Osaka Travel Map: Plan Your Trip with Key Attractions, Neighborhoods

Osaka is Japan's food capital, famous for its bustling streets and local eats. It is a must-visit city for any first trip to Japan.

To help you plan your Japan trip with Osaka, we've created easy-to-read maps showing Osaka's neighborhoods, top attractions, transport options, and nearby day trips, so you can get a full sense of the city at a glance.

Osaka's Location Map—Where is Osaka in Japan?

Osaka sits in the Kansai region on the western coast of Japan's main island, Honshu. It's just a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto, 30–40 minutes from Nara, and about 2.5–3 hours from Tokyo on the Shinkansen.

Osaka's Attractions Map

Osaka is all about food, but there's so much more to see! If it's your first time, you can't miss Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Hozenji Yokocho for some amazing local eats.

Traveling with kids? Universal Studios is a must! Check out the map below to find all of Osaka's top spots.

Namba & Dotonbori Area

If you have just one day in Osaka, make sure to spend it in this vibrant area to truly experience the essence of the city. Try these top experiences here to get the spirit of Osaka:

• Try local favorites like udon noodles, takoyaki, and kushikatsu in Dotonbori
• Enjoy endless shopping in Shinsaibashi.
• Immerse yourself in the old and peaceful vibe in Hozenji Yokocho.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade: Osaka's most popular shopping street, it's lined with fashion boutiques, drugstores, department stores, and plenty of cozy cafés.

Hozenji Yokocho: This narrow stone alley is lined with old wooden houses. Inside the alley, you will find the small Hozenji Temple and old local restaurants; it's a quiet spot to taste authentic Osaka food away from the crowds.

Tips for a better experience: spend your afternoon wandering around Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Come to Hozenji Yokocho for dinner in the evening. Once the lanterns are lit, the alley takes on a cozy and nostalgic glow.

Umeda Area

Umeda Sky Building: This iconic skyscraper offers some of the best views in Osaka. Go around 5 p.m. to watch the sunset over Osaka Bay—it's stunning. Just come about 30 minutes early to avoid the line.

Osaka Castle Area

Osaka Castle: A true icon of Osaka, this castle takes you back to Japan's Sengoku era. Explore the museum with samurai armor and ukiyo-e prints. Don't miss the top floor for the panoramic city views. Arrive before 10 am to beat the big tourist groups.

Osaka Castle Park: Around the castle is a beautiful park, especially stunning during cherry blossom season. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Osaka Bay Area

Universal Studios Japan: a must-visit theme park with thrilling rides and attractions inspired by popular movies—fun for all ages! Be sure to book your tickets and Express Pass in advance, as they often sell out within hours (released 93 days ahead). If you book with us, we'll take care of all the details for you.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the largest aquariums in the world, where you can explore marine life from the Pacific Ocean and beyond. A fascinating experience for both kids and adults.

Tennoji Area

This area is rich in historic streets and authentic local charm.

Shitennoji Temple: One of Japan's oldest temples. The surrounding area is full of charming old streets and local life.

Spa World: A fun and relaxing hot spring complex with international-themed baths.

Kuromon Market: An open-air food market where the air is full of sizzling smells. From giant scallops and king crab legs to marbled wagyu beef, it's a paradise for food lovers.

Abeno Harukas: Japan's tallest skyscraper with a panoramic observation deck. On clear days, you can see Osaka Bay. The building also has shops, restaurants, and museums

Tsutenkaku Tower: Osaka's iconic retro tower in Shinsekai, full of street food, izakayas, and old-school charm.

Map on Where to Stay in Osaka—Osaka's Neighborhoods Map

For your first trip, we suggest Umeda. It is the transportation hub, perfect for getting around and exploring the surrounding areas. If you like to be in the heart of Osaka's city spirit, Namba/Shinsaibashi is a great choice. But there are more areas to consider (as you see the map below)

• Umeda: Transport hub and upscale shopping; budget to high-end hotels, best luxury hotels; perfect for first-time visitors;
• Namba: Food and nightlife center; vibrant atmosphere of Osaka; mid-range to luxury hotels
• Shinsaibashi: Endless shopping and fashion; mid-range to upscale hotels.
• Tennoji: Retro neighborhood with Japan's tallest building (Abeno Harukas), affordable hotels
• Osaka Bay: Close to Universal Studios Japan; resort-style hotels, perfect for families
• Honmachi: Super central yet quiet office area between Umeda and Namba; great value mid-range and business hotels
• Osaka Castle Area: Perfect for those who enjoy history and culture. Best for cherry blossom viewing in spring. 
• Nakanoshima: Island with beautiful architecture and museums; high-end hotels. 

