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Osaka is a bustling cityscape in the heart of Kansai Region, impressing travellers with massive signage, dazzling lights, and a place where Japanese culture and urban life collide. There’s no denying the influence of the Glico man, which has become the poster child for the prefecture, and Universal Studios, which exhibits some of the best theme park attractions in the world.

But there’s so much more to the multifaceted Osaka, from narrow alleys that house hidden restaurants and arcade machines from the 90s, world-class cuisine, shopping districts full of vintage paraphernalia, and cultural hotspots and natural parks only minutes away from the brick-and-mortar buildings and neon lights. If you plan to visit Osaka, here are some of our most recommended destinations.

 

Getting to Osaka

Air Travel

Airport dock in Kansai International Airport

The Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and serves as a major airport that services both international and domestic flights. If you’re flying directly to Osaka from your home country, you will be landing at KIX. Being a major tourist hub, it connects to over 30 countries and 70 cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, and serves major airlines including ANA, JAL, Jetstar, Delta, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and more.

Additionally, Osaka houses the smaller Osaka Itami Airport, which services domestic flights across four local airlines. If you’re flying in or out of Osaka from another part of Japan, you may potentially depart from or land at the Osaka Itami Airport instead. Make sure to double-check your boarding pass to plan your travel routes ahead.

Shinkansen

Tokaido shinkansen running along a scenic ocean route

A shinkansen (high-speed bullet train) is another domestic travel option that connects Osaka to other major cities in Kansai Region and other parts of the country. While there are various train stations in the prefecture, all shinkansen arrive at and depart from Shin-Osaka Station, which services major shinkansen lines that connect Osaka to Tokyo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kyoto, and Nagoya. Other destinations can be reached via train connections.

Tickets can be purchased same-day via a dedicated ticketing machine or the information office that services the shinkansen line you want to ride. Purchasing in advance from Shin-Osaka station is not necessary except during major holidays, such as Golden Week. Do note that the shinkansen only allows each passenger two pieces of luggage with a total length, width, and height of up to 250cm and a weight of up to 30kg. If you carry more than the limit, you may be required to purchase extra seat reservations. Refer to the Osaka Station website for more details.

Luggage Forwarder

Yamato transfer truck about to departImage Credit: Japan Rail Pass

If you visit Osaka with a ton of luggage and will be riding public transport, we strongly recommend using a luggage delivery service available in all major airports in Japan. This is a convenient option if you’re carrying two or more suitcases as some public transport can’t accommodate more than one suitcase per passenger (and sometimes none at all).

You can leave your luggage at a designated counter in the Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 and pay a fee to deliver your luggage directly to your hotel. Same-day delivery is usually available if you make it to the cutoff time, which differs per provider. Refer to the JAL ABC website for a rough estimate of luggage delivery costs.

Airport Transfers

Blue bus in a Kansai airport airport transfer advertisement

There are plenty of ways you can travel to and from Kansai Airport and your accommodation.

Private Car

If you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with children or a large group, it’s more practical and economical to get a private airport transfer. It’s also the best way to travel to and from the airport if your travel time is outside of public transport service hours. Services like Klook offer private airport transfer options to popular destinations in the city. Make sure to choose a vehicle option that can accommodate your party size and luggage count.

Airport Limousine

A dedicated airport limousine bus at Kansai Airport connects passengers to various destinations within and close to Osaka, including Ibaraki, Universal Studios, Nara, Kobe, Amagasaki, etc. There’s a dedicated bus stop at KIX Terminals 1 and 2. Make sure to view the timetables and destinations in advance to plan your trip. Do note that the luggage limits are quite strict, but you can use a luggage forwarder if your baggage goes over the allowable limit to board. Visit the website for more details.

Train

Various trains stop at Kansai Airport, connecting travellers to destinations in Osaka and Kyoto. Refer to the official website for details on the exact train to board for your destination.

 

Things to Do in Osaka

DotonboriYellow ferry passing through the river in Dotonbori, Osaka

Image Credit: Japan Cheapo

It’s impossible to visit Osaka without stepping foot into the heart of Dotonbori, a district known for its massive neon signs and the iconic billboard of the Glico running man. Located in central Osaka, the district has been likened to Times Square for its explosion of neon signs and busy streets, shopping, street food, retro arcades, and nightlife like no other. Dotonbori is an absolute city lover’s dream destination and one not to miss if you want to experience the heart of urban Osaka.

There’s so much to do within Dotonbori that a day trip isn’t enough to fully explore all the hidden alleys that make up the cityscape, but we strongly recommend spending at least one full day there to experience its multifaceted wonder across the day and night. The Osaka Wonder Cruise is a ferry that condenses sightseeing across nearby attractions in a single ride along Osaka River.

Osaka Castle

Osaka castle on a cloudy day surrounding by blooming cherry blossomsImage Credit: Osaka Tickets

The famous Osaka Castle is a reconstruction of the same structure that was destroyed in the 1600s, now standing as an architectural wonder with its elegant, powder-white exterior centrally located in Osaka Castle Park. While the exterior shows five floors, the castle interior has been modernised to include eight full stories. It’s filled with artifacts that detail the rich history of Osaka Castle, offering a glimpse of life within the castle walls once upon a time. The castle exterior is surrounded by defensive structures, including gates, turrets, moats, and stone walls that display the incredible architecture of the feudal ages. Themed exhibitions are also regularly held to highlight important vestiges of the past.

The territory that encompasses the western citadel is known as the Nishinomaru Garden, which houses over 600 cherry trees, a tea house, and other amenities, making it a popular site for a day trip during the cherry blossom season in spring. Osaka Castle is also just a stone’s throw away from the Osaka Museum of History, so we recommend visiting both on the same day. Do note that separate entrance fees are charged.

Osaka Museum of History

Statues in a bright pavilion depicting Japan in the pastImage Credit: Osaka Info

The Osaka Museum of History is located across from Osaka Castle, so consider visiting both on a day trip. It showcases a wonderful exhibit featuring fragments of Osaka’s rich history over time through dioramas that depict Osaka in the 7th century, miniature displays of Osaka during the Edo period, and recreations of Osaka in the early 20th century, filled with retro arcades, bustling shopping streets, and vibrant nightlife.

The exhibit descriptions are translated into English, while English audio guides are also available for rent in the lobby. As the oldest exhibits are located on the top floor, we recommend exploring the museum from top to bottom.

Universal Studios Japan

Nintendo world attraction in universal studios japanImage Credit: Tripadvisor

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a theme park within Osaka’s Bay Area housing 10 sections and over 50 attractions, such as Jurassic Park and Minion Park. It also runs seasonal events featuring popular characters, cartoon shows, anime, and movies, and travelers regard it as one of the best things to do in Osaka! It’s also one of the coolest/creepiest places to be if you’re in Japan at Halloween.

Most visitors come to Universal Studios for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can enjoy butterbeer and walk around a magical recreation of Hogsmeade, and Super Nintendo World, a larger-than-life recreation of the Super Mario games, complete with Bowser and Princess Peach’s castles. A plethora of themed shops and restaurants add to the fantastical experience.

We suggest purchasing Universal Studios tickets in advance and avoiding weekends and holidays, when the theme park often gets busy. To skip long lines, express passes (in limited quantities) are available for purchase. Make sure to plan your visit ahead to ensure you see all your favourite attractions, especially the ultra-popular Harry Potter and Nintendo worlds!

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Whaleshark swimming among fish in the osaka aquariumImage Credit: The Kansai Guide

Nestled in Osaka’s scenic Bay Area, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the most impressive aquariums in the world, hosting a massive collection of over 30,000 creatures and over 600 species of marine life from the Pacific Rim, including otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, whale sharks, and more. Some of the viewing tanks tower across multiple floors, allowing visitors to view the marine life from various depths and angles. If you plan to visit Osaka, this attraction is well worth seeing.

The aquarium is directly adjacent to a shopping mall called the Tempozan Marketplace, connecting visitors with shopping, dining, and other activities, including a petting zoo. It’s a great place to wind down after a long day observing marine life. In addition, it’s only a 10-minute ferry ride away from Universal Studios.

Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria

Close up photo of the santa maria boat in Osaka bayImage Credit: Osaka Info

One of the best things to do in Osaka is to visit the Osaka Bay Area, which houses a variety of attractions, including day and night cruises across the prefecture’s scenic hotspots. The Santa Maria sightseeing boat is a particularly popular activity, where you can ride a boat from the Tempozan Harbor Village and Kaiyukan West Pier across Osaka’s iconic landmarks and other attractions. The ship itself is a replication of the La Santa María de la Inmaculada Concepción, one of the ships used by Cristopher Columbus to explore the Atlantic Ocean in the 1400s, adding to the charm of the scenic activity.

Due to the popularity of this activity, it’s crucial to book tickets in advance. Day and night cruises are available and run for 45 to 60 minutes each.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Recreation of dotonbori using legos in the legoland discovery center Image Credit: Klook

Children and fans of Legos can’t miss the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a small theme park located just five minutes away from Osakako Station. Inside, you can enjoy 11 family-friendly attractions, interactive rides, a 4D cinema, a Lego factory tour, workshops, and more. It’s a vibrant experience where visitors can meet life-sized Lego structures and experience the joy of building through a highly engaging experience. There’s also a Lego-themed cafe with delicious food and a shop that sells exclusive sets. As this particular theme park attracts children, consider visiting during school hours to avoid massive crowds.

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

Abstract attraction in the teamlab botanical garden in OsakaImage Credit: teamLab

The teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is an outdoor exhibition located in the Nagai Botanical Garden. Following the theme “Contours of a Life-like Existence,” teamLab uses digital technology to transform the garden into a mesmerizing visual and interactive experience at night.

Visitors’ interactions with the artwork play a role in transforming the space similarly to how local life and nature interact, such as a field of lights that becomes brighter when people stand close to it, or sculptures that emit light and sound when a person interacts with them. Due to its innovative nature, teamLab’s Botanical Garden is one of the best-regarded modern attractions in the prefecture.

Minoh Park Falls Trail

Red bridge against the autumn foliage in Minoh Falls Image Credit: Tokyo Weekender

Minoh (sometimes spelled Minoo) Park is a large forested valley and recreational area located on the outskirts of Osaka, only 30 minutes from Umeda by train. Visitors frequent this park for its hiking trail, which starts from Hankyu Minoo Station and leads to the beautiful Minoh Waterfall, which is among the most highly-ranked waterfalls in the country.

The scenic hike is comfortable, child-friendly, and dog-friendly, with mostly paved paths and slightly steep inclines. Shops, temples, pagodas, and other amenities line the pathway, alongside the natural landscape reminiscent of a painting. It only takes about 1.5 hours to hike back and forth, and it’s completely beginner-friendly with no guides required.

  • Google Maps: Mino-o Station (the trail starts directly in front of the station)

Spa World

European themed onsen in Spa World OsakaImage Credit: Tripadvisor

Spa World is a hotel and spa complex in Shinsekai and is regarded as one of the largest spa resorts in the world. Its spa facilities include European and Asian-themed onsen, stone saunas, pools, tanning salons, massages, and even a children’s play area. Most visitors come to experience onsen from all over the world, which features architecturally unique onsen inspired by traditional Hammam, the Persepolis Palace, Balinese baths, and many more. It’s one of the most unique onsen spots in Kansai Region, with family-friendly activities around the facility.

 

Shopping in Osaka

Shinsaibashi-Suji

Entrance of the shinsaibashi suji shopping street in OsakaImage Credit: Osaka Info

Shinsaibashi-suji houses a 600-meter shopping street close to Dotonbori, with over 180 stores from luxury to high street and local shops. You can find a plethora of drugstores (where goods are often cheaper than Don Quijote), Sanrio stores with ichiban kuji, Kiddyland, vintage stores like Komehyo and 2nd Street, a plethora of restaurants and delicious street food vendors, pop-ups, among so many more shopping and dining options.

Shinsaibashi-suji also houses shopping malls like PARCO and Daimaru, with boutiques like Coachtopia, a Pokemon shop, a JUMP shop, TCG shops, a Ghibli shop, and themed cafes. If you’re condensing your Osaka shopping in one location, consider starting at Shinsaibashi-suji as it has a little bit of everything and is just a stone’s throw away from other major shopping areas within the city.

Amerika-mura

Shops and crowds lining the Amerika-mura shopping street in OSakaImage Credit: Kkday

Amerika-mura is a shopping district uniquely known for being a youth culture hub, with parallels to Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa. It houses a range of clothing stores that focus on vintage, streetwear, and alternative fashion, and also features record stores, skateboard shops, and art galleries.

True to its roots as a denim and vintage clothing hub, Amerika-mura remains one of the top thrifting spots in Osaka today, with a curated selection of styles from all over the world. At night, the district is illuminated with the vibrant spirit of nightclubs, bars, and live houses.

Orange Street

Blue arch that says orange street, a shopping district in OsakaImage Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization

Orange Street is a laid-back shopping street curated with stylish stores, such as designer streetwear stores like Supreme and Carhartt, and designer vintage shops like Hedy, Kindal, and 2nd Street. Local designer stores also congregate in this unsuspecting shopping street, catering to diverse styles that contribute to the district’s overall cool vibe. There’s also an amazing selection of cafes with stunning interiors that serve handcrafted beverages made with locally sourced beans. Orange Street is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.

Nakazakicho

Independent cafe with preserved exterior in NakazakichoImage Credit: Voyapon

Nakazakicho is a charming neighbourhood that defies the neon lights and bustling city vibes that Osaka is typically known for. The historic district retains architecture from the Taisho and Showa eras, transformed with contemporary influences like graffiti and modern decor. Widely known as a bohemian neighbourhood, Nakazakicho is a congregation of rare gems and artistic energy. You’ll find vintage shops with a Ghibli-like facade to quirky cafes in buildings from nearly a century ago. It’s a great place to go for a relaxing stroll and explore independent shops you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Since most tourists congregate in Amerika-mura for vintage shopping, the crowds are also visibly thinner in this area.

Namba Parks

Birds eye view of Namba Parks in osakaImage Credit: JERDE

Namba Parks was built to act as a natural intervention in Osaka’s cityscape, highlighting the unique architecture of a multi-story, terrace-like complex where a rooftop garden ascends from the lowest to the highest floor. The Parks Garden offers a splice of greenery filled with over 100,000 plants that span over 500 species. The scenery transforms on each floor, forging the imagery of an urban jungle. When Osaka starts becoming overwhelming, the Parks Garden offers a quiet reprieve from the unending stimulation of the cityscape.

In addition to the garden, Namba Parks is also a shopping mall that houses an interesting mix of sophisticated and high-street brands, from Kate Spade to APC, PLAY Comme des Garçons, Francfranc, Village Vanguard, and other well-known and local labels. The upper floors are filled with dining options and a cinema. This complex is directly connected to the Nankai Namba Station via a walkway toward the second floor.

 

Dining in Osaka

Grenier

Chestnut cream pastry from GrenierImage Credit: Ufu

One of the best things to do in Osaka is to hunt for some of the best pastries in the country. Grenier is a takeout-only patisserie known for its incredible cream-stuffed puff pastries that are beautifully decorated to represent seasonal flavours from Strawberry to Crème brûlée, Lemon Meringue, Chestnut Cream, and more. Conveniently located close to Osaka Station, Grenier is a wonderful place to get a quick sweets fix. In addition to their viral custard-filled puff pastries, they also sell a variety of freshly-baked sweets, including Canelé, Madeleines, and seasonal cookie tins that make perfect souvenirs for friends, family, or yourself.

Wad

Traditional Japanese tea and mochi from the Wad tea houseImage Credit: Tripadvisor

If you’re interested in a tea house that offers an artistic experience, Wad cafe is a hidden gem located in the fashionable Minamisenba. They specialise in Japanese and Chinese tea served with the “temae” method, poured over carefully curated ceramics from local and international artists. The tea house features a minimalistic and calm interior, setting the mood for a relaxing afternoon with your favourite drinks and sweets. Wad serves a wide range of homegrown and imported tea, handcrafted drinks (including matcha!), and traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist.

Additionally, Wad houses a gallery called Wad+, which exhibits artwork by contemporary ceramic artists. Ceramics are sometimes sold, depending on the exhibition. Reservations are strictly required to enter.

  • Website: Wad
  • Instagram: @wadcafe
  • Google Maps:
    • Wad (tea house)
    • Wad+ (ceramic art gallery; reservations required)

Amijima Chaya (Fujita Museum)

Traditional Japanese tea and dango from Amijima Chaya Image Credit: Pretty Online

Amijima Chaya is a tea house located in Osaka’s Miyakojima Ward. It uniquely lives within Fujita Museum, which primarily exhibits oriental antiques that date back to the Meiji and Taiosho eras, as well as various curios related to tea ceremonies from the private collection of Fujita Denzaburō and his family. It’s one of the best things to do in Osaka to experience a unique piece of Japanese history.

Amijima Chaya offers a truly traditional tea experience as they serve tea with a “hishaku” (bamboo water ladle) paired with a small selection of traditional sweets.

Hozenji Yamakazu

Ungi and uni bento from Hozenji YamakazuImage Credit: Tripadvisor

Hozenji Yamakazu is a local legend serving some of Osaka’s best unagi (eel) for over 30 years. Located close to Hozenji Temple, you can easily spot the restaurant through its traditional Japanese exterior and a usually long line of waiting customers. Each unagi donburi (eel rice bowl) is crafted with decades of mastery, offering an unforgettable culinary experience in a small corner of Namba.

An English menu is available. Due to the popularity of the restaurant, we suggest making a reservation in advance through their website. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Hozenji Temple while you’re in the area!

Wagyu Idaten

Wagyu bento with cod roe from Wagyu IdatenImage Credit: Tripadvisor

Being close to Kobe, where a lot of wagyu is produced, one of the best things to do in Osaka is to try a variety of wagyu cuts. Wagyu Idaten stands out for serving stunning wagyu bento boxes at fair prices. Situated in Namba, this restaurant serves a variety of bento boxes with generous servings of A5 wagyu, including the crowd-favourite beef tataki. Most menu items fall in the 2,000 to 3,000 yen range (15 to 20 USD) with a few premium outliers. Due to its popularity, expect lines when visiting Wagyu Idaten.

Kuromon Market

Giant fish display and shops lining Kuromon MarketImage Credit: Klook

The Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market houses over 150 vendors that primarily sell fresh seafood, local snacks, fresh produce, street food, and sweets. Shops open from as early as 6 AM and gradually transform from selling delicious street food to fresh fish to tuning into restaurants and bars, making it the perfect spot to go on a food tour in Osaka at any time of the day or night. Come to Kuromon to experience the flavours of thousands of seafood varieties that are hard to find anywhere else. In addition, the market also has a small shopping area for clothing and souvenirs that are embellished with a traditional charm.

Katsudon Chiyomatsu

Thick cut katsudon from Katsudon ChiyomatsuImage Credit: Nippon Narrative

Operated by an ex-sumo wrestler, Katsudon Chiyomatsu serves some of the biggest katsudon in Osaka. They’re known for their massive 5cm cuts of tonkatsu, which retain their tenderness and even cooking despite the thickness. Chiyomatsu is a chain with multiple branches, some of which serve similarly thick pork cutlet sandwiches.

Tendon Makino

Bowls of tendon being served in Tendon MakinoImage Credit: Thatch

Tendon Makino specializes in deep-fried seafood and vegetables, served over a steaming hot bowl of rice and special sauce—a staple in modern Japanese cuisine. They also offer set meals with soba and have a selection of beer to accompany your meal. While there are plenty of tendon specialty shops in Osaka, Tendon Makino is popular for being tourist-friendly with detailed menus in multiple languages and English-speaking staff, so it’s a great place to go for visitors who aren’t familiar with the deep-fried world of tempura!

Sushi Atsuya

Rare sushi served in Sushi AtsuyaImage Credit: Tripadvisor

Sushi Atsuya is an omakase dinner spot that serves sushi and complementary delicacies across 10 to 20+ courses. The stylish yet intimate atmosphere allows guests to converse directly with the chef while enjoying seasonally-designed courses. The restaurant staff speaks perfect English, allowing for seamless communication. Prices vary depending on course size and seasonal offerings but expect to pay upwards of 8,000 yen per guest. Sushi Atsuya is located in the Abeno Ward, which is within proximity to the Harukas 3000 Observatory and a variety of shopping malls. Reservations recommended.

Yakiniku Rikimaru

Table full of meat in Yakiniku RikimaruImage Credit: Tabelog

Yakiniku Rikimaru is an all-you-can-eat yakiniku spot that offers unlimited meat and seafood in 90 or 120-minute courses, fairly priced between 3,000 and 5,000 yen. The menu features a massive selection of wagyu beef cuts, including premium thick and steak cuts, and there’s absolutely no limit to how much meat you’re allowed to devour per course! Being a yakiniku restaurant, you’ll be responsible for grilling your own meat on a charcoal grill at the center of the table, which is best shared with friends. Yakiniku Rikimaru is a chain with seven stores across Osaka, but reservations are still recommended to avoid long lines.

Chuka Soba Tsuji

Specialty noodles from Chuka Soba TsujiImage Credit: Tripadvisor

Chuka Soba Tsuji is a hidden ramen and noodle shop that went viral on Japanese social media for their “janmen,” a noodle dish that originated from the Manshuken restaurant in Kochi Prefecture. Janmen is characterized by thick noodles doused in thick soup that characteristically goes well with rice. Chuka Soba Tsuji’s version is spicy with a hint of sourness, offering a flavour explosion that’s difficult to find anywhere else in Japan. The restaurant also offers a variety of interesting ramen flavours that frequently go viral, including quail egg ramen, and masterful basics with spicy and non-spicy options.

Due to being a local favourite, Chuka Soba Tsuji isn’t equipped with English menus, so be prepared with the Google Translate camera feature to ease the ordering process. International cards are not accepted, so prepare cash to pay directly in a vending machine.

 

Final words

Osaka is Japan’s ultimate playground—a city where neon lights, mouthwatering street food, and non-stop entertainment collide! Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is a foodie’s paradise, serving up legendary takoyaki (octopus balls), crispy kushikatsu, and the iconic okonomiyaki (savory pancake). But the fun doesn’t stop there! Shinsaibashi and Namba offer unbeatable shopping, from trendy boutiques to quirky souvenir stores.

For thrill-seekers, Universal Studios Japan delivers Hollywood-level excitement, while history buffs can explore the majestic Osaka Castle. And let’s not forget the electric energy of Dotonbori, where giant billboards and lively nightlife create an unforgettable vibe. Whether you’re here for the food, fun, or fabulous sights, Osaka guarantees a wild and wonderful adventure!