What to do in Osaka
For first-timers, the biggest question is what to do in Osaka? As Osaka is 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 definitely lives up to having everything in a more
compact area.
Over the years, I have personally visited Osaka numerous times, and I can now share with you the many things you can do in Osaka.
What to do in Osaka?
 |
| 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 for this place is 16,000 square meters or about 15 acres. The best time to visit this place is during 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 week and 2nd week of April.
 |
| 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 particular 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.
 |
| View of Osaka from Umeda Sky Garden at night. |
3. Visit Umeda Sky Garden
Known also as the Hanging Sky Garden at the height of 173m, 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 lover’s 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.
There is an exciting gift shop for souvenir hunters just before going up. The entrance fees are ¥700 per person.
Hankai Tram in Osaka.
4. Take the Hankai Tram Railway
Located near the Tsutenkaku Tower, the Hankai Tram is an antique tram service still running after decades. This 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 and nostalgic one-car train brings you back to Osaka’s early days. A minimal fee applies to ride the trams here.
Glico Man neon sign in Osaka.
5. Visit Shinsaibashi
The most famous shopping district in Osaka, almost everyone who visits this city will surely head here for the vibrant shopping and entertainment.
Shinsaibashi is also connected to many other areas by just a short walk. The famous American Village or Amerika-Mura is also nearby here, just like the famous Glico Man neon sign.
The Shinsaibashi shopping street is well known for designer goods, lifestyle boutiques, and upmarket fashion stores. One of the best places to start exploring when you are in Osaka.
The famous Dontonburi Octopus.
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, apart from the unique Giant Crabs, Blowfish, Cows, and many other unique fixtures hanging high above the restaurants.
Another popular item seen is the Kuidaore Taro, or Drum Playing Clown, also seen around here. Neon signs also light up the entire area too. The best time to visit is in the evenings.
 |
| Universal Studio Japan. |
7. Visit Universal Studios Japan
The most popular entertainment place in Osaka is Universal Studios Japan, or USJ.
Located near the Osaka harbour, one can easily spend at least half a day here, but making it a whole day is better.
The rides and shows are amazing and suit all kinds of ages. Universal City Walk is another place where you can also explore the park. Weekends get really crowded, too.
8. Visit the Osaka Aquarium
Located near Universal Studios Japan, it is accessible via a riverboat service or train there. The Osaka Aquarium is among the best if you love aquariums and the underwater world.
They have a multi-level view of the giant aquarium that houses a massive whale shark, manta rays, and many other unique sea fishes.
The Osaka Aquarium is a lovely place for families and adult travellers, and usually, when you visit Universal Studios Japan, this will be the next destination.
 |
| 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 connecting area.
You will find most of the entertainment, karaoke, hotels, bars, restaurants, arcades, pachinko parlours, shopping arcades, and department stores at Namba.
One notable place is the Namba Station, where almost all the Japanese train lines stop, which is where you may also be stopping.
 |
| 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 would head to the airport extra early, store their luggage and then take the free shuttle bus service or the subway train to Rinku for some last-minute shopping.
Over here, you can easily spend an hour or two checking out all the factory outlets offering significant discounts.
Conclusion
There you go, my personal 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.
Flights
depart at 2.00 pm on Wednesday only at 8.20 am for the other three
days from KLIA2 in Sepang, Malaysia. This guide gives you a rough idea of
what to do in Osaka.
Share this content:
0 comments