What 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

฿5,581
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Japan® Theme Park Admission with Transportation
teamLab, Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden - Solidified Light Color, Sunrise and Sunset

TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket

฿827
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

฿397
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

฿1,014
per adult
Osaka: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Osaka: Roaming Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan

Osaka: Roaming Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan

฿86
per traveller
100% of travellers recommend
Osaka: Roaming Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience

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

฿3,971
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kyoto 5-Star Geisha Night Walk: Small-Group Authentic Experience
Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental with Optional Photo Session

Kyoto Gion Kimono Rental

฿923
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 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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An indoor swimming pool with ornate arches and columns, a tiled floor with geometric patterns, and a blue-lit ceiling.

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 at night with illuminated signs and traditional lanterns.

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 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

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 castle with a green roof, surrounded by stone walls and lush greenery.

Chuo

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.

Day trip destinations from Osaka

A serene park with a pond, neatly trimmed bushes, and trees.

Ibaraki

A museum exhibit with various vintage bicycles on display.

Sakai

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings, a prominent tower, and a green-lit bridge.

Kobe

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

Kyoto

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

Amagasaki

A pathway lined with trees, including a prominent tree with pink blossoms.
Photo by Yanajin33 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Fujiidera

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

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.