Welcome to Osaka! This vibrant city, often referred to as Japan’s kitchen and one of the largest cities in Japan, is a cultural hub, historic powerhouse, and entertainment hub. Located in the Kansai region of Honshu, Osaka is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, offering a peaceful escape. It’s a place filled with numerous activities and adventures, making it a popular destination among tourists. If you’re visiting Osaka and don’t have an activity plan, get ready to have unfiltered fun with our top 16 list of things to do in Osaka and one of our ultimate Japan travel guides. This list covers everything that promises unforgettable memories, from neon-lit nightlife to history-filled museums, centuries-old temples, and adrenaline-inducing fun. Let’s get into it.
1. Take a Food Tour to Engage Your Taste Buds
You can’t visit Japan without having a taste of Japan, and you can do that by taking a food tour to try Asian cuisine. There are lots of restaurants and street food you can try out, from savory delicacies to sweet pastries. One of the cool spots to try is the Tenjinbashi suji, a spot that offers classic Osaka cuisine, including udon noodles, fresh seafood, kushi katsu, rice crackers, and more. Not only is the food worth a try, but the drinks are, too. If you’re not afraid to try something new, you can try it. Other places to try street food in Osaka include Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Kuromon Market.
Notably, Numata is one of the restaurants in Osaka that can be part of a food tour. It has a double Michelin star, which is a compelling reason to try their tempura. Tennosachi Yamanosachi is another high-end restaurant where you can enjoy the finest beef in various forms, including Miyazaki beef, roast beef, and sirloin steak. You shouldn’t miss out on the Obanzai platter and beef that the New World restaurant offers. Likewise, don't forget to try the Okonomiyaki savory pancake; it’s worth a try.Â
2. Attend a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Japan and the traditional tea ceremony go hand in hand, and Osaka is no exception. The Japanese ceremony dates back to the 8th century, as it was consumed as medicine in those days. Now, this has evolved into something that is commonly practiced across the country. If you visit Osaka for your vacation, attend a tea ceremony to experience the full essence of what it’s like. There are countless places where you can attend a tea ceremony. You can check out Maikoya, a traditional teahouse that offers different traditional tea ceremony packages, including private or group ceremonies. You can also visit Sazanka in Osaka, where you can grind and make your tea and even try on a traditional kimono outfit.
3. Try Kart Driving
Add some fun to your Osaka adventure by going kart driving on the streets of Osaka. You can book a ride with Japan Kart for an unforgettable experience, and with just 7,800 Yen, you can enjoy a 90-minute tour around Osaka Castle. For an exhilarating kart driving experience, you can also book a kart driving plus sightseeing at the top spots, including Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku tower, and Tennoji with the Akiba Kart, as you feel like a professional racer. The karts are comfortable and cost 11,000 yen for a one-hour karting experience.
4. Attend a Cooking Class at the Kuromon Market
The Kuromon Market is a prominent tourist spot in Osaka, featuring over 100 shops that sell a wide variety of meat, fish, and cooking ingredients. If you are a chef or passionate about food and cooking, or you just love to learn new things, visiting the Kuromon Market might be your shot at learning how to make Japanese cuisine. By attending a cooking class, you get to learn to prepare local dishes like ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and even the art of sushi making.
There are various cooking classes available, catering to individual and small group training, making it ideal for all levels of cooking experience. For Japanese cooking classes in Osaka, consider Cooking Sun, located within walking distance of the market. Alternatively, you can opt for a private tour that includes sushi-making with a Maiko. You can generally check out affordable cooking classes that interest you in the market. Additionally, the Kuromon market is an ideal place to purchase edible souvenirs for your loved ones.
5. Explore the Osaka Aquarium
The Osaka Aquarium, also known as the Kaiyukan Aquarium, is one of the must-see places in Osaka. It offers fun activities and epic views where you see a diverse array of aquatic animals and marine life. Not only that, you get educated on different aquatic animals, including sea lions, rays, and sharks, while you are in proximity to them. For more interaction with these sea animals, you can go for an undersea adventure with the help of the escalator ride, taking you deep down to see the stunning view of the ocean. In addition, don’t forget to take pictures and videos to seal the moment. You can easily find your way to the museum from the Osaka Station; you just have to get off at a couple of stops at the Bentencho station, Chuo Subway Line, and the Osakako station, which is just 5 minutes away from the aquarium.
