When visiting Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto are two cities which receive plenty of attention, yet Osaka is often slightly overlooked. However, those who do visit, often find that it’s their favourite city of the bunch. Not just another big city, Osaka is really quite different to Tokyo—you’ll find that people stand on the right side of the escalator as opposed to the left, for instance. Of course, there’s much more to Osaka than that. The city is famed for being more friendly and open than other big cities, its food is world-renowned and there is plenty of culture to discover, having once been the political and economic capital of the country. Not to mention that Osaka, for us and many others, is home to the best nightlife in all of Japan. So, today at Civitatis, we’re looking at the top things to do in Osaka, to suit people of all interests!
Before we start, let’s run through some facts about Osaka, so you’re not going into our list completely blind:
- Where is Osaka? The city of Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan, in the Osaka Prefecture. Also in the Kansai Region are other hugely popular cities including Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto and Nara.
- How far is Osaka from Tokyo? Osaka and Tokyo are approximately 2.5 hours from one another by bullet train (Shinkansen).
- How big is Osaka? Osaka is the third most populous city in Japan, after Tokyo and Yokohama.
The best things to do in Osaka
- Visit Osaka Castle
- Take a Stroll in Dotonbori
- Universal Studios Japan
- See the City from its Highest Point
- Taste Takoyaki (and More of Osaka’s Cuisine)
- Go Kart
- Tsurumi Ryokuchi
- Nerd Out in Den Den Town (Nipponbashi)
- Osaka’s Cup Noodle Museum
- See the Rest of the Kanasai Region
1. Visit Osaka Castle
First on our list is almost certainly the most famous landmark in Osaka, and indeed, one of the most famous in all of Japan. This beautiful and iconic structure was originally constructed in 1583, though its turbulent history led to it being rebuilt several times since then. The grounds feature a moat, epic stone walls, 600 cherry blossom trees and fantastic panoramic views of Osaka, standing 58 metres (190 ft) tall amongst modern skyscrapers. The castle itself is also home to a museum, which features an exhibit focusing on the history of the building, samurai culture and Japan as a whole.
Osaka Castle is most popular during cherry blossom season, though it receives plenty of tourists year round. To experience the castle for yourself at the best price, check out this Osaka Amazing Pass, which also includes entry to 39 other attractions, making it the most economical way to explore the city.
2. Take a Stroll in Dotonbori
Towering neon billboards, quirky bars, buzzing nightclubs… The Dotonbori district in Osaka is probably the city’s most iconic. This area has been known as an entertainment hub for hundreds of years, though its retro-futurist cityscape is a product of the 1930s, when neon was new and exciting technology. Along the Dotonbori River, you’ll see a number of the most famous Japanese brands. However, the most iconic sign is that of the Glico Man, located just above the Dotonbori Bridge. This is a massively popular photo spot for both Japanese and international tourists.
Dotonbori is also famous for being home to fantastic restaurants, bars and nightclubs. In this area, you’ll come across a good range of places specialising in crab, takoyaki (which we’ll talk more about later) and ramen. At night, there is a number of great bars, though you’ll find lots of people drinking cans of beer sitting along the river.
3. Experience Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first Universal Studios outside of USA, opening in 2001. The park today is open to ten different sections, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, Jurassic Park, Waterworld and Minion Park. In each section you’ll find a number of fantastic rides and attractions, with something suitable for people of all ages. Just outside the park gates you’ll find a shopping mall, hotels, restaurants and shops, where you’ll get some fantastic merchandise.
If you’re thinking of heading to USJ during your visit, be sure to buy your ticket to the Universal Studios Japan with Civitatis in advance of your visit. Tickets sell out, especially during high-season, so don’t leave it too late!
- Pro tip: If you want to visit Super Nintendo World, keep in mind that it requires a special ticket. You can get a timed ticket for free once you’ve entered the park, using the Universal app. Alternatively, you can purchase an express pass prior to your visit. However, if you’re getting your ticket in the park, be sure to arrive early, as they sell out quickly!
4. See Osaka from its Highest Point
Now that you’ve begun exploring the city from ground level, it’s time to see it from above! Until last year, the Harukas 300 Observatory was the tallest building in all of Japan. Still, this 300-metre (985 ft) building is the second tallest in the country and the tallest in Osaka. With this Harukas 300 Observatory Ticket, you’ll be able to move freely between the 58th, 59th and 60th floors, and grab a coffee at the coffee shop. Apart from a few select dates, the observatory is open until 10 pm, with final admission at 9:30 so visit at sunset to get the best views!
Another great viewpoint is the on Umeda Sky Building, located in the Kita district. This building is one of the most iconic in the city, and provides a 360-panoramic view at the top, 173 metres (567 ft) in the sky! At the time of writing this article, entrance costs appoximately £10 ($13).
5. Indulge in Osaka’s Cuisine
Osaka is world-renowned for its wonderful food. In fact, the city is often referred to as Tenka no Daidokoro, or, the Nation’s Kitchen. Historically, this nickname was in reference to the city’s importance in the rice-trade—today, the nickname remains due to Osaka’s incredible restaurants.
The city is perhaps best known for Takoyaki—octopus dumplings. You’ll find this salty snack at a number of road-side stalls, being prepared in front of you. Also hugely popular in Osaka is Okonomiyaki. The core ingredients of this dish are cabbage and batter, and its usually accompanied by meat, cheese and other vegetables. The best way to try Okonomiyaki is at a restaurant which has it as a speciality. In such restaurants, dining tables are equipped with an iron griddle onto which the ingredients of your will be decanted. The rest is up to you, hence the dish’s name, which translates to something like ‘as-you-like-it pancake’.
The best way to gain an insight into Osaka’s wonderful cuisine is by participating in this Osaka Food Tour, during which you’ll visit the local’s favourite restaurants and street food stalls, accompanied by an expert guide.
6. Go Kart the City’s Streets Dressed as Your Favourite Character
A little bit of a quirkier activity, this was one of our favourite things that we did while in Osaka. On this Osaka Kart Tour, you’ll spend a couple of hours zooming around Dotonbori, Namba and Osaka Castle in go karts—a truly unique way to see the city. The best part? This activity includes costume rental, letting you choose between a variety of characters from comic books and video games. See your childhood dreams come true!
7. Escape to Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
After so much craziness, you’re probably ready for a break. The best escape from the hustle and bustle of the city is the beautiful Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park—the largest and most eclectic park in the city, originally built for the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition. To get to the park, you grab a subway to Shinsaibashi, from which you can get a train directly to the park. It spans over 300 hectares, and is home to a fantastic botanical garden, a tranquil lake, and various sporting facilities.
One of our favourite parts of the park is this Dutch-inspired section, which features a lovely blue-flowered field and a traditional windmill. If you weren’t feeling relaxed before, you certainly will now! In the park there are a number of areas which have (expertly) taken inspiration from other countries, from Spain to Iran. It’s well worth checking out.
8. Nerd Out in Den Den Town (Nipponbashi)
If you’re a bit nerdy, maybe a bit of a weeb (someone who is obsessed with Japanese culture), you’ve almost certainly heard of Tokyo’s Akihabara—a buzzing shopping district, home most notably to stores dedicated to anime, manga and games. Like Akihabra, Den Den Town (the name is a shortened version of ‘Denki no Machi,’ or ‘Electric Town.’) is the place to celebrate pop culture and video games and to shop for cameras and other electrical equipment.
9. Learn the Important History of… Cup Noodles?
Another random one… Did you know that Osaka is home to a number of weird and wonderful museums? Among the most popular is the Osaka Ikeda Cup Noodles Museum. Of course, noodles are a staple in Japan and, indeed, all over Asia! From yakisoba to udon to ramen—the land of the rising sun has got you covered. Perhaps as influential as any noodle variety however, is the humble ‘instant noodle’. The district of Ikeda in Osaka, where this museum is located, is where the instant noodle was born.
At the museum, you’ll get a run through of the history of instant noodles, a look at old branding, and also make your own personalised Cup Noodles! There’s also plenty of merch to check out!
10. See the Rest of the Kansai Region
As previously mentioned, Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan. Also in this region are four of the most popular cities to visit in the country. You can get between the cities by train, which can be made cheaper if you use the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).
Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital is is one of the country’s top travel destinations, and for good reason. Unlike the big cities of Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya, Kyoto is better known for its traditional temples, shrines and tea houses. Highlights include the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. See it for yourself on this Kyoto day trip from Osaka!
Kobe
This vibrant port city is renwoned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, harbour views and its cuisine—most famously, Kobe Beef. The city is known for its somewhat Western style, a product of the Meiji and Taisho eras in years gone by. Go on this Kobe day trip from Osaka to experience the city for yourself.
Nara
Another former capital of Japan, Nara is renowned for its temples, green spaces and the deer which roam free in Nara Park. The city is home to no less than 8 (!!) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most famous of which is the Todai-ji Temple, which houses the Great Buddha statue, and is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. See all the main sights, as well as some of Kyoto’s main sights on this Nara, Kinkakuji & Arashiyama day trip.
Himeji
Himeji, famous for its magnificent Himeji Castle, is one of the top destinations in Japan. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved feudal fortress. Enjoy the castle’s beautiful architecture peaceful gardens, and panoramic views.
There you have it, our top 10 things to do in Osaka! This is a city which will grab you with its charm and fascinate you with its quirks. If you’re planning on visiting Osaka, make the most of your trip and check out the tours and experiences on offer in Osaka with Civitatis. さようなら (sayōnara)—goodbye!
