Japan is crammed with beautiful locations, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the hovering peak of Mount Fuji. Nevertheless, in the event you’re planning the final word journey itinerary of Japan, you may’t overlook Osaka. From its mouthwatering road meals to its vigorous nightlife and world-class points of interest, there are an infinite quantity of unbelievable issues to do in Osaka.
Osaka is certainly one of my favourite cities in Japan (though I could also be barely biased since my mother is a proud Osakan). Not solely have I visited this vibrant metropolis numerous occasions as a baby, however it was my residence base once I spent a 12 months dwelling in Japan. And but, each time I go to Osaka, I uncover one thing new, funky, and thrilling to do.
So, whether or not you’re searching for a enjoyable day trip otherwise you’re planning to spend a complete week within the Kansai area of Japan, there are many wonderful locations to go to in Osaka. Inside this put up, I’ll define one of the best Osaka points of interest so as to add to your itinerary; from the thrilling Common Studios Japan to the picturesque hikes of Minoh Park and the traditional temple of Shitenno-ji.
With out additional ado, these are the 15 greatest issues to do in Osaka.
Finest Issues To Do in Osaka
With so many unbelievable issues to do in Osaka, it may be onerous to restrict the alternatives to only 15. Nevertheless, I’ve hand-chosen among the greatest excursions and points of interest Osaka has to supply. From the highest historic websites to one of the best road meals, hikes, and day journeys from Osaka, you’ll discover a wide selection of issues to do round Osaka.
So, in the event you’re prepared to search out out extra, let’s dive proper in.
1. Go Purchasing Down the Dotonbori Canal
First issues first, I can’t speak about one of the best issues to do in Osaka with out together with the Dotonbori neighborhood. Positioned within the Minami (Namba) space, Dotonbori is Osaka’s leisure heart and a vital spot to expertise Osaka’s nightlife.
Whereas I’m not into the bar scene myself, I like visiting Dotonbori for its wonderful meals and buying spots. And I like its upbeat and thrilling environment. It’s crammed with shiny, neon indicators and dynamic billboards, and also you completely must take a photograph copying the long-lasting Glico Operating Man pose – it’s a should!
Total, Dotonbori is among the most vibrant and vigorous neighborhoods in Osaka, and it has among the greatest issues to do in Osaka at night time. Evidently, you completely have so as to add it to your Osaka itinerary.
Deal with: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Go to the Majestic Osaka Citadel (One of many Finest Locations to Go to in Osaka!)
Subsequent up, certainly one of my absolute favourite issues to see in Osaka is the imposing Osaka Citadel. A surprising piece of structure rising from a backyard of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms (you completely have to go to in February and March if doable), Osaka Citadel was constructed beneath Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583 however has been destroyed and reconstructed many occasions.
Housing a historical past museum and a scenic lookout level, Osaka Citadel is the right place to go to for historical past and structure lovers. Nevertheless, it gives one thing for nature lovers as effectively; my favourite factor to do is to wander round its huge park. Surrounded by enchanting gardens and a dense moat, it’s straightforward to spend half a day peacefully wandering across the grounds.
It prices 600 JPY to enter the fortress (round $4.25 USD) and it’s straightforward to ebook in particular person. Click on right here to be taught extra about visiting Osaka Citadel.
Deal with: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Pattern the Native Delicacies on the Kuromon Ichiba Market
Inside Japan, Osaka is legendary for its energetic nightlife and unbelievable road meals. If you wish to expertise the latter, I like to recommend you go to “Osaka’s Kitchen” – the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Excellent for all of the adventurous foodies on the market, the Kuromon Ichiba Market is a public market positioned within the Minami (Namba) space of Osaka. It homes over 150 outlets primarily targeted on promoting seafood, and most of the stalls additionally promote smaller meals gadgets that you may get pleasure from proper then and there.
A few of my favourite issues to eat embody takoyaki and yakitori. Nevertheless, it will possibly get fairly crowded throughout its peak hours, so I like to recommend going early within the morning. Click on right here to be taught extra about visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Deal with: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Spend a Thrilling Day at Common Studios Japan
In the event you’re searching for one of the best issues to do in Osaka for households, then you need to go to Common Studios Japan (USJ for brief).
As a baby, spending an exhilarating day at USJ was at all times the spotlight of my journey. A few of my favourite rides embody the Jurassic Park journey, the Jaws journey, and the Area Fantasy journey. I’ve additionally heard wonderful issues in regards to the newer rides similar to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Problem and the Flying Dinosaur.
