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Quick facts
- Region: Kinki
- Capital: Osaka
- Population: 8.8 million
- Climate: Seto Inland Sea
- Cherry blossom (average): 27 March
- No. 1 in Japan: One of the world's largest tombs: the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku — Sakai bicycles and blades, takoyaki, Kansai International Airport
⭐ Top sights
Dotonbori
The Glico running man sign, giant mechanical crabs and takoyaki queues — the nightlife heart of Japan's 'eat till you drop' city.
Osaka Castle
Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its walls include a 130-ton stone, and 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring.
Kuromon Market
Osaka's kitchen: 170 shops where you can eat fugu, wagyu skewers and fruit on the spot.
Yamazaki Distillery
Japan's oldest whisky distillery, founded 1923. Tours are by lottery, with tastings of the world-acclaimed Japanese whisky.
Conveyor-belt Sushi
Invented in Osaka in 1958. From about ¥100 a plate; in some chains your order arrives on a miniature bullet train.
Capsule Hotel
Born in Osaka in 1979. From about ¥3,000 a night with a communal bath; today's capsules range from sleek pods to tents.
Osaka Kushikatsu
Anything from meat and vegetables to cheese, skewered and deep-fried, in the Shinsekai district. The sauce is shared, so 'no double dipping' is the iron rule. From about ¥100 a skewer.
Takoyaki
Osaka's soul food: batter with a piece of octopus, cooked into balls. Reportedly 90% of Osaka households own a takoyaki pan. About ¥500 for a tray of eight.
Osaka Castle
Hideyoshi's castle. The present keep is a 1931 reconstruction, now a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
🍲 Local food
Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon
The heart of "konamon" flour-based food culture. Takoyaki was invented by Aizuya in 1935
🏮 Festivals & events
- Tenjin Matsuri — July 24–25. The festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. A procession of 100 boats and votive fireworks. One of Japan's three great festivals
- Kishiwada Danjiri Festival — Mid-September (the weekend before Respect for the Aged Day). Four-tonne wooden floats swing around corners at full speed in the "yarimawashi"
- Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks — Early August. Osaka's biggest fireworks show, run by citizen volunteers on the banks of the Yodo River
🏨 Where to stay in Osaka
The area around Osaka, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Mie · Shiga · Kyoto · Hyogo · Nara · Wakayama · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Osaka famous for food-wise?
Osaka's best-known local dishes are Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon. The heart of "konamon" flour-based food culture. Takoyaki was invented by Aizuya in 1935
What are the top sights in Osaka?
Top picks in Osaka include Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Yamazaki Distillery.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Osaka?
In Osaka (Osaka), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 27 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.
