When planning your trip, make sure to explore the diverse array of things to do in Osaka, from savoring local street food to visiting historical landmarks. Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, this vibrant city offers something for everyone to enjoy.
About Osaka
Osaka, a vibrant bayside city, stands as Japan’s third-largest metropolis and serves as a significant cultural, historical, and economic center. Often referred to as the City of Merchants and Japan’s Kitchen, Osaka is steeped in a rich and proud history.
Historically, Osaka has been a pivotal part of Japanese civilization. Its strategic location made it a hub for early cultural exchanges and trade. While Tokyo was still developing as Edo, Osaka had already established itself as a bustling cultural center.
During World War II, Osaka endured severe bombings that nearly obliterated the city. Despite these devastating events, the city was swiftly rebuilt from its ruins. As a result, Osaka may not immediately captivate visitors with traditional beauty at first glance.
The city is characterized by its concrete landscape, lacking in picturesque architecture or Zen gardens. However, there are numerous exciting activities and attractions to explore in Osaka if one takes the time to discover them.
The Best Time to Visit Osaka
Spring and autumn are considered the most favorable seasons to visit Osaka, although these times also attract more tourists. The cherry blossom season typically begins at the end of March, with full blooms appearing in the first week of April.
Autumn in Osaka arrives later than in many other parts of the world. For those seeking stunning autumn foliage, planning a trip for late November or early December is recommended.
September and May offer pleasantly warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making them ideal months for visiting. Conversely, June and July are marked by heavy rainfall, while August is both hot and humid—months that some might prefer to avoid.
Winter sees fewer tourists, making it an appealing option for those looking to avoid crowds and reduce travel expenses. January and February are the coldest months; however, temperatures rarely drop below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
Exploring Osaka – Things to Do in Osaka
Metro and Train Systems
Navigating Osaka’s public transportation might seem daunting initially, but with a little patience and attention to station signs, it becomes manageable. The city’s train and metro systems offer the most efficient and cost-effective means of travel. Osaka boasts seven train lines connecting it to nearby cities, alongside eight metro lines.
For tourists, the JR Osaka Loop Line is particularly beneficial as it circles the city and provides access to Kansai Airport. The metro lines are conveniently color-coded and provide English announcements, ensuring travelers can easily find their way.
Taxis
While taxis are available in Osaka, they come with a hefty price tag. A trip from the airport to the city center can cost several hundred US dollars. For those on a budget, it’s advisable to avoid taxis. Unfortunately, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not operational in Japan.
Bicycles
Cycling is a favored mode of transportation in Osaka. Renting a bike or joining a cycling tour offers an authentic way to experience the city like a local. Several companies provide bike rentals, though it’s often necessary to book in advance. For spontaneous adventurers, Umegle-Chari offers an Osakan version of Citi Bike, with its main station situated between Osaka Station and Grand Front Osaka. Instructions are available in English, and renting an electric bike costs approximately 200 yen (around 2 USD) per hour.
Accommodation Options in Osaka
Osaka caters to all types of travelers with its diverse range of accommodations. From capsule hotels and chic hostels to traditional Japanese inns and luxurious hotels, there’s something for every budget. Staying near major stations like Namba or Osaka/Umeda is recommended for easy access to attractions.
Must-See Attractions in Osaka: Things to Do in Osaka
Looking for things to do in Osaka? Here are some top activities and experiences that promise an unforgettable adventure.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle stands as one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline. In early April, the surrounding park becomes even more enchanting with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees in bloom.
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Kaiyukan Aquarium ranks among Asia’s largest aquariums—and indeed one of the world’s most impressive ones too! Located at Osaka Bay area; it features 17 interactive exhibits that guide visitors through diverse ecosystems ranging from Arctic regions through Pacific Rim areas down into Ecuadorian jungles—offering both educational insights & awe-inspiring experiences alike!
Harukas 300
Standing at 300 meters tall, Abeno Harukas is Japan’s second tallest building after Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower (excluding Tokyo Skytree). The entrance fee is 1500 yen (10 USD), offering breathtaking views that justify the cost. Visit during sunset for a spectacular experience while enjoying a cold Japanese beer at the terrace bar on the 60th floor.
Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest officially administered Buddhist temple. Despite being rebuilt after natural disasters and WWII bombings destroyed its original structure, it retains a serene atmosphere that invites reflection. The temple grounds feature koi ponds with turtles, a Zen garden, and occasional weekend markets.
