best places to visit osaka japan

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Asia » Japan » Osaka

19 BEST Places to Visit in Osaka (2024)

When I visited Japan, Osaka wasn’t initially on my list, I was more interested in the bustling city of Tokyo, or the ancient capital of Kyoto. Through chance, I ended up in Osaka and was truly taken back by it’s unique character.

Osaka is Japan’s foodie hotspot, and home to amazing castles, vibrant markets, and a great underground nightlife. Not to mention, Osaka’n people pride themselves on being the friendlist city in Japan, and it shows! 

Besides making friends, there are so many places to visit in Osaka, you couldn’t possibly see them all. Which is why I made this guide to the 19 BEST places to visit in Osaka! Lets get into it.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Osaka:

These are the best places to visit in osaka, faq on the best places to visit in osaka.

Umeda (also known as Kita) is one of the main tourist areas of Osaka Japan, with numerous attractions as well as leisure and dining options and nightlife.

• Soak up the glorious sights and fragrances of the colourful flower-filled Umekita Garden.
• Pore over the collections at the small but interesting National Museum of Art, Osaka.
• Marvel at the soaring Umeda Sky Building and then head to the observatory for sweeping city views.

Don’t tuck into that Okonomiyaki just yet. You’re going to need to know where to stay in this dazzling city first. Be sure to check out where to stay in Osaka to get the full scoop on the best areas and accommodation and see what strikes your fancy!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

#1 – Shinsekai

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

• This is the downtown district of Osaka and has a strongly nostalgic vibe.
• Make sure you take your camera with you when you visit this area as it looks great in photos.

Why it’s so awesome: This neighborhood is the best place to feel the real heart and vibe of the city.

Shinsekai has a strong attachment to the past and the shops and streets seem to overflow with these feelings of nostalgia. You’ll see countless retro shop displays as you wander through the streets and probably pick up some really unusual souvenirs.

What to do there: This is a great place to wander and just see what you find. Make sure you always have your camera with you during your travels, because some of the retro shop displays look amazing in selfies.

And if you want a high up view of the neighborhood, head down to Tsutenkaku Tower where you can overlook the streets. You can’t miss this building; it looks like the Eiffel Tower and is one of the most visited hotspots in Osaka Japan. Why not find one of Osaka’s best Airbnb’s and make Shinsekai your base for a while!

#2 – Universal Studios Japan – Awesome place to visit in Osaka with kids!

• One of the most popular landmarks in Osaka for tourists and locals.
• There are nine different zones in Universal Studios Japan, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
• Make sure you check out the merchandise before you leave, as you’ll find some adorable options you couldn’t get anywhere else.

Why it’s so awesome: Universal Studios is one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan and offers 9 zones of fun including Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Universal Wonderland, Amity Village, Minion Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It’s the perfect place to take the kids or to go with a group of friends for a day of childlike fun.

What to do there: While you’re in Universal Studios, make sure you check out the different zones. This will probably take you all day (at least), so don’t book anything else for that day except maybe a rest at the end of it. There is also a Wizarding World of Harry Potter amusement park that is also a must-see attraction!

The merchandise at this park is also extremely popular, so keep an eye out for your favorite characters like Hello Kitty or Minions!

#3 – The Umeda Sky Building – A great place to see in Osaka if you love architecture

• This award-winning building is a spectacular place to overlook the city.
• The real draw of this building is the Floating Garden, which offers panoramic views of the city.
• Go at night for the best views of the city lights.

Why it’s so awesome: This building is renowned throughout the world for its design, shape, and structure. The most stunning feature is the observatory on the observation deck, often known as the Floating Garden Observatory. The floating garden observatory offers 360 views of the city, which are especially amazing at night.

What to do there: Take your camera and visit the tower in the afternoon or at night. The city looks amazing during the day of course, but there’s nothing that can beat the sight of the sun setting over it, or the night sky blanketing all those lights.

Take the time to check out the design of the Floating Garden and the building too, because it’s amazing and incredibly unique too.

#4 – Dotonbori

• A visit to this neighbourhood is an  Osaka place to visit !
• This is one of the most popular areas for tourists, and you’ll see why once you get there.
• If you’re ever looking to fill a couple of hours, there is usually something entertaining going on in this area.

Why it’s so awesome: Dotonbori is in the Minami area and is extremely popular amongst tourists. This neighborhood pulls out all the stops for tourists, which means that you’ll see some famous shop displays, flashing neon lights, and a plethora of restaurants and cafes to tempt your tastebuds.

What to do there: This area is a great place to shop, so make sure you put on comfortable shoes and take your cards with you.

And when you get bored with that, the food is absolutely amazing, so take a street food tour or just explore on your own if you’re feeling adventurous. There’s always something going on in this area, so if you need to fill a few hours then just show up and see what’s on!

#5 – Osaka Castle – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Osaka

• One of the most important and recognizable landmarks in Osaka.
• This is a beautiful castle with a long and sometimes violent history behind it.
• If you’re in Osaka in cherry blossom season, this is a popular spot for viewing.

Why it’s so awesome: Osaka Castle is one of the most important and beautiful in all of Japan. It’s also historically important as it represents the Azuchi-Momoyama period during the 16th century. It was built in 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a Japanese warlord who worked to unify the country and is a legend in Japanese history.

What to do there: Osaka Castle is open to the public, so make sure you take the tour or show up and explore on your own. The area is surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood and some amazing street food, so make sure you take your time in this area when you’re exploring Osaka. And if you’re in the city during cherry blossom season, you absolutely must not miss seeing this iconic sight from the lush, beautiful grounds of Osaka Castle.

#6 – Hozenji – One of the most religious places to see in Osaka

• A beautiful buddhist temple in the busy Dotonbori district.
• If you need a break from the busy streets, then you can pray to the god of protection for safety at this buddhist temple.

Why it’s so awesome: When you travel in Osaka, you’ll probably need a break every now and then, particularly while you’re in the busy Dotonbori district.

And this temple is the perfect chance for you to take that break. It’s a quiet, contemplative escape from the streets with lanterns and moss-covered statues. In fact, walking into this temple is a lot like stepping back to a simpler time.

What to do there: While you’re in Dotonbori, make sure you stop by the temple. You can enjoy the quiet space and pray to the god of protection Fudomyoo to ensure that you’re safe during your trip. And once you’re done, head to Hozenji Yokocho, a connecting cobbled street filled with bars and places to eat.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

#7 – Amemura

• A lively area that’s taken its cue from American culture in a uniquely Japanese way.
• If you’re looking for the latest fashions, you’ll find them in this area.
• This area is an Osaka must see while you’re visiting the city.

Why it’s so awesome: Amemura is a lot like the Harajuku district in Japan, which is why it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Osaka. It’s filled with young people who wear the latest fashions and sometimes even completely rebel against fashion completely.

To support that quirky lifestyle, this area is filled with fashion boutiques and thrift stores as well as the best bars and restaurants in the city. You may even find some of Osaka’s best hostels here too.

What to do there: This is a great place to grab a bench or seat and people watch. You’ll see a full spectrum of people in this area, from businesspeople in suits to young people in full costumes. But don’t stop there. Wander through the shops and look for something unique to take home with you and then have a meal in one of the many great restaurants. And after, you can hit a bar and see where the night takes you.

#8 – Nambayasaka Shrine – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Osaka!

• One of the most unusual  things to do in Osaka  because of the very strangeness of this shrine.
• Make sure you take your camera to this shrine, or you’ll miss out on the best part of the experience.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re tired of the usual stately, quiet shrines in Japan, then this one will give you a shock. The Nambayasaka shrine is visually striking, with a stage that’s shaped like a lion’s head complete with bared teeth.

In fact, it looks more like the entrance to an amusement park ride than to a shrine! This shrine is also a little off the beaten path, so you shouldn’t have to compete with the crowds to get a great picture.

What to do there: This shrine is the perfect place for an unusual and amusing picture of your trip to Osaka. So, make sure that your camera is charged and go nuts standing in the growling mouth of the lion.

#9 – The National Bunraku Theater

• Bunraku is a type of puppetry where puppets are used to tell elaborate and often historical stories and legends.
• If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about traditional Japanese myths, this is a fun way to do it.
• The shows are in Japanese, but there’s an English translation for tourists so you can understand what’s going on.

Why it’s so awesome: Osaka is incredibly modern, but it’s still managed to hold onto some traditions and this puppet show is a great example of that. Puppet shows started out in the Edo Period and today they’re a popular draw amongst tourists. The puppets are huge, usually controlled by up to three people, and tell myths and legends from the 17th and 18th centuries.

What to do there: Before you arrive in Osaka, find out what shows are on and book your ticket. It makes for a great night out and an intense insight to the culture and history of the city and the country you’re traveling in. And make sure you get the English translation if you don’t speak enough Japanese to follow the show.

#10 – Den Den Town – A great place in Osaka if you love to shop!

• One of the most eclectic and electric parts of town.
• Some parts of this neighborhood and shops aren’t for children, so be careful where you go when you’re with your family.

Why it’s so awesome: This neighborhood is actually called Nipponbashi, but most of the time it’s known as Den Den town, which literally means electric town. This is the technology central Osaka and you’ll be able to pick up every kind of device and electronic good you can imagine in this area. It also specializes in anime, manga, and cosplay, so if you love this side of Japanese culture, you’ll find plenty to do in Den Den Town.

What to do there: If you need anything electronic then the prices in this area are affordable and the range is truly staggering. But you’ll want to visit this area for more than just the computers. Make sure you check out the arcades, maid cafes and other entertainment options. Just be careful because some of them can be a bit risqué!

#11 – The Tower of the Sun

• One of the quirkiest art displays you’ll ever see.
• Designed by Okamoto Taro, a famous Japanese artist.
• You’ll get some amazing pictures of your trip with this piece of art.

Why it’s so awesome: This quirky art display was created in the 1970s in honor of the World Expo, which was held in Osaka. It’s a creature with three faces, all pointing in different directions, and makes for fun and quirky photos.

What to do there: Take your camera along with you and get some great selfies next to this Osaka must-see. The statue is 70 meters high and is one of the more unusual Osaka tourist attractions.

#12 – The National Museum of Ethnology

• A great place to learn about Japanese history as well as other world cultures.
• The aim of this museum is to show the interconnectedness of the world and its peoples.

Why it’s so awesome: You can’t truly understand a place if you don’t understand its history and this museum seeks to encourage a better understanding of the entire world. Through costumes, masks, ceramics, and vehicles it shows how the world’s cultures influence each other in integral and sometimes very obvious ways.

What to do there: This is a fascinating education on the history of Japan and the world as a whole, so put aside a couple of hours to explore it. There are several interactive exhibits, so make sure you check them out as well. The music room is especially popular, as you can play a range of world music and see how the different styles are the same and how they’re different.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#13 – Spa World

• This is one of the best points of interest in Osaka on hot and steamy days.
• A fun, imaginative and unique park that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.

Why it’s so awesome: Osaka is one of the largest cities in the world which means that it contains a lot of people crammed into a relatively small area. Because of this, it gets swelteringly hot and stressful. That’s why this park should be on your Osaka itinerary. It’s the perfect place to relax, cool down, and enjoy something that’s just plain fun.

What to do there: Spa World is a water park that includes steamy baths with an around-the-world theme. There’s an Asian and European side and they alternate between admitting men or women by month so you won’t know what to expect until you get there.

There are 7 baths in these sections, so make sure you try them all. And if you’re a little shy about the idea of bathing in public, get used to it because it’s a big part of Japanese culture and something you’ll probably need to do throughout your trip.

Need help figuring out what to do and see? Use our Osaka itinerary to gain some insider tips and knowledge!

#14 – Shinsaibashi – Cool place to see in Osaka with friends!

• The best place to visit in Osaka if you want to do some serious shopping.
• This area has everything from designer shops to boutiques and restaurants.

Why it’s so awesome: No matter what you need while you’re in Osaka, you’ll be able to find it in this area. Shinsaibashi has numerous shopping malls and boutiques. This includes the famous Shinsaibashi-suji, which is a 600m long shopping arcade that contains hundreds of shops and boutiques.

What to do there: You can’t travel to Osaka without doing some serious shopping and there are so many options for that in this area that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Check out the boutiques and designer labels in this area but also spend some time exploring the sheer variety of shops. You’ll see drug stores and various shops as well as some great restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy your spoils!

#15 – Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum – A great place to visit in Osaka if you are alone/traveling solo

• A chance for you to explore Osaka’s traditional art form.
• If you enjoy artwork, then this must be part of your Osaka itinerary.

Why it’s so awesome: you might be forgiven for thinking that Osaka is all high rises and shopping, but it also has a long history and intricate art scene. This museum is one of the best places to visit in Osaka if you’re interested in learning about the art of ukiyoe, a type of traditional Japanese printing.

What to do there: Traditional Japanese artwork is painstaking and austerely beautiful and ukiyoe is no exception. It’s a form of printing the uses blocks of wood and the museum itself is located in a lovely and traditional Japanese house that’s worth checking out on its own.

#16 – The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living – One of the most underrated places to see in Osaka

• This is an open-air museum that contains models of traditional houses and buildings.
• A fascinating look into Japan’s past and its present as well!

Why it’s so awesome: This museum is one of the most popular in the city and you could spend hours exploring the displays and dreaming about the past. It contains replicas of structures from the Edo Period, which spanned the 17th to the 19th centuries. Most of these buildings didn’t survive to the present day of course but learning about what the city used to look like is an eye-opening experience.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re interested in history, then this is a great place to start your education in Japanese history. It will give you a detailed idea of what life used to be like for people in Osaka. And if you really want to get into the spirit of the museum, you can dress up in a Japanese kimono and really be part of the experience!

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

#17 – Abeno Harukas

• The tallest building in Osaka and in Japan as well!
• The observation deck at the top of the building gives panoramic views of the city.
• There are also a range of other entertainment options in the building including a museum, department store, and cafes.

Why it’s so awesome: If you want to take pictures of the city from on high then this is the best location to do this. This building is one of the most recognizable and popular landmarks in Osaka and is the tallest building in all of Japan at the same time. The views from the observation deck are simply spectacular and worth the trip.

What to do there: Go to the observation deck first. If you can, visit at night or at sunset for the most amazing views of the city. Afterwards, you can explore the building. There’s a charming café on the fifth floor if you want a snack or a coffee, and you can also explore the shops, restaurants, and museums contained in the rest of the building.

#18 – The Tempozan Ferris Wheel

• One of the most iconic sights in Osaka.
• Located on the edge of Osaka Bay, which makes for some amazing views.

Why it’s so awesome: This Ferris wheel is the perfect place to take in all of Osaka as well as the view over the water. It was once the tallest in the world but has since been overtaken by other wheels. That doesn’t take anything away from the amazing views and experience of seeing Osaka City from this vantage point though.

What to do there: The best time to take a ride on this Ferris wheel is at night. The views during the day, particularly on clear days, are spectacular, but at night the wheel is lit up and the sight of the city’s lights are something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

If you’re travelling with kids, the Legoland discovery center is right across from the Ferris wheel and is super cool to visit!

#19 – Osaka International Peace Center – A fascinating educational place to visit in Osaka

• The galleries here were built to educate the public on the importance of peace and to remember those who lost their lives because of war.
• Some of the displays are quite graphic, so be wary of taking kids to see them.

Why it’s so awesome: Walking around Osaka International Peace Center, you could forget that it was almost razed to the ground during the Second World War.

That war had a heavy toll on every country involved and this memorial remembers that and acts as a warning against the same behavior in the future as well.

Some of the galleries are quite dark and dedicated to the bombings during the Second World War, so prepare yourself before you go exploring.

What to do there: One of the most important things about traveling is the fact that it encourages you to see things through other perspectives. These galleries are a chance for you to see the Second World War through this unique perspective and to more fully understand the toll it took on the entire world.

Get insured for your trip to Osaka!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Osaka City.

What is Osaka best known for?

Osaka is best known as a coming together of old and new in a small but quirky city. Head to the Umeda first to get a taste of what it’s all about.

What are the best places to visit in Osaka?

Get snap happy in the Shinsekai area of the city, it’s the oldest part of Osaka and is overflowing with nostalgia and retro vibes.

What are some unique things to do in Osaka?

Look up and the strange and surreal architecture of the Umeda Sky Building from both below and atop it’s beautiful Floating Garden. It’s also got great views of the city.

Is Osaka worth visiting?

You bechta it is!! It offers a much more lowkey but just as engaging visit as more busy places like Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s a little off the beaten track and still feels more local.

Final Thoughts on the Coolest Places to Visit in Osaka City

When you travel to Osaka, you’ll find yourself immersed in a whole different side of Japan. Osaka locals famously talk differently to other parts of the country and eat a whole range of different dishes as well.

And there is a wide range of historic, beautiful, architectural, or just plain fun places to visit in Osaka as well.

So, the next time you’re heading to Japan, consider adding this city to your itinerary, and the best way to do that is with my guide to all the best things to see and do!

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Osaka (���, Ōsaka) is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo . It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period , when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor , Naniwa was once Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle , and the city may have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and established his government in distant Edo (Tokyo) .

Top attractions in Osaka

Osaka by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Nostalgic Shinsekai
• Shopping arcades and food markets
• Bustling Dotonbori

• Outstanding museums
• Osaka Castle and its extensive grounds
• Ancient temples and shrines

• Famous Osaka Castle
• Japan's tallest skyscraper Abeno Harukas
• Namba entertainment district

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Osaka tourist guide, hotels around osaka, osaka hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Osaka

Experiences around Osaka

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

• Media & PR
• Meetings & Events
• School Groups
• Travel Trade
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19 Practical Information
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Sustainable Travel

Accommodation

• Sample Itineraries
• Travel Agents
• Deals and Tours

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Train Passes and Discounted Tickets
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Yokohama Cruise Port Access
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Accommodation Types
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Seasonal Attractions
• Monthly Events Calendar
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• All News & Blog
• Travellers Blog
• Guides to Japan
• Stories of Japan
• The Other Side of Japan
• Media Releases
• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

GUIDE Ultimate must-see guide to Osaka

Food, fun and nightlife meet history and culture in osaka.

Osaka is a vibrant and dynamic city with something to offer every traveller – from foodies and families to those who like to stroll traditional shrines and temples to art lovers and those who love to shop until they drop. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll discover something new and leave with fond memories that will keep you coming back for more.

Osaka is located in the Kansai region, the centre of the Honshu, the largest of the four main islands of Japan.

Takoyaki, a savoury snack sometimes referred to as ‘octopus balls’ in English. Image: fumi901/Shutterstock.com 

There’s nothing quite like the food in Osaka. Known as ‘the nation’s kitchen’, you’ll find everything from hearty street food and authentic family-owned restaurants to Michelin-star fine dining. Whatever your tastes, you are sure to leave Osaka with a full belly and delicious memories. 

As far as street food goes, you can’t go past the Dotonbori district. Along the river, you will find endless stalls serving takoyaki (spherical savoury dumplings filled with cooked octopus pieces and topped with savoury sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed and bonito flakes), ramen and okonomiyaki (savoury pancake made with chopped cabbage, flour and egg with toppings) to name a few. The streets and alleys also have plenty of options for dining in at izakaya (casual Japanese-style pubs), bars and restaurants. Try a crab restaurant which this district is famous for. Or perhaps the Osaka-style sushi called hakozushi (boxed sushi) where they are pressed in a square wooden mould! For a more traditional market experience head to Kuromon Market in the Namba district and wander some 170 stalls specialising in fish, meat and produce. Or if you’re wanting to dine where the locals do, a visit to Tenma is a must. 

Neon nightlife

Tsutenkaku Tower lit up at night* in the Shinsekai (new world) district at night. Image: Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock.com

Dotonbori is not only known for its amazing street food, but it is also the location of bright lights and buzzing nightlife. This restaurant and bar district certainly comes to life after dark. Stroll along the strip and take in the colourful lights and signs of the lining buildings. The evening is perfectly paired with a cold Japanese beer and a hot snack from a street vendor. Don’t forget to take a snap with the giant neon Glico man! 

Take a stroll and be wowed by bright lights and colours at Shinsekai, also known as the ‘New World’ district. Designed as an entertainment district in the early 20th century, the district is not your typical Japanese neighbourhood with Western cultural influences in its architecture and design. The northern half of Shinsekai was inspired by Paris while the southern portion is inspired by New York City’s, Coney Island.

It will also be hard to miss the famous Tsutenkaku Tower which is a popular attraction in Shinsekai. Built in 1912 and inspired by Paris’ Eiffel Tower, the tower stands at an incredible 103 metres high with the main observatory deck at 91 metres, so get ready for some amazing views of the vibrant Shinsekai district! 

*Note: The LED lights on Tsutenkaku Tower are under renovation until September 2023.

Seasonal festivals and events 

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri. Image: StreetVJ/Shutterstock.com

Japan is well known for its vibrant festivals and events and Osaka is no exception. Shogatsu (New Year) is a fantastic time to visit if you’re looking to celebrate and discover matsuri (festival) traditions.

Many shrines hold New Year's events including Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. On 1 st January, multitudes of people visit for hatsumode – the customary first shrine visit of the year. And if you think the celebrations are over at the conclusion of the first day of the year, think again. Toka Ebisu Festival is held one week after New Year from January 9 to January 11 at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Enjoy the festive parade, street food and lucky charms! For a summer parade with all the trimmings, the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival features hundreds of men and ornately decorated traditional wooden floats called danjiri. Other summer festivals include Tenjin Matsuri and Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival.

If you’re looking for something more modern, plan your visit around Summer Sonic or the Osaka Festival of Lights held in winter.

Natural wonders

Beautiful waterfall in autumn in Minoo Park, Osaka. Image: anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock.com 

Pack a picnic and take a stroll through the magical cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring. Some of the best places in Osaka to view sakura include Expo ’70 Commemorative Park , Kema Sakuranomiya Park , Osaka Castle Park and Kishiwada Castle .

But it’s not just spring that provides spectacular natural phenomena, autumn is an amazing time to see the trees ablaze with colours of crimson, orange and gold. You can experience koyo (autumn leaves) in a number of places around Osaka. Walk down Midosuji Street to see the yellow ginkgo trees or explore the grounds of Katsuoji Temple to admire the fiery red of the Japanese maples. If you’re up for a hike, take the main trail in Minoo Park and admire the autumn foliage before arriving at the majestic waterfall. Or head to Mt Inunaki and visit the hot spring resort located at the foot of the mountain, Shipporyuji Temple or its many hiking trails to marvel at the autumn colours.

Tradition and heritage 

Shishiden (Lion hall) of Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine. Image: Jasonyan/Shutterstock.com

With over 1,400 years of history, Osaka has countless locations where the tradition and culture of Japan can be experienced. One of the main attractions is Osaka Castle . Set amongst the modern backdrop of the city and surrounded by parkland, it is an iconic sight to behold. Other significant sites include Shitennoji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine and Hozenji Temple . After your visit to Hozenji Temple, be sure to grab a bite to eat along the street of Hozenji Yokocho and step back in time to the Osaka of old.

Art and culture lovers 

The Tower of the Sun at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Image: tbbstudio/Shutterstock.com

Osaka is a wonderful mixture of old and new, creating a vibrant and interesting culture. The expression of this can be seen in the many modalities of art displayed across the city. 

With over 8,000 pieces of contemporary art, The National Museum of Art, Osaka , is a good place to start. Or perhaps the newly opened Nakanoshima Museum of Art on the island of Nakanoshima . Then go back in history at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Admire the re-created buildings and streets and feel what living in Osaka was once like.

Wander Midosuji Sculpture Street for your public art fix and for theatre lovers there is the National Bunraku Theatre*. For something completely different, visit the  Cupnoodles Museum and learn all about instant ramen noodles! Don’t forget to drop by My CUPNOODLES Factory on the first floor to create your one-of-a-kind cup noodles package where you get to design the cup and choose your favourite soup base and toppings. 

*English translations are available for some performances. It is recommended to contact the theatre directly to confirm.

Experiences

Umeda Sky Building at night. Image: GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock.com

An architectural icon of Osaka has to be the Umeda Sky Building , which consists of 2 modern tower buildings connected by the circular Floating Garden Observatory (Kuchu Teien) at the top. Head up to the observatory to enjoy 360° views of Osaka’s cityscape, then make your way down to the basement floor and explore the retro restaurant alley encapsulating Showa Period (early 20th century). 

