최종 검수 완료 · 안내된 엔화(¥) 요금은 참고용입니다. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Osaka (大阪市, Ōsaka-shi; [ò̞ó̞.sä́.kä́(.ɕì), ó̞ó̞-] ) 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 proper in Japan, following the special wards of Tokyo and Yokohama. With an estimated population of 2.8 million 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.
Within Osaka Prefecture (Kansai region), Osaka (大阪市) serves as a prefectural capital of osaka prefecture. Travelers exploring Osaka often combine a stop in Osaka with regional highlights such as Dotonbori neon canal, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, Universal Studios Japan, Minoo Park waterfall, and Sakai's UNESCO-listed ancient keyhole kofun tombs.
| 항목 | 상세 정보: Osaka (大阪市) |
|---|---|
| 일본어 표기 | 大阪市 (Osaka) |
| 행정 구역 지위 | Prefectural capital of Osaka Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Osaka Prefecture (Capital: Osaka) |
| 일본 지방 구분 | Kansai |
| 인구 | 2,691,185 residents |
| 총면적 / 인구밀도 | 222.30 km² · 11,900 people per km² |
| 시 승격 / 설립 | 1889-04-01 |
| 좌표 | 34.6939°N, 135.5022°E |
Getting to Osaka & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen), Osaka/Umeda, Namba & Kansai Airport (KIX)): 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.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Osaka Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Osaka with Osaka. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Osaka have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Osaka en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Osaka are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Osaka can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
Osaka & Osaka의 대표 음식 및 특산물
Osaka에서는 Osaka현과 Kansai 지방의 풍부한 미식 전통을 만날 수 있습니다. 방문 중 꼭 맛봐야 할 대표 특산물은 다음과 같습니다:
- Takoyaki (octopus balls) — a signature specialty across Osaka Prefecture.
- Okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake) — a signature specialty across Osaka Prefecture.
- Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers in Shinsekai) — a signature specialty across Osaka Prefecture.
- Kitsune udon — a signature specialty across Osaka Prefecture.
- Butaman steamed pork buns — a signature specialty across Osaka Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Osaka.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
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.
Regional highlights across Osaka Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Osaka include: Dotonbori neon canal, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, Universal Studios Japan, Minoo Park waterfall, and Sakai's UNESCO-listed ancient keyhole kofun tombs.
Osaka 여행 실용 팁 및 주의사항
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen), Osaka/Umeda, Namba & Kansai Airport (KIX)) or major stations in Osaka Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Osaka accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)
Where is Osaka (大阪市) located in Japan?
Osaka (大阪市) is a designated major city located in Osaka Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan (coordinates: 34.6939°N, 135.5022°E). It has a population of approximately 2,691,185 across an area of 222.30 km².
How do I get to Osaka by train?
Most visitors reach Osaka via the main prefectural gateway of Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen), Osaka/Umeda, Namba & Kansai Airport (KIX). 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. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Osaka. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Osaka and Osaka known for?
In Osaka and across Osaka Prefecture, top local dishes include Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancake), Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers in Shinsekai), as well as Kitsune udon and Butaman steamed pork buns. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year 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. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: