Comparison · Fukuoka vs Osaka · Japan
Fukuoka vs Osaka
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nryate, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Fukuoka for Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls, lower day-to-day costs and beaches; choose Osaka for Street food and Dotonbori neon. Fukuoka is generally less expensive, and the two are about 485 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 485 km
- Less expensive
- Fukuoka
- Best time for Fukuoka
- March–May and October–November
- Best time for Osaka
- March–May and October–November
Side by side
| Fukuoka | Osaka | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Known for | Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls and Mentaiko | Street food, Dotonbori neon and Osaka Castle |
| Best time to visit | March–May and October–November | March–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$220 | $140–$260 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 33°C (91°F) | August, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 10°C (50°F) | January, 10°C (50°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Momochi Seaside Park beach | — |
| Airports | FUK | KIX, ITM, UKB |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Fukuoka for…
Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls, lower day-to-day costs and beaches. Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest city, with about 1.6 million people, and one of Japan's easiest to visit: the airport is two subway stops from Hakata Station and about 11 minutes from the Tenjin shopping district. The city has two centres — Hakata, the old…
Choose Osaka for…
Street food and Dotonbori neon. Osaka is Japan's third-largest city and its self-declared kitchen, where the local motto kuidaore — eat until you drop — plays out in the takoyaki stands and okonomiyaki grills of Dotonbori. The city splits into Kita, around the Umeda stations and…
Top sights compared
| # | Fukuoka | Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yatai food stalls | Osaka Castle |
| 2 | Ohori Park | Dotonbori |
| 3 | Fukuoka Castle ruins | Kuromon Market |
| 4 | Kushida Shrine | Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku |
| 5 | Tocho-ji | Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory |
Food compared
| Fukuoka | Osaka |
|---|---|
| Hakata ramen | Takoyaki |
| Mentaiko | Okonomiyaki |
| Motsunabe | Kushikatsu |
| Mizutaki | Kitsune udon |
Which is cheaper?
Fukuoka is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$220 per person there, against $140–$260 in Osaka (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Fukuoka on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Fukuoka and Osaka are about 485 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Fukuoka and 3 in Osaka.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Fukuoka or Osaka cheaper?
Fukuoka is usually less expensive: about $110–$220 a day mid-range against $140–$260 (estimates).
+Is Fukuoka or Osaka better for a first trip?
Pick Fukuoka for Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Yatai food stalls, lower day-to-day costs and beaches, or Osaka for Street food and Dotonbori neon.
+How far is Fukuoka from Osaka?
About 485 km in a straight line.