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

Should you visit Phuket or Osaka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Osaka, 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.

Phuket

Phuket is a stunning, activity-filled, and energetic resort island. Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Phuket travel costs.

Osaka

Osaka is a vibrant, cultural, and high energy 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Osaka travel costs.

Phuket and Osaka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Osaka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Osaka than Phuket, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Osaka is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Osaka and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Osaka is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. It is also home to Osaka Castle.

How is Phuket different from Osaka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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!

Phuket has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Phuket or Osaka has a better nightlife scene.

Phuket has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Osaka is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Resorts?

Phuket is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Osaka is not a resort destination.

Phuket offers an unforgettable resort vacation. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Osaka is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Phuket to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Osaka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Beaches?

Phuket is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Osaka is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Phuket are among the best in the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Osaka is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a great destination for its old town. However, Phuket 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.

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Osaka?

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Osaka More Beautiful?

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

Phuket offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Osaka is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Families?

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

Osaka is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Couples?

Phuket and Osaka are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Osaka is a great resort island if you're traveling as 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 Phuket or Osaka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Phuket is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Phuket or Osaka Better for Students?

Osaka is a great destination for students. However, Phuket is not popular with 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.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

Osaka is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Osaka is top-notch. 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.

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Is Phuket or Osaka a more walkable city?

Phuket and Osaka both are good when exploring on foot.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Osaka or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Osaka?

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

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Phuket. 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 Phuket. 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 Phuket 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 Phuket or Osaka?

In Phuket, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island 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.

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Phuket or Osaka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phuket. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Osaka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Osaka?

Phuket is a fun place to experience. In Phuket, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Osaka?

In Phuket, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Osaka. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Osaka, we can see that Phuket is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Osaka?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Osaka?

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

Should I visit Phuket or Osaka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Osaka. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Osaka. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Osaka in the Autumn?

Both Osaka and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Phuket is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Phuket gets 181 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. It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Osaka. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Should I visit Phuket or Osaka in the Winter?

Both Osaka and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Phuket is much warmer than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Osaka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives less rain than Osaka. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Typical Weather for Osaka and Phuket