Osaka is a cultural city known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Osaka and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Osaka?
You should plan to spend around $106 (¥16,232) per day on your vacation in Osaka. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $44 (¥6,641) on meals
- $14 (¥2,077) on local transportation
- $91 (¥13,887) on hotels
A one week trip to Osaka for two people costs, on average, $1,489 (¥227,248). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$744
¥113,624
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,489
¥227,248
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One Month
Per person
$3,190
¥486,960
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,489
¥227,248
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,977
¥454,496
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,380
¥973,920
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Osaka cost?
A one week trip to Osaka usually costs around $744 (¥113,624) for one person and $1,489 (¥227,248) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Osaka on average costs around $1,489 (¥227,248) for one person and $2,977 (¥454,496) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Osaka will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Osaka on average costs around $3,190 (¥486,960) for one person and $6,380 (¥973,920) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Osaka expensive to visit?
Osaka is a large city filled with activities for everyone. You can expect to meet all kinds of travelers here, each with their own budget and unique approach to exploring. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Osaka can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $45 (¥6,763) per day, mid-range travelers spend $109 (¥16,232) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $242 (¥36,113) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Osaka.
Within Asia, Osaka is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Taiyuan or Nagoya.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Osaka Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Osaka?
The average Osaka trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Osaka travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Osaka cost?
Osaka on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$19
(¥2,883)
|
$45
(¥6,943)
|
$102
(¥15,526)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(¥842)
|
$14
(¥2,077)
|
$32
(¥4,939)
|
|
Food 2
|
$19
(¥2,829)
|
$44
(¥6,641)
|
$90
(¥13,809)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8
(¥1,206)
|
$20
(¥3,099)
|
$53
(¥8,106)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(¥376-1,128)
|
$6-17
(¥882-2,646)
|
$12-36
(¥1,829-5,487)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Osaka, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $45 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Thankfully, Osaka is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Guesthouse U-En, Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka, and The Pax Hostel/Records/More. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic. The city also includes an efficient public transit system, which is perfect for budget travelers looking to avoid high taxi or rideshare fees. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Osaka, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Osaka to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $109 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Osaka is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Universal Port also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Osaka here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $242. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Osaka
In Osaka, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak summer season. Off-season prices average around $37, but in peak season, they can average around $69. Prices generally range from $21 to $170, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Osaka for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $91 (¥13,887). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $45 (¥6,943) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Osaka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Osaka include:
- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel starting at $201
- Hotel Universal Port starting at $60
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan TM starting at $75
- Cross Hotel Osaka starting at $43
- The Westin Osaka starting at $180
Osaka features a wide range of accommodations, as it's a sizable city. From hostels such as Guesthouse U-En to vacation rentals and upscale hotels, there's something for every traveler. However, expect higher prices near the city center, where public transit and attractions are readily available.
Osaka has an excellent public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
In a family-friendly destination like Osaka, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children. It's a large city, so don't be surprised if the rooms feel a bit small and cramped.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
The city's attractive old town is a popular destination for visitors. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but they frequently have unique character and are conveniently located near everything.
Transportation Budget in Osaka
As a large city, Osaka requires some careful planning when it comes to transportation, but fortunately, it has a stellar public transit system. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south. For those wanting to save a few bucks, public transportation is perfect, though taxis and rideshares are always around.
Osaka is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $14 (¥2,077) per person, per day, on local transportation in Osaka. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Osaka is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
¥2,077
If you expect to ride public transit often, multi-day passes can be an effective way to save money.
Watch your belongings on the buses and trains, and be mindful in the stations. Osaka is a large city, so stay alert.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport for $55 details
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City for $55 details
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City for $103 details
How much does it cost to go to Osaka? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Osaka will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Osaka, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.
Food Budget in Osaka
You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Osaka. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Osaka can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Osaka is $44 (¥6,641) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$44
¥6,641
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Osaka is around $44 (¥6641) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $92. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Osaka are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $7 to $18
- Dinner: $13 to $31
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Most of Osaka's restaurants are found in the entertainment districts, particularly in the Umeda and Dotonbori areas. Typical Osakan dishes include battera, which is a type of sushi made with mackerel, Okonomiyaki, which is a pancake made from fried cabbage, Takoyaki, which are octopus fried dumplings, and Kushikatsu, or skewered, deep-fried, meats.
Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Having a water bottle can help you save on drinks and do your part for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Osaka, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori for $68 details
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda for $79 details
- Well-balanced BENTO (lunch box) Cooking Class for $80 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Osaka
Visitors find Osaka irresistible, especially for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Osaka typically cost an average of $20 (¥3,099) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
¥3,099
Osaka is a large city with many sights of interest to visitors. While many visitors don't come here, opting insead for larger destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto, they are missing out on a great city. Osaka should absolutely be on your Japan itinerary.
Museums in the city include Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Osaka Museum of History, and Peace Osaka. Religious sights in the city include Shitennoji Temple, which was originally built by Emperor Suiko in 593 AD but was reconstructed following World War II, and Sumiyoshi Shrine, which is one of the country's oldest Shinto shrines with a history dating back 1800 years.
Osaka Castle is the city's most famous sight. It's a reconstructed castle that holds a museum. It's particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season when locals come to the castle park to picnic. Visiting the castle and viewing the cherry blossoms are definitely on the list of things to do in Osaka, so don't miss them.
There are plenty of off the beaten path places to explore and discover in Osaka as well, so be sure and allow yourself enough time to get lost in the city.
As a large city, Osaka has many activities that you can enjoy. The National Bunraku Theater is one of the last places where you can see a form of puppet theater from the Edo period. Osaka Shiki Musical Theater is the home of the Shiki Theatre Company. The Sumo Spring Grand Tournament is held in mid-March at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium and Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest aquariums.
There are also many shopping districts in Osaka. Some of the largest include Shinsaibashi, Nipponbashi, and Tenjinbashi-suji. Shinsaibashi is the most famous shopping area with western style department stores. Nipponbashi is the place to go for electronics and Tenjinbashi-suji is supposed to be the longest straight and covered shopping arcade in Japan.
A popular day trip from Osaka is to visit the beautiful Nachi Falls which is located in Nachikatsuura. The nearby Seigantoji temple adds to the stunning landscape as well. Don't miss it!
Museums and Attractions:
Osaka is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is ShitennÅ-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.
Historical Sights:
The old town's rich history brings in numerous tourists. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.
A nice way to explore destinations in Osaka is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Samurai Training Experience KENDO in Osaka for $130 details
- Explore Osaka Hidden Nights of Food & Izakaya:1 Group Only Tour for $59 details
- Japanese Sake 9 Tasting Experience in Osaka for $53 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Osaka, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
¥4,600
Nightlife Budget in Osaka
The nightlife in Osaka is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $12 (¥1,764) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Osaka per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$12
¥1,764
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Osaka. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour for $23 details
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 20, 2024
Traveling in Osaka
Osaka, Japan
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city has a good number of districts and neighborhoods worth exploring, not least of which is Kita, which is the more modern section of the city center. It has plenty of shopping, theaters, restaurants, and much more. Minami is at the traditional and cultural heart of the city and is a great place to eat or shop, among other things. Tennoji has some amusement park areas as well as Tennoji Park and Zoo. Osaka Castle is a neighborhood in and of itself, and is the most popular attraction in the city.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.