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

The Universal Studio in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation

P8,096
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

P3,600
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Kyoto 1 Day Trip-Golden Pavilion & Kiyomizu temple from Osaka

Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Osaka

P10,656
per adult
Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Osaka
Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park Day Trip

Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park Day Trip

P3,157
per adult
Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park Day Trip
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

P7,384
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Full-Day Bus Tour of Kyoto

Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest

P2,664
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Bamboo Forest
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental with Optional Photo Session

Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental

P1,675
per adult
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental
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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 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.

4. 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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An indoor swimming pool with ornate arches and columns, a tiled floor with geometric patterns, and a blue-lit ceiling.

5. 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.

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.
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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.
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A busy indoor market with food stalls and people shopping.

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 movie 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 maximize your visit.
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Where to stay in Osaka

Find the best Osaka areas and neighborhoods 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 at night with illuminated signs and traditional lanterns.

Namba

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).

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

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

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

Kita

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living and Umeda Arts Theater are top sights in Kita, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nakazakicho Station or Nakatsu Station to see more sights in the area.

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

Kyoto

A distillery with large barrels labeled "Whisky Distillery" and "Pot Still Whisky" on display.

Shimamoto

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, surrounded by a stone wall and lush greenery.

Amagasaki

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

Higashi-osaka

An airplane landing with its landing gear extended, approaching a runway with a mountainous backdrop.

Itami

A park with tall trees and a beach in the background.

Matsubara

A densely populated urban area with numerous houses, a curved road, and a bridge.

Nishinomiya

A waterfall in a forested area with rocks and trees.

Suita

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 travelers spend two days on average. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Orix Theater 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 Theater and Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometers from central Osaka is Chuo and Kita is 2 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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.