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!

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

Osaka food lover with an insider’s guide to the city’s vibrant street food scene, local markets, and hidden cultural gems, blending modern vibes with traditional charm.

Loys

Osaka

Lively Osaka host and ultimate insider for street food delights, local treasures, and cultural gems, with a flair for the city's vibrant cafe scene.

Lay

Osaka

Jan

Osaka

MIKI

Osaka

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

This was an excellent tour in Osaka. It was a shore excursion since I arrived at Osaka port. The guide was on time and we got to return on time. Kalid was an excellent guide. He was very attentive and helpful. We felt very safe all the time. Took us lots of photos. He was very kind. I recommend this tour, the tour company and the guide Kalid. I give them 5 stars. Thank You Again.

December 2024

Lourdes V
We had a wonderful time with Khalid. Thanks for the assistance .

November 2024

Don S
Kalid, my tour guide was excellent. I did realize this was a walking tour, and I have some mobility issues. He was able to suggest an itinerary that met my needs. It was beyond my expectations. The rickshaw through the bamboo forest was such a joy.

October 2024

Elizabeth F
Taku was a wonderful guide. He took us to many places in Kyoto that were off the beaten path. He took many pictures which we wanted. It was a fun day. We got to see a lot.

October 2024

Darlene B