What to do in Osaka

Activities, attractions and tours

Osaka
Osaka
Osaka
Osaka
Osaka
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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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Universal Studios Japan® showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain as well as children

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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Dotonbori showing outdoor art and central business district as well as a large group of people

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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Osaka Castle showing château or palace

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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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan showing marine life

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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Come to marvel at the tower that reaches to heaven and meet Billiken, the god of happiness and good luck.

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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Spa World featuring a pool, rides and interior views

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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Follow scents of spices and smoked goods into the covered alleyway of this bustling food market. Its popularity with chefs has earned it the nickname Osaka’s Kitchen.

What to do in Osaka

Popular places to visit

Universal Studios Japan® showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain as well as children

Universal Studios Japan

4.5/5(88 reviews)

Watch theatrical shows, meet lovable mascots and go on exhilarating rides at this extensive movie-focused theme park.

Universal Studios Japan
Dotonbori showing outdoor art and central business district as well as a large group of people

Dotonbori

Experience the colorful neon heart of Osaka along this canal, where travelers, couples and entertainment seekers throng the streets.

Dotonbori
Kyocera Dome Osaka

Kyocera Dome Osaka

4/5(16 reviews)

Catch an event at Kyocera Dome Osaka during your trip to Osaka. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kyocera Dome Osaka
Osaka Castle showing ch�âteau or palace

Osaka Castle

4.5/5(216 reviews)

Engage with Japan's rich history at this 16th-century site, where dramatic battlegrounds have made way for a peaceful park with cherry trees.

Osaka Castle
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan showing marine life

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

4.5/5(77 reviews)

Experience the diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific in this comprehensive aquarium, which hosts otters, penguins, seals and even whale sharks.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Tsutenkaku Tower

Tsutenkaku Tower

4/5(88 reviews)

Come to marvel at the tower that reaches to heaven and meet Billiken, the god of happiness and good luck.

Tsutenkaku Tower
Spa World featuring a pool, rides and interior views

Spa World

3.5/5(7 reviews)

Relax in world culture-themed spas, recharge with medicinal saunas and play around in a water park at this comprehensive health retreat.

Spa World
Nipponbashi

Nipponbashi

4/5(68 reviews)

During your trip to Osaka, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Nipponbashi. While in this walkable area, you can savour the restaurants and cafes.

Nipponbashi
Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Follow scents of spices and smoked goods into the covered alleyway of this bustling food market. Its popularity with chefs has earned it the nickname Osaka’s Kitchen.

Kuromon Market

Explore areas of Osaka

Namba featuring a city

Namba

4.5/5(309 area reviews)

With thrilling amusement arcades, underground bars, neon billboards and second-hand shopping, this dynamic district never ceases to surprise.

Namba
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Umeda

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

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).

Umeda
Shinsaibashi which includes street scenes

Shinsaibashi

Experience a shopper’s paradise and symbol of downtown Osaka as you explore the bustling arcade where brightly colored storefronts display the latest fashion trends.

Shinsaibashi
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Minami

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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.

Minami
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Kita

4.5/5(70 area reviews)

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.

Kita
Osaka Castle featuring a city

Chuo

4.5/5(55 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

Day trip destinations from Osaka

Photo by Breathing Means More

Ibaraki

Kobe

Kobe

Photo by Cathy Fuentes

Shimamoto

Photo "Izumiotsu" by ---=XEON=--- (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by ---=XEON=--- (CC BY)

Izumiotsu

Photo "Amagasaki" by Ogiyoshisan (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Amagasaki

Photo "Fujiidera" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Fujiidera

Photo by Ake Waratap

Higashi-osaka

Itami

Itami

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 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 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.