night
Next weekend
From $111 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | ¥1,000 = $6.92 |
| Language | Japanese |
| Average weekend price | $117 per night |
| Average weekday price | $109 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Osaka
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Osaka
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Osaka-jō Hall
2.4 miles from downtown
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Tsutenkaku
3.6 miles from downtown
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Osaka Castle
2.2 miles from downtown
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Shinsekai
3.7 miles from downtown
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Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
6.2 miles from downtown
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Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
1.2 miles from downtown
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Umeda Sky Building
0.2 miles from downtown
Osaka reviews
What other travelers say about Osaka
I'd definitely recommend the Dotonbori, the surrounding...
December 5, 2023
I'd definitely recommend the Dotonbori, the surrounding areas, the shopping street, and if you are into Anime and topics surrounding it, then you should head to Nipponbashi near Namba station. Getting around Osaka is extremely easy with the underground Metro and the local train services. If you have the Suica card in your phone, i.e, Apple Wallet you can use that to travel around the city effortlessly. Just charge up the card via Apple pay and you are good to go. When it comes to food, there is so much to choose from that I am sure there are plenty of fantastic choices. You can't really go wrong with the local dishes. Though, what I can really recommend from the sweet side is the Taiyaki. Red bean or custard filled greatness.
Great city that serves as a good base for exploring the...
December 4, 2023
Great city that serves as a good base for exploring the region. Osaka itself is a very big city that isn't as overwhelming as Tokyo but offers the same, if not better, experience. It has at least a few major tourist attractions and is abundant in stores, restaurants and such.
Go to the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium.
December 4, 2023
Go to the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. It is fabulous. Osaka is best for people who like to shop, party in nightclubs and bars, and foodies. Personally, I only go to a shop to find items I know I need or want to have. Unlucky me, I went to Namba to go ta a specific shop for a specific item to find that store had vacated the space. I wanted to go to Brooklyn Parlour in Dontonbori to hear some jazz and didn't go. It was either that I was too tired or that other than jazz musicians were booked for my available nights. This is the saddest comment of all and does not reflect on Osaka itself, I had two kaiseki dinners while in Japan and discovered that apart from Miso Soup and Tempura I pretty much have a very different palate. Although I didn't eat this in Osaka, I repeatedly enjoyed Beef Curry over Rice in Central Honshu and Amanohashidate. Could have had it every day.
Osaka is a great alternative city area to be in for tokyo.
December 2, 2023
Osaka is a great alternative city area to be in for tokyo. There is vibrant city lives in the dontonburi area. Food is delicious and cheaper compared to tokyo. And its where USJ is and a must visit if you are in Osaka.
The KIX airport is a bit outdated.
November 27, 2023
The KIX airport is a bit outdated. The security and immigration clearance could preferably be streamlined in particular for outbound flights. The cleanliness in the Dotonbori area could well be uplifted in par to Japan major tourist spots.
Amazing City.
November 24, 2023
Amazing City. Excellent transportation. You can also walk to everywhere. It is clean and there are no trash cans in the streets, you need to keep the trash with you until you arrive your hotel. People is always willing to help you, even though they don't speak a word of your language. You can make your trip only in the train stations, it looks like a City under the city.
Popular places to stay in Osaka
Stay in some of the best accommodations Osaka has to offer
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Ocean Tsutenkaku Minami, Osaka
From $72 per night
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川House道頓堀 Minami, Osaka
From $122 per night
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雪時雨-大正 Osaka Bay, Osaka
From $82 per night
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HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi Shinsaibashi, Osaka
From $129 per night
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Citadines Namba Osaka Namba, Osaka
From $134 per night
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Other accommodations in Osaka
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Osaka
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Apartments
From $9 per night
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Villas
From $44 per night
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Cottages
From $18 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $14 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $18 per night
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Guest houses
From $7 per night
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Hostels
From $5 per night
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B&Bs
From per night
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Ryokans
From $31 per night
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Homestays
From $31 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $7 per night
