About Osaka
Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third-most populous city proper in Japan, following the special wards of Tokyo and Yokohama. With an estimated population of 2.8 million as of October 1, 2025 and a population density of about 12,505 people per square kilometer, it is the largest component of the Keihanshin metropolitan area, the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan and the 10th-largest urban area in the world with more than 19 million inhabitants.
Cheap flights to Osaka
The lowest one-way fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $602 from Vancouver, travelling 1 Feb. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Airlines travellers compared most often: Austrian Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to OsakaPlaces to visit in Osaka
-
Osaka Castle
Historic · 1 mi from centreA rebuilt castle tower on massive original stone walls, surrounded by moats and a large park. The inside is a modern museum, so the park and walls are the main draw, especially in cherry blossom season.
-
Dōtonbori
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreA canal-side entertainment strip with giant neon signs, mechanical crabs, and endless street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Come after dark and walk along the canal for the brightest scenes.
-
Universal Studios Japan
Entertainment · 4 mi from centreA large theme park with rides based on movies and games, including Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter. Buy tickets and timed entry passes online well in advance, especially on weekends.
-
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Zoo · 5 mi from centreOne of the largest aquariums in the world, built around a central tank with whale sharks. Go on a weekday afternoon to avoid school groups, and combine it with the nearby Ferris wheel.
-
Shitennō-ji
Religious · 3 mi from centreOne of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in the 6th century, with a five-story pagoda and quiet gardens. A flea market fills the grounds on the 21st and 22nd of each month.
-
Sumiyoshi-taisha
Religious · 6 mi from centreA major Shinto shrine with a unique ancient building style and a steeply arched red bridge at its entrance. It is easy to reach on the old Hankai tram line, which is part of the fun.
-
Umeda Sky Building
ViewpointTwo towers joined at the top by a circular open-air observatory, reached by glass-tube escalators. Visit at dusk to watch the city lights come on, and bring a jacket for the wind.
-
Shinsekai
Neighborhood · 3 mi from centreA retro neighborhood built around Tsutenkaku Tower, known for old-style signs and cheap deep-fried skewers called kushikatsu. Follow the local rule: never double-dip your skewer in the shared sauce.
Things to do in Osaka by type
89 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
-
City tours 41 experiences Daytime Hanami (Cherry Blossom) Tour: Osaka -
Day Trips & Excursions 18 experiences Amanohashidate, Ine Boathouses & Miyama Village Day Trip -
Art & culture 11 experiences Beyond the Blue Lake Biwa Scenic Full-Day Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 11 experiences 15-Dish Shinsekai Food Tour Osaka's Ultimate Culinary Experience -
Travel Services 6 experiences Explore Kobe with Customizable Itinerary - Full-Day Private Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 6 experiences Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour -
Transport & Rentals 4 experiences Bullet Train from Shin Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station - One-Way Ticket -
Amusement Parks 4 experiences Nijigen no Mori Anime Theme Park Plan with Public Transportation from Osaka, Ticket and Lunch -
Classes 2 experiences Make Your Own Okonomiyaki and Gyoza with Sake Tasting - Half-Day Cooking Class
- Over 6 hours 30
- 1-3 hours 22
- 3-6 hours 14
- Flexible 7
- Up to 1 hour 2
- Families 4
- Senior 4
- Couples 4
- Youth 4
- Private 22
- Small group 5
- Wheelchair accessible 5
Top experiences in Osaka
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 89 available.
Absolute Osaka Food Tour
From $209 per adult
Universal Studio Japan - Studio Pass (Park Entry Ticket)
From $83 per adult
Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour
From $379 per adult
Bullet Train from Shin Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station - One-Way Ticket
From $124 per adult
Amanohashidate, Ine Boathouses & Miyama Village Day Trip
From $71 per adult
Full Day Osaka Day Tour with English Guide and Public Transportation (Private)
From $408 per adult
Kansai Area Pass
From $28 per adult
Kyoto, Nara, & Uji Day Tour: Foxes, Deer, Temples, and Matcha Experience
From $61 per adult
Explore Kuromon Market with Local Food Tasting - Half-Day Tour
From $64 per adult
Make Your Own Okonomiyaki and Gyoza with Sake Tasting - Half-Day Cooking Class
From $123 per adult
Eat Your Way Through Dotonbori and Shinsekai - Half-Day Food Tour
From $134 per adult
Real-Life Road Rush: Osaka Street Go-Kart Adventure
From $62 per adult
Where to stay in Osaka
Popular hotels in Osaka, out of 1,147 properties you can book.
