Overview
Take a trip to Osaka on your Japan Vacation
Osaka is located in central Japan on the main island of Honshu. Osaka is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture, and although the prefecture is Japan’s second smallest in area, Osaka has one of the largest population densities in all of Japan.
Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka was Japan’s capital from 683-745 AD. Given its ideal location, approximately 40 minutes travel time between Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, Osaka is an important commercial centre and point for land and water transportation, as Osaka Bay is situated to the west of the city. Once referred to as the ‘nation’s kitchen’, Osaka was Japan’s trading centre for rice.
Osaka is surrounded by mountains to the north, south, and east. With canals and rivers running through the city, Osaka features over 800 bridges.
Osaka was a major target during World War II, having bombs continually being dropped on its industrial districts during the last year of the war. Facing enormous devastation, Osaka’s resilience was demonstrated when it quickly rebuilt its infrastructure after the war and regained its status as a major industrial and cultural centre.
With Osaka Castle being the city’s most well-known structure, Osaka also features many museums, galleries, parks, temples and shrines, and various cultural venues to be enjoyed during Oska tours on a Japanese vacation. As well, it boasts having Japan’s longest shotengai (Japanese-style street shopping arcade).
Known for its cuisine, Osaka is considered a food lover’s paradise. Its central location makes Osaka a prime city to visit and experience Japanese culture, history and life.
Osaka was a major target during World War II, having bombs continually being dropped on its industrial districts during the last year of the war. Facing enormous devastation, Osaka’s resilience was demonstrated when it quickly rebuilt its infrastructure after the war and regained its status as a major industrial and cultural centre.
With Osaka Castle being the city’s most well-known structure, Osaka also features many museums, galleries, parks, temples and shrines, and various cultural venues to be enjoyed during Oska tours on a Japanese vacation. As well, it boasts having Japan’s longest shotengai (Japanese-style street shopping arcade).
Known for its cuisine, Osaka is considered a food lover’s paradise. Its central location makes Osaka a prime city to visit and experience Japanese culture, history and life.
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5 Trips Found
Japan Odyssey: Cherry Blossom Edition
Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingSee Japan in bloom on this small group tour, from Kyoto’s shrines to Tokyo’s neon, with onsen soaks, geisha culture, and spring’s most fleeting wonder.
11 days
From US$8,599/p.p.
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Japan Uncovered: Pop Culture & Cuisine
Osaka, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingStep into Japan, where anime dreams meet hushed temple rituals and lantern-lit izakaya evenings, weaving pop culture, tradition and flavour into one vivid escape.
10 days
From US$5,695/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & More
Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingJourney through Japan's enchanting landscapes, from modern Tokyo to historic Kyoto. Slip into a kimono and immerse yourself in a traditional tea ceremony along the way.
15 days
From US$8,883/p.p.
Request a Quote
Japan Road Trip: Kyushu Edition
Fukuoka, Kyushu, and OsakaExplore Japan’s southern island on this independent trip through Kyushu’s lush forests, volcanic peaks, sea cliffs and soul-soothing hot spring towns.
15 days
From US$4,646/p.p.
Request a Quote
Japan In Style: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Osaka, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Hakone, Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingExplore the highlights of Japan through its most iconic cities—Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. Discover a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and history, from vibrant markets and modern cityscapes to ancient temples and traditional districts. With seamless
9 days
From US$8,086/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Japan Odyssey: Cherry Blossom Edition
Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingSee Japan in bloom on this small group tour, from Kyoto’s shrines to Tokyo’s neon, with onsen soaks, geisha culture, and spring’s most fleeting wonder.
11 days
From US$8,599/p.p.
Request a Quote
Japan Uncovered: Pop Culture & Cuisine
Osaka, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingStep into Japan, where anime dreams meet hushed temple rituals and lantern-lit izakaya evenings, weaving pop culture, tradition and flavour into one vivid escape.
10 days
From US$5,695/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & More
Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingJourney through Japan's enchanting landscapes, from modern Tokyo to historic Kyoto. Slip into a kimono and immerse yourself in a traditional tea ceremony along the way.
15 days
From US$8,883/p.p.
Request a Quote
Japan Road Trip: Kyushu Edition
Fukuoka, Kyushu, and OsakaExplore Japan’s southern island on this independent trip through Kyushu’s lush forests, volcanic peaks, sea cliffs and soul-soothing hot spring towns.
15 days
From US$4,646/p.p.
Request a Quote
Japan In Style: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Osaka, Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Hakone, Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Shibuya CrossingExplore the highlights of Japan through its most iconic cities—Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. Discover a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and history, from vibrant markets and modern cityscapes to ancient temples and traditional districts. With seamless
9 days
From US$8,086/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.
What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.
Every season offers something to fall in love with, but autumn feels especially magical—fewer tourists, crisp weather, and foliage that rivals the famous blossoms.
Osaka's entertainment and nightlife district
The Osaka Castle is always a popular inclusion ...
Faces representing people from around the world
The dense skyline of Umeda District
Japanese castle architecture
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Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
OsakaOccasional Showers
29°C / 85°F
64mm / 2.5"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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