Simply the Best Things to do in Osaka, Japan

 [The Food Capital of Japan!]

THINGS TO NOTE FOR JAPAN:

There are no trash cans available publicly. You may think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not—honest to goodness, no trash cans. My sister and her boyfriend were relentless about my informing you all. They wanted me to let you guys know. This is your PSA.

Why Visit Osaka? 

Mostly food, but there’s so much more!!

I work in a circus in Macau, and one of my favorite training partners is this ridiculous but wonderful human being by the name of Tomo, who just so happens to be from Osaka. He trains, he eats, and he plays with his cats. He’s lovely, and everyone should aspire to be more like him. Tomoki loves Osaka even more than he loves making fun of how I say it… He told me if I like food as much as I say I do, I should go to Osaka, it’s better than Tokyo. Osaka is the food capital of Japan!

So I did. Amongst a few other things, I ate.

Tomo wasn’t the first person to mention coming here. It’s one of those hot ticket locations in the theatre I work in, and the favorite place on Earth of my friend Kaylea. A southern gal from the boondocks of Texas who became obsessed with manga, learned Japanese, moved to Japan for a while, and is studying to become a sake sommelier. She knows her shit.

Best Thing to Do in Osaka 

Funnily enough, after having everyone and their mother tell me I needed to check out Osaka, when I asked for recommendations, everyone’s gut reaction was to say Kyoto. Not exactly Osaka since it’s an entirely different city, but being only 15 minutes by Bullet train, I’ll let it slide. Plus, the quiet countryside of Kyoto was an incredible complement to the lively electric city of Osaka. 

KYOTO

Let’s get this one out of the way. If you have the time, check out Kyoto while visiting Osaka. This is number one on my list, partially because it’s a joke, but partially because this was the real answer I received when asking everyone what to do in Osaka. Hate to burst the bubble but, it is, in fact, not in Osaka…but it is only 15 minutes by bullet train, so it’s well worth the trip. Plus, there’s a slew of different things to do there. 

There’s the historic district of Higashiyama or the neighboring town of Uji (the home of Matcha!). You can take some beautiful pictures at the bamboo forest and visit the gorgeous temples intertwined in the surrounding nature, visit the 1000 Gates, or a thousand other things. It involves some research because a lot of things to do in Kyoto City require some form of transit. While other attractions are outside of Kyoto City and are in the wider Kyoto Prefecture, such as Amanohashidate or Takao.

Can Kyoto be a day trip from Osaka?

Technically yes. It’s possible, but I wouldn’t suggest it. You could enjoy it for a few hours, but I would suggest at least two days there if you can swing it.

There you have it. The top thing to do in Osaka is to get out of Osaka and visit Kyoto. 

Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

A perfectly curated list from an American, an American who wishes they were Japanese, and a few Osakans. Osaka, being the Kitchen of Japan, a lot of the “things to do” involve eating. And the food is worthy enough of the trip. However, if you’re looking for some other things to do, scroll down.

1. Eat.

Check out my full list of where you should eat, completely tried and tested by yours truly and a handful of locals. [COMING SOON]

2. Check out TOTO- the fanciest toilets in the world

Visit some of the fanciest toilets in the world! Maybe this isn’t for everyone, but checking out the latest technology being implemented in an appliance so rudimentary is shockingly interesting. Just know that in the Osaka showroom, they do not speak English (there’s a sign), and you cannot buy a toilet there. 

3. Hanshin Umeda Main Store- The department store of confectionery!

What a lucky find this one was! We were on our way to find the ToTo store, and lo and behold, we ended up in a department store dedicated to all things sugar! There were gummies, chocolates, red bean paste pancakes, muscat grape pastries, matcha caramels, ice cream, and fudge. The list goes on. If you want some truly unique souvenirs that won’t make it home, check it out. 

4. Tsutenkaku Observation Tower

First of all, Tsutenkaku is located in the awesome retro food district of Shinseki, which is a neighborhood you shouldn’t miss. As for the tower, it’s a hot ticket item on tourists’ Osaka Bucket Lists. The tower has an observation deck which offers some great views of Osaka Tower and Abeno Harakus.. Make sure you find Billiken; a cute little statue that is believed to bring good luck and happiness to those who rub the soles of his golden feet. Also, don’t miss the small exhibit on Pocky sticks! This landmark tower is a great place to see the city from above while enjoying some shops and exhibits before and after.

