15 Best Things to See in Osaka (Japan)

Osaka, which is situated on the island of Honshu, is one of the major cities in Japan after Tokyo. If you are considering a vacation to Japan, it is still highly recommended to visit even if it is not as historic or picturesque as other locations in the nation, like Kyoto. Many locals will tell you that Osaka is one of the most laid-back cities in the country and the people here are known for their warm hospitality, which means that you will have the chance to learn all about Japanese culture here. If you love food, Osaka, which is considered to have one of the best food scenes in all of Japan, is the place for you. Additionally, the city is filled with museums, art galleries, and amusement parks, making this a region of the country you definitely don’t want to miss. The top 15 things to do in Osaka are listed below.

Ascend the Umeda Sky Building

One of Osaka’s most well-known structures is the Umeda Sky Building, which is visible all throughout the city. The structure rises to a height of 173 metres, and on its 39th level is an observatory known as the Garden Observatory. You can visit this hanging garden, which is stocked with native plants and flowers, to see one of the famed floating gardens for which Japan is renowned.

Go shopping in Shinsaibashi

Locals will tell you that the Shinsaibashi District, which sells just about everything, is the best spot to shop in Osaka. This part of town is a collection of arcades, which means that this is a good place to come on a rainy day and you will find items such as souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and household objects. This is the best area to go shopping if you’re looking for presents or mementoes of your time in Osaka.

Go out in Dotonbori

In Osaka, Dotonbori is regarded as the location to visit if you want to go out and take in the finest that the city has to offer. This part of Osaka is the central hub of bars, restaurants, and cafes, and you can come here in the evening to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Since many of the cafes and restaurants in this area have their own roof terraces, you can relax outside while enjoying live music and taking in the view of Osaka’s sparkling nighttime skyline.

Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the most iconic sights in Osaka and is located on the edge of the scenic Osaka Bay. The main draw of this ferris wheel, which was formerly the highest of its kind in the world, is the opportunity to ride it and take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. If at all feasible, try to visit this location in the evening to take in the views of Osaka at night. The wheel is illuminated at night.

Check out the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, an outdoor museum filled with scale replicas of houses and traditional structures, is regarded as one of the top museums in Osaka. There are a huge number of replicas of structures that would have stood in Osaka in the Edo Period from the 17th to the 19th century, and this is the ideal place to come if you want to get a glimpse of how people would have lived in Osaka in days gone by. To completely immerse yourself in the experience, you can dress historically and wander the complex wearing a kimono or another traditional Japanese garment.

Watch a show at the National Bunraku Theater

If you wish to experience the Japanese art of bunraku, visit the National Bunraku Theatre. You can now visit this location to see a live performance of a type of puppet theatre that probably got its start during the Edo Period. Bunraku tells the tale of Japanese epics and stories from the 17th and 18th centuries using gigantic puppets controlled by as many as three puppeteers. Thankfully, there is also an English translation available so you can understand what is happening.

Enjoy some retail therapy at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

Make sure to visit Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street because it is the longest shopping street in Japan and for that reason alone. The street runs for more than two kilometres through Osaka and offers a wide variety of goods for purchase. There are a variety of locations to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat here, as well as merchandise like clothing, home goods, shoes, books, and souvenirs. Be sure to keep an eye out for traditional Japanese medicine stores, which offer a variety of odd goods.

Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine

One of the oldest Shinto shrines, not just in Osaka but in all of Japan, is Sumiyoshi Shrine. The shrine was built over 1,800 years ago and it is said to be one of the prettiest Shinto shrines of its kind thanks to its ornate architecture and dainty design features. A park with a bridge that spans a clear pond can also be seen here, in addition to the main shrine.

Tour Peace Osaka

Peace Osaka was created as a memorial to all those who lost their lives in wars all around the world, as well as to teach tourists about the value of peace. The tragic times in Osaka’s history, such as the bombings that levelled most of the city during World War II, are the subjects of some of the major galleries here. If you’re in the area, pay this a visit for an emotional look at how war has affected Japan and other nations.

Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

Consider visiting the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum in Osaka if you want to learn more about traditional art there. Here, you may discover everything there is to know about the Japanese printmaking technique known as ukiyo-e. Wooden blocks are used to create the prints, and the museum itself is designed to look like a typical Japanese home. This should absolutely be included on the schedule for anyone who likes art because it provides insight into one of Japan’s lesser-known handicrafts.

Try the local food

You’ve come to the perfect location if you enjoy eating, because Osaka is regarded as something of a gastronomic paradise in Japan. Some of the standout dishes are the battera, a type of sushi made with mackerel compacted with rice in a wooden box, and okonomiyaki, a type of pancake made from shredded cabbage and piled with a variety of toppings. You can also try the kushikatsu, which consists of skewers with various things on them that have been deep-fried in breadcrumbs, including meat and veggies.

Make a pot at Maishima Pottery Museum

The Maishima Pottery Museum is located on an artificial island that was created with this purpose in mind in 1998. It is a part of the Bay Area of Osaka. You can visit the museum and try to construct your own pot using a potter’s wheel. The museum uses marine clay that is found in the waters near Osaka. Additionally, there are galleries here with a variety of ceramic works, and you can even see the on-site kiln. Your creation can then be transported to your house as a souvenir of your trip after being painted with glaze and fired in the kiln.

Scale Abeno Harukas

The Abeno Harukas are famous for being the tallest structures in both Osaka and all of Japan. For that reason, you shouldn’t miss it when visiting the city, and you may visit the wonderful cafe on the fifth floor of this building. Additionally, there is an observation deck nearby where you may enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. After taking in the vistas, you can explore the rest of the structure, which includes a museum, a department store, and additional places for shopping and dining.

Visit Osaka-jo

Osaka Castle was first constructed in 1583 and required 100,000 labourers to complete. However, like many castles in Japan, it was destroyed, and the current building, which was constructed in 1931 and has undergone renovations throughout the years, replaced it. The castle, though not the original, is nonetheless one of Osaka’s most impressive structures. It is situated in the heart of a lush park and is surrounded by a picturesque moat. Once inside the castle, you may look at a variety of weapons and artwork. On the eighth floor is an observation deck where you can get sweeping views of the nearby park and the rest of Osaka.

Visit the Osaka Aquarium

Kaiyukan, another name for Osaka Aquarium, is a building inside Tempozan Harbor Village that backs up to Osaka Bay. With eight levels of exhibits and a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks, otters, dolphins, and turtles, this aquarium is one of the biggest in Japan. The aquarium also has a primary tank that is about nine meters long and is a riot of colour because of the tropical fish and other marine creatures that bob around inside, such as seahorses.