What to do in Osaka

Activities, attractions and tours

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes
Dotonbori which includes boating, a city and a river or creek
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city
Shinsekai featuring night scenes, street scenes and outdoor eating

Osaka Attractions

Always up for an enlightening experience and inventive ways to get your kicks, you're prepared to check out an exciting city from top to bottom. You're ready to set course in a new direction. It's not challenging to fill your time, because Expedia Canada makes it easy to book lots of things to do. Find and book your activities today, and all you'll have left to do is pack your suitcase and get excited. Next stop: Osaka!

  • Book your favourite activities and day trips on Expedia Canada for significant savings, and you'll still have money for a top hotel or upscale meal while you're visiting. The things to do in Osaka are not only among the best, but they won't cost an arm and a leg. We have 1637 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just CA $4 .
  • Osaka is popular among thrill seekers similar to yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to the area to learn about local history and participate in the best activities. The most popular things to do can earn the interest of even well-versed explorers, and one look at our list explains why. Our collection includes a wide range of entertainment and opportunities for adventure. From one-of-a kind ways to discover the best this area has to give like a Self-Guided Himeji Castle Tour to Shared Shuttle: Kansai International Airport (KIX)–Kyoto that makes driving around town a snap, there are loads of opportunities at your fingertips when you glance through the best tours here at Expedia Canada.

Our activities are the ideal way to organize your getaway. You'll want a game plan to really get the most out of Osaka, particularly when you wish to include lots of exciting activities. And we know you don't plan to sleep all day—you are excited to get out and take it all in. You can't wait to scope out the best activities around, and an afternoon walking through charming neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Book professional area tours on Expedia Canada, and you may find all that you are seeking and more.


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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 rides and signage as well as a large group of people

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 which includes boating, a city and a river or creek

3. 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 showing marine life

4. 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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Osaka park and castle

5. 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 featuring a pool, interior views and a day spa

6. 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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Tsutenkaku Tower showing a city, cbd and signage

7. Umeda Sky Building

Looking up the glistening sides of the 567-foot (173-meter) of the Umeda Sky Building, you’ll get a real sense of the extraordinary lengths of human achievement. Enjoy the area, the building and its nostalgic market restaurants, or take a deep breath and step out onto the Floating Garden Observatory rooftop.
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Osaka featuring modern architecture and a city

8. 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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Kuromon Ichiba Market showing interior views and shopping as well as a small group of people

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What to do in Osaka


Discover the most popular places to visit in Osaka

Explore areas of Osaka

Namba which includes a city

Namba

4.5/5(251 area reviews)

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

Namba
Umeda which includes a city and night scenes

Umeda

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Major commercial and entertainment hub, Umeda offers shopping, dining, sports centers, and movie theaters. Don't miss the HEP Five Ferris wheel, Umeda Sky Building, and the underground city with retailers and eateries.

Umeda
Shinsaibashi showing street scenes

Shinsaibashi

Discover Osaka's main shopping hub, featuring the covered Shinsaibashi-suji street and Amerika-mura, a youth culture hotspot. Shop at luxury brands and popular stores, easily accessible via subway stations.

Shinsaibashi
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city

Minami

4/5(20 area reviews)

Minami is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Osaka minami move on arena. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station.

Minami
Umeda Sky Building showing modern architecture and a skyscraper

Kita

4.5/5(57 area reviews)

Explore Nakanoshima Park, Yodogawa riverside park, and numerous other green spaces, while visiting attractions like Osaka Temmangu Shrine and Osaka Science Museum. Enjoy shopping at Hanshin Department Store and easily navigate with multiple transport options.

Kita
Osaka Castle featuring a city

Chuo

4.5/5(61 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.

Chuo

 

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Day trip destinations from Osaka

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?
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.

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