Whether or not you’re touring with children, a major different, or with your pals, I actually advocate visiting USJ; it’s indubitably my favourite theme park on the earth. In the event you’re excited by shopping for a pre-booked entry go, clicok right here.
Deal with: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Admire the Native Sights on an Osaka Strolling Tour
In the event you’re questioning what sights to see in Osaka, then it’s a must to be a part of one of many high guided Osaka strolling excursions. Not solely will this tour take you to the most well-liked points of interest in Osaka, however you’ll even be launched to some distinctive hidden gems.
With stops at among the high sights in Osaka, together with a number of that I’ve already talked about, (like Osaka Citadel, Dotonbori, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market), your native information with share some tidbits in regards to the huge historical past and tradition of this fascinating metropolis.
Whereas I’ve by no means taken this tour myself, my favourite option to expertise a brand new metropolis is to wander round on foot. And I’ve spent many days strolling round Osaka Citadel Park, Namba, Dotonbori, and Tennoji. With this tour, you may condense this wandering right down to half a day. In the event you’re excited by reserving the strolling tour, click on right here.
Deal with: The tour meets at 3-chōme-2 Tanimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0012, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Tour the Historic Shitenno-ji Temple
Though Shitenno-ji Temple isn’t one of the vital standard vacationer points of interest in Osaka, it’s undoubtedly certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Osaka.
One of many oldest Buddhist temples in all of Japan, (and the primary to be constructed by the federal government), Shitenno-ji Temple was constructed in 593 beneath Prince Shotoku. With a serene pond and a location close to the stunning Gokuraku-jodo Backyard, Shitenno-ji is one of the best place to flee Osaka’s crowded streets. So, in the event you’re an introvert like me, you completely have to go to.
In the event you’re in Osaka on the twenty first of the month, I like to recommend trying out Shitennoji’s Flea Market. Stuffed with all kinds of fascinating merchandise, it’s one of many coolest locations to purchase souvenirs.
Deal with: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Get a Style of Osaka’s Delicacies on a Meals Tour
In the event you’re a foodie searching for among the finest issues to do in Osaka, then becoming a member of a meals tour is the best way to go. Guiding you to one of the best native eating places for some scrumptious and mouthwatering genuine Japanese delicacies, you’re certain to get a real style of Osaka.
On this meals tour, you’ll strive among the greatest dishes Japan has to supply, together with edamame, karaage, tonpeiyaki, yakitori, gyoza, and kushikatsu. And don’t overlook about certainly one of my favourite Osakan dishes, takoyaki (a ball-shaped snack sometimes crammed with diced octopus).
Click on right here to ebook the Shinsekai Meals Tour; you positively gained’t remorse it.
Deal with: The tour meets at 1-chōme-17 Sannō, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0001, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Signal-Up for a Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class
In the event you like to prepare dinner (and eat) and also you’re searching for an interactive expertise in Osaka, then I like to recommend signing up for this wonderful ramen and gyoza cooking class.
Led by unbelievable, English-speaking instructors, you’ll be taught the ins and outs of make these two traditional Japanese dishes from scratch. What’s extra, after your class is completed, you get to benefit from the fruits of your labor.
Whereas I’ve by no means booked a cooking class earlier than, I’ve at all times loved making my very own gyoza; I’m certain you’ll too. So, if knocking up your individual dish is one thing that pursuits you, this class will certainly be a spotlight of your journey. For extra particulars on ebook the cooking class, click on right here.
One other enjoyable cooking class in Osaka for {couples}, teams, households, or solo vacationers is this Osaka Cooking Class which teaches you make takoyaki (fried balls of wheat flour and octopus), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and miso soup. Be taught extra about this extremely rated exercise in Osaka, right here.
Deal with: The category takes place at Japan, 〒542-0082 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shimanouchi, 2-chōme−9−14 マスターズ・レジデンス道頓堀1. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Embark on a Waterfall Hike in Minoh Park
If you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Osaka, I like to recommend visiting the local-favorite escape on the outskirts of Osaka: Minoh Park.
With a straightforward, three-kilometer mountaineering path that results in a 33-meter-high waterfall, Minoh Park is ideal for these with young children. It’s certainly one of my favourite free issues to do in Osaka – I like visiting Minoh Park for its enchanting forests and serene river. Because of the hike not being significantly strenuous, it will possibly get crowded on weekends, so try to go to within the week if doable.
In the event you’re visiting Osaka within the fall, Minoh Park is among the greatest locations to admire Osaka’s foliage.
