Osaka, often referred to as Japan’s "second city" after the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, possesses a unique charm that sets it apart. Comparing the two is an exercise in futility, as the allure of Tokyo lies in its sophisticated modernity, while Osaka thrives on its vibrant energy and distinct character, establishing itself as one of Asia’s most captivating destinations. The Top 20 Things to Do in Osaka are varied and exciting.
Nestled along Japan’s Inland Sea, Osaka has historically been the nation’s entertainment nucleus, a bustling hub of commerce and leisure traditionally dominated by a prosperous merchant class with considerable disposable income. This has fostered a distinctive "in-your-face" quality that permeates much of Osaka’s culture. The cuisine is more robust, the streets possess a certain edginess, and the people are known for being more approachable and candid compared to other regions of Japan.
From ancient castles to cutting-edge entertainment, from tantalizing street food to world-class museums, Osaka offers a diverse array of activities to captivate every traveler. The following compilation highlights the must-see attractions, unforgettable experiences, and delectable culinary delights that make Osaka a truly remarkable destination. Discover The Top 20 Things to Do in Osaka.
1. Try Okonomiyaki, Japan’s Savory Pancake
Osaka stands as a culinary haven within Japan. Long before the modern foodie movement, Osakans were renowned for their deep passion for food, embodying the spirit of kuidare, a local expression that translates to "eat until you drop" or "eat until you go bankrupt," whichever comes first. This dedication to gastronomic indulgence is evident in every corner of the city.
Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, is a testament to this culinary obsession. This delectable creation is generously filled with green onions, succulent pieces of meat, tender octopus, squid, and/or an assortment of fresh vegetables. For the quintessential okonomiyaki experience, venture to the bustling area around Nanba Station. Ajinoya, a cozy establishment, allows you to witness skilled chefs preparing the dish right before your eyes behind the counter. Alternatively, Okonomiyaki Mizuno, another popular choice, offers a slightly shorter wait time. This is definitely one of The Top 20 Things to Do in Osaka for foodies!
2. Visit the World’s Largest Aquarium
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is not merely an aquarium; it’s an underwater metropolis. A visit here can easily fill an entire day as you immerse yourself in over 16 meticulously recreated environments. Journey through an Ecuadorian jungle, explore the Tasmanian Sea, discover the wonders of Monterey Bay, and marvel at the vibrant ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
The aquarium’s layout is ingeniously designed in a descending spiral around its central and largest tank, representing the Pacific Ocean’s "ring of fire," a seismically active region. Surrounding this centerpiece are numerous tanks showcasing a diverse range of marine life, from playful sea otters and spindly crustaceans to mesmerizing deep-sea creatures. Kaiyukan is also home to two majestic whale sharks, the largest fish species on the planet. Be sure to allocate ample time to admire the ethereal beauty of the jellyfish, gracefully floating in tall, crystalline tanks near the end of your aquatic adventure.
3. Explore Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, holds a rich and complex history. During World War II, it served as a military arsenal, unfortunately sustaining significant damage from relentless bombing raids. However, meticulous renovations, completed in 1997, have largely restored the castle to its former Edo-period splendor.
The five-storied tower, standing at an impressive 138 feet (42 meters), houses a museum showcasing an array of historical artifacts, including armor, weapons, and other relics. Surrounded by tranquil moats and ivy-covered walls, the castle grounds offer a particularly picturesque scene during the enchanting cherry blossom season. Exploring this site is high on the list of The Top 20 Things to Do in Osaka.
4. Spend an Afternoon Museum-Hopping
After your visit to Osaka Castle, consider indulging in an afternoon of cultural exploration by visiting some of the city’s exceptional museums. The Fujita Museum houses a remarkable collection of precious tea ceremony objects. For a glimpse into a unique art form, head to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, showcasing rare Kamigata wood prints, a style specific to the Osaka-Kyoto region. If you are interested, you can even participate in a short course on the fundamentals of woodblock printing (reservations must be made at least three days in advance). The Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, nestled within the scenic Tennoji Park, boasts a renowned collection of over 200 paintings from 9th through 13th century China, as well as an extensive collection of Chinese ceramics.
5. Shop in Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi shopping arcade is Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Ginza district, a haven for shoppers and the city’s most vibrant area. For the complete Shinsaibashi experience, arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, when the promenade comes alive with energy and excitement. As you stroll south from Shinsaibashi Station, you will quickly understand why Osaka is often called Japan’s commercial center. After exploring the main thoroughfare, venture into the quieter side streets, where you are likely to encounter salarymen in suits transitioning from bars to late-night eateries.
6. Snack on Takoyaki, or Octopus Balls
Alongside okonomiyaki, takoyaki is considered Osaka’s "soul food." These savory balls are crafted from a flour-based batter filled with small pieces of octopus (tako), tempura scraps, pickled red ginger, and green onion, topped with a generous sprinkle of dried bonito flakes. Watching takoyaki chefs skillfully manipulate the batter into perfect spheres using two chopstick-like picks is a mesmerizing spectacle. Two of the best takoyaki shops are conveniently located near Umeda train station, one of Osaka’s major transportation hubs. Takohachi is a great place to sit down and enjoy a beer with your takoyaki, while Aiduya offers an unconventional dipping broth to enhance the flavor.
7. Eat and Drink in Dotonburi
Adjacent to Shinsaibashi lies Dotonburi, a vibrant neighborhood where you can fully embrace the kuidare spirit, indulging in food and drinks until your heart’s content. Keep an eye out for restaurants and stalls serving kushi katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) and ikayaki (squid pancakes).
