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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

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

Japan's Kansai region is made up of seven prefectures, including party central Osaka and calm Kyoto. Here's our guide to spending a week there.

How To Spend a Week in the Kansai Region

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

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

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Osaka Palaces and Temples

Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Private Osaka Tour for Families with a Local, 100% Personalized

Discover Bohemian Nakazakicho

Kyoto-Nara One-day tour

Romantic Tour In Osaka

Private Osaka Custom Full-Day Tour by Chartered Vehicle

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Osaka Castle

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Osaka Admission Tickets

The Most Unusual Things to See and Do in Osaka

The Best Places to Have a Hanami Picnic in Osaka

The Best Things to Do on the Midosuji Subway Line

The 10 Best Guided Tours in Osaka

The Best Things to Do in Osaka in the Winter

Incredible Day Hikes Near Osaka

The Most Beautiful Parks in Osaka

5 Accessible Beaches in Kansai You Can Reach from Osaka

A Guide to Exploring Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, Osaka's Hidden Gem

The Top 10 Things To Do and See In Shinsaibashi

The Best Cafés in Nakazakicho, Osaka

8 Bars in Osaka That Stay Open Until the First Train (or Later)

The Best Restaurants in Osaka's Fukushima District

The Best Things to do in the Tennoji District

7 Great Stores To Explore on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Osaka

Great Things To Do in Osaka's Fukushima District

The Best Bars in Osaka's Fukushima Neighbourhood

The Best Bars in Tenma, Osaka

What to See and Do on Tenjinbashisuji, Japan's Longest Shopping Street

The Best Things To Do in Osaka’s Amerikamura District

The Top 5 Marketplaces In Osaka

The Best Markets in Osaka

The Best Japanese Design Stores In Osaka

The History Behind Tsutenkaku, One of Osaka's Most Beloved Landmarks

In Osaka, There's a Highway That Passes Through a Building

The Most Beautiful Public Sculptures in Osaka

The Best Clubs in Osaka

The Top 10 Bars and Drinking Spots in Osaka, Japan

Events and Activities in Osaka, Japan | Culture Trip

Discover the best things to see and do in Osaka, Japan including museums, parks, and architecture, as well as hidden delights, and seasonal events. Let Culture Trip be your guide.

Bestsellers: Memorable Experiences

Discover hidden gems you can book on Culture TrIp

Off the Beaten Path

Find the hidden gems and experience the city like a local

See & Do

The Most Unusual Things to See and Do in Osaka

See & Do

The Best Places to Have a Hanami Picnic in Osaka

See & Do

The Best Things to Do on the Midosuji Subway Line

See & Do

The 10 Best Guided Tours in Osaka

See & Do

The Best Things to Do in Osaka in the Winter

Outdoor Activities

Escape the city - the best outdoor places to visit

See & Do

Incredible Day Hikes Near Osaka

See & Do

The Most Beautiful Parks in Osaka

See & Do

5 Accessible Beaches in Kansai You Can Reach from Osaka

See & Do

A Guide to Exploring Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, Osaka's Hidden Gem

Attractions

Fun things to do that are worth your time

See & Do

The Top 10 Things To Do and See In Shinsaibashi

Bars & cafes

The Best Cafés in Nakazakicho, Osaka

Bars & cafes

8 Bars in Osaka That Stay Open Until the First Train (or Later)

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants in Osaka's Fukushima District

See & Do

The Best Things to do in the Tennoji District

See & Do

7 Great Stores To Explore on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Osaka

See & Do

Great Things To Do in Osaka's Fukushima District

Bars & cafes

The Best Bars in Osaka's Fukushima Neighbourhood

Bars & cafes

The Best Bars in Tenma, Osaka

Shopping

See & Do

What to See and Do on Tenjinbashisuji, Japan's Longest Shopping Street

See & Do

The Best Things To Do in Osaka’s Amerikamura District

See & Do

The Top 5 Marketplaces In Osaka

See & Do

The Best Markets in Osaka

See & Do

The Best Japanese Design Stores In Osaka

Iconic Buildings

Learn about historic sites and special architecture

History

The History Behind Tsutenkaku, One of Osaka's Most Beloved Landmarks

See & Do

In Osaka, There's a Highway That Passes Through a Building

Art

The Most Beautiful Public Sculptures in Osaka

Nightlife

Bars & cafes

The Best Clubs in Osaka

Bars & cafes

The Top 10 Bars and Drinking Spots in Osaka, Japan