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Osaka is a familiar name when it comes to considering which cities to visit during your Japan itinerary. A classic stop on the Golden Route, Osaka is a popular choice, not least because of its gastronomic reputation.

There is a rhythm that pulses through the city, a place less polished than Tokyo and more lively than Kyoto. Boisterous and unapologetically fun, Osaka is absolutely worth visiting when you’re in Japan.

The third-largest city in Japan, Osaka is affectionately known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’ for its culinary specialties and street food culture. Whether you’re lured in by Dotonbori’s technicolour glow, its reputation as the laid-back city of Japan, or the promise of mouthwatering dishes, Osaka is on your ‘should we go?’ list.

But how do you decide if Osaka is worth adding to your itinerary?

In this guide, I share insight into my own experiences in Osaka and which type of travellers would be interested in visiting the city.

A garden with a pond in the foreground and osaka castle with a mint green roof in the background. There are lots of autumn laves in shades of yellow and red among the remaining green trees. — *Osaka Castle*

What is Osaka famous for?

Above all else, Osaka’s reputation as the Kitchen of Japan precedes it. Forget ‘shop til you drop’, in Osaka you can experience kuidaore, which translates to ‘eat until you drop’. Takoyaki sizzles on street stands, okonomiyaki is tossed with your choice of mix-ins, and kushikatsu provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are perfect for picking up small bites to taste a lot of what Osaka has to offer. But there are also many incredible restaurants and izakayas.

It’s not only food that Osaka is known for though. The vibe in Osaka is great for people who want to enjoy nightlife in Japan. Namba is known for bright lights, great bars and izakayas, and karaoke bars. While Kita is a hub for excellent restaurants and izakaya culture.

And baseball. While the sport is popular across the country, Osakans are hugely into the game and the city is home to one of the oldest teams, the Hanshin Tigers. The energy of a baseball game in Japan is unmatched — and it’s one of my experiences that surprised me the most on my most recent trip.

How many days should you spend in Osaka?

If it’s your first time in Japan, I recommend allocating three days to your stay in Osaka. This is long enough to see most of the city’s best attractions, and it is long enough if you want to consider a day trip. But, if you’re tight on time, you could get away with just one day in Osaka.

What is there to do in Osaka?

Osaka has plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy. If you’re looking for history and culture, places like Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple should be a good fit for you. Are you a foodie? Then try a bit of everything at Kuromon Market or enjoy a street food crawl in Dotonbori.

Explore the retro vibes in Shinsekai, take in the lofty views from the Umeda Sky Building, or head to Shinsaibashi and Orange Street for shopping. You can experience Americana pop culture in Amerikamura, or enjoy the dazzling nightlife in Namba. And of course, there’s fun for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan.

If you want to step away from the typical tourist trail, then Katsuoji Temple is in the hills just outside the city or you can spend time in one of the many cosy local coffee shops and cafes. Osaka has plenty to see and do both during the day and at night.

Expo 2025 is being held in Osaka from the 13th of April to the 13th of October 2025. This is a great opportunity to add something different to your Osaka experience. This is the second time Osaka has hosted the expo — the first time was in 1970 — with this year’s theme, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’.

Osaka city skyline view on a clear, sunny day from the Umeda Sky building. There are doezen of towering skyscarpers and a road snaking in between them. — *View from Umeda Sky Building*

Is Osaka expensive to visit?

Of the three main cities on the Golden Route, I generally find Osaka the cheapest. Accommodation in Osaka is more affordable than in nearby Kyoto and the capital of Tokyo. For example, this March I spent seven nights in a mid-range hotel in Osaka for just a fraction more than three nights in Kyoto.

When it comes to transport, the cost is pretty comparable, and I find Osaka more walkable than Tokyo, so I tend to spend less on transport when I’m in Osaka.

Dining in Japan overall can range from very affordable to five-star luxury meals. And the good news is that delicious, quality food doesn’t have to break the bank in Japan. Osaka is no different, and generally speaking, I don’t find the prices expensive, especially when I compare it to dining out in places like London or Sydney.

Is Osaka tourist-friendly if you don’t speak Japanese?

In short, yes. However, I recommend everyone to learn a few basic phrases as a minimum, which you can find in my guide of things to know before you travel to Japan.

There is generally signage in English (and sometimes Mandarin or Korean) on the metro, at major tourist attractions, and lots of restaurants offer English menus with a boom in tourists visiting Japan. Google Translate is a huge help and one of my most-used apps when I travel around Japan too.

Lots of people in Osaka can also speak English, even if not fluently. Being a major city and accustomed to tourism, you’ll generally find someone who can assist you in English at major tourist attractions.

glico running man sign and billboards above the dotonbori river, Osaka on a sunny day.

Who would love Osaka — and who might not?

Still not sure if Osaka is worth visiting for you? I’ve summarised my thoughts below on who would enjoy Osaka, and who might prefer to skip it in lieu of another destination in Japan.

You should visit Osaka if:

You love food experiences; think street food stalls, markets, and food tours.
You love big city energy.
You want to enjoy nightlife; whether it’s sake bars, traditional izakayas, a night of karaoke, or night clubs.
You want a suitable base for multiple day trips that are easy to access.
If you want a more laid-back, less polished alternative to Tokyo.

It might be worth skipping Osaka if:

If you’re short on time and are already visiting Tokyo, I’d choose somewhere that is a contrast to the capital instead.
Prefer cultural and historic sites like shrines and temples or museums — Kyoto and Kamakura are both great choices for you instead.
You’re not interested in nightlife or food-related travel.
You prefer quiet, rural, or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Having been to Osaka a few times now, it is definitely worth visiting if the attractions and experiences I’ve mentioned in this guide interest you. If not, perhaps the less-visited city of Kanazawa is more your vibe, or you’d like to spend more time away from big cities in places like Kawaguchiko.