For those looking for a city that will give them the fun and excitement of Tokyo mixed with the culture and history of Kyoto, Osaka is a dream destination for many who visit the islands of Japan. Hosting a slightly smaller metropolitan area than Tokyo, this capital city of western Japan has more to offer than just ancient shrines and amusement parks. Listed below are the top 20 things to do while traveling through Osaka, which will hopefully give you some ideas and inspiration for your next trip to this lovely city!
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Dotonbori
It’s no surprise that we’re starting off the list with one of Osaka’s most popular attractions, as travelers come from all over the country to enjoy the sights and local fares Dotonbori is known for. Some of the most highly recommended things to do in Dotonbori include: eating okonomiyaki and takoyaki, shopping at Kuidaore, and partaking in the nightlife scene at Hozenji-Yokocho Alley!
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Address: 10 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
Osaka Castle
Rebuilt twice before, Osaka Castle is a gorgeous structure that looks historical and traditional on the outside, yet modern and stylish on the inside. Since being rebuilt in 1931, the castle has hosted a museum within it that details the extensive history behind the traditional building, as well as the original owner of the castle, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Surrounding the castle is a beautiful garden and the Osaka Castle Park.
Hours: 9am to 5pm, closed during the New Year holidays.
Admission: ¥600
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002
Universal Studios Japan
For those who love roller attractions, shops, and shows, Universal Studios Japan is a great place to spend a day while traveling through Osaka! Even if your Japanese skills are lacking, you’ll still be able to enjoy yourself while riding roller coasters or watching live events that are both fun and magical! You can also enjoy Japan specific rides and attractions, featuring characters like Detective Conan, Lupin the Third, Godzilla, Sailor Moon, and more!
Hours: (Varies by month) Typically 9am to 8pm
Admission: 1 Day Pass starts at ¥7,400
Address: 2 Chrome-1-22 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Photo credits: Raita Futo
Featuring animals from the Pacific Rim, Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of Japan’s biggest and best aquariums to visit! Boasting over 15 enormous tanks that house creatures from specific regions in the Pacific Ocean, visitors can virtually travel across the entire ocean in just an hour or two! New interactive exhibits provide visitors with even more intimate experiences with ocean life. With over 30,000 creatures and over 620 species, there’s a lot to see and explore in this vast underwater wonderland!
Hours: 10am to 8pm
Admission: Between ¥600 for ages 4-6, ¥1,200 for ages 7-15, and ¥2,300 for those over 16.
Address: 1 Chrome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022
Tsutenkaku Tower
Known at the Eiffel Tower of Osaka, the Tsutenkaku Tower has stood as the symbol of Naniwa and focal point of the area. A gorgeous view of Osaka can be had on the 5th floor of the tower, and visitors can learn about the history and structure that’s been rebuilt twice. Don’t forget to pass by the statue of Biriken and rub his feet for good luck!
Hours: 9am to 9pm
Admission: ¥700
Address: 1 Chrome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002
CUPNOODLES Museum
Credit: cupnoodles-museum.jp
Also known as the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, the CUPNOODLES Museum showcases the history and birth of instant noodles. Starting all the way back in 1958 with the original instant noodle, “Chicken Ramen”, Momofuku’s creation has spread throughout the world and popularized the previously unknown Japanese cuisine of noodles. You can examine instant noodles from around the world, learn the story of instant noodles, view a recreation of the birthplace of Chicken Ramen (Momofuku’s shed), taste limited edition instant noodles from select areas in Japan, and even make your very own original CUPNOODLES package!
Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm, Closed on Tuesdays
Admission: Free
Address: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041
Osaka Mint Bureau
Although it may seem strange to have the head office of Japan Mint on the list, those that travel to this location are generally interested in something other than metal analysis and coin supply; namely, over 300 cherry trees surrounding the area. The trees are at their finest during mid April, during which a special opening ceremony takes place at the gates of the garden. The Mint Museum is open year round for those who are actually interested in how Japanese coins and medals are produced and processed.
Hours: 9am to 4pm, Closed on Weekends
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chrome-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0043
Osaka Museum Of History
Photo credits: Aapo Haapanen
Opened in November of 2001, the Osaka Museum of History has always been guided by the need to preserve Osaka’s history and share the city’s charm and positivity with both citizens and travelers. Their mission, as they say, is “To dialogue with History, in order to reflect upon our Present and Future”. Guests are free to either take the Highlight Course, Complete Course, or simply walk through the museum unguided.
Hours: 9:30am to 5pm, Closed on Tuesdays
Admission: ¥600
Address: 4 Chome-1-32 Otemae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0008
Expo ‘70 Commemoration Park
Osaka Expo ‘70 is an expansive commemorative public park built on the former sight of the Japan World Exposition in 1970. There are over 5000 cherry trees on the grounds, making the park an especially popular destination for those who wish to view the cherry blossoms during the spring season. Many of the original installations from the original expo are still present in the park, such as the Tower of the Sun and the Dream Pond. Guests can also enjoy the Museum of Ethnology, Japan Folk Crafts Museum, the large shopping and entertainment complex called Expocity, and the memorial museum in addition to the natural beauty of the park.
Hours: 9:30am to 5pm, Closed on Wednesdays
Admission: ¥250
Address: 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka, 565-0826
NIFREL
Photo credits: muzina shanghai
NIFREL claims to be a ‘living museum’ based on the concept of touch and sensitivity, and as such calls themselves an interactive aquazoo. NIFREL aims to not only showcase exotic and unique animals, but create an atmosphere for better experiences where guests can connect with said animals on a deeper level. Featuring exhibits such as ‘colors’, ‘shapes’, ‘abilities’, ‘mimic’, ‘waterside’, and more, you’ll truly have a one-of-a-kind experience at NIFREL!