Dotombori
Dotombori is one of Osaka’s most vibrant neighborhoods. As you stroll along this bustling street by the Dotombori Canal, you’ll be captivated by neon lights, animated mascots on buildings, and enticing aromas from street food vendors. If time is limited during your visit to Osaka, Dotombori should be at the top of your list.
Umeda Sky Building – Things to Do in Osaka
The Umeda Sky Building is an architectural marvel sure to impress design enthusiasts. Its unique structure includes an outdoor observation deck suspended between two separate towers. After taking in panoramic views from above, explore Takimi Koji Gourmet Street below—a hidden gem resembling charming Showa period streets filled with gourmet dining options.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan was the first Universal Studios theme park built outside the United States. It’s expansive enough to require an entire day for exploration! Popular attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park rides, live shows and parades, Despicable Me Minion Park for children, Water World shows, among others.
Explore Osaka’s Culinary Delights – Things to Do in Osaka
Osaka is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine! The city’s culture revolves around its food, earning it the nickname Tenka no Daikoro or The Nation’s Kitchen.
From unique street food vendors to upscale dining establishments, quirky izakayas, and diverse bars, Osaka offers a culinary experience like no other. Regardless of where you choose to dine, the city promises a satisfying meal.
The enticing aromas that fill the air can make choosing where to eat a daunting task. That’s why joining a food tour is highly recommended. It allows participants to delve into local flavors, sample a variety of dishes from the Kansai region, and discover hidden gems cherished by locals. It’s the perfect adventure for any food enthusiast!
Top Shopping Destinations – Things to Do in Osaka
Apart from being known as the Nation’s Kitchen, Osaka is also celebrated as a shopper’s haven. With its rich history as a bustling merchant hub, Osaka offers an array of quality goods to suit any budget. Here are some top spots for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Osaka Station City
The vicinity of Osaka Station boasts numerous impressive shopping malls and department stores. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, high-end fashion, or local Japanese designer brands, this area has it all.
Grand Front Osaka, HEP Five, Lucua, and Daimaru are all popular shopping destinations that offer a remarkable retail experience. These malls are situated close to one another, making it easy for shoppers to explore multiple locations on foot.
Orange Street
Orange Street exudes a trendy and sophisticated vibe. It’s lined with chic cafes, stylish bars, fashion boutiques, craft ateliers, and furniture makers. Originally known for furniture production, the area gradually transformed into a fashion hub after WWII.
This street beautifully combines elements of modern and traditional Japan and is worth exploring for a few hours.
Covered Shopping Streets – Shotengai
The Namba and Dotombori areas are famous for their covered shopping arcades that stretch over several kilometers. Known as shotengai in Japanese, these streets are rich in history and have become iconic landmarks of the city.
Here, visitors can find specialty shops, street food vendors, sweet shops, and international brands side by side, creating a unique atmosphere.
Amerikamura
Amerikamura, which translates to American Village, has been a vibrant hub of youth and pop culture for more than four decades. The area is bustling with American-themed streetwear shops, cafes, and burger restaurants. However, the true gems of Amerikamura are its thrift and vintage stores, where unique finds await.
In Amerikamura, numerous shops offer both second-hand and brand-new items at significantly reduced prices, making it a shopper’s paradise.
Must-Try Foods in Osaka – Things to Do in Osaka
Osaka is a haven for food enthusiasts, with its culinary culture encapsulated by the phrase Kuidaore, meaning Eat until you drop! The city’s gastronomic scene is rich with dishes that either originated in Osaka or have strong connections to the Kansai region.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki, a beloved street food that first appeared in Osaka, quickly gained popularity throughout Japan. These savory octopus balls are coated in flavorful takoyaki sauce and garnished with nori seaweed or green onions. Both locals and visitors adore them so much that takoyaki-themed souvenirs are widely available.
In Osaka, takoyaki stalls are ubiquitous, offering various versions of the dish such as those with cheese, squid ink, or edamame beans. One highly recommended stall is Akaoni in Dotombori, recognized by the Michelin guide as one of the city’s top spots for takoyaki.
The dish comes in two main styles: Hiroshima style, which includes noodles and is quite hearty, and Osaka style, which features cabbage. While personal preference may vary, trying both styles during a visit to Japan is highly recommended!
Kushi Katsu
Kushi katsu is another cherished dish from Osaka that features bite-sized pieces of meat or vegetables skewered on bamboo sticks. These are then coated in batter and deep-fried until they reach a crispy golden perfection. The term kushi refers to the skewers while katsu denotes meat cutlet. This dish first appeared in 1920 at Daruma restaurant to serve laborers returning home after a long day’s work. Today, kushi katsu remains popular and pairs excellently with beer or sake.
Battera Sushi
While sushi is well-known globally, battera sushi might not be as familiar to everyone. Also referred to as oshizushi or pressed sushi, this distinctive style originates from Osaka. It involves layering thin slices of mackerel, salmon, or shrimp—cured in vinegar—alongside kombu seaweed and sushi rice. These ingredients are then pressed into neat rectangular shapes.
The fish slices are so finely cut that they appear almost see-through. Although melon pan is another popular treat with variations like chocolate chips or strawberry flavoring, battera sushi offers a unique culinary experience all its own.
Kitsune Udon
Udon noodle dishes are beloved throughout Japan, but kitsune udon from the Kansai region is particularly notable for its light broth and a piece of deep-fried tofu simmered in a sweet sauce. Thought to have originated in Osaka, this dish captures the essence of the city’s soul food. The name kitsune udon comes from the Japanese belief that foxes enjoy eating tofu, with kitsune meaning fox in Japanese culture.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a delightful Japanese confection made from pancake batter, which is poured into molds shaped like fish. Traditionally, it is filled with sweet red azuki beans, but over time, the variety of fillings has expanded to include options like matcha, vanilla custard, and chocolate. Despite its straightforward preparation, taiyaki carries a rich history that dates back over a century, with its recipe remaining largely unchanged.
The name taiyaki is derived from tai, the Japanese word for seabream. Interestingly, it also sounds similar to medetai, which means happiness or prosperity in Japanese culture, making taiyaki a treat often associated with good fortune.
Dining and Drinking Destinations in Osaka
Having delved into Osaka’s culinary delights, it’s time to discover the city’s prime locations for enjoying a meal or a drink.
Breakfast Options
The 33 Tea Bar and Terrace – This establishment not only serves delectable food and coffee but also offers breathtaking views from its perch on the 33rd floor.
Café Street near Namba Station is dotted with charming cafes. A standout is Café Mog Namba, renowned for its incredibly fluffy pancakes.
Lunch Spots
Picnic in Tennoji Park – Situated beneath the towering Abeno Harukas, Tennoji Park is surrounded by a variety of cafes and restaurants offering both Japanese and international cuisine. Some venues even provide picnic hampers complete with food, drinks, and a blanket, allowing patrons to enjoy their lunch on the park’s lawn in a leisurely setting.
Dinner Venues
Izakaya Toyo – Featured in the Netflix series Street Food, Toyo’s Izakaya is known for its heartwarming story and vibrant atmosphere. Located near Kyobashi station, it’s a must-visit spot, though it’s important to check its operating days as it isn’t open daily.
Drink Establishments – Things to Do in Osaka
Misono Building – On the second floor of this unique structure in Namba, you’ll find an array of quirky bars each with its own theme. Options include a maid café, a vintage Nintendo bar, a room filled with Pikachu toys, a pub offering haircuts, and a shisha bar.
Deepening Submarine Bar Shinka – This bar provides an immersive experience that makes you feel as though you’re inside a submarine.
Kinguu – Another themed bar where patrons are transported into a Victorian horror setting.
If sophisticated cocktails are your preference, be sure to visit Bar Augusta or Bar Nayuta.
International Cuisine Choices – Things to Do in Osaka
If you’re spending an extended period in Japan and desire something other than Japanese fare, Osaka boasts excellent international dining options. Here are some top picks:
Pizza Regalo
Mexican restaurant El Pancho
Craft Burger Co
Alto Tritone, known for serving the finest pasta in Osaka!
The information provided is based on data available up to October 2023.
Top Day Trips from Osaka
Osaka serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Kansai region due to its central location. Here are some recommended weekend getaways.
Kobe
The port city of Kobe is about a 30-minute train ride from Osaka Station. While it is famous for Kobe beef, the city offers much more. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the port, explore galleries, take a cable car up Mount Rokko, or hike to the Nunobiki Waterfalls.
Kyoto
Kyoto can be accessed from Osaka in under an hour by train. Despite the short travel time, visitors are encouraged to allocate more than a single day to fully experience the city.
To make the most of a visit, one might consider planning a three-day itinerary to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural and historical offerings.
Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple is an intriguing Buddhist site nestled in the mountains north of Osaka. It offers beauty throughout the year but is particularly enchanting in autumn when surrounded by numerous maple trees.