5. Shitennō-ji

Shitennō-ji is a Buddhist temple that is commonly cited as the first official Buddhist temple in Japan. The temple has been rebuilt numerous times throughout its long history and remains a popular place for worship and a destination for visitors. If you happen to be there on the 21st or 22nd of the month, check out its lively flea market that locals and tourists enjoy as well!  The Temple makes its home in Tennoji Park, a welcome respite of greenery and nature amongst the beautiful chaos of Osaka. 

More on the flea market at Shitennō-Ji.

6. Sennichimae Doguyasuji (Shopping Street for Cookware)

Kitchenware Street! A shopping street where you can get all the newest high-end tools and cooking ware to turn you into the chef of your dreams. You should check this spot out, seeing as Osaka is the Kitchen of the World. They know what they’re doing

At Sennichimae Doguyasuji, you’re going to find some da** sharp knives, restaurant signage, ceramics, high-end pots and pans, glassware, lacquerware, and probably more that I can’t think of. If you can finagle it, go on October 9, the Doguyauji Festival. This festival is held once annually, where you can find cooking ware on sale, knife-grinding demonstrations, and more. 

3-minute walk from Namba Station on the Nankai Railway and Osaka Metro Midosuji and Yotsubashi Lines

5-minute walk from Nippombashi Station on the Kintetsu Railway and Sennichimae Line

7. Dotonbori Street

Ahh. DotonBori Street. By god, so many people. You should check it out, but…soo many people. Hailed as the spot to find the best takoyaki and okonomiyaki, the oddly enticing 3D restaurant signs, and neon lights.  

There are so many street food stalls here, do not get hung up on finding the best one. They serve roughly the same food items that can be easily distinguished by the statues or signs outside of the restaurants. If you’re not dedicated to a single restaurant you saw on TikTok, don’t stress the options. Find the shortest line and get yourself some octopus balls. Oh, also, this is where you can find the Gilco Running Man Sign, if that is an important thing for your travel checklist.

8. Osaka Castle

We aren’t huge museum people, so we didn’t go inside, but we still found walking the grounds of the castle worth the trip. Unfortunately, while there, the gardens were under renovation, but I’d suggest giving yourself the morning to wander aimlessly through some of the smaller gardens or parks on the grounds. The castle is beautiful and has an interesting history. Oddly enough, though the castle seems as though it would be centuries old, the current castle was just built in 1931. 

The castle has a rough history. Originally built in 1583 and burned down during the siege of Osaka. The following castle was reconstructed in the 1620s but was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1665. And that brings us to the current castle, which was built in 1931. This one was partially destroyed during air raids of WWII, but with remained mostly intact with some renovations being completed in 1997.  

Travel Tip: Come in the spring to see the cherry blossoms!

9. Sake Brewery Tour

Whether you know sake or not, try out a sake brewery tour or a sake tasting to experience a different side of Japanese culture. Sake is a Japanese alcohol made from fermented rice, water, yeast, and some delicious mold. Just like wine, sake can have a wide range of tasting profiles. From light and crisp to rich and complex. If you think you don’t like sake, I’d encourage you to try again and definitely try sparkling sake (it’s so good). And if you decide to make an excursion out of it, try Akishika Sake Brewery, which is known for its pesticide-free farming. Or check out Naniwa Sake Brewing, the oldest sake brewery in the prefecture, dating back to 1716.

10. Visit a Tiger Store

Tiger is the OG! For my fashion-conscious friends out there. Scouring Tiger stores for a pair of tax-free, exclusive kicks will be a great souvenir to bring home. Tiger shoes are currently under the ASICS umbrella, but going to a Tiger store is a completely different experience than grabbing a pair of ASICS at your local discount retailer. Where ASICS focuses on athletics and performance, Tiger focuses on design inspired by heritage and lifestyle. They’re classic retro shoes that will give anyone’s style a leg up. I feel like I’m giving you a sales pitch. Basically, my sister, her boyfriend, and I went into the store with nothing and came out with a total of 8 pairs of shoes. 

Don’t judge us. 

11. Try an Onsen

I’m bummed I personally did not get to try this out, but I’ll fill you in on what to know. Onsens are traditional Japanese bathhouses. They are hot springs used for bathing and are geothermally heated, coming in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Each one has a different mineral presence with various benefits for the onsen goers. You can decipher the benefits from the color of the water: blue for bicarbonate, red for iron, milky for sulfur, and so on. They are said to have great benefits for skin, circulation, joint health, and more. Had we known earlier that many discourage tattoos, we would have planned better and found tattoo-friendly onsens. But alas, I will have to go back.

Don’t judge us. 

