In this post we are going to suggest the 10 best things to see and do in Osaka, but first let us tell you something… The third largest city in Japan is located in the Kansai region, on the island of Honshu and although it is not usually listed as one of the essential stops on a trip to the land of the rising sun, we are of the opposite opinion. Personally we found it to be a very interesting stop, both during the day and at night, and it offers visitors a lot of attractions.
From historic temples and shrines to modern shopping malls and amusement parks, Osaka has something for everyone. It's also one of Japan's culinary capitals , and if you're one of us, you're going to love it. Plus, there's nothing better than starting your discovery of this city by signing up for this free tour in Spanish , with which you'll discover the essentials of Osaka in a few hours.
Getting there from Kansai Airport is also very easy: just take this train and you will arrive at Namba Station.
What to see and do in Osaka
Now, are you ready to explore the city and discover the best things to see and do in Osaka? Here we go:
1. Shinsekai, one of the most interesting neighborhoods to see in Osaka
Did you know that the Shinsekai district used to be one of the most run-down neighbourhoods in all of Japan? Nowadays, it's an area full of restaurants that prepare kushikatsu , fried skewers of meat, fish, vegetables... Walking around here at night is a gastronomic experience . The skewers are delicious, but be careful because they're not very cheap.
The main attraction of the Shinsekai district and one of the city's icons is Tsutenkaku Tower . It was the entrance to an old amusement park, but it had to be dismantled to make weapons out of its steel during WWII. In the mid-20th century it was rebuilt with a new design and greater height (103 metres), just as we see it today. You can go up to the observation deck on the top floor and enjoy the spectacular views over Osaka.
2. Umeda Sky Building
If you want to see a spectacular sunset, head to the Umeda Sky Building . The peculiar structure is made up of two towers connected at the top by a floating platform, where the observatory is located with incredible views from 170 meters high. However, before you get there you will have to dare to ride its famous escalators, which seem to be suspended over the void.
3. Abeno Harukas Tower
The above is not, by any means, one of the tallest buildings in Osaka. The Abeno Harukas Tower is not only the roof of Osaka, but of all Japan, with its 300 meters of height. At its top stands the “Harukas 300” observation deck, which completes the list of the best observatories in Osaka. Going up costs ¥1,500, about €12.
4. Osaka Castle, a must-see
From a symbol of progress we move on to an example of tradition and Japanese history, Osaka Castle . Its construction is due to the daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi back in the 16th century and it was a key place in the struggles for the unification of Japan. Although it has been almost completely restored and does not retain many original elements, it is a must-see in Osaka (entry costs ¥600, about €4).
The surrounding park is always lively. We met a very nice man who gave us some origami.
Come on, don't forget to visit this Castle as it is undoubtedly one of the best things to see and do in Osaka .
5. Dotonbori, the top neighborhood to see in Osaka
Take a stroll through Dotonbori , Osaka's most famous and characteristic neighborhood, which when night falls becomes a sea of neon lights, street food and a cool atmosphere. Although there are thousands of neon signs, one has become the symbol of this neighborhood: the Glico-man, a neon sign from the candy brand Glico in which you can see an athlete with his arms raised. It didn't seem like much to us, all things considered, but not visiting it is almost a crime hehe.
In Dotonbori you have to try takoyakis , little dough balls filled with octopus that are out of this world. For us, it's one of the best things to do in Osaka xd It's the typical street food here and you'll find them practically everywhere. But if you want to try them in an original place, go to Takonotetsu : here you prepare them yourself (and don't think it's that easy, eh!).
→ In this post we tell you which are the 5 dishes that you must eat in Osaka .
By the way, there are mini-cruises that sail along the Dotombori canal and cross the 9 bridges that form it, a different way to admire the lights and neon of the lively neighborhood. There is also the option of taking a panoramic boat ride along the Okawa River.
Take out IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here . Whatever your destination
6. Nipponbashi
If Tokyo has Akihabara, Osaka has Nipponbashi (Den Den Town) , a paradise for manga, anime and video game lovers. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to visit in Osaka if you have a geeky soul.
7. Relax at Spa World
If you're tired of crowds, Spa World is the best place to relax. Admission costs 1,200¥ (about €10) and includes access to the onsen and pool area and a towel. Note that there are two bathing areas: European and Asian:
- Women can access the European ones (Roman baths, Blue Grotto, Greek baths, Finnish sauna) in even months and men in odd months.
- Women have access to the Asian areas (Turkish baths, Japanese onsen, Balinese pool, etc.) in odd-numbered months and men in even-numbered months. The entrance fee includes access to the pool and bathing areas and a towel.
8. Universal Studios Osaka
We didn't go, but after visiting the one in Los Angeles we are looking forward to returning to Osaka to go to Universal Studios ! A must-see if you are travelling with the little ones in the house (and why not, treat yourself).
→ Reserve your ticket for Universal Studios Osaka in advance .
9. Tempozan Ferris Wheel
If you are travelling with children, in addition to the above, an ideal plan would be to go on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel , which is about 112 metres high. The complete ride takes 15 minutes, during which you can have a great panoramic view of Osaka Bay. Fun fact: there is another Ferris wheel in Osaka, in the Help Five shopping centre .
Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ) to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad
10. Kuromon Ichiba Market
Kuromon Ichiba Market is a very photogenic food market. It is best to walk around with your eyes and nose wide open until you find the food stall that most attracts you. Take advantage of this because here you can find the freshest and cheapest seafood in Osaka.
More things to do in Osaka
Here are a few more things to do and see in Osaka, in case you have more time in the city:
- The Gate Tower Building is one of the most curious buildings in Osaka. It is crossed by an elevated highway!
- North of the Dotombori canal is Shinsaibashi-suji , a pedestrian arcade where you can find all kinds of products: from cosmetics to video games and souvenirs. There are also plenty of restaurants to suit all tastes (sushi is not lacking).
- Have you run out of things to do and want to continue shopping? Take a stroll through Nanba , the liveliest shopping area in Osaka, where there is no shortage of shopping centres and shops of all kinds.
- One night, go to dinner at Fukutaro restaurant , where they say they make the best okonomiyaki in Osaka. If you don't want to wait in line, it's better to go at odd hours 🙂
- If you have time, visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine , famous for preserving hundreds of stone lamps and for being one of the oldest in Japan. Another temple worth visiting in Osaka is the Hozenji Temple .
- Two original things to do in Osaka are visiting the Instant Ramen Museum (yes, you read that right hehe). It's a museum where you can learn about the history of one of the most consumed Japanese foods in the world and where you'll take home a unique souvenir: an instant ramen personalized to your liking. And Legoland , the paradise for geeks of this game.
- If you are travelling in autumn, we suggest you visit Minoo Park , a park located about 30 minutes from Osaka and which is a haven of peace and beauty. It is one of the best places to experience momiji (the reddening of the leaves of the trees). Check the forecast for momiji season .
Map with places to visit in Osaka
We leave you a map so you can locate all the tourist attractions to see in Osaka:
We have reached the end of the post and we hope that you are now eager to visit this incredible destination. We visited castles, food markets, neighbourhoods full of neon lights, we came across groups of people singing karaoke at full volume in the street and vendors who offered us takoyakis and gyozas. Come on… we had a great time!
Do you know more things to see and do in Osaka ?
