castle
Osaka Castle
A Japanese castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century, set among sprawling urban parklands.
2 km · about 5 min drive
Osaka, Japan · Asia
Osaka works well as a base: 15 minutes from Moriguchi, 39km from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Osaka is a major city located in Osaka, Japan. With a population of 2,753,862, it is one of the largest urban centers in Asia.
On a road trip, Osaka sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Osaka to your route.
Osaka (Japanese: 大阪市, Hepburn: Ōsaka-shi; pronounced [oː.sa.kaꜜ.ɕi]; commonly just 大阪, Ōsaka [oː.sa.ka] ) is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third-most populous city in Japan, following the special wards of Tokyo andRead more
Yokohama. With an estimated population of 2,816,247 as of October 1, 2025 and a population density of about 12,505 people per square kilometer, it is the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan and the 10th-largest urban area in the world with more than 19 million inhabitants.
Osaka was traditionally considered Japan's economic hub. By the Kofun period (300–538) it had developed into an important regional port, and in the seventh and eighth centuries it served briefly as the imperial capital. Osaka continued to flourish during the Edo period (1603–1867) and became known as a center of Japanese culture. Following the Meiji Restoration, it greatly expanded in size and underwent rapid industrialization. This accelerated population growth throughout the following decades, and Osaka was the industrial hub in the Meiji and Taishō eras. It made contributions to redevelopment, urban planning and zoning standards in the postwar period, and developed rapidly as one of the major financial centers in the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area.
Osaka is a major financial center of Japan and is recognized as one of its most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities. It is home to the Osaka Exchange and the headquarters of multinational electronics corporations such as Panasonic and Sharp. Osaka is an international center of research and development and is represented by several major universities, including Osaka University, Osaka Metropolitan University, and Kansai University. Landmarks include Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Dōtonbori, Tsūtenkaku in Shinsekai, Tennōji Park, Abeno Harukas, Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine, and Shitennō-ji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
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Osaka offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Osaka is located in Osaka, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 34.6938 latitude, 135.5011 longitude.
Osaka has a population of approximately 2,753,862 people, making it a major city in Japan.
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Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for Japan8 notable places within an hour's drive.
castle
A Japanese castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century, set among sprawling urban parklands.
2 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Osaka's dazzling neon-lit entertainment and street food district along the Dotonbori canal, famed for its giant animated signs.
3 km · about 5 min drive
restaurant
An Osaka institution open since 1910, serving meishi curry with the rice already mixed through the sauce and a raw egg on top, to be stirred in with Worcestershire sauce.
3 km · about 5 min drive
landmark
Osaka's blockbuster theme park featuring world-class rides, the Wizarding World, and Super Nintendo World.
7 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
One of the world's largest public aquariums in Osaka featuring a massive Pacific Ocean tank with whale sharks.
8 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
A vast public park home to over a thousand free-roaming sacred deer that bow for crackers from delighted visitors.
31 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, housed within one of the largest wooden buildings ever constructed.
31 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
A mesmerizing pathway through towering bamboo stalks in western Kyoto, creating one of Japan's most photographed natural scenes.
39 km · about 45 min drive
Other places to explore near Osaka.
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