Things to do in Osaka

Activities, attractions and tours

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.
A brightly lit street with colorful signs and a tall tower with illuminated text.
A street food stall with a red awning and Japanese signage.
A serene garden with a pond, vibrant pink flowers, and lush green trees.
A plate of sushi with various types of fish and rice.

Things to do

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

€27
per adult
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen

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

€1
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

€12
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Wear a high-quality kimono, enjoy a tea ceremony experience in a small group, and hear fun travel stories from other travelers.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

€68
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka

Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka

€46
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka
Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

€46
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour
Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka

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

€51
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

€55
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
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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.
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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.
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A bustling urban river scene with illuminated buildings and a boat tour.

3. 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.
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A castle surrounded by autumn trees and a well-maintained park with neatly trimmed bushes.

4. 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.
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A large building with a colorful mosaic mural, a central yellow structure, and a blue sky.

5. 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.
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A vibrant street with colorful signs and a prominent Ferris wheel in the background.

6. 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.
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A building with a sign for the World Stone Spa. There are stairs leading up to the entrance.

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.
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A busy street with a yellow sign reading "Black Market" and various shops and people.

What to do in Osaka

Stay near popular Osaka 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)
Step into film magic at Universal Studios Japan, where blockbuster worlds come alive through immersive attractions. Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World to maximise your visit.
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Where to stay in Osaka

Find the best Osaka areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Osaka
Learn more about Osaka
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 Sankei Hall Breeze. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nishi-Umieda Station or Umeda Station (Hanshin).

A bustling street with numerous signs in Japanese, indicating a commercial area with shops and restaurants.

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 bustling nighttime street with illuminated signs and a river in the foreground.

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 bustling street with colorful signs, a Ferris wheel, and traditional Japanese lanterns.

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 skyscraper with a distinctive circular skylight and a bridge-like structure connecting it to another building.

Kita

Travellers love Kita for its popular shops, and you can see more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station or Nakazakicho Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Osaka Museum of Housing and Living and Umeda Arts Theater.

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

A sunset over a rocky shoreline with a pier extending into the water.

Sennan

Frequently asked questions

Is Osaka worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Osaka is visit Universal Studios Japan. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of the area's nightlife and dining.
How do I spend a day in Osaka?
Once you've visited top attractions like Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, spend some time exploring Osaka's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Osaka?
Universal Studios Japan is one of the top tourist attractions in Osaka and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Osaka?
Three days in Osaka is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Orix Theatre are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots like Kyoto.
Is Osaka a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Osaka, including Orix Theatre and Namba Grand Kagetsu Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from central Osaka is Chuo and Kita is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Osaka with kids?
Planning what to do in Osaka with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Osaka for adults?
Asahi Breweries Suita Plant and Osaka-jō Hall are just a few of the things to do in Osaka. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Osaka?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Osaka is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Osaka Science and Technology Museum is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.