

Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan, around the central area of Japan’s main island. It is one of the biggest cities in Japan along with others such as Tokyo and Nagoya. Found about 2 hours 20 minutes from Tokyo via bullet train. The city area in Osaka is well connected via the subway and access from overseas is convenient as the Osaka-Itami International Airport is just an hour’s train ride from the main city. It is a city known for its shopping districts, delicious local food, and its unique Japanese accent called the Osaka-ben. Check out the top places to visit and things to do in Osaka!
Learn more about Osaka by watching our video where Diya, a seasoned traveler, talks about her favorite things to do in the city!
1. Embark on the ultimate food tour in Osaka
1) Osaka food tour
Go on a captivating culinary journey through the heart of Osaka, discovering mouthwatering street food and hidden gastronomic treasures. Your guide will unveil the city’s best-kept culinary secrets. Together, you’ll explore five local eateries, ranging from roadside stalls to restaurants, markets, and izakaya gastropubs.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to savor ten Japanese dishes along with two drinks, all carefully curated to introduce you to the authentic flavors of Osaka. As you taste delicacies such as takoyaki (minced octopus fried), gyoza (dumplings), kitsune udon (handmade noodles in broth), and nikudoufu (beef and tofu stew), the guide will provide insights into the region’s rich history and its deep connection to local cuisine.
2) Eat like a local
Join a culinary adventure to explore Osaka’s hidden gastronomic gems during this evening Osaka food tour. Limited to just six guests, this intimate experience immerses you in the authentic culinary culture of Tenma and Kyobashi. Led by an English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the historic streets, bustling shotengai (shopping lanes), and revered shrines of Tenma.
In Kyobashi, venture into the atmospheric drinking spots frequented by locals. Indulge in a diverse selection of Japanese dishes, from sashimi to kushi katsu (deep-fried skewers), complemented by three carefully selected beverages. This tour offers a blend of exploration, dining, and cultural insights, showcasing the vibrant nightlife of Osaka.
2. Dotonbori - the fun-filled shopping district

Search “Osaka” on the internet and the image of this huge Glico board in Dotonbori will definitely appear; it is no exaggeration to say that a trip to Osaka is nothing without visiting Dotonbori. Dotonbori is the grandest downtown in Osaka and is located 7 minutes from Namba station by foot. The streets there are lined with numerous shops ranging from eateries, fashion stalls, anime and manga shops, books stores and more. Apart from exploring the shops, you can also enjoy the various signboards that shops put up, such as gigantic Sushi statues from the Sushi store Genrokuzusi, or moving crabs from the crab restaurant Kani Douraku.
Dotonbori
Address: Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access info: 7-minute walk from Osaka Namba station
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3. Kuromon Ichiba Market - Osaka’s Kitchen

Kuromon Ichiba Market is just 10 minutes from Osaka station via subway, and is no doubt the best place for you to experience Osaka-style grocery shopping. Kuromon Ichiba has over 200 years of history and is filled with fresh seafood from crabs, tuna and sea urchins. Among the famous dishes there is the pufferfish cuisine – not something that you can taste everywhere.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Address: 2-4-1 Nippombashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access info: 1-minute walk from Nippombashi station
byFood experience
1) Kuromon Market Food Tour
Take part in a gastronomic adventure with this immersive Kuromon Market food tour. This culinary journey offers a delightful exploration of Japan’s vibrant food culture, where you’ll savor regional specialties including local snacks, soothing tea, and delectable desserts. The expert guides will help you navigate the bustling market, allowing you to indulge in local favorites and specialty dishes.
Experience the authentic atmosphere of Kuromon Market, where century-old traditions meet the tantalizing aromas and flavors of Japan’s food. As a memento, you’ll receive eco-friendly chopsticks. Immerse yourself in Osaka’s rich culinary heritage, where each dish tells a story and the market’s vibrant history comes alive in every bite.
Book Tours : Kuromon Market Food Tour: Flavors of Osaka
4. Trying Takoyaki – the dish that represents Osaka

If you ask any Japanese for the first dish that pops into their mind when thinking of Osaka, a majority of them will answer Takoyaki – the octopus ball. Takoyaki is a Japanese snack with octopus fillings, with sour-sweet Takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise poured over it, topped with other ingredients such as green onion. There are lots of shops in Osaka selling Takoyaki and one of them is a shop called Umaiya that was even included in Michelin Guide Kyoto, Osaka 2016.
Umaiya
Address: Naniwacho, Kitaku, Osaka 530-0022, Osaka Prefecture
Access info: 4-minute walk from Temma Station, which is about 6 minutes from Osaka station via the Osaka Loop Line
Opening hours: 11 am - 6:30 pm (Closed when sold out)
Fixed holiday: Tuesday
Contact: +81 6-6373-2929
5. Umeda Sky Building, Osaka’s landmark building

Umeda Sky Building has a history of over 20 years and is just 10 minutes from Osaka station by foot. This building is one of the most famous architecture in Osaka and the 173 metres (568 feet) tall building has 2 separate buildings connected by a Floating Observatory at the top. The Floating Garden Observatory that can be accessed gives you an amazing panoramic view of Osaka city. The night view of the city is fantastic too!
Floating Garden Observatory (Umeda Sky Building)
Address: 1-1-88 Oyodo-naka,Kita-ku, Osaka - city
Access info: 10-minute walk from Osaka station
Opening hours: 10 am - 10:30 pm (last admission 10 pm)
Contact: +81 6-6440-3899
Entrance fee: 800 JPY (7.7 USD)
6. Tenjinbashisuji District - the Longest Business District in Japan

The 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) Tenjinbashisuji District is the longest commercial district in Japan with over 600 food stalls and arcades. The streets are lined with eye-catching shops and designs, such as the Torii gates (Japanese gate found in shrines that represent a boundary between God and humans) found hanging on the ceiling. It will take you about 30 to 40 minutes just to walk the entire street, so make sure you spare enough time to fully explore the area!
Tenjinbashisuji District
Address: Tenjimbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Access info: 5-minute walk from Temma Station, which is about 6 minutes from Osaka station via the Osaka Loop Line
7. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

If you are visiting Tenjinbashisuji District, the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is just the right place for you to drop-by too. This historical shrine was built during mid-Heian era (year 794 to about year 1185) and has played an important role in Osaka for a long period of time. The main hall of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was destroyed many times due to war and fire, but was reconstructed every time. If you happen to visit Osaka during 24 and 25 July, you can also witness the Tenjin Festival - one of Japan’s top three festivals - which will be accompanied by glorious fireworks.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Address: 530-0041 2-1-8 Tenjimbashi,Kita-ku, Osaka-city
Access info: 5-minute walk from Minamimorimachi Station
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Fixed holiday: nil
Contact: +81 6-6353-0025
Entrance fee: free entry
8. Learn Osaka’s history at Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle has a history of over 500 years and its main tower was completed in 1585. The castle has witnessed numerous sieges and wars, and is today one of the historical sites that represent Osaka. Various artefacts are placed on display in the Osaka Castle Museum where you can learn about the history behind one of Japan’s greatest cities. Apart from its historical value, Osaka Castle is also a great place to enjoy Japan’s scenery, especially during spring when the Sakura flowers will be in full bloom.
Osaka Castle
Address: 540-0002 1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Access info: 5-minute drive from Osakajokouen station
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
Fixed holiday: December 28th to January 1st
Contact: +81 6-6941-3044
Entrance fee: 600 JPY (5.7 USD)