Quirky, colourful, and full of character, Osaka is city not to be missed when travelling in JapanThere’s something to discover at every turn, from its world-class food (the city’s known for being the nation’s kitchen for a reason!) to exhilarating attractions and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re travelling alone, going on a holiday with your mates, or enjoying a family trip, there’s never a shortage of what to eat and what to do in Osaka.
Satisfy your takoyaki cravings, visit centuries-old temples, and take in incredible panoramas with this list of the best things to do in Osaka:
- Try out Osaka’s specialties at Kuromon Market
- Fall in love with the Osaka Castle
- Explore the Shitennō-ji Temple
- Have a day of fun at Universal Studios Japan
- Take a Tombori river cruise
- Snap photos of the Nambayasaka Shrine
- Relax at Spa World
- Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
- See masterpieces at the National Museum of Art, Osaka
- Visit the Osaka Science Museum
- Spend time at Tennōji Park
- Go to the top of the Umeda Sky Building
- Meet aquatic animals at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- Enjoy the natural scenery of Sumiyoshi Taisha
- Hike up one of the trails at Minoo Park
- Ride a go kart around the city
- Discover the Cupnoodles Museum
- Partake in a tea ceremony class
1. Try out Osaka’s specialties at Kuromon Market
Find fish cakes, white strawberries, sake, and more at the market. Credit: Cody Chan
It’s no wonder why the top of every list of what to do in Osaka is to experience its incredible cuisine. With specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, it’s basically every foodie’s heaven. There’s no better place to start your food trip than at Kuromon Market. Known as Osaka’s Kitchen, the market boasts around 150 stalls, where you can sink your teeth into the different dishes like yakitori, grilled crab, sushi, and more.
2. Be enchanted by Osaka Castle
Visit Osaka Castle Park for free. Credit: franzi.k92
Built almost half a century ago by a Japanese samurai warlord, Osaka Castle boasts not just a rich history but also picture-perfect scenery. As one of the popular tourist attractions in Japan, it boasts amazing views inside and outside. Before you enter, admire the sight of the castle framed by trees that turn pink during spring; while inside, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the city from the observation deck.
To save yourself money and time, get the Osaka Amazing Pass to gain access to the castle, Nagai Botanical Gardens, Umeda Sky Building, and around 50 other attractions. Instead of queuing up to buy tickets for each site, just show your pass and enjoy access.
3. Explore Shitennō-ji Temple
Explore the outer temple grounds of Shitennō-ji for free. Credit: i_masanao
Interested in history? Head to Shitennō-ji Temple. Established in 593AD, it’s the very first Buddhist place-of-worship and the oldest official temple in Japan. Spend time at the outer grounds for free to admire its tiered towers and curved roof. For a more in-depth look, get tickets to explore the pagoda, gardens, and artworks inside.
4. Have a day of fun at Universal Studios Japan
Stop by Hogwarts during your visit to USJ. Credit: dig_rawi
Wondering what to do in Osaka with the kids or kids at heart? Spend the day (or two) at Universal Studios Japan! This sprawling theme park has 10 different areas! Potterheads can make their Hogwarts dreams come true at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Meet the most adorable minions at Minion Park, while Mario fans can have their own adventure at Super Nintendo World.
Find out what kind of goodies you can get at Minion Park here:
Race your way through Super Nintendo World with this handy guide:
5. Take a Tombori river cruise
Watch the sunset on the Tombori River cruise. Credit: joezschorn
Escape the bustling crowds at Dotonbori by sailing on a Tombori river cruise! Marvel at the twinkling lights, massive billboards, and stunning bridges as you sail down the river. Learn fascinating facts and secrets only locals know from the guide as you take in all the sights.
6. Snap photos of the Nambayasaka Shrine
Pose for pics in front of the striking Nambayasaka Shrine. Credit: sayuriwhite
We bet you’ve never seen a shrine like this before. With a 12-foot-tall lion’s head opening its mouth, Nambayasaka Shrine looks more like a ride on a theme park than your typical religious site. Just eight minutes away from Nankai Station, you can have fun posing for photos in front of the head and look as if you’re being eaten by the lion.
7. Relax at Spa World
Soothe your aching body parts at Spa World. Credit: macaronauwasabi
One of Japan’s longest-lasting cultural traditions is taking a bath in an onsen (hot spring). You don’t have to travel all the way to the onsen region of Beppu to experience it. Head to Osaka’s Spa World, where you can drift into a state of pure bliss as you bathe at the onsen, rest your sore muscles at the ganban'yoku (hot stone spa), and go for a swim at the pool.
8. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
See the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, located next to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Credit: aerii.k
Go on a breathtakingride on one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world right at Osaka. At 112.5 metres tall, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers various angles of the city skyline as you enjoy the 17-minute ride. Keep your eyes peeled for views of Mount Ikoma, Osaka Bay, and the Rokko Mountains! Located five minutes from the Osakako subway station, the ferris wheel is a great attraction during the day and night,
9. See masterpieces at the National Museum of Art, Osaka
The National Museum of Art stuns from the outside and inside. Credit: snarloflyricism
Come for the eye-catching metallic structures in the exterior, stay for the masterpieces by Picasso, Cezanne, Kuniyoshi, and more at the National Museum of Art, Osaka. Take your time admiring the extensive collection of post-war artworks as you explore the massive gallery. On a budget? Enjoy free access to the first floor below ground.
10. Visit the Osaka Science Museum
Kids will love the interactive exhibitions at the museum. Credit: yamaguchi_issei_
Located above the National Museum of Art, the Osaka Science Museum is a fun and educational attraction for the entire fam. Kids will love the immersive exhibitions about topics ranging from energy and traffic lights to chemistry. You can also catch a show at Japan’s very first planetarium, located in the basement.
11. Spend time at Tennōji Park
Enjoy some time with nature at the biggest green space in Osaka, Tennoji Park. Credit: Paul Cuoco
Take a break from Osaka’s skyscrapers and city lights with a visit to Tennōji Park. It's best visited during spring when you can see its pathways lined with captivating cherry blossoms, but it’s also great during autumn, when its trees are different shades of red, orange, and yellow. Spot picturesque ponds, bridges, and funky sculptures as you explore the park.
12. Go to the top of the Umeda Sky Building
Watch the city lights twinkle from the top of the Umeda Sky Building. Credit: storytellasteven
If you’re wondering what to do in Osaka when you’re short on time, look no further than the Umeda Sky Building. The 173-metre-tall structure offers overlooking vistas of the city panorama that’s breathtaking during the day and night. After sightseeing at the top, spend some time at the base, where you’ll find a vibrant garden and a market that’s modelled after 20th century Osaka.
13. Meet aquatic animals at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
See around 30,000 marine creatures at the aquarium. Credit: nagijun00
Come face to face with Japan’s most fascinating marine creatures at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. See seals from the Arctic Region up close, watch penguins from the Falkland Islands waddling through the exhibit, and touch rays and sharks from the Maldives. For something different, visit the aquarium at night and see the tanks lit up in twinkling lights.
14. Enjoy the natural scenery of Sumiyoshi Taisha
Admire classic Japanese architecture and vibrant greenery at Sumiyoshi Taisha. Credit: christinas_travel_diary
Get in touch with your spiritual side on your visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha. The Shinto shrine features four main hongū (shrine) dedicated to three sea gods and Empress Jingu. Admire the bright red Taiko Drum bridge that announces the entrance to the estate and admire the lush plants framing the structures.
15. Hike up one of the trails at Minoo Park
Squeeze in some hiking time during your Osaka holiday. Credit: saidtuygunov
Wear your comfiest shoes and pack your camera. Go on a hike at Minoo Park, where you can marvel at cascading waterfalls, spot cheeky monkeys, and admire picturesque temples. Follow the main trail that starts near Hankyu Minoo Station and leads to the 33-metre-tall Minoo Waterfall.
16. Ride a go-kart around the city
Dress up like your fave anime character and drive down the streets of Osaka. Credit: streetkart_osaka
Explore Osaka in style on this one-of-a-kind go-kart tour around the city. Dress up like your favourite character (Doraemon, Mario, and Minion are some of the options), learn how to drive the go kart, and make your way through the streets. Bring your own microSD card to take home 4k videos of you and your friends exploring Osaka.
Can’t get enough of Mario? Check out how the Universal Studios’ Super Nintendo World’s Power-Up Bands can get coins and stamps from question blocks–just like in the game!
17. Discover the Cupnoodles Museum
Have a chance to make your own cup noodles flavour at the museum. Credit: _yutaponpon1004
Love instant noodles? Make sure to visit the Cupnoodles Museum. Located north of Osaka, the museum showcases colourful displays, immersive experiences, and live demonstrations. Entry is free but if you want to make your own cup (flavours and ingredients of your choice) at My CUPNOODLES Factory, the fee costs 400 JPY or approximately 4 AUD.
18. Partake in a tea ceremony class
Traditional Japanese tea set. Credit: glo.power
Looking for some cultural inspiration for what to do in Osaka? Take part in a tea ceremony class. Dating back to hundreds of years, the tradition is one of the most common pastimes in ancient Japan. Learn how to make tea as locals do it and take home photos for the perfect souvenir!
Written by: Alyssa Dela Cruz
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