Visitors heading to Katsuo-ji can start their journey by boarding the red Midosuji metro line from either Umeda or Namba stations. Upon reaching their stop, they can switch to a bus that takes them straight to the temple.
Once there, they will find themselves surrounded by serene Zen gardens, a tranquil koi pond, and various halls. Additionally, the temple grounds offer a souvenir shop and a restaurant for those looking to take home a memento or enjoy a meal.
This destination makes for an enjoyable half-day excursion from Osaka.
Nara
Nara, a delightful town located just under an hour away by train from Osaka Station, is famous for its large park. This park is home to more than a thousand deer that wander freely and are known for their friendly interactions with tourists.
Apart from the deer, Nara boasts remarkable temples, stunning gardens, and a distinctive culinary scene, making it an excellent choice for a day trip.
Himeji
Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Himeji is a quaint town approximately an hour’s train journey from Osaka Station. It is renowned for its stunning white castle that dominates the cityscape and is one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles, as many were lost to natural disasters or WWII bombings.
Beyond Himeji Castle, visitors can explore a beautiful wooden temple nestled in the nearby mountains. Shoshazan Enyo-ji Temple, established in 966, holds significant spiritual value akin to Koyasan and gained fame as a filming site for The Last Samurai.
Hoshi No Buranko
For those seeking a day immersed in nature, Hoshida Park offers a warm welcome. Located within the Ikoma Mountains on the border between Osaka and Nara prefectures, this forest park is one of Osaka’s hidden gems for witnessing autumn foliage.
Hoshi No Buranko features one of Japan’s largest wooden-floor suspension bridges, aptly named The Star Swing in English. In addition to the bridge, Hoshida Park boasts attractions such as a climbing wall. Whether visiting during autumn or any other season, the park provides an enjoyable hiking experience throughout the year.
Mount Koya
Mount Koya, known as Koyasan in Japanese, is an extraordinary and picturesque destination in Japan. Situated in Wakayama Prefecture, south of Osaka, this UNESCO World Heritage Site requires a bit of travel time—approximately two hours, including a cable car ride to the summit—but the journey is undoubtedly rewarding.
As the heart of Shingon Buddhism, Koyasan holds significant spiritual importance and serves as a major pilgrimage site. The area’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring, and visitors have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the ancient temples that have been converted into accommodations for pilgrims.
Minoh Falls
Nestled in the northern part of Osaka, Minoh Falls stands as a remarkable autumn destination. While it is possible to embark on a hike from Katsuo-ji temple to reach the falls, it’s crucial to verify the trail’s condition beforehand, as heavy rains can render it impassable.
The journey to Minoh Falls from Mino-o station is a gentle hike through an enchanting forest that bursts into vibrant colors during autumn. A visit to this area wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local delicacy—deep-fried maple leaves. These crispy treats, handpicked and prepared by locals, offer a unique and delightful taste experience.
Useful Tips and Interesting Facts About Osaka – Things to Do in Osaka
To wrap up this guide on Osaka, here are some valuable tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Convenience Stores and Vending Machines
Japan is known for its abundance of convenience stores and vending machines. While purchasing items from these places, it’s considered impolite to eat or drink while walking. People in Japan value clean streets and typically pause to enjoy their snacks or beverages before moving on. Although trash bins are scarce, they are usually located near vending machines and convenience stores, providing a place to dispose of waste responsibly.
No Tipping Culture
In Japan, including Osaka, tipping at restaurants is not customary. Attempting to tip might even offend some waitstaff or business owners, as they pride themselves on providing excellent service without expecting additional rewards. However, when participating in tours, it’s generally appreciated to tip your guide.
Carry Cash
Despite the growing use of credit and debit cards in Japan, cash remains the preferred payment method. Not all establishments accept cards, particularly international ones. ATMs can be outdated and may not accept foreign cards. The most reliable option for withdrawing cash is at 7-Eleven stores, which are widespread and often have ATMs available in train stations.
Maintain Silence on Trains
Trains in Japan, including those in Osaka, are quiet zones. Speaking loudly, playing music without headphones, or talking on the phone is deemed disrespectful.
Walk on the Right Side
In Osaka, people walk on the right side of sidewalks and stand on the right side of escalators—unlike other Japanese cities where the left side is customary. This difference dates back to historical times when samurais in Tokyo preferred left-side approaches for easier sword access, while merchants in Osaka held money in their right hand for protection—a tale more anecdotal than factual.
I hope this guide has been helpful! If you’re planning a trip to Osaka and have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section. Have you visited Osaka before? What were your thoughts on the city?
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