Neighbourhoods

Namba , Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi  

Think shopping, eateries and entertainment. The popular Dotonbori street and canal dissect the two neighbourhoods of Namba and Shinsaibashi. Shinsaibashi offers some great shopping opportunities such as the eight blocks of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street , and the street fashion and vintage hub of Amerikamura . For budding and professional chefs, a visit to Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street in Namba will fill up your cooking cup. A 150-metre long street lined with stores selling every type of cooking utensil and kitchen item you could dream of.

Nipponbashi

Den Den Town in Nipponbashi is perfect for hobbyists who are interested in Japanese anime and manga. Pop culture stores sell collectible figurines and other interesting merchandise. It’s also a great place to shop for electronics and appliances. If you’re in the market for vintage video games and consoles, this could also be the perfect hunting ground. Once you’ve shopped up a storm, stop in at one of the restaurants or cafes, some of which are anime themed.

Horie (Minamihorie and Kitahorie)   

The Horie River runs between Kitahorie and Minamihorie. Horie is a fashionable neighbourhood and a visit here should include a walk down Orange Street . Featuring boutiques, craft ateliers, furniture stores, bars and trendy cafes.

Osaka Castle and around

A mixture of the historical and the modern, the main attraction of this neighbourhood is of course, Osaka Castle . Pack a picnic and wander the beautiful grounds of Osaka Castle Park and visit the nearby Osaka Museum of History . 

Conveniently located near JR Osaka Station, Umeda is a popular commercial neighbourhood full of tourists, business people and shoppers. One of the most iconic attractions is the Umeda Sky building . From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Head to Grand Front Osaka for shopping, Tsuyuten Shrine for a traditional experience or the SUPER DRY Umeda beer hall for food and drink.

Tennoji and Shinsekai are urban centres full of alleyways that reflect an Osaka of the past. While in Tennoji, visit Tennoji Park , Shitennoji Temple and the current tallest skyscraper in Japan, Abeno Harukas. You’ll know you're in Shinsekai when you glimpse the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower . Tachinomi (standing bars) are also a common feature of the Tennoji and Shinsekai areas. A great place to stop and enjoy a beverage with the locals.

Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a fantastic neighbourhood for contemporary art and culture lovers. It is actually an island and the centre for commerce and government in Osaka. It is also home to many great hotels, museums and restaurants.

The Osaka Bay Area offers attractions that are family-friendly or for those big kids at heart. It is here that you’ll find Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan . Visit the Tempozan promenade for shopping, ride the giant Ferris wheel and dine at the restaurants. And of course, one of the best ways to see the bay is to hop on a cruise.

Sakai and Kishiwada  

Accommodation in Osaka is available to suit all budgets and comfort levels, offering everything from western-style to traditional Japanese stays for you to enjoy. 

Experience a shukubo (traditional temple stay) and get a glimpse of daily temple life including vegetarian meals, prayers and meditation - expect nothing less than a peaceful and tranquil visit. Or you can witness first-hand Japan’s famed omotenashi (hospitality) at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). Dating back to the 8th century, you can expect to see traditional tatami flooring, futon beddings, private baths and delicious in-house kaiseki  (multi-course meal). 

For a modern stay, Osaka offers plenty of western style hotels with settings and amenities familiar to travellers from Australia and New Zealand. Generally, you will find western-style beds, a small writing desk, a refrigerator, a kettle and an ensuite bathroom. 

Other factors to consider when choosing accommodation are access to transport and distance to shops, restaurants and attractions. Popular locations include Namba, Umeda, Honmachi (Central Osaka) and Shin-Osaka areas. 

How to get around

Osaka is a 2.5-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, or you can also fly to Kansai International Airport (KIX). Travel around the city via the subway, the JR Osaka Loop Line (circling the central districts) and private railway lines. There are also a number of economical train passes and tickets available for exploring Osaka and the Kansai region.

You can also explore Osaka via water bus or a cruise. Sightseeing taxis are available as well. Osaka is bicycle friendly with English-speaking bike rental services available.

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

• Tours & Experiences
• Tailor-made Trips
• Bahasa Indonesia

We are happy to see you again!

Continue with

Or use email.

No Account? Create one

Create account

Already have an account? Sign in

Quickly Sign up with

I agree to Japan Travel's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Terms of--> and acknowledge that Japan Travel's Privacy--> applies to me.-->

Email reset password link

Please check your inbox and click the link we will send to you.

Enjoy a faster pace in Kansai's capital

Top attractions in osaka.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Katsuoji Temple

Around osaka.

Osaka is the capital of Osaka Prefecture and one of Kansai's most beautiful cities. During night time, the illuminated billboards and skyscrapers light up the city. Places include Namba, Osaka's..

Sakai is a bustling city in Osaka prefecture brimming with scenic parks, keyhole-shaped burial mounds, and temples. Just under an hour away from Osaka city, Sakai, also well-known for its quality..

Osaka city needs no introductions. As a major tourist hub in Japan, Osaka rivals Tokyo in terms of attractions and food. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with Universal Studios Osaka, Osaka..

About Osaka

The center of western Japan and the home of Japanese comedy, Osaka Prefecture (大阪府, Ōsaka-fu ) is lively at all times, as the business district in Umeda, the shopping area of Shinsaibashi, and the neon-lit nightlife district of Dotonbori reflect the upbeat and friendly nature of the local people.

But if you’re tired of the urbanity, Osaka Castle and the Expo Commemoration Park (which contains the National Museum of Ethnology and the iconic Tower of the Sun) ensure that you won’t run out of things to do. And that’s without even mentioning Universal Studios Japan .

Walking around the streets of Osaka can be a gastronomical experience, with many food stalls selling takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other delicious fast foods and snacks. And if you have the luxury to splurge, have dinner at Kitcho, one of the most high class Japanese restaurants. 

Osaka Top 10

• Recommended

Minoya Wagashi

Uemachi Japanese Restaurant

Riverside Grill and Beer Garden

karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower

Permanent TeamLab Exhibit Coming to Osaka

Universal Studios Japan to Open Donkey Kong Country Area in Spring 2024

Two New Demon Slayer Attractions Are Opening at Universal Studios Japan

Shu'n Wine and Dine Swissotel Namba

Six “Treasures of Osaka” You Must See When Visiting Osaka City

Tenjin Matsuri

Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri

Senshu Beach Lantern Festival

Umeda Tanabata Festival

Otaue Rice Planting Festival

Lions and Dragons at Yasaka Shrine

Osaka Comic Con

Good Coffee Fest @ Hanshin

Upcoming osaka events.

Otaue Rice Planting Festival 2024

Japan reaffirms its deep connections with its staple crop at the annual Sumiyoshi Shrine rice-planting festival in Osaka on June..

Motor Camp Expo 2024

The Motor Camp Expo started in 2019 as a way to promote road trips and the myriad of outdoor activities associated with them, so..

Good Coffee Fest @ Hanshin 2024

The Good Coffee Fest is an event that introduces some of Japan's best coffee shops in person, with a variety of brews on offer...

Where to eat in Osaka

Dotonbori's Top Restaurants

A saying associated with Dotonbori is kuidaore, which means to go bankrupt after spending a large amount of money on food. Not surprisingly,..

Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace

Located on the top floor of Maraiza’s Landmark Square, the terrace offers panoramic views over Osaka Castle as well as a Japan..

Bear Paw Cafe

On first glances, Osaka's newly-opened Bear Paw Cafe may seem like a cute gimmick, but it's much more than that.

Places to stay in Osaka

Amami Onsen Nanten-en

Amami Onsen Nanten-en is a traditional ryokan inn hidden deep within the Osaka countryside. Immersed in history and culture, boasting..

Cat Spa & Ryokan: Neko-Yokujo & Neko-Hatago

Located in Osaka, Neko-Yokujo and Neko-Hatago is a cat cafe and dormitory-style inn designed for cat rescue. The cafe and inn feature..

Visitors seeking a convenient base for exploring Western Japan will find karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower the perfect place..

Latest Osaka Reports

Two New Demon Slayer Attractions Are Opening at Uni...

From July 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025, USJ will open two new Demon Slayer-themed rides.

Six “Treasures of Osaka” You Must See When Visiting...

To share Osaka’s heritage with travelers, six museums in Osaka will host a promotional campaign called the “OSAKA-HAKU” in con..

Onkochishin is a philosophy that I often associate with the chefs of Osaka. Confucius explains, “Exploring the old and deducin..

Let us know how we can help.

Immerse Yourself in Art and History: Unveiling Tokyo's Museum at the Imperial Palace - Treasures of the Imperial Family at Sannomaru Shozokan

We use cookies to improve our contents. Check the detail and update your settings here .

We use cookies to improve our services.

For more details, please click here .

• Food & Drink
• Accommodation
• Things To Do
• All the categories
• Transportation
• Weather & Seasons
• Long-Term Stay
• Travel Tips
• Event Tickets
• About MATCHA
• Company Profile
• Things To Do in Osaka
• Food & Drink in Osaka
• MATCHA Special Features

Osaka: 20 Must-See Spots, Both Famous and Little Known

Osaka is a popular destination that rivals Tokyo and Kyoto. We introduce 20 iconic places to visit in Osaka, including well-known spots and hidden areas, from shopping malls to observation decks, the teamLab Botanical Garden, an aquarium, and more!

Osaka: The Exciting Metropolis of Western Japan

Osaka rivals the popularity of Tokyo and Kyoto. The second largest city in Japan, this Kansai metropolis offers everything from delicious food to shopping over a theme park to places of historical importance.

In this article, we introduce 20 places and things to do in Osaka that shouldn't be missed out on a trip. Remember to use the one-day or two-day Osaka Amazing Pass , for unlimited subway rides while exploring the city and admission to some of the attractions featured below.

Top 20 Things to Do in Osaka

1. Dotonbori: Everyone's Favorite Spot in Osaka 2. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) 3. Osaka Castle 4. Umeda Sky Building's Observatory 5. Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai 6. Abeno Harukas: Japan’s Tallest Building 7. Spa World 8. teamLab Garden Osaka 9. The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka 10. Kuromon Market: Delicious Foods 11. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 12. Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Recommended for Couples 13. Don Quijote Dotonbori Store: Ferris Wheel Ride and Discount Shopping 14. National Bunraku Theatre: Witness the Traditional Performing Arts 15. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A Spiritual Spot in Osaka 16. Tea Ceremony in Osaka 17. Amerikamura: Shop Vintage Clothes and Eat Takoyaki 18. Minoo Falls: Stunning Scenery 19. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and Tower of the Sun 20. CUPNOODLES Museum Osaka Ikeda Other Tips: Osaka One-Day Passes, Car Rentals, Hotels

1. Dotonbori: Everyone's Favorite Spot in Osaka

© Osaka Government Tourism Bureau, ©JNTO

Dotonbori is one of the most famous places to visit in Osaka. It is best known for the large billboards that are on display in rows.

Photogenic billboards are located everywhere throughout the shopping district. From the signboard of the confectionery maker Glico, featuring a runner with both arms raised, to a large moving crab, the design of these signs is really unique. The district looks even more impressive when it is illuminated in the night.

The approximately 580-meter long shopping street connecting Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori is lined with restaurants and apparel stores. This street is crowded with people every day and contains all of Osaka’s charms in one place. There are many restaurants offering the local foods of Osaka on this street.

Joining a three-hour guided tour to enjoy Osaka's street food is a popular way to enjoy the livelihood and flavors of Dotonbori.

On the other hand, if you want to experience nightlife in Osaka and feast on tasty local street food, pub crawls are another option.

Umeda / Shinsaibashi / Namba

↑ Return to the top of article.

2. Universal Studios Japan (USJ): Have Fun All Day Long!

Picture courtesy of Universal Studios Japan Universal Studios Japan is a theme park with a collection of facilities and rides based on famous Hollywood movies. In recent years, it has expanded to include some of the most popular Japanese entertainment as well. Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Neon Genesis Evangelion and even Godzilla have been part of their special line up so far.

Popular permanent attractions include Jaws, Jurassic Park: The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Minion Park. Universal Studios Japan also holds seasonal events such as the Universal Surprise Halloween.

Universal Studios Japan

3. Osaka Castle: A Towering Icon of the City

Photo by Pixta Osaka Castle towers over the city of Osaka. It is one of Japan’s Three Most Famous Castles.

Erected in 1583 by lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), it was then destroyed by a fire and was repeatedly repaired. Its current shape dates back to 1931 when it was reconstructed. It is illuminated at night, exuding a magical atmosphere. A park is located in the area around the castle and is where approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees go into bloom in the spring.

Osaka Castle

4. Umeda Sky Building's Observatory: A Complete View of Osaka

Photo by Pixta The Umeda Sky Building was mentioned as one of the Top 20 Buildings Around the World by THE TIMES magazine. What will catch your eye is its unique triumphal arch-like shape.

Photo by Pixta

The Kuchu-Teien Observatory is located on the 40th floor, the very top floor of the building. From here you can view the city from the rooftop while enjoying a 173-meter above-ground 360-degree panorama . A beautiful night view chosen as one of the Top 100 Night Views of Japan will spread out before your eyes if you visit in the evening.

Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory

5. Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai: Where Osaka’s Past and Present Coexist

Tsutenkaku Tower, also considered the symbol of Osaka, is a 103-meter tall observation tower that offers a complete view of Osaka's cityscape. The Billiken statue located on the fifth-floor observation deck is said to bring happiness if you rub the soles of his feet, resulting in constant lines of people who want to do this.

6. Abeno Harukas: Japan’s Tallest Building

Abeno Harukas is Japan’s tallest structure that is not a tower. Its height is an amazing 300 meters!

The shopping floors reach up to the eleventh floor and consist of clothing shops, general goods, and more, while the twelfth to fourteenth floors are restaurant floors. These floors are made up of restaurants offering dishes from Japanese cuisine like sushi, tempura (fried foods), and unagi (eel) to Italian and French cuisines.

After tasting Osaka specialties here, head further up the building. The sixteenth floor hosts the Abeno Harukas Art Museum where artworks from around the world are exhibited. The 58th to 60th floors are the HARUKAS 300 Observatory . You can enjoy yourself in various ways in just this one building!

Abeno Harukas

7. Spa World

Picture courtesy of Spa World Often introduced as a hot spring theme park, Spa World is a hotel near the Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai with an onsen facility that features 17 types of hot spring baths from 12 different countries.

The hot spring facility allows late-night access and has a 24-hour free resting area where you can stay overnight.

For a truly relaxing stay, how about staying at the hotel and taking the time to enjoy bath-hopping through their many amazing bathing rooms? Spa world is a rare hot spring paradise in Osaka!

8. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Nagai Botanical Garden is home to more than 1,200 species of plants, which can be enjoyed during daytime. In the evening, the garden transforms into a digital art space through the magic of art collective teamLab. as a hybrid garden and art space. Wander through the grounds home to roughly 1,200 species of plants, then enjoy the interactive art installations which come alive at night.

Picture courtesy of GetYourGuide

Through their interactive art installations, teamLab shows that digital technology such as light displays can turn nature into art without harming it.

A visit to the botanical garden after dark is a chance to enjoy breathtaking light spectacles that dynamically interact with the surrounding nature, animals, and visitors. Immerse yourself in the artwork and become an integral part of the experience!

9. The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is a sumo-themed entertainment facility opening May 30, 2024, in NAMBA Parks.

At this facility, visitors can enjoy sumo matches featuring former sumo wrestlers who deliver intense performances on the elevated sumo stage known as the dohyo, captivating all who attend.

It is customary to enjoy a luxurious bento meal while watching sumo. In addition to delicious Japanese cuisine available in bento meal sets, at the Sumo Hall Hirakuza, you can also enjoy photo shoots with the sumo wrestlers and even an experience where you get to wear a sumo suit and engage with the wrestlers on the dohyo!

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza offers visitors an unforgettable experience in a truly remarkable setting!

The Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA Osaka

10. Kuromon Market: Delicious Local Foods

The market is where you can experience the energy that's unique to the city. Kuromon Market is the most famous marketplace in Osaka.

The foods that stand out are the raw oysters, sea urchins, seafood bowls, wagyu beef , and luxurious fruit . There are approximately 180 shops with fresh fish, quality meat, and fruit, as well as restaurants side by side in this marketplace.

The staff at the information center in the marketplace offers support in various languages. There are free Wi-Fi, currency exchange machines, and baggage rooms (with a fee) available so that you can shop hassle-free.

Kuromon Market

11. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Japan’s Largest Aquarium

One of the main characteristics of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is that it is the world’s largest aquarium boasting a 5,400 ton capacity . The sight of large whale sharks leisurely swimming in between sharks and rays is simply incredible.

Aquarium tickets are available online via Klook for those who want a convenient, easy way to secure their admission.

The aquarium, as well as the Tempozan Ferris Wheel located next door, is a typical date spot for the locals.

12. Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Recommended for Couples

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is located inside the Tempozan Harbor Village, a prominent and general Osaka leisure spot, right next to Kaiyukan. It is Japan’s largest Ferris wheel at 112.5 meters in height and 100 meters in diameter. It takes fifteen minutes for it to do one complete revolution, so you’ll be able to leisurely enjoy a journey up into the sky.

The fact that you can not only see a complete view of Osaka but also gaze down at the ocean spread out before you is another charm of the Ferris wheel. The scenery at night is also known to be romantic.

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

13. Don Quijote Dotonbori Store: Ferris Wheel Ride and Discount Shopping

The Don Quijote Dotonbori store is famous for the Ferris wheel attached to its facade. The Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel is 77.4 meters high and is the world's first oval-shaped Ferris wheel that can rotate 180 degrees, taking about 15 minutes to complete one round. The ride fare is 600 yen per person.

The entrance to the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel is on the third floor of the Don Quijote Dotonbori Store.

The store has six floors where you'll find a wide variety of inexpensive products that make great souvenirs from Japan, from tasty snacks to cosmetics, gadgets, toys, and interior goods. The range of goods available for purchase is truly extensive at this store!

14. National Bunraku Theatre: Watch Traditional Performing Arts

For those interested in the traditional Japanese performing arts, we recommend the Bunraku Theatre . Bunraku is a traditional performing art representative of Japan that rivals that of Kabuki (classical drama) and Noh (musical) theatre. It was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.

Bunraku is a type of puppet theater . A single puppet is controlled by three people, thus making its movements beautiful and delicate while expressing various emotions.

The tayu or narrator performs the narration and dialogue of the characters while a shamisen (three-stringed Japanese instrument) plays the background music of the story.

Bunraku performances will offer English audio guidance (for a fee) as well as free leaflets (English, Chinese, Korean) printed with a summary of the story. Reservations can be made through the official website .

National Bunraku Theater

15. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A Spiritual Spot in Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha , located near Osaka Bay, is the head Sumiyoshi shrine of 2300 shrines located across the country. It is a shrine that is representative of Japan and has a history that goes back more than 1800 years ago. The main shrine hall is considered one of the oldest of this style of Shinto shrine architecture and has been designated as a National Treasure.

The shrine grounds are overflowing with spiritual energy. The history of the shrine can be felt in the symbolic Sorihashi Bridge, in the numerous treasures and cultural assets found here, and in the camphor trees that are over one thousand years old.

Settsukuni Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

16. Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a traditional tea house located in Dotonbori. This experience allows you to take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and savor the exquisite flavors of authentic matcha tea and Japanese sweets.

A knowledgeable instructor will share insights into the rich customs, traditions, and etiquette that define the art of the tea ceremony. After that, you'll experience the process of preparing matcha, the powdered green tea, and how to appreciate its flavorful taste

Families with children are warmly welcomed, with caffeine-free matcha milk provided for the young ones. Capture precious moments with your loved ones by taking photos and videos during this genuine tea ceremony encounter!

17. Amerikamura: Vintage Clothes and Takoyaki Heaven

Amerikamura , also known as the American Village or Amemura , is a popular subculture place in Osaka. It is also known for its second-hand stores and delicious takoyaki. Its name stems from the many import shops in the area which are selling goods from America.

The second-hand stores in the area range all the way from extremely affordable to brand name vintage stores. Although their popularity is slowly growing, second-hand stores are still rather rare in Japan so to find so many of them in the same place makes Amerikamura a treasure trove.

Amerikamura Address: Osaka, Chuo, Higashishinsaibashi Google Map Access: 3-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station

18. Minoo Falls: Stunning Scenery

If you wish to experience nature in Osaka, travel to Minoo Park , which is situated about 30 minutes by train from the city.

You will find a magnificent waterfall when you hike up a mountain trail with a clear stream flowing nearby for about 40 minutes. This is the Minoo Falls , a waterfall that was also chosen as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan. In the season of the fall foliage, the maple trees begin to change color, making the surrounding scenery look incredibly beautiful.

A famous local food is maple leaf tempura. You might hesitate at first, thinking “They eat leaves?”, but you’ll become addicted to its rich sweetness once you’ve tried it.

Minoo Onsen Spa Garden is located near the entrance to the mountain trail, so we also recommend relaxing at the hot springs before returning home.

Minoh Falls

19. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and Tower of the Sun: Fun for the Whole Family

Photo courtesy of Osaka Japan Expo Commemorative Park Office

The Expo Commemorative Park is the former site of the World Exposition held in 1970. The site is now a park.

Its symbol is the Tower of the Sun . Designed by artist Taro Okamoto, it is a tower of approximately 70 meters in height.

It would be great to refresh yourself at the green-filled Natural and Cultural Gardens , or take a walk through the Japanese gardens , or even enjoy documents on ethnic groups from around the world at the National Museum of Ethnology . Additionally, the shopping center Expocity was opened in 2015 right next to the park. Here, you can enjoy yourself all day long with your family.

For details on a map of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and how to access the park, please check the official website .

tower of the sun

20. CUPNOODLES Museum Osaka Ikeda: Create Your Own Cup Noodles!

Photo courtesy of NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

Did you know that instant ramen , prepared by just pouring hot water, was actually created in Osaka?

Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods, invented chicken ramen in Osaka, then created the cup noodles that we all know. At the CUPNOODLES Museum Osaka Ikeda, you can create your own original cup noodles (no need for a reservation).

cup noodle museum

A first time guide to Osaka, Japan

Jun 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Lined with pedestrian walkways, Osaka's Dōtombori is a popular night shopping spot © Avigator Fortuner / Shutterstock

Osaka is renowned as Japan ’s friendliest city, and one of its delightfully quirkiest — all the way down to people walking and standing on the opposite sides of escalators than in Tokyo .

If you want great food, buzzing nightlife and modern Japanese skyscraper metropolis, but at a manageable size, add a few days in Osaka to your trip. Here's what you need to know.

Just got 4 days? Here's how to visit both Osaka and Kyoto on a short trip

When should I visit Osaka?

Short version: spring or autumn, and even into the more off-season of winter.

Long version: like much of Japan, Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters but hot and humid summers. June and July are the tsuyu , or rainy season, while September into early October brings tropical storms and sometimes typhoons. A lot of the fun of Osaka is strolling its outdoors entertainment districts, so wet weather isn’t ideal. 

There’s a reason that beautiful spring blossoms and autumn leaves are the most popular seasons to visit Japan . They bring crowds, though, and while Osaka will be quieter than neighbour Kyoto , the cities do share airports and a Shinkansen line. So if your main interests are the city of Osaka itself and its nightlife, you may well find the quieter winter season a great time for your visit.

If you do pick summer, you’ll at least get to enjoy the city's festivals. Osaka’s main three are the first major summer festival Aizen Matsuri that takes place in late June to early July, Tenjin Matsuri in late July which is known for its spectacular fireworks, and Sumiyishi Matsuri in late July to early August. September and October bring the exciting Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri south of the city, with its crashing wooden floats.

Should I fly into Osaka or is Tokyo okay?

Osaka has a main international airport (the new one called Kansai, airport code KIX, on the artificial island in Osaka Bay) and an old one in the city now used for domestic flights (named Itami, code ITM).

Quite a few airlines offer international flights direct to Osaka Kansai, but traveling in Japan is so easy that it’s only a minor inconvenience to transfer — either via plane or Shinkansen bullet train — via Tokyo.

Traveling around in Japan? Here's our guide to using the train network

How do I get in to and around Osaka?

If you fly into Kansai Airport, you have multiple options. Take one of the two “limited express” trains depending on where you want to go in town: JR West’s Haruka or Nankai Railways ’ bonkers future-retro designed rapi:t (pronounced rapiito ). If neither is convenient, see if one of the KATE (Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise) Airport Limousine buses work better.

From Itami Airport, take the Osaka Monorail and connect to local railways from there. 

The Shinkansen arrives at Shin-Osaka station, north of the city center, which is served by many regional, local, and metro services to get you into the heart of the city.

Osaka is covered by a metro/subway network, local train lines that act a lot like a metro/subway, regional/commuter rail, and even a monorail. Ride-hailing apps are still in their infancy but can be helpful, since few taxi drivers speak English (though you can always show an address on your phone). They, like taxis, remain pretty expensive, especially compared with the excellent public transportation. 

Your phone’s maps app is probably the best way to find your way around town, with both Apple and Google’s products well integrated with local transit. Keep an eye out for inclement weather, especially seasonal typhoons in early autumn, though: the network can and will shut down early before a major storm rolls in.

Rail and transit passes exist, but most people are better off using a stored-value IC smart card like the local ICOCA to tap in and tap out of the metro and local railway stations. 

Must-see places on your first Osaka trip

Osaka is one of those cities that transforms between day and night, with a few must-dos in the daytime and the full Japanese electric metropolis experience at night.

At your most energetic, hit up Dōtombori , a street parallel to the canal of the same name, near Namba station. It’s both a street food hub and one of Japan’s most incredible neon wonderlands, so the perfect time to start is an hour or two before sunset. Walk, wander, snack, poke your head into video game arcades… it’s busy, touristy, but a real trip!

For fewer tourists but almost as much local food choice, use your phone to find a nearby department store and head for the basement, where there will almost always be a food hall crammed full of small stalls, sometimes with independent and local vendors, selling delicious morsels to take away.

Amerika-mura (literally "America Village") is to Osaka what Harajuku is to Tokyo: a funky district that’s being gentrified from “where all the cool kids hang out” to being the neighborhood a block from the big Apple Store. It’s a fascinating place and well worth a visit. Aim for Triangle Park and wander either towards or away from the global brand avenue of Midō-suji, as you prefer.

Osaka Castle was destroyed many times throughout history, and the main tower keep today is a concrete reconstruction that contains an excellent museum. That doesn’t make it — and its extensive park-like garden grounds, which are surprisingly lovely at night — any less beautiful in pictures, though. The enormous moats and walls are hugely impressive too, while the cherry blossoms are glorious in spring.

The nearby Osaka Museum of History is great for buffs and handy for a rainy or humid day, and also offers great views of the castle and gardens with modern Osaka in the background.

Speaking of views, skip the pricey skyline observation decks for a drink at one of the rooftop bars, where drinks can be cheaper than the observation decks would be! I love the high ceilings and windowed walls of the Ritz-Carlton ’s panoramic bar (and its martini menu), while the Sky Lounge Stardust in the must-visit Umeda Sky Building is also super, with a range of attractive cocktails (and mocktails) that won’t break the bank yet match the great view. Again, these are perfect for sunsets.

Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan and a Legoland Discovery Center , while there’s a more local flavor to Hirakata Park , Osaka’s oldest amusement park.

Love cats? Hop on the train for an hour-and-a-half south along the bay to nearby Wakayama, where you’ll change to the Wakayama Electric Railway for a cat-themed train to Kishi Station, literally shaped like a cat and also home to the world-famous stationmaster cat Tama (now succeeded by Nitama). Check the website for the hours when the cats are at work, and make sure when planning the trip that you’re definitely on the way to Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, not the Kishi Station in Osaka Prefecture!

What food should I try?

Local food is a huge part of Osaka’s appeal. Here are some of the dishes to try across the city:

• Takoyaki : an octopus dumpling ball snack, served volcanically hot inside – watch out!
• Okonomiyaki : the infinitely customizable and very filling cabbage pancake-fritter — try the Kansai version (more cabbage-based) here and the Hiroshima version (more noodle-filled) there.
• Kushikatsu:  the ultimate street food of battered skewers of meat and vegetables
• Kitsune udon : the local udon noodle specialty with its seasoned tofu top (said to be a favorite snack of foxes, kitsune , hence the name).

Is it expensive? How much cash do I need?

If you’re paying in dollars, Japan as a whole is really inexpensive right now, and that includes Osaka. You’ll find cheap, scrupulously clean and intensely Japanese “business hotels” like Toyoko Inn for around $50 a night, with midrange international brands maybe double that.

Getting around the city is really inexpensive ($1–2 per trip), while munching your way around foodie Osaka is almost unbelievably cheap — you’ll get a plate of steaming takoyaki for under $5, lunch sets for under $10 or a filling okonomiyaki dinner for well under $15.

Cash is still the favorite way to pay in Japan, but this is less true in Osaka than in more rural areas. While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, stored-value IC cards (see “getting around” above) are also very useful — though usually charged up with cash rather than via credit cards. You’ll want cash for taxis and street food at the very least, and most Japanese people carry a fair amount with them, especially in coins. Not all ATMs take international cards, though those found in post offices and most convenience stores will these days.

First time in Japan? Here are things you should know

How much time do you need in Osaka?

Plan a good few days to enjoy everything Osaka has to offer, day or night, with a couple more for exploring elsewhere within the region or as rest days — more time to munch your way through the city.

Should I base myself in Osaka to visit western Japan?

If you want to unpack your suitcase just once and then use the speedy Shinkansen to visit multiple destinations in western Japan, you have a lot of better options as a base than Osaka, such as  Hiroshima ;  Himeji and its beautiful castle ; Okayama and its famous gardens , castle and legendary local mascot of “peach boy” Momotarō; the island of Shikoku ; and the Seto Inland Sea. You’ll find better value hotels that are closer to the station in cities west of Osaka itself. 

Of these, Okayama is a particularly good base. It's on the Shinkansen line and the slower rail “crossroads” between Shikoku and the northern sea of Japan side of the Chugoku region, and is a charming, convenient and cheap option. It's also the farthest west you can get from Tokyo on the Hikari Shinkansen, which is the fastest you can take with the Japan Rail Pass.

Explore related stories

Art and Culture

May 1, 2024 • 9 min read

This four-day Osaka and Kyoto itinerary is a perfect add-on to any trip to Japan.

Apr 3, 2024 • 17 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 25, 2024 • 6 min read

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Osaka

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Osaka, one of Japan's largest cities , lies on the south coast of western Honshu at the point where the River Yodo flows into the wide sweep of Osaka Bay, which opens out into the Pacific. Its location on the Yodo Delta with its network of watercourses and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges has, deservedly, earned Osaka the nickname of the "Venice of the East."

While the origins of Osaka date back to the early days of the Japanese Empire, today it is undoubtedly one of the most modern cities in Japan, boasting a futuristic skyline along with countless impressive examples of modern architecture. Its world-class status is cemented by its many cultural institutions. These include its many superb museums and art galleries, as well as its ultra-modern entertainment, theater, and music venues, which together add up to an endless list of unique things to do.

When planning your Osaka travel itinerary (as well as considering where to stay), bear in mind that the city in fact has two significant city centers. If being close to the top dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences is an important factor, you'll want to spend time in the Minami, or "South" district. Kita, the "North" district, is the traditional business center of Osaka, and is certainly worth considering. Here, you'll find no end of shopping, dining, entertainment, and accommodation available.

Whichever you choose (but be sure to at least visit both), you'll find an excellent transportation system as you go about your sightseeing and explore the best places to visit in the city. If possible, consider traveling to this popular destination in the quieter seasons, such as winter. You'll avoid the crowds at the most popular attractions, and you'll get the chance to experience unique sights, such as seeing Osaka Castle shrouded in snow and lit up at night.

Whatever season you visit, plan your sightseeing with our list of the top tourist attractions in Osaka.

See also: Where to Stay in Osaka

1. Osaka Castle

2. shitennō-ji temple, 3. osaka aquarium kaiyukan, 4. the tempozan ferris wheel and harbor village, 5. the kobe port tower, 6. tsūtenkaku tower, 7. the national museum of art, 8. osaka tennōji zoo & park, 9. osaka science museum, 10. the umeda sky building, 11. universal studios japan, 12. tenmangu shrine and the tenjin festival, where to stay in osaka for sightseeing, tips & tours: how to make the most of your visit to osaka, map of tourist attractions in osaka, osaka, japan - climate chart.

Highlights : Originally a 16th-century castle, known today for its five-story tower, museum, and city views

Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was completed in 1586 and took just three years to build. Ordered built by famed Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi it was, at the time, the largest castle in Japan.

Almost all Hideyoshi's military commanders were required to contribute stones for its construction, the largest being the Higo-ishi stone, near the south entrance. Standing nearly six meters high and 14.5 meters long, it was contributed to by the celebrated General Kato Kiyomasa from the island of Shodo.

After Hideyoshi's defeat in 1615, the castle was destroyed, only to be rebuilt by the Tokugawa shoguns for reasons of prestige. Again destroyed after the fall of the Shogunate, the castle was reconstructed in its present form in 1931.

Highlights include the five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower containing a great museum with exhibits related to the history of the castle and the city (it also offers superb views over Osaka from its upper floors). Also of interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku Shrine dedicated to Hideyoshi and his family.

This popular site can get busy, especially in the summer months, so be sure to take advantage of the "e-ticket" option available through its official website (see below).

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002

Highlights : Japan's first Buddhist temple shows off a five-story pagoda, beautiful statues and paintings, and the famous Golden Pavilion.

Shitennō-ji is Osaka's best-known temple and can trace its roots back to 59 CE. It was also Japan's first Buddhist temple. Although rebuilt numerous times through the centuries (the most recent reconstruction took place in the 1960s), this lovely temple remains the oldest such religious site to be officially administered.

Highlights of a tour include the site's five-story pagoda, along with a number of other exquisitely decorated buildings. The best of these are the Golden Pavilion (Kondō) with its fine statues and paintings, the Lecture Hall (Kōdō), and a lovely covered corridor linking three of the site's gates.

Other buildings of note in the complex include the teaching area, a pharmacy, and a hospital. Be sure to also spend time exploring the site's pleasant garden.

Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0051

Highlights : One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring 27 tanks that spotlight marine habitats from around the planet

Looking a little as if it might be made of giant Lego blocks, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is well worth exploring. One of the world's biggest such attractions, this walk-through aquarium takes guests on a fascinating tour of a number of marine habitats. These include the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica, along with the Great Barrier Reef and Monterey Bay.

A variety of Japanese marine life is also featured, including freshwater species, as well as native reptiles and mammals. All told, the site boasts 27 tanks, the biggest being nine meters deep and capable of easily accommodating large marine life including manta rays and sharks.

For a truly memorable experience, consider a visit at night, when the tanks are lit up to dazzling effect. Be sure to also check the feeding times before your visit (these are listed on the aquarium's official website below).

Address: Chome 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022

Highlight : One of the largest Ferris wheels in Asia, a ride takes a staggering 17 minutes to complete

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel provides some of the best views over Osaka, particularly of the port area and the Tempozan Harbor Village where it's located. This massive Ferris wheel is one of the largest such attractions in Asia , standing more than 112 meters tall and with a diameter spanning 100 meters.

In operation since 1997, this popular attraction offers a thrilling 17-minute journey that is especially enjoyable at night when the wheel is lit up in a variety of different colors dictated by the weather (orange when sunny weather is forecast, green for clouds, and blue for rain). Thrill seekers can opt for one of the special "see-through-bottom" cars for an incredible all-round view of Osaka Bay.

Afterward, be sure to visit other Harbor Village attractions. The best of these are the Cruise Ship Santa Maria, the Legoland Discovery Center, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022

Highlights : An observation deck overlooks the city skyline, while a rotating restaurant has 360-degree views

Osaka boasts not just one but two tall towers that have become synonymous with the city. The newest of these, Kobe Port Tower , is located on the outskirts of the city near the main harbor. Despite being a little farther away from the city center, it's certainly a must-visit attraction that draws crowds of tourists.

Opened in 1963 and constructed from red steel, this earthquake-proof structure stands 108 meters tall and has retained a look of modernity. The highlight of a visit is spending time on the observation deck, affording great views over the city and the Kobe Port area.

Better still, if you're feeling hungry, consider booking a meal at the rotating restaurant, which enjoys the same spectacular views (it's an especially fun experience at night).

Address: 5-5 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0042

Highlight : A fifth-floor observation deck has beautiful views of the city.

The oldest of Osaka's two towers, Tsūtenkaku, is located in the city center and is one of the city's best-known landmarks. It was in fact built on the site of a replica of the Eiffel Tower that was constructed in 1912 and destroyed in WWII.

The current structure, completed in 1956, still offers some of the best views over Osaka. The best of these views can be enjoyed from the observation level on its fifth floor, where you'll also find a shrine of the God of Happiness. If visiting at nightfall, the tower is lit up with a dizzying display of neon lights.

Address: Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002

Highlight : An important art museum that houses works from both Japanese and international artists.

The National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO), is a unique underground art museum located just a few minutes from the city center on Nakanoshima, a small island between the Tosabori and Dōjima rivers. Opened in 1977, this important gallery contains a large collection from some of the leading international artists of the post-war period, including examples by Picasso and Cézanne and Japanese artists Kuniyoshi and Foujita.

It's also home to many important relics and statues. Even if art isn't your thing, it's worth visiting for the spectacular steel structure outside the museum, a massive installation designed to look like reeds bending under a breeze.

Also worth a visit is the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art . This fine gallery is home to a collection of ancient Chinese calligraphy and artwork by Japan's most revered artists.

Address: 4 Chome-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005

Highlights : A top spot in the city for cherry blossom viewing, as well as home to Osaka's zoo.

Osaka's largest green space, Tennōji Park (Tennōji Kōen), serves as a place of respite from this otherwise busy city. Noted for its many fragrant flower beds and, in spring, its cherry blossoms, the park is a delight to explore thanks also to its many fun sculptures, ponds, and bridges.

It's also home to some of the city's most important tourist attractions, including the Osaka Tennōji Zoo . Opened in 1915, the zoo features a variety of species, including lions, giraffes, and elephants, all housed in such a way that they seem to be roaming the African savannah.

Also worth a visit is the hippo pool and reptile house. Hot Tip: Try to time your visit for the free tours of the park's greenhouses and other areas not usually open to the public.

Address: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka

Highlight : Home to the first planetarium to open in Japan

Looking not unlike the bridge of a large ship - a fact that could be credited to its waterside setting - the Osaka Science Museum (Ōsaka Shiritsu Kagakukan) is a delightful outing for those traveling with kids.

Opened in 1989 above the National Museum of Art , the museum contains numerous hands-on and interactive exhibits based on a number of science-related themes covering everything from astronomy to energy sources. It also boasts the country's first planetarium.

Also worth a visit is the Osaka International Peace Center (Ōsaka-kokusai-heiwa-sentaa), a museum dedicated, as the name suggests, to matters of peace. Highlights include sobering displays relating to the destruction of war, as well as a replica of the famous Doomsday Clock.

Address: 4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005

Highlight : A rooftop observatory and garden with impressive views over Osaka

In addition to the stunning architectural designs associated with its museums and art galleries, Osaka boasts many other fine examples of modern architecture. Perhaps the best known is the aptly named Umeda Sky Building (Umeda Sukai Biru), a stunning landmark consisting of two office towers joined at the top by a large platform-like structure.

It's this rooftop structure that draws visitors, due largely to the network of bridges and an escalator, which join the two towers, providing plunging views of 170-plus meters that send shivers down the spines of those sensitive to heights. The views from the rooftop observatory and garden - aptly named the Floating Garden Observatory - are simply stunning.

Afterward, be sure to wander the urban garden at its base with its pleasant paths, fountains, and ponds. There's also a fun underground market designed to resemble early-20th-century Osaka.

Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023

Highlights : Themed roller coasters, attractions, and rides including its own The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

One of the city's newest attractions, and quickly becoming one of the top things to do in Osaka, Universal Studios Japan is also one of the city's busiest sites, attracting around 10 million visitors each year. One of five Universal theme parks worldwide, the Osaka location offers a number of well-known pop-culture franchises, along with a few unique to the location.

Recent additions include Hollywood Dream: The Ride , a fun roller coaster that actually travels backward at times; rides based on the Spiderman movies; and Universal Wonderland , a family-friendly area perfect for those traveling with younger kids. Uniquely Japanese-themed entertainment and characters are found in rides based on games and TV shows in the Universal Cool Japan area, including Monster Hunter and the One Piece Premier Show .

Also of interest to fans of both the books and movies is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , based on the popular rides in Universal's Island of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. To avoid line-ups, be sure to look into the handy Universal Express Pass.

Address: 1-33 Sakurajima, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031

Highlights : A festival with more than 1,000 years of history featuring parades and a fireworks display

Osaka also happens to be the host city of one of Japan's largest annual festivals. The Tenjin Festival (Tenjin Matsuri) has been held here for more than 1,000 years on the same date, July 24 and 25. It features colorful processions held both on land and on water and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.

Much of the fun takes place around the Tenmangu Shrine , which celebrates the god of scholarship, and provides tourists a chance to experience local customs, see many traditional costumes, and enjoy the city's wonderful hospitality. It's also a chance to get in some souvenir shopping, as well as sampling great food from the many vendors who set their stalls for the occasion.

Address: 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041

The best place to stay in Osaka is in the densely packed downtown area, close to restaurants, shops, and many of the main attractions. The famous Osaka Castle is on the western edge of downtown, and the Shitennō-ji temple is to the south. Closer to the water, you'll find the world-famous Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Harbour Village. Below are some highly-rated hotels in good locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• The Intercontinental Hotel Osaka offers oversized rooms in a prime location in the center of all the action. The hotel is an easy 10-minute walk from the central train station.
• In the tallest building in Japan is the new Marriott Miyako Hotel . Occupying floors 38-57, the hotel features rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views out over the city and surrounding plains.
• On Midosuji Avenue, one of Osaka's most prestigious streets lined with exclusive shops, The St. Regis Osaka offers luxuriously appointed rooms and is just minutes from Osaka Castle.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Ideal for families and near Universal Studios is the Hotel Universal Port . A ferry departs from behind the hotel and goes to Tempozan Village, where the Ferris wheel is located.
• Set midway between the Osaka Castle and the Tennoji Zoo is the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Kitahama . Standard rooms are comfortably outfitted, and a subway stop is underneath the hotel.
• The Mitsui Garden Hotel offers spacious rooms in a quiet neighborhood, within walking distance of both Osaka Science Museum and the National Art Museum.

Budget Hotels:

• Located in the Namba area, not far from the zoo, is the Business Hotel Mikado . This budget hotel has basic Japanese-style rooms with shared bathrooms and showers. Free bicycles are available for guests.
• Offering good value and oversized rooms is the well-located Hotel Kinki. The hotel name refers to the area of the city, and the central train station is a short walk away.
• Backstreet Osaka Tour : Explore Osaka like a local with this Deep Backstreet Osaka walking tour. The tour takes visitors through the city's historic streets and back alleys to off-the-radar spots often missed by most tourists.
• Shoulder Season in Osaka : If traveling outside of the busy peak summer season, you'll be rewarded with many unique experiences and sights in Osaka. In winter, the city comes alive with wonderful displays of colorful illuminations and lights. A good time to visit is from November to January, during the Festival of Lights and when beautiful Osaka Castle is lit up for Christmas. Spring is also popular, as the city's parks and gardens burst into life.
• Day Trips : Osaka is perfectly positioned for adventurous travelers to enjoy a variety of fun day trips. A popular option is the Hiroshima and Miyajima Full-Day Sightseeing Tour , which takes in two of Hiroshima's top attractions: Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Benefits include the services of an English-speaking guide, deluxe coaches, and admissions.

Osaka enjoys lovely weather year-round, but the best times to go to Osaka are in the spring and fall seasons. Spring in Osaka is in March, April, and May, while fall is in October and November.

The average temperature in Osaka in March is a high of 14 degrees Celsius. It's a beautiful time to visit because this is the time of year when the plum blossoms and cherry blossoms start to open up.

The weather warms up in April to about 20 degrees Celsius. Usually, it's the first two weeks of April that are the busiest in Osaka because it is peak cherry blossom season. You'll find the streets and attractions are most crowded, but the weather is at its best.

May's average high in Osaka is 25 degrees Celsius. Usually, the crowds have thinned and the city is carpeted in greenery.

Osaka's weather in October is still quite warm, with an average high of 23 degrees. Expect sunny days and cooler evenings. Towards the end of October, the leaves start to change color, which ushers in November and peak leaf-peeping season.

November is comfortable in Osaka, as well, with an average high of 18 degrees Celsius. The leaves are at their most explosive and colorful in the middle of the month. You'll also find that November can be particularly crowded with travelers coming to watch the leaves change.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit near Osaka : As well as the fun day trips already mentioned, Osaka is a great jumping-off point to explore a variety of other surrounding attractions and points of interest. Easy-to-access destinations by rail include Kyoto and Hiroshima , each just a couple of hours away by Bullet Train.

Explore Japan's Rich History : A great vacation destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Japan's rich cultural traditions is Fukuoka . In addition to its magnificent castle and many fine shrines and temples, the city offers immersive experiences, including origami and calligraphy. Similar experiences and other historical attractions can of course be enjoyed in other historic cities such as Nara and Sapporo .

Japan Vacation Ideas : Japan offers no end of jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. No trip should therefore skip the iconic Mount Fuji , easily accessible from Tokyo and its many attractions . If your itinerary doesn't allow a visit to the mountain, you can at least catch a good look at it as you whizz past on a high-speed Bullet Train to destinations such as Nagoya .

More on Japan

22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan in 2024

Written By: Sara Oprasic

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Planning a trip to Osaka, Japan, and you’re unsure which attractions to prioritize? Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, Osaka offers plenty of ways to stay busy, and I want to share them all in this guide on the best things to do in Osaka!

From the city’s tallest skyscrapers that offer the best panoramic views to all the historic shrines and temples that will make you feel like you’ve traveled through time – I’ve got plenty of suggestions on what to do in Osaka. And I’ve equally prioritized amusement parks and vast nature parks. 

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, so it gets busy. But it also offers serene green spaces just minutes outside of the urban jungle, so you can easily escape the noise and bustle of its crowded streets. 

Authentic adventures in Osaka range from driving go-karts on the city streets to eating fried fish skewers. Museums, historic landmarks, and beautiful nature parks are all available in this city, ensuring that anyone can have the time of their life in Osaka. So, let’s get into all the lovely experiences that are staples of this neon-lit city. 

Best of Osaka Quick Guide

• Must See: Osaka Castle , Abeno Harukas, Hozenji Temple, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Dotonbori, Shitenno-ji Temple
• Where To Stay: First Cabin Nishi Umeda , Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi , The Royal Park Hotel 
• Fun To Do: Minoh Park, Pachinko parlors, Umeda Sky Building , Universal Studios , Go-Kart Tours
• Day Trips: Kobe, Kyoto , Nara, Hiroshima  
• Must-Try Foods: Sushi, Udon, Ramen, Kobe beef, Kushikatsu 

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

As Japan’s third largest city by population, Osaka offers a plethora of interesting attractions to visitors. The city seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering an opportunity to tour a 16th-century castle, but exit to a busy street with skyscrapers once you cross the moat. 

It’s the place to be in Japan if you ever dreamed of racing around city streets in Go Karts, or wanted to be inside a Super Mario video game. Osaka is also known for the best food in Japan and has long been known as the country’s center for soul food. The city appeals to everyone, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places to visit in Japan. 

1. Stroll Around Dotonbori

Dotonbori district is the bustling center and the heart of Osaka. It’s best known for its large neon signs, and strolling around this district at night is a special experience. Although Dotonbori offers many attractions worth checking out in the cold light of day, returning to its street after dark is a must. 

The bright, colorful lights of the neon signs give off a cyberpunk vibe. It’s truly an experience you can have only in Japan, and it will instantly make you fall in love with the city. Dotonbori is home to many shops, restaurants, and the best nightlife in Osaka. 

It was always the principal part of the city for entertainment. Throughout history, Dotonbori has been home to many of Osaka’s best theaters and other live entertainment venues. Nowadays it’s better known for dance clubs and bars, but it’s still home to many of the city’s best theaters. 

Practical Information

Dotonbori is a city district accessible by public transport. Get out at Namba Station to start exploring Dotonbori. 

2. Visit the Hozenji Buddhist Temple

Hozenji Temple is in the center of the Dotonbori district, so it’s a historic landmark you’ll come across during the exploration of central Osaka. It’s tucked away in the Hozenji Yokocho alley, so it’s not the easiest landmark to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. 

The small historic temple is best known for the moss-covered statue of Fudomyoo, an important deity in Japanese Buddhism. From the moment you step onto the temple grounds, you can feel a sense of calm. It’s even more fascinating that this oasis of tranquility is situated in the middle of Osaka’s busiest neighborhood. 

There aren’t many rules in places for visiting the temples (or shrines) in Japan. It’s important to be respectful and wear appropriate clothing. 

Practical Information 

Hozenji Temple is situated at the center of Dotonbori, easily accessible from Namba and Kintetsu-Nippombashi train stations. Entrance to the temple is free of charge. 

3. Tour Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most famous historic landmarks in this city. It was initially constructed in the 16th century, but the site has been reconstructed since. Sprawling gardens, shrines, and imposing gates are all parts of Osaka Castle Park. 

The castle has two moats; an outer moat that separates the castle grounds from the urban parts of the city, and an inner moat that separates that actual keep from the parks on the grounds. Everything on the grounds of Osaka Castle is open to visitors, most of it free of charge. 

You must pay an entrance fee only if you want to go inside the Osaka Castle, which now serves as a history museum. Entrance to the Nishinomaru Garden is also charged, but it’s only 200 Yen ($1.4) in the off-season and 350 ($2.4) Yen in the cherry blossom season. 

Entrance to the museum inside Osaka Castle is charged ¥600 ($4). Osaka Business Park train station is one of the closest to the Osaka Castle Park entrance. 

4. Discover Old Japan in Kyoto

Kyoto is considered Japan’s cultural center. The city served as the capital for a long time, and it’s probably the most important for Japanese culture and traditions. Whereas the streets of bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka are now known for flashy neon signs and glass skyscrapers, walking around the streets of Kyoto still feels like you’re touring Japan from a different era. 

Frankly, I don’t think a day is enough to fully experience Kyoto . At the very least you need two days for this magnificent city, and I would recommend prioritizing time in Kyoto over other destinations. 

Castles, shrines, and temples are what you’ll see most in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is an iconic Shinto Shrine in the city, famous for the seemingly endless red gates you must pass through when visiting. Kinkaku-ji is the city’s most famous Buddhist temple, known for its ornate gold facade. 

Sakura trees, Geisha, and narrow cobblestone alleys are staple sights in this historic city. Museums and other tourist attractions are available for visitors, as are many bars and restaurants. But you don’t come to Kyoto for the food; you come here for authentic Japanese culture and tradition, which the city epitomizes. 

Kyoto is 25 minutes from the Shin-Osaka train station, accessible by the local Osaka metro. Train tickets are ¥580 ($4). 

5. See The View From Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building is only the 19th tallest structure in Osaka Prefecture, but it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The building consists of two towers over 40 stories, which are connected at the top. Corridors connect the two skyscrapers, and walking through them feels like you’re on top of the world. 

There’s an observatory at the top, which offers a mesmerizing view of Osaka’s cityscape. It’s one of the best views in the city, especially at night. Several restaurants are also available on the top floors of the Umeda Sky Building, and enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner along with a fantastic view of the city is a wonderful way to end a day in Osaka. 

Evenings are the most popular time to visit the building, so come here early in the day if you want to skip the crowds. Travelers with the Osaka Amazing Pass or the Osaka E-Pass can get in for free before 4 PM but only get a 30% discount for tickets bought after 4 PM. 

Umeda Sky Building is most easily accessible from the Osaka-Umeda station. Full-priced tickets are 1,500 Yen ($10.2) for adults and 700 Yen ($4.8) for children younger than 12.  

6. An Afternoon At Universal Studios Japan

The Universal Studios theme park in Osaka is one of six in the world. It’s such a special place in Osaka and if I could, I would move there in a heartbeat and never leave. And yes, it’s because they have Hogwarts and Hagrid’s Hut on the grounds. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a very popular area of the theme park, but certainly not the only one worth visiting. 

Super Nintendo World Japan is also extremely popular, because who wouldn’t want to be inside a Super Mario game for a few moments? Other areas of the park are dedicated to Minions, Spiderman, Jaws, and many other prominent films produced by this studio. 

Universal Studios in Osaka is a must for all lovers of cinema, and families with children. Whether you’re traveling with the little ones or you want to feel like a kid again even for just five minutes, Osaka’s most famous amusement park is a destination not to be missed. 

One-day tickets for Universal Studios Japan are priced at ¥8,600 ($58.2). The theme park is open from 9 AM to 7-9 PM every day. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Super Nintendo World. 

7. Hiking And Waterfalls At Minoh Park

Minoh Park is an oasis of serenity just 30 minutes away from Osaka city center. Well, it’s 30 minutes away by car, but traveling by public transport takes a bit longer. 

Riverside walking paths, Buddhist temples, bridges, and countless statues all await at Minoh Park. The vast green space is perfect for an escape from the busy city streets, and it’s honestly incredible that such a wonderful place can be so close to the urban jungle. If you travel to Osaka in the fall, a visit to Minoh Park is a must, for the picturesque autumn foliage.

The public park is also home to several restaurants and street food vendors, so there are plenty of options if you get hungry. In addition to the walking trails and temples, the park also features an Insectarium.  

Hankyu Minoh Station is the closest to the Minoh Park entrance. It’s approximately a 40-minute walk from the train station to the Minoh Waterfall. Entrance to the park is free of charge. 

8. Hang Out With Deer in Nara

Nara is a wonderful historic city situated less than an hour outside Osaka. It was the capital of Japan before Kyoto, and it is home to many historic shrines and ruins. 

The city has quite a few interesting landmarks, from shrines to castle ruins, but Nara Park is by far the most special. It’s home to many Shinto Shrines, Buddhist Temples, gardens, and museums. It would take a couple of days to see every single landmark and go inside every notable building at the park – that’s how big the place is. 

Nara Park is especially known for the deer that freely roam its grounds. They’re all tame and you can even buy crackers and feed them; some deer will even bow to you in an attempt to coerce you into feeding them more. Kids particularly enjoy this experience, and the park is truly a wonderful place for families. Visit Nara Park in the spring to enjoy the place in full glory, when all the Sakura trees are in bloom. 

Nara is approximately an hour from Osaka Station by public transport. The town is accessible by trains that run on the Osaka Loop Line, and a one-way metro ticket is ¥820 ($5.6).  Grab your Osaka Metro Pass here.

9. Eat Lunch at Cup Noodles Museum Osaka

The Cup Noodles Museum is one of those places that you can visit only in Japan. With an exhibit entirely dedicated to cup noodles throughout history, this instant ramen museum is incredibly interesting.

The museum exhibit consists of countless cup noodles mounted to the walls. It’s floor-to-ceiling cups of instant noodles, but also sculptures of cup noodles, and an instant ramen-making station. In the Chicken Ramen Factory, you can even make noodles from scratch. 

Of course, you can eat cup noodles at the museum. Head to the restaurant and choose whatever flavor you want. It’s only 500 Yen for a meal ($3.4), so it’s one of the cheapest lunches you can eat in Osaka.

The Cup Noodles Museum is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the museum is free, but a noodle-making class at the Chicken Ramen Factory is 1,000 Yen ($6.8). 

10. Observatory At Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas is the city’s tallest skyscraper in the business district. Until 2023 it was the tallest building in Japan, but it was overtaken by the Azabudai Hills complex in Tokyo. The imposing skyscraper features offices, a hotel, an art museum, restaurants, shops, and a train station at the underground level. 

There’s lots to do and see at this building, especially if you want to explore restaurants or shops. But the main reason people come to Abeno Harukas is for the view of Osaka’s skyline from its tallest building, and it is as spectacular of a view as you might expect. 

Osaka seems to stretch endlessly, almost until the mountains in the backdrop. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is another place worth visiting to see some wonderful Japanese art, but also examples of Western art, modern art, and much more. 

Tickets for the Abeno Harukas observatory can be purchased only on the spot, on the day of the visit. You can reserve tickets in advance but must exchange the reservation for same-day tickets for a fee. The standard price of tickets for the observatory is ¥1,800 ($12.2). 

11. Visit The Osaka Museum of History

Osaka Museum of History is separated by a moat from the Osaka Castle Park, and I recommend visiting the two famous landmarks on the same day. The museum is set in a modern building and beautifully contrasts the 16th-century Osaka Castle. 

For Japanese history enthusiasts, there is no better place in this city. The museum exhibit is varied and detailed, with all the most important elements of Osaka’s history on display. It’s important to note that there aren’t too many English descriptions of the exhibits, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the museum. Most exhibits are easy to understand even without a description. 

At the Osaka Museum of History, you can see how the city and its surroundings developed over the ages. The traditions and ways of the locals are also exemplified in this museum and can be observed in period clothing, furniture, and even interior design.  

Practical information

Tanimachiyonchome Station is closest to the Osaka Museum of History. Tickets are 600 yen ($4), and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day except Tuesday. 

12. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe

Kobe is only 20 minutes from central Osaka by train, so it’s one of the best cities for a day trip in Western Japan. There are many reasons to come to Kobe, from historic alleys to dramatic waterfalls, but the one thing you really should try in the city is Kobe beef. 

Kobe beef is legendary in the culinary industry. It’s a type of Wagyu beef from a special strain of Japanese Black cattle, which are raised only in the region around Kobe. Although it has been exported to other countries since 2012, there’s no better place in the world to try the luxurious steak than Kobe. 

Steak Aoyama is one of the best steakhouses in the city. Locals and tourists have been coming here for Kobe beef steaks since the 1960s, and it’s one of the city’s highest-rated restaurants. Expect to spend around 10,000 Yen ($68) for a full Kobe beef steak dinner, but significantly less (2,000-3,000 Yen) for a Kobe beef burger. 

Kobe is 20-30 minutes from Osaka by train. A one-way ticket is 420 Yen ($2.8). Travel speed and ticket cost depend on the type of train you board; the noted time and price are for the trains that run on the Rapid Aboshi line.   

13. Souvenir Shopping At Shinsaibashi-Suji Street

Shinsaibashi-Suji is a covered shopping street in the heart of Osaka. With countless shops that sell tax-free goods and offer airport delivery, it’s the perfect destination for souvenir shopping. You’ll find a wide variety of high-end and high-street fashion shops here, as well as loads of smaller shops that sell classic Japanese souvenirs and trinkets. 

Plenty of street food stalls are nestled between shop entrances, and there are plenty of places where you can stop for a quick bite. 

The shopping street eventually turns into a bridge that connects it to the Dotonbori neighborhood. Visit both the busy neon-lit center and the popular shopping arcade, to see two of Osaka’s most famous areas in one afternoon. 

The average operating hours for shops on Shinsaibashi-Suji Street are from 8 AM until 11 PM, but the shops don’t all observe the same opening hours. Namba Station is the closest to the shopping street entrance. 

14. Play Pachinko 

Pachinko is a mixture of an arcade game and a slot machine. If you walk around Osaka you’ll notice that there are Pachinko parlors everywhere and feel free to go in if you want to have some fun. 

Gambling is illegal in Japan, so you can’t get money directly from the machines. But you can get Pachinko balls, which you then exchange for special tokens. Those tokens can then be exchanged for cash at a vendor outside the parlor. 

Pachinko is a low-stakes game, and some machines allow you to exchange just one Yen for a ball. Who knows, if you twist the knob just right, you might just hit the jackpot. 

Pachinko parlors are available throughout Osaka. Players must be at least 18 years old.  

15. Street Food Tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market

For a long time, Osaka was known as the national kitchen of Japan. The city’s food culture is legendary, and exploring the culinary scene of Osaka is necessary for understanding its heritage and traditions. 

Go to Kuromon Ichiba Market for a speed tour of Osaka’s cuisine. It’s one of the best places in the city for street food and souvenir shopping. Fresh and fried seafood dominate the stalls, and you’ll have a plethora of options if you love seafood. And even if you don’t, there are plenty of other options. 

I recommend buying food from multiple vendors so you can try as many different things as possible. Don’t just stick to one restaurant because you might miss out on something amazing. 

Kuromon Ichiba Market is in central Osaka, close to Dotonbori. Most vendors stay open until at least 6 PM. 

16. See The Namba Yasaka Shrine

Namba Yasaka Shrine is one of Osaka’s most famous Shinto Shrines. It’s best known for the small stage that is shaped like a lion’s head, which has become an iconic Osaka landmark. 

Although Namba Yasaka Shrine is very close to Dotonbori and the heart of Osaka, it’s in a much more peaceful area than the buzzing center. The crowds here are smaller, and the entire place feels much more peaceful. 

It’s a small shrine and it takes no more than 10 minutes to visit every structure on the grounds. Take some time to enjoy the view, admire the ritualistic stage, and snap loads of photos of Osaka’s coolest tourist attraction. 

Namba Yasaka Shrine is open for visitors daily, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Entrance to the shrine is free of charge, and the closest train station is Namba. 

17. Admire The Cherry Blossoms At Nagai Park

If you feel overwhelmed by the crowds on Osaka’s streets, escape to Nagai Park. The expansive green space in the south of the city is incredibly serene and offers enough content to keep you busy for a few hours. 

The park is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season when all the trees are in full bloom. Nagai Park is decorated with many light installations, which make the entire place come alive after dark. 

Nagai Botanical Garden is the highlight of this public park, with countless gorgeous flowers and a large pond at the center. Fields of irises, roses, camelia, and other flowers make the garden a magical experience in the spring season. The Osaka Museum of Natural History is also situated in this park and offers insight into the flora, fauna, and geology staple for the region.

Nagai Park is 20 minutes from Osaka city center by metro. Nagai Station is closest to the park. 

18. Race Around The Streets of Osaka in a Go Kart

You could walk around Osaka for hours and love it, but there’s a better way to explore the city. Get behind the wheel of a go-kart and race around the city streets taking in all the sights. Yes, you can tour Osaka by reenacting Mario Kart in real life!

It’s one of the best and most entertaining experiences in the city, combining a thrilling adventure with classic sightseeing. Just keep in mind that the operators aren’t allowed to advertise it as a Mario Kart adventure because Nintendo did not like that idea and sued most tour operators a while ago. 

Insider Tip: Go-kart tours take place on actual roads, so you will need a valid driver’s license. Foreigners must have an International Driver’s Permit to be able to drive in Japan. 

Karting tours around Osaka usually take 1-2 hours and are available only to travelers who are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. 

19. Ride The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is set on a small river island. It’s next to the Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, in the lovely green Tempozan Park. The Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters tall and it can fit up to 480 passengers at once. It’s a massive structure that offers a spectacular view of Osaka from the top. 

It’s best to ride the Tempozan Wheel at night when the entire structure gets illuminated with all colors of the rainbow. And because Osaka’s skyline looks the best after dark when all of the city’s bright lights are on.  

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is open every day from 10 AM to 9-10 PM (it’s open longer on the weekends). Tickets for the ride are 900 Yen ($6.1).  

20. Roam Around Shinsekai

Sinsekai is one of Osaka’s older neighborhoods. One part of it was modeled after New York’s Coney Island and the other after Paris, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. 

Sinsekai has a tumultuous history. It was once a bustling city neighborhood but became one of the city’s poorest in the aftermath of WWII. Criminal activity flourished, and for a while, Shinsekai was almost a dangerous place to be in Osaka. That’s no longer the case, and plenty of tourists in Osaka stop by this colorful district. 

Come here for cheap street food , souvenir shops, arcade games, Pachinko parlors, and bright neon signs.  

Shinsekai is in the southern part of Osaka, close to Tennoji Park. Ebisucho Station and Dobutsuen-Mae Station are the two closest stations to the district. 

21. Visit the Shitenno-ji Buddhist Temple

Shitenno-ji is one of Osaka’s most famous Buddhist temples. It was first constructed in the 6th century and reconstructed several times over the centuries. Despite the many renovations, Shitenno-ji is considered one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. 

It’s also one of Osaka’s largest temples, in terms of the size of the complex. In addition to the main temple building, there’s also a garden, a treasure hall, an old bell tower, and several other buildings on the grounds. 

Shitenno-ji Temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Entrance to the central temple is ¥300 ($2). 

22. Day Trip to Hiroshima

A day trip to Hiroshima is easy to do from Osaka thanks to the incredibly fast Nozomi bullet trains that reach speeds of more than 300 km/h. The city is best known for the devastating bombing, which took the lives of more than 100,000 people. 

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the most popular attraction in the city. It details the events of the atomic bombing and the consequences it left on the city and its people, as well as the reconstruction that followed. Some exhibits are very emotional, and the museum will give you a new perspective on the events of that grim day. 

Hiroshima Castle is another popular landmark, very close to the Peace Memorial. Shukkeien Garden is another great place to visit with ponds and beautiful landscaping. 

Hiroshima is an hour and a half from Osaka by the Nozomi bullet train. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is osaka, japan best known for.

Osaka is best known for delicious street food and friendly locals. There’s no better destination in the country for a thorough exploration of Japanese cuisine. 

Is Osaka, Japan Worth Visiting? 

Yes, Osaka is worth visiting. It’s the third most populous city in Japan, known for excellent food and a wonderful blend of historic and modern Japan. 

Is 3 Days in Osaka Too Much? 

No, 3 days in Osaka is not too much. It’s just enough time to see all of the city’s best landmarks and do a quick half-day trip to a nearby destination. 

Is Osaka Nicer Than Tokyo?

Osaka is not necessarily nicer than Tokyo, but it is cheaper and less crowded. Tokyo is still the best destination for a first-time visit to Japan, but Osaka is an excellent destination for travelers who have already explored the capital. 

Where To Stay In Osaka

Find accommodation in central Osaka for easy access to all the best attractions. Hotels in the city aren’t too expensive, and there are loads of options for less than $50 per night. Accommodation outside the center is fine as long as it’s close to the metro. Here are some of the best hotels in Osaka for all budgets: 

• Capsule hotels originated in Osaka, so it’s only right to stay in one, especially if you’re looking for cheap accommodation. The original capsule hotel is men-only, and First Cabin Nishi Umeda is an excellent alternative.
• Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi is an affordable three-star hotel in the city center. 
• The Royal Park Hotel is a five-star hotel in central Osaka with a surprisingly affordable nightly rate.  

Where To Eat In Osaka

Osaka is all about the food and there’s no shortage of excellent restaurants in town. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, Osaka offers anything you could want. Some of the city’s staple dishes are Kushikatsu (deep-fried seafood skewers), Takoyaki (fried, ball-shaped snacks), Doteyaki (beef tendon stew), Udon hot pots, and much more. 

Kuromon Ichiba Market is the best place for street food. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho restaurant has some of the best beef in Osaka, while Halal Ramen Naniwaya is one of the most popular places for ramen and katsu dishes. Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama has three Michelin stars and a green star, so it’s one of the best for fine dining. Endo Sushi is one of the highest-rated sushi restaurants in Osaka that’s operated for more than a century. 

Tips And Information For Visiting Osaka, Japan

Best Time To Visit

Osaka has a temperate climate, so any time of the year is a good time to be in the city. I would avoid traveling to Osaka in the summer because it’s hot, humid, and crowded. 

Spring is a wonderful time in Osaka. The weather is mild, and the countless flowers and cherry blossom trees in the city are in full bloom. If you’re most interested in Osaka’s natural landmarks, spring is probably the best season to visit. 

Fall and winter are also good times to travel to Osaka, especially if you’re more fascinated by Japanese culture, cuisine, and history. Osaka’s historical landmarks remain accessible in the fall and winter, and the mild weather means it’s rarely too cold to walk around outside. 

Getting There

Osaka is serviced by two airports – Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport. Pre-pandemic, Kansai Airport was the third busiest hub in Japan, but nowadays Osaka International Airport operates more flights. 

Kansai Airport is situated on a man-made island in Osaka Bay. It’s connected to the city center by train, and it’s approximately an hour and 10 minutes from KIX to Osaka Station. 

Osaka International Airport is much closer to the city center. It’s also connected to central Osaka by train, and the travel time is only 30 minutes.  If you can choose which airport you want to land at, Osaka International Airport is the more convenient option. But flying out of Kansai Airpot is a special experience, one that takes your trip to a new level. 

Getting Around 

Japan is world-famous for its insanely fast bullet trains and they’re by far the way of traveling around the region. For travel between two cities in Japan, a Shinkansen is the quickest and most convenient mode of transport. It’s also the most expensive one, and I highly recommend the JRail Pass if you’re in the country for a while and you want to explore. 

The cheapest JRail Pass is $355 for a week of travel, so it’s only worth the money if you plan to extensively travel through Japan. I recommend creating a detailed list of all the places you want to visit and adding up the cost of train tickets to see if the pass is worth the money for you. 

One thing to note is that the JRail Pass doesn’t cover metro lines in the city of Osaka. For that, you’ll need an IC Card or the Osaka Eco Card. 

How Much Time Do You Need

If Osaka is just one of the stops on a longer tour of Japan, you can set apart two days for the city. A tour is doable in a day, but it wouldn’t allow you to properly enjoy the sights because you’d constantly be rushing to see the next thing. But two days is enough time to see all the best of Osaka, with some breaks in between sightseeing. 

On the other hand, if you would like to do day trips from Osaka, then I suggest 3-5 days, depending on how many other places you want to visit. A trip to Nara is a must because it’s so close to the city and has a lot to offer. 

Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all very close to Osaka and it’s possible to visit each city on a day trip. Frankly, I think you need at least three days to fully explore Kyoto, but if you can’t squeeze it into your itinerary otherwise, even a day trip from Osaka is better than not visiting the city at all. 

Plan your Next Trip to Japan with These Resources

The 20 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

9 Amazing Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan

• 14 Best Cities in Japan To Visit This Year
• The Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Is Japan Expensive To Visit? Money Saving Tips For Your Next Trip

About Sara Oprasic

Sara loves writing about travel as much as she loves traveling. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and crossing items off her bucket list. She’s yet to cross off Japan, Tromsø, and Hogsmeade. You can see what she’s up to on her Instagram Page

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

1 thought on “22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan in 2024”

I’m planning my trip after listing all the places on my visiting list. I’m going tommorow and this post was really helpful for planning my trip. I would really appriciate if write a post on detailed planning of switzerland, i’m going there in next month…Thanks

Home » Travel Guides » Japan » 25 Best Things to Do in Osaka (Japan)

25 Best Things to Do in Osaka (Japan)

Osaka is one of the main cities in Japan after Tokyo and is located on the island of Honshu. It is not as traditional or picturesque as other spots in the country like Kyoto, but it is still well worth a visit if you are planning a tour of Japan.

Many locals will tell you that Osaka is one of the most laid back cities in the country and the people here are known for their warm hospitality, which means that you will have the chance to learn all about Japanese culture here.

If you are a big of a foodie then you will also be in luck in Osaka which is said to have one of the best food scenes in all of Japan. To add to this you can explore museums, galleries and amusement parks all over the city, so this is one part of the country that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Osaka …

1. Visit Osaka-jo

Osaka Castle dates from 1583 when it was first built using 100,000 workers to get the finished building.

As with many castles in Japan however, it was destroyed and the structure that stands now was built in 1931 and has also been renovated over the years.

Despite the fact that the castle is no longer the original, it is still one of the most impressive buildings in Osaka and is located in the middle of a leafy park and is encircled by a charming moat.

Once inside the castle you can check out a selection of weaponry as well as art work and there is also an observation deck on the 8th floor where you can take in panoramic vistas over the adjacent park and wider Osaka.

Recommended tour : Guided Walking Tour around Osaka Castle

2. Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

If you want to learn more about traditional art in Osaka then consider a trip to Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum where you can learn all about the art of ukiyoe which is a kind of Japanese print.

The prints are made using blocks of wood and the museum itself is styled on a traditional Japanese house.

Anyone who likes art work should definitely not miss this off the itinerary as it gives you an insight into one of the less well known handicrafts in Japan.

3. Check out the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

One of the best museums in Osaka is said to be the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living which is an open air museum covered in models of houses and traditional buildings.

There are a huge number of replicas of structures that would have stood in Osaka in the Edo Period from the 17th to the 19th century and this is the ideal place to come if you want to get a glimpse of how people would have lived in Osaka in days gone.

To really get into the spirit of things you can even dress up in period garb and walk around the complex dressed in a traditional Japanese outfit like a kimono.

4. Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine

Sumiyoshi Shrine has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest Shinto shrines not only in Osaka but also in wider Japan.

The shrine was built over 1,800 years ago and it is said to be one of the prettiest Shinto shrines of its kind thanks to its ornate architecture and dainty design features.

As well as the actual shrine you will also find a park here which features a bridge that stretches over a glassy pond.

Recommended tour : Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Walking Tour

5. Ascend the Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building is one of the main landmarks in Osaka and you can see it from all over town.

The building soars to a height of 173 meters and it has an observatory which is located on the 39th floor which is known as the Garden Observatory.

This is one of the famous floating gardens for which Japan is well known and you can come here to check out this hanging garden which is filled with local flowers and plants.

Book online :  Umeda Sky Building Observatory Entry Ticket

6. Watch a show at the National Bunraku Theater

The National Bunraku Theater is the place to come if you want to check out the Japanese art of bunraku.

This is a kind of puppet theater which would have started out life in the Edo Period, and you can now come here to watch a performance in person.

Bunraku features large puppets which are operated by as many as three puppeteers and tell the story of Japanese epics and legends from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Fortunately there is also an English translation on offer so that you can work out what is going on.

7. Go out in Dotonbori

Dotonbori is known is Osaka as the place to come if you want to go out and enjoy the best of the city.

This part of Osaka is the central hub of bars, restaurants and cafes, and you can come here in the evening to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Many of the cafes and restaurants here also have their own roof terraces and this means that you can sit out, listen to some live music and look out across twinkling Osaka at the same time.

Related tour : Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour

8. Visit Osaka Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium is also known as Kaiyukan and is located inside Tempozan Harbor Village that backs on to Osaka Bay.

This is one of the largest aquariums in Japan and has eight floors of exhibits which include a plethora of marine life such as whale sharks, otters, dolphins and turtles.

There is also one main tank in the aquarium which is some nine meters in length and is a riot of color thanks to the tropical fish and other marine animals like seahorses that bob around inside.

9. Go shopping in Shinsaibashi

Locals will tell you that the best place to go shopping in Osaka is in the Shinsaibashi District which sells pretty much anything and everything.

This part of town is a collection of arcades which means that this is a good place to come on a rainy day and you will find items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and household objects.

If you want some gifts or mementoes of your time in Osaka then this is the best place to come and shop up a storm.

10. Try the local food

Osaka is known in Japan for being something of a foodie paradise so if you like to eat then you have come to the right place! Some of the highlights here include the Okonomiyaki which is a kind of pancake made from shredded cabbage which is loaded with a range of toppings, as well as battera which is a style of sushi which features mackerel compressed with rice in a wooden box.

You can also try the kushikatsu which consists of skewers which feature different ingredients such as meat and vegetables which have been deep fried in breadcrumbs.

Interesting tour: Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

11. Make a pot at Maishima Pottery Museum

Maishima Pottery Museum is part of the Bay Area of Osaka and sits on a manmade island which was built for the purpose in 1998. The aim of the museum is to use the marine clay which lies in the waters around Osaka and you can come here and try to make your own pot using a potter’s wheel.

There are also galleries here featuring a range of pottery pieces and you can also check out the onsite kiln.

Once you have made your masterpiece you can glaze it before it is fired in the kiln and it can then be shipped to your home as a memento of your holiday.

12. Scale Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas has the claim to fame of being the tallest building in Osaka and also in all of Japan.

For that reason, you mustn’t miss it on a trip to the city and you can travel to the 5th floor here where you will find a charming cafe.

There is also an observation deck located here that lets you take in stunning panoramic vistas across the city.

Once you have checked out the views, you can also explore the rest of the building which features a museum, a department store and other shopping and dining venues.

13. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the most iconic sights in Osaka and is located on the edge of the scenic Osaka Bay.

At one time this would have been the tallest Ferris wheel of its kind in the world and the main attraction here is the chance to take a spin on the wheel and check out the pretty sights across the city.

The wheel is illuminated at night so if possible try to come here in the evening and enjoy the nighttime views of Osaka.

14. Enjoy some retail therapy at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street has the claim to fame of being the longest shopping street in Japan, so for that reason alone make sure not to miss it.

The street stretches for over two kilometers through Osaka and you will find a huge range of items for sale here.

These include things such as clothes, household items, shoes, books and souvenirs and there are also a range of places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat here.

Make sure to also look out for the traditional Japanese medicine shops which sell a range of unusual products.

15. Tour Peace Osaka

Peace Osaka was built to educate visitors on the importance of peace and is also a tribute to all those who lost their lives in wars around the world.

Some of the key galleries here are dedicated to dark periods in Osaka’s history such as the bombings which razed much of the city to the ground during the Second World War.

For a moving look at how war has affected Japan and other countries in the world, this is well worth a visit if you are in town.

16. Check out Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple would have started out life in the 6th century when it was built under Emperor Suiko but like many buildings in Japan it was destroyed during the Second World War.

Nowadays the buildings here are reconstructions and you will find a range of different structures dotted around a compound.

Some of these take their inspiration from the 7th century onwards and some are more modern in style, so this is a great place to come to check out different examples of Japanese religious architecture.

17. Enjoy the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

One of the most iconic sights in Osaka is the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum which is dedicated to the humble instant noodle.

Here you will find a range of quirky attractions such as a statue of Momofuku Ando who is credited with inventing instant ramen and you can also check out a giant replica of a cup noodle.

The museum also offers you the chance to taste and even make your own noodles as part of a series of workshops.

18. Relax at Spa World

Spa World, as the name suggests, is a complex in Osaka which is made up of a range of spas, saunas and pools.

The facility is open 24 hours a day and you can come here and try out the onsen which are bathing pools located outside so you can also take in the fresh air and views at the same time.

You can also choose from a range of spa treatments such as massages and you can even stay here overnight if you buy a full pass to Spa World.

One thing to note however is that Japan has a very strict policy on tattoos so you will not be able to use the facilities if you have any visible tattoos on your body.

19. Watch a Sumo Spring Grand Tournament

Every spring you will find the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament in Osaka which is a great way to find out more about the amazing Japanese sport of sumo wrestling.

The event usually starts in March and is located inside the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium and you can watch some of the most famous sumo stars battle it out in the ring.

Schedules are subject to change so you need to check out the local listings to see what is on when you are in town.

20. Visit O-hatsu Tenjin

O-hatsu Tenjin is the name for a shrine in Osaka that is said to date back some 1,300 years and which is known for its unique legend.

The story goes that O-hatsu was a sex worker who committed suicide here along with Trokubei who was the apprentice of a merchant in Osaka, so that they could live together forever in paradise.

As a result of the legend, couples come here to pray for a strong relationship.

21. Admire the Tower of the Sun

The Tower of the Sun is one of the more unusual attractions in Osaka and is made up of a tower which is 70 meters in height and was designed by Okamoto Taro, a famous Japanese artist.

The tower is in the form of a creature which has three faces pointing in different directions and it was built in the 1970s in honor of the famous World Expo that was held in Osaka.

22. Explore the National Museum of Ethnology

This museum is an ode to not only Japanese ethnology but of other world cultures.

The aim is to show how people from all over the world are interconnected and you will find ceramics, costumes, masks, vehicles, and other memorabilia from countries all over the globe.

These include galleries dedicated to Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and of course Japan, and there are interactive exhibits such as a fun music room where you can play a range of world music.

This is also the place to find out more about Japanese culture from all over the country.

23. Check out Tenjin Matsuri

Tenjin Matsuri is one of the main festivals in Japan and there is no better place to check it out than in Osaka.

The festival takes place in July and lasts for two days and you can check out the mikoshi on the second day.

These are shrines which are hoisted through the streets of Osaka and revelers wear traditional costumes and carry the shrines to O-kawa where they are loaded onto boats.

In the evening you can also watch an opulent fireworks display.

24. Have fun at Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is one of the most important theme parks in the country after Disneyland in Tokyo and is also the second largest in Japan.

As you would expect this is similar to Universal Studios in the United States and you can come here to check out everything related to your favorite films.

One thing to note however is that there is obviously more of a Japanese twist here, so expect to see a range of local characters as well.

25. Scale Tsutenkaku

Tsutenkaku is one of the most famous spots in Osaka and features a tower which was originally built in the 20th century but which has been replaced since then.

This is one of the main landmarks in town as is a symbol of how Japan rose again after being heavily bombed during the Second World War.

Now you can check out the sights across Osaka from the viewing platform and there is a lucky genie here known as a ‘sky billiken’ which grants wishes if you rub its feet according to local legend.

25 Best Things to Do in Osaka (Japan):

• Visit Osaka-jo
• Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
• Check out the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
• Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine
• Ascend the Umeda Sky Building
• Watch a show at the National Bunraku Theater
• Go out in Dotonbori
• Visit Osaka Aquarium
• Go shopping in Shinsaibashi
• Try the local food
• Make a pot at Maishima Pottery Museum
• Scale Abeno Harukas
• Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Enjoy some retail therapy at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
• Tour Peace Osaka
• Check out Shitennoji Temple
• Enjoy the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
• Relax at Spa World
• Watch a Sumo Spring Grand Tournament
• Visit O-hatsu Tenjin
• Admire the Tower of the Sun
• Explore the National Museum of Ethnology
• Check out Tenjin Matsuri
• Have fun at Universal Studios Japan
• Scale Tsutenkaku

19 BEST Things to Do in Osaka, Japan [2024 Edition]

• Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Whether you’re looking for culture, fun or delicious food, our list of the best things to do in Osaka, Japan will help you make the most of your next trip!

As of today, Tokyo , Kyoto , and even Hiroshima all have extensive attractions in Japan and are visited by thousands of tourists each year due to their history, festivals, and other events.

Osaka however, can somewhat be overlooked when compared to these other cities.

In my opinion, Osaka honestly stands out as a must-see and port city on Honshu Island that is just as incredible as Japan’s more touristy places.

Whether it be touring a Buddhist temple, eating local food, or just admiring the neon lights around Osaka city, there are many ways to enjoy yourself and experience Japanese culture here.

READ MORE: Check out our list of the top places to see in Japan

Table of Contents

1. Drive a Go Kart Around the City Dressed as a Video Game Character

2. legoland discovery center, 3. eat the street food in the dotonbori district, 4. take a day trip nishiki beach, 5. universal studios japan, 6. hattori ryokuchi park, 7. check out osaka castle, 8. hit up the market in kuromon ichiba, 9. atc asobi mare, 10. sumiyoshi shrine, 11. hozenji temple, 12. osaka science museum, 13. tower of the sun, 14. tempozan ferris wheel, 15. utsubo park, 16. avoid the osaka aquarium, 17. nagai botanical garden, 18. umeda sky building, 19. instant ramen museum, the best things to do in osaka japan.

Osaka Bay is an economic powerhouse with several fun activities, whether they have cultural roots or they are just commercially based.

Activities and things to do in Osaka can easily suit anybody, whether it be riding a bike or taking a stroll through a classic park setting, or visiting Universal Studios Japan.

The first thing you should do is pick up an Osaka Amazing Pass , which gives you unlimited transport, as well as entrance to many of the main Osaka attractions, including the castle.

The Klook website in the link above is the cheapest place to buy this and is what we personally used on our trip to Osaka in 2019.

BONUS – Use the coupon code “NMDSKLK” on Klook when checking out and you’ll get $5 off your first booking!

From visiting theme parks like Universal Studios and Legoland, to standing on the observation deck of Osaka’s tallest building, there is no limit to the attractions in Osaka!

NOTE: We recommend AVOIDING the horrible Osaka Aquarium. Read more about it below.

This is not even a joke. By far the funniest Osaka activity you can do is to get dressed up as your favourite video game or anime character, and zip around the city in a go-kart!

Starting close to the Namba station, you go through a quick safety briefing, get dressed up, and then hit the streets.

How this is legal we have no idea, but it’s honestly one of the coolest things to do in Osaka!

The cheapest place to book this is online on the Klook website .

Legoland is a beloved, Lego-themed amusement park with unique and fascinating locations all over the world.

Legoland in Japan is one of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Osaka, and a must-do if you’re traveling to Osaka with kids.

Taking a day trip to Legoland can be a pleasant and somewhat otherworldly experience for you and your children.

Kids will love entertaining themselves with the endless toy tables and lego bricks. There is also a 4D cinema and plenty of rides.

Visit the Legoland Discovery Center for some gifts and toys to take home as souvenirs.

Buy a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket on the Klook website .

Experiencing some of Osaka’s best attractions could not be complete without tasting and trying the street food.

If you’re a real foodie, Dotonbori should be on the top of your list of places to visit in Osaka.

Dotonbori is highly known for its entertainment and activities, but the street food is superb, so much so that just the thought of it should excite those with curious taste buds.

Which are the best dishes to try? Takoyaki, authentic Ramen, and Yakitori are some of the most delectable street food meals offered.

From sweet to savoury, and even unique food items such as grilled octopus, Dotonbori pretty much has something in store for every intrigued visitor.

For all food lovers wondering what to do in Osaka, the Dotonbori district is an Osaka must-see! It’s open all day and night.

If you’re looking to have a relaxing day trip at the beach, then add a visit to Nishiki Beach to your list of things to do in Osaka.

You can amp up your day trip experience at Nishiki by jet skiing or trying other water sports and activities.

Nishiki Beach also goes under the name of Nishikinohama Beach Park, and for good reason.

There is also a park section in addition to the beach, where you can go barbecuing and enjoy picnics with friends and families.

It is best to visit Osaka in the summer if you are planning to enjoy some sun and fun activities at Nishiki Beach, as it is only open from July 1 to the end of August.

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on our detailed itinerary for the perfect 3 days in Osaka !

One of four Universal Studios theme parks located all over the world, Universal Studios Japan is one unique theme park located in Osaka that is fun for you and the whole family.

Akin to the other Universal Studios parks, the main attractions are the rides based on famous movie franchises.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park are two popular themed mini worlds full of rides and activites.

For the younger children, a world of entrancing activities featuring the beloved cartoon character Curious George is also located in the park.

A day trip to Universal Studio Park is always among the top Osaka tourist attractions for every cinema buff!

Opening and business hours in the park actually vary and change by month, so it is important to check the website for more specific details.

Hattori Ryokuchi Park is a large park comprised of several steep and exquisite hills as well as mountainous terrain, and is located in the northern part of Osaka.

The setting and true aesthetics of this park are a bit rustic when compared to the booming nightlife of Osaka and other Japanese cities as a whole.

It is truly beautiful and peaceful with elegant fountains and playgrounds for children to enjoy.

It should come as no surprise that many locals, and sometimes tourists, use this park to relieve stress and achieve the ultimate relaxation time.

Tennis courts and horse riding centers are readily available for those looking for more of a thrill.

The park generally stays open at all times, as there are so many activities to experience and enjoy.

If you are looking to experience a real cultural and historical landmark in the city, Osaka Castle is the perfect place to visit based on the true significance of helping the now close-knit nation of Japan to be unified.

It’s one of the oldest of its kind, constructed in 1583. But it was destroyed shortly after by the Tokugawa.

So really, the Osaka castle that you can see now was reconstructed in 1931.

This landmark would be best to visit during the Cherry Blossom season, often in March and April, as it is a popular spot for hanamis (the act of enjoying flowers).

Not only should you visit the castle as it is one of the most beautiful things to see in Osaka due to the elegant design, but the inside contains different activities and artifacts to see.

Historic materials dating from the Castle’s first construction are on display.

It’s definitely a mandatory highlight without which the Osaka sightseeing experience wouldn’t be complete!

One of the most fun activities to experience within Osaka Castle is getting the chance to wear Japan’s iconic clothes and accessories – kimonos, helmets, and even surcoats.

You could get your photo taken while wearing these different items.

Surrounding the park is the Nishinomaru Garden, an archery placement.

Get your Osaka Castle ticket here .

Like Dotonbori, Kuromon Ichiba is a paradise for exploring street food and different vendors.

The market is lively and takes up a good amount of space in Osaka, allowing you to try various dishes from its vendors.

Fresh food is the ultimate treat when visiting Kuromon Ichiba, as many vendors can simply just prepare your food for you right then and there.

If you’re into seafood then you’re in for a treat, as Kuromon Ichiba is best known for its fish dishes.

If you’re a first-time tourist, definitely try the different fresh street foods offered as it is a one-of-a-kind experience.

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Osaka with kids, then you absolutely have to check out ATC Asobi Mare. This place is more for families and is referred to as an entertainment center or indoor amusement park.

It is one of the more enjoyable Osaka attractions for the young ones.

This center is ideal for children of all ages, with there being a softer and safer zone for toddlers and a more fascinating shopping arcade for older children.

There is even a place for your child to play dress up, and experience hours of fun.

Because it is an indoor park, you won’t be bothered by the weather outside – perfect for those rainy days.

Also known as the Sumiyoshi Taisha , this shrine was founded in the 3rd century. It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples you could visit in the entire country.

Visiting this shrine can be a peaceful and enlightening experience, making it one of the best things to do in Osaka.

Located on the Shrine’s grounds is the breathtaking Sorihashi bridge that stands out with its sleek red color.

Strolling around the shrine is relaxing and has some unique insights, with you being able to witness blessings given to children during different times of year

This specific Buddhist temple currently holds no admission fee which is akin to several other Buddhist shrines outlining Osaka and Japan as a whole.

The Hozenji temple is a significant and cherished Buddhist temple within Osaka.

This Buddhist temple is located near the busy and popular shopping and tourism street of Dotonbori.

However, the aesthetic and appeal of the temple are still peaceful, complete with elegant lanterns and several statues and lamps crafted from different materials.

There is even water that is blessed with luck to bring you good fortune and harmony available.

Fortunately, this Buddhist temple is easily accessible as it is closer to the popular city and commercial tourist areas like Nanba, within the Chuo ward of Osaka.

This is one of the most significant and mesmerizing museums in Japan, and one of the best places to visit in Osaka.

It might be difficult figuring out what to see in Osaka when you’re traveling with kids, but this science museum is interesting for kids of all ages.

The displays are interactive, educational, and enjoyable.

The interactive exhibits were mainly designed to help educate and inform children, although anyone could find something they would enjoy learning about within the museum.

Exhibits at this Osaka Museum include the history of science, electricity, and the basic foundation of chemistry.

Fees for the exhibits differ between adults and children, or students, with prices starting ranging from 300 to 600 yen.

Opening times can vary and change, especially now that the museum is currently closed for renovation, and will be reopening in April of 2019.

For those who would plan to see two museums, the Osaka Science Museum is located near the National Museum of Art in Nakanoshima, Kita. Head to the National Museum of Art before or after your trip to the Science Museum.

The Tower of the Sun is a unique and extravagant building and is a prime example of Japanese architecture.

Read our extensive guide for traveling to Japan !

It is located right in the Osaka prefecture, so it is well known and perfect for those who are staying in a central location.

The tower was built in dedication and as a symbol of the Osaka Expo in 1970.

There is lots of incredible artwork around the tower, including the Tree of Life exhibition space.

With the tower’s height being 70 meters, the top floor observation deck is easily accessible thanks to moving staircases and lifts.

Tower of the Sun is a one-of-a-kind sight, and the exhibitions including the Tree of Life are stunning.

Instead of being entrapped within an amusement park, the Tempozan Ferris wheel is located within the Tempozan harbor village.

It stands out due to its massive size and height of 112 meters.

With the booming nightlife and bright scenery, the Ferris wheel doesn’t seem out of place as it adds a nice touch to the harbor.

You can visit and ride the wheel both during the day and at night, though the glittering lights are especially scenic after dark.

Rides on the Ferris wheel usually last 15 minutes. Riding this iconic wheel is one of the most entrancing and captivating activities when wondering what to do in Osaka.

The ride is obviously thrilling due to its height and is not for the faint of heart, but the view is stunning and ultimately worth a try.

Both a public and urban-centered park, Utsubo Park is built on the remains of a former airfield, giving it the appearance of an airplane runway.

Flowers and different bushes line the park, and there is also an elegant rose garden. Towards the northern side of the park, there are souvenir shops and other touristy stores.

Other attractions in Utsubo Park include tennis courts, botanical gardens, a science and technology center, and a flower and sculpture exhibit. The latter is only open in the fall months of October and November.

It might seem strange to tell you NOT to do something on a list of things to do in Osaka, but there’s a good reason for it.

The Osaka Aquarium is known for being one of the city’s top attractions. In fact on most other blog posts and articles you’ll read about Osaka, they’ll have this as being in the top 3 activities.

This place is touted as being the best aquarium in Japan, and one of the best in the world. But the truth is it is a horrible, sad place.

The marine life are kept in abysmally small tanks, often exposed to loud noises and intense crowds.

The penguins for example are constantly surrounded by hundreds of people, literally only centimetres away from them.

There’s a whole section where people can actually touch the fish, and you’ll find lots of visitors playing with them, with no care at all for their wellbeing.

Perhaps the worst of all though is the two whale sharks that depressingly circle their tiny enclosure.

The biggest fish in the world is kept in a tank that barely gives them enough room to move.

To make matters worse, there are reports that the whale sharks actually die every few years due to being kept in captivity.

When a whale shark dies, the aquarium just buys another one to put on display.

The management claim they are doing some conservation work, but whatever small amount of good they may be doing is overshadowed by their blatant disregard for the wellbeing and health of the animals they own.

Of course, you can make your own decision about visiting, but there’s no way we would ever, ever recommend anybody to go there.

If you care about animals at all, you will not support this tragic attraction.

Not much else makes it on our list of places to avoid in Osaka, but the Osaka Aquarium should be avoided at all costs.

Following the theme of flowers and botany, the Nagai Botanical Garden is an elegant garden full of varying flower and plant species.

Seasonal flowers also line the park and are a popular favourite for locals and tourists alike.

You can visit the park during any season, as the gardens differ slightly based on the time of year.

The garden is even enjoyable during the wintertime, with the inclusion of the Christmas rose being prominent in the colder months.

Trees of varying species also line the park, including the sequoia, a massively large and extravagant tree.

To accompany these trees, there are over 1,000 other species scattered throughout the large garden, all paired with different bird species.

The Umeda Sky Building is one of the most well-known landmarks in Osaka. It is located near Shin Osaka Station and is a real sight to see.

Consisting of two giant towers, each at 40 stories tall, the building is super modern and almost other-worldly looking.

The two towers are joined at the top by an entire floor known as the Floating Garden Observatory. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the entire city.

Heading up here is not for those who are afraid of heights, however. The observatory is suspeded over the air, since it acts as a bridge between the two towers.

But even from the ground, the Umeda Sky Buildings is an iconic piece of modern architecture in Osaka.

Visit the website for more info !

It is well known that everybody loves ramen noodles when visiting Japan. So why not visit an Osaka museum dedicated to them?

Definitely one of the most unique Osaka points of interest, the Instant Ramen Museum is dedicated to educating people about the food known as instant ramen.

While it is certainly bizarre with its topic of choice being instant noodles and the famous brand “Cup Noodles”, it is certainly worth a visit as it is one of the most memorable things to do in Osaka.

Some exhibits within the museum are the Chicken Ramen Factory where you can watch and make chicken ramen by hand, the My CUPNOODLES factory in which you can customize your own special cup noodles package, and “the birth of chicken ramen” where you can learn about how the first instant ramen product came about.

The instant noodles tunnel displays a large and extensive line up of different brands, flavours, and other variations of instant ramen.

There is also a tasting room, where popular brands and favorite flavors of instant ramen are tried and tested, as well as a museum gift shop.

Some items are even limited, making them valuable and rare; especially as they are only sold and marketed from this specific shop within this Osaka museum.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

The Perfect 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

The Best Day Trips from Every City in Japan [2024]

18 amazing things to do in kyoto at night (2024 guide), related posts, 19 incredible things to do in takayama, japan [2024 guide], 7 best day trips from osaka, japan (2024 travel guide), 2 thoughts on “19 best things to do in osaka, japan [2024 edition]”.

Great post guys! I’ve done a good number of these over the years and you’ve highlighted some of the best for sure.

It’s been some years since I’ve been to the Osaka Aquarium but the poor conditions you describe are distressing. I didn’t think of it at the time, so good on you for calling out what you found.

Bless your comment on the Aquarium!! I’m now following you because of that. I wish people were as empathetic and knowledgeable on the welfare of animals and how zoos and aquarium etc etc are the worst attraction to attend! Thank-you!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

39 Best & Fun Things To Do In Osaka (Japan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 21, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Osaka is the capital city of Western Japan, the second largest city after Tokyo . It is lovingly referred to as the Nation’s Kitchen . But Osaka is much more than food.

The rich history of Japan lies within the temples, museums, other structures and within the people themselves.

Osaka is considered to be a friendly and vibrant city. It boasts the largest shopping street in Japan, ancient temples, the tallest building in Japan, and several museums important to Japanese culture.

With a population of nine million people, there truly is no shortage of things to do while you are there.

Japan’s culture and history are rich, full of legends, spirituality, and much violence over the years. The people embrace their history going back centuries to the periods of the Shoguns.

Many of the traditions of historical Japan are still seen today in Osaka, and their legends and memories are colorful.

Some of the most important Buddhist and Shinto temples are located in the Osaka region. There are festivals to honor the deities that are believed to still inhabit the temples.

The ancient architecture is different from almost everywhere else in the world.

Ironically, most of the temples were burned to the ground due to their wooden structure but rebuilt; some temples were rebuilt more than once.

There are a lot of things to do in Osaka. It should not be a question of what to do in Osaka as perhaps which things to do first.

The following list is in no particular order. The traveler can prioritize their own list of the best things to do in Osaka according to their own interests.

Table of Contents

Things To Do In Osaka:

For your visit to the Osaka, Japan region, you will want to put at least some of these things to do on your itinerary:

1. Osaka Castle

Luciano Mortula – LGM / Shutterstock

The Osaka castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. It was originally built in 1583. The original castle wad burned to the ground several years later and was rebuilt.

The latest restoration was completed in 1997.

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

2. Osaka Museum of History

cowardlion / Shutterstock

Located across the street from the Osaka Castle, this modern museum hosts exhibits that mirror Osaka over the past 1350 years.

Address: 4 Chome-1-32 Otemae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan

3. Shitennoji Temple

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

First Buddhist Temple in Japan. The original structure was built in 593 AD. It was destroyed during World War II.

The rebuilt structures on the grounds show different styles of architecture over the centuries.

Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan

4. Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai (Shopping Street)

beeboys / Shutterstock

At a length of 2.6 km, it is the longest shopping street in Japan.

Traditional Japanese medicine stores, restaurants, and specialty stops provide you with the ultimate Osaka shopping experience.

Address: Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan

5. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Originally built in 949 AD, this historic Shinto temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times since then.

Dedicated to the deity of scholarship and education, the grounds of this beautiful shrine offer just the right amount of tranquility.

It is also the site of Osaka’s magnificent yearly Tenjin Matsuri Festival.

Address: 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan

6. Tenjin Matsuri Festival

Carlo Falk / Shutterstock

If your trip takes place at the end of July, the Tenjin Matsuri Festival is nothing less than magnificent.

Shrines are built and carried through the streets in a parade of color and pageantry. Later in the evening, enjoy an unforgettable fireworks display.

This festival is considered to be one of the more important things to do in Osaka if you schedule your trip at the right time of year.

7. Osaka Shochikuza Theatre

Tayawee Supan / Shutterstock

The traditional Kabuki theatre. Enjoy a showing of a traditional Japanese dance drama.

It is a combination of music, dance, and staging with spectacular costumes depicting various legends.

If you are interested in historical Japanese culture, then no visit to Osaka would be complete without taking in one of these shows.

Address: 1 Chome-9-19 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

8. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

twoKim images / Shutterstock

This open-air museum recreates Osaka as it has looked throughout history.

Detailed reproductions of architecture throughout the many periods of Japan’s history are shown in exquisite detail.

Address: 6-Chome 4-20, Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0041, Japan

9. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Avigator Fortuner / Shutterstock

One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. It was originally built over 1800 years ago. It is the most famous shrine in Japan and is considered a national treasure.

It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times with the last rebuild taking place in 1810.

It is known for the long arched bridge at the entrance and is one site that should not be missed on your trip to Osaka, Japan.

Address: 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045, Japan

10. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

This is the only museum in the world to have a permanent exhibit of the Kunishige prints created from Kamigata wood blocks.

These delicate and highly detailed prints depict various aspects of Kabuki performances and have been treasured by artists around the world such as Edward Degas and Vincent van Gogh who both were known collectors.

Address: 1 Chome-6-4 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan

11. Osaka Aquarium

MosayMay / Shutterstock

One of the largest public aquariums in the world, this 8-story structure has 16 primary exhibits depicting habitats from areas around the world.

There is also an ‘interactive area’ where you can get up close and personal with various sea creatures.

It has 27 large tanks depicting 16 different habitat areas including the Aleutian Islands, Antarctica, the Great Barrier Reef, the Tasmanian Sea, and the Ring of Fire area of the Pacific Ocean.

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

12. Umeda Sky Building

GagliardiPhotography / Shutterstock

This architectural masterpiece is one of the top things to do in Osaka.

It is one of the most recognizable landmarks with two 40-story towers connected by bridges and an escalator at the uppermost levels.

The Floating Garden Observatory is located in the observation area on the 39th floor. The architecture is unique, and not just in Osaka, Japan.

Address: 1 Chome-1-87 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan

13. Cup Noodles Museum

Lewis Tse Pui Lung / Shutterstock

Unlike any other museum in the world, this unique attraction tells the story of the invention of the concept of instant ramen and Cup of Noodles.

Instant ramen has become a mainstay of many kitchens around the world.

If you work up an appetite while you tour the museum itself, never fear. There is an authentic Ramen noodle restaurant on the premises.

Although very unique in nature, the Momofuko Instant Ramen Museum should definitely be on your list of things to do in Osaka, Japan.

Address: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041, Japan

14. Spa World

SPA WORLD / Facebook

For a day of fun for the family and true relaxation for the weary traveler, although labeled as Amusement Park, Spa World has natural hot springs, traditional Spa offerings, and markets itself as ‘Hot Springs From Around the World.

There are also the traditional Onsen hot soaking tubs. These are not your usual bathtubs though.

You must be completely clean before stepping into the steaming waters. There is also a luxury hotel on the premises.

For family time, there are a number of water attractions and slides for the kids.

A day at Spa World can give you a relaxing break from sightseeing the many Osaka region’s offerings.

Address:  3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

15. Tsutenkaku Tower

Richie Chan / Shutterstock

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan, and a tribute to their rebirth following World War II.

The original tower was designed after the Eiffel Tower and built in 1912. It burned to the ground in 1943, and it’s rebuilding was a priority for the citizens.

Inside the tower, there is a statue of Billiken, the deity of happiness. Climbing into the tower and rubbing the statue’s feet is said to bring good luck.

Be careful though as it is not located in what is considered the safest part of Osaka.

Address:  1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

16. Dotonbori Shopping Street

f11photo / Shutterstock

Osaka’s nightlife at it’s finest. This very popular tourist attraction has a history as the local theater district.

The restaurants, shops, and arcades offer everything that one could be looking for.

During the day, take a walking and tasting tour to familiarize yourself with the numerous offerings. The street food is not to be missed.

Address:  1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

17. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

lapon pinta / Shutterstock

When it opened in 1997, it was the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world. Colored lights on the Ferris Wheel itself serve as a weather predictor for the next day.

The views of Osaka Bay and the areas around it are breathtaking from the top.

Address:  1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 052-0022, Japan

18. Abeno Harukas

This is the tallest building in Japan. It has 60 floors, with the Abeno Harukas Observatory taking up the top three floors.

It also houses luxury stores, art galleries, hotels, and restaurants. The department store is the largest in Japan. No trip to Osaka is complete without a visit to Abeno Harukas.

Address:  1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan

19. National Museum of Ethnology

tera.ken / Shutterstock

Considered one of the more major museums in Japan, it is the largest research institute in humanities and social sciences.

The primary museum collection consists of film, recordings, and other pieces that represent every diverse angle of life.

The building also houses one of the largest multi-lingual academic reference libraries in Japan.

Address:  10-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-8511, Japan

20. Namba Yasaka Shrine

This shrine houses the deity of guardianship and is considered one of the most unique shrines due to its enormous lion head statue.

It is home to a yearly Shinto tug of war ritual.

The tug of war uses a rope resembling a snake with 8 heads and 8 tails, symbolic of the myth of an enshrined deity who killed a snake and purged the hardships of the people.

Address:  2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan

21. Expo Park and the Tower Of The Sun

Home of the World Expo 1970, the Tower of the Sun statue was the symbol of that expo. The statue has three faces on its front and back.

During the Expo itself, the building was open to the public for viewing of a piece of art known as ‘the tree of life’. Due to deterioration, the structure is no longer safe to enter.

Address:  1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan

22. Katsuoji Temple

Dann19L / Shutterstock

This Buddhist temple was originally built in 765 CE. It burned down in 1184 CE and was rebuilt in 1199.

Mythology holds that the Emperor at the time had fallen quite ill, and was made well due to a miracle brought about by the prayers offered at the time.

Since then, many shogun’s have donated extensively and is now the destination for those wishing for ‘Victor’s luck’.

Address:  2914-1 Aomatani, Minoo, Osaka 562-8508, Japan

23. Senkoji Temple

For a transformative temple visit, the Senkoji Temple offers visitors a glimpse of both heaven and hell.

Visitors proceed into the Jigokudo to be met by extensive artwork of the devil and the punishments that exist in Hell.

Visitors who proceed up the stairs to the ‘Realm of the Buddhas’, hold onto a handrail filled with sand gathered from a total of 88 sites of the Saigoku pilgrimage.

It is said that meditating before the Mandala upstairs can change your way of life.

Address:  4 Chome-12-21 Hirano Honmachi, Hirano Ward, Osaka, 547-0044, Japan

24. Osaka International Peace Center

DutchMen / Shutterstock

The Osaka International Peace Center is a peace museum focused on the destruction due to the tragedy of war during World War II.

The exhibits remember the destruction of Osaka itself as well as the Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peace.

There are six exhibit areas focusing on the appearance of Osaka before and after the war, an explanation as to why Japan chose to declare war on the United States, and different phases of the city following 1945.

Address: 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

25. Ohatsu Tenjin

This 1300-year-old shrine is said to house the deity of relationships. Prayers offered at this holy place are for strong relationships.

The site of this shrine is purportedly the site of a tragic love story not unlike Romeo and Juliet.

Ohatsu and Tokubei were star-crossed lovers where Ohatsu was a prostitute who was not allowed to be with her love, Tokubei.

The couple committed suicide in the mountains close to the shrine. It is a legend brought to life through a bunraku drama.

The temple has long drawn couples and lovers to pray for luck for their relationships. Beyond the legend, the temple is considered to be a valuable relic of the Shinto religion.

Address:  2 Chome-5-4 Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0057, Japan

26. Isshinji Temple

This Buddhist temple has a bit of an odd history. Inside the grounds stand thirteen images of Buddha composed of the ashes of thousands of devotees.

In 1854, a popular kabuki actor chose to be buried on the grounds. Following his burial, thousands of his fans had their urns placed there as well.

By 1887, there were too many so the head priest commission sculptors to cast a statue of Amida using the ashes from the urns in combination with resin.

There is also a mural of deities welcoming the dying to the land of Buddhas.

Address:  2 Chome-8-69 Osaka, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0062, Japan

27. The Maishima Pottery Museum

This Osaka museum is built upon a man-made island in the bay in order to give the potters access to the rich marine clay below the waters.

There is a wide range of pottery pieces to view in the galleries and an onsite kiln.

One of the draws of this attraction is the ability to make your own pot using the pottery wheel and the marine clay.

Once you have made your pottery piece, you can glaze it and the instructors will fire it in the outdoor kiln and ship it to you.

Address:  2 Chome-2-98 Hokkoryokuchi, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0042, Japan

28. Hozenji Temple

Sanga Park / Shutterstock

Home of the Moss God of fury, it is believed that if you pour water on the moss-covered statue, your wish will come true.

So many wishes have been made in this fashion over the years that the statue is permanently covered in moss.

Near the temple itself, you can take a trip into the past with a visit to Hozenji Yokocho, with its stone-paved narrow streets.

Address:  1 Chome-2-16 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan

Other Osaka Experiences

Other than the obvious shrines, museums, and landmarks listed above, there are other truly Japanese experiences that, if you have the time, you should try not to miss.

A trip to Osaka, Japan truly leaves you with a large selection of things to do during your visit.

29. Theatrical Samurai Sword Fighting

izumo__minami / Instagram

One of the most unique of these might be the classes in Theatrical Samurai Sword fighting. These classes are taught by actors using swords made of bamboo.

Once they teach you the basic moves, you will perform a fighting scene with the professional actor playing the support role.

This might be one of the better souvenirs you can bring home from Osaka as your fight is photographed for you.

There are also Interactive Samurai Entertainment improv shows that have a comical twist to them.

Osaka is known for comedy, and this combines distinctive Japan culture with that comedy.

30. Street Go Kart Experience

Kae B Yuki / Shutterstock

For the child within, street-worthy go-karts made to resemble Mario Carts are available.

They drive just like a car, and as long as you can show proof that you can drive, either with an international driving permit, or even your own driver’s license that can be translated, you should take part in this experience.

Since your MarKarts are lead through the streets of Osaka, Japan so it is also another good way to sightsee.

Address: 3-chōme-1-10 Ōhiraki, Fukushima-ku, Osaka, 553-0007, Japan

31. Sumo Wrestling

J. Henning Buchholz / Shutterstock

Another inherently Japanese pastime is Sumo Wrestling. Sumo battles only occur 6 times every year, so make sure that you double check the dates to see if they will coincide with your trip.

32. Universal Studios

wiangya / Shutterstock

One of four of their locations in the world, Universal Studios Japan Amusement Park is actually quite similar to Universal’s Orlando, Florida location.

Complete with Hogwarts, if the family is with you, give them a day of fun at Universal Studios Japan.

Address:  2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

33. Minoo Falls

TAW4 / Shutterstock

If you decide that you need a day communing with nature, the Minoo Falls just north of Osaka can be exactly what you need to soothe your soul.

If you go, you should try an order of fried maple leaves while you are there. The park is located near the Katsuoji Temple.

Address:  1-18 Minookoen, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan

34. National Bunraku Theater

For true Japanese cultural experience, take in a bunraku play, or puppet theater at the National Bunraku Theater .

This is the vehicle that tells the stories of most of the legends of which Shinto deity worship is based upon. English translations are available during the shows.

If you have the time, this is a piece of Japan culture that should be included in your planning.

Address:  1 Chome-12-10 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

35. Osaka Science Museum

The Osaka Science Museum is an interactive museum which houses the fifth largest planetarium, and was also Japan’s very first planetarium.

The planetarium is located in the basement of the facility. In other areas of the museum, various interactive experiments and displays teach the wonders of science.

Unfortunately, the planetarium show is only delivered in the Japanese language.

Address:  4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan

What To Eat In Osaka

Since Osaka is known as the gourmet food capital of Japan, you should make sure that you try some of the local fare. Below are four famous local foods and where to go for the best of them:

36. Takoyaki

MC_Noppadol / Shutterstock

Takoyaki is a popular Osaka snack made of dumpling batter filled with sliced octopus, ginger, and spring onions. More commonly known as octopus balls, it is the most popular of the available street food.

The most famous takoyaki stores can be found at the Dotonbori Konamon Museum. You cannot miss it as it can be easily recognized by the giant red Octopus on the storefront.

To go even further into the history of takoyaki, you might want to go to the restaurant called Aizuya which is where it was initially invented.

Address (Aizuya): 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

37. Okonomiyaki

PR Image Factory / Shutterstock

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake whose filling is customized to your taste. The name ‘okonomiyaki’ literally translates as ‘grilled stuff you like.’

Popular fillings include pork, squid, octopus, scallops, shrimp, cheese, and tomato, and is served topped with a brown sauce, mayonnaise, and powdered seaweed.

There are numerous okonomiyaki restaurants as it is one of the most popular dishes in Osaka, Japan.

The most famous okonomiyaki restaurant is Mizuno in Dotonbori whose signature dish, the Mizuno-yaki, will surely not disappoint.

Address (Mizuno):  1 Chome-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

38. Kushikatsu

fuumi901 / Shutterstock

Kushikatsu are kebabs of seafood, meat, vegetables or a combination which are breaded and deep fried to a beautifully crispy golden brown.

These are usually served with a variety of dipping sauces although occasionally they are served with flavored salt.

They are traditionally offered in pork, shrimp, beef, onion, pumpkin, sweet potato, asparagus wrapped in bacon, quail’s eggs, shiitake mushrooms, or lotus root.

While this delicious food is now popular everywhere in Japan, it originated at the Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant in Osaka.

Address:  1 Chome-6-4 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

HikoPhotography / Shutterstock

Fugu, is a famous delicacy due to its reputation for being dangerous. Blowfish served raw, is only poisonous if prepared by one who is unskilled in its preparation.

To avoid any unnecessary deaths, fugu chefs are specifically trained in its special preparation for a period of three years before they are able to become licensed.

It is usually served as very thin sashimi slices that are arranged in a floral pattern. You will also find it available as tempura, in a stew, or deep fried.

The most famous fugu restaurants in Osaka, Japan are the two locations of Zuboraya restaurant. The restaurant is easily recognizable by the enormous inflated blowfish hanging outside.

Address:  1 Chome-6-10 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

Cultural Differences: What Not To Do

Japan has vast cultural differences from us, and things that we might take for granted are considered an insult in Osaka.

Here are some brief dos and don’ts for while you are visiting Osaka, Japan.

Do Not Eat/Snack while walking

Do not snack and walk while you are in Osaka. Food in Japan, and especially in the gourmand capital of Osaka, Japan, is to be enjoyed.

It is supposed to be the primary focus. Even if you are just snacking, sit down at a table until you finish your snack.

The Japanese people in the service industries are paid quite well, good manners and good service are a cornerstone of their culture. A tip is an insult to these gentle people.

Remove Shoe When Entering House

If you are invited into someone’s home, whether in Osaka or another region, remove your shoes before entering their home.

In many situations, you will be given a pair of slippers to wear indoors. This is a good rule no matter where you go in Japan.

Start Planning Your Trip To Osaka

Osaka, Japan has much to offer to tourists and locals alike. There is no limit on things that you can do, eat, see, and places to visit .

It is truly the best way to get a good look at Japan’s culture without the larger crowds found in Tokyo .

As you can see by the information above, there is no shortage of things to do during a visit to Osaka, Japan.

The question then goes from what should we do to what to do first. It all depends on what interests you the most.

A trip to Osaka Japan can be a fulfilling journey into the history and culture of Japan.

While it is said that a proper vacation to Osaka should be at least a week in length, there is no doubt that you will want to return to this famous Japanese city to get a closer look at many of these sites.

Planning to go to Kyoto as well? Check out our Things To Do In Kyoto travel guide!

• Architecture
• Itineraries
• Central America
• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Top 12 Themed Hotels in Osaka for a Unique Stay

11 best seoul hotels for families with kids, 11 best hiroshima hotels with private onsen, 12 best busan hotels with private hot tubs & baths.

• Inspirational

15 Best Places to Visit in Osaka, Japan

Just behind Tokyo, Osaka is a very popular city for first-time visitors. With a mix of attractions all over the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – even kids. We’ll show you popular theme parks, museums, shopping areas, and landmarks. There are things to do in all seasons, particularly in spring when the cherry blossoms come to life. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Osaka, Japan.

Table of Contents

Places To Visit With Kids

• Universal Studios – This is a must-visit theme park with a variety of attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. From thrilling rides to family-friendly experiences, there’s something for everyone.
• Tennoji Zoo – For families or animal lovers, this zoo is a popular attraction. It is one of Japan’s oldest zoos and houses a diverse range of animals.
• Osaka Castle – It’s a great place for families to explore and have a picnic. Kids can run around the spacious grounds. The castle itself offers historical insights and beautiful views from the top.

Places to Visit for Couples

• Spa World –  Relax and rejuvenate at Spa World. It’s a unique onsen theme park with various pools and baths from different countries. It offers a relaxing and indulgent experience.
• Tombori River Cruise (Dotonburi River) – Cruising along the river definitely speaks of a romantic date. Couples traveling to Osaka should not miss this experience while in the city.
• Harukas 300 Observatory (Abeno Harukas)  – Located on the top three floors of Abeno Harukas, it provides stunning views of Osaka. The breathtaking scenery creates a romantic setting for couples to enjoy together.

Osaka at Night

• Tempozan Ferris Wheel – Located near the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, riding this provides panoramic city views. This is an exciting experience, especially at night.
• Osaka Kaiyukan Night Aquarium – It is one of Japan’s largest and most impressive aquariums. It features a massive tank displaying the Pacific Ocean’s marine life.
• Dotonbori – Perhaps the most iconic nightlife spot in Osaka, Dotonbori is a bustling street. It is filled with colorful neon lights, giant signs, and a variety of dining options. Try the famous Glico Running Man sign, explore the food stalls, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

1. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most historically significant castles. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s great unifiers, to rival Azuchi Castle of another unifier, Oda Nobunaga. By 1615, the castle fell in the Siege of Osaka. The castle went through many more tumultuous events and reconstructions. It fell into neglect after Word War 2, however, by 1997 a modern reconstruction restored Osaka’s pride. Today, you can take an elevator to the top and explore the modern museum inside. The surrounding Osakajo Park is fun to explore with some cafes near the Morinomiya Subway Station entrance.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 9am-5pm
• Address:  Japan, 540-0002 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Osakajo

Check Tours   Official site

2. Universal Studios Japan

Tokyo may have Disney World, but Osaka has Universal Studios Japan (or USJ). No matter when you go, it will be busy so try to plan ahead. Some of the more popular attractions are Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, Minion Park, Water World, and Jurassic Park. There are also rides and play zones for young children. During the day, there are street parades and live shows too. Use the smartphone app to check waiting times so you can hit all the rides faster. It might even be worthwhile to buy express passes to save time on the best rides. As a major regional attraction, many tour agents have ticket and package deals.

• Opening Hours:  Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm
• Address:  2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka 554-0031, Japan

3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The Osaka Kaiyukan is one of the most unique aquariums in the world. As you enter through an ‘ocean tunnel’, there’ll be different zones to experience. You’ll see marine life like otters, puffins, sea lions, penguins, and tons of fish. The highlight is the huge Pacific Ocean tank which is 9 meters deep and 34 meters long. Besides the stunning shoals of fish and stingrays, you’ll see an impressive whale shark. To avoid a long wait, you can buy a timed-stamped entry ticket online. Nearby is the Tempozan Harbor Village, a Legoland center, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and a sailing ship.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 10:30am-8pm
• Address:  1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka 552-0022, Japan

4. Tennoji Zoo

Tennoji Zoo has been a staple of Osaka for a long time. They have a diverse range of animals from all over the world. You’ll see various birds, grazing animals, reptiles, and the popular petting zone. They also have giraffes, zebras, and a hippo house in the Safari section.  Allow a couple of hours to see all the animals at Tennoji Zoo. The best time to go is on a weekday when there are fewer visitors. Keitakuen Garden is also nearby so you can relax here after the zoo.

• Opening Hours:  Tues-Sun 9:30am-5pm
• Address:  1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063 Japan

5. Shitenno-ji Temple

Osaka’s Tennoji Ward is actually named after its historic Shitenno-ji Temple. The name derives from the four (shi) heavenly kings (tenno) worshipped in Mantra Yana Buddhism. The origins of the temple date to Prince Shotoku of the Asuka Period (592 to 710). It was Japan’s first officially recognized temple. On the East Gate, you’ll see a fusion between Shinto and Buddhist styles – the oldest of its kind dating back to 1294. At the Spring equinox, the sun sets directly between the West Gate during the Jissokan festival. There are various treasures, ancient and modern, to see at the temple. One is the Dragon Well, the recently restored Eirei-do Hall, and the Gokuraku-Jodo Paradise Garden. Visitors are free to walk around, but a couple of areas require a small entry fee between 200 to 400 yen. 

• Opening Hours:  Daily 8am-4pm
• Address:  1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051 Japan

6. Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha can be considered the spiritual heartland of Osaka City. This Shinto shrine, in the south of the city, traces its origins to the earliest days of Osaka as a trading port. Its legends go back 2000 years to the Empress Jingū of the 3rd century, and it also worships three sea gods, the Sumiyoshi Sanjin. The midsummer Sumiyoshi Matsuri is also one of Osaka’s biggest festivals. But there are other key festivals throughout the year to enjoy as well. No matter when you visit, we’re sure you’ll enjoy its wide precincts and abundance of nature.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 6:30am-5pm
• Address:  2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045 Japan

7. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Housing takes on a particular interest in a country of dense urban living. At the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, you’ll discover how Osaka City evolved. In the Edo Period exhibition, you can wander streets restored to this era. You’ll see merchant houses and traditional storefronts. Other exhibits have intricate scale models with English audio guides. Temporary exhibitions, however, may not always have English support. Also on display are collections of household appliances, objects, and ornaments. The museum is a short walk from Yodo River and one subway stop from Kids Plaza Osaka.

• Opening Hours:  Wed-Mom 10am-5pm
• Address:  Japan, 530-0041 Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenjinbashi, 6 Chome 4-20

8. Spa World

Japan is a country famous for its natural hot springs known as ‘onsen’. Spa World, in Tennoji, takes things up a notch with onsen and spa concepts from around the world. In the European Zone, there are themed baths resembling ancient Greece, Rome, and even Atlantis. The Asian Zone has Persian, Japanese, and Bali baths plus a Hammam. Men and women are separated but the zones do alternate each month. On the 8th floor, there are international stone saunas for both sex, but swimsuits are required. Keep in mind, spas do not allow entry to those with tattoos, small or large. The complex also has a swimming pool, gym, game rooms, dining, souvenir shop, and hotel rooms.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 10am-8;45am (closed from 8:45am-10am for cleaning)
• Address:  3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002 Japan

9. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is only a 5-minute walk from the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. It sits in front of the Tempozan Harbor Village shopping and entertainment complex.  This giant wheel is over 112 meters high with a diameter of 100 meters. As one of the biggest Ferris wheels in the world, the views of Osaka are incredible, particularly at night. On a clear day, you can see Mount Ikoma to the east, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to the west, and Kobe’s Rokko mountains to the north. The ride takes roughly 15 minutes so there’ll be plenty of time for photos. Combine this with a visit to Osaka Aquarium to make it a fun night out.

• Opening Hours:  Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm
• Address:  1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022 Japan

10. Umeda Sky Building

Osaka has never quite dazzled like its eastern rival Tokyo, at least in terms of architecture. However, over the years, many avant-garde constructions have helped transform the cityscape. One of these is the Umeda Sky Building in north Osaka. Its key attraction is the Kuchu Teien Observatory or the Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory. Running between the Twin Towers are the world’s highest escalators. It’s supported by a glass and metal bridge, which leads to the observation deck. You’ll also find cafe Sky 40 if you want to enjoy a drink while admiring the views.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 9:30am-10:30pm
• Address:  1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023 Japan

11. Tsutenkaku Tower

Big cities like to boast their magnificently tall towers, but none are as eclectic as Tsutenkaku in Tennoji Ward, Osaka. Getting to the tower is half the fun if you go along Shinsekai Street. When you come out of JR Shinimamiya Station you’ll see an exit sign for Tsutenkaku Tower.  This really colorful street has giant decorations like squid, octopus, blowfish, lanterns, and noisy pachinko parlors. Food like sushi, takoyaki, kushikatsu, and okonimiyaki, are all cheap and good. Tsutenkaku Tower itself has an altar to Billiken – an American ‘charm doll’ and mascot of St. Louis University. The tower and surrounding areas are very lively at night.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 10am-8pm
• Address:  1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002 Japan

12. Abeno Harukas

The Abeno Harukas is another new architectural gem to have recently graced the skies of Osaka. In fact, it’s the tallest building in Japan. The top 60th floor is a 360° glass-enclosed observation deck, while the floor below is a novelty goods shop. The 58th floor is an outdoor arboretum with wood flooring, two ‘Twin Towers’, and a cafe. You’ll have incredible views on all the floors – even the restrooms have stunning views. The Kintetsu Department Store occupies 16 floors and there’s also a small art museum. Make the visit even easier by staying at  Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel , which occupies floors 19 to 57.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 9am-10pm
• Address:  1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016 Japan

13. Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is the mid-town of Osaka between the Dotonbori River in the south and the Yodo River in the north. It’s a shopping area by day with entertainment at night. The main area stretches east from Midosuji Avenue two blocks across reaching north to Shinsaibashi Station.  Shinsaibashisuji arcade shopping street, or ‘shoutengai’, is the main strip with many mid-ranged brand stores. Along the side streets are cafes and sweet shops. Later at night, the bars and restaurants attract city workers. High-end brand stores and department stores are along Midosuji Avenue. On the west side, across Midosuji Avenue, is the trendy youth culture district of Amerika-Mura. If you love food, shopping, and lively vibes, this is a must-visit in Osaka. 

• Opening Hours:  Daily 10am-9pm
• Address:  1-2 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0085 Japan

14. Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba (Market) is an old-style local shopping arcade. It’s an arcade street that zigzags through the lower downtown Namba to the Nipponbashi area. The way there is out Exit 10 from the Kintetsu Nipponbashi Station and straight down the road. It’s popular for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, especially good sushi. There are casual eateries with delicacies such as crab, shrimp, oysters, scallops, sea urchins, and eels. Many stores offer street food takeaways and there are stand-up eateries with beer. You can find quite a few interesting shops here, bargain goods, Japanese ‘wagashi’ sweets, and souvenirs.

• Opening Hours:  Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
• Address:  2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073 Japan

15. Dotonbori

The Dotonbori, Osaka’s most iconic and recognizable area, includes Dotonbori Street, Ebisubashi Bridge, and Tonbori Canal. Its flashing neon signs and giant screens captivate day and night. The revamped canal now features a wooden boardwalk with restaurants and food kiosks. People still flock for pictures at the iconic Glico Man billboard and the nearby crab restaurants. Another popular attraction is the Namikiza Museum, showcasing Bunraku and Kabuki theater. At the Kukuru Takoyaki shop (giant octopus above) you can join Osaka food workshops. In the south-side backstreets, there are narrow cobbled alleyways. You can catch a 20-minute cruise along the canal outside the Don Quiijote discount store with its landmark Ferris wheel. A longer ‘Jazz Cruise’ starts from Minatomachi Wharf which is another revamped river area with outdoor dining and shopping. If you really want to know this area well, there are local guides who can show you all the highlights.

• Opening Hours:  Daily 24 hours
• Address:  1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071 Japan

Best Areas To Stay In Osaka

• Namba/Dotonbori – A famous district in Osaka, it is best known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment. It is also lined with many shops, restaurants, and street foods. River cruises on Dotonburi Canal are available for convenient sightseeing. The 4-star Citadines Namba Osaka Hotel is the best hotel in this area.
• Shinsaibashi –  It is located in the heart of Osaka, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. With the famous Shopping Arcade, non-stop shopping is possible. It also comes alive at night, with different entertainment hubs lighting the streets. For an unforgettable experience around Shinsaibashi, stay in MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi North Hotel .
• Tennoji –  Traveling becomes easy with its convenient transportation hub. You also have diverse hotel options when staying in this area. Day trips are exciting, with attractions like Shitennoji Temple and Tennoji Zoo nearby. But to make the experience even better, the 5-star Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel is top-notch.
• Umeda  – Like the other districts in the city, Umeda also has excellent transportation links. Further, it offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. With its central location, you are near Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building. For the best stay, we highly recommend the InterContinental Hotel Osaka .

Best Time To Visit Osaka

Osaka During Summer

During the months of mid-June into September, Osaka gets pretty hot and sticky. Fortunately, there are plenty of shopping arcades or underground malls. Particularly around Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Kuromon Market. On hot days, you can head to indoor attractions like the Kayukan Aquarium . Or visit breezy viewing spots like Abeno Harukas and the Umeda Sky Building . Summer is best for traditional festivals like the Yodo River Tenjin Matsuri or Sumiyoshi Taisha . You can try all the unique Japanese cuisines at food stalls and enjoy the festivities into the night.

Osaka During Autumn

Osaka is cool and pleasant during the months of autumn or fall. The weather is perfect for outdoor attractions, especially if you’re visiting historic sites. Recommended places are Shi Tennoji Temple , Sumiyoshi Taisha , and the Museum of Housing & Living . Although the Kaiyukan Aquarium is good anytime, the nearby Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel has great views before winter sets in. Shinsekai near Tennoji Tsutenkaku Tower has lots of heart-warming Osaka fast foods to enjoy amid a colorful vibey atmosphere.

Osaka During Winter

Although Osaka gets pretty cold into late December through March, there are usually only a few snowy days. Underground shopping in the Umeda uptown or Shinsaibashi midtown will keep you nice and warm. For something more relaxing, try Spa World in Tennoji with its numerous onsen, world spas, and stone saunas. Romantic sky-high dining awaits at Abeno Harukas or the Umeda Sky Building . Universal Studios Japan might be a bit cold outdoors, but the crowds are less in winter.

Osaka During Spring

Spring is a delight anywhere in Japan with cherry blossoms blooming. Osaka may not have the best autumn leaves, but cherry blossoms are breathtaking along the river banks.  Osaka Park and Osaka Castle are both popular places during spring.  The Museum of Living & Housing is only a 15-minute walk to the Yodo River and Sakuranomiya Park areas. If you’re on a date, outdoor riverside dining by the Minatomachi Wharf is a good choice. Or go on a Jazz Boat cruise along the Tonbori River.

Best Ways To Get Around Osaka

Getting around Osaka is relatively easy and efficient. It’s all thanks to the city’s well-developed public transportation system. Here are some of the best ways to get around Osaka.

• Osaka Metro –  Consisting of several subway lines, it covers most parts of the city. It’s a fast and convenient way to travel between neighborhoods and major attractions.
• JRWest Railway – This is a circular train line that connects major stations around the city. It’s useful for accessing popular areas within the city center.
• Osaka Wonder Loop Bus – A hop-on-hop-off bus service, it takes visitors to major attraction sites. The English signage onboard is easy to understand too. It provides a convenient way to explore the city’s highlights.
• Taxis – These are readily available in Osaka. But they can cost more than public transportation. They are a good option for late-night travel or when convenience is a priority.
• Bicycles – Osaka is a bike-friendly city, with many rental stations everywhere. Biking can be an enjoyable way to explore local neighborhoods and parks at a leisurely pace.

Find Tours & Tickets in Osaka

Osaka Attractions Opening Hours

Related articles more from author, 12 best beppu hotels with private onsen, popular posts, what’s the best all-inclusive hotel in xcaret park, mexico, 12 best beachfront hotels in panama city beach, 10 best all-inclusive resorts in barbados, 15 best chicago hotels with swimming pools, 14 phuket family resorts with water slides, recent posts.

• Privacy Policy
• Advertising

• Destinations

17 Best Places to Visit in Osaka

Best Osaka Tourist Attractions including New Spots and Classic Locations

What pops into your mind when thinking about Osaka? Many people will think about Dotonbori and its delicious food. Others will think about Universal Studios Japan. There will undoubtedly be some people who think about more historical sites such as Osaka castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha.

Osaka is currently the third most populated city in Japan and the second most densely populated city. There are two main downtown areas which are called Kita (north area) and Minami (south area). This is something that started all the way back in the Edo period and it is still prevalent to this day. Kita refers to the more refined and elegant area where you will find many fancy stores and restaurants such as Umeda. On the other hand, Minami refers to the more casual area where you will see more subcultures and young people gather such as Namba and Shinsaibashi.

In this article, I will introduce to you these places as well as other spots (some very well-known and some lesser-known) that you should definitely consider going to when visiting Osaka. Here is our countdown list of the 17 best places to visit in Osaka. I hope this article becomes a good reference for those planning on spending a few days in this amazing city.

17. Nakanoshima

First on this countdown list is Nakanoshima (中之島) . Nakanoshima refers to the piece of land located right between The Umeda area and the Chuo ward. Although it is a small piece of land, it is packed with fascinating places that you can spend some time with when you visit Osaka.

Some of the places to go in Nakanoshima include the Nakanoshima Park, Osaka Tenmangu, The Osaka Science Museum, the National Museum of Art in Osaka, and the Nakanoshima Festival Tower.

16. Umeda Sky Building

But the most attractive thing about the Umeda Sky Building is the observatory deck on the 40th floor called Kuchu Teien . This observatory deck is situated 173 m high and a 360° panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed on an open-air deck.

It is one of the landmarks of Umeda and it is located just 10 minutes walk from Osaka station or Umeda station.

▶ Umeda Sky Building official website: https://www.skybldg.co.jp/en/

15. @cosme Osaka

Next, on this list, we have @cosme Osaka . @coste Osaka opened on September 1, 2023, at Lucua Ile, Osaka. As @cosme’s premier Kansai outlet, it spans a substantial 893 sqm, offering a variety rivaled only by “@coste Tokyo”.

The store introduces high-end brands like CHANEL and SUQQU, with the latter adopting a novel semi-self-service approach. Alongside a diverse cosmetic range from luxury to affordable selections, the store features innovative attractions like the “@coste Osaka Sales Ranking Tower” showcasing top-sellers and an award wall highlighting past and present winners.

In essence, @coste Osaka blends vast product offerings with interactive and innovative store experiences.

▶ @cosme Osaka official website: https://www.cosme.net/store/flagship/osaka/

14. Osaka Station

The best thing about this place is that you literally are already there once you arrive in Osaka by train. So, if you’re not sure where to go in Osaka, this is a good place to start.

▶ Osaka Station City official website: https://new.osakastationcity.com/en/

13. Osaka Expo Park

In the park, you can still see some of the reminiscing structures from the Expo such as the symbolic “Tower of the sun” (太陽の塔). Also within the vicinity, you will find many things to do. There’s a Japanese garden, a few museums, and a shopping mall with a Ferris wheel and even an aquarium.

Check out more about Osaka Expo Park from the following article!

12. Sumiyoshi Taisha

Another thing that makes this Shrine famous is the fact that it was built in a unique architectural style known as “Sumiyoshi-zukuri”. If you are a fan of Japanese architecture, then this is a place you don’t want to miss.

Check out more about Sumiyoshi Taisha in the following article!

11. Abeno Harukas

One of the main reasons people come to visit this building is because of its observatory deck located between the 58th and 60th floors. You can enjoy the panoramic view from the tallest building in Japan.

▶ Abeno Harukas official website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/

10. Shitennoji Temple

You will also find many other Buddhist Temples around this one, so if you like temples, whether for their history or for their architectural appearances, I strongly recommend this place.

Check out more about Shitennoji Temple in the following article!

9. America Mura

America Mura is composed of over 2,500 shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, live music clubs, and much more.

Check out more about America Mura in the following article!

8. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street

It has 2 major shopping points which are “Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade” and “CRYSTA Underground Mall”. When it comes to fashion, you can find pretty much anything around this area. Shinsaibashi is also known as the “Western Ginza”.

Check out more about Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street in the following articles!

7. Shinsekai

Another “must-go” location in Osaka is Shinsekai (新世界) . It is an old downtown district in the Minami side of Osaka and it is a good place to experience the nostalgic “Showa vibe” that you can’t experience in many other places. The landmark of this area is the Tsutenkaku (通天閣) which is one of the most famous towers in all of Japan.

This district has many izakayas, bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Osaka-style common people’s food. You can enjoy the delicious food while contemplating the Tsutenkaku tower illuminated in various colors during the nighttime.

Check out more about Shinsekai in the following article!

6. Kuromon Market

This market has many different types of shops and restaurants. About a quarter of the shops in the market are Fish markets, but you can also find shops for fresh vegetables and fruits as well as various kinds of sweets.

Check out more about Kuromon Market in the following article!

5. TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka

Next, we have the latest venture by TeamLab, TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka which is distinctively set in Nagai Park, one of Osaka’s vast urban spaces spanning 240,000 sqm.

Unlike TeamLab’s enclosed venues in Tokyo, this is an open-air digital museum built within the park’s botanical garden. This initiative emerged from the 2022 renovation of Nagai Park. The exhibit draws from TeamLab’s “Digitized Nature” art project, showcasing nature as art without damage. Unique in being permanent and tailored for nighttime displays, the garden morphs from a daytime botanical attraction to an evening art spectacle. Concluding a day in Osaka at teamLab offers visitors a mesmerizing blend of nature and innovation.

Check out more about TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka in the following article!

4. Dotonbori

Takoyaki , Okonomiyaki , Kushikatsu, and so much more. You can also find many fancy restaurants, cafes, and izakayas. It is located right next to Shinsaibashi, so you can eat here after have done shopping at Shinsaibashi.

Check out more about Dotonbori in the following article!

3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

This aquarium displays over 500 kinds of different marine life such as dolphins, penguins, whale sharks, and more. Currently, it is the 3rd largest aquarium in Japan and it is also in the top 5 largest in-land aquariums in the world.

Check out more about Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in the following article!

2. Osaka Castle

Quite probably the most recognizable landmark in Osaka is the Osaka Castle (大阪城) . Located in the middle of the 1.055 km² Osaka Castle Park and surrounded by its stone wall consisting of over 40,000 rocks, this is an impressive site you need to see with your own eyes.

The current castle was built in 1629, and it has been preserved wonderfully. If there’s only one place you can go visit in Osaka, I would recommend this place, for sure.

Check out more about Osaka Castle in the following article!

1. Universal Studios Japan

And lastly, on our countdown list, we have Universal Studios Japan (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン) . Compared to the other places on this list, USJ is located a little removed, but it is still one of the most visited places in Japan. This Hollywood-themed amusement park opened in 2001, and it is one of the six Universal Studios in the world.

Apart from the many famous attractions such as Jaws, Spiderman, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter, there is also the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area where you can immerse yourself in the Nintendo world.

You can also enjoy the wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes across the park.

Check out more about Universal Studios Japan in the following articles!

▽Check out the best places to visit in other popular areas in Japan!▽

So, what did you think about this article? I hope it helped to give you some new ideas for places to visit when you get to go to Osaka. If you enjoyed this article and want to read more about Osaka, check out our other articles from the links below.

▽Related Articles ▽

▼Editors’ Picks▼

Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.

• Things to Do

• Destinations
• Japan Guides
• Hiking Guides
• Gear Guides
• About/Contact

20 Best Day Trips From Osaka (For 2024)

• by Jonny Duncan
• May 18, 2024 May 24, 2024

These are the best day trips from Osaka that I recommend to choose from after having stayed in Osaka for several weeks and exploring many of the areas around it.

Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan and is known as the “nations kitchen” as some of the best Japanese food can be found there.

Although Osaka doesn’t have the big draw of some other parts of Japan, it certainly has plenty of things to see and do in itself and it’s one of the best cities to base yourself in, especially for day-tripping to other places.

This article is to give you some advice from my own experiences of doing day trips from Osaka when there.

Transportation for day trips from Osaka

If you plan on doing lots of day trips from Osaka by train (the best way) and travelling to other areas of Japan further away like Tokyo or Hiroshima then it’s best to save money on train travel with a Japan Rail Pass (get one with that link).

Then with the Japan Rail Pass, you can use the Shinkansen trains where available as they are quicker. If you don’t have the Japan Rail Pass for day trips from Osaka then use the Special Rapid Service trains that are cheaper than the Shinkansen, but take longer.

Another good option is to get a Kansai Thru Pass if you don’t plan to travel further away like to Hiroshima. The pass will allow you unlimited travel on transport and travel to places like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and also to the international Kansai Airport.

The main Osaka train stations for getting your transport for day trips are Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi, Yodoyabashi, and maybe some others depending on where you go.

This is the website for the West Japan Railway Company to check the timetables for the trains.

I’ve done separate posts for some of these trips which I have linked to that give a more in-depth look at the destination.

If you haven’t booked accommodation in Osaka you can book a hotel here with my favourite booking site for Japan where I find the best deals:

Best Day Trips From Osaka

This is what I recommend doing for day trips from Osaka. They’re in no particular order as one thing will appeal more to you than maybe another, although Kyoto is number one as that’s what I regard as an essential day trip to do if you are not planning to stay in Kyoto itself at any point.

1. Kyoto Day Trip From Osaka

This is pretty much a no-brainer. If you’re basing yourself in Osaka to explore the region then one of the best day trips from Osaka is to Kyoto.

Kyoto is the ultimate place in Japan to see temples, shrines, traditional Japanese gardens, the geisha district, and so much more. Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and is a must-visit. Personally, I would recommend staying there a few nights if you can.

There is a Shinkansen train to Kyoto from Osaka that only takes 15 minutes but is 3 times more expensive than the special rapid service which takes 25 minutes and only costs 560 yen.

Of all the day trips from Osaka if there was only one to do then this would be it, especially if you don’t plan to stay in Kyoto at some point during your trip to Japan.

Kyoto tours from Osaka as mentioned are easy to do.

One thing that’s great to do there if you have an interest in old samurai history is to do this tour:

2. Nara Day Trip From Osaka

Nara is an easy local train journey from Osaka and takes around half an hour to reach. It costs an average of 740 yen each way depending on the time of day.

Nara was the old capital of Japan and as such has many temples to see.

It’s the main reason to visit Nara on a day trip. Plan for at least 4 hours to explore the old temple area and its peaceful parks full of friendly roaming deer.

If you’re lucky and in Nara, in mid-December, you can see the Nara Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Festival which lasts for 4 days and is Japan’s oldest cultural arts festival.

Nara is one of the essential day trips from Osaka for history lovers.

One of the best ways to see the best of Kyoto and Nara if you’re short on time, is to join a day tour:

3. Mount Koya (Koyasan) Day Trip From Osaka

One of the most peaceful and ethereal places I have visited in all of Japan. Located near Mount Koya there’s a large temple complex to visit but the main draw is its graveyard.

The graveyard is home to over 200,000 monks’ graves as well as warlords and important figures.

It really is a serene place to be in and if you stay until it gets dark it gets very eerie.

Koyasan is set up in the mountains and is a one and a half hours train ride away which slowly winds up through the hills. The last train back is at 21.30 at night.

This is one of my favourite day trips from Osaka.

You can read more about the day trip to Koyasan here .

You can do a great full-day tour to Koyasan to save the hassle of going by local transport if you’re short on time:

4. Himeji Castle Day Trip From Osaka

Himeji is mainly known for its castle and for a good reason.

This castle is one of the biggest and best-preserved castles in Japan. The castle grounds are fascinating with a labyrinth of paths and alleys but the castle keep is the best part.

It’s kept in its original state with low ceilings and narrow stairways.

The woodwork is spectacular and extremely well-preserved. Make sure to arrive early in the day as the castle becomes crowded with tourists very quickly.

The castle grounds are also a great spot for watching cherry blossoms.

Himeji Castle is easy to find as it is clearly visible from the station entrance. It will take around one hour and forty-five minutes to reach there by train.

You could squeeze in Himeji Castle in the morning with an afternoon/evening in Kobe (see below) on the way back to Osaka to get both done on the same day. They are not that far from each other.

A shinkansen takes around 35 minutes to get to Himeji and roughly an hour by local train. You can walk to Himeji Castle from the station.

If you like castles then Himeji is an essential one of the day trips from Osaka you should plan to do.

5. Kobe Day Trip From Osaka

Kobe is just 25 minutes by train from Osaka so it serves as an excellent day trip and there are plenty of things to do in Kobe when there.

The city is a nice mix of newly developed areas that were built after the earthquake of 1995 and old districts like Nankinmachi.

Nankinmachi or Chinatown is a collection of small streets and alleys lined with restaurants, food stalls and shops, making it a great place to go shopping. There is a small plaza in the centre where you can find people playing Go.

Head to Meriken Park in the Kobe Port area of the city by the waterfront with open spacious areas and the nearby Harbourland is a massive complex for places to eat and for shopping.

The Kobe Port Tower is good to see in the port area, and the history of Kobe’s maritime connection with the wider world can be found at the Kobe Maritime Museum.

If you are looking for a more quiet and tranquil attraction, Sorakuen Garden is a good choice. This is a typical Japanese garden with several ponds, a boathouse and some nice walking paths.

The garden is located in downtown Kobe but has some beautiful scenic spots which is why you’ll have a good chance of seeing newlyweds having their wedding photos taken there.

If you have any interest in Japanese alcohol then go to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. Sake is Japanese rice wine and you can enter the museum for free. You can do sake tasting at the shop there as well.

Of course, a visit to Kobe would not be complete without enjoying a good Kobe beef steak or Wagyu as it is locally known. Exceptionally tender and juicy meat.

It’s not cheap though, expect to pay around 50 to 60 euros for an average-sized steak, but it’s worth it if you like a good piece of steak. You’ll find plenty of Wagyu restaurants around Kobe and Sannomiya stations.

The Shinkansen train only takes around 15 minutes to reach Kobe but like Kyoto, you can take the normal special rapid service for less than half the price at 640 yen and only takes 15 minutes longer.

6. Okayama (With Naoshima Below) Day Trip

This is one of the longer day trips from Osaka, so start very early. If you are using the Shinkansen trains then this will help you a lot for this one.

Okayama has some things to do and one of the main reasons for stopping is to see its large Japanese garden, the Korakuen Garden, which is one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan.

Okayama Castle is near the garden and worth a look as well.

But Okayama is the gateway down to Naoshima Island and the two work perfectly together for a combined long day trip from Osaka.

It takes around one hour on a shinkansen to reach Okayama from Osaka costing around 5,500 yen, or two and a half hours by regular train (but almost half the price).

7. Naoshima Island Day Trip From Osaka

This day trip can be done with the Okayama day trip.

Naoshima Island(known as Japan’s art island) is a funky little place covered in random outdoor art sculptures everywhere. The Art House and museum on the east coast is a must-see.

The best way to see it is by bicycle costing 500 yen a day to rent. There are also buses that go around, but a bicycle is way more fun.

You will want to concentrate on the southern part the most and it’s not a huge island.

Allow several hours so you don’t need to rush.

You’ll discover little art cafes scattered around to stop in for a drink as you go. It’s a very relaxed place.

Take the local JR line train from Okayama to Uno Station, you might have to transfer trains on the way (takes around maybe 2 hours).

Then go to the ferry terminal a few minutes walk away. It takes 20 minutes by boat to reach Naoshima. There are 2 ferry terminals on the island, and most people (including myself) arrive at the port on the west side.

This is one of the best day trips from Osaka if you like art and a more remote island experience.

This is my article on Naoshima Island Art .

8. Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip From Osaka

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island can be done as one of the day trips from Osaka even though it’s a bit far away as the bullet train will get you there in around one and a half hours.

Hiroshima makes for a more solemn visit as the main reason to go is to see the Peace Memorial Park and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

But it’s also good to see the new city today and there are also some great food options to try. Make sure to track down a good okonomiyaki place (Hiroshima is famous for it, as well as Osaka). It’s considered Japanese soul food.

Miyajima Island is fun to explore. You can hike to its highest point or take a cable car up there for the views, and there are old temples and shrines to see.

You would need to use the Shinkansen trains for this trip, time-wise. It takes around one and a half hours on the fastest shinkansen each way and you would have to start early.

To get to Miyajima from Hiroshima there is a local train every 15 minutes from the same train station and takes around 30 minutes. Get out on the 9th stop.

From there, there are 2 ferries that leave for the island. One is a JR ferry so take that one if you have a JR pass. The boats run every 15 minutes and take 10 minutes.

This is my post on the day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima.

Get the backpackingman newsletter to catch up on the latest adventures.

You have successfully subscribed, 9. cycling from osaka to nara day trip.

Believe it or not, this is not only one of my favourite day trips from Osaka but also one of my favourite experiences in Japan.

Cycling in Osaka itself is how I got around in my one month of living there, and it was too tempting not to go cycling from Osaka to Nara.

First of all the going is tough in parts as you will be going along Japan’s steepest highway, but what goes up must come down, and it’s a lot of fun riding down.

On the way, you will pass rural villages, remote shrines, rice paddy fields, and a bamboo grove with mini-shrines with almost no one there at all, unlike the busy one in Kyoto.

It will take you all day and will be a workout in parts but it’s so rewarding, if anything because you get away from the main touristed places.

Be aware though that it is hard work so if you are out of shape, or with young children, then this is probably, actually, I would more likely say definitely, not the best choice for you. 

Take the train from Nara to Osaka at the end of the day. Here’s a post I did about cycling from Osaka to Nara.

10. Kanazawa Day Trip From Osaka

This is one of the longer day trips from Osaka as it’s not close by.

It takes around 3 hours by train from Yodoyabashia station so you would need an early start.

In the Edo Period of Japan Kanazawa was a town as powerful, if not more so than Kyoto and Tokyo and survived World War 2 without being destroyed.

Therefore it has many old buildings to see such as the castle area, the Higashi Chaya District with its teahouses and geisha, and more.

The main attraction though is the Kenrokuen Gardens, known as one of, if not the best Japanese landscape gardens in the country.

11. Kurashiki Day Trip From Osaka

Kurashiki is a popular place for Japanese tourists, who tend to outnumber foreigners. It’s a very chilled place with an old canal that runs through the centre.

This is a great place for some culture as a day trip from Osaka. Old wooden buildings line the streets and it has a great ambience of the Edo Period of Japan.

A Shinkansen train will take around one hour to get there from Osaka.

12. Nagoya Day Trip From Osaka

This is one of the great day trips from Osaka if you’re interested in the more modern technological things in Japan.

You can do a 2-hour tour of Toyota Motor Corporation’s main factory, or take a look at the JR Scmaglev and railway park where the world’s fastest train resides.

If you want the more cultural things then there is Nagoya Castle, and one of the most respected Shinto shrines in Japan. Add to that the open-air Meiji era (1868 – 1912) museum with its outdoor exhibits, and it’s worth your time.

Just be aware that some of those places are not in the centre of Nagoya and would take an extra 20 minutes to an hour or so to get to.

Nagoya is around 1 hour from Osaka by Shinkansen and costs around 6500 yen. Or take the local JR trains for around 4000 but taking around 2 and a half hours.

Skip this day trip for others though if you want more Japanese culture in your day trips such as Nara, and Koyasan as at the end of the day Nagoya is a modern city.

13. Universal Studios Japan Day Trip From Osaka

I wasn’t sure whether to add Universal Studios Japan onto the list simply due to it not being a uniquely Japanese experience, but it’s nearby Osaka and is very popular and recommended by other travellers, and if travelling with children makes a good choice as one of the day trips from Osaka to consider.

There are some Japanese-orientated things there though especially some involving Japanese animation .

Universal Studios Japan opening hours are usually around 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. until 7 – 9 p.m. It depends sometimes if there are special holidays.

You can take a direct train from Osaka station which takes around 10-15 minutes to get there.

14. Miyama Village and Amanohashidate Day Trip From Osaka

Miyama Village is just north of Kyoto and is the quintessential rural village experience of Japan.

Nestled in the mountains it has a very chilled-out atmosphere and is the perfect escape from the cities.

the main reason for visiting is to see the rural life of Japan. There is a folk museum worth visiting as well.

Add on an onward trip to  Amanohashidate which is known as ‘one of Japan’s 3 scenic views’ where a sandbar covered in pine trees spans across the bay where you can also take boats out to see it from the sea.

There are some temples and shrines scattered around as well.

You can do this trip with public transport if you leave early otherwise a highly recommended tour to take is this one:

15. Kumano Kodo Day Trip From Osaka (To Nachi Taisha Shrine)

The Kumano Kodo is a bunch of hiking trails that are old pilgrimage routes still used today.

You can see some of the ’Three Grand Shrines of Kumano in the area if you have more time, but realistically the Kumano Kodo should be done for multiple days to experience the area properly.

Having said that to get a feel for the peaceful and serene place you can visit one of the Three Grand Shrines, the Nachi Taisha Shrine, on a day trip.

It’s one of the best shrines to photograph in all of Japan and has a waterfall nearby.

16. Lake Biwa Day Trip From Osaka

Ok, a lake doesn’t sound super exciting compared with some of the other day trips from Osaka on the list, but this is Japan’s largest freshwater lake.

It will take you around 40-50 minutes on a fast Shinkansen train.

At Chikubushima Island in the north of the lake, you can see old shrines and temples dating back over millennia which can be reached by a local ferry.

You can get active and cycle around the lake itself or take it easy on a boat, or one of the beaches.

There’s also a 17th-century castle to see called Hikone Castle.

This day trip from Osaka is a good option if you feel like having a relaxing day on the lake with some history thrown in.

17. Wakayama City Day Trip From Osaka

Wakayama City is an easy day trip from Osaka as they’re not that far away.

In Wakayama City, you can see Wakayama Castle and see lots of temples and shrines when walking through Oda Park. There are lots of Onsens in the city itself that you can relax in after walking around.

You can even stop over in Wakayama City going to or coming back from, the Kumano Kodo day trip. Although to save rushing around it’s best to do those as separate day trips from Osaka.

18.Tottori Day Trip From Osaka

This is a slightly different vibe for the day trips from Osaka to choose from. This trip is all about nature. Specifically large dunes by the sea that can reach up to 50 metres in height.

Located on the Sea of Japan coast they are impressive to see and there’s even a Sand Museum filled with sand sculptures.

You can also try sandboarding on the dunes as well and for the more adventurous there are even paragliding options.

Choose this option for a nature hit, but don’t expect much in the way of ‘traditional Japan.’

It takes around 2 and a half hours to get there by train from Osaka Station.

Save time and take a full-day tour there:

19. Awaji Island Day Trip From Osaka

Awaji Island is home to the largest suspension bridge in the world, over 4km long, that connects Kobe and Awaji which is worth seeing in itself, but there is much more than that.

Sumoto City is the biggest city there and you can see Sumoto Castle and other historical sites, so it’s not just about the suspension bridge.

Given its location not so far from Osaka, it makes for another one for the good day trips from Osaka to consider.

I won’t say one of the ‘best day trips from Osaka’ for this post as I would choose some of the others over this first. But it’s a good option if you have more time and this is your kind of thing.

You can’t reach it by train so you will have to take a bus from Kobe, or if you have your own car drive there.

20. Iga Day Trip From Osaka

Iga is one of the last fun ones for day trips from Osaka that you can do and is especially great for those with an interest in martial arts and history.

Iga is a small town but was well known during the old days in Japan as the best place for Ninja training at the Iga School of Ninjutsu.

These days you can visit the museum that’s all about Ninjas and see live performance reenactments of Ninja techniques that include throwing the famous shuriken ninja stars.

Iga can be reached by train in 2 hours.

There are many other places to see but I would recommend those for longer than just a day trip. The ones mentioned here are generally the best and most popular day trips from Osaka.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article if you haven’t booked accommodation in Osaka you can book a hotel here with my favourite booking site for Japan where I find the best deals:

Get a Japan Rail Pass here for travelling in Japan by train (the best way). Also if coming from Tokyo to Osaka for example and back again, or continuing onwards to Hiroshima, then the Japan Rail Pass will help.

Get a Kansai Thru Pass if you don’t plan to travel further away like to Hiroshima. The pass will allow you unlimited travel on transport and travel to places like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and also to the international Kansai Airport.

While in Osaka take a look at what I recommend for the best things to do in Osaka .

And the best things to see on an Osaka Amazing Pass .

Check out some cool tours to do in Osaka itself:

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip.

Pick up the Lonely Planet Pocket Kyoto & Osaka (Travel Guide)

A friend Patrick, who is a regular visitor to Japan and an expert on the country, contributed the Kobe and Himeji sections as recommendations for the day trips from Osaka.

Share this article about the best day trips from Osaka :

Related Posts:

13 thoughts on “20 Best Day Trips From Osaka (For 2024)”

Wow beautiful destination. Now I know where are those famous orange brackets (!) 😉

Yeah that whole region is great!

You do have useful info posted here, Thanks for this!

Really nice post. Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful post and experiences.

Thanks for sharing. I hope you continue to have such quality articles to share with everyone! I believe there will be many people who share my views when they read this article from you. Those who come to read your article will find lots of helpful and informative tips

I really enjoyed your blog Thanks for sharing such an informative post.

Thanks for sharing creative post Top Classified list sites Bookmarking Submission List Directory Submission List Blog Submission List Sites Submission List sites

We are thankful for you because You do have useful info posted here, Thanks for this!

I love very much this wonderful country that feels like I’m in a dream Thank you for giving us a comprehensive guide if you would like to visit Japan

thanks for this post. its really helpful for all travels to find and visit awesome places in ladakh. thanks again.

These day trips can be perfect for those who are planning to visit Osaka Japan. However i loved some of the places and would love to visit myself whenever i plan for Osaka such as- Nooshima, Nagoya, Nara and Universal Studio Japan.

With limited time, you’ll want to come armed with a good Mount Fuji day trip itinerary. Below I will detail five awesome and totally different Mt. Fuji day trip ideas, because different people have different ways to travel, right? If you most important concern is seeing Japan s most iconic mountain from the best spots, check out my article on the 10 best Mount Fuji viewpoints !

This Article is Awesome. It’s helped me a lot. Sir, Please keep up your good work. We always with you and Waiting for your new interesting articles.

Comments are closed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Traveloka Team

11 Jun 2024 - 7 min read

Seasonal Guide to Discover the Best Time to Visit Osaka 

Osaka, a vibrant city in the heart of Japan, offers an array of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you're drawn to its bustling street food scene, historic landmarks, or neon-lit entertainment districts, timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience. Let Traveloka help you to dive into the best times to visit Osaka, breaking it down by seasons to help you plan the perfect trip.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Osaka is a magical time when cherry blossoms paint the city in shades of pink and white. This season, particularly in early April, is ideal for hanami (flower viewing) parties in parks like Kema Sakuranomiya Park and Osaka Castle Park. The weather is pleasantly warm, making it comfortable for exploring the city on foot. Additionally, the Osaka Mint Bureau opens its cherry blossom tunnel to the public for a week in mid-April, offering a breathtaking view that's not to be missed.

Highlights:

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Osaka is hot and humid, but it's also the season of vibrant festivals. The Tenjin Matsuri, held in late July, is one of Japan's top three festivals featuring river processions, fireworks, and traditional performances. Although it's the rainy season in early summer, the latter part of the season offers clear skies and is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's nightlife.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and the stunning koyo (autumn foliage) season. The fiery reds and bright yellows of changing leaves provide a picturesque backdrop for shrines and temples. Minoo Park, a short train ride from central Osaka, is an excellent spot for autumn leaf viewing and hiking. Additionally, the city's food scene becomes even more exciting with the arrival of seasonal specialties like matsutake mushrooms and Pacific saury.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Osaka is relatively mild with occasional cold snaps. It's the best time to experience the city without the crowds, allowing for a more relaxed pace of travel. Winter illuminations are a major attraction, with the Festival of the Lights in Osaka featuring stunning light displays throughout the city. Don't miss the opportunity to savor seasonal delights like oden (Japanese hot pot) and warm sake in a local izakaya.

Each season in Osaka offers unique experiences, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful festivals in summer, breathtaking autumn foliage, and dazzling winter lights. While spring and autumn might offer the most comfortable weather and scenic beauty, summer and winter also have their own charms and fewer crowds. Ultimately, the best time to visit Osaka depends on what you want to experience.

The Best Places To Visit in Osaka

Known for its dynamic food scene, historic landmarks, and friendly locals, Osaka offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and modern entertainment. After you choose the preferred time to visit Osaka, make sure you know all the places to visit, ensuring you capture the essence of this vibrant city.

1. Osaka Castle: A Glimpse into Japan's Feudal Past

Osaka Castle stands as a testament to Japan's rich history and architectural ingenuity. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, this iconic landmark, with its imposing stone walls and moats, offers a glimpse into the country's feudal past. The castle's museum provides an insightful journey through Osaka's history, while the panoramic views from the top floor are simply breathtaking. The surrounding park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Osaka Castle

2. Dotonbori: The Heartbeat of Osaka's Nightlife

Kingmaya Studio / Shutterstock.com

Dotonbori, a bustling entertainment district, is where Osaka's heart truly beats. Famous for its neon lights and gigantic signboards, including the famous Glico Running Man, this area is a haven for food enthusiasts. Here, you can savor local delicacies such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (fried skewered meats and vegetables). A boat cruise along the Dotonbori River offers a unique perspective of this vibrant area.

3. Universal Studios Japan: A World of Excitement

MergeIdea / Shutterstock.com

For families and adventure seekers, Universal Studios Japan brings your favorite movies to life. This theme park features thrilling rides and attractions based on popular franchises like Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic Park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with its replica of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village, is a must-see for fans of the series. Be sure to enjoy the park's many shows and parades for a full day of fun.

COMBO: Universal Studios Japan + Osaka Amazing Pass

4. Umeda Sky Building: A Sky-High Experience

The Umeda Sky Building, with its futuristic architecture, offers an awe-inspiring view of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory. This open-air deck connects the two towers of the building, providing a 360-degree view of the city skyline. The building's basement houses the Takimi-koji gourmet street, a replica of a Showa Period alley, where visitors can indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine.

Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum & Umeda Sky Building/Kuchu Teien Observatory Admission Tickets | Osaka

5. Shitennoji Temple: A Spiritual Journey

One of Japan's oldest temples, Shitennoji, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, features a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with Osaka's bustling city life. The temple grounds include a five-story pagoda, the Main Golden Hall, and a serene garden. The temple's flea market, held on the 21st of each month, is a treasure trove of antiques, crafts, and local snacks.

6. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: An Underwater Adventure

Shutterstock.com

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums, takes you on a journey through the Pacific Rim's marine life. The aquarium's tanks replicate various habitats, from the Japanese forests to the deep Antarctic Ocean. Highlights include the mesmerizing Pacific Ocean tank, home to a whale shark, and the interactive touch pools.

7. Minoo Park: Nature's Getaway

A short train ride from central Osaka, Minoo Park is an ideal escape into nature. This quasi-national park is known for its scenic beauty, especially during autumn when the foliage turns brilliant hues of red and yellow. The park's main attraction is the Minoo Waterfall, a picturesque spot perfect for relaxation and picnics. Hiking trails abound for those looking to explore the area's natural beauty further.

8. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A Portal to Ancient Traditions

Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, presents a serene escape steeped in spiritual significance. This shrine, established in the 3rd century, is famous for its unique Sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture, distinguished by straight roofs which predate the influence of Buddhism in Japan. The tranquil pond, arched bridges, and the peaceful precinct offer a contemplative retreat. Don’t miss the ritual cleansing at the dragon-shaped chozuya (water basin) before exploring the shrine’s sacred grounds.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kyoto City Tour from Kyoto

9. Nakanoshima Park: An Urban Oasis

Nestled between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, Nakanoshima Park is a verdant oasis amidst Osaka's urban landscape. This elongated island park is known for its rose garden, housing over 3700 roses of 310 varieties, and its seasonal flower displays. The park also hosts several cultural institutions, including the Osaka City Central Public Hall, a stunning Neo-Renaissance building, and the National Museum of Art, Osaka, known for its striking underground design and collection of contemporary art.

10. Kuromon Ichiba Market: The Kitchen of Osaka

kitzcorner / Shutterstock.com

For an authentic taste of local life, head to Kuromon Ichiba Market. With a history spanning over 190 years, this bustling market features over 150 stalls selling fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat delicacies. It’s a paradise for foodies looking to sample fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, and Osaka’s famous street foods. Engaging with the friendly vendors and savoring the vibrant atmosphere provides a true taste of Osaka's culinary culture.

11. Abeno Harukas: Touching the Sky

Standing as the tallest building in Japan, Abeno Harukas offers an unparalleled view of Osaka from its Harukas 300 observation deck. This skyscraper encompasses a department store, art museum, hotel, and an outdoor garden on the 16th floor. The observation deck, spanning three levels, provides a 360-degree panoramic view that stretches to the distant mountains. Sunset and nighttime visits are particularly magical, offering a glittering cityscape under the stars.

Abeno Harukas Observatory (Harukas 300) Admission Ticket | Osaka City, Japan

12. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel: A Whirl of Delight

MyPixelDiaries / Shutterstock.com

Adjacent to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel stands as a beacon of joy in the city’s skyline. One of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, it offers a 17-minute ride that provides breathtaking views of Osaka Bay and the Minato area. For an extra thrill, choose a transparent-floored cabin and watch the world glide beneath your feet. The wheel’s illumination at night, changing colors to predict tomorrow’s weather, adds a whimsical touch to the Osaka port area.

13. Osaka Museum of History: A Journey Through Time

Located near Osaka Castle, the Osaka Museum of History dives deep into the city's past, presenting it in an engaging and interactive format. Each floor represents different eras, from ancient times to the present day, offering a chronological journey through Osaka’s development. The museum’s large-scale models, interactive exhibits, and panoramic windows offering views of Osaka Castle, provide context and connection to the city's historical landscape.

Flight to Osaka

All Nippon Airways

Start from US$ 65.51

Miyazaki (KMI) to Osaka (ITM)

Tue, 9 Jul 2024

Japan Airlines

Start from US$ 67.28

Fukuoka (FUK) to Osaka (ITM)

Sun, 23 Jun 2024

Start from US$ 150.62

Manila (MNL) to Osaka (ITM)

Wed, 10 Jul 2024

Osaka’s rich tapestry of attractions, ranging from serene shrines and vibrant markets to architectural marvels and panoramic views, ensures that every visitor leaves with lasting memories. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Osaka's warmth and dynamism are sure to make your trip unforgettable. Book your flight to Osaka only with Traveloka, and find the best hotels near top attractions at ease from your fingertips!

Payment Partners

About Traveloka

• How to Book
• Help Center
• Download App

Follow us on

• Airport Transfer
• Traveloka Affiliate
• Privacy Notice
• Terms & Conditions
• Register Your Accommodation
• Register Your Experience Business
• Traveloka Press Room
• Vulnerability Disclosure Program

Download Traveloka App

• Tips & Planning
• Travel Product

7 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rhode Island for 2024

7 top-rated tourist attractions in oregon for 2024, 7 top-rated tourist attractions in utah for 2024.

10 Best Places to Visit in Osaka, Japan in June 2024

Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its delicious food, lively nightlife, and rich history. With its unique blend of traditional and modern attractions, Osaka offers something for everyone. June is a great time to visit Osaka, as the weather is pleasant and there are many festivals and events taking place.

Here are 10 of the best places to visit in Osaka in June 2024:

1. dotonbori district.

No visit to Osaka would be complete without experiencing the Dotonbori District. This vibrant area is home to a neon-lit canal lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Be sure to try some of Osaka’s famous street food, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

2. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This towering castle was built in the 16th century and offers stunning views of the city. Take a walk through the castle grounds, explore the museum, and enjoy the panoramic views from the top floor.

3. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is one of Japan’s most popular theme parks. This exciting park is home to rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. Be sure to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Jurassic Park area, and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride.

4. Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market is one of Osaka’s oldest and largest markets. This bustling market is home to over 150 stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, and other Japanese delicacies. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as pufferfish and tuna.

5. Minami District

Minami District is Osaka’s nightlife hub. This vibrant area is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Be sure to experience the izakaya culture, which involves sharing small plates of food and drinks with friends.

6. Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building is a skyscraper with two observation decks that offer stunning views of Osaka. The Floating Garden Observatory on the 36th floor offers 360-degree views of the city, while the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the 40th floor offers views of the city from a glass-enclosed atrium.

7. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of Osaka’s oldest and most important shrines. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the gods of the sea and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

8. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the world’s largest aquariums. This massive aquarium is home to over 30,000 marine animals, including whale sharks, manta rays, and penguins.

9. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is one of Osaka’s most popular shopping streets. This long street is lined with shops selling everything from clothes and accessories to souvenirs and electronics.

10. National Museum of Art, Osaka

The National Museum of Art, Osaka is home to a collection of Japanese and Asian art. This impressive museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Osaka.

These are just a few of the many great places to visit in Osaka in June 2024. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning attractions, Osaka is a city that you will never forget.

Nathan David is a passionate traveler and an avid writer who delights in sharing his global adventures through captivating narratives. With an insatiable curiosity for exploring diverse cultures and uncovering hidden gems, Nathan has embarked on numerous journeys across the globe, each experience enriching his understanding of the world.

Related Posts

7 top-rated tourist attractions in louisiana for 2024, 7 top-rated tourist attractions in arizona for 2024, 10 best places to visit in cyprus in june 2024, 10 best places to visit in finland in june 2024, 10 best places to visit in malta in june 2024, 10 best places to visit in estonia in june 2024.

Comments are closed.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

10 Best Places to Visit in Japan

Posted: June 12, 2024 | Last updated: June 12, 2024

More for You

Harold Ramis Bailed on ‘Galaxy Quest’ Once Tim Allen Was Cast

This type of supplement may increase heart disease risk, new study finds

Kevin O'Leary explained how you can live off $500K and ‘do nothing else to make money' — but is it realistic for your retirement?

5 Car Brands You Probably Didn't Realize Ford Owned

John Deere unveils new farming equipment that could change the face of agriculture as we know it: 'This is similar to proven technology'

Oprah Winfrey, 70, hospitalized: ‘It was a very serious thing’

A 'cosmic glitch' in the universe is forcing astronomers to rethink Einstein's theory of relativity

What It Means If Young Stems Are Sprouting From The Base Of Your Tree

Should You Take Social Security at Age 62, 67, or 70? Statistically Speaking, There's a Clear-Cut Answer

Cracker Barrel announces changes to restaurant chain

Here's Why Ford's First Production Car Was Called The Model T

23 Famous People That Have Incredible Hidden Talents

Scientists Think They've Found a New Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

Trump proposes a policy that could make tipping more annoying for everyone

Here's How Much The Tesla Model 3 Depreciates After 5 Years

Jets Head Coach Demands Punishment For Aaron Rodgers Missing Mandatory NFL Minicamp

‘You’ll end up with $1.5 million in the bank’: Kevin O’Leary says you should do this 1 thing with your 401(k) in order to 'succeed into retirement’

Can beer be good for you? Healthiest option to pick for your next cold one.

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From All In The Family

15 Years Ago, a Chilling Thriller Made Vampires Scary Again — And Jumpstarted a Phenomenon