Things 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 skyline, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

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

Dotonbori featuring 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 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 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

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

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 featuring a pool, interior views and a day spa

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

What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Popular places to visit

Universal Studios Japan

4.5/5(88 reviews)

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.

Osaka Castle

4.5/5(216 reviews)

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

Kyocera Dome Osaka

4/5(16 reviews)

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

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

4.5/5(77 reviews)

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

Tsutenkaku Tower

4/5(88 reviews)

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

Nipponbashi

4/5(68 reviews)

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.

Spa World

3.5/5(7 reviews)

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

Kuromon Market

4.5/5(40 reviews)

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.

Areas of Osaka Prefecture

Namba

4.5/5(309 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(12 area reviews)

Umeda is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Herbis Plaza and Sankei Hall Breeze. 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

4.5/5(27 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(70 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(55 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.