Travel guide · Japan
Osaka: what to see and when to go
Osaka is Japan's kitchen: a loud, friendly port city where people say they eat until they drop. Neon streets, street food, a grand castle and an easy base for Kyoto, Nara and Himeji make it a great alternative to Tokyo.
What to see and do in Osaka
Dotonbori
The neon canal street with the Glico running man, and the best place for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Osaka Castle
A reconstructed 16th-century castle on a stone-walled hill, in a large park, with a museum inside.
Kuromon Market and Shinsekai
Fresh seafood and snacks at the market, then kushikatsu skewers beside the Tsutenkaku tower.
Umeda Sky Building
Twin towers joined by a rooftop observatory with sunset views over the city.
Day trips: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji
Nara's deer park, Kyoto's temples and Himeji's white castle, all by train.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Oct – Dec.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 12 hr, 45 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| New York | 14 hr, 45 min | ≈ €640 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 12 hr, 15 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| Dubai | 10 hr, 15 min | ≈ €540 · See flights |
| Singapore | 7 hr | ≈ €410 · See flights |
| Sydney | 10 hr, 30 min | ≈ €540 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €880 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- Japanese Yen
- Good for
- food · city · nightlife · culture
- How long to stay
- 3–4 days
- Where to stay
- Namba for food and nightlife; Umeda (Kita) for trains and shopping; Shin-Osaka for the bullet train.Find a place to stay in Osaka
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Osaka, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €590 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Osaka (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Osaka and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Oct – Dec. Average highs range from 9° in January to 33° in August.
How many days do you need in Osaka?
3 to 4 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Osaka cost?
Accommodation runs at around €100 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €880 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 12 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay in Osaka?
Namba for food and nightlife; Umeda (Kita) for trains and shopping; Shin-Osaka for the bullet train.
