Things to do in Yao

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo "Yao" by JEXP (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by JEXP (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Yao" by shikabane taro (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by shikabane taro (CC BY)

Yao 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spa World showing a pool, interior views and rides

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Recommended things to do in Yao

Number of things to do
724
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Osaka Unveiled: A Self-Guided Journey Through Japan's Kitchen: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Yao

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Yao? 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 Yao

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

Universal Studios Japan

4.5/5(307 reviews)

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

4.5/5(34 reviews)

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

4.5/5(975 reviews)

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

4.5/5(280 reviews)

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

4/5(261 reviews)

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

4.5/5(30 reviews)

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

4.5/5(152 reviews)

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

4.5/5(167 reviews)

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

 

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 Yao

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes markets, a city and street scenes

Osaka

Photo "Fujiidera" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Fujiidera

Photo by Ake Waratap

Higashi-osaka

Photo "Matsubara" by Nankou Oronain (as36… (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Nankou Oronain (as36… (CC BY-SA)

Matsubara

Photo "Heguri" by kasshy (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by kasshy (CC BY-SA)

Heguri

Photo "Sango" by Takanuka (CC BY) / Cropped from original

Sango

Photo "Habikino" by Kamigata0 (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Kamigata0 (CC BY)

Habikino

Photo "Kashiwara" by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Yanajin33 (CC BY-SA)

Kashiwara

Frequently asked questions

Is Yao worth visiting?
Known for its history and culture, finding fun things to do in Yao is simple. Remember to add Orix Theater to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Yao?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Tennoji Zoo and Solaniwa-Onsen Osaka Bay Tower, spend some time experiencing Yao's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Yao?
Orix Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in Yao and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Yao?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city highlights, like Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater, Tennoji Zoo and Osaka Museum of History. The average stay in Yao is one day. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Kyoto isn't far away.
Is Yao a walkable city?
With leading attractions like Jokoji Temple in the area, Yao is very much a destination to see on foot. Like to discover some vibrant neighborhoods a walkable distance from the city center? Hirano Ward is only 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Yao with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Yao with kids.

What to do in Yao for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Yao for adults including Osaka-jō Hall and Shinsekai Hondori Shopping Street.
Are there free things to do in Yao?
From checking out parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Yao. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Saint Maria Osaka Cathedral is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.