Deal with: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Test Out Osaka’s Hidden Gems on a Backstreets Tour
In the event you’re eager to discover the extra hidden, distinctive, and unknown locations to go to in Osaka, then I like to recommend reserving this Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration tour.
Guiding you thru gritty areas with deserted buildings, playing spots, alleyways, and red-light districts, this tour is right for many who wish to be taught either side of the town. It’s not really helpful for kids beneath the age of 16, these with mobility impairments, or those that are pregnant.
Though I’ve visited Osaka numerous occasions, I’m but to hitch this tour. It’s on my record of issues to do, nevertheless, because it explores districts and areas that I’ve little expertise with. So, if you wish to get a deeper perception into the historical past of Osaka and its not-so-pretty sides, then I like to recommend this tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Deal with: The assembly spot varies; ebook the tour to be taught extra.
11. Expertise Osaka’s Nightlife on a Bar Hopping Tour
In the event you’re eager on getting a neighborhood’s inside information of one of the best bars and izakayas in Namba, you need to try this bar hopping and meals tour. From sampling unbelievable dishes to attempting high-quality drinks, this tour gives you the final word introduction to Osaka’s nightlife.
I’m probably not a drinker myself however I can actually respect why Osaka is taken into account among the finest social gathering cities in Japan – it’s so colourful and vibrant, anybody can benefit from the environment. If you wish to try among the local-favorite bars, then that is positively one of many high issues to do in Osaka. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook the tour.
Deal with: The tour meets at 1-chōme-8-16 Nanba, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
12. Go to the teamLab Botanical Backyard
Whether or not you’re searching for among the finest issues to do in Osaka for {couples} otherwise you’re searching for a spot that can present some unbelievable photograph alternatives, I like to recommend trying out Osaka’s teamLab Botanical Backyard.
Positioned in Nagai Park, this outside botanical backyard options digitized interactive artwork that includes itself into the encircling surroundings. With enchanting and bewitching shows that make you are feeling such as you’re in a fantasy world, it’s the right option to spend a soothing night in Osaka. Click on right here to pre-book your ticket.
Deal with: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Journey Osaka by Go-Kart
Wish to discover Osaka in fashion? If that’s the case, then I extremely advocate reserving a go-karting tour; one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Osaka.
Providing costumes and go-kart rental, you’ll observe your information to among the greatest points of interest in Osaka, together with Osaka Citadel, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook, and notice that you simply’ll want a sound worldwide driver’s license.
Deal with: Japan, 〒556-0005 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Nipponbashi, 5-chōme−5−２ 森本ビルII. Click on right here for instructions.
14. Take a Day Journey to Kyoto and Nara
As you may see by now, there are a lot of superior locations to go to in Osaka. Nevertheless, certainly one of my favourite components of dwelling in Osaka was being shut to 2 historic and improbable cities: Kyoto and Nara. And fortunately, you may go to them each in at some point by taking this bus tour to Kyoto and Nara.
With stops in Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nara Park, you’ll get to expertise among the most beautiful sights Kyoto and Nara have to supply. Expertise two UNESCO world heritage websites and marvel on the pure magnificence of those former capital cities.
Any journey to Japan can be incomplete with out visiting these particular locations; they’re one of the best locations to go to close to Osaka. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook the tour.
Deal with: The assembly and pick-up spots differ. Ebook the tour to be taught extra.
15. Take a Huge Day Journey to Hiroshima and Miyajima
Final however not least, in the event you’re hoping to discover extra of Japan throughout your journey to Osaka, then I extremely advocate taking this unbelievable day journey to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Positioned lower than three hours from Osaka by Shinkansen (the bullet practice), you’ll get to go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to be taught in regards to the atomic bomb that dropped in 1945.
With a lot historical past and tradition, together with beautiful pure websites, Hiroshima is residence to among the greatest issues to do close to Osaka. I at all times love visiting this metropolis, together with Miyajima, its neighboring island, and this tour is bound to make you fall in love with the town too. To be taught extra and ebook the tour, click on right here.
Deal with: The tour meets at 3-chōme-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Osaka
Now that we’ve gone over the 15 most unbelievable issues to do in Osaka, let’s go over some pattern journey itineraries. Listed here are a number of methods that you may incorporate these high issues to see in Osaka into 1-day, 2-to-3-day, and 1-week itineraries:
1 Day in Osaka Itinerary
Right here’s how I’d plan your final 1-day Osaka itinerary:
First, begin your morning by visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market earlier than it will get too busy with fellow vacationers. Pattern a number of mouthwatering dishes for breakfast, earlier than heading to the Dotonbori Canal.
