Osaka

Travel Guide

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes
Dotonbori which includes boating, a city and a river or creek
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city
Shinsekai featuring night scenes, street scenes and outdoor eating
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine showing a bridge as well as a small group of people

Experience fast-moving modern entertainment alongside peaceful temple gardens in Osaka, a city whose culture is rich with anime, fashion and comedy shows.

Osaka not only provides access to popular destinations like Kobe, Kyoto, Sakai and Nara, but is a glitzy entertainment powerhouse itself. Shop in the city’s northern Kita area while you explore the business district, see wildlife enclosures to the south or savor a show in the glamorous Namba district.

Start in Kita, where you can learn about Japan’s post-World War II art scene at the subterranean National Museum of Art. Kids will love the Osaka Science Museum across the road. Here they can perform experiments, watch the wonders of physics and delight in daily science shows. Nearby, find the Umeda Sky Building, an iconic silver spire that offers great views from below or from its high observation deck.

Cab downtown to the Tennoji area and enjoy its family-friendly zoos and temples. See fascinating species from Japan and beyond at the city’s animal attraction, the Tennoji Zoo. Walk around the Tennoji Park and find a quiet moment among its artistic monuments. Nearby, the Shitennoji Temple features ruins from the sixth century, while the Tsūtenkaku Tower stands as a symbol of Osaka’s prosperity.

Around the bay, find the gargantuan Osaka Aquarium. With over 29,000 underwater inhabitants, including a whale shark, it is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Afterwards, jump on a 10-minute ferry to Universal Studios Japan. Here you can spot famous movie characters while you hold your stomach on wild amusement rides.

Take a moment for reflection while you admire the pretty Osaka Castle, a construction built in the 16th century. Alternatively, find a Zen moment surrounded by color in the rose garden at Nakanoshima Park.

Shoppers of all tastes will find their prized souvenir in the Minami district. This commercial suburb hosts a range of retailers, from high-end boutiques to local sweet shops. As evening falls, join the excitement at Namba Grand Kagetsu, Osaka’s favorite comedy theatre. After a show, find a bar amongst the glitzy neon lights of the Namba area and reflect on a busy day.

Where to stay in Osaka

Namba featuring a city

Namba

4.5/5(906 area reviews)

Namba is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Dotonbori and Namba Parks, and you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

Namba
Umeda which includes a city and night scenes

Umeda

4.5/5(103 area reviews)

Major commercial and entertainment hub, Umeda offers shopping, dining, sports centers, and movie theaters. Don't miss the HEP Five Ferris wheel, Umeda Sky Building, and the underground city with retailers and eateries.

Umeda
Shinsaibashi featuring street scenes

Shinsaibashi

4/5(1 area review)

Discover Osaka's main shopping hub, featuring the covered Shinsaibashi-suji street and Amerika-mura, a youth culture hotspot. Shop at luxury brands and popular stores, easily accessible via subway stations.

Shinsaibashi
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city

Minami

4.5/5(59 area reviews)

Minami is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Nipponbashi. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station.

Minami
Osaka Castle which includes a city

Chuo

4.5/5(192 area reviews)

Chuo is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Sakaisuji-hommachi Station or Matsuyamachi Station.

Chuo
Umeda Sky Building showing modern architecture and a skyscraper

Kita

4.5/5(312 area reviews)

Explore Nakanoshima Park, Yodogawa riverside park, and numerous other green spaces, while visiting attractions like Osaka Temmangu Shrine and Osaka Science Museum. Enjoy shopping at Hanshin Department Store and easily navigate with multiple transport options.

Kita
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower

3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩93,587 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
₩93,587
₩113,244 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,635 reviews)
"Good property with a lot of amenities"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka

4 out of 5
1-12-8 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is ₩125,928 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
₩125,928
₩163,450 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,758 reviews)
"This is an excellent property. Staff was amazing and always kept the room clean!"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2025

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba

3 out of 5
Nanba Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is ₩117,105 per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
₩117,105
₩128,815 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,328 reviews)
"Very nice clean hotel. Close to shopping and dining and train station. Safe and quiet. Has small rooms great for solo traveller. Clean linens and bed, though only one pillow was provided."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
THE RISE OSAKA UNIVERSAL BAYSIDE

THE RISE OSAKA UNIVERSAL BAYSIDE

4 out of 5
3-2-27 Kasugade Minami, Konohana-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Universal Studios Japan and Kyocera ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (36 reviews)
"Strict check-in rules and guidelines but understandable."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

THE RISE OSAKA UNIVERSAL BAYSIDE
STAYAT OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI east

STAYAT OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI east

3 out of 5
1-14-2 Minamisenba, Cho, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Osaka Castle are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (117 reviews)
"Maybe I missed it but there is no staff on-site. Be prepared to do things yourself. Very big rooms and comfortable for a family."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

STAYAT OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI east
Eslead Hotel  Namba Daikokucho

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho

4 out of 5
2-4-19, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Tsutenkaku Tower are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"This hotel is great when traveling with a family. Within walking distance to trains, restaurants and shopping. The room was clean and cozy. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

Eslead Hotel Namba Daikokucho
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Osaka

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1020
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
577
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
83
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I enjoyed my time in Osaka very much, the Umeda Sky Building was fantastic, great views of the city and harbour, also the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Osaka Aquarium was very interesting, and Universal Studios was great fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

You should forget about your diet while you are in Osaka. Eat until you drop!

5/5 - Excellent

Erol

Osaka is famous in Food likes takoyaki, okonomiyaki and etc. and the people are most friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing and friendly people. Outstanding food and many shops to go to. Train will take you anywhere you want to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I vastly prefer Osaka to Tokyo, it has a much more casual and laid back atmosphere to it.

4/5 - Good

Kenny

Food is good and cheap!!

Cities near Osaka