A bright and lively city just one shinkansen ride from Japan’s capital, Osaka is known for its food, fun, and sightseeing charms. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a stunning viewpoint of the city, or a feast of mouth-watering street food, we’ve got you covered with the best and coolest things to do in Osaka!
Enter the exciting world of Universal Studios Japan, a theme park with world-famous rides, shows, and restaurants! Relive your favorite movies with popular attractions such as Minion Park, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and Jaws. Feel the magic in the air at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can walk the streets of Hogsmeade and even perform spells with your wand. This is a perfect place for kids and kids at heart!
One place that should be on your bucket list in Osaka is the iconic shopping and entertainment street of Dōtonbori. See the symbol of the city, the running Glico Man, and other bright neon lights that keep the street full of life until night time. This place is a hotspot for travelers looking to get a taste of Japan, where you can get cheap shopping finds at Don Quijote or try the tastiest street food such as the soft and chewy takoyaki, deep-fried kushikatsu, and world-famous Kobe beef!
See the wonders of nature when you visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the world’s largest aquarium. Get up close and personal to the breathtaking marine life as you observe hundreds of species including whale sharks, colorful schools of fish, and seals. You also have the opportunity to touch or feed some creatures, see the beautiful night display, and immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits. This attraction is also close to the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, where you can take in gorgeous views of the city.
Standing tall and made of steel and glass, the striking facade of the Umeda Sky Building is one of the most recognizable structures in the city. There’s no better place to catch panoramic views and even feel the gust of wind at this viewing point. You can also ride the world’s highest escalator amidst a futuristic tunnel and have a unique experience. Come around sunset to see the blue sky turn golden right before your eyes. The spectacular views and architecture of the building make it one of the must-go places in Osaka!
Spend your day getting lost in Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s main shopping area for almost 400 years among both locals and tourists. Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at the 580-meter street of Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, where you can find everything from high-end brands to great bargains of clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and other miscellaneous items! After shopping, refill your energy with delicious Japanese snacks from the cafes and restaurants.
Marvel at the 100-meter Tsutenkaku Tower standing over the Shinsekai district. This structure is an iconic symbol in the area covered with bright neon lights that change colors with the weather. You can stand at the observation deck to see sweeping views of the city and learn about the rich history from the exhibits and collections on display. Somewhere within the tower also contains an adorable statue that is said to bring good luck. Find Mr. Billiken, a figure with a wide smile and with both legs facing forward, and touch the back of his feet to bring fortune your way.
Shinsekai is one of those neighborhoods that carries a unique charm with an electric kind of nostalgia. Bright and bold neon lights, colorful signboards, and a retro atmosphere await you at this district caught in a standstill in time. Try your hand at the arcade games and pachinko parlors, then have a feast of savory kushikatsu, deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers.
With over two square kilometers of green foliage and beautiful cherry blossom or sakura trees, the Osaka Castle Park is truly a sight to behold! The park is the perfect spot to see the historical 5-story Osaka Castle peeking over the lush greeneries and surrounded by fortresses, stone walls, and moats. Tourists enjoy walking around the expansive gardens and learning about its rich history in the castle’s museum, making it one of the top sights in Osaka.
Go on a 15-minute ride on one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels and marvel at the panoramic views of Osaka! Just a walking distance from the popular Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a must-stop for those who want to see the city from the sky. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can ride a cabin with glass floors and have the city at your feet. The 112-meter Ferris wheel is a magnificent sight against the sky, especially during sunset or at night when it is illuminated with bright colors.
Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Japan’s tallest building, the Abeno Harukas! This houses the largest department store in the country, where you can find almost anything within its 100,000 square meter space. After shopping, visit the art museum to get a glimpse of their collections and temporary exhibits. The most popular attraction in the building is the Harukas 300, an observation deck that has both indoor and outdoor sections overlooking the cityscape. This is a great stop before leaving Osaka, as it is just one bus ride away from Kansai Airport!
Visit Osaka, the second largest metropolis after Tokyo, for some good food, scenic sights, and great fun! Discover the historical Osaka Castle, the impressive structure of the Umeda Sky Building, or one of the world's largest Aquariums – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
If you're up for great food, head down to Dōtonbori street and savor popular Japanese street food like takoyaki, yakitori, and okonomiyaki. Capture moments with the iconic Glico Man sign that has mesmerized tourists and locals for decades. For that extra touch of magic, enter Universal Studios Japan and see why it's one of the most-visited theme parks in the world. Raise a glass of butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and explore Osaka's finest!
Osaka offers just a bit of everything, making it a popular destination for tourists of all ages. Try tasty local food, enjoy amazing shopping finds, try exciting attractions, and take in remarkable views of the city. It's a destination with no shortage of things to see and do!
Osaka is particularly beautiful in April when the famous sakura is in full bloom and when the weather is cool and fresh. You can also visit in July to witness the Tenjin Festival, which is full of rituals, dances, and a procession of shrines.
It's best to stay at Namba or Umeda, two major transport hubs that allow you to easily get around the city. These places also have a selection of restaurants and shops that you can visit after a day of sightseeing!