Hours: 10am to 8pm
Admission: ¥2,000
Address: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka, 565-0826
Tenshiba Park
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There’s plenty to see and do in this park, as it houses spacious lawns and is near plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you want a little more excitement, there’s also beautiful landscape gardens, recreation facilities, a zoo, and the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts nearby. For those traveling with young children, a spacious and entertaining playground can also be found in the park.
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Address: 5-55 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063
Osaka Central Fish Market
For those who want to see the hectic and busy side of Japan’s fish market, Osaka Central Fish Market provides and interesting and unique look into the buying and selling of the majority of food that’s supplied in Osaka. As this area is not a public tourist attraction, but an actual market that’s set up to expedite the moving of food products, it’s best to try not to get in anyone’s way and try to view the hustle and bustle from a safe distance. Even so, you’ll be sure to see such sights as giant tuna, hundreds of kinds of fish, fruits and vegetables, live auctions, and more!
Hours: 9am to 5:30pm, Closed on Sundays
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chrome-1-86 Noda, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0005
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Photo credits: JoshBerglund19
This famous shrine in Osaka is best known for its most popular festival, the Tenjin Matsuri, which takes place every year on from July 24th to the 25th. Together with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri, the Tenjin Matsuri is one of Japan’s top three festivals. Huge crowds gather around the shrine during the matsuri as the shrine’s deity is paraded through the streets with fireworks displays at night. Even if you won’t be in the area during this monumental event, the shrine itself is full of rich history and tradition and a joy to explore.
Hours: 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free
Address: 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041
Nishinomaru Garden
Credit @megh1o (Instagram)
One the location of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife’s residence, the Nishinomaru Garden opened in 1965 to showcase 600 cherry trees that bloom during the spring season. Visitors can enjoy such sights in the daytime or during the night cherry blossom viewing events. In the northeast area of the garden visitors can find Hoshoan, a tea ceremony house where they can rest and relax while enjoying traditional Japanese tea.
Hours: 9am to 5pm, Closed on Mondays
Admission: ¥200
Address: 2 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002
Ebisu Bridge
The Ebisu Bridge is a legendary structure that reaches over the canal and is lined with shops and famous sights. One of the most popular locations in the Dotonbori area, this bridge attracts visitors from around the world with specialities like Golden Dragon ramen, cheese hot dogs, yakiniku, takoyaki, dumplings, and Japanese crabs. You can take your picture with the Glico Running Man and enjoy gorgeous river views that reflect thousands of lights from either side of the canal.
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-6 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
The National Museum of Art, Osaka
Photo credits: Unforgiven 2
Opened in 1977, the NMAO was originally the fourth nation museum in Japan. Today, the museum offers Children’s Art Tours, Workshops, Self-Guided Tours, School Programs, and Meetings for Teachers to better spread the appreciation of world art throughout Japan. The museum hopes to stay true to their original objective “to collect, store, and publicly display the artworks […] needed to elucidate the relationship between developments in Japanese art and art from the rest of the world.”
Hours: 10am to 5pm, Closed on Mondays
Admission: Free
Address: 4 Chome-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005
Hep Five Ferris Wheel
Credit @rathuson6 (Instagram)
The most prominent landmark of Umeda in Osaka, the Hep Five Ferris Wheel reaches 106 meters at its highest point and provides excellent views of the surrounding area. Part of the Hep Five shopping complex, the Ferris wheel is situated on the roof and features air conditioned gondolas. After enjoying the sights of the Osaka Harbor, Mount Ikoma, and the downtown area, visitors can shop until they drop, dine at the restaurants, or enjoy a movie at the Cineplex.
Hours: 11am to 10:45pm
Admission: ¥600
Address: 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0017
Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street
One of the best known shopping areas in Osaka, the Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street dates back to almost 400 years ago, and has become one of the symbols of the city’s history and traditions. Visitors can browse clothing shops that sell both western and Japanese clothing, restaurants, boutiques, jewelers, fast food restaurants, and other great shops where souvenirs and mementos can be purchased.
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Address: 1 through 2 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085
Nipponbashi Denden Town
If you can to Japan looking to buy some futuristic and interesting gadgets, then you’ll absolutely have to stop by Nipponbashi Denden Town! One of the largest commercial districts for electronics that rivals Akihabara in Tokyo, this spacious area is filled to the brim with anything and everything electronic. If you find yourself exhausted and hungry after scouring the plethora of electronic shops, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can rest and enjoy local cuisine.
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Address: Ebisucho and Nipponbashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0005
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Credit @laureen (Instagram)
With numerous walking trails and grassy areas, the Kema Sakuranomiya Park is perfect for those looking to enjoy a stroll or jog through a gorgeously lush and green area of Japan. During the spring season the park is pack with visitors who come from around the world to view the 4,500 cherry trees while they bloom. Guests will have easier access to the Waterfront of Osaka Friendship, Osaka Amenity park, the Mint, and Water Square. Those who want a better view of both sides of the river can even book a tour on one of Osaka’s boat tours nearby.
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Chome-10 Nakanocho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, 534-0027
Conclusion – Things to do in Osaka
If you’ve ever wanted to explore an area of Japan that many travelers often overlook or under appreciate, be sure to stop by (or spend all your time) in the traditional, yet modern, city of Osaka. From beautiful castles to amusement parks to gorgeous natural views, there’s no shortage of fun, relaxation, excitement, and adventure that’s just waiting for you in this veritable gourmand’s paradise. Book your ticket, reserve a room, and let the adventurous atmosphere that surrounds Osaka take care of the rest!