Admire the neon indicators and go to a number of shops, (just like the Mega-Don Quijote, an enormous low cost retailer), earlier than taking a practice over to Osaka Citadel. Tour the museum and wander across the peaceable grounds at your leisure.
Finish the day by returning to Namba and reserving into one of many following excursions: the Shinsekai Meals Tour, the Bar Hopping and Meals Tour, or the Deep Backstreets Exploration Tour.
2-3 Days in Osaka Itinerary
Right here’s how I’d plan your final 3-day Osaka itinerary:
On day one, I’d ebook a guided Osaka strolling tour to Osaka Citadel, Dotonbori, Abeno Harukas 300, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market. As soon as once more, I’d finish the day by reserving one of many following wonderful night time excursions: the Shinsekai Meals Tour, the Bar Hopping and Meals Tour, or the Deep Backstreets Exploration Tour.
On day two, I’d both spend the entire day at Common Studios Japan, or I’d take one of many day journeys listed above – you may both ebook a day journey to Kyoto and Nara, or ebook one for Hiroshima and Miyajima.
On day three, I’d begin my day with a waterfall hike in Minoh Park. Upon returning to central Osaka, I’d go to Shitenno-ji Temple earlier than attending a Cooking Class in Dotonbori. Both select to finish the night time with one other night time tour or wander round Dotonbori.
1 Week in Osaka Itinerary
If doable, I completely advocate spending a complete week in Osaka. Not solely will it give you a greater image of the town and its nooks and crannies, however you’ll additionally get the time to take a look at among the unbelievable day journeys from Osaka.
Right here’s how I’d plan the final word 1-week Osaka itinerary:
The place to Keep in Osaka
These are a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Osaka for vacationers:
Kita (Umeda) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Top-of-the-line neighborhoods in Osaka for first-time guests is undoubtedly Kita (Umeda). Conveniently centered across the large and bustling Umeda Station, Kita (Umeda) has every part a traveler appears to be like for – unbelievable buying and eating choices, pretty shrines, serene parks, spacious streets, and academic museums. Despite the fact that it’s centered round so many issues to see in Osaka, it nonetheless has a relaxed vibe.
In the event you’re considering of staying in Kita (Umeda), I like to recommend staying on the Aloft Osaka Dojima.
Minami (Namba) – Finest for Nightlife
Anybody who loves pleasure and motion has to remain in Osaka’s leisure district, Minami (Namba). Whereas my introverted self shortly was just a little overwhelmed by the fixed crowds, Minami (Namba) is ideal for many who love nightlife and assembly new individuals. With tons of bars, golf equipment, izakayas, and outlets, staying in Minami (Namba) signifies that there are infinite locations to see in Osaka.
In the event you’re considering of staying in Minami (Namba), I like to recommend staying on the Hiyori Resort Osaka Namba Station.
Tennoji – Finest for These on a Funds
Final however not least, in the event you’re a backpacker on a price range otherwise you’re simply wanting to decide on a extra reasonably priced lodging choice, I like to recommend staying in Tennoji. Considered one of my favourite locations to remain, Tennoji is a bustling space crammed with unbelievable outlets and eating places with some contrasting quieter spots in Tennoji Park and Shitenno-ji Temple.
In the event you’re planning to remain in Tennoji, a fantastic lodge to take a look at is the Backpackers Resort Toyo.
Finest Eating places in Osaka
Let’s discuss some extra about Osaka’s scrumptious meals; these are a number of of one of the best eating places that you’ll find in Osaka:
Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori
Osaka is legendary for 2 wonderful dishes: okonomiyaki and takoyaki. In the event you’re excited by sampling the latter, then it’s a must to add Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori to your record. The proper snack to seize whereas exploring the streets of Dotonbori, the takoyaki (items of octopus in grilled balls coated in savory toppings) at Takoyaki Wanaka is reasonable however scrumptious.
Sushi Hayata
A visit to Japan is incomplete with out gorging on sushi. Fortunately, you’ll find some unbelievable and reasonably priced sushi at Sushi Hayata. With a pleasant and welcoming environment, Sushi Hayata is among the greatest locations in Osaka to rewind for dinner.
