Things to Do in Osaka

Top Things to Do in Osaka

Things to Do in Osaka


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Osaka.


Top Attractions in Osaka

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.





*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Linda Valencia
    Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The air is very cool in the morning, the environment is very clean and there are lots of various culinary delights or enjoy the busy night by taking a boat across the river. There are many food sellers here, especially at night. Very happy and really like it.
    Written February 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stevenjb
    Cambridge, UK94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I think it’s been noted a few times, the queues at this park are insane. During the days The Flying Dinosaur; Hollywood Dream; Harry Potter and the seasonal overlay of Space Fantasy were all well over two hours all day with the latter up to four hours at one point.

    But, this park isn’t all about the rides. It’s about the experience, the shows and the detail which really make these parks a great place to go. I also feel like the park has a great vibe, no pushing or shoving and everyone is just having a good time.

    Yes, you will have to queue for absolutely everything but there’s always something to look at or just have fun soaking up the atmosphere.

    A few things Universal really need to do here though are: announce the Spider-Man replacement as the left hand side of the park is horrifically quiet compared to the right; bring back additional parades as this helps soak up the crowds and; allow guests to exit and reenter so Citywalk can be used throughout the day.

    Little tip to anyone, use the 1.5 day pass as it allows you to get your bearing and do some of the sideline attractions and be sure to keep an eye on queues, the lines shut before park close depending on how long they are. For example, Hollywood Dream shut over 2.5 hours before park close to ensure the lines weren’t there too long after close.
    Written March 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erico2709
    Singapore, Singapore2,401 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The design of the aquarium is quite clever. It is in a rectangular spiral so you start from the top and start to see the underwater animals as you make your way down. I would say the main draw are the whale sharks but other than that, the rest of the marine animals are so-so. I would say no more than 2 hrs will be sufficient. I will advise to book in advance we they enter you by timing. If you just show up, likely you can only get entry tickets to enter ~ 1 hr later.
    Written February 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erico2709
    Singapore, Singapore2,401 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unlike most of the other historical exhibits or museums we had visited, here in Osaka castle they have English translation so you can follow the route and pause to read their background and explanations. You can either start from the bottom and climb the stairs to the observatory or queue for the lift to the very top and walk down floor by floor.
    Written February 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emma C
    Godalming, UK2,360 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The park and moat surrounding Osaka-Jo are very pretty and a real oasis in the craziness of Osaka. We were there in autumn, so it looked extra lovely with the leaves starting to turn. The other thing that caught my eye is that it was full of locals picnicking, wandering, painting, or running around with their kids. It's definitely a nice space for time away from the hustle and bustle.
    Written December 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore8,646 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must visit place in downtown Osaka where one can simply spend a day here to see, shop and eat! And the place is always fulled of visitors, adding vibes and vibrancy to the place.

    In our recent revisit to Osaka, we also went there and as we were there early (around 10am), it was not that crowded then but in about an hour's time, it's packed with people.

    Lots of cafes, restaurants, eateries, departmental stores, among the boutique, pharmacy and convenience stores are in the area and so you need not worry where to shop or eat!
    Written December 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RoyalSilk
    Edgware, UK305 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of those "observatory" visits one must do when visiting a city with a high tower but this one is a bit different in the way they basically constructed a massive viewing platform suspended between two towers. The novel nature of the construction makes it more interesting than usual and the ability to go outside, similarly. At 1500 Yen it's a bit more pricey than other things in Japan but compared to other world cities, the experience is quite cheap. It cost us four times as much to go up the Shanghai Tower.
    Written March 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheOExpress🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇭🇰
    Hong Kong, China4,584 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    …to explore, especially the narrower backstreets. Loads of different restaurants to find plus the big shopping centres and shrines everyone knows already.
    Written January 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rememr
    Singapore, Singapore956 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for a shrine/temple that is near Osaka city, that is not located in the outskirts or in Kyoto, consider Sumiyoshi Taisha. I took about 30min to travel here from my hotel via metro and tram. Very quiet, has many locals visiting to pray and covers quite a huge space with different dedicated areas: the three temples, fortune cat house, stone talisman making area (forgive me I'm not sure of the actual name), pond, talisman shop. There are also some food carts located right at the entrance of the Taisha. I spent about an hour here slowly walking around and stopping at times.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore8,646 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you like to buy, eat or see fresh seafood or local food and yet at a more reasonable prices (than supermarkets), probably this is the place to come. There are many shops selling these foods throughout the market and you can even buy them and get the shop to cook for you instantly to eat on the spot!

    It's a good place to visit to get to learn and experience locals' lifestyle and culture and there were so much to see, shop, and eat. In our recent revisit to Osaka, we came back to this market!

    And it was around 5pm when we arrived and the market was still very crowded, although a number of shops had ceased operations for the day. Many locals, rushed here to get their groceries home while tourists came here to sightsee and shop.

    We bought quite a number of items here (fresh fruits and bento sets) and walked about 5mins to Nipponbashi metro station to take the train back to Umeda where our hotel was located.

    It was a fun and interesting shopping experience here!
    Written December 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cat C
    United Kingdom448 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Most reviewers have already written most of what there is to say about the wheel. It's a lot less to ride in the non-transparent gondolas. The view is just as good and all that you will miss is transparency beneath your feet. Also, the lines for the transparent gondolas is very very long.
    Gorgeous at night and you will certainly capture some amazing photos.
    Written October 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 誠人 田
    21 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is recommended for shopping in Umeda. There are many types of shops. And sometimes celebrities hold pop-up stores for a limited time.
    Written October 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Osaka