What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Osaka Prefecture

Types of activities

Where to stay

Osaka Prefecture travel guide

Shitennoji Temple showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and heritage architecture

Osaka featuring flowers and a park as well as a small group of people

Dotonbori which includes street scenes and signage

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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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Universal Studios Japan® featuring a statue or sculpture and a fountain as well as children

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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Dotonbori featuring outdoor art and cbd as well as a large group of people

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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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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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan featuring marine life

5. Tsutenkaku Tower

Tsūtenkaku Tower is a landmark building that marks the spiritual heart of Osaka’s central business district. Spend some time admiring the architecture of the eight-sided tower or climb to its summit for incredible views across the city.

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Looming over the heart of Osaka’s central business district is one of the tallest structures in the city, where you can meet the god of happiness, Billiken.

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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Spa World showing interior views, a pool and rides

7. Kuromon Market

At Kuromon Ichiba, Osaka's premier street food market, collect fresh vegetables, seafood or exotic meats for a meal at home. Sample fine produce that would please any gourmet.

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Follow scents of spices and smoked goods into the covered alleyway of this bustling food market. Its popularity with chefs has earned it the nickname Osaka’s Kitchen.

What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Discover the most popular places to visit in Osaka Prefecture

Universal Studios Japan

Watch theatrical shows, meet lovable mascots and go on exhilarating rides at this extensive movie-focused theme park.

Dotonbori

Experience the colorful neon heart of Osaka along this canal, where travelers, couples and entertainment seekers throng the streets.

Kyocera Dome Osaka

Catch an event at Kyocera Dome Osaka during your trip to Osaka. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Osaka Castle

Engage with Japan's rich history at this 16th-century site, where dramatic battlegrounds have made way for a peaceful park with cherry trees.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Experience the diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific in this comprehensive aquarium, which hosts otters, penguins, seals and even whale sharks.

Tsutenkaku Tower

Looming over the heart of Osaka’s central business district is one of the tallest structures in the city, where you can meet the god of happiness, Billiken.

Spa World

Relax in world culture-themed spas, recharge with medicinal saunas and play around in a water park at this comprehensive health retreat.

Nipponbashi

During your trip to Osaka, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Nipponbashi. While in this walkable area, you can savour the restaurants and cafes.

Kuromon Market

Follow scents of spices and smoked goods into the covered alleyway of this bustling food market. Its popularity with chefs has earned it the nickname Osaka’s Kitchen.

Explore areas of Osaka Prefecture

Namba

4.5/5(291 area reviews)

With thrilling amusement arcades, underground bars, neon billboards and second-hand shopping, this dynamic district never ceases to surprise.

Umeda

4.5/5(32 area reviews)

Umeda is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Herbis Plaza and Osaka Shiki Theater. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nishi-Umieda Station or Umeda Station (Hanshin).

Shinsaibashi

Experience a shopper’s paradise and symbol of downtown Osaka as you explore the bustling arcade where brightly colored storefronts display the latest fashion trends.

Minami

4/5(20 area reviews)

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.

Kita

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

Travellers love Kita for its popular shops, and you can see more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nakazakicho Station or Nakatsu Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Osaka Museum of Housing and Living and Umeda Arts Theater.

Chuo

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

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.

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