Whether or not you’re on the lookout for tradition, enjoyable or scrumptious meals, our checklist of the very best issues to do in Osaka, Japan will assist you to profit from your subsequent journey!
As of at this time, Tokyo, Kyoto, and even Hiroshima all have intensive points of interest in Japan and are visited by hundreds of vacationers annually as a result of their historical past, festivals, and different occasions.
Osaka nevertheless, can considerably be neglected when in comparison with these different cities.
For my part, Osaka actually stands out as a must-see and port metropolis on Honshu Island that’s simply as unimaginable as Japan’s extra touristy locations.
Whether or not or not it’s touring a Buddhist temple, consuming native meals, or simply admiring the neon lights of Osaka metropolis, there are various methods to get pleasure from your self and expertise Japanese tradition right here.
READ MORE: Try our checklist of the high locations to see in Japan
The Greatest Issues to Do in Osaka Japan
Osaka Bay is an financial powerhouse with a number of enjoyable actions, whether or not they have cultural roots or they’re simply commercially primarily based.
Actions and issues to do in Osaka can simply swimsuit anyone, whether or not or not it’s using a motorcycle or taking a stroll by a traditional park setting, or visiting Common Studios Japan.
The very first thing it is best to do is choose up an Osaka Superb Cross, which provides you limitless transport, in addition to entrance to lots of the foremost Osaka points of interest, together with the fort.
The Klook web site within the hyperlink above is the most affordable place to purchase this and is what we personally used on our journey to Osaka in 2019.
BONUS – Use the coupon code “NMDSKLK” on Klook when testing and also you’ll get $5 off your first reserving!
From visiting theme parks like Common Studios and Legoland, to standing on the commentary deck of Osaka’s tallest constructing, there isn’t any restrict to the points of interest in Osaka!
NOTE: We suggest AVOIDING the horrible Osaka Aquarium. Learn extra about it under.
1. Drive a Go Kart Across the Metropolis Dressed as a Video Recreation Character
This isn’t even a joke. By far the funniest Osaka exercise you are able to do is to dress up as your favorite online game or anime character, and zip across the metropolis in a go-kart!
Beginning near the Namba station, you undergo a fast security briefing, dress up, after which hit the streets.
How that is authorized we don’t know, nevertheless it’s actually one of many coolest issues to do in Osaka!
The most cost effective place to ebook that is on-line on the Klook web site.
BONUS – Use the coupon code “NMDSKLK” on Klook when testing and also you’ll get $5 off your first reserving!
2. Legoland Discovery Heart
Legoland is a beloved, Lego-themed amusement park with distinctive and engaging places all around the world.
Legoland in Japan is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing and distinctive locations to go to in Osaka, and a must-do in case you’re touring to Osaka with children.
Visiting Legoland is usually a nice and considerably otherworldly expertise for you and your kids.
Youngsters will love entertaining themselves with the infinite toy tables and lego bricks. There may be additionally a 4D cinema and loads of rides.
Go to the Legoland Discovery Heart for some items and toys to take residence as souvenirs.
Purchase a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket on the Klook web site.
- Deal with: Tempozan Market place, which resides within the Minato Ward
- Opening hours: 10am – 4pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- Worth: fluctuate per ticket primarily based on age, ranging from 3200 to 1600 yen, and 2000 yen after a sure time
3. Eat the Avenue Meals within the Dotonbori District
Experiencing a few of Osaka’s greatest points of interest couldn’t be full with out tasting and making an attempt the road meals.
When you’re an actual foodie, Dotonbori needs to be on the highest of your checklist of locations to go to in Osaka.
Dotonbori is extremely identified for its leisure and actions, however the avenue meals is great, a lot in order that simply the considered it ought to excite these with curious style buds.
That are the very best dishes to strive? Takoyaki, genuine Ramen, and Yakitori are a few of the most delectable avenue meals meals supplied.
From candy to savoury, and even distinctive meals gadgets reminiscent of grilled octopus, Dotonbori just about has one thing in retailer for each intrigued customer.
For all meals lovers questioning what to do in Osaka, the Dotonbori district is an Osaka must-see! It’s open all day and evening.
- Deal with: Chuo Ward of Osaka, Japan
4. Go to Nishiki Seashore
When you’re trying to spend a calming day on the seashore, then add a go to to Nishiki Seashore to your checklist of issues to do in Osaka.
You’ll be able to amp up your expertise at Nishiki by jet snowboarding or making an attempt different water sports activities and actions.
Nishiki Seashore additionally goes below the identify of Nishikinohama Seashore Park, and for good motive.
There may be additionally a park part along with the seashore, the place you may go barbecuing and revel in picnics with buddies and households.
It’s best to go to Osaka in the summertime in case you are planning to get pleasure from some solar and enjoyable actions at Nishiki Seashore, as it is just open from July 1 to the top of August.
- Deal with: Kaizuka-shi, Osaka
READ MORE: Don’t miss out on our detailed itinerary for the right 3 days in Osaka!
5. Common Studios Japan
One among 4 Common Studios theme parks positioned all around the world, Common Studios Japan is one distinctive theme park positioned in Osaka that’s enjoyable for you and the entire household.
Akin to the opposite Common Studios parks, the principle points of interest are the rides primarily based on well-known film franchises.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park are two in style themed mini worlds filled with rides and activites.
For the youthful kids, a world of entrancing actions that includes the beloved cartoon character Curious George can also be positioned within the park.
Common Studio park is at all times among the many high Osaka vacationer points of interest for each cinema buff!
- Deal with: Sakurajima , Konohama Ward of Osaka
- Opening hours: Opening and enterprise hours within the park truly fluctuate and alter by month, so you will need to examine the web site for extra particular particulars.
- Worth: round 7670 Japanese Yen (costs might fluctuate primarily based on time and ages)
6. Hattori Ryokuchi Park
Hattori Ryokuchi Park is a big park comprised of a number of steep and beautiful hills in addition to mountainous terrain, and is positioned within the northern a part of Osaka.
The setting and true aesthetics of this park are a bit rustic when in comparison with the booming nightlife of Osaka and different Japanese cities as a complete.
It’s actually lovely and peaceable with elegant fountains and playgrounds for youngsters to get pleasure from.
It ought to come as no shock that many locals, and generally vacationers, use this park to alleviate stress and obtain the last word rest time.
Tennis courts and horse using facilities are available for these on the lookout for extra of a thrill.
The park typically stays open always, as there are such a lot of actions to expertise and revel in.
- Deal with: Hattori Ryokuchi, Toyonaka-shi Ward, Osaka
- Opening hours: 24h/7
7. Verify Out Osaka Fortress
In case you are trying to expertise an actual cultural and historic landmark within the metropolis, Osaka Fortress is the right place to go to primarily based on the true significance of serving to the now close-knit nation of Japan to be unified.
It’s one of many oldest of its sort, constructed in 1583. However it was destroyed shortly after by the Tokugawa.
So actually, the Osaka fort that you would be able to see now was reconstructed in 1931.
This landmark can be greatest to go to through the Cherry Blossom season, usually in March and April, as it’s a in style spot for hanamis (the act of having fun with flowers).
Not solely do you have to go to the fort because it is without doubt one of the most lovely issues to see in Osaka as a result of elegant design, however the inside incorporates totally different actions and artifacts to see.
Historic supplies courting from the Fortress’s first development are on show.
It’s positively a compulsory spotlight with out which the Osaka sightseeing expertise wouldn’t be full!
One of the enjoyable actions to expertise inside Osaka Fortress is getting the possibility to put on Japan’s iconic garments and equipment – kimonos, helmets, and even surcoats.
You may get your photograph taken whereas carrying these totally different gadgets.
Surrounding the park is the Nishinomaru Backyard, an archery placement.
Get your Osaka Fortress ticket right here.
- Deal with: Osakajo, within the Chuo Ward of Osaka
- Opening hours: each day from 9 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 600 Japanese Yen
8. Hit Up the Market in Kuromon Ichiba
Like Dotonbori, Kuromon Ichiba is a paradise for exploring avenue meals and totally different distributors.
The market is vigorous and takes up an excellent quantity of house in Osaka, permitting you to strive numerous dishes from its distributors.
Contemporary meals is the last word deal with when visiting Kuromon Ichiba, as many distributors can merely simply put together your meals for you proper then and there.
When you’re into seafood you then’re in for a deal with, as Kuromon Ichiba is greatest identified for its fish dishes.
When you’re a first-time vacationer, positively strive the totally different recent avenue meals supplied as it’s a one-of-a-kind expertise.
- Deal with: Nipponbashi, throughout the Chuo Ward of Osaka
- Opening hours: each day from 9 AM – 6 PM
9. ATC Asobi Mare
When you’re on the lookout for the highest issues to do in Osaka with children, you then completely have to take a look at ATC Asobi Mare. This place is extra for households and is known as an leisure middle or indoor amusement park.
It is without doubt one of the extra fulfilling Osaka points of interest for the younger ones.
This middle is good for youngsters of all ages, with there being a softer and safer zone for toddlers and a extra fascinating procuring arcade for older kids.
There may be even a spot to your baby to play gown up, and expertise hours of enjoyable.
As a result of it’s an indoor park, you gained’t be bothered by the climate exterior – good for these wet days.
- Deal with: Osaka Prefecture, throughout the Suminoe Ward of Osaka
- Opening hours: each day from 10 AM – 7 PM
- Worth: 900 Japanese Yen (weekdays) and 1100 Japanese Yen (weekends)
10. Sumiyoshi Shrine
Often known as the Sumiyoshi Taisha, this shrine was based within the third century. It is without doubt one of the most well-known Buddhist temples you might go to in all the nation.
Visiting this shrine is usually a peaceable and enlightening expertise, making it probably the greatest issues to do in Osaka.
Positioned on the Shrine’s grounds is the breathtaking Sorihashi bridge that stands out with its modern pink colour.
Strolling across the shrine is stress-free and has some distinctive insights, with you with the ability to witness blessings given to kids throughout totally different occasions of yr
- Deal with: 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward
- Opening hours: Open from 6:00 AM to six:00 PM, nevertheless, this time setting adjustments from October to March to six:30 AM.
- Worth: This particular Buddhist temple presently holds no admission payment which is akin to a number of different Buddhist shrines outlining Osaka and Japan as a complete.
11. Hozenji Temple
The Hozenji temple is a major and cherished Buddhist temple inside Osaka.
This Buddhist temple is positioned close to the busy and in style procuring and tourism avenue of Dotonbori.
Nonetheless, the aesthetic and attraction of the temple are nonetheless peaceable, full with elegant lanterns and a number of other statues and lamps crafted from totally different supplies.
There may be even water that’s blessed with luck to deliver you success and concord out there.
Fortuitously, this Buddhist temple is definitely accessible as it’s nearer to the favored metropolis and business vacationer areas like Nanba, throughout the Chuo ward of Osaka.
- Deal with: 1 Chome-2-16 Nanba, Chuo Ward
- Opening hours: Enterprise hours for this temple are from 7 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: Freed from cost
12. Osaka Science Museum
This is without doubt one of the most important and mesmerizing museums in Japan, and probably the greatest locations to go to in Osaka.
It is perhaps troublesome determining what to see in Osaka if you’re touring with children, however this science museum is attention-grabbing for youths of all ages.
The shows are interactive, academic, and fulfilling.
The interactive reveals have been primarily designed to assist educate and inform kids, though anybody may discover one thing they might get pleasure from studying about throughout the museum.
Displays at this Osaka Museum embrace the historical past of science, electrical energy, and the fundamental basis of chemistry.
Charges for the reveals differ between adults and kids, or college students, with costs beginning starting from 300 to 600 yen.
Opening occasions can fluctuate and alter, particularly now that the museum is presently closed for renovation, and will probably be reopening in April of 2019.
For many who would plan to see two museums, the Osaka Science Museum is positioned close to the Nationwide Museum of Artwork in Nakanoshima, Kita. Head to the Nationwide Museum of Artwork earlier than or after your journey to the Science Museum.
- Deal with: 4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 400 Japanese Yen for adults 300 yen for college kids (additional price for particular exhibitions)
13. Tower of the Solar
The Tower of the Solar is a novel and indulgent constructing and is a major instance of Japanese structure.
Learn our intensive information for touring to Japan!
It’s positioned proper within the Osaka prefecture, so it’s well-known and ideal for individuals who are staying in a central location.
The tower was in-built dedication and as a logo of the Osaka Expo in 1970.
There may be numerous unimaginable paintings across the tower, together with the Tree of Life exhibition house.
With the tower’s top being 70 meters, the highest flooring commentary deck is definitely accessible due to transferring staircases and lifts.
Tower of the Solar is a one-of-a-kind sight, and the exhibitions together with the Tree of Life are gorgeous.
- Deal with: 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita
- Opening hours: each day from 10 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 300 – 700 Japanese Yen (relying on age)
14. Tempozan Ferris Wheel
As a substitute of being entrapped inside an amusement park, the Tempozan Ferris wheel is positioned throughout the Tempozan harbor village.
It stands out as a result of its huge measurement and top of 112 meters.
With the booming nightlife and brilliant surroundings, the Ferris wheel doesn’t appear misplaced because it provides a pleasant contact to the harbor.
You’ll be able to go to and experience the wheel each through the day and at evening, although the glittering lights are particularly scenic after darkish.
Rides on the Ferris wheel often final quarter-hour. Using this iconic wheel is without doubt one of the most entrancing and fascinating actions when questioning what to do in Osaka.
The experience is clearly thrilling as a result of its top and isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, however the view is gorgeous and in the end value a strive.
- Deal with: Kaigandori, throughout the Minato ward of Japan
- Opening hours: each day from 10 AM – 9:30 PM
- Worth: 800 Japanese Yen
15. Utsubo Park
Each a public and urban-centered park, Utsubo Park is constructed on the stays of a former airfield, giving it the looks of an airplane runway.
Flowers and totally different bushes line the park, and there’s additionally a sublime rose backyard. In the direction of the northern aspect of the park, there are memento outlets and different touristy shops.
