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Osaka 
For sheer scale of entertainment options, there's nowhere quite like Osaka. Home to Universal Studios Japan and its super-popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an instant ramen museum where you can design your own cup noodle, one of Japan's best aquariums and our favourite ever theme park – Osaka Spa World – there's enough here to keep children (and adults) of all ages entertained for weeks.
“Sumo wrestling, amazing street food, giant robotic crabs, Harry Potter World, and Osaka Spa World all in one place - what's not to love?”
Kester Wright, Expert Travel Consultant
Osaka Japan has all the galleries and museums you'd expect of a large city - but the best way to experience the character of the place is on the street and in the buzzing, larger-than-life entertainment quarters. Osaka has a reputation for a work-hard-play-hard mentality, and from about 6pm the streets are alive with businessmen, shop workers and students all out to relax and have a good time. Youth culture is everywhere you turn, with video game parlours and karaoke centres lining the covered arcades.
Most importantly for the visitor, Osaka is one of the best places to try Japanese food - whether it's octopus balls from a street-side stand, okonomiyaki savoury pancakes (a regional speciality), or some of best sushi in the world. In fact, one of our top recommendations for visitors to the city is to take an evening street food tour with one of our expert local guides or knowledgeable tour leaders. The tour centres on the area around Nanba and Dotonbori, where giant animatronic crabs, neon puffer fish, Ferris wheels and the famous Glico running man overlook scores of bars, izakaya, restaurants and street-side stalls.
In addition to food and drink, Osaka has an impressive clutch of attractions to keep the visitor entertained. Universal Studios Japan is located just a short distance out of the city, boasting the newly opened Harry Potter World amongst other interesting film sets, and at the unusual Instant Ramen Museum guests can have a go at creating their own cup noodle. Finally, for those who enjoy a good soak in a Japanese hot spring, Osaka Spa World - Japan's premier onsen theme park - is an absolute must.
For shopping, we suggest heading to American Village (Amerika Mura), Osaka's fashion centre, or Umeda and the Yodabashi Department Store for electronic goods. While you're in Umeda, you might also head to the Umeda Sky Building, where a vertiginous escalator takes you across the abyss to a viewing platform looking out over the city.
Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan's main island, close to many of Japan's most interesting destinations. You might like to use Osaka as the jumping off point for a foray into the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo or the spiritual centre of Mount Koya, or head to nearby Kobe for a taste of Japan's finest beef. The must-visit city of Kyoto is barely 45 minutes away by train, with lovely Nara just next-door. Make Osaka Japan, your next destination and experience the fusion of tradition and modernity in a city that never sleeps. Embark on your Osaka adventure today!
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Recommended Accommodation in Osaka
The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Osaka.
Experiences in Osaka
Osaka offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites
Weather in Osaka
The Climate Guide for Osaka, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Daytime Temperature (°C) | 8 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 16 | 11 |
| Min Night-time Temperature (°C) | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| Hours of Sunshine (Daily) | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Hours of Daylight (Daily) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Heat and Humidity Discomfort | None | None | None | None | None | Low | High | High | Moderate | None | None | None |
| Days with some Rainfall | 19 | 19 | 20 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 16 |
| Monthly Rainfall (mm) | 45 | 59 | 98 | 127 | 142 | 207 | 171 | 98 | 186 | 107 | 68 | 35 |
| UV Index (Maximum) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Tour Gallery
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Featured trips including Osaka
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Self-Guided Adventure
Mountains & Culture Family Activity Holiday (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Matsumoto
- Takayama
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Tokyo
The whole family can get stuck in to Japanese culture with this hands-on activity holiday.
12 nights: from US$11531 (per family) Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
Honshu Hiking (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Matsumoto
- Tsumago
- Narai
- Kyoto
- Yunomine Onsen
- Koguchi
- Nachi
- Osaka
From sacred pilgrimage trails to ancient samurai routes, this itinerary showcases some of the best multi-day hiking routes in Japan.
14 nights: from US$4069 pp (twin share) Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
Japanese Hotsprings Honeymoon (Superior)
- Tokyo
- Hakone
- Kyoto
- Kinosaki Onsen
- Osaka
Japan's hot spring bathing culture and scenic countryside make it a wonderfully romantic setting for a honeymoon.
11 nights: from US$6317 pp (twin share) Read more >
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