Explore a centuries-old castle, visit a magnificent Shinto shrine and “eat until you drop” in Osaka Prefecture. Whether you want to discover ancient history and culture or embrace Japan’s modern side, you’ll find it in Osaka Prefecture.
Things to do in Osaka Prefecture
Ancient castles stand alongside neon-lit skyscrapers in the city of Osaka. The city’s unofficial motto is “kuidaore”, which means “eat until you drop” in English. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in Dōtombori, a photogenic neighbourhood filled with trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. Pull up a seat at a lively noodle house and sip sake at a traditional “izakaya” pub.
Osaka Castle towers over the city and is surrounded by a moat lined with peach, plum and cherry blossom trees. It was built in the 16th century as a show of power and features imposing stone walls and soaring turrets. Climb up to the observation deck for panoramic views and walk through rooms filled with paintings, armour and centuries-old artefacts.
Immerse yourself in an underwater wonderland at Osaka Aquarium. Follow the winding walkway past exhibits featuring colourful fish and corals, as well as adorable mammals like Monterey Bay seals and Antarctic penguins. The enormous central tank houses a majestic whale shark.
Hirakata Park is packed with rides and attractions for the whole family. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, ride the wooden rollercoaster or simply stroll through the flower-filled rose garden. Head to the petting zoo to meet friendly farm animals.
Shop, dine and play in Rinku, a lively coastal hub fringed by a waterfront promenade. You can shop more than 250 local and international brands at the Rinku Premium Outlets and enjoy beautiful views over the bay from Rinku Park. Fringed by white pebble sand and crystalline water, Rinku Marble Beach is a great place to watch the sunset.
Getting around Osaka Prefecture
Trains are a fast and efficient way to get around Osaka Prefecture and travel between major cities like Osaka and Hirakata. The city of Osaka is serviced by an excellent public transport network featuring subways, trains and buses. Osaka International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the city centre.