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

Should you visit Osaka or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Seattle, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Osaka

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

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and theater.

Osaka and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Seattle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Seattle than Osaka. While Osaka is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Osaka attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Osaka is famous for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Osaka different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Osaka on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Osaka is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Osaka is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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!

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Osaka is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Osaka is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Osaka is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Osaka is not a live music destination.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Osaka to see the historical old town. 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Seattle?

Osaka is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Families?

Osaka is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Couples?

Osaka is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Osaka is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Osaka or Seattle Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Seattle are superb destinations for students.

Osaka is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

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

Osaka has a great 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Osaka or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Osaka and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Osaka than in Seattle. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Seattle 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 Osaka or Seattle?

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.

In Seattle, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this cultural big city offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A weekend in Osaka or Seattle?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seattle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Osaka or Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Osaka or Seattle?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia and Seattle is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Osaka.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Seattle?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Seattle, 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 Osaka or Seattle?

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 Osaka or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Osaka is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Osaka is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Osaka in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Seattle. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 6°C (42°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Osaka often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Seattle. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Osaka is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Seattle. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Osaka