Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and a flourishing port city that offers unique and fun-filled experiences, such as ukiyo-e printmaking, ninja experiences, having fun at Super Nintendo World, watching sumo wrestling shows, and sampling a variety of delicious street food. These make it an excellent destination for a family with teenagers to visit as a birthday or graduation gift.
Some of the authentic experiences in Osaka, such as ninja experiences and making cup noodles, are much cheaper than in Tokyo.
In this article, we provide you with the top things to do in Osaka, the costs involved, when you should visit, and more, all to assist you in creating a wonderful trip to Osaka.
Top 6 Things to Do in Osaka
Here are some top things to do in Osaka that you should not miss. Each of them offers a different experience, allowing you to appreciate the charm of the city.
1) Enjoy some joyful family time at Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World in OsakaUniversal Studios Japan offers a one-by-one reproduction of movie or cartoon scenes, providing exciting rides and close interaction with characters for everyone, especially for a family with teenagers.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the world of Mario. You could wear a Power-Up Band to play mini-games throughout the park and listen to the satisfying sound of completing the games to earn gold coins.
2) Engage in ukiyo-e printmaking to enhance your knowledge of traditional Japanese art
Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form consisting of woodcut pictures. You would have the opportunity to appreciate valuable works created in Osaka during the Edo period (1603–1868) and to experience printmaking to increase your knowledge of Japanese art. You could apply colors of paint to a board, carefully spread the paper, and use professional tools to brush the design onto the paper. This would allow you to create a unique handcrafted souvenir that you or your child could take home and give to a friend.
3) Immerse yourself in a ninja experience to learn about ninja culture and techniques
Ninjas are world-famous martial artists who often appear in movies or anime. In this authentic, fun-filled activity that is perfect for both kids and adults, you could dress up like a classic ninja and learn about ninja culture, techniques, and weapons from a ninja master. Many fathers and sons among our family clients have experienced this activity.
4) Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to cherish the post-war peace
Hiroshima Peace Memorial ParkHiroshima, located about 1½ hours from Osaka, was the first of two Japanese cities bombed with an atomic bomb at the end of World War II. Many families with teenagers choose to visit Hiroshima to gain a deeper understanding of this historical event. Visiting the site of the atomic bombing and exploring the museum would allow you to witness the collection of items left behind after the attack. Educational documentaries would be available to further educate you about the importance of cherishing post-war peace.
5) Have a close interaction with farm animals and enjoy farm life at Rokkosan Farm
Rokkosan Farm is located in Kobe, which is about 20 minutes away by Japan Railways (JR) train. This family-friendly farm boasts green grassy hills, allowing you to enjoy some fun-filled time on a farm with your kids and spend a great family time together.
You could enjoy a leisurely stroll along the road and catch sight of adorable sheep grazing and feed some lovely animals, such as cows, goats, and rabbits. The farm also offers engaging hands-on experiences, such as cheese making, butter making, and sheep herding, which could enrich your trip.
6) Craft your own cup noodles and enjoy your homemade food
Cup noodles are one of the typical foods in Japan and are loved by many people around the world. At CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, you would have the chance to create your own one-of-a-kind cup noodle by drawing a pattern you like with a colored marker on the cup and choosing your preferred soup base and toppings. It's an inspiring and fun-filled process that you could enjoy with your family or partner.
How Long to Spend in Osaka
Ideally, take 1–2 days to explore the highlights of Osaka. To discover Hiroshima, which is near to it, at a relaxed pace, you would need an extra 1 or 2 days. A great choice is to spend 4–5 days exploring two neighboring cities in Japan — Osaka and Kyoto.
2–3 Days in Osaka
Here is a suggested itinerary, for inspiration:
Day 1: Sample authentic street food, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) in the Dotonbori district, immerse yourself in a ninja experience to learn about ninja techniques and weapons, enjoy ukiyo-e printmaking, or make cup noodles to enrich your trip.
Days 2–3: Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and cherish the peace, and head to Miyajima, which is less than an hour away by JR, to see the "floating torii" (gates in water).
Our Japan expert would customize the trip based on your requirements and interests to create a memorable experience for you.
4–5 Days in Osaka and Kyoto
It takes about half an hour to get from Osaka to Kyoto. If your time permits, you could spend two more days exploring this ancient capital of Japan.
- Day 1: Osaka (ninja experience, making cup noodles, and Osaka Castle)
- Day 2: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park)
- Day 3: Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji, wearing a kimono, afternoon tea with geishas, and a stay at a Japanese-style ryokan)
- Day 4: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine and feeding lovely deer in Nara)
7 Days in Japan including Osaka
Seven days is an adequate time to explore the "golden triangle" cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Here is a handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:
- Days 1–3: Tokyo (Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, sushi making, and Pokémon Center)
- Days 4–5: Kyoto (stay at a ryokan, enjoy afternoon tea with geishas, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and wearing a kimono)
- Day 6: Osaka (ninja experience, sampling street food, and making cup noodles)
- Day 7: Departure
How Much Does an Osaka Trip Cost?
A private tour in Osaka includes 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, a private car, and a private guide.
- For a family (3–5 people): approximately $350–500 per person per day
- For a couple: starting from approximately $450 per person per day
Our Japan travel expert would customize your trip based on your requirements and make the most of your money.
For more on costs, see How to Make Best Use of Your Budget in Japan.
Best Times to Visit Osaka
Osaka is a great place to visit all year round, with four distinct seasons. You could enjoy charming scenery and events in each season.
The best times to visit Osaka are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is most pleasant and the scenery is attractive. In spring, you could appreciate the pink cherry blossoms and in autumn, you could admire the colorful foliage.
Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in Osaka, with the average daily high temperature reaching 34°C (93°F). As the festival season, traveling to Osaka in summer allows you to fully immerse yourself in grand festivals, fireworks celebrations, and a strong cultural atmosphere. June is cooler and less crowded, making it a better time for families to spend a summer vacation compared to July and August.
Winter (December to February) is cold and dry in Osaka, with an average daily high of about 10°C (50°F). Christmas and New Year are two of the busiest times to travel to Osaka. A high-end kaiseki restaurant would be perfect for a Christmas or New Year's feast. You could experience bell-ringing ceremonies in the traditional Japanese way to wish for luck in the coming year. Read more details on the best time to visit Osaka
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