18 Places To Visit And Things To Do In Osaka - Updated 2024

18 Places To Visit And Things To Do In Osaka - Updated 2024
Trip101 Editorial
Trip101 Editorial 
Updated
| 10 min read

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!

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Antique Book Nakao Shoten

While you are in Osaka, you'll also find Antique Book Nakao Shoten in Shinsaibashi. You can buy books for as low as 300 JPY (2 USD).

1. Embark on the ultimate food tour in Osaka (from USD 88.0)

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.

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Osaka Food Tour (13 delicious dishes at 5 hidden eateries)

Duration: 3hours

14 reviews

Engaging, Immersive Osaka Foodhood Tour (15 foods, 3 drinks)

Duration: 3hours

12 reviews

2. Dotonbori - the fun-filled shopping district

Osaka Dotonbori Ebisu Bridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Type specimen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

Official URL

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Dōtonbori, Osaka

Photo of Dōtonbori shared by content creator from the Philippines, Johnny Ferniz.

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3. Kuromon Ichiba Market - Osaka’s Kitchen (from USD 54.0)

Osaka Kuromon Ichiba Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mr.ちゅらさん used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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

Official URL

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.

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Kuromon Market Food Tour: Flavors of Osaka

Duration: 1.5hours

2 reviews

4. Trying Takoyaki – the dish that represents Osaka

TakoyakiM0825
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fg2 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

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

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5. Umeda Sky Building, Osaka’s landmark building

2018 Umeda Sky Building
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kakidai used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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)

Official URL

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6. Tenjinbashisuji District - the Longest Business District in Japan

Tenjinbashisuji shopping street - panoramio (12)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DVMG used under CC BY 3.0

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

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7. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Osaka Tenmangu01n3390
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 663highland used under CC BY 2.5

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

Official URL available only in Japanese

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8. Learn Osaka’s history at Osaka Castle

20180331 Osaka castle in Spring
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nicolas NALLET used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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)

Official URL

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Video of Osaka Castle shared by content creator from the Philippines, Johnny Ferniz.

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9. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Terence Ong used under CC BY 2.5

Not much description is needed for this renowned destination; Universal Studios Japan is one of the greatest amusement parks in the world with entertainment that people of all ages will enjoy. Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter at “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” section, or enter the world of dinosaurs at the “Jurassic Park the Flying Dinosaur” ride!

Universal Studios Japan

Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City

Access info: Direct access from Universal City Station

Contact: +81 570-200-606

Entrance fee: please refer to the official website

Official URL

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10. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan…it’s a whale shark!

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tokumeigakarinoao... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a huge aquarium with a total of 8 storeys, with different marine creatures displayed according to their region including the Gulf of Panama, Great Barrier Reef and local places like the Seto Inland Sea. The most famous display there is the Pacific Ocean display that has the huge Whale Sharks swimming slowly and peacefully. It is a fantastic place for families and marine lovers to explore!

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka - city

Access info: 5-minute walk from Osakako Station

Contact: +81-6-6576-5501

Entrance fee: 2300 JPY (22 USD)

Official URL

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11. Make your own Instant Noodle at the Instant Ramen Museum

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum (11369666834)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user chee.hong used under CC BY 2.0

Most of you have probably been hooked to Instant noodles at some point in time. The Instant Noodle was invented by Momofuku Ando who founded the Nissin Food Products, and since then, Instant Noodles have been a crucial part of many people’s daily life. At the Instant Ramen Museum, various Instant Noodles from different times in history are put on display. Not only that, you can get to make your own Instant Ramen at the “My CUPNOODLES Factory”. Reservation is needed for the Chicken Ramen Factory so please refer to their official website.

Instant Ramen Museum

Address: 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka

Access info: 5-minute walk from Osakako Station

Opening hours: 9:30 am - 4 pm (last admission at 3:30 pm)

Fixed holiday: Tuesday and year-end through New Year Holidays

Contact: +81 72-751-3484

Entrance fee: free entry (fees are charged at some facilities)

Official URL

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12. Janjan Yokocho - the street filled with amusement

Japanese traditional sweets
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Juni from Kyoto, ... used under CC BY 2.0

The Shinsekai (meaning new world) area in Osaka is one of the best places where tourists and locals can spend a fantastic time. Located there is the Janjan Yokocho where the streets are lined with various amusements such as retro cafés, sweets shop and arcades. Apart from savouring old-school Japanese sweets, you can also visit the arcades to compete with your friends at the olden Japanese arcade games such as “smartball”. The alley is 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width and 180 meters (590 feet) in length. You will come across your favourite retro shop or cafe for sure!

Jan Jan Yokocho (Jan Jan alley)

Address: East 3 chome, Ebisu, Naniwa, Osaka-city

Access info: 5-minute walk from Nankai - Nanba Station

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13. Addictive cheese tart from Pablo!

PABLO mini Akihabara shop - The Cheese Tart
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user othree used under CC BY 2.0

Pablo is a café which specialises in cheese tarts and there are a total of 8 branches around Japan including Tokyo, Himeji and Osaka. The cheese tart served in Pablo has a soft tart and is filled with sweet cheese fillings. You can pour berry sauce over it according to your preference, and the ice cream served together accentuates the deliciousness of the cheese tart.

2 different types of cheese tarts are available as souvenirs too - rare and medium. The rare cheese tarts melts once placed in your mouth while the medium is well baked and have a soft, spongy texture.

There are 8 outlets in the Osaka downtown area. Go find the one nearest from you to check it out!

Pablo

Official URL

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14. Go Onsen Crazy in Spa World Osaka

Onsen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alpsdake used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The epitome of quirky Japan, spend hours at this hot spring theme park! Similar to a Korean Jimjilbang, Spaworld houses a collection of themed hot springs, hot tubs, a pool, gym, and spa. Explore the Asian Zone or the European Zone, with elaborate decorations that will transport you to different countries. Do note that most areas in Spaworld are nude-only save mixed gender areas), but rest assured your shyness will melt away in this relaxation wonderland. Open 24/7, 3 hours’ admission costs 2,400 yen (around 21.50 USD) on a weekday to pamper yourself in every way possible. Extend your stay by buying a day ticket for 2,700 yen (around 24.20 USD) or reserving a room in the adjoining Spa World Hotel.

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15. Traditional Kabuki Performance at Osaka Shochikuza Kabuki Theater

Children kabuki theater
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user lensonjapan used under CC BY 2.0

Recognised by UNESCO as part of an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’, Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama played by men. Audiences rave about the intricate kimonos and traditional architecture of the theatre itself. Whilst fully performed in Japanese, there are short brochures to give non-Japanese speakers a gist of the storyline, or you could find summaries online. The unique movements and postures which are frequently depicted in traditional Japanese artwork will keep audiences captivated for roughly 1,500 yen (13.45 USD) to 3,000 yen (26.90 USD).

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16. Osaka bar hopping night tour in Namba (from USD 95.0)

Your trip to Osaka wouldn’t be complete without discovering the nightlife that has been part of many locals’ daily routines. In this bar hopping night tour, stroll like a local through its hidden food alleys and savor local delicacies while taking in the unique atmosphere of Namba. Your tour is inclusive of a drink and one plate of Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables). And because you have three hours to enjoy this excursion, you have more than enough time to hop through different izakaya bars, trying out different drinks and food while listening to your local guide’s recommendations and fun stories. Finally, snap photos with your new-found friends from your small group tour at Dotonbori, one of the most photogenic spots in Japan!

Osaka bar hopping night tour in Namba

Duration: 3 hours

Price: 60 USD

byFood experience

1) The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

Experience the ultimate night out in Osaka with this three-hour night tour. Dive into the heart of the vibrant food capital of Japan and discover the nightlife of this bustling city. Accompanied by an English-speaking local guide, you’ll start your adventure at an authentic izakaya (pub), indulging in a full dinner featuring some of Osaka’s best dishes accompanied by drinks.

Then, wander through the enchanting backstreets and alleyways of Namba, exploring hidden nightspots known only to the locals. Your guide will introduce you to unique bars, each flaunting its own charm, and you will enjoy a drink in each of them. As a bonus, you’ll receive a ‘Pub Passport’ booklet, offering discounted entry to bars and nightclubs, along with free drinks.

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Osaka Namba District Bar Hopping Food and Drink Nightlife Tour

Duration: 3 hours

535 reviews

The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

Duration: 3hours

22 reviews

17. Osaka Castle Town bike tour (from USD 65.0)

Get active while exploring the neighborhoods of Osaka Castle! Hop on your inclusive bicycle rental and enjoy the sceneries around this famous Osaka attraction. Since Japan is pretty much a bicycle-friendly country, you can enjoy the breeze as you pass through the cycling roads next to Okawa River before heading over to Osaka Castle Park where you can roam around with your bike. There are lots of photogenic spots around too—take solo pics for the ‘gram and take a group pic with your tour friends for keepsakes! After all the biking, you all deserve a break. It’s time to visit the historic Shinto shrine and learn more about Japan’s religious history from your local guide. Hungry? You’ll get to taste authentic takoyaki too. And finally, your guide will take you on a brief walk along Japan’s longest shopping street called Tenjinbashisuji. This Osaka Castle town bike tour is a fun-packed excursion that will allow you to fully experience Osaka in just a short amount of time!

Osaka Castle Town bike tour

Duration: 3 hours

Price: 62 USD

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Osaka Castle Small-Group Bike Tour With Takoyaki

Duration: 4 hours

74 reviews

18. Book a Kuromon Market walking tour

18 places to visit and things to do in osaka | book a kuromon market walking tour
Source: www.klook.com

Complete your trip in Osaka by booking this highly rated Kuromon Market walking street food tour by Magical Trip! In this excursion, you get two hours with your local guide enjoying four to five food samplings, with food choices either popular or highly recommended by locals for a more localized food experience. Sample Osaka’s must-eat street food, the Takoyaki, and take pride in tasting the authentic flavors of this popular Japanese snack. Next, stroll along Kuromon Market with over a century of history and now has more than 130 shops and stalls. Here you’ll also get to sample several local food favorites. Finally, head over to Doguyasuji street and find practical souvenirs such as unique Japanese kitchen tools and dining accessories. These items are a great addition to every home so it is recommended that you bring home at least one.

Kuromon Market walking tour

Duration: 2 hour

Price: 36 USD

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Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour - Klook

Duration: 3hrsDuration

A city filled with fun

Despite the numerous high-rise buildings that surround Osaka city, it is a city with great tourist attractions and will certainly keep you excited everywhere you go. Osaka is also located close to other popular destinations such as Kyoto, so do check out this city when visiting Japan!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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