Top Things To Do In Osaka

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Group of tourists standing in front of the Godzilla statue in Osaka with a local guide

Top things to do in Osaka

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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Wondering what to do in Osaka?

Osaka is a city where good times are inevitable. Known for their wicked sense of humor and love of food, the friendly locals have largely shed all sense of Japanese conservatism, making Osaka one of the most entertaining cities in Japan. The atmosphere here is electrifying, and thousands of neon lights shimmer off the waters of the canals, exposing a spectacular array of things to do in Osaka. Whether you get swept up in a whirlwind of chaotic shopping, explore lantern-lit mazes of izakaya bars, or sing your heart out at a karaoke bar in one of the city’s LED-lit entertainment districts, the things to do in Osaka can’t help but leave you dizzy with delight.

Meet some of our Osaka local hosts

Fumiko

Osaka

I'm your Osaka insider—exploring hidden gems, tasty eats, and lively streets!

Haruhi

Osaka

Foodie and cultural guide with deep roots in Osaka’s hidden gems.

Timea

Osaka

Kalid

Osaka

Food lover and hidden gem explorer with insider tips on Osaka’s must-see spots and local favorites.

Alex

Osaka

Your friendly Osaka host, blending the flavors of street food, the tranquility of gardens, and the richness of local culture into unforgettable experiences.

Maria

Osaka

Street food lover and market explorer with insider tips on Osaka’s hidden gems

Loys

Osaka

Foodie and culture lover with a knack for Osaka’s best eats, cafes, and markets

Energetic Osaka host and explorer delighting in the city's delicious food scene, vibrant culture, and urban flair, ready to spice up your adventure!

Past meets present

At first glance, Osaka is a city with endless things to do and one foot firmly in the future: buildings are blanketed in dazzling LED screens and neon lights, the colorful cosplay scene covers several square-miles of unique entertainment, and high fashion overflows at gleaming department stores. But in fact, while Osaka has all the attractions of an ultra-modern metropolis, the city still manages to reflect Japan’s history and culture. The best things to do in Osaka span centuries, with ancient temples, shrines, and traditional gardens giving a glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Tourist enjoying a traditional meal with a local guide on a food tour of Osaka

The “Nation’s Kitchen”

Spend time with a local, and you’ll likely hear the city's unofficial slogan, kuidaore – “eat until you drop”. It’s no surprise that some of the best things to do in Osaka revolve around its fantastic food scene. Known as the “Nation’s Kitchen”, Osaka’s culinary culture is famous across Japan. The city’s food – found at its traditional markets, cafés, restaurants, and izakayas – is mind-blowingly delicious. From Okonomiyaki pancakes at a snaking line of street food stalls to a Michelin-starred meal at a high-end eatery, the foodie things to do in Osaka suit every palate (and pocket).

Tourist posing in front of neon lights on a busy street in Osaka

Osaka after sunset

When night falls, the city really starts to show off, and the list of things to do in Osaka gets even longer. Osaka transforms into a kaleidoscope of LED screens, giant billboards, and animatronic signs, and the fun begins. Perhaps you’ll start with a scrub down at a traditional sento before some well-deserved bar- or club-hopping, or maybe you’ll swivel your head between flashing restaurant signs and grab a meal at the one that beckons the brightest. If that’s not your scene, you could even slow things down in the lantern-lit alleys of a traditional entertainment district.

Osaka travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Osaka and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

Fumiko had an incredible knowledge of the trains between Osaka and Kyoto. She was able to maximize our time in Kyoto as well as get us safely back to our ship for departure. It was a great day.

May 2025

Brad B
This experience was such a memorable one. Kanna, our tour guide was absolutely great at her job. She arrived early and met us at our hotel, took us on a great adventure! We loved it! Thank you so much for the great time in Osaka!!!

April 2025

Kevin R
Our guide Kanna is very friendly and took care of us well. It was a beautiful Sakura day with Kanna. We are happy with her tour.

April 2025

Poi Lin G
Kanna was fantastic! Fun, flexible & so accommodating! We totally enjoyed both days we spent with her!

April 2025

Michael B