Osaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan that attracts visitors from all around the world. It’s the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. You’re planning to visit Osaka and you look for things to do during your next trip? You’re at the right place. Let’s dive into the 14 best things to do in Osaka :
- Osaka Castle
- Universal Studios Japan
- Dotonbori
- Osaka Aquarium
- Shinsekai
- Shitennoji Temple
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shinsaibashi
- Osaka Expo Park
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel
- Abeno Harukas
- Museum of History
- Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Osaka Local Food
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the symbols of the city. It was the largest and greatest castles in Japan when it was built back in 1583.
The castle is located within the Osaka Castle Park which covers about two square kilometers. It offers lots of green space, sport facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
It’s the most popular place and hanami spot to visit especially during cherry blossom season which usually takes place in early April.
Universal Studios Japan
If you’re into amusement parks, then Universal Studios Japan is your place!
With Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Japan offers world-class entertainment.
Seasonal events and limited-time attractions are also available at the park through the year such as Halloween and Christmas.
There have been also lots of collaborations with popular anime and manga lately.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is most popular neighborhood in Osaka. The area is filled with theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, arcades and nightclubs.
It is famous for its neon lights billboards and shop displays such as Glico Running Man and the moving gigantic crab.
Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the biggest and most impressive aquariums in the world. It is home to over 500 kinds of different marine life displayed in over a dozen tanks, each representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim.
Start your tour of the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly spiral down floor by floor around the 9m deep central tank. You’ll be amazed to see 2 whale sharks swimming freely in there.
Shinsekai
If you want to experience the real vibe of Osaka, then head to Shinsekai. It is one of the most unique neighborhood in the city.
The symbol of Shinsekai, the Tsutenkaku Tower offers great views of the city from its observation deck. This tower built in 1912, was inspired from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The streets are composed by colourful and retro shops, which makes the neighborhood the most popular photo spot in Osaka.
Shinsekai is also home to Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of pools on a European-themed floor and an Asian-themed floor.
Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple is Japan oldest temple today. It was built over 1,400 years ago and is famous for its symmetrical design.
It is home to the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden, and to the treasure house that displays numbers of national treasures like paintings, scriptures and other valuable belongings of the temple.
While the external enclosure of the temple is free, you will need to pay to get to the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house.
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is a magnificent high rise building located in the Kita district in Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda Stations.
It offers a spectacular observatory called Kuchu Teien which means The Floating Garden. Located on the 39th floor at 173m high, you can enjoy a great 360° panoramic view of the city in open-air.
It’s one of the most famous architectures in the world for its unique shape and structure.
Shinsaibashi
If your into shopping then Shinsaibashi is the place you need to head to. This famous 600m long shopping arcade consists of hundreds of shops from small boutiques to large departments stores.
It is not only about clothing and fashion, you’ll find large variety of shops like drugstores, restaurants, cafes and more.
Osaka Expo Park
Host of the Japan World Exposition in 1970, Osaka Expo Park is a very large public park located about 20 km or 30 minutes away from the central area of Osaka.
It is home to the famous Tower of the Sun created by the Japanese artist Taro Okamoto.
Osaka Expo Park is one of Osaka’s most popular cherry blossom spots in early April. The spacious grounds count around 5,000 cherry trees along the southeastern plazas.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is located at Tempozan Harbor Village, next to the Kaiyukan Aquarium. With its 112.5m tall and 100m diameter, it is one of the largest Ferris wheels in Japan.
Make sure to visit the place at night to enjoy the wheel lit-up by colourful LED lights.
If the visibility is good, you can enjoy the view of Osaka City and surroundings including Mount Ikoma or Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
Abeno Harukas
With its 300m tall, Abeno Harukas is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. It is a commercial building composed by shops, restaurants, museum, hotel, offices and more.
It offers a spectacular observatory called Harukas 300 located on the 58th to 60th floors. From there you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Osaka from glass-enclosed and open-air spaces.
I highly recommend visiting it at night.
Museum of History
The Osaka Museum of History is the place to visit if you’re curious about Osaka and Kansai history.
The museum’s many floors present information and artifacts obtained from excavations, pictures, and written record.
The most interesting parts are the Edo period up to present, with detailed models that make history come alive.
You can see what homes and neighborhoods looked like during the medieval period, and up through the 20th century.
Even if you don’t understand Japanese, its visual presentations are very instructive. For the same reason, it is also suitable for children.
The Osaka Museum of History also offers an excellent view of Osaka Castle from its top floors.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is considered one of the most unique shrines. Often called “the Lion Shrine” due to its enormous lion head statue.
It has become one of the most popular places to visit in Osaka among instagrammers in the past years.
Osaka Local Food
How to speak about Osaka without mentioning the food! Osaka is known in Japan for being a food paradise so if you like to eat then you have come to the right place!
Make sure to try some takoyaki (Octopus Balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) or ikayaki (squid pancake) from streets food stalls.
If you like more high-end restaurants, Osaka is also one of the best cities. Some of Japan’s top-rated restaurants are located in Osaka including fine Sushi restaurants and Michelin starred restaurants.
To enjoy your Osaka gastronomic journey at its fullest, make sure to check our guide on how to eat with chopsticks, as it’s the main way to eat in Japan.
