A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Osaka for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Beijing or Osaka?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Osaka can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Osaka

Osaka is a vibrant, cultural, and high energy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Osaka travel costs.

Beijing and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Osaka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Osaka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is very popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Osaka attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Beijing is more touristy than Osaka and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Osaka is famous for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city.

How is Beijing different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Osaka and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Osaka?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Osaka.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Travelers visit Osaka from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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 Shitennō-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.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Osaka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Osaka can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Osaka, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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!

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Osaka is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Osaka is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Osaka?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Osaka is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Beijing or Osaka More Beautiful?

Beijing is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for Families?

Osaka is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Osaka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for Couples?

Osaka is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Osaka are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Osaka is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for Students?

Beijing and Osaka are high quality places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Many students visit Osaka. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

Is Beijing or Osaka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Osaka is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Osaka can get around quickly with the extensive 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Beijing or Osaka a more walkable city?

Osaka is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Osaka is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Osaka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Beijing or Osaka. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beijing due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-4 days is enough time in Osaka.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Osaka, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Osaka than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Osaka that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Beijing if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Osaka.

One day in Beijing or Osaka?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Osaka, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Osaka, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Osaka has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Osaka?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Osaka is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Osaka?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Osaka. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka than you might in Beijing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Osaka?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Osaka, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Osaka?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Osaka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Osaka. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Osaka. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Osaka. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Osaka in the Winter?

Both Osaka and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Osaka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Osaka. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Osaka. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Osaka and Beijing