Region
Kansai
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Osaka
Population
8,804,806

Osaka

The metropolitan heart of Kansai

Japan's second smallest prefecture is the economic and commercial hub of the Kansai region.

Osaka Prefecture lies at the center of the Kansai region and has one of Japan’s highest population densities. It’s dominated by the futuristic neon spectacle of its capital city Osaka, and functions as the main gateway to the surrounding region via the Kansai International Airport.

Osaka City

dotonbori osaka

Snap a photo with the Glico Pocky Man

As the prefectural capital, the city is home to numerous tourist attractions that could easily take up an entire day of exploring. Start your day with a stroll on the grounds of Osaka Castle. With over 500 years of history the castle serves as one of the most important historical landmarks in the entire prefecture.

A short train ride away are the entertainment districts of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, where tourists can gorge themselves on all of what “Japan’s Kitchen” has to offer. First timers shouldn’t miss out on Kushikatsu, Okonomiyaki, and Takoyaki to name a few. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the giant Glico man while you’re there.

Arguably one of the best night views you’ll find in the city is right at Umeda Sky Building. Located nearby Osaka Station, this is an attraction not for the faint of heart. Watch the busy streets of Osaka from above as the sunset caps off your day of exploring.

Hiking in Osaka

minoh falls osaka

End your hike with a view of Mino Waterfall.

To see a more rustic side of Osaka prefecture, there are a handful of outdoor trails that await nature lovers.

Mount Kongo is the area’s highest mountain and is popular with hikers testing their boots along the four-kilometer route to the summit. At the top of the mountain it has been said that on a clear day hikers might be able to see Kobe and Awaji Island. Mount Kongo is also part of the Diamond Trail, a long hiking route that is also associated with mountains of neighboring prefectures.

Mino also offers some nice hiking trails and is the western starting point of the long-distance Tokai Nature Trail which runs all the way from Osaka to Tokyo. Attributed as somewhat of a national park, Mino has something for all sorts of travelers. From onsen resorts to great craft beer and the most beautiful autumn foliage, a quiet half day trip to this quiet sanctuary away from the city might just be what you need.

Sakai City

MOZU TOMBS OSAKA

Photo by: JNTO A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.

For those looking for an easy day trip, to the north of the prefectural capital is Sakai City. Most famous for its “kofun,” large ancient burial mounds surrounded by moats where Japan’s ruling elite were laid to rest. These burial sites became a World Heritage site in 2019 for their historical significance and unique keyhole shape. Sakai is also a center of Japanese sword and knife making—pick up a better value blade here than in the capital.

Plan your trip to Osaka using the locations down below!

Trivia

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Did you know Osaka was the birthplace of Cup Noodles?

It's true! Visit the Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda, Osaka to customize your own instant ramen.

More

Places to visit

Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka

Namba Yasaka Shrine

This secret shrine is Osaka in a nutshell.

Toka Ebisu Festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka Japan

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

Don’t miss out on one of Osaka’s most exciting New Year's festivals at this beloved shrine.


Sumiyoshi bridge

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

One of western Japan’s oldest shrines.

Shitennoji Temple Osaka Japan

Shitenno-ji Temple

One of Japan's oldest temples where you'll find the cutest pond of turtles and occasionally naked men.


Senko-ji Temple

The road to hell isn’t paved with good intentions, but with fruit stalls and toy shops.

Kansai Rainbow Festa

Good food, good people and a fun-loving atmosphere... exactly what the region is known for.


Universal Studios Japan

The world's best ride, a wizarding wonderland and guardian minions. As if you needed another reason to visit Osaka.

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Visit the birthplace of everyone's favorite instant meal, and even make your own!


Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Come on ride the shrine, and ride it... At the most dangerous festival in Kansai!

The Tomb of Emperor Nintoku (Daisen Kofun)

A distinct keyhole-shaped burial mound that's considered the largest in the world. Exactly who’s buried here, however, is a bit of a mystery.