Different points of interest in Utsubo Park embrace tennis courts, botanical gardens, a science and know-how middle, and a flower and sculpture exhibit. The latter is simply open within the fall months of October and November.
- Deal with: Chome Utsubohonmachi, throughout the Nishi ward of Osaka
- Opening hours: 24h/7
- Worth: Exercise charges fluctuate per location and exercise.
16. AVOID the Osaka Aquarium
It might sound unusual to let you know NOT to do one thing on a listing of issues to do in Osaka, however there’s an excellent motive for it.
The Osaka Aquarium is understood for being one of many metropolis’s high points of interest. In actual fact on most different weblog posts and articles you’ll examine Osaka, they’ll have this as being within the high 3 actions.
This place is touted as being the very best aquarium in Japan, and probably the greatest on the planet. However the reality is it’s a horrible, unhappy place.
The marine life are stored in abysmally small tanks, usually uncovered to loud noises and intense crowds.
The penguins for instance are always surrounded by a whole lot of individuals, actually solely centimetres away from them.
There’s a complete part the place folks can truly contact the fish, and also you’ll discover numerous guests taking part in with them, with no care in any respect for his or her wellbeing.
Maybe the worst of all although is the 2 whale sharks that depressingly circle their tiny enclosure.
The largest fish on the planet is stored in a tank that hardly offers them sufficient room to maneuver.
To make issues worse, there are studies that the whale sharks truly die each few years as a result of being stored in captivity.
When a whale shark dies, the aquarium simply buys one other one to placed on show.
The administration declare they’re doing a little conservation work, however no matter small quantity of excellent they could be doing is overshadowed by their blatant disregard for the wellbeing and well being of the animals they personal.
In fact, you may make your personal resolution about visiting, however there’s no method we might ever, ever suggest anyone to go there.
When you care about animals in any respect, you’ll not assist this tragic attraction.
Not a lot else makes it on our checklist of locations to keep away from in Osaka, however the Osaka Aquarium needs to be prevented in any respect prices.
17. Nagai Botanical Backyard
Following the theme of flowers and botany, the Nagai Botanical Backyard is a sublime backyard filled with various flower and plant species.
Seasonal flowers additionally line the park and are a well-liked favorite for locals and vacationers alike.
You’ll be able to go to the park throughout any season, because the gardens differ barely primarily based on the time of yr.
The backyard is even fulfilling through the wintertime, with the inclusion of the Christmas rose being distinguished within the colder months.
Timber of various species additionally line the park, together with the sequoia, a massively massive and indulgent tree.
To accompany these bushes, there are over 1,000 different species scattered all through the massive backyard, all paired with totally different chook species.
- Deal with: Nagaikoen, throughout the Higashisumiyoshi Ward in Osaka
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Worth: 200 Japenese Yen
18. Umeda Sky Constructing
The Umeda Sky Constructing is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in Osaka. It’s positioned close to Osaka Station and is an actual sight to see.
Consisting of two big towers, every at 40 tales tall, the constructing is tremendous fashionable and virtually other-worldly wanting.
The 2 towers are joined on the high by a complete flooring often known as the Floating Backyard Observatory. From right here, you may get pleasure from a incredible view over all the metropolis.
Heading up right here is just not for individuals who are afraid of heights, nevertheless. The observatory is suspeded over the air, because it acts as a bridge between the 2 towers.
However even from the bottom, the Umeda Sky Buildings is an iconic piece of contemporary structure in Osaka.
- Deal with: 531-0076 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 9:30am – 10:30pm each day
- Worth: 1500 Yen
19. Immediate Ramen Museum
It’s well-known that everyone loves ramen noodles when visiting Japan. So why not go to an Osaka museum devoted to them?
Positively probably the most distinctive Osaka factors of curiosity, the Immediate Ramen Museum is devoted to educating folks in regards to the meals often known as immediate ramen.
Whereas it’s actually weird with its subject of alternative being immediate noodles and the well-known model “Cup Noodles”, it’s actually value a go to because it is without doubt one of the most memorable issues to do in Osaka.
Some reveals throughout the museum are the Rooster Ramen Manufacturing unit the place you may watch and make rooster ramen by hand, the My CUPNOODLES manufacturing unit in which you’ll be able to customise your personal particular cup noodles bundle, and “the start of rooster ramen” the place you may study how the primary immediate ramen product happened.
The moment noodles tunnel shows a big and intensive line up of various manufacturers, flavours, and different variations of immediate ramen.
There may be additionally a tasting room, the place in style manufacturers and favourite flavors of immediate ramen are tried and examined, in addition to a museum present store.
Some gadgets are even restricted, making them priceless and uncommon; particularly as they’re solely bought and marketed from this particular store inside this Osaka museum.
- Deal with: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda
- Opening hours: each day (besides Tuesday) from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Worth: 500 Japanese Yen
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