Osaka Travel Tips
Osaka (大阪, Ōsaka), Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, has been the Kansai region's economic hub for centuries. Historically known as Naniwa, it was Japan's first capital before the Nara Period, when the capital shifted with each new emperor.
In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle, and the city was poised to become Japan's political center. However, after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa Ieyasu ended the Toyotomi lineage and moved the capital to Edo (now Tokyo), changing the course of history.
Attractions
See all- Neighborhoods:
- Namba —
- Shinsekai —
- Umeda —
- Chuo —
- Shinsekai —
- Osaka Bay Area —
- Amerikamura —
- Den Den Town
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1Universal StudiosPopular theme park at Osaka's waterfront
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2Osaka AquariumOne of Japans most impressive aquariums
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3Osaka CastleReplica of the original castle
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4Sumiyoshi TaishaHead shrine of all Sumiyoshi Shrines
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5Osaka Museum of HistoryEngaging exhibits and castle views
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6Shitennoji TempleOldest temple, pagoda, historical significance
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7Abeno HarukasSkyscraper with observation deck
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8Osaka StationModern transportation hub with shopping
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9Bunraku TheaterVenue for Japanese puppet theater plays
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10Minoo ParkForested park with waterfall
Events
Tours
See allBook tours in Osaka through our trusted partner, Viator, for great service and prices. When clicking on one of the links below, you will be redirected to their website.
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$249Nara private tour (Shore excursion available from Osaka or Kobe port)Nara was an ancient capital of Japan from 710 to 784. You'll explore peaceful shrines, Great buddha hall in Nara park and amazing Japanese garden called Isuien.
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$10Audio Guide App Japan Tokyo Kyoto Takayama Kanazawa Nikko and othersAudioguided Routes throughout Japan Audio guides with 6 languages available (Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, French, English.) Walking routes in the diffe
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$276Private Full-Day Guided Tour in Yoshino, Japanese MountainCome with us to visit Yoshino Town on a private day tour! It is an opportunity for us to visit a country village and breathe the clean mountain air, especially
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$615Private Hiace Hire in Kansai Area Osaka English Speaking DriverThis tour offers a dedicated car with driver to travel around Kansai Area. Suggested Itinerary: Osaka Area: Hotel in Osaka -> Osaka Castle -> Osaka Bay Area
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$90Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local EateriesYour guide Andy-Kenji or friend(tour featured on Netflix's Someone Feed Phil" in the 7th season), has extensive knowledge of the local foodie scene...you'll go
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$47Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots and Hidden Gems Private or Group ToursKickstart your day or night Osaka walking adventure with this tour featured on Channel 5 British TV on the hugely popular series "Jane McDonald In Japan", chose
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$297Hiroshima & Miyajima 1 Day Bus Tour with Shinkansen Train Tickets・This tour is conducted by an English-speaking guide only. ・Explore Hiroshima city with a Tour bus and a comfortable air-conditioned. ・An assistant will b
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$90Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour (15 Dishes) - Feast Like a LocalLed by Andy, Scott or Tim, your experienced & fully bilingual guides, you will be offered an authentic foodie experience in the hidden gem of Shinsekai. With yo
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$90Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour (Castle, Dotonbori) GROUP OR PRIVATEWeave through the streets of this fabled city with an experienced guide who will start your Osaka journey with tales of local history, quirky facts & a healthy
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$82Private Osaka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% PersonalisedDiscover the authentic heart of Osaka with a private, fully personalized walking tour tailored to your interests. This isn’t just about visiting landmarks—i
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Itineraries
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14 days in Japan Itinerary 14 Days $3500 -
7-day itinerary for Japan 7 Days $2500 -
8 days in tokyo osaka kyoto and nara a partner trip travelers must see adventure 8 Days $1200 -
Discovering Japan's Beauty in 21 Days 21 Days $5000 -
Ultimate 9-Day Itinerary for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji 9 Days $1500 -
Discovering Japan's Must-See Spots in 21 Days 21 Days $2500 -
Een solo reis door Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto en Osaka 10 Days $1500 -
Een reis door traditioneel en modern Japan 12 Days $2500 -
Een Solo Avontuur door Tokyo en Kyoto 16 Days $2500 -
10 day itinerary to Tokyo,Osaka and Kyoto 10 Days $2500
Nearby
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1KyotoKyoto was for a 1000 years the capital of Japan
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2NaraKnown as Japan's first capital
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3HimejiKnown for its most beautiful castle in Japan
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4UjiCity south of Kyoto known for its temple and tea
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5KobeHarbor city, recovered from the 1995 earthquake
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6Iga UenoKnown for its rich history and ninja heritage
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7YoshinoJapan's most famous cherry blossom spot
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8Asuka and SakuraiThe cradle of Japanese civilization
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9OsakaOsaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan
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10KoyasanMountain town known for its impressive temples
Reviews
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5/5 - Excellent
The Osaka pancake is a must try!
2 months ago — by Emma