Japan is full of beautiful locations, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the hovering peak of Mount Fuji. Nonetheless, should you’re planning the final word journey itinerary of Japan, you’ll be able to’t overlook Osaka. From its mouthwatering avenue meals to its energetic nightlife and world-class points of interest, there are an countless quantity of unbelievable issues to do in Osaka.
Osaka is one in every 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 toddler, nevertheless it was my residence base after I spent a 12 months residing 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 in search of a enjoyable time out 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 submit, I’ll define the very 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 finest issues to do in Osaka.
Finest Issues To Do in Osaka
With so many unbelievable issues to do in Osaka, it may be laborious to restrict the alternatives to simply 15. Nonetheless, I’ve hand-chosen among the finest excursions and points of interest Osaka has to supply. From the highest historic websites to the very best avenue meals, hikes, and day journeys from Osaka, you’ll discover a wide selection of issues to do round Osaka.
So, should you’re prepared to search out out extra, let’s dive proper in.
1. Go Procuring Down the Dotonbori Canal
First issues first, I can’t discuss the very best issues to do in Osaka with out together with the Dotonbori neighborhood. Situated within the Minami (Namba) space, Dotonbori is Osaka’s leisure middle 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 procuring spots. And I like its upbeat and thrilling ambiance. It’s full of vivid, neon indicators and dynamic billboards, and also you completely must take a photograph copying the enduring Glico Working Man pose – it’s a should!
General, Dotonbori is likely one of the most vibrant and energetic neighborhoods in Osaka, and it has among the finest issues to do in Osaka at night time. Evidently, you completely have so as to add it to your Osaka itinerary.
Tackle: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Go to the Majestic Osaka Fort (One of many Finest Locations to Go to in Osaka!)
Subsequent up, one in every of my absolute favourite issues to see in Osaka is the imposing Osaka Fort. A shocking piece of structure rising from a backyard of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms (you completely have to go to in February and March if potential), Osaka Fort 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 Fort is the right place to go to for historical past and structure lovers. Nonetheless, it affords 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 citadel (round $4.25 USD) and it’s straightforward to e-book in individual. Click on right here to be taught extra about visiting Osaka Fort.
Tackle: 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 avenue meals. If you wish to expertise the latter, I like to recommend you go to “Osaka’s Kitchen” – the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Good for all of the adventurous foodies on the market, the Kuromon Ichiba Market is a public market situated within the Minami (Namba) space of Osaka. It homes over 150 retailers primarily centered on promoting seafood, and lots of the stalls additionally promote smaller meals objects that you would be able to take pleasure in proper then and there.
A few of my favourite issues to eat embody takoyaki and yakitori. Nonetheless, it might probably 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.
Tackle: 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 in search of the very best issues to do in Osaka for households, then you should go to Common Studios Japan (USJ for brief).
As a toddler, spending an exhilarating day at USJ was all the time the spotlight of my journey. A few of my favourite rides embody the Jurassic Park experience, the Jaws experience, and the House Fantasy experience. I’ve additionally heard wonderful issues concerning the newer rides equivalent to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Problem and the Flying Dinosaur.
Whether or not you’re touring with children, a big different, or with your folks, I actually advocate visiting USJ; it’s certainly my favourite theme park on the earth. In the event you’re taken with shopping for a pre-booked entry move, clicok right here.
Tackle: 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 you need to be a part of one of many high guided Osaka strolling excursions. Not solely will this tour take you to the preferred 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 Fort, Dotonbori, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market), your native information with share some tidbits concerning the huge historical past and tradition of this fascinating metropolis.
Whereas I’ve by no means taken this tour myself, my favourite technique to expertise a brand new metropolis is to wander round on foot. And I’ve spent many days strolling round Osaka Fort Park, Namba, Dotonbori, and Tennoji. With this tour, you’ll be able to condense this wandering right down to half a day. In the event you’re taken with reserving the strolling tour, click on right here.
Tackle: The tour meets at 3-chōme-2 Tanimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0012, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Tour the Historical Shitenno-ji Temple
Though Shitenno-ji Temple isn’t one of the vital common vacationer points of interest in Osaka, it’s undoubtedly one in every 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 beautiful Gokuraku-jodo Backyard, Shitenno-ji is the very best place to flee Osaka’s crowded streets. So, should 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 testing Shitennoji’s Flea Market. Stuffed with all kinds of fascinating merchandise, it’s one of many coolest locations to purchase souvenirs.
Tackle: 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 in search of among the best issues to do in Osaka, then becoming a member of a meals tour is the way in which to go. Guiding you to the very best native eating places for some scrumptious and mouthwatering genuine Japanese delicacies, you’re positive to get a real style of Osaka.
On this meals tour, you’ll strive among the finest dishes Japan has to supply, together with edamame, karaage, tonpeiyaki, yakitori, gyoza, and kushikatsu. And don’t overlook about one in every of my favourite Osakan dishes, takoyaki (a ball-shaped snack usually full of diced octopus).
Click on right here to e-book the Shinsekai Meals Tour; you undoubtedly gained’t remorse it.
Tackle: 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 in search of 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 learn how to make these two basic 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 all the time loved making my very own gyoza; I’m positive you’ll too. So, if knocking up your personal dish is one thing that pursuits you, this class will certainly be a spotlight of your journey. For extra particulars on learn how to e-book 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 learn how to 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.
Tackle: 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 climbing path that results in a 33-meter-high waterfall, Minoh Park is ideal for these with young children. It’s one in every 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 might probably get crowded on weekends, so attempt to go to within the week if potential.
In the event you’re visiting Osaka within the fall, Minoh Park is likely one of the finest locations to admire Osaka’s foliage.
Tackle: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Examine 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 need to be taught each side of the town. It’s not advisable 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 checklist of issues to do, nonetheless, 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.
Tackle: The assembly spot varies; e-book the tour to be taught extra.
11. Expertise Osaka’s Nightlife on a Bar Hopping Tour
In the event you’re eager on getting an area’s inside information of the very best bars and izakayas in Namba, you should take a look at this bar hopping and meals tour. From sampling unbelievable dishes to making an attempt high-quality drinks, this tour provides you with the final word introduction to Osaka’s nightlife.
I’m probably not a drinker myself however I can definitely admire why Osaka is taken into account among the best social gathering cities in Japan – it’s so colourful and vibrant, anybody can benefit from the ambiance. If you wish to take a look at among the local-favorite bars, then that is undoubtedly one of many high issues to do in Osaka. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book the tour.
Tackle: 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 in search of among the best issues to do in Osaka for {couples} otherwise you’re in search of a spot that may present some unbelievable photograph alternatives, I like to recommend testing Osaka’s teamLab Botanical Backyard.
Situated in Nagai Park, this outside botanical backyard options digitized interactive artwork that comes with itself into the encircling surroundings. With enchanting and bewitching shows that make you’re feeling such as you’re in a fantasy world, it’s the right technique to spend a calming night in Osaka. Click on right here to pre-book your ticket.
Tackle: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Journey Osaka by Go-Kart
Need to discover Osaka in type? 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 comply with your information to among the finest points of interest in Osaka, together with Osaka Fort, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book, and notice that you simply’ll want a legitimate worldwide driver’s license.
Tackle: 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’ll be able to see by now, there are lots of superior locations to go to in Osaka. Nonetheless, one in every of my favourite components of residing in Osaka was being shut to 2 historic and improbable cities: Kyoto and Nara. And fortunately, you’ll be able to go to them each in in the future 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 the very best locations to go to close to Osaka. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book the tour.
Tackle: The assembly and pick-up spots differ. E-book the tour to be taught extra.
15. Take a Massive Day Journey to Hiroshima and Miyajima
Final however not least, should 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. Situated 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 concerning 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 finest issues to do close to Osaka. I all the time 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 e-book the tour, click on right here.
Tackle: 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 below are a number of methods that you would be able to 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 might 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, a large low cost retailer), earlier than taking a practice over to Osaka Fort. 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 might plan your final 3-day Osaka itinerary:
On day one, I might e-book a guided Osaka strolling tour to Osaka Fort, Dotonbori, Abeno Harukas 300, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market. As soon as once more, I might 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 might both spend the entire day at Common Studios Japan, or I might take one of many day journeys listed above – you’ll be able to both e-book a day journey to Kyoto and Nara, or e-book one for Hiroshima and Miyajima.
