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

Take a stroll through one of Osaka's fastest growing neighborhoods, where community, independent shops, and outdoor markets thrive.

The Best Things to See and Do in Ashiharabashi, Osaka

Explore the attractions of the Kansai region with these ten destinations accessible from Osaka.

The Top 10 Day Trips from Osaka

Experience the less busy and cosier side of Osaka in Nakazakicho with a nice cuppa. Here’s Culture Trip’s pick of the district’s best cafés.

The Best Cafés in Nakazakicho, Osaka

Featured Articles

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.


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Events and Activities in Osaka, Japan | Culture Trip

Off the Beaten Path

Find the hidden gems and experience the city like a local

See & Do

The Best Places to Have a Hanami Picnic in Osaka

See & Do

The Most Unusual Things to See and Do 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 Best Things to Do in Osaka's Umeda District

Guides & Tips

How To Spend a Week in the Kansai Region

Bars & cafes

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

See & Do

7 Great Stores To Explore on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Osaka

Restaurants

The Best Restaurants in Osaka's Fukushima District

See & Do

The Best Things to do in the Tennoji District

Bars & cafes

The Best Bars in Osaka's Fukushima Neighbourhood

Bars & cafes

The Best Bars in Tenma, Osaka

Restaurants

The Best 24-Hour Restaurants in Osaka

Shopping

See & Do

The Best Things To Do in Osaka’s Amerikamura District

See & Do

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

See & Do

The Best Markets in Osaka

See & Do

The Top 5 Marketplaces 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