Advertisement
- placement: fullWidthHero
- path: destinations/hero
- containerId: gpt-ad-561525972340
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
-
targeting:
{ "url": "japan/osaka", "destination": "Osaka", "title": "osaka", "type": "City", "city": "Osaka", "region": "Kansai", "country": "Japan", "continent": "Asia", "refresh": 30, "refresh_limit": 3 }
Osaka
If Kyoto was the city of the courtly nobility and Tokyo the city of the samurai, then Osaka (大阪) was the city of the merchant class. Osakans take pride in shedding the conservatism found elsewhere in Japan, and this spirited city – Japan's third-largest – is a place where people are a bit brasher, and interactions are peppered with playful jabs.
Mlenny/Getty Images
Latest Stories
- Yuko Tamura|May 19, 202614 of the best things to do in Osaka
- John Walton|Mar 19, 2026A first-time guide to Osaka, Japan
- Jessica Korteman|Feb 25, 2022Popular sights and hidden gems of Tokyo and Osaka
- Jo Stewart|Jan 20, 2020Here's what you can expect on a Lonely Planet Experiences tour of Japan
Book
Trusted Partner
Stay connected in Osaka
Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.
Take your Japan trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Time to book that trip to Japan
Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.
Advertisement
- placement: fullWidth
- path: destinations/top
- containerId: gpt-ad-613941679802
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
-
targeting:
{ "url": "japan/osaka", "destination": "Osaka", "title": "osaka", "type": "City", "city": "Osaka", "region": "Kansai", "country": "Japan", "continent": "Asia", "refresh": 30, "refresh_limit": 3 }
Travel Guides
Osaka travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
Osaka's unique vibes are causing a buzz on Japan's travel map. Here are the city's best experiences.
Read full article
Best Neighborhoods
Tokyo and Osaka are two world-class cities with famous sights and hidden corners that offer something for every traveler
Read full article
Traveling with Kids
To help you make the most of this friendly Japanese city as a family, here are our top recommendations for both big and little kids exploring Osaka.
Read full article
Advertisement
- placement: fullWidth
- path: destinations/middle
- containerId: gpt-ad-114790446840
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
-
targeting:
{ "url": "japan/osaka", "destination": "Osaka", "title": "osaka", "type": "City", "city": "Osaka", "region": "Kansai", "country": "Japan", "continent": "Asia", "refresh": 30, "refresh_limit": 3 }
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in Osaka
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.
Advertisement
- placement: fullWidth
- path: destinations/bottom
- containerId: gpt-ad-357365233455
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
-
targeting:
{ "url": "japan/osaka", "destination": "Osaka", "title": "osaka", "type": "City", "city": "Osaka", "region": "Kansai", "country": "Japan", "continent": "Asia", "refresh": 30, "refresh_limit": 3 }