Is Osaka Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

Osaka is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan, usually alongside Tokyo and Kyoto. In this article, I want to answer a question I get asked a lot: is Osaka worth visiting?

Osaka was the very first stop on my Japan trip, so it was also my first real experience with Japanese culture and a Japanese city. Looking back, I’m really glad it worked out that way. Starting in Osaka felt like a great way to ease into Japan without being completely overwhelmed right away.

For me, Osaka sits in a really nice middle ground. It’s not as full-on and chaotic as Tokyo, but it’s also not as quiet and traditional as Kyoto. It felt busy enough to be exciting, but still relaxed enough that I could settle in and enjoy it.

In this article, I want to share my experience in Osaka including what I loved, what I didn’t love as much, a few things to do, and whether I actually think Osaka is worth adding to your Japan itinerary.

Is Osaka Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

My short answer: yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting. I personally loved Osaka and actually think it’s a bit underrated. It’s 100% worth adding to your Japan itinerary.

What I really enjoyed about Osaka is how balanced it felt. On one hand, I could explore calmer, more cultural sights like Osaka Castle, which I definitely think is worth visiting. On the other hand, I could head straight into areas like Dotonbori, full of restaurants, shops, huge neon signs, and a super busy city energy.

Looking back, Kyoto felt very focused on traditional sights like temples and shrines, while Tokyo was nonstop, modern, loud, and busy. Osaka sat right in the middle of the two, and that’s exactly why I liked it so much.

I only had a few days in Osaka, and honestly, I wish I’d stayed longer. I still managed to pack in a lot though. I visited Universal Studios Japan (yes, including Super Nintendo World), ate an unreal amount of good food, and spent a lot of time just wandering around different neighborhoods.

Since Osaka was my first stop in Japan, everything felt exciting and new. I was constantly amazed by the smallest things, and even just walking around the city felt like an activity on its own.

What I Loved About Osaka Japan

Mix of Modern and Tradition

My favorite thing about Osaka was the mix of modern and traditional. Like I mentioned earlier, Tokyo feels very full-on with neon signs everywhere, while Kyoto is much quieter and more focused on temples, shrines, and traditional culture. Osaka sits right in the middle, which is exactly why I think it makes a perfect first stop in Japan.

Food in Osaka

I had some amazing food in Osaka. Food in Japan is great everywhere, but I especially loved the beef here. I had some really good Kobe beef in Osaka, and it was incredible. I was told that Osaka and Kyoto are more known for beef, while Tokyo is more known for fish, so if you eat meat, definitely try it here, I had great experiences.

Public Transport

Getting around Osaka was incredibly easy thanks to the public transport system. I could even tap my phone or credit card at the metro gates to pay, which made things super convenient. Compared to Tokyo, where I mostly needed an IC card, Osaka felt a bit more straightforward for getting around.

Activities in Osaka

I loved Osaka for the range of things to do. Of course, there’s Universal Studios Japan, which I had the best time at (spoiler alert: it’s insanely busy). I also spent time in Dotonbori and Shinsekai, two really fun areas to explore.

Osaka is also a great base for day trips. From here, you can easily visit Nara or head out to Minoh Park and Minoh Falls for something a bit more nature-focused.

What I Didn’t Like About Osaka Japan

Small Hotel Rooms

I know this is a Japan-wide thing and not specific to Osaka, but the value for money when it comes to accommodation really isn’t great. I paid around $200 a night for a decent hotel, but the room was tiny. I get the space limitations, but honestly, the value just isn’t there compared to what you pay.

Waiting in Line

This isn’t just an Osaka thing either, it’s everywhere in Japan. I spent a lot of time waiting in line for food. Part of that is on me, since it was my first trip and I wanted to try the places everyone talks about, but even at restaurants I didn’t consider viral or famous, I still found myself queuing more often than I would have liked.

It’s something to be prepared for, especially if you’re short on time or not a big fan of waiting around for meals.

Things to Do in Osaka Japan

1. Visit Universal Studios Japan

One of my favorite things to do in Osaka was visiting Universal Studios Japan. I’m not someone who usually goes to theme parks a lot, but when I do, I really enjoy them and this one was so much fun. Harry Potter World and Super Nintendo World were both amazing and easily the highlights for me.

Little extra tip: the big roller coaster in the Jurassic Park area is the best one I’ve ever been on. It’s absolutely insane. Just keep in mind that it gets very busy and tickets sell out quickly, so I’d recommend booking in advance like I did.

Book Here: Universal Studios Japan Tickets

2. Explore Osaka’s Neighborhoods

I loved exploring different neighborhoods in Osaka, especially Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Dotonbori is busy, modern, and packed with shops and restaurants, while Shinsekai felt more old-school and a bit more charming. Both are great for food and just wandering around.

