Situated on Honshu Island in the Kansai region, Osaka lies at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay—an inlet off the Pacific Ocean. A major economic powerhouse and cultural centre, Osaka combines the buzz of a modern metropolis with centuries of history. It offers visitors a huge range of exciting attractions, vibrant neighbourhoods, and delicious food.
Surrounded by the historic cities of Kyoto to the east and Kobe to the west, Osaka has been an important port and commercial hub for over 1,400 years. Today, the broader region is home to over 17 million people, while Osaka City itself has a population of just over 2.6 million—making it Japan’s third-largest city, after Tokyo and Yokohama. When combined with Kyoto and Kobe, the greater Keihanshin area forms Japan’s second-largest metropolitan region after Tokyo.
Within Osaka, the Kita (North) district features the sleek and modern Umeda area, home to shopping complexes, department stores, and the famous Umeda Sky Building. Minami (South) is the heart of entertainment and nightlife, with the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori, the trendy Amerikamura (American Village), and the popular Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. In between lies the business heart of the city—Yodoyabashi and Honmachi—where banks, government offices, and corporate headquarters dominate the skyline.
Despite its urban energy, Osaka is a city proud of its traditional roots. You’ll find ancient temples, serene gardens, and one of Japan’s most famous castles—Osaka Castle, with its surrounding parklands, is a peaceful green space in the city centre. The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, dating back to the 3rd century, is another cultural highlight that contrasts beautifully with the city’s modern skyline.
Getting around Osaka is straightforward, thanks to an extensive and efficient transport network. The Midosuji Subway Line is the city’s main artery, linking major districts like Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji. The JR Osaka Loop Line is handy for sightseeing, while suburban lines make exploring the outer areas easy. Most stations are built beneath or next to large commercial complexes, meaning you’re never far from shopping or food.
Osaka is also an excellent base for day trips to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara, all under an hour away by train. But don’t overlook the attractions just outside central Osaka, many of which are located within Osaka Prefecture and offer a fantastic mix of culture, family-friendly fun, and local charm.
In Sakai, just south of Osaka City, visitors can explore the Mozu Tombs—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their massive keyhole-shaped burial mounds. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita is home to the iconic Tower of the Sun and is a beautiful green space that’s especially popular during cherry blossom season. For families, Hirakata Park (or “Hirapah”) in Hirakata City is a much-loved amusement park with rides, gardens, and seasonal events.
The coastal city of Kaizuka offers a quieter escape with lovely seaside views, while the Kishiwada Castle and Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (a famous float festival) provide insight into the area’s proud traditions. In Ikeda, you’ll find the Cup Noodles Museum, a fun and interactive spot celebrating Japan’s instant noodle culture.
From buzzing city streets to quiet coastal towns, and from historic sites to quirky museums, Osaka and its surrounding prefecture offer something for every traveller. It’s a region full of surprises, where the old and new, the serene and the electric, all come together in one unforgettable destination
