If you’re planning a trip to Japan, can we hazard a guess that you are going to Osaka?
Osaka is about 500km south of Tokyo and only 50km south of Kyoto making it a popular stop for anyone going to the Honshu Island of Japan.
This city has it all – temples, great food, quirky districts and iconic picture spots! It doesn’t matter if you’re only in Osaka for a couple of days or for a full week, here are the 10 best things for you to do, as well as what you HAVE TO eat while in Osaka.
You might also like:
1. Osaka Castle
One of the most iconic Japanese castles, Osaka Castle is stunning to look at, and dates back to the 16th century.
Not only is it impressive to look at, it also offers incredible views, is contained in beautiful grounds, and has an interesting museum inside that dives deep into its history.
It also has a building to the side which has a variety of cafes and souvenir shops which is worth looking around. We even found a ninja star throwing area in one of the shops!
The park around the castle is especially beautiful in cherry blossom season, but it’s worth a visit any time of year.
It was easily the best thing we saw while in Osaka!
Too busy right now?
Hey, it happens! We’d love for you to come back and read it when you’ve got time though – why not save it to Pinterest?
2. Amerika-mura
Amerika-mura is a quirky district full of all sorts of street art, unique clothing shops, amazing vintage/second hand shops and many cafes!
It’s a great spot to wander around and shop for some new or pre-loved clothes, and it’s also fab for people watching too!
3. Dotonbori
The food in Osaka is unrivalled! It’s one of the big draws to the city, with so many delicious local dishes to try that originate here!
There is so much street food to choose from that it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start, so head to Dotonbori and you’ll be fine!
This iconic street is packed with neon lights, massive food signs and sculptures (we literally saw a giant, mechanical crab hanging off the side of a restaurant here!), and plenty of places to dive into Osaka’s famous dishes.
We’ve listed the MUST TRY foods at the bottom of this article, so check them out before heading to Dotonbori.
Don’t forget to pose by the famous Glico running man sign!
4. Day Trip to Nara Deer Park
Heading to Nara is an absolute must-do while in Osaka as it’s just an hour away, making it perfect for a day trip.
Here, you’ll find a park full of deer that roam freely that you can even feed by hand – and yes, they are the ones that bow for treats! Nara Deer Park is also home to some stunning temples, which you should definitely take a look at too – including Todai-ji, which was the world’s tallest wooden building for nearly 290 years.
There are people everywhere selling crackers to feed the deer, but the park is huge, so don’t get trapped by the first seller or deer looking for food. Go further into the park to get a more intimate experience, without the crowds.
Don’t take out your crackers when there are more than one deer around, they can get a bit nippy and wont take the time to bow to you, instead find a deer which is on its own, your experience will be much better!
Temples to check out in Nara Deer Park:
- Todai-ji: Home to the Great Buddha, and once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples.
- Nandaimon Gate: The grand southern gate to Todai-ji is a fantastic photo spot.
- Kasuga Taisha: This Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of stone lanterns.
- Kofuku-ji: A beautiful Buddhist temple with iconic pagodas.
Go to the tourist information centre next to the metro station, where they will give you a map of the park that shows you where all the best spots are.
5. Hozenji Yokocho
Tucked right next to Dotonbori, this narrow, cobblestone alley feels like stepping into another era.
Visit the moss-covered Hozenji Temple and make a wish, then wander along and find cosy bars and eateries which are perfect for a quiet evening away from the neon lights.
6. Teamlabs Botanical Gardens Osaka
The interactive digital art installations by Teamlabs have become world-famous, and Osaka’s location is no exception.
Set outside in the Botanical Gardens, the immersive art experience at nighttime is one of the coolest ways to spend an evening in the city.
Our favourite part was the impressive ‘Sculptures of Dissipative Birds’, which looks like a Van Gogh painting come to life!
Make sure you book in advance, as spots get filled up!
7. Shitennoji Temple
One of Japan’s oldest temples, Shitennoji is a peaceful escape and a fascinating piece of history.
The five-story pagoda and the beautiful gardens give a taste of traditional Japanese spirituality in the middle of the city.
8. Shinsekai
Shinsekai (which literally translates to “New World”) is a district in Osaka which delivers with its vintage atmosphere and Tsutenkaku Tower at its centre.
The area has old-school restaurants, game arcades, and unique souvenir shops. You can wander around here for a few hours yourself, or take part in a walking tour – we would recommend this so that you can really take it all in and get some local insight into the area!
9. Namba Yasaka Jinja
Namba Yasaka Jinja is a really unique Shinto shrine in Osaka, famous for its huge lion-head-shaped facade, which stands over 12 feet tall! It is said that it brings good fortune by swallowing evil spirits!
10. Umeda Sky Building
If you’re a fan of panoramic cityscapes, don’t miss the Umeda Sky Building.
Its unique architecture (two towers connected by a floating observatory) and the jaw-dropping views over Osaka from the top make it a highlight.
Head up around sunset for an unforgettable experience.
11. Katsuoji Temple
A short trip outside Osaka, Katsuoji Temple is a magical spot surrounded by mountains. Known for its daruma dolls – which are a symbol of perseverance – this temple is a popular place to come and set goals or make a wish.
Check out some of the best experiences in Osaka on GetYourGuide below:
Haven’t left yet? Check out our article on Everything You Need To Know About Japan before arriving!
You might also like:
What to Eat in Osaka
Now, let’s talk food! Osaka is known as “Japan’s Kitchen” for a reason – there are so, so many AMAZING dishes that originated here.
Here’s what to eat in Osaka, along with some favourite spots to try each one:
- Takoyaki: These famous octopus-filled balls are a must-try in Osaka. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and topped with bonito flakes – delicious, and something you can’t miss while in Osaka. Head to Shinsekai Kankan for some of the best!
- Kushikatsu: Craving something fried? Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meats and veggies) is one of Osaka’s specialties. Most places have a “one dip per skewer” rule for the sauce, so dunk carefully!
- Okonomiyaki: Often called “Japanese pancakes,” these savoury, cabbage-filled delights are grilled to perfection. You’ll find plenty of places in Dotonbori to get your fix. Connor’s favourite!
- Gyoza: For a budget-friendly gyoza fix, try Osaka Ohsho, famous for their affordable, delicious dumplings. Perfect for a quick snack or as a side to share!
- Yakitori Skewers: For a fun night out, check out Tsuki no Odori, which is in Dotombori Arcade. They serve a huge selection of chicken skewers (from thighs to hearts!) alongside beer or sake. Great for sampling lots of flavours in one meal!
- Karin Ice Cream: For dessert, Karin Ice Cream is a light, refreshing treat that’ll cool you down after a day of sightseeing.
- Daibutsu Ichigo (Daifuku): A local snack featuring strawberries and sweet mochi – perfect for an after dinner sweet treat. Look out for it at local markets.
- Persimmon Leaf Sushi: If you’re a sushi lover, then try out these bites that are unique to the Kansai area! They have a very distinctive flavour, so make sure to give them a try.
- Rikuro’s Cheesecake: End your culinary adventure with a fluffy, jiggly cheesecake from Rikuro’s. It’s lightly sweet, super soft, and sooo good. The queue for a freshly made cheesecake goes down quickly, so don’t worry if you arrive to a big crowd. If you’re in a rush, they often sell ones which you can take away immediately that have been made that morning.
Save this post for later:
Just a heads up - some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This means we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the site and keep more blog posts coming your way. Thanks for your support!
Comments
If you'd like to chat directly, pop us an email at hello@lawsoftravel.com or drop a comment below and we'll reply as soon as we can!