Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka, is known as a grittier, sassier, and somewhat more manageable alternative to Tokyo (it’s about a quarter of its size!). It’s also rightly proud of its distinct food culture, and many things to do in Osaka revolve around eating, drinking, cooking, or shopping for food. Although the city was largely destroyed in World War II, the reconstructed Osaka Castle remains a must-visit city landmark, and various unusual modern buildings provide interest to the skyline–and places to take in the views.
April and May are excellent months for visiting Osaka. Temperatures are warm, there’s little rainfall, and in early April you can see the cherry blossoms. Spring is, however, also Osaka’s busiest season, so be prepared for crowds. Summer is uncomfortably hot and humid, but it is also festival season. The dazzling Tenjin Matsuri—which starts in late July and is one of Japan’s most famous festivals—includes everything from floats and food to fireworks and bonfires on boats.
Osaka has an excellent public transportation system. Trains and subways are typically more useful for visitors than buses; a prepaid IC card (a rechargeable card) such as Pasmo or Suica is the best way to pay your fare. If you’ll be traveling a lot on a given day, consider a 1-Day Pass that allows unlimited rides on subways and buses. You can also choose the Osaka Amazing Pass, which includes unlimited bus and train travel along with entry to more than 40 attractions.
Osaka’s most famous local specialty is takoyaki (octopus in fried dough), and it’s available everywhere from street stalls to restaurants. Once you’ve tried takoyaki from a few different spots, head over to Takohachi, a restaurant in Tennoji, to try some akashiyaki. This specialty, which originated in Hyōgo Prefecture, is a lighter version of the Osaka favorite. It is made with an egg-rich batter and is dipped in a light dashi broth instead slathered in mayonnaise.
Attractions 38 | Tours 381 | Reviews 725 |
Ichi is an office worker-turned-tour guide in Osaka, his home city. Here, the locals have a reputation for being comedians (just joking) and the food is some of the best in Japan.
go to Dotombori and eat takoyaki (fried balls stuffed with octopus) on the street.
starts in Shinsekai with Smart Ball, a pinball-esque arcade game, and a okonomiyaki (savory pancake). Afterwards, visit the Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, and walk to the Namba neighborhood.
the Osaka Castle. The tower, moat, stone walls, and park that surrounds the castle are beautiful.
go to Karahori Shopping Street, which still has a traditional vibe. Visit salted kelp and green tea shops; browse at local supermarkets; and eat at affordable noodle restaurants alongside Osakans.
go to the observation deck of the Umeda Sky building that was ranked as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
is thinking Osakans are all both stingy and funny. We’re frugal, sure, but we won’t all make you laugh. And Osaka Castle wasn’t rebuilt by Samurai!
Osaka is known for its friendly, down-to-earth residents, lively nightlife, and outstanding street food. The takoyaki (balls of octopus in fried dough) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) served by Osaka’s street vendors are some of the best in Japan. The Dotonbori canal and Osaka Castle are two of Osaka’s best-known attractions.
...MoreEat your way around Osaka’s street food stalls, make new friends at the neon-fronted bars around glittering Dotonbori, go shopping in the retro-futuristic America Mura, explore ancient temples and the 16th-century Osaka Castle, and get sweeping views of the city from the towering Umeda Sky Building.
...MoreWhile you could easily spend a week or two in Oska without getting bored, three days should be enough time to see all of the main attractions, get a feel for the city, enjoy the restaurant scene and nightlife, and even take a day trip to Nara or Himeji Castle.
...MoreOsaka’s greatest asset is its people. Osakans are typically more casual and blunt than people elsewhere in Japan. They also are known for their sense of humor and distinctive accent (Osaka-ben). So take a seat at a bar and get chatting with some locals: it may be the highlight of your trip.
...MoreOsakans are famous for their sense of humor, so it’s no wonder that the city is home to a number of comedy clubs. Japanese-speakers can enjoy traditional rakugo (one-man storytelling) at the Rakugo Theater Tenma Tenjin Hanjo Tei, while English-speakers can head for the exclusively English ROR Comedy Club.
...MoreNo. While Osaka does have a higher crime rate than most Japanese cities, it is a very safe destination to visit compared to American or European cities of its size. However, visitors should keep their wits about them in and around Tobita Shinchi (the red light district), and preferably not drink alone in the area’s bars.
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