6. Explore Beaches
If you want to explore places in Osaka that distract you from real life, then you should explore some of the popular beaches in Japan located in Osaka. A popular Osaka beach is Maishiama Beach, a perfect location for strolling and taking in the environment. In addition, Nishikoma Beach is an Osaka beach popular for its stunning sunset views over Osaka Bay. It's a great spot for swimming, windsurfing, fishing, and even eating some barbecue.
7. Try the Osaka Museum of History
From permanent exhibitions to features and special ones, the Osaka Museum of History is a must-visit. The 7th to 10th floors feature varying permanent exhibitions. These exhibitions take you through the historical artifacts and materials that provide insight into the past. The 7th floor features modern and contemporary history, showcasing what Shinsaibashi and Dotombori streets looked like during the late Taisho and Early Showa periods. On the 8th floor, there is the Naniwa Archaeological Centre, where you get to experience an archaeological excavation replica in real-time. If interested, you can gain hands-on experience with fundamental tools and materials while completing a project.
The 9th floor, however, takes you back to the Middle Ages and the early modern period. You will return to the Hongan-ji temple and also experience a tour of the water city in the Edo period. And finally, the permanent exhibition is on the 10th floor, which takes you to the ancient period of the Japanese era. You get to see replicas of the vermilion-painted pillars and mannequins in ancient court dress, providing insight into ancient court life.
The special and featured exhibition, on the other hand, is subject to change, and what you see depends on when you visit. You can browse the collection of special and featured exhibitions and select the one that interests you. The admission ticket generally costs 600 yen, and a group rate of 540 yen is available for adults. University students and high school students get to pay 400 yen for a general visit and 360 yen for a group rate. Elementary and junior students, however, can enjoy free entry.
8. Surf the Minami Neighbourhood
Beyond popular tourist attractions and museums, taking a stroll across the Minami neighborhood in the Chuo ward, also known as Namba, should be on your list, too. In the neighborhood, you can visit souvenir shops and just enjoy the Osaka nightlife while you bask in the neon lights and colorful lights, coupled with tasty street food and fresh seafood to awaken your taste buds. While you explore the neighborhood, you can visit Namba Park, which features a lot of things that can keep you engaged for the whole day. This included a cinema, a rooftop garden, an amphitheater, and many shopping malls that sell beautiful products that are difficult to resist.
9. Go For a Ferris Wheel Ride
If you’re in for an exhilarating experience, then going on the Ferris wheel should be on the list of things you should do in Osaka. There are a couple of Ferris wheels in Osaka, with some popular ones being the Osaka Wheel and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The Osaka wheel happens to be the largest Ferris wheel in Japan, so you see why you should try it out. The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a 112-meter Ferris wheel close to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. After a wonderful time at the aquarium, you can end your day on an adrenaline-inducing note as you take a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
10. Visit Universal Studios Japan
You shouldn’t visit Japan without visiting the infamous Universal Studios. It is the largest theme park in Asia, offering a nostalgic charm with various themed zones that will leave your jaw dropped. Talk of Hollywood, Super Nintendo World, Amity Village, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, the world of Harry Potter, and lots of them, all of which offer exciting experiences. There’s also fantastic food to go hand-in-hand with impressive performances. You can book a ticket in advance to avoid the queue, and you can check with Universal Studios Japan online to book your tickets.
11. Have an Interactive Session at the Science Museum
If you're interested in science, the Osaka Science Museum is sure to pique your interest. It’s a museum with four floors of intriguing and interactive exhibits. Not just that, if you have kids who love science, you can bring them with you, as the museum is child-friendly. The Osaka Science Museum features various exhibits that span multiple topics, including chemistry, electricity, and energy. The museum offers a science exhibition, which is conducted multiple times a day, where you can interact with science probes and learn new things while doing so. Aside from the science exhibition, this science museum also houses a planetarium. Please note that admission to the museum costs 400 yen; however, if you wish to visit the planetarium, an additional 600 yen is required for a one-hour session.
