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 heritage architecture, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Tennoji Park featuring a pond, flowers and a park

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

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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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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. 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

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. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

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

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.

Spa World

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

Tsutenkaku Tower

Come to marvel at the tower that reaches to heaven and meet Billiken, the god of happiness and good luck.

Nipponbashi

During your trip to Osaka, you can do some window-shopping at Nipponbashi. While in this walkable area, you can savor the restaurants and coffeehouses.

Kuromon Ichiba Market which includes a city and interior views as well as a large group of people

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(251 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(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.

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.

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 Dōtombori Arcade. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station.

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.

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.

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