Things to know about traditional Japanese onsens:

• You will be nude.
• Do NOT take photos. 
• Many traditional onsens ban tattoos due to historical association with organized crime, but some allow it. Research is needed!
• You can book a private onsen, which helps avoid rules associated with tattoo bans.
• They are gender split, so this isn’t a romantic together thing you would do with your partner.

12. Namba Yasaka Shrine

If you’re looking for some good luck, take a quick side trip to visit the giant lion’s mouth of Namba Yasaka Jinja. The shrine exists to honor the guardian deity of the Namba area, and the giant lion’s mouth serves to swallow evil spirits for good luck, specific to academics and business. The shrine is open yearly, but it’s commonly visited during times of student exams or the beginning and end of the financial year. It’s easily accessible from Namba Station or Daikokucho Station.

Travel Tip: If you have enough luck of your own and happen to be here on the third Sunday in January, check out the Namba Yasaka Festival. There’s a huge tug-of-war competition that takes place in front of the shrine. (The competition is to symbolize the myth that the shrine’s deity once killed a huge snake, in what is now the Namba area, that brought peace to the people living there.)

13. Kuromon Market

For my seafood lovers and friends. Kuromon market is a large 150-shop public hall filled with seafood, meat, and produce. It’s possible to take home large portions of food to eat at a later time or grab a smaller bite to eat on the spot. While you can get meat and produce, this spot is famous for its seafood. Find high-quality sushi and sahini, grilled oysters, crab legs, sea urchin, and a personal favorite of mine: eel. It’s a ten-minute walk from Namba Station.

Travel Tip: Make sure you DO NOT eat and walk, it’s considered very inconsiderate.

14. Umeda Sky Building- Kuchu Teien Observatory (Floating Garden Observatory)

If you can’t get enough of a bird’s-eye view of Osaka (and I can’t blame you), then check out the aerial sky garden observatory on top of the Umeda Sky Building. Don’t be fooled, the floating garden is, in fact, not a garden. It is a beautiful open-air observation deck that offers a 360-degree view of Osaka on the 39th floor. Also to note, it’s an architectural marvel, being a key distinctive element in the Osaka skyline. Getting to the Umeda Sky Building is an experience in and of itself. Slow down to enjoy Takimi Koji Gourmet Street, which is in the basement of the east building. Easily passed by on your way to the observatory. 

15. Collect some Pokémon cards

Pokemon! Gotta catch ’em all! I have two entirely full binders of Pokémon cards from the 90s, so I was pumped to restart my collection in Japan. Pokémon originated in Japan and is still going strong in this country. If I can offer you a tip, make a budget and a game plan. Try to think through what you’re looking for if you get easily overwhelmed like me (there are a lot of options). 

Wander through the Namba area and take a look at the new and secondhand card stores; the Pokémon Center Osaka is just nearby. Another great area to check out is Nipponbashi (Denden Town) for a wide selection of card shops. Some notable ones in Nipponbashi include Nin for rare and modern cards or Support Chance for older holos. Meander around this area and you’ll be golden to get your collection up and running.

Travel Tip: Don’t skimp on the Pokémon vending machines. I’ve seen a friend get a shiny Charizard…. 

16. Go to a Retro Arcade

A quintessential Japanese experience. Osaka has a HUGE selection of arcades. Even if you’re not into the latest and greatest mind-twisting, overstimulating ones, we all enjoy a good round of Pac-Man. Some notable options to check out include Lamea Laboratory for antique gaming machines or Space Station, which allows free playing with a purchase of a drink!

17. Do a Tea Ceremony

Rooted deep in Zen Buddhism, doing a tea ceremony is a wonderful cultural experience to be had in Osaka or anywhere in Japan. It’s a practice of moving meditation with its deliberate, mindful actions. A typical tea ceremony involves the ritual of preparation and drinking of matcha (powdered green tea) in a traditional teahouse. Its purpose is to give respite from the outside world, contrasting with its serenity and simplicity. You can often find tourist-friendly tea ceremonies designed for novices, such as Nippon Bunkan.

18. Sumo Wrestling Tournament

Sumo matches are not often, so you’ll be lucky to catch one! If you are visiting Osaka in March, congrats! You have lucked out. In Marc,h there is an annual Sumo Wrestling Tournament at the Edion Arena. If you’re okay with a more “show” performance-based Sumo wrestling match, then you can see those year-round at the Sumo Hall Hirakuza. 

