While Tokyo often steals the spotlight, Osaka — Japan’s third-largest city — delivers a vibrant, down-to-earth spirit that’s impossible to resist. Known for its bold flavours, boisterous locals, and electric energy, Osaka is a city that is ready to show you a good time.
With the 2025 World Expo on the horizon, Osaka is buzzing with anticipation and gearing up to welcome more travellers than ever before. New cultural landmarks are opening their doors, architectural icons are reshaping the skyline, and the city’s beloved culinary traditions are thriving alongside contemporary innovation. For travellers looking to experience Japan through a more relaxed, flavour-forward, and authentic lens — Osaka is the place to be.
STAY
Courtesy of W Hotel
A striking addition to Osaka’s skyline, W Osaka brings a playful yet luxurious vibe to the fun-filled district of Shinsaibashi. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this hotel is a feast for the senses featuring a sleek black facade, bold interiors, a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, and a five-star spa
With 337 modern guest rooms, a collection of four bright restaurants, an adults-only pool, W Hotel is booking-worthy for the discerning traveller.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Rated an impressive 9/10 by The Telegraph’s renowned travel writers, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka opened its doors — and introduced its signature understated luxury to the city — in August last year.
Set in a 47-floor tower in the Dojima neighbourhood, the hotel is home to an in-house bakery, three restaurants, an entire wellness centre, and a whole floor designated to the traditional ryokan experience.
Courtesy of St Regis Osaka
Situated along Osaka’s prestigious Midosuji Boulevard — often likened to Paris’ Champs-Élysées — The St. Regis Osaka fuses western elegance and Japanese artistry.
Each of its 160 rooms feature silk headboards crafted from Kyoto’s Kawashima textiles, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and sweeping city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The signature St. Regis butler service provides personalised attention, from packing and unpacking, to securing dinner reservations. Now that is service.
Courtesy of Design Hotels
Zentis Osaka is the Japanese city’s very first Design Hotels member, and it’s easy to see why. This sleek, boutique hotel is housed in a 16-storey tower in downtown Osaka and is home to over 200 guestrooms, a signature restaurant, outdoor terraces and playful, contemporary interiors by London-based studio Tara Bernerd.
This design-driven property blends Japanese minimalism with a European touch featuring polished wooden floors, a dramatic stone staircase, and bold commissioned works of local Japanese artists.
DINE
Courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler
Described by Conde Nast Traveler as “Osaka's hottest reservation”, La Cime is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that transforms seasonal Japanese ingredients into refined French creations — and it’s as impressive as it sounds.
The fine-dining establishment — located in Osaka's Chuo-ku district — opened in 2010 and is at the helm of chef Yusuke Takada who’s menu takes centre stage within the chic, minimalist interior.
Photo by Jenny Zarins for Condé Nast Traveler
Famous for its giant mechanical crab sign, Kani Doraku specialises in — you guessed it — all things crab. Whether you prefer it grilled, steamed, or served as sushi, this iconic restaurant offers a crustacean feast that's equally delectable and theatrical.
This institution has been serving crab dishes for 63 years — a must-visit.
Dotonbori Street Food
Photo by Jenny Zarins for Condé Nast Traveler
No visit to Osaka is complete without exploring Dontonbori — Osaka’s most iconic and vibrant districts — best known for its dazzling neon lights and rich culinary scene, especially its street food scene.
From sizzling takoyaki (octopus balls) to savory okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), the flavours here are as bold as the neon signs you’ll be eating beneath.
Courtesy of Hajime
This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is one of Osaka's most acclaimed restaurants and is unmissable for the foodies.
With a focus on artistry, innovation, and exploration, Hajime truly is a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
One of its signature dishes, “Chikyu” (meaning Earth), features an artful arrangement of over 110 different vegetables — this culinary masterpiece is a display of the restaurant's commitment to creativity and sustainability.
DRINK
Courtesy of Bar Nayuta
Fancy a cocktail? Consider Bar Nayuta your Osaka hotspot. The bartenders here are best described as part mixologists, part storyteller. They make arguably the best cocktails in town and will seamlessly guide you through the extensive selection of Japanese whiskies.
Tucked away in the Kita district, this intimate speakeasy’s motto is ‘fun and flavoursome’ — count us in.
Courtesy of Bar K
Bar K has been serving up cocktails and an impressive collection of whisky since 1988 — and is where you will enjoy one very authentic Japanese bar experience.
Located in the lively nightlife enclave of Kitashinchi, this tiny basement bar has room for only about 16 patrons, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in character and atmosphere.
Courtesy of Gucci Giardino
A recent addition to the Umeda district’s landscape, Gucci Giardino is the luxury brand’s most recent bar opening and it’s here you can expect leather banquettes, botanical garnishes and sophisticated drinks.
This chic cocktail bar is self described as “an intersection of Italian elegance and Japanese artistry” and a “space designed to reflect both cultures”, Gucci Giardino Osaka has joined an impressive line-up of locations — Florence, Tokyo, Beverly Hills and Seoul — and unsurprisingly oozes serious style.
Courtesy of Bible Club
As the sister bar of Bible Club in Portland, Oregon in the US, Bible Club Osaka was already on the map before arriving in the Japanese city.
Inspired by the speakeasies of 1920’s America, Bible Club is known for its unrivalled atmosphere and knowledgeable bartenders.
Housed in a retrofitted townhouse, you can expect walnut timber interiors, vintage jazz playlists, and a menu of meticulously crafted cocktails.
DO
Courtesy of Osaka Castle
A symbol of the city's rich history, Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into Japan's past. Nestled within a sprawling park, this city icon is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring and a peaceful retreat year-round.
Inside, the museum offers interactive exhibitions that bring the country’s history to life. Tip — climb to the top floor for beautiful panoramic views.
Courtesy of Nakanoshima Museum of Art
Art lovers, put Nakanoshima Museum of Art at the top of your itinerary.
Housed in a striking black box, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art is both a work of architecture and a cultural beacon.
Since 2022, it has been showcasing a wide-ranging collection of modern and contemporary works from Japan and abroad, including a mix of big-name international artists alongside emerging talents.
A must-visit for design lovers and culture connoisseurs alike.
Courtesy of Tea Ceremony Experience
For a traditional Japanese experience, book in for the tea ceremony experience in the heart of Osaka's bustling Dotonbori district.
Hosted in a quiet tatami room, the experience offers tranquil, peaceful experience within the city’s high-energy pace.
Learn the art of whisking matcha, the rituals of hospitality, and the cultural significance of the tea ceremony. It’s here you can slow down and savor the moment, one sip at a time.
Courtesy of Hufton + Crow for Wallpaper
Taking place from April to October 2025 on Yumeshima Island — with the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” — World Expo 2025 is Osaka’s hero event of the year.
World Expo is one of the oldest and largest international events — held every five years since 1851 — and is a global platform for achievement, innovation and collaboration.
The event brings together over 160 countries and organisations and will showcase innovations in sustainability, health, and technology through immersive exhibitions
