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About Osaka | Discover Osaka, Japan - Your Official Osaka Travel Guide

What kind of place is Osaka?

Osaka, the central city of Western Japan, is a city that blends ever-evolving "newness" with "nostalgia" that thrives on history. In the Umeda and Namba areas, lined with high-rise buildings and the latest commercial facilities, you can experience cutting-edge trends and a vibrant nightlife. At the same time, the city is rich in nature and is full of nostalgic atmosphere, with historical buildings such as Osaka Castle, the ancient tombs registered as a World Heritage Site, and Minoh Falls.

Osaka is not just a place for sightseeing, but also a place where you can meet unique people and smile. It is also famous as a food capital, and a wide range of culinary delights await you, from soul foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki to sophisticated gourmet cuisine. Come explore Osaka, a city full of excitement and discoveries!

Discover Your Osaka

About the area

Osaka City Area

Osaka city is the capital of Osaka Prefecture and a globally acclaimed commercial city. Its vibrant downtown areas, such as Umeda, are lined with department stores and cutting-edge large-scale complexes. Namba, the entertainment hub, and Tennoji, home to one of the largest skyscrapers in western Japan, are among the many areas crammed with gourmet food and nightlife spots. The bay area also boasts a wide range of facilities for families to enjoy, including theme parks and an aquarium. The city also has many historical buildings scattered throughout, from shrines and temples to Osaka Castle.

Sakai City Area

This area is rich in history and tradition. It is home to the world’s largest tomb, Emperor Nintoku’s Mausoleum, and the World Heritage-listed Mozu Tombs. Historic temples, shrines, and the refined tea culture of Sen no Rikyu also reflect its deep cultural roots. The area is equally known for its craftsmanship and manufacturing—guns, cutlery, and bicycles remain thriving traditional industries. Along the coast, large industrial zones stretch across the landscape, while inland areas focus on machinery and metalworking.

Northern Area

Japan’s first large-scale new town was developed on the lush, expansive Senri Hills, making this an area where nature and urbanity are fused together. Large parks such as Expo’70 Commemorative Park, Hattori Ryokuchi Park, and Dam Park Ibakita are ideal for outdoor activities. In the suburbs, you will find beautiful scenery in places like Minoh Falls and Nose Satoyama, which are great spots for hiking and other activities. There are also day-trip hot spring facilities scattered throughout the area, making it a place where you can refresh both body and mind.

Eastern Area

This area is blessed with both bountiful manufacturing and great places to live. Higashiosaka and Yao are home to small- and medium-sized enterprises with advanced technology for everything from everyday items to space exploration. Kadoma, the home of a major electronics manufacturer, has been a leader Japan’s technological innovation. Kashiwara is one of Osaka’s leading grape-producing areas. Hirakata Park, a historic amusement park, is also a popular spot for families. There’s a wealth of historical sites and festivals too, so this is an area full of big dreams and energy.

Southeast Area

This area is full of profound charm, where magnificent historical heritage blends harmoniously with the abundant nature of Mt. Katsuragi and the Kongo Mountain Range. There are many long-established temples and shrines, streetscapes with Edo-period atmosphere like the Jinaimachi area of Tondabayashi City, and ancient places associated with Prince Shotoku. Kawachinagano City and Chihayaakasaka Village are home to beautiful mountains at the foot of Mt. Kongo, and they continue to preserve the beautiful seasonal scenery that is sometimes said to be Japan’s original landscape.

Southern Area

Located next to Wakayama Prefecture and framed by the sea and mountains, southern Osaka is home to Kansai International Airport—the gateway to the Kansai region. Blessed with an abundance of fresh local produce, the area has long supported Osaka’s rich food culture. Along the coast are plenty of spots for swimming, fishing, and camping, creating a lively atmosphere that blends nature and industry. The region is also renowned for the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, a thrilling event that embodies the community’s strong spirit and deep-rooted traditions.

Access

Osaka is also a transportation hub, with excellent public transportation to major areas such as Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji. Access to tourist destinations is extremely convenient. It's also about an hour by train to Kyoto and Nara, making it an ideal base for touring the Kansai region.

Access

What to do in Osaka？

How to Enjoy Osaka

Dig into Osaka's
History & Culture
Learn about history and culture

Osaka is the capital of Osaka Prefecture and a globally acclaimed commercial city. Its vibrant downtown areas, such as Umeda, lined with department stores and cutting-edge large-scale complexes, Namba, the entertainment hub, and Tennoji, home to one of the largest skyscrapers in western Japan, are crammed with gourmet food and nightlife spots. The bay area also boasts a wide range of facilities for families to enjoy, including theme parks and aquariums. Osaka Castle and other historical buildings and temples are also scattered throughout the city.

Explore history and culture

Dig into Osaka's
Eat & Drink
Enjoy gourmet food

Osaka has long been known as the "Kitchen of the Nation," and has been a leader in Japanese food culture. The flour-based and dashi-based culture, beloved by the common people, is deeply rooted here, with dishes such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and udon noodles. In recent years, many restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand status, and the diverse appeal of the city continues to attract people.

Find gourmet food

Dig into Osaka's
Nature & Outdoors
Experience nature and the outdoors

Osaka offers a diverse range of natural beauty, with parks in the city center, beautiful bay areas, and lush mountains just a short distance away. Visitors can enjoy encounters with a wide variety of wildlife at facilities like Tennoji Zoo and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Enjoy seasonal fruit picking, marine sports, hiking, hot springs, and more, all in a harmonious blend of urban and natural scenery.

Explore nature and the outdoors

Dig into Osaka's
Entertainment
Enjoy entertainment

Osaka is a center of entertainment, especially comedy. You can enjoy Kamigata performing arts such as manzai, rakugo, and shinkigeki every day. We also recommend Osaka's immersive theme parks, interactive sumo shows, and exciting sports events. Nipponbashi's electronics district is popular as a mecca for pop culture, including anime, manga, and games.

Find entertainment

Dig into Osaka's
Nightlife
Enjoy the nightlife

Osaka nights offer a chance to fully experience the energy of this city that never sleeps. In the bustling districts of Namba and Umeda, where glittering neon lights shine, rows of bars and clubs await, offering an exciting experience that is unique to Osaka. It's also fun to mingle with locals at standing bars and snack bars tucked away in back alleys. The night view from the illuminated Tsutenkaku Tower and Umeda Sky Building is also exceptional.

Explore nightlife