If you are planning a trip to Japan, you have likely heard that Osaka is the place where you go to eat. This city is loud, a bit gritty, and completely obsessed with its local food culture. While Tokyo is polished and Kyoto is quiet, Osaka is the place where you come to let your hair down and experience the more energetic side of the country.
We always tell people that if you want to see the real soul of the city, you have to get comfortable with the chaos of the streets. This isn’t a destination for looking at from a distance; it is a place for diving into the crowds and trying things you won’t find anywhere else.
To help you plan your trip, we recommend starting with our Osaka Area Guide to get a feel for the different neighbourhoods before you dive into this massive list of over 30 things to do.
Are you ready to see why we think this is the most exciting city in Japan? Here is the ultimate Osaka bucket list of the 31 best things to do in the city.
Osaka’s Essential Landmarks
1. Explore the Grounds of Osaka Castle
This is the most famous landmark in the city and deserves a spot on any Osaka list. Honestly though, our favourite parts of the castle are the massive stone walls and huge moat that really show you the scale of the old fortress. We also love walking through the original Otemon Gate, which gives you a great sense of what the city looked like hundreds of years ago. The building you see today is a modern concrete reconstruction, so unless you really want to visit a museum, do not feel like you have to pay to go inside.
2. Snap a Photo with the Glico Running Man
You cannot visit Osaka without seeing the neon billboards of Dotonbori. The Glico Running Man has been a fixture here since 1935, and standing on Ebisu Bridge to get a photo with him is a rite of passage for every traveller. Our tip is to go right as the sun goes down. The reflection of the neon lights on the water is fantastic, but be prepared for a lot of elbow-shunting as everyone else tries to get the same shot.
3. Visit the Lion-Headed Namba Yasaka Shrine
This is easily the most visually striking shrine in the city and has become a massive hit online for its unique look. Instead of a traditional gate, the main stage is built inside the mouth of a massive, 12-metre-tall lion head. Locals believe the open mouth swallows evil spirits and brings good luck for business or exams. It is tucked away in the backstreets of Namba, and seeing the giant green head peering out from between modern apartment buildings is a classic Osaka sight.
4. Walk the Floating Garden at Umeda Sky Building
This is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world because of its two towers that are connected at the top by a circular observatory. To get there, you have to ride a glass-enclosed escalator that feels like it is hanging in mid-air. Once you reach the top, the “Floating Garden” is an open-air deck. Unlike most city observatories where you are stuck behind thick glass, in Umeda Sky Building, you can feel the wind and get a clear view of the city stretching out toward the mountains.
5. Take the Elevator to the Top of Abeno Harukas
If the Umeda Sky Building isn’t high enough for you, head to Abeno Harukas in the Tennoji district. It is the highest skyscraper in Osaka and a massive landmark for the city. The observation deck is spread across the top three floors and features floor to ceiling glass that