Tenjin Festival

In the heart of Osaka, this thrilling festival is one of the Top 3 in all of Japan.

Mino

A gorgeous natural getaway right in Osaka’s backyard.


Fukushima

Get to know this hip Osaka neighborhood with Michelin-ranked restaurants, and strange architecture.

Shotengai in Nishinari, Osaka.

Nishinari

The “Skid Row” of Osaka may be a dream for budget-conscious tourists, but is it safe?


Daruma dolls at Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka

Katsuo-ji Temple

Tucked away in Osaka, this is where winners get their luck and the rest of us get to take in the exceptional scenery.

Tenma

A neighborhood where Osaka’s lively personality is always on full display.


Nakazakicho

A hipster haven in an Osaka neighborhood unchanged since before WWII.

beauty blender osaka lgbt

Beauty Blenda Osaka

Slay girl, slay at this hilarious monthly drag show in Osaka.


PC Bar and Retro Station

PC and Retro Bar Space Station

The dimly lit walls, illuminated only by colorful neon strips of light and the glow of television screens, are decorated with decades-old game packaging and vintage arcade boards. The bar is covered...

Shippo MAIN LGBT

Shippo

A home away from home for Osaka’s lesbian community.  


Mount Kongo

Hiking to the top of Osaka's highest mountain.

Sakia Knife Osaka

Handcrafted Knives of Sakai

Old industrial town on the outskirts of Osaka, from where famous chefs of the world source their knives.


Farplane

Kink, weirdos and wonder at Osaka’s most otherworldly bar.

The Silver Ball Planet

Go Back to the Future at this retro pinball arcade in the heart of Osaka’s American village.


Namba in Dotonbori Osaka, Japan

Namba

The craziest most colorful district in Osaka is a must-see for anyone traveling to Japan.

Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, Japan

Umeda

Cool meets commercial in Osaka.


Countries That Cannot Enter Japan Due To COVID-19

Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport)

Kansai International Airport may be bigger, but this is your starting or ending point for short trips around Japan.

Village

Where energy lives.


G Physique

One of Osaka’s friendliest gay bars.

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport

Your gateway from central and southern Japan to the world.


Osaka Castle Park

Graced by royalty.

osaka castle

Osaka Castle

An enduring symbol of the vibrant city's dramatic past.


Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

Get your fill of chill here!

Ashiharabashi Up Market

A monthly market with amazing handmade wares and even better vibes.


Frenz Frenzy

Osaka’s 'gayest' bar where Lady Gaga showed her poker face!

Don Quixote Ferris Wheel (Ebisu Tower)

Osaka’s funkiest ride.


Explosion

Revel in music, dancing, drag, and good times at Osaka’s most explosive gay club.

Lady Killer

Get down at Osaka’s largest and most uninhibited ladies-only club event.


Otaue Rice Planting Festival

It is believed the dancing and music will enhance the vitality of the rice grains.

Doyamacho: Osaka’s Gay District

Home of Osaka and western Japan's gay district!


Abiko Kannon-ji

The temple has one of Osaka's biggest fire fests.

WaaGwaan

Osaka’s friendliest lesbian bar features vegan menu items and fresh fruit cocktails!


Kishiwada Castle

A Japanese castle with a garden based on a Chinese story.

Hirakata Park

Seeking retro theme park thrills, this Osaka amusement park is a must-see!


Osaka Den Den Town

Osaka Den Den Town

 Many of us may have overlooked the “Otaku Oasis” that is Osaka Den Den Town

Namba parks, Osaka

Namba Parks

Whether its brand fashions, imported goods, or those harder to find rarities, Namba Parks has something for everyone.


Orange Street

Osaka’s secret center of cool.

Osaka Expo City

It’s not a theme park, but then again, maybe it should be. We can’t think of another place where you could pack more into one day in the area.


Kanshin-ji

Kanshin-ji Temple

A samurai's head was sent here and buried in a special grave. Discover honor and tradition tucked away in Osaka.