Dotonburi is also home to the original Kani Doraku restaurant, renowned for its seafood and the iconic gigantic animatronic crab that moves its legs and eyes, delighting waiting customers. However, the most famous mascot of Dotonburi is the Glico Running Man, whose figure shines brightly among the other neon advertisements on a Times Square-esque display overlooking the Tombori River.
8. See the City from Above (and Below)
The Umeda Sky Building is comprised of two interconnected buildings, joined at the top by a "floating garden observatory" that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Visitors take an elevator to the 35th floor and then transfer to a separate escalator to reach the observatory deck on the 39th floor. If you are afraid of heights, consider exploring the city from below. Beneath Umeda station lies a dizzying labyrinth of shops, bars, and affordable restaurants. The basement levels of most large buildings within a one-mile radius are interconnected, forming a vast network of commercial activity. Start your subterranean adventure from the basement of Osaka’s renowned Hankyu department store.
9. Watch a Sumo Tournament
If your travels coincide with the month of March, do not miss the opportunity to witness the Grand Tournament of sumo wrestling. Live sumo matches are a relatively rare sight, as tournaments are held in only four cities throughout Japan, and only during specific months of the year. The rules are straightforward: a wrestler must force his opponent out of the ring or make him touch the ground with any body part other than his feet. Winning moves are announced immediately after each bout.
10. Visit the World of Harry Potter
Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan, which features a Harry Potter world that may even surpass the magic of its counterparts in Orlando and Los Angeles. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers a wide array of attractions for both children and adults, including a Hippogriff roller coaster, Hogwarts castle, and Hogsmeade village. Visitors eagerly line up to purchase Butterbeer, a beverage that has gained immense popularity in the Japanese muggle world.
11. Experience Traditional Puppetry at the National Bunraku Theater
Located in the Nipponbashi district, the National Bunraku Theater is a dedicated center for the traditional art of puppetry. The most celebrated bunraku plays were written by Osaka native Monzaemon Chikamatsu (1653-1724), the Japanese equivalent of Shakespeare. Each puppet is manipulated by at least three puppeteers, who are dressed in black and operate in full view of the audience. While the dialogue is in Japanese, English interpretation devices and English-language programs are available.
12. Try Your Hand at Japanese Pottery
The Museum of Oriental Ceramics houses over 1,000 pieces, primarily from Korea and China. Situated in the garden on Nakanoshima, an island in the middle of the river that flows through the city center, the collection includes two National Treasures designated by the Japanese government. If you feel inspired after your visit, head to the Maishima Pottery Museum, where artists are committed to using marine clay sourced from Osaka Bay, much of which is recycled refuse from the construction of Kansai International Airport.
13. Chill Out at Spa World
Spa World is a unique and expansive public bathhouse unlike anything else. With at least eight saunas and 14 onsen (hot spring baths), divided into the "European Zone" and the "Asian Zone," there is something for everyone. The swimming pool features two thrilling twisty slides for the adventurous. If you forgot your bathing suit, rentals are available at the front desk. Guests are welcome to use the facilities for as long as they desire, making it an enjoyable alternative to a conventional hotel stay.
14. Make Your Own Instant Ramen
The Cup Noodles Museum, also known as the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of this popular snack. You can even design your own unique Cup Noodles, from selecting the packaging to choosing the toppings, allowing you to create the ramen you’ve always envisioned. Learn about the invention of chicken ramen, the classic Cup Noodles, and Space Ramen, a dry ramen developed for astronauts.
15. Visit Osaka’s Shrines and Temples
The smaller Hozen-ji temple is often overlooked in Osaka guidebooks, but it’s a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling Dotonburi neighborhood. The temple’s main deity is Fudo Myo, whose typically fierce appearance is softened by lush green moss. The more impressive Shitenno-ji temple is the oldest in Japan, featuring a dramatic five-story pagoda. The Shinto Sumiyoshi Shrine is notable for its pre-Buddhist architectural style.
16. Attend the Tenjin Festival
During the summer months, the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine hosts the Tenjin Matsuri, the city’s largest traditional festival. Locals don summer kimonos and festive costumes, parading portable shrines through the streets and onto "procession boats" on the Okawa River. Stage boats also feature actors performing noh and bunraku plays for eager spectators.
17. Soak Up the Strange Rays of the Tower of the Sun
The Osaka Expo Park, built for the Japan World Exhibition in 1970, is home to Okamoto Taro’s "Tower of the Sun," a towering 230-foot (70-meter) sculpture made of concrete and metal, with two outstretched arms and a round golden face. Despite being described by cultural critic Alex Kerr as "a giant creature from outer space put together in a kindergarten art class," the Tower has won the hearts of both Osakans and visitors alike.
18. Shop for Vintage Goods in America-mura
America-mura, or America Village, is Osaka’s trendy youth district. Located near the Shinsaibashi strip, it’s filled with galleries, cafes, and boutiques selling new and vintage clothing. Nearby Midosuji Boulevard, sometimes called the Champs-Élysées of Asia, is lined with ginkgo trees that turn a vibrant yellow in the late autumn.
19. Check Out the Kitchen District
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is often referred to as Osaka’s kitchen district. Here, you can find every imaginable kitchen utensil at budget-friendly prices. From elegant porcelain to quirky plastic imitation food, there’s something for everyone. Plates, sake sets, bowls, and lacquerware are sold at wholesale prices, making excellent souvenirs for loved ones back home.
20. Ride the Ferris Wheel
With a diameter of 328 feet (100 meters) and a height of 369 feet (112.5 meters), the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the world’s largest. Situated next to the Kaiyukan Aquarium, the wheel’s colored lights forecast the next day’s weather: orange for sun, green for clouds, and blue for rain. Offering stunning views of Osaka Bay and the surrounding mountains, it is the perfect way to conclude your visit. Experiencing the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of The Top 20 Things to Do in Osaka.