Vischio Osaka by Granvia
From $149 per night
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
From $134 per night
Imperial Hotel Osaka
From $170 per night
Elsereine Osaka
From $105 per night
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
From $241 per night
Monterey Osaka
From $84 per night
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
From $173 per night
Granvia Osaka
From $171 per night
Citadines Namba Osaka
From $190 per night
Hearton Hotel Kitaumeda
From $71 per night
Zentis Osaka
From $207 per night
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
From $190 per night
Best time to visit Osaka
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Osaka is September to February and April to June, when average daytime highs are around 49–89°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Osaka weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 84° 65° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 73° 59° 65%
- Fri 23 Oct 72° 56° 66%
- Sat 24 Oct 69° 66° 91%
- Sun 25 Oct 75° 67° 61%
- Mon 26 Oct 79° 68° 65%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)1 US dollar ≈ ¥158
- Language
- Japanese
- Calling code
- +81
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/TokyoUTC+9
- Capital
- Tokyo
Upcoming public holidays in Japan
- Culture Day文化の日
- Labour Thanksgiving Day勤労感謝の日
- New Year's Day元日
- Coming of Age Day成人の日
- Foundation Day建国記念の日
- The Emperor's Birthday天皇誕生日
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Osaka
These are the airports closest to central Osaka. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ITM Osaka International Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
- KIX Kansai International Airport24 mi (38 km) from the city centre
Getting around Osaka
If you are planning to travel beyond city limits you might consider using the tickets from Surutto Kansai. For use in Osaka and other cities in the west of Japan, there are some other useful tickets.
By metro
The Osaka Metro is Japan's second-most extensive metro network after Tokyo, which makes the underground the natural way to get around. The Midosuji Line (colored red on the map) is Osaka's main artery, linking up the massive train stations and shopping complexes of Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji.
By train
True to its name, the JR Osaka Loop Line (環状線 Kanjō-sen) runs in a loop around Osaka. It's not quite as convenient or heavily-used as Tokyo's Yamanote Line (JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo=Metro Midosuji Line in Osaka), but it stops in Umeda and Tennoji, and by Osaka Castle. Namba and Universal Studios Japan are connected to the Loop Line by short spurs. Fares ¥120-250, depending on distance.
By bicycle
Many residents get around by bicycle, as the city is mostly flat and easily navigable by bike. Riding on the sidewalks is permitted and some sidewalks even have bike lanes marked. If nothing is marked, try to stay to the left where possible (but often you simply need to find the best path through the pedestrians).
Osaka travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Osaka?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Osaka is September to February and April to June, when average daytime highs are around 49–89°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.
What is the weather like in Osaka?
August is usually the warmest month in Osaka, with average highs of 95°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 332 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Osaka?
Osaka International Airport (ITM) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (12 km) from the centre of Osaka. Other nearby airports include Kansai International Airport (KIX, 24 mi).
How much are flights to Osaka?
The cheapest one-way fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Osaka in the last 30 days was $602 from Vancouver, travelling 1 Feb.
What currency is used in Osaka?
Osaka uses the Japanese yen (JPY). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ¥158.
What time zone is Osaka in?
Osaka uses the Asia/Tokyo time zone (currently UTC+9). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Osaka?
If you are planning to travel beyond city limits you might consider using the tickets from Surutto Kansai. For use in Osaka and other cities in the west of Japan, there are some other useful tickets.
What are the best places to visit in Osaka?
Top sights in Osaka include Osaka Castle, Dōtonbori, Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. A rebuilt castle tower on massive original stone walls, surrounded by moats and a large park. The inside is a modern museum, so the park and walls are the main draw, especially in cherry blossom season.
What are the top things to do in Osaka?
Popular experiences you can book in Osaka include Absolute Osaka Food Tour, Universal Studio Japan - Studio Pass (Park Entry Ticket) and Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour. Destina Holidays offers 89 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Osaka?
The most popular types of experiences in Osaka are city tours (41), day trips & excursions (18), art & culture (11) and gastronomy & nightlife (11). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Osaka?
Popular areas for hotels in Osaka include Osaka and Suita. Well-reviewed options include Vischio Osaka by Granvia and Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka.
How many hotels can I book in Osaka?
Destina Holidays currently lists 1,147 properties in and around Osaka, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