Osaka science museum

Osaka Science Museum

The planetarium’s main dome has a radius of almost 27 meters, making it the largest in Japan and the seventh largest in the world.


Savor Farm

Fruit picking in Osaka: Getting a little dirty is part of the fun!

Club Circus Nightclub in Osaka Japan

Club Circus

The art of clubbing in the outrageous Osaka.


5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Osaka

A guide to Osaka's unique food culture.

Inunakisan Temple

A spiritual adventure hidden in Osaka's mountainside


Osaka Kaiyukan

Up close and personal with all walks of marine life at one of the world’s biggest aquariums.

Discover Kansai by Bike

Get on yer bike for a long-distance ride to the next stop on your Japan travel bucket list.


America-mura

Missing 'Murica? Stop by America-mura, a seriously cool district filled with vintage shops, record stores, and top-notch food.

Shinsaibashi

Chances are you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in this shopaholic's dream ‘hood.


Hozenji Yokocho and Temple

Find fortune at the end of this picturesque Edo-era alley.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Kitchen Street

For cooking utensils and kitchen essentials, this historic shopping street has you covered.


Tenjinbashisuji Street

Tenjinbashi-Suji Shopping Street

Shop till you literally drop along Japan's longest shopping street.

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Journey to Edo Japan at this museum’s interactive exhibits.


Osaka Grand Front

Grand Front Osaka

For a shopping experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, head to the heart of Umeda.

HEP Five

Are you entertained?


Tempozan Harbor Village

From sky-high to deep-sea at this popular theme park/entertainment complex.

Abeno Harukas

Stellar views from the tallest building in Japan.


Umeda Sky Building

With its unusual profile and epic views, the Umeda Sky Building is the coolest tower in town.

Dotonbori

Follow the trail of Osaka's iconic landmarks.


The Tower of the Sun

Don't miss this weird and wonderful landmark of Osaka.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

At the site of Asia's first world fair is a world-class park set in the future.


Explore Shinsekai, a pre-war neighbourhood that was created with New York as a model for its southern half and Paris for its northern half.

Shinsekai

An old new world.

Utsubo park

Utsubo Park

A great escape lies along this former military runway.


Nakanoshima Park

Great people watching, a lush rose garden, beer, and grass you can actually sit on.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Don’t miss this old-fashioned covered market stuffed with 170 shops hawking Osaka’s best (and strangest) specialties.


Osaka Spa World

A Vegas-style spa complex offering seemingly endless options for restoration.

The bright neon lights of dotonbori in Osaka, Japan

Osaka

A kaleidoscopic vision of neo-Japan.

Other Destinations in Kansai

Himeji Castle in Hyogo, Japan.

Hyogo

Touted as a "Japan in miniature," Hyogo is one of Japan’s most diverse prefectures.

kyoto bamboo

Kyoto

Break the tourist mould and head outside of the city to uncover the rest of what Kyoto has to offer.

Mie

Discover the hidden home of Japan's mysterious ninja.

Deer at Nara Park in Japan

Nara

Beyond mystical deer, Nara Prefecture is where you’ll find the tombs of Japan’s early rulers and the headquarters of the sacred Shugendo mountain religion.

Shiga

In Shiga, you can't turn around without seeing something magnificent.

Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture is the spectacular, spiritual heart of Japan.

This Month’s Top Spots

Nagoya City Aichi Park

Aichi

Aichi prefecture is the dynamic capital of Japanese industrialization.

Tokyo Skyline Japan Tokyo Tower

Tokyo

From glittering skyscrapers to rickety ramen shacks, Tokyo is a dazzling mix of the ultra modern and traditional.

Tap into Tokyo’s Manga and Anime Scene

Tokyo, Japan - August 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The well known electronics district specializes in the sales of video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.

Akihabara

Ah, Akihabara. Where to even begin? Electric town. Cool Japan. Anime Center. Themed cafes. The list is...

Manhole cover in Ghibli museum, Tokyo-Japan.

Ghibli Museum

A whimsical wonderland that is heartbreakingly charming.