Discover Osaka

Experience the energy of Osaka, one of the world's largest metropolises and Japan's second-largest city. With countless shopping opportunities and fascinating history to explore, be sure to plan a multi-day stay in order to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this captivating city.

Things to see and do

Tours and Activities

FAQs

Getting around in Osaka

The best way to get around in Osaka is by public transportation, though many sights can be reached on foot. 
 

Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around easily:

  • Osaka One-Day Enjoy Eco Card
    • Coverage: all subway lines, city buses and the New Tram within the Osaka area
    • Duration: 1 day
    • Price: 600 Yen on weekdays, 800 Yen on weekends
    • Where to buy: all subway stations in Osaka

 

  • Osaka Amazing Pass
    • Coverage:
      • All subway lines and city buses within Osaka
      • Free admission to Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building
    • Duration: 1 day or 2 days
    • Price: 2700 Yen or 3600 Yen
    • Where to buy:


 

Getting to Osaka

Rail Passes:

 

Bus Passes:

 

Rental Cars:

 

Nearest Airport:
The nearest and most convenient airport is Kansai international airport. 

  • by car: approximately 50 minutes
  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour

How long to stay in Osaka

We recommend staying here between three and four days.
 

Hotels in Osaka

Flights to Osaka

Seasonal information

Scenic rides:

  • Ogawa Air: click here for the most up-to-date information.

  • Aqualiner Cruise: click here for the most up-to-date information.

  • Santamaria Ferry: click here for the most up-to-date information.

  • Nakanoshima River Cruise: click here for the most up-to-date information.

  • Osaka Duck Tour: click here for the most up-to-date information.

 

Cherry blossoms: 

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year. 

Festivals in Osaka

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

 

  • Umeda Yukata Festival

    • Date: July 13th until August 12th

    • Time: 13:00 - 20:00
       

  • Tenjin Festival

    • Date: July 23rd

    • Time: 12:00 - 17:00
       

  • Ikune Shrine Summer Festival Daigaku Festival

    • Date: July 24th and 25th
       

  • Sumiyoshi Festival

    • Date: July 30th until August 1st
       

  • Shinnouji Sennichiki Festival

    • Date: August 9th and 10th

    • Time: 09:00 - 21:00
       

  • Tennouji Urabone Mantokuyo Festival

    • Date: August 9th until 16th

    • Time: 08:00 - 21:00
       

  • Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

    • Date: August 10th

    • Time: 19:40 - 20:40
       

  • Hozenji Yokocho Festival

    • Date: August 10th and 11th

    • Time: 14:00 - 21:00
       

  • Toyokuni Shrine Taiko Festival

    • Date: August 18th

    • Time: 10:00 - 11:00
       

  • Tenjin Tenma Awa Dance Festival

    • Date: August 18th

    • Time: 14:30 - 17:00
       

  • Shorenji no Kaseki Festival

    • Date: August 26th
       

  • Koiya Festival

    • Date: September 7th and 8th

    • Time: 10:00 - 20:00
       

  • TV Osaka Yatai Festival

    • Date: September 13th until September 16th

    • Time: 10:00 - 20:00
       

  • Midosuji Illuminations

    • Date: November 4th until December 31st

    • Time: 17:00 - 23:00

Getting mobile data in Japan

Day trips from Osaka

Journey to Mount Ikoma, the focal point of Ikoma's attractions. Choose between taking the cable car or hiking up the mountain, making sure to pass by the majestic Hozanji Temple. ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 18.06

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Just north of Osaka lies Minoo, a city that boasts one of the oldest parks in Japan. Explore Minoo Park, with its walking trails, temples, and the famous Minoo Falls ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 19.93

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Kobe, a city deeply rooted in history and tradition, is home to an abundance of cultural locations that are simply waiting to be discovered. As the capital of the Hyōgo ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 28.88

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Discover the often-overlooked Oyamazaki, located just outside of Kyoto. This hidden gem boasts several intriguing sights and museums that provide an engaging insight into Japan's rich history and culture. Don't ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 29.90

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Less than an hour from Kyoto, discover the historical city of Nara, where friendly deer roam the streets, gardens, and temple grounds. As a former capital, Nara boasts beautiful historical ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 30.30

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Uji, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a wide array of ancient and religious temples, beautiful parks, local shopping streets, and even a water park to cool off ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 37.30

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As a former seat of the imperial court and a cultural capital, Kyoto offers an endless array of attractions for visitors. From the numerous historical sights and monuments to the ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 44.64

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Awaji Island, renowned for its traditional puppet theater, offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. The breathtaking Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge connects Awaji to Kobe and showcases stunning views of the surrounding ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 46.58

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Visit Yoshino in Nara, a quaint, small village famous for its annual cherry blossom display. The village also features world-class temples and a ropeway that leads to unique viewpoints of ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 47.12

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Koyasan is revered as one of Japan's most significant religious sites, being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism. Immerse yourself in this sacred atmosphere by spending a night at one of ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 51.37

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