Overview
Osaka is Japan’s food and entertainment city: lively, friendly and less formal than Tokyo or Kyoto. Dotonbori’s neon canal, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan are the big draws.
It is also a convenient base for Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, and Kansai International Airport makes it an easy start or end point.
- Region
- Kansai
- Stay
- 2 nights, or 3 with Universal Studios Japan.
When to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). Summer is hot and humid; winter is mild.
How long and getting there
How long: 2 nights, or 3 with Universal Studios Japan.
Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Kansai International Airport is about an hour away.
Highlights
- Dotonbori. The neon-lit canal and street food district, best after dark.
- Osaka Castle. The landmark castle and its park, beautiful in blossom season.
- Universal Studios Japan. Including Super Nintendo World. Book tickets early.
- Umeda Sky Building. City views from the floating garden observatory.
- Day trips. Nara’s deer and great Buddha (45 minutes), or Kobe (30 minutes).
Vegetarian and Jain food
Osaka’s famous street foods, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, are usually made with seafood, meat or dashi. Osaka also has a good number of Indian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, which we plan in advance.
Theme parks and family days out
- Universal Studios Japan. Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more. Allow a full day, and book dated tickets and Express Passes early.
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. One of Japan’s largest aquariums, with whale sharks, near the bay.
- KidZania Koshien. Role-play city for children in Nishinomiya, between Osaka and Kobe.
Opening days, prices and ticket rules change through the year. We book dated tickets in advance as part of your itinerary.
Combine with
Kyoto and Nara, and it is a natural last stop before flying home from Kansai Airport.
Sample journeys that include Osaka
Other regions
Questions people ask
Is Universal Studios Japan worth it?
For families with children and teenagers, yes. It needs a full day, and dated tickets plus express passes sell out in busy periods, so we book ahead.