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

Should you visit Osaka or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Toronto, 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 colorful, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Osaka travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Osaka and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Osaka than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Osaka, Osaka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Osaka is better known for its food and historical sights, while Toronto is more popular for its big city activities. Osaka is well known for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Osaka different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto 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 Toronto?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Toronto and Osaka.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Osaka has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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

Osaka is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Osaka have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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!

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Osaka or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Toronto have first-rate vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Osaka just to party. 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 Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is Osaka or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Toronto?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Osaka and Toronto.

Many people travel to Osaka specifically to go shopping. 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.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Is Osaka or Toronto Better for Families?

Osaka and Toronto are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

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.

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Osaka or Toronto Better for Couples?

Osaka and Toronto are both high quality to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Osaka or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Toronto are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Osaka or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Osaka is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Students come from all over to stay in 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 Osaka or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Osaka and Toronto.

With a huge network, the transit system in Osaka can get you around easily. 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.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Is Osaka or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Toronto?

Both Osaka and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Osaka. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Osaka, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Osaka than Toronto. 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 Toronto. 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.

One day in Osaka or Toronto?

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 Toronto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse big city offers. 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto. 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.

Five days in Osaka or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. In Toronto, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Osaka or Toronto?

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.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural big city offers. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Osaka and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Osaka or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Osaka is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In July, Osaka usually receives more rain than Toronto. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Osaka or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Osaka during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Osaka is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Toronto. Many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Osaka is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Osaka usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Osaka usually receives less rain than Toronto. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Osaka or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Osaka is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Osaka often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Osaka receives a lot of rain in the spring. Osaka usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Osaka