What to do in Osaka
What to do in Osaka?
For first-timers, the biggest question is what to do in Osaka. As one of the must-visit places in Japan, there are many things to do here, including shopping, eating, sightseeing, and a vibrant nightlife.
Being the next most visited city after Tokyo, Osaka lives up to having everything in a more compact area. Over the years, I have visited Osaka numerous times, and I can now share with you the many things you can do there.
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| Visit the beautiful Osaka Castle. |
1. Visit Osaka Castle
This is one of the most famous castles in Japan and was built in the 16th century; it is, in fact, the most popular tourist attraction when visiting Osaka.
The overall land area of this place is 16,000 square meters, or about 15 acres. The best time to visit is Spring and Summer, when the landscape is covered with lush greenery and beautiful Sakura Flowers.
A lot of Japanese history lies within this place, and there is a charge to enter the central castle tower, which is ¥600, and opening hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The best time to view the Cherry Blossoms in Osaka is between the 1st and 2nd weeks of April.
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| Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka. |
2. Explore Tsutenkaku Tower
This area is another popular place where visitors will surely satisfy themselves with famous Japanese street food choices like Tako-yaki. Apart from going up the 100 year old Tsutenkaku Tower, which is 103 meters high, many shops, restaurants, and hawkers are dotted around the tower.
On the fifth-floor observation deck is a special area dedicated to Billiken, the God of Happiness or “things as they ought to be.”
Billiken is a famous American charm doll that came to Japan in about 1910, and each year, thousands of visitors place a coin in his donation box and rub the soles of his feet to make their wishes come true. The entrance fee is ¥600 per adult.
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| View of Osaka from Umeda Sky Garden at night. |
3. Visit Umeda Sky Garden
At a height of 173 m, it is also known as the Hanging Sky Garden. This building consists of two 40-story towers that connect at their two uppermost stories. The towers are connected by bridges and an escalator crossing the vast atrium-like space in the centre.
A couple of lovers’ areas filled with locks are also found up the Umeda Sky Tower, and on a clear day, you can see all of Osaka city from up here. Just before going up, there is an exciting gift shop for souvenir hunters. The entrance fees are ¥700 per person.
4. Take the Hankai Tram Railway
Located near the Tsutenkaku Tower, the Hankai Tram is an antique tram service that has been running for decades. It is also a unique and enjoyable way to experience the history of Osaka. Along the lines are many interesting temples, shrines, and places famous for their depiction in Noh and Kabuki dramas.
The Hankai Tram passes Tezukayama and arrives at Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine, one of Osaka’s finest shrines. This small, quaint, nostalgic one-car train returns to Osaka’s early days. A minimal fee applies to ride the trams here.
5. Visit Shinsaibashi
The most famous shopping district in Osaka, Shinsaibashi, is surely visited by almost everyone who visits the city for its vibrant shopping and entertainment. It is also connected to many other areas by just a short walk. The famous American Village or Amerika-Mura is nearby.
The super-famous Glico Man neon sign serves as the border of Namba and Shinsaibashi, where everyone will stop to take photos and admire the stunning night views.
The Shinsaibashi shopping street is well known for designer goods, lifestyle boutiques, and upmarket fashion stores. It is one of the best places to start exploring in Osaka.
6. Explore Dontonburi
Just walk across Shinsaibashi and arrive at Dotonburi, one of Osaka’s famous food and shopping areas. Almost anyone visiting Osaka will surely make their way here, and you can find many restaurants, cafes, bars, karaoke places, and entertainment places around here.
There is also the famous Glico Man neon sign by the river and the unique Giant Crabs, Blowfish, Cows, and many other unique fixtures hanging high above the restaurants.
Another popular item is the Kuidaore Taro, or Drum-Playing Clown, which is also seen around here. Neon signs light up the entire area. The best time to visit is in the evenings.
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| Universal Studios Japan. |
7. Visit Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, or USJ, is the most popular entertainment place in Osaka. Located near the Osaka harbour, it is easy to spend at least half a day here, but it is better to spend a whole day.
The rides and shows are amazing and suitable for all ages. Universal City Walk is another place where you can explore the park. Weekends tend to get really crowded, too.
8. Visit the Osaka Aquarium
Located near Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Aquarium is accessible via a riverboat service or train. It is among the best if you love aquariums and the underwater world.
They have a multi-level view of the giant aquarium, which houses a massive whale shark, manta rays, and many other unique sea fish. The Osaka Aquarium is a lovely place for families and adult travellers, and it is usually the next destination when visiting Universal Studios Japan.
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| Namba Station, Osaka. |
9. Explore Namba
Namba is regarded as the centre of Osaka, where many of the other popular districts meet. Some may even term this place as a business or a connecting area. Namba has most of the entertainment, karaoke, hotels, bars, restaurants, arcades, pachinko parlours, shopping arcades, and department stores.
One notable place is the Namba Station, where almost all the Japanese train lines stop, and where you may also be stopping. Namba is also well-known for its lively shopping malls catering to everyone.
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| Rinku Premium Outlets in Osaka, Japan. |
10. Shop at the Rinku Premium Outlets
Truly a shopper’s paradise, Rinku Premium Outlet is located just one stop before the Osaka Kansai Airport. Most travellers head to the airport extra early, store their luggage, and then take the free shuttle bus or the subway train to Rinku for some last-minute shopping.
Shoppers can easily spend an hour or two checking out all the factory outlets offering significant discounts. And if you’re a shopaholic, please prepare at least 3-4 hours here.
Conclusion
There you go, my list of 10 things to do in Osaka for the first-time traveller heading to this part of Japan. On all my trips to Osaka, I flew with AirAsia X. The airline flies to Osaka’s Kansai Airport four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Thank you for stopping by and checking this page out. I hope this has come in handy and that this guide gives you a rough idea of what to do in Osaka.
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