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

Should you visit Da Nang or Osaka?

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

Should I visit Da Nang or Osaka? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal, accessible, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and museums.

Osaka

Osaka is a high energy, colorful, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Da Nang and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Da Nang or Osaka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Osaka than Da Nang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Osaka is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Da Nang is known for its resorts and beaches. Osaka is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle. Da Nang is popular for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Da Nang different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Da Nang or Osaka?

Osaka is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Osaka are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Da Nang. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

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

Osaka is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Osaka is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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!

Da Nang has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Osaka is a must-see party destination. 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.

Da Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Resorts?

Da Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Osaka is not a resort destination.

Da Nang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Osaka is not a resort destination.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

Da Nang has a beach worth visiting. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a well-known place for its old town. However, Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Osaka. 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.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Da Nang or Osaka?

Osaka is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Osaka make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Da Nang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Da Nang or Osaka.

Da Nang is a very kid-friendly city. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Osaka. 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.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Da Nang and Osaka make for a very good place to visit.

Da Nang is a very popular place to visit for couples. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

Osaka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Osaka is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

Da Nang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.

Is Da Nang or Osaka Better for Students?

Osaka is a well-known place for students. However, Da Nang is not popular with students.

Osaka is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Da Nang is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is terrific for its public transit. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Osaka can take you anywhere. 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.

Da Nang has some public transit options. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Is Da Nang or Osaka a more walkable city?

Osaka is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Da Nang is not a very walkable city. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Da Nang?

How long in Da Nang or Osaka?

It's fun to spend time in either Da Nang or Osaka. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Osaka due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Da Nang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Osaka.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Da Nang. 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 Da Nang. 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 Da Nang 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 Da Nang or Osaka?

In Da Nang, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Da Nang or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Da Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Osaka is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Da Nang or Osaka?

Da Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Da Nang or Osaka?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Da Nang and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Da Nang.

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

Which is Bigger, Da Nang or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Da Nang. When comparing the sizes of Da Nang 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 Da Nang or Osaka?

Osaka has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Da Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Da Nang or Osaka in the Summer?

Both Osaka and Da Nang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Da Nang is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Da Nang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Da Nang. In the summer, Da Nang often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Da Nang gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Da Nang usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Da Nang gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year. January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Osaka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Da Nang and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Da Nang is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Da Nang average around 25°C (78°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Da Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka during autumn. Da Nang gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Da Nang usually receives more rain than Osaka. Da Nang gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang.

Should I visit Da Nang or Osaka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Da Nang as well as Osaka. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Da Nang is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Da Nang averages around 22°C (71°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Da Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka. Da Nang gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.

Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the winter. Da Nang usually gets more rain in January than Osaka. Da Nang gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Da Nang or Osaka in the Spring?

Both Osaka and Da Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

In the spring, Da Nang is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Da Nang in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. Da Nang usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Da Nang gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In April, Da Nang usually receives less rain than Osaka. Da Nang gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Osaka and Da Nang