Things to do in Osaka Prefecture

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Shitennoji Temple showing skyline, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes
Tennoji Park featuring a pond, flowers and a park
Osaka which includes flowers and a park as well as a small group of people
Dotonbori featuring street scenes and signage

Osaka Prefecture Attractions

With so many fun things to see and do in Osaka Prefecture, you may want to consider staying a little longer. From top-notch excursions to unforgettable tourist attractions, you'll feel like you've hit the travel jackpot. Work out a game plan and get out among it all!

Explore the sights of Osaka Prefecture with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {1703 fun activities in Osaka Prefecture fun activities in Osaka Prefecture}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and concentrate on planning your perfect vacation.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Osaka Prefecture must see attractions

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.
Learn more
Universal Studios Japan® showing a fountain and a statue or sculpture as well as children

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.
Learn more
Dotonbori featuring city views and outdoor art as well as a large group of people

3. Kyocera Dome Osaka

Join Japanese baseball fans at Kyocera Dome Osaka to cheer on the Orix Buffaloes, a popular Nippon Professional Baseball team, the 2021 Pacific League champions. The arena is one of Japan’s largest, seating 36,000 spectators for baseball and 55,000 for other events.
Learn more
Watch an exciting baseball game or big-name star in concert at this versatile postmodern arena south of the city center of Osaka.

4. 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.
Learn more
Osaka Castle featuring chateau or palace

5. 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.
Learn more
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan which includes marine life

6. 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.
Learn more
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes street scenes

7. 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.
Learn more
Spa World showing a pool, interior views and rides

8. 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.
Learn more
Kuromon Ichiba Market which includes a city and interior views as well as a large group of people

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

What to do in Osaka Prefecture

Free Things to Do in Osaka

Vacationing in Osaka on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.

Mint Museum - Chat to the friendly staff and gain an insight into the collections on exhibit here.

Osaka-jō Hall - If you'd love to explore more of the area's thriving arts and culture scene, make sure you stop by.

Ebisu Bridge - Take in the originality and design of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Senpukan - Stop at this historic attraction and experience a slice of the cultural heritage of the region.

America Village - Learn why both visitors and locals love the character and charm of this place.

Osaka Public Nakanoshima Library - Pull out your guidebook and discover why this place is worth a spot on your to-do list.

Hokoku Shrine - Incorporate some spirituality into your travels by spending some time at this sacred place.

Mount Tempozan - Get ready for views that'll blow you away at this natural marvel.

Nakano-shima-kōen - Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul by spending some time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Osaka Prefecture with Kids

Osaka Prefecture is a wonderful place for a family escape. Bring the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Osaka Prefecture? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Osaka Prefecture

Universal Studios Japan® showing a fountain and a statue or sculpture as well as children

Universal Studios Japan

Watch theatrical shows, meet lovable mascots and go on exhilarating rides at this extensive movie-focused theme park.

Universal Studios Japan
Dotonbori featuring city views and outdoor art as well as a large group of people

Dotonbori

Experience the colorful neon heart of Osaka along this canal, where travelers, couples and entertainment seekers throng the streets.

Dotonbori
Kyocera Dome Osaka

Kyocera Dome Osaka

Watch an exciting baseball game or big-name star in concert at this versatile postmodern arena south of the city center of Osaka.

Kyocera Dome Osaka
Osaka Castle featuring chateau or palace

Osaka Castle

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

Osaka Castle
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan which includes marine life

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

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

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes street scenes

Tsutenkaku Tower

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

Tsutenkaku Tower
Spa World showing a pool, interior views and rides

Spa World

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

Spa World
Nipponbashi

Nipponbashi

During your trip to Osaka, you can do some window-shopping at Nipponbashi. While in this walkable area, you can savor the restaurants and coffeehouses.

Nipponbashi
Kuromon Ichiba Market which includes a city and interior views as well as a large group of people

Kuromon Market

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.

Kuromon Market

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Osaka Prefecture

Namba featuring a city

Namba

4.5/5(906 area reviews)

With thrilling amusement arcades, underground bars, neon billboards and second-hand shopping, this dynamic district never ceases to surprise.

Namba
Umeda which includes a city and night scenes

Umeda

4.5/5(103 area reviews)

Major commercial and entertainment hub, Umeda offers shopping, dining, sports centers, and movie theaters. Don't miss the HEP Five Ferris wheel, Umeda Sky Building, and the underground city with retailers and eateries.

Umeda
Shinsaibashi featuring street scenes

Shinsaibashi

4/5(1 area review)

Discover Osaka's main shopping hub, featuring the covered Shinsaibashi-suji street and Amerika-mura, a youth culture hotspot. Shop at luxury brands and popular stores, easily accessible via subway stations.

Shinsaibashi
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city

Minami

4.5/5(59 area reviews)

Neon-lit entertainment centers, waterfront dining, lively shopping arcades and performing arts venues feature in Osaka’s colorful downtown.

Minami
Umeda Sky Building showing modern architecture and a skyscraper

Kita

4.5/5(312 area reviews)

Explore Nakanoshima Park, Yodogawa riverside park, and numerous other green spaces, while visiting attractions like Osaka Temmangu Shrine and Osaka Science Museum. Enjoy shopping at Hanshin Department Store and easily navigate with multiple transport options.

Kita
Osaka Castle which includes a city

Chuo

4.5/5(192 area reviews)

Revel in the atmosphere of lively shopping strips, explore Osaka’s multifaceted history and commune with nature in this bustling central district.

Chuo

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Osaka Prefecture

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Osaka

Photo by Breathing Means More

Ibaraki

Bicycle Museum showing interior views

Sakai

Kobe Harborland featuring a bay or harbor, modern architecture and night scenes

Kobe

Heian Shrine showing a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Kyoto

Photo by Cathy Fuentes

Shimamoto

Photo "Izumiotsu" by ---=XEON=--- (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by ---=XEON=--- (CC BY)

Izumiotsu

Photo "Amagasaki" by Ogiyoshisan (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Amagasaki

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Osaka Prefecture on a sunny day?
What to do in Osaka Prefecture on a rainy day?
What is Osaka Prefecture famous for?
With lots of renowned sights like these to discover, your trickiest decision will be what to see first:

  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
  • Osaka Castle
  • Osaka Science Museum
  • Osaka Takoyaki Museum

What should I not miss in Osaka Prefecture?
You'll want to put these things at the top of your sightseeing list to make the most of your trip:

  • Universal Studios Japan
  • Tsutenkaku Tower
  • Umeda Sky Building
  • Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Are there cheap things to do in Osaka Prefecture?
What can you do in Osaka Prefecture for free?
You'll hardly have time to pull your wallet out of your pocket with so many wonderful free attractions:

  • Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
  • Shitennoji Temple
  • Mint Museum
  • Nipponbashi

Explore a world of travel with Expedia