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Discover the best things to see and do in Japan's monopolis, Osaka, on the island of Honshu, famous for Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, and Abeno Harukas, the tallest tower in Japan. All hotels bookable through Culture Trip.

Japan

Osaka

The Best Tourist Attractions in Osaka, Japan

Known as the Kita district, Umeda is a breathtaking place. Read on for a combination of the best things to see and do in this part of Osaka.

The Best Things to Do in Osaka's Umeda District

From historic castles and Buddhist temples to kabuki theatres, fresh seafood and the flashing lights of Dotonbori, Culture Trip explores the best things to do in Osaka.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Osaka

Don't let bad weather stop you from having a good time in Osaka – check out Culture Trip's list of the best things to do on a rainy day in Japan's culinary capital.

15 Great Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Osaka

If you've only got a short time in Osaka, do it the right way with our helpful guide.

A Weekend Itinerary for Osaka

Insider Travel Guides

Osaka, the third largest city in Japan, may not be as pretty as its contemporaries – but it is more fun. The unofficial motto here seems to be: eat, drink, have a good time, and maybe do some sightseeing – if you feel like it.

The Insider Guide to Osaka

From 683CE to 745CE, Osaka served as the capital of Japan, but ever since this short-lived stint it hasn’t quite kept up with its showier (and stuffier) counterparts – Tokyo and Kyoto.. The merchant city vs the political and imperial, Osaka has always had a bit more of a playful, fun attitude. It offers a very different taste of Japan – more down to earth, where people are more chilled and where street food consistently ranks among this foodie city’s top dishes.

While there is plenty to see from old Osaka, such as Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine and Shitennō-ji – the latter is thought to be the first Buddhist temple in Japan – most have been rebuilt over the years. They’re still worth visiting though, especially when the cherry blossom season is in full swing and in autumn when the leaves are bright and fiery. One of the best places in Japan for viewing the sakura (cherry blossom), Osaka seems to blossom then too – with Osaka Mint Bureau and Nishinomaru Park two top hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) spots.

Other favourites are the old neighbourhood of Shikensai – styled on Paris and New York’s Coney Island circa 1912 – and Tsutenkaku Tower, which offers views over the city. After dark, Dōtonbori is where it’s at – with neon signs and people-watching opportunities galore. If culture is more your scene, check out the Abeno Harukas Art Museum, while those who love slightly odd modern architecture won’t want to miss the Umeda Sky Building next to Osaka Station.

Saying all that, Osaka’s best attractions are probably its people and cuisine, which makes Kuromon Market another must-see – it has some of Japan’s best food, fresh fish and awesome photo opportunities.

And if all that isn’t quite enough, you’ll find family-friendly fun and adrenaline at Universal Studios Japan. Keen to find out more? Read on to delve deeper into all the things that make Osaka special.


The Main Attractions

Heart-Warming Japanese In Home Cooking Lesson with a Local Mother in Osaka

Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

KYOTO & OSAKA by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018 Customize Your Itinerary

OSAKA Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]

KYOTO & NARA by Coaster/Microbus Customize Your Itinerary

OSAKA by Minivan Toyota HIACE 2019 Customize Your Itinerary

Rooftop Takoyaki Workshop with a local guide in Osaka!

Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Osaka Local Foodie tour in Dotonbori - Osaka's Soul food eating out!

The 10 Best Restaurants In Minami & Namba, Osaka

Osaka's Top 5 Kaiseki Restaurants

The Best French Restaurants In Osaka, Japan

The 10 Best Restaurants In Dōtonbori, Osaka

The 10 Best Restaurants in Horie, Osaka

The 10 Best Restaurants in Midosuji, Osaka

Finding The Best Okonomiyaki In Osaka

The Best Burger Spots in Osaka

The Best Teppanyaki Restaurants In Osaka

The 10 Best Bars In Amerikamura, Osaka

The 10 Best Bars In Umeda, Osaka

The 10 Best Bars in Minami and Namba, Osaka

Alternative Bars You Should Try in Osaka

The Best Bars for Craft Beer in Osaka

The 10 Best Bars in Horie, Osaka

The Top Video Game Bars in Osaka

The Top Bars in Doyama-cho, Osaka

The 10 Best Bars in Shinsaibashi, Osaka

The Best Brunch Spots in Minami and Namba, Osaka

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Namba, Osaka

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Amerikamura, Osaka

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Dōtonbori, Osaka

The 10 Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Osaka, Japan

The 8 Best Brunches In Shinsaibashi, Osaka

The Best Brunch Spots In Midosuji, Osaka

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Umeda, Japan

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Horie, Osaka

The 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Osaka

A Guide To Being A Vegetarian In Osaka

The Best Vegan Restaurants in Osaka

The Coolest Cafés in Osaka

Where To Find The Best Coffee In Osaka, Japan

The Top 10 Michelin-Starred Restaurants In Osaka

Osaka's 10 Best Local Restaurants | Tradition vs. Innovation

The 10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Osaka

A Chef’s Pick of Osaka’s Best Restaurants

Guide to Food & Drink in Osaka, Japan | Culture Trip

Read our guide to the best places to eat in Osaka, Japan. From established spots to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian delights, here’s our selection of the best places to eat and drink in Osaka, Japan.

Memorable Food and Drink Experiences

Local food and drink experiences you can book on Culture Trip

Great Eats & Drinks

Discover the best spots for good food & good vibes

Restaurants

The 10 Best Restaurants In Minami & Namba, Osaka

Restaurants

Osaka's Top 5 Kaiseki Restaurants

Restaurants

The Best French Restaurants In Osaka, Japan

Restaurants

The 10 Best Restaurants In Dōtonbori, Osaka

Restaurants

The 10 Best Restaurants in Horie, Osaka

Restaurants

The 10 Best Restaurants in Midosuji, Osaka

Food & Drink

Finding The Best Okonomiyaki In Osaka

Food & Drink

The Best Burger Spots in Osaka

Restaurants

The Best Teppanyaki Restaurants In Osaka

Bars We Love

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars In Amerikamura, Osaka

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars In Umeda, Osaka

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars in Minami and Namba, Osaka

See & Do

Alternative Bars You Should Try in Osaka

Bars & cafes

The Best Bars for Craft Beer in Osaka

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars in Horie, Osaka

Bars & cafes

The Top Video Game Bars in Osaka

Bars & cafes

The Top Bars in Doyama-cho, Osaka

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars in Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Breakfast

A collection of our favourite morning and brunch spots

Food & Drink

The Best Brunch Spots in Minami and Namba, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Namba, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Amerikamura, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Dōtonbori, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Osaka, Japan

Food & Drink

The 8 Best Brunches In Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Food & Drink

The Best Brunch Spots In Midosuji, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Umeda, Japan

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Horie, Osaka

Veggie Delights

The top places to eat well when looking for veggie-options

Restaurants

The 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Osaka

Music

A Guide To Being A Vegetarian In Osaka

Restaurants

The Best Vegan Restaurants in Osaka

Coffee

Bars & cafes

The Coolest Cafés in Osaka

Bars & cafes

Where To Find The Best Coffee In Osaka, Japan

Fancy Food

A collection of the best high-quality and Michelin-starred restaurants

Restaurants

The Top 10 Michelin-Starred Restaurants In Osaka

Restaurants

Osaka's 10 Best Local Restaurants | Tradition vs. Innovation