Neighborhoods to check out in Osaka

1. America-mura

As funny and strange as it sounds, check it out. If not to enjoy the dozens of American vintage shops, then to oggle at what Japan believes America should look like. I found it so odd, but I loved it. I wouldn’t necessarily go there for shopping because, as you could imagine, a lot of the shops are American brands that are more expensive than if you were to shop in the USA. But I did find a Chicago Bears bomber jacket for $30 with a small hole in it. I feel like it was a win. 

Why go? The youth culture is on fire here. I’d go simply for the people watching. Also, there are some trendy coffee shops, boutiques, and street art everywhere. Don’t forget to try to find the mini Statue of Liberty while you’re meandering through.

2. Nakazakinishi “Nakazaki-cho”

Filled with pre-WWII renovated buildings, get lost in the alleyways of Nakazakinishi. It’s described as “retro,” but I felt it more as a hipster neighborhood. Filled with vintage (lots of American vintage) stores and coffee shop after coffee shop. If you enjoy wandering and popping in and out of shops for cute items, odd items, and souvenir items, you could enjoy a few hours over here.

What exactly can you expect to find in Nakazakinishi? Expect small cafes, ceramic shops, vintage jewelry, crafty boutiques, and more. Bring your wallet. 

3. Nipponbashi Denden Town

If you’re someone who identifies as a hobbyist, stop by Den Den Town. There’s a lot going on, but there’s a lot to offer as well.  We went there to check out the dozens of camera stores and gaming consoles. But that’s just scratching the surface of this area. Known for its electronics, you can also find tons of retro gaming shops, anything related to Japanese subculture, such as anime, manga, Pokémon, and even a crowd favorite: themed cafes. 

Travel Tip: Kuromon Market is located in Nipponbashi Den Den Town.

4. Shinsekei

You gotta go to Shinsekei–such a vibe. What you’re first going to want to do is get some of the most glorious lighter-than-air deep-fried chicken from Jan Jan Yokocho (Nanyo-dori Shopping Street). Best fried chicken I have ever had in my life. Nothing has topped it. Find the chicken.

After you’ve had your fill of Kushikatsu (various delicious fried foods) at Jan Jan Yokocho, then walk off your meat sweats at the shops nearby. Shinsekei is a quirky place with giant 3D signs, shops selling Japanese souvenirs, and tons of alleyways to stroll through. If you’re looking for some more unique souvenirs from Osaka, Shinsekei is your stop.

Travel Tip: If you’re trying some kushikatsu while in Jan Jan Yokocho, never double-dip in the communal sauces!

Funny story once the sting wore off…I bought these dog jackets for Christmas presents for the dogs of my sister, brother, mom and dad. I 100% thought these were $15-$20. I don’t know what type of conversion was going on in my head. Call it travel brain, fried food fog, or girl math. Either way, I walked away having spent over $320 on Japanese dog jackets! Hope they cherish them forever…

Day trips outside of Osaka

Sakai

My one regret about Osaka is not making time to get to Sakai. My friend has told me endless amazing things about this place. If you’re a foodie or someone interested in making an impact in the kitchen, consider making a day trip to Sakai. This is the original spot where Samurai swords were made, and now the spot to find some of the nicest kitchen knives in Japan. It’s the center of blade making, and you’ll feel it when stepping into the stores. This is where you will learn about this ancient yet essential tool and ask as many questions as you want (granted, if they speak English). It’s a beautiful exchange and could be a unique way to walk home with a highly regarded Japanese souvenir.

You can definitely get knives from Sakai while in the city center of Osaka, but what you will gain in convenience, you will lose in a unique experience. Neither is better than the other; it simply depends on your time and wants for your trip!

Uji

Uji is an incredible small city that is known for its matcha! With only 180,000 people living there they have a lot to offer to not only tourists outside of Japan but Japan itself. Uji is considered the green tea capital of Japan and though it has an extremely limited output it is HIGH quality. I urge anyone considering Uji to give it a go whether you’re matcha crazy or not. I loved matcha and of course would live there is given the chance, but my sister and her boyfriend are not so into the green dirt. But they enjoyed it as well! There are so many fun and strange green things to try. If that doesn’t sell you, I’m afraid I dont’ know what will.

Nara

Ahh the deer city. I’m from Illinois so I’m good on seeing wild deer. We decided to skip to this day trip from Osaka but looking back on it I’m not so sure it was a good call. Nara is Japan’s first capital. So besides getting deer to bow to you for a cracker, you can enjoy some incredible history first hand in this city. If I had gone, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine would definitely be on my list. It’s the shrine of a thousand lanterns. Also, if you go, try the local specialty of  kaki-no-ha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi).