Most tourists flock to Tokyo, and Osaka is not always the top of tourists’ list. But this is a mistake! Osaka is a brilliant bustling hub of modern energy combined with historic charm. Here are all of the things you must see and do while visiting this dynamic city.
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Explore History & Culture
Osaka has served as a center of trade, culture, and governance for the past 1,400 years. It served as Japan’s first capital in the 7th century. And it was a hub for commerce and food distribution during the Edo period (1603–1867). So it’s no surprise that this vibrant city has a few not-to-be-missed historical sites.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle dates from the 16th century and is surrounded by a gorgeous park and a moat. Enjoy eight floors of exhibits featuring samurai amour, historical artifacts, and interactive displays about the castle’s history. Step outside on the top floor to enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka.
After exploring the inside of the castle, make sure to spend some time wandering through the grounds and Nishinomaru Garden. You can also enjoy a ride through the moat on a golden Gozabune (traditional Japanese boat).
Shitennō-ji Temple
Shitennō-ji Temple dates from 593 and is Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. Explore the central temple complex containing a five-story pagoda, Kondō (main hall), and Kōdō (lecture hall). Enjoy the Gokuraku-jōdo garden which is designed to look like Buddhist paradise with ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns. The Shitennō-ji Honbō (treasure house) holds a collection of Buddhist art, scriptures, and relics.
If you can, time your visit to coincide with the Shitennō Market on the 21st and 22nd of every month. Hundreds of stalls feature antiques, traditional clothing, pottery, painted scrolls, samurai items, theater masks, jewelry, Japanese gadgets, etc. There’s sure to be something that catches your eye! This is also a great place to get a snack or lunch from the yatai food stalls selling typical Japanese street food.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine dates to the 3rd century and is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country. As you enter the complex through a Torii gate, you will immediately see the iconic red Sorihashi Bridge. Walk across it and enjoy the Main Honden (halls) that offer a glimpse of distinctive, pre-Buddhist architecture. Traditionally dedicated to sea voyagers, this shrine is a great place for visitors to say a prayer for safe travels. Take your time to enjoy the peaceful grounds, and look for all of the lucky rabbit and turtle statues scattered throughout the complex. Spotting one brings you good luck!
Enjoy Great Eats (& More!)
After a day of historical sites, you will want to have a great meal. Osaka has a ton of great options, but the following are the most iconic.
Dontonbori District
Dontonbori is Osaka’s most famous dining and entertainment district. Situated on a canal, the area features giant 3D signs, neon lights, and delicious street food. You must try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and ramen available from vendors along the canal. Other food options include Kani Dōraku, a crab restaurant advertised by a giant moving crab sign, conveyor-belt sushi places, and izakayas (Japanese pubs).
There’s more than just food in Dontonbori. You can see a traditional Japanese performance at Shochiku-za Theatre, enjoy an game arcade, or exhibit your own talent at one of many karaoke bars. Find everything you need (and then some) at Don Quijote right on the canal. Definitely take a spin on its unique ovular Ferris wheel!
In the evening, take a river cruise to see the area’s neon lights. You’ll get the best photo of the famous Glico Running Man sign from the canal. The water is also the best way to experience the animated 3D signs throughout the district.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
If you want to really experience Osaka’s culinary scene, look no further than Kuromon Ichiba Market. Here you will find fresh seafood like sushi, grilled scallops, giant crab legs, oysters and more available straight from the market stalls. This is also a great place to try grilled wagyu beef skewers, grilled eel, and takoyaki (octopus balls). If you want a complete meal, you can find vendors selling seafood rice bowls and plenty of ramen and udon shops. For dessert, try taiyaki (fish-shaped cake filled with red bean paste or custard), mochi, or matcha ice cream. This is also a great place to buy a few souvenirs such as Kyoto-style pickles, Japanese spices and sauces, and tea.
Shinsekai District
Shinsekai is a neighborhood in Osaka inspired by early 20th century New York and Paris. It has a retro vibe and is known for its food and entertainment scene. Most eateries serve the area’s specialty, kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and veggies). After you eat, you can enjoy spending time at one of the many arcades and bars scattered throughout the neighborhood.
For great views of Osaka, don’t miss Tsutenkaku Tower. This iconic tower not only offers panoramic views, you can slide down from the 3rd floor to the 1st basement floor of the tower on the Tower Slider. Or if you are really daring, you can experience Dive & Walk where you can walk around the outer perimeter of the tower and jump off from the middle of the tower.
Shop ’til You Drop
If you love to shop, Osaka has some great places to do it!
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
Osaka’s top shopping area is Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. This covered shopping area is located near Dotonbori and is full of every type of shop you can imagine. From fashion and clothing to electronics and gadgets to souvenirs and accessories – you can find it all here.
Amerikamura (“Amemura”)
Amerikamura (“Amemura”) literally means America Village, and this is where the youth of Osaka (and the world) go to for alternative fashion, pop culture, and all the trends. You will find streetwear, vintage clothes, unique accessories, anime and manga items, and all the latest styles. Even if you aren’t a shopper (or a youth), you will love the street art, murals, and sculptures along the streets.
Game On!
If your travel party includes gamers, Osaka has plenty of arcades and game centers to offer!
Nipponbashi Denden Town
Similar to Tokyo’s Akihabara “Electric Town,” Nipponbashi Denden Town has a huge assortment of stores selling games and supplies. If you are looking for new or retro game consoles, gaming accessories, manga or anime collectables, or vintage video games, this neighborhood has you covered!
Make sure to stop by Super Potato Retro Hall. It not only offers retro game consoles and video games – it has museum-like displays telling the history of the gaming industry.
Namba
Another area of town that gamers should visit is Namba. This is known as the entertainment district and is adjacent to Nipponbashi Denden Town. Here you will find multi-floor gaming centers full of claw machines, VR simulators, photo booths, rhythm and dance games, and more. There’s also plenty of shops selling new and retro video games, consoles, board games, and collectibles. Some not to be missed stores are TAITO STATION, SEGA , Gamers, and Yellow Submarine.
Take in the Views
We’ve already covered two great places to enjoy panoramic views of the city, Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku Tower. But there are several other options as well.
Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory
Umeda Sky Building is a futuristic skyscraper that offers am amazing escalator ride to the observation deck. The views are particularly spectacular at sunset. Purchase tickets to the observation deck through Klook to get a heart-shaped lock engraved with two first names and a date. You can attach to the building’s heart-shaped deck or take it home as a souvenir.
While you are visiting Umeda Sky Building, take some time to check out the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum. Located on the 27th floor of the West Tower, it features works by the artist Koji Kinutani. The art on display is bold with vivid colors and is often three-dimensional. Kinutani works often include images on Mount Fuji, dragons and other mythical beasts, Buddhist deities, rising suns, and more.
If you want to get a bit to eat during your visit, make your way down to the basement floor. There you will find a charming retro food alley called Takimi Koji. This recreates the look and feel of a 1950s Japanese town. There are plenty of places serving authentic Osaka comfort food like akoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and ramen and udon noodles, and traditional Japanese sweets.
Abeno Harukas 300
Abeno Harukas 300 is the tallest building in Osaka and has observation decks on the 58-60th floors. On the 58th floor, experience the open-air Sky Garden deck. And on the 60th floor, full glass walls offer a 360 degree view of the city. But why settle for a gorgeous view when you can walk on top of the building with the Edge the Harukas experience? Or you can opt for a tour of the heliport located on the roof of the building.
You will come for the views, but you will stay for great shopping, dining, and art! The building is home to one of Japan’s largest department stores, Kintetsu Department Store Main Store Abeno Harukas. The Sky Garden offers good eats with a view, and there are plenty of other dining options in the department store floors in the building. The Abeno Harukas Art Museum is also on site. It features rotating modern art exhibits that change every few months.
Get Some Thrills
If you want more thrills than sliding or diving down from Tsutenkaku Tower or walking on Abeno Harukas’ edge, Osaka has you covered!
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
If you are traveling to Osaka with teens, make sure to spend at least one day at Universal Studios Japan. While it is very similar to Universal theme parks in the United States, there are some unique rides and experiences only found in Japan. There are ten themed lands including Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurrasic Park, WaterWorld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Hogsmeade), and Super Nintendo World.
Until recently, USJ was the only park with Super Nintendo World. That is now also available in both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. But USJ does have three unique roller coasters. On the Flying Dinosaur you fly through the air face down as if you are a pteradon! Hollywood Dream: The Ride is unique as you can ride it both forward and backward! And Space Fantasy: The Ride is an indoor coaster that zooms past planets and asteroids.
