What to do in Osaka

Activities, attractions and tours

A bustling street with neon signs, a tower, and traditional lanterns.
A brightly lit street with colorful signs and a tall tower with illuminated text.
A street food stall with a red awning and Japanese signage.
A serene garden with a pond, vibrant pink flowers, and lush green trees.
A plate of sushi with various types of fish and rice.

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 1980 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.

Things to do


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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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A large globe with the word "UNIVERSAL" on it, surrounded by palm trees and flags.

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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A bustling urban river scene with illuminated buildings and a boat tour.

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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A large building with a colorful mosaic mural, a central yellow structure, and a blue sky.

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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A castle surrounded by autumn trees and a well-maintained park with neatly trimmed bushes.

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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An indoor swimming pool with ornate arches and columns, a tiled floor with geometric patterns, and a blue-lit ceiling.

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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A vibrant street with colorful signs and a prominent Ferris wheel in the background.

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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A busy indoor market with food stalls and people shopping.

What to do in Osaka


Stay near popular Osaka attractions

Where to stay in Osaka

Find the best Osaka areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Osaka
Learn more about Osaka

Umeda

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).

Namba

Namba is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Dotonbori and Namba Parks, and you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

Shinsaibashi

You'll love the popular shops in Shinsaibashi, and you might want to stick around to check out Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a top place to visit.

Minami

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

Kita

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living and Umeda Arts Theater are top sights in Kita, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Nakazakicho Station or Nakatsu Station to see more sights in the area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

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?
Planning what to do in Osaka with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

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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