Things to do in Osaka Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, set against a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.
A serene garden with a pond, vibrant pink flowers, and lush green trees.
A person riding a bicycle down a tree-lined path with cherry blossoms.
A crowded street with illuminated signs in Japanese.

Things to do

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

€26
per adult
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka

Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka

€48
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

€53
per adult
Osaka: Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour
Osaka: Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount

Osaka: Dotonbori District River Cruise with Drink Discount

€11
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Osaka: Dotonbori District River Cruise with Drink Discount
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

€81
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

€3
per adult
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

€11
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

€19
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka

Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka

€51
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka
See all activities in Osaka Prefecture
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Universal Studios Japan

Since opening in 2001, Universal Studios Japan™ has attracted millions of visitors each year with its thrill rides, exciting events and theatrical shows. Spend a day with the family exploring its eight areas, each of which has its own distinct theme and unique attractions.
Learn more
A large globe with the word "UNIVERSAL" on it, surrounded by palm trees and flags.

2. Dotonbori

Marvel at the illuminated billboards and savor gourmet meals at Dotonbori, Osaka's primary entertainment district. This glitzy precinct, situated around the Dotonbori Canal, offers diverse shopping, compelling landmarks and a large selection of high-quality Japanese restaurants.
Learn more
A bustling urban river scene with illuminated buildings and a boat tour.

3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Delight in the diverse world below the waves at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The goal of this institution is to bring together the various species found around the Pacific Ocean in one place, and to care for and conserve them. Explore this high-tech aquarium and get close to playful penguins, live like an arctic seal or watch whale sharks feeding.
Learn more
A large building with a colorful mosaic mural, a central yellow structure, and a blue sky.

4. Osaka Castle

Learn about Japan's bloody history and Osaka's ancient rulers at Osaka Castle. This romantic multi-tier castle stands on a 264-acre (106-hectare) block of raised and fortified land, and is one of the city's most iconic sites.
Learn more
A castle surrounded by autumn trees and a well-maintained park with neatly trimmed bushes.

5. Spa World

Pamper yourself with a day of stress-melting baths, healing steam and mud massages at Osaka's Spa World. This popular health center prides itself on offering a huge range of international spa and sauna experiences.
Learn more
An indoor swimming pool with ornate arches and columns, a tiled floor with geometric patterns, and a blue-lit ceiling.

6. Tsutenkaku Tower

A visit to the Tsūtenkaku tower is a visit to the heart and soul of Osaka. Take an hour or two enjoying the towering, eight-sided construct, the magnificent view it provides and the statue of Billiken, a god of good fortune.
Learn more
A vibrant street with colorful signs and a prominent Ferris wheel in the background.

7. Kuromon Market

At Kuromon Ichiba, Osaka's premier street food market, collect fresh vegetables, seafood or exotic meats for a meal at home. Sample fine produce that would please any gourmet.
Learn more
A busy indoor market with food stalls and people shopping.

What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Stay near popular Osaka Prefecture attractions

A large globe with the word "UNIVERSAL" on it, surrounded by palm trees and flags.

Universal Studios Japan

9.2/10 (8,231 reviews)
Watch theatrical shows, meet lovable mascots and go on exhilarating rides at this extensive movie-focused theme park.
See properties

Where to stay in Osaka Prefecture

Find the best Osaka Prefecture areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A bustling street at night with illuminated signs and traditional lanterns.

Namba

Visitors to Namba love its popular shops, and you can check out Dotonbori and Namba Parks. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

A modern urban area with glass buildings, a bridge, and a waterfront.

Umeda

Umeda is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Herbis Plaza and Osaka Shiki Theater. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nishi-Umieda Station or Umeda Station (Hanshin).

A bustling night scene along a river with illuminated buildings and a bridge in the background.

Shinsaibashi

You'll love the popular shops in Shinsaibashi, and you might want to stick around to check out Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a top place to visit.

A brightly lit street with colorful signs and a tall tower with illuminated text.

Minami

Enjoy the popular shops in Minami. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station to see more of Osaka.

A modern cityscape with tall skyscrapers, one featuring a circular architectural element.

Kita

Travellers love Kita for its popular shops, and you can see more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nakazakicho Station or Nakatsu Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Osaka Museum of Housing and Living and Umeda Arts Theater.

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.

Osaka

A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with green and red roofs.

Kyoto

A cityscape at sunset with a prominent highway and dense urban buildings.

Higashi-osaka

A traditional Japanese building surrounded by lush greenery and a calm pond.

Ikeda

A waterfall in a forested area with rocks and trees.

Suita

A long bridge with multiple lanes and streetlights, spanning over a body of water.

Tajiri