Osaka is the capital city of Western Japan, and this former rice trading hub is now known as a foodie destination with incredible architecture and flashy, fun nightlife. Whether you’re on a family holiday or a sophisticated adults-only trip, Osaka offers experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Things to see in Osaka
One of the best things to do in Osaka is to visit Universal Studios, fun for the whole family, from little kids to grandparents. With incredible exhibitions and rollercoasters seen only in Japan, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the world’s most beloved theme parks – don’t miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or, for younger visitors, Curious George and Waterworld.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan takes visitors on a tour of the Pacific Ocean via its permanent exhibition – at 5pm, the Night Sea Theatre puts on a light show that makes it feel like you’re in the ocean’s depths.
Spa World combines onsens, saunas and water play areas, with themed baths from around the world – think Ancient Greek and Roman spas, a Finnish sauna house, a Turkish hammam, an Israeli salt room and a Canadian forest bath. The swimming area has two huge water slides and plenty of aquatic play equipment for kids (minimum height 115cm to ride the slides).
Best places to visit in Osaka
Osaka Castle, built in 1583 by warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi, is one of Japan’s most stunning landmarks and especially popular during cherry blossom season. It’s set among extensive gardens, with cycling tours available for exploring the grounds – buy your entry ticket from the vending machines and take your time across the castle’s eight floors.
For an exciting evening, head to Dotonbori, where bright lights and fascinating corners await at every turn – giant crab sculptures move, neon lights flash, the famous Glico Running Man does his thing, and bars and restaurants line the streets.
Within an hour or two of Osaka by bullet train, you can take a day trip to Nara, an ancient city with eight World Heritage-listed sites, Kyoto, home of the Golden Pavilion and the Imperial Palace, or Naoshima, known for some of the country’s most interesting contemporary art installations.
Where to stay in Osaka
Osaka is a big city, so it’s worth deciding which attractions matter most to you and choosing accommodation nearby.
Best places to eat in Osaka
Osaka has earned the nickname Tenka no Daidokoro (“the nation’s kitchen") and lives by its unofficial slogan, kuidaore, meaning “eat till you drop." Okonomiyaki, the filled savoury pancake, is Osaka’s most famous dish.
Cultural experiences in Osaka
Kama Sutra, a small karaoke bar in Higashi-Shinsaibashi, is a long-running local institution known for its friendly mix of locals and foreigners and its no-cover-charge, sing-your-heart-out atmosphere. For something quieter, Neko no Jikan, one of Japan’s original cat cafes, invites visitors to relax with resident cats over a coffee for a small fee – bookings are required a few days in advance.
Getting to Osaka
If you’re entering Japan via Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train is the way to get to Osaka. There are three types of train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: the Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi is the fastest and most frequent, covering the 397km between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo in under three hours; the Hikari and Kodama take slightly longer. Osaka also has its own international airport, so flying directly is an option too.
If you’re planning to travel more broadly around Japan, consider a Japan Rail Pass (JRP) once you arrive in Tokyo – it covers travel on trains, buses and even some ferries, including all three Shinkansen options on the Tokaido line.