Houzenji Sanpei
In the event you’re excited by attempting one other certainly one of Osaka’s iconic dishes, then you definitely merely have to go to Houzenji Sanpei. Serving mouthwatering okonomiyaki (a savory pancake made with cabbage, meat, seafood, okonomiyaki sauce, and Japanese mayonnaise), Houzenji Sanpei is an reasonably priced restaurant that’s positively price a go to. And belief me, okonomiyaki is a lot extra scrumptious than it sounds.
Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi
Considered one of my favourite methods to calm down after an extended (and sometimes chilly) day of sightseeing in Osaka is to bask in a steaming bowl of ramen. In the event you’re excited by doing the identical, then try Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi. With a variety of reasonably priced bowls of ramen to select from, it’s a fantastic alternative for lunch or dinner.
Sunshine
Each time I go to Japan, the one factor that I completely must get is the fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes. In the event you’re excited by attempting a few of your individual, I like to recommend visiting Sunshine. A comfy and standard espresso store providing breakfast meals, omurice, and pasta, Sunshine is a mid-range restaurant that’s excellent for a mid-day break.
Attending to Osaka
Now that we’ve mentioned what to do in Osaka, one of the best Osaka journey itineraries, the place to remain in Osaka, and the highest eating places to strive, let’s focus on get to Osaka.
There are two airports in Osaka that you may arrive at and depart from: the Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX) and the Itami Airport (ITM). Presently, worldwide flights are served by KIX and home flights are served by ITM. Each airports provide trains and airport buses to get into and out of central Osaka.
You may as well get to Osaka by practice, shinkansen (the bullet-train), or bus. In the event you’re extra budget-minded like me, there are a lot of in a single day buses from Tokyo to Osaka that you may take. However, the simplest methods to get to Osaka are by bullet-train or flight.
When you’re in Osaka, it’s tremendous straightforward to get round. With an in depth, frequent, and handy practice system that takes you everywhere in the metropolis, public transport is the best way to go. You may as well get round by taxi, uber, bike, foot, or bus.
Issues To Do in Osaka: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Osaka:
Inside Japan and internationally, Osaka is called a big and bustling metropolis with mouthwatering road meals, vigorous nightlife, huge leisure choices, and outgoing and considerably boisterous locals.
In my view, one of the best time to go to Osaka is within the spring (late March-early April) and fall (late October-early November). If in any respect doable, you need to go to Osaka (and Japan) within the spring for the cherry blossoms; there’s nothing extra magical than seeing the unbelievable, historic Japanese websites surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.
The points of interest can get fairly crowded within the spring, so one other nice time to go to Osaka (and Japan) is within the fall for its vibrant, colourful foliage.
Osaka is certainly price visiting. From the majestic Osaka Citadel to the historic Shitenno-ji Temple, the energetic Dotonbori to the thrilling Common Studios, there’s a plethora of wonderful locations to go to in Osaka. Moreover, Osaka has a novel and upbeat vibe that’s not like some other vacation spot in Japan.
Whilst you can admire and discover most of Osaka’s sights in 3 days, that’s the naked minimal (for my part). As somebody who lived in Osaka and is a baby of a proud Osakan, I like to recommend staying longer if doable, particularly since there are a lot of unbelievable day journeys that you may take from Osaka (similar to Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, Kobe, and Himeji).
Sure, Osaka is completely secure; in keeping with World Inhabitants Overview, it’s the third most secure metropolis on the earth. Whereas there are some sketchy areas (like most cities on the earth), Osaka may be very secure in the event you take regular precautions and observe your instincts.
The preferred factor to do in Osaka is to go to the thriving streets of Dotonbori and Namba. Stuffed with neon indicators and teeming with outlets and eating places, there are tons of issues to do in Namba. One other standard and wonderful sight is Osaka Citadel.
Whereas Japan sometimes isn’t seen as an inexpensive vacation spot, I think about it to be very reasonably priced. And Osaka itself is among the cheaper locations in Japan; with tons of price range hostels within the Tennoji space and reasonably priced road meals out there everywhere in the metropolis, Osaka is pretty cheap.
The 2 native dishes that you simply completely must strive in Osaka are takoyaki (grilled octopus in savory balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes produced from cabbage, meat, and seafood). In the event that they don’t sound too appetizing, I urge you to rethink; served with among the most mouthwatering seasonings and sauces, these dishes are my consolation meals.
In Closing
I hope this text on the 15 greatest issues to do in Osaka has offered you with some concepts and inspiration to your Osaka itinerary. No matter how lengthy you’re visiting Osaka, I’m certain you’ll find yourself loving it as a lot as I do.
So, pack up your luggage and seize your passport. I hope you may have an unbelievable journey.