Osaka
What you need to know before you go
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city, which has a unique identity characterized by a penchant for good food and lively fun. The 16th-century merchant city grew into an industrial powerhouse in the 20th century and has nowadays been transforming into a progressive modern arts hub. A plethora of galleries and futuristic architecture have been popping up, most prominently, the landmark Umeda Sky Building with its 2 towers linked by a sky bridge.
Osaka is home to some of Japan’s most interesting cultural attractions, including the National Bunraku Theatre which shows extraordinary traditional puppet shows. The city is roughly divided into 2 centres, north and south, and is easily navigable. Kita (north) Osaka is the main business district, accessible from Osaka and Umeda stations. Minami (south) Osaka is home to many malls, entertainment and nightlife venues, accessible via Namba and Shinsaibashi stations.
What to see & do in Osaka
Featured stories & fun stuffThe list of things to do in Osaka is almost endless, from film-themed amusement parks to gigantic historic castles, entertainment districts, animal experiences, parks, historic sightseeing, shopping and dining. This vibrant commercial center and thriving metropolis is the home of the world-famous Osaka Castle, with its onsite museum tracing the city’s history. You can visit Universal Studios Japan to ride thrill rides, play games and interact with your... Read more
12 Best Things to Do in Osaka
Osaka is a pulsating city covering a huge area so exploring all its attractions in a short period of time might not be possible. The key attractions include Osaka Castle, Dotonburi shopping landmark, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium and...10 Most Popular Shrines and Temples in Osaka
In Osaka you'll find many popular temples and shrines keeping alive the history of the area, as well as relics...10 Interesting Villages and Sights near Osaka
Osaka, Japan's second largest city, is the main hub of the Kansai region and there are plenty of places to...10 Most Instagrammable Places in Osaka
Osaka's most Instagrammable places are beautiful places, unique places, innovative places, interesting places, powerful places, breathtaking places. Osaka is a...12 Best Things to Do for Couples in Osaka
Osaka is an excellent town in Japan for couples to enjoy. From looking out across Osaka on a Ferris wheel...10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Osaka
Osaka has plenty of family-friendly sites to visit, attracting travelers with kids looking to enjoy a fun vacation in...10 Places Where Locals Love to Go in Osaka
Osaka is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Japan, with good reason. Many foreign tourists tend to hail Osaka...10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in the Osaka Neighborhood
If you're visiting Osaka in springtime, why not enjoy the spectacular views of the city's best cherry blossom spots? There...10 Best Parks in Osaka
Think of Osaka and you probably envisage a bustling city packed with shops and skyscrapers, but Osaka is also city...
Where & what to eat in Osaka
Many famous dishes from Japanese cuisine originated in Osaka, and it’s said that you can eat better here than anywhere in the country. Osaka is a place where food doesn’t need to be fancy to be enjoyed. Dishes like okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables) are great examples of the casual but delicious snacks and meals waiting for you in Osaka. Read more
10 Most Popular Streets in Osaka
Most people who visit Osaka look forward to the foodie delights that await them. Downtown Osaka is basically split into 2 main areas: the Kita (north) side around Osaka Station and Umeda, and the Minami (south) side around Shinsaibashi and...10 Best Local Dishes from Osaka
Osaka thrived as Japan’s center of commerce during the Edo era. With its strong financial background, the city became home...10 Great Restaurants in Osaka
Osaka is fondly known as the ‘kitchen of Japan’, and the regional capital of the Kansai region has an abundance...
Where to shop & what to buy in Osaka
Osaka has a fantastic fashion scene and you will never run out of places to shop here. Underground arcades, multistory malls, hipster boutiques, and tourist-friendly marketplaces are just some of the shopping experiences that await you in Osaka. The coolest shopping area in Osaka is probably America Mura (American Village) thanks to the thousands of hip boutiques selling items from all over the world. For electronics, head to Den... Read more
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Osaka
Osaka was historically a merchant city and has a reputation for good quality merchandise for all budgets. Plus, it has a population that loves to shop. From the warrens of underground shopping malls to the quaint high street boutiques, shopping...10 Best Shopping Malls in Osaka
In Osaka, the largest city in the Kansai region, new shopping malls and commercial complexes pop up one after another to compete as the city's best shopping destinations. People of all ages love to visit Osaka for the shopping, great...
Where to go & what to do at night in Osaka
Osaka has an amazing nightlife, with something for everyone to enjoy. Head to Shinsaibashi street for the best selection of cool bars and clubs, neon-lit scenes, and a hive of activity all night long. This is the central thoroughfare of an area called America-mura (American Village) owing to the many foreign influences that have shaped the region. Umeda is another popular area for nightlife in Osaka, with many... Read more
10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Osaka
Osaka is known as being a city of people who love good food and good fun. There are countless nightspots to discover, from high-class cocktail bars to grungy live houses to tiny, hole-in-the-wall whiskey bars. If...10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Osaka
Central Osaka is famous for its wide range of nightlife experiences, some of which are suitable for those traveling with children. Once the sun goes down, it's time to take in the famous neon signs of Dotonbori, spectacular night views...
Useful information
Information about Osaka covers what you need to know to make your travel experience a great one, from getting around to currency and special tips. When it comes to local travel, the Metro is the way to go. Public transport passes include the JR Pass, ICOCA card, PASMO card and Suica card. At least once while here, you should take a boat trip down the canal that runs through the... Read more
10 Most Popular Festivals and Events in Osaka
Osaka was once the dominant center of Japan and it still has a strong commercial culture and many traditional festivals and events. There are also music festivals especially popular with young people, attracting visitors from all over the country year...10 Things NOT To Do in Osaka
This list of mistakes to avoid in Osaka cover many situations you’ll likely find yourself in when visiting Japan’s bustling...Osaka Travel Essentials
Our Osaka Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of...