USJ also has a few attractions that used to be in the American parks, like Jaws and the WaterWorld show. There’s also the completely unique (and very Japanese) Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real 4-D attraction. The park also offers seasonal collaborations with various Japanese anime franchises.
Ferris Wheels
If you prefer your thrills a little less intense and with a view, Osaka has five different Ferris wheels. They are located throughout the city.
- Ebisu Tower (Dontonbori) – oval Ferris wheel mounted on the Don Quijote store
- HEP FIVE (Umeda) – mounted on the roof of the HEP FIVE shopping center
- Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel (Osaka Bay) – huge Ferris wheel offering glass-floor gondolas and views of the bay
- Rainbow Ferris Wheel (Hirakata Park) – multi-colored Ferris wheel located in a family-friendly amusement park
- OSAKA Wheel (EXPOCITY, Suita) – Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel with glass-floor gondolas and views of Expo Park (site of the 1970 World Expo)
Learn Something
The city has some great options for people who enjoy learning something new while on vacation!
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It features a loop-style route that spirals around a massive aquarium tank, allowing you to feel immersed into the marine life as you descend deeper into the building. You begin your visit in the Japan Forest where you will see freshwater fish, amphibians, and otters.
The main exhibit is the Pacific Ocean tank featuring a giant whale shark, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, tuna, and more. There are also exhibits on the Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, Ecuador, Antarctica, Great Barrier Reef, the deep sea, the arctics, and more.
Osaka Science Museum
The Osaka Science Museum focuses on space and energy and offers interactive exhibits. Highlights include a planetarium and exhibits on electricity and energy, science of materials and life, the universe, and science for the future. There are daily live science demonstrations, often involving fire, sound, and motion.
Take a Break
After all of this touring, you are definitely ready for a break! Fortunately, Osaka has many great places to relax.
Nakanoshima Park
Located in the center of the city, Nakanoshima Park features European-style gardens, riverside promenades, and access to cultural landmarks. Famous for its rose garden, the park has 300 varieties of roses from around the world. The park stretches about a mile between the Tenjinbashi Bridge and Tosaboribashi Bridge. Nighttime views of the illuminated bridges are especially beautiful.
The park is also the home of the Osaka City Central Public Hall. Completed in 1918, you will marvel at it’s iconic exterior and beautiful interior. The park is also the location of Osaka’s museum district. The Osaka Science Museum, National Museum of Art, Osaka, and Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka are all nearby.
Spa World
An onsen is a natural hot spring bath that is part of the Japanese culture. The hot spring water contains minerals such as sulfur, sodium, iron, or radium that is thought to provide health benefits to those who soak in it. The experience also provides social interaction and rejuvenation.
If you want to experience an onsen in Osaka, look no further than Spa World. This large hot spring and spa complex is famous for its international-themed baths. Experience what European mineral water baths might have been like in ancient Rome, Greece, and even Atlantis! There are also Asian-inspired baths, such as an Islamic hammam, Persian lay or sitting baths, and a Japanese open-air steam bath.
The complex also offers saunas, outdoor pools, and foot baths. There are plunge pools and slides for kids, as well as an arcade. Many casual dining options are available, and you can even book an overnight stay.
Touring Tip: Save Money with the Osaka Amazing Pass!
Now you know all of the top things to do in Osaka, and I’m going to let you in on a an amazing deal. The Osaka Amazing Pass offers access to many of the places I’ve covered here for a low daily price! Currently, the Osaka Amazing Pass costs about $23 for one day and $33 for two days. The pass includes unlimited rides on buses and trains as well as entry into over 40 attractions, including the following:
- Umeda Sky Building
- Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum
- HEP Five Ferris Wheel
- National Museum of Art, Osaka
- Tombori River Cruise & Wonder Cruise
- Tsutenkaku Tower Observation Deck, Tower Slider, and Tower Dive & Walk
- Shitennō-ji Temple
- Osaka Castle Museum & Nishinomaru Garden & Osaka-Jo Gozabune Boat
- Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
- OSAKA Wheel
There are plenty of other attractions included that didn’t make my list – such as a zoo, more museums, and even LEGOLAND! If you are spending a few days in Osaka, I definitely think a 1-2 day Osaka Amazing Pass will pay for itself!
What are you most excited to do in Osaka?
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