12. Attend the Tenjin Matsuri Summer Festival
If you visit Osaka around July 24th and 25th, you can join the Tenjin Matsuri Summer Festival to enjoy the Japanese culture and special atmosphere in full swing. Ranked as one of the top three festivals in Japan, this event honors the deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane. The first day starts with a ritual at the Tenmangu shrine, followed by prayers for Osaka. The peak of the Tenjin festival is the second day, when dancing and drumming fill the streets of Osaka. Adding fun to the event is the procession of various characters, including umbrella dancers, lion dancers, Sarutahiko, a goblin riding a horse, and Mikoshi, which are portable shrines carried by people. Overall, experiencing a Japanese festival like the Tenjin festival will make your day.
13. Explore the Iconic Osaka Castle
Also known as Osaka-jo, the Osaka Castle is an iconic landmark in Osaka with a history dating back to the 16th century. It’s a place with a peaceful ambiance, surrounded by parks and lush greenery, making it an excellent spot for unwinding. Aside from this, there are other things you can do at the castle, and these include exploring the Nishinomaru garden, which has lots of cherry trees. If you happen to be there during the cherry blossom season, you can watch the cherry blossoms.
Another option is to visit the Konamon bar and enjoy some delicious octopus balls and dumplings. You can also have a picnic under the trees in the garden with your family, partner, or just yourself. To access Osaka Castle, you must have an admission pass or tickets, which can be purchased on-site at the castle tower. However, if you want to avoid queues, you can buy your ticket online.
14. Visit the Shitennoji Temple
Japan is a country with a high number of temples due to its historical connection with Shintoism and Buddhism, and Osaka is no exception. Shitennoji Temple, Japan’s oldest temple, is rich in history, with the most prominent history being the legacy of Prince Shotoku Taishi, who founded the temple and played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to Japan. Away from the vibrant city of Osaka, you can have a peaceful escape at the temple. When exploring this amazing temple, you can choose to admire the temple’s architecture; however, to see some key locations and elements of this Buddhist temple, you must pay an entrance fee. Some of these locations include the Kodo lecture hall, Chusin Garan, which costs 300 yen for adults and 200 yen for older people; the Gokuraku Jodo garden; the treasure house; and others.
15. Experience the Beauty of the Minoo Park
Just 30 minutes away from the Osaka station, the beautiful Minoo Park has many thrilling activities to offer. You can start by hiking the waterfall trail to the Minoo waterfall, where you get to see this 33-meter-high waterfall along with its beautiful surrounding scenery. One of the highlights at Minoo Park, which you will encounter on the waterfall trail, is the Ryoanji temple, a popular destination due to its distinctive architecture. The Katsuoji temple is another popular attraction at Minoo Park, known for its numerous Daruma dolls; you can check it out and add it to your list of Japanese temple visits.
Visiting the park’s insectarium is an experience you should have, especially if you are interested in nature. At the insectarium, you will learn about different insects, both international and indigenous. You can also try out street foods along the trails, especially the maple tempura, if you visit during autumn.
16. Abeno Harukas
If you want to see Osaka in a whole new light and see the bustling city streets in full swing, then the Abeno Harukas observatory is a must-visit. It’s an observatory and the tallest sky building in the area, standing at 300 meters, offering mesmerizing panoramic views from the observation deck, Harukas 300, located on the 58th to 60th floors of the building. Aside from offering a jaw-dropping view of Osaka, Abeno Harukas is a place where you can explore various spaces, as it houses Kintetsu: a massive department store, souvenir shops, a rooftop garden, an art museum, and the popular Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel. Overall, it offers a day’s worth of adventure.
Conclusion
Osaka is more than just a destination; it's a place that offers stunning views and an endless experience as you continue to discover new things with each visit. An Osaka experience offers a beautiful blend of tradition, tasty meals, and adventures. Whether you find yourself trying sake in a historic brewery, having a heart-pumping ride on the Ferris Wheel, or trying out proper Japanese cuisine, you will find something just for you. Are you ready to have a mind-blowing Osaka experience? It‘s time to pack your bags, book your flight, and bring your dream trip to life.