3. Take a Day Trip to Nara

Most people visit Nara from Kyoto (which I also did), but it’s just as easy to go from Osaka. I loved Nara and I spent hours walking around, taking photos, and feeding the deer, which is obviously part of the experience.

I also really recommend visiting Tōdai-ji, the huge temple hall with the massive Buddha statue inside. Seeing it in person is pretty impressive and definitely a must-do in my opinion.

Book Here: Day Trip to Nara

4. Visit Osaka Castle

I did a fairly big Japan trip and visited a lot of famous sights, but Osaka Castle was honestly one of my favorites. It’s huge, beautiful, and really fun to explore. I went all the way to the top for views over the city, and the entrance fee was inexpensive, so it felt totally worth it.

Where to Stay in Osaka Japan

From my experience, location in Osaka doesn’t matter quite as much as it does in Tokyo. Tokyo is absolutely massive, whereas Osaka feels a lot more manageable. As long as you stay somewhere central and close to a subway line, you’ll be perfectly fine.

I personally aimed to stay somewhere between Dotonbori and Shinsekai and that worked out really well. I ended up walking a lot in Osaka. I wouldn’t necessarily call the city super walkable, but I enjoy walking anyway, so I made it work without any issues. Below are a couple of hotels I stayed at or seriously considered, and I think they’re great picks in terms of comfort and location.

Hotel Resol Trinity Osaka

I splurged a little on my hotel in Osaka since this was my very first stop in Japan and I didn’t want to take any chances. Looking back, I’m really glad I did. This ended up being one of my favorite places I stayed at in Japan.

I loved the design, it’s modern but still very Japanese, and the rooms felt surprisingly spacious. The bed was super comfortable, and the location was excellent. I was close to Dotonbori and also not too far from Osaka Castle, which made sightseeing really easy. I can honestly highly recommend staying here.

Book Here: Hotel Resol Trinity Osaka

City Plaza Osaka

If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, City Plaza Osaka is a great alternative. I did quite a bit of research before booking and this one seemed great, especially for the price.

The rooms are fairly modern, comfortable, and the location is great, especially if you want to be close to Osaka Castle. I usually stay in more budget-friendly places when backpacking, but Japan definitely made me splurge a bit more on accommodation, and this felt like a good middle ground in terms of value.

Book Here: City Plaza Osaka

FAQs About Is Osaka Worth Visiting

Is Osaka worth visiting for a day?

That depends. If you’re staying in Kyoto, then absolutely yes. Osaka is only about a 30-minute train ride away and makes for a great day trip. You could visit Osaka Castle during the day and then head to Dotonbori in the evening for food, neon lights, and a completely different vibe.

Is Osaka expensive to visit?

I personally found Japan fairly expensive overall, especially compared to other Asian countries I’ve traveled to. Looking back though, Osaka felt noticeably more affordable to me than Tokyo, particularly when it came to accommodation. Food and transport were also very reasonable for the quality you get.

How do you get from Tokyo to Osaka?

Super easy. Just take the Shinkansen, the famous bullet train you’ve probably already heard about. It runs directly from Tokyo through Kyoto to Osaka and is fast, comfortable, and incredibly efficient.

Should I visit Osaka or Kyoto?

That’s a tough one, and honestly, I’d say do both. Osaka and Kyoto are right next to each other and it only takes around 30 minutes from main station to main station, so there’s really no reason not to visit both. If I absolutely had to choose just one though, I’d probably go with Kyoto.

Final Thoughts: Is Osaka Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. Recently I’ve seen a lot of people on social media talking about skipping the big cities and exploring Japan “off the beaten path,” which I totally get. But I still think Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka belong on pretty much every first-time Japan itinerary.

I started my trip in Osaka and honestly thought it was the perfect introduction to Japan. It eased me into the food, the culture, and the overall vibe without throwing me straight into the chaos of Tokyo. From my firsthand experience, Osaka is 100% worth visiting.

I hope this little guide on whether Osaka is worth visiting helps you make up your own mind and maybe even book that trip. Happy travels!

Check Out My Other Osaka Guides

The Best Time to Visit Osaka Japan: My Osaka Season Guide

Is Osaka Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

1 Day in Osaka Itinerary: How I Spent 24 Hours in Osaka

Best Cafes in Osaka: My Favorite Cafes & Coffee Shops

4 Day Osaka Itinerary: How I Spent 96 Hours in Osaka

The Best Food in Osaka: My Top Osaka Restaurants

How Many Days in Osaka: My Day by Day Guide

2 Days in Osaka Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Osaka

Is Universal Studios Japan Worth it? My Honest Review

My Top Universal Studios Japan Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Is Universal Studio Japan Express Pass Worth it? My Honest Review

Check Out My Other Japan Travel Guides

Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan

Best eSIM for Japan: My Honest Comparison

Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Is Japan Expensive to Visit? Japan Budget Guide

7 Days in Japan Itinerary: How I Spent 1 Week in Japan