Sights and activities in Osaka
Whether you are interested in culture, shopping or just enjoying the spectacular views of the city, Osaka offers visitors a host of things to do.
Umeda Sky Building – gives you a thrilling experience and a magnificent view over Osaka. This spectacular building contains a rooftop floating garden observatory and a breathtaking escalator that connects the building’s two main towers. A visit is highly recommended.
Osaka Castle – a reproduction of a majestic 16th-century castle surrounded by an abundance of cherry blossoms. For additional beautiful historical buildings and lush parks in Osaka you might visit Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine, the island Nakanoshima or The Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses.
National Bunraku Theatre – entertainment by traditional Japanese puppets (Bunraku).
Spa World – do what the Japanese people do and enjoy a traditional bath in a hot spring (Onsen) – open 24/7.
Note that no tattoos allowed, if you have a tattoo (and can’t hide it) you may not be allowed inside.
Tsūtenkaku – a beautifully reconstructed tower in the Shinsekai district. (Visitors should note, however, that this is regarded as a slightly edgier part of the city but is generally safe during the day.) The Tennoji Zoo is also nearby.
Osaka’s Kaiyukan harbour – find one of the world’s largest aquariums and the Japan’s biggest Ferris wheel in the harbour.
Universal Studios Japan – a theme park which features thrilling attractions inspired by popular movies. You can step into the magical world of Harry Potter, embark on an exciting journey through Jurassic Park and so much more.
Shopping in Osaka
There is no lack of shopping opportunities in Osaka. The city has it all, and here you can find a wonderful mix of the newest fashion trends, the latest technology and traditional handicrafts. Visiting Osaka’s shopping centres alone offers more experiences than many other destinations put together.
Dōtonbori and Shinsaibashi area – the city's number one shopping district. Here you can also find America Mura (American Village), the trendiest shopping spot for the younger generation, along with the large Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Center.
Osaka Station City in the Umeda area – the main railway station and shopping, all in one, with fashion boutiques as well as second hand shops.
Tenjimbashi-suji Shopping Street – 2.6km of shopping and food under one roof – a famous shopping street.
Nipponbashi (Den Den Town) in Namba – this shopping district is all about electronic devices at reasonable prices. Bargaining is permitted here.
Japanese food and drink in Osaka
You can expect a lot from the food in Osaka – and the city delivers. Everything under the sun is served in the food capital of Japan, but when visiting Osaka it would be a sin not to try some of the local specialties found both at street stalls and in fancy restaurants. Kuidaore (to eat oneself bankrupt) – might be the simplest way to describe Osaka's people and their obsession with food.
Takoyaki – small ball-shaped dumplings filled with scrumptious pieces of octopus (tako) and topped with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
Okonomiyaki – a type of Japanese cabbage pancake with a variety of fillings usually containing seafood, vegetables and pork or cheese and then topped with takoyaki sauce.
Kushikatsu – skewered meat, seafood or vegetables dipped in egg and panko and then deep-fried. Serve with tonkatsu sauce and enjoy.
Yakiniku – Japanese barbecue that you grill at your own table.
Onigiri – rice balls filled with various stuffing. Excellent small snacks.
Sake – traditional rice wine.
Tea – especially green.
Sights and activities near Osaka
Shirahama – a charming spa town located on the south side of Osaka. Further south, you can find the temple mountain of Mount Kōya.
Kyoto – the former capital of Japan, this city’s well-preserved historical treasures survived World War II. Sights include the Imperial Palace and the wooden Sanjūsangen-dō temple. You can reach Kyoto in 15–30 minutes from Osaka by train.
Nara – less than 60 minutes by train from Osaka, the city boasts several beautiful historical cultural treasures, including numerous temples and a gigantic statue of Buddha. Nara is also famous for its tame deer roaming around, especially in Nara Park.
Hiroshima – walk in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the memory of those who died in the destruction of the city in World War II and learn more about one of the most tragic events in history. Travel time from Osaka is 80 minutes by bullet train and six hours on less expensive local trains.
