Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Osaka Prefecture (大阪府)
Osaka Prefecture (大阪府) is located in the Kansai region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Osaka. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Dotonbori neon canal, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, Universal Studios Japan, Minoo Park waterfall, and Sakai's UNESCO-listed ancient keyhole kofun tombs.
How to get to Osaka Prefecture
2h 28m from Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka; 38–50m from Kansai International Airport (KIX) via Nankai Rapi:t or JR Haruka. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Osaka
When visiting cities across Osaka, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Takoyaki (octopus balls)
- Okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake)
- Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers in Shinsekai)
- Kitsune udon
- Butaman steamed pork buns
Best time to visit Osaka
Late March–April for Osaka Castle & Mint Bureau cherry blossoms; July 24–25 for Tenjin Matsuri river fireworks; year-round for electric street-food nightlife.
All 33 cities & municipalities in Osaka Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka 大阪市 | Designated major city | 2,691,185 | 222.30 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Sakai 堺市 | Designated major city | 828,741 | 149.99 km² | City guide → · Flagship guide |
| Kishiwada 岸和田市 | Special city | 200,538 | 72.24 km² | City guide → |
| Toyonaka 豊中市 | Core city | 387,269 | 36.38 km² | City guide → |
| Ikeda 池田市 | City | 104,426 | 22.09 km² | City guide → |
| Suita 吹田市 | Core city | 354,600 | 36.11 km² | City guide → |
| Izumiōtsu 泉大津市 | City | 78,014 | 12.80 km² | City guide → |
| Takatsuki 高槻市 | Core city | 354,228 | 105.31 km² | City guide → |
| Kaizuka 貝塚市 | City | 90,447 | 43.99 km² | City guide → |
| Moriguchi 守口市 | City | 146,294 | 12.73 km² | City guide → |
| Hirakata 枚方市 | Core city | 406,201 | 65.08 km² | City guide → |
| Ibaraki 茨木市 | Special city | 272,240 | 76.52 km² | City guide → |
| Yao 八尾市 | Core city | 273,244 | 41.71 km² | City guide → |
| Izumisano 泉佐野市 | City | 99,636 | 55.03 km² | City guide → |
| Tondabayashi 富田林市 | City | 122,205 | 39.66 km² | City guide → |
| Neyagawa 寝屋川市 | Core city | 239,029 | 24.73 km² | City guide → |
| Kawachinagano 河内長野市 | City | 114,428 | 109.61 km² | City guide → |
| Matsubara 松原市 | City | 125,274 | 16.66 km² | City guide → |
| Daitō 大東市 | City | 125,847 | 18.27 km² | City guide → |
| Izumi 和泉市 | City | 179,352 | 84.98 km² | City guide → |
| Minoh 箕面市 | City | 127,757 | 47.84 km² | City guide → |
| Kashiwara 柏原市 | City | 75,875 | 25.39 km² | City guide → |
| Habikino 羽曳野市 | City | 118,281 | 26.44 km² | City guide → |
| Kadoma 門真市 | City | 130,026 | 12.28 km² | City guide → |
| Settsu 摂津市 | City | 84,330 | 14.88 km² | City guide → |
| Takaishi 高石市 | City | 60,077 | 11.35 km² | City guide → |
| Fujiidera 藤井寺市 | City | 65,892 | 8.89 km² | City guide → |
| Higashiōsaka 東大阪市 | Core city | 509,157 | 61.81 km² | City guide → |
| Sennan 泉南市 | City | 64,916 | 48.48 km² | City guide → |
| Shijōnawate 四條畷市 | City | 57,239 | 18.74 km² | City guide → |
| Katano 交野市 | City | 77,853 | 25.55 km² | City guide → |
| Ōsakasayama 大阪狭山市 | City | 58,661 | 11.86 km² | City guide → |
| Hannan 阪南市 | City | 56,853 | 36.10 km² | City guide → |