Continue to read more details on Experts' Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Osaka

Osaka Transportation Map—How to Get Around Osaka Easily

Osaka Subway Map—How to Travel around Osaka

The easiest way to get around Osaka on your own is by subway. The Midosuji Line (Red Line) and Chūō Line (Green Line) are the main lines connecting key areas of the city. For Universal Studios Japan, take the JR Yumesaki Line (also called the Sakurajima Line), which links Osaka to the park.

The major stations important to travelers are as follows:

Osaka Station & Shin-Osaka Station: These are Osaka's main train hubs.

Shin-Osaka is exclusively for the Shinkansen—if you plan to travel to Tokyo, Hiroshima, or Kyushu, this is the station to catch the bullet train.

Osaka Station serves JR lines and the metro for nearby cities like Kyoto and Kobe. It's huge and can feel like a maze, so give yourself extra time to navigate.

Namba Station & Tennoji Station: Primarily metro and local train stations, but you can also take trains from here to nearby destinations such as Kyoto and Nara.

Osaka Airport Map—How to Travel to Osaka

Osaka is one of Japan's main gateways, served by the Kansai International Airport (KIX)

The airport is located in Osaka Bay, about 50 km from the city center. It takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to reach downtown Osaka by car.

Or you can take the following trains to Namba, Umeda, or even Kyoto:

• Nankai Railway: Kansai Airport → Namba Station (about 50 minutes)
• JR Airport Express (Kansai Rapid): Kansai Airport → Tennoji → Osaka/Umeda (about 70 minutes)
• JR Haruka Express: Kansai Airport → Tennoji → Shin-Osaka → Kyoto (about 75 minutes)

Traveling Around Japan from Osaka

Located in central Japan, Osaka is well-connected to other major tourist cities like Tokyo and Kyoto via the Shinkansen. See the map below for Osaka's connections to these destinations.

How to Plan Your Trip to Osaka, Japan—Osaka Itinerary Map

For your first visit, start or end your trip in Osaka. We recommend around 7 days to see Japan’s highlights—Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. Check out our most popular itinerary for first-time visitors below:

Popular Day Trips from Osaka

Don’t want to change hotels frequently? Osaka is a great base for exploring the Kansai region, like Himeji, Nara, Hiroshima, and more. We recommend staying in Osaka. That way, you won’t need to change hotels every day. Plus, hotels in Osaka are relatively cheaper compared to those in Kyoto.

For first-time visitors, we recommend Hiroshima for the Peace Memorial Park, Nara for the adorable deer, and Kobe for its world-famous beef. Check out the map below for popular day trips from Osaka.

• Kobe: Enjoy harbor views and savor the world-famous Kobe beef
• Arima Onsen: Relax in Japan's historic hot springs
• Himeji: Do not miss it during the cherry blossom season for the stunning scenery of the White Castle surrounded by pink flowers. 

Visiting tips: Kobe, Arima, and Himeji are close to each other; combine two for a relaxing day trip. For example, you could do Himeji + Arima Onsen or Kobe + Himeji. Fitting all three into one day is too rushed.

• Mount Koya: Experience monastic life with a temple stay.
• Awaji Island: Step into anime worlds with stunning real-life settings
• Uji: Pick tea leaves in a historic garden and taste fine green tea. 
• Kumano Kodo: Walk ancient pilgrimage trails and immerse yourself in nature and history. It is too rushed for a day trip, allowing 2-3 days for a more immersive trip. >> Read more on: How to Explore Kumano Kodo

We’ll customize your itinerary based on your interests, so you can get the most out of your trip!

Plan Your Osaka Trip with Ease

Ready to plan your perfect Osaka getaway? We can help you create a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, or you can explore our ready-made tours for inspiration:

• 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour with Historical Hiroshima
• 8-Day Essential Japan Family Trip with Culinary Delights

Read More Japan Travel Maps

• Tokyo Travel Map
• Hakone Tourist Map
• Mt Fuji Travel Map