Osaka Travel Guide

Guidebooks

Fodor's Japan

Photo: John Leung/Shutterstock

From Minami's neon-lit Dotombori and historic Tenno-ji to the high-rise class and underground shopping labyrinths of Kita, Osaka is a city that pulses with its own unique rhythm. Though Osaka has no shortage of tourist sites, it is the city itself that is the greatest attraction. Home to some of Japan's best food, most unique fashions, and warmest locals, Osaka does not beg to be explored—it demands it. More than anywhere else in Japan, it rewards the whimsical turn down an interesting side street or the chat with a random stranger. People do not come here to see the city, they come to experience it.

Osaka Hotels

Osaka is known more as a business center than as a tourist destination, so hotel facilities are usually excellent, but their features are rarely distinctive...read more

Fodor's Choice

Osaka Restaurants

Osaka has a broad range of Japanese food, from the local snack foods, okonomiyaki and takoyaki (tasty, grilled octopus in batter) to full kaiseki restaurants...read more

Fodor's Choice

Things To Do in Osaka

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

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Osaka Experiences

Top Reasons to Go to Osaka

The World of Tomorrow: Dotombori buzzes with energy in the heart of Osaka's frenzied neonscape. Domestic robots and space shuttle parts bring... Read more
Department Stores

All major Japanese depato (department stores) are represented in Osaka. Hankyu is headquartered here. They're open 10-7, but usually close one... Read more
On the Menu

Osakans are passionate about food. Osakans coined the word kuidaore—to eat until you drop. They expect restaurants to use the freshest... Read more
Venice of the East

When Tokyo was but a fishing village and Kyoto a mountain hamlet, big things were happening in Osaka. The Osaka-Nara region was the center of... Read more