On day three, I might begin my day with a waterfall hike in Minoh Park. Upon returning to central Osaka, I might 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 potential, I completely advocate spending a complete week in Osaka. Not solely will it offer 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 might plan the final word 1-week Osaka itinerary:
The place to Keep in Osaka
These are a number of of the very best neighborhoods in Osaka for vacationers:
Kita (Umeda) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Probably the greatest neighborhoods in Osaka for first-time guests is undoubtedly Kita (Umeda). Conveniently centered across the enormous and bustling Umeda Station, Kita (Umeda) has every part a traveler appears to be like for – unbelievable procuring and eating choices, beautiful shrines, serene parks, spacious streets, and academic museums. Regardless 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 retailers, staying in Minami (Namba) implies that there are countless locations to see in Osaka.
In the event you’re considering of staying in Minami (Namba), I like to recommend staying on the Hiyori Lodge Osaka Namba Station.
Tennoji – Finest for These on a Finances
Final however not least, should you’re a backpacker on a funds otherwise you’re simply trying to decide on a extra reasonably priced lodging choice, I like to recommend staying in Tennoji. One among my favourite locations to remain, Tennoji is a bustling space full of unbelievable retailers 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, an important lodge to take a look at is the Backpackers Lodge Toyo.
Finest Eating places in Osaka
Let’s speak some extra about Osaka’s scrumptious meals; these are a number of of the very best eating places that you could find in Osaka:
Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori
Osaka is legendary for 2 wonderful dishes: okonomiyaki and takoyaki. In the event you’re taken with sampling the latter, then you need to add Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori to your checklist. 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 could find some unbelievable and reasonably priced sushi at Sushi Hayata. With a pleasant and welcoming ambiance, Sushi Hayata is likely one of the finest locations in Osaka to rewind for dinner.
Houzenji Sanpei
In the event you’re taken with making an attempt one other one in every of Osaka’s iconic dishes, then you definately 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 undoubtedly value a go to. And belief me, okonomiyaki is a lot extra scrumptious than it sounds.
Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi
One among my favourite methods to chill out after an extended (and infrequently chilly) day of sightseeing in Osaka is to take pleasure in a steaming bowl of ramen. In the event you’re taken with doing the identical, then take a look at Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi. With a variety of reasonably priced bowls of ramen to select from, it’s an important selection 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 taken with making an attempt a few of your personal, I like to recommend visiting Sunshine. A comfy and common 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, the very best Osaka journey itineraries, the place to remain in Osaka, and the highest eating places to strive, let’s focus on learn how to get to Osaka.
There are two airports in Osaka that you would be able to arrive at and depart from: the Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX) and the Itami Airport (ITM). At present, worldwide flights are served by KIX and home flights are served by ITM. Each airports supply trains and airport buses to get into and out of central Osaka.
You can even get to Osaka by practice, shinkansen (the bullet-train), or bus. In the event you’re extra budget-minded like me, there are lots of in a single day buses from Tokyo to Osaka that you would be able to take. However, the best 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 intensive, frequent, and handy practice system that takes you all around the metropolis, public transport is the way in which to go. You can even get round by taxi, uber, bike, foot, or bus.
Issues To Do in Osaka: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Osaka:
Inside Japan and internationally, Osaka is called a big and bustling metropolis with mouthwatering avenue meals, energetic nightlife, huge leisure choices, and outgoing and considerably boisterous locals.
For my part, the very best time to go to Osaka is within the spring (late March-early April) and fall (late October-early November). If in any respect potential, it’s best 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 unquestionably value visiting. From the majestic Osaka Fort 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 in contrast to 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 (in my view). As somebody who lived in Osaka and is a toddler of a proud Osakan, I like to recommend staying longer if potential, particularly since there are lots of unbelievable day journeys that you would be able to take from Osaka (equivalent to Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, Kobe, and Himeji).
Sure, Osaka is completely secure; in accordance with World Inhabitants Assessment, 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 should you take regular precautions and comply with 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 retailers and eating places, there are tons of issues to do in Namba. One other common and wonderful sight is Osaka Fort.
Whereas Japan usually isn’t seen as an inexpensive vacation spot, I think about it to be very reasonably priced. And Osaka itself is likely one of the cheaper locations in Japan; with tons of funds hostels within the Tennoji space and reasonably priced avenue meals obtainable all around 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 constituted of 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 finest issues to do in Osaka has offered you with some concepts and inspiration in your Osaka itinerary. No matter how lengthy you’re visiting Osaka, I’m positive you’ll find yourself loving it as a lot as I do.
So, pack up your luggage and seize your passport. I hope you’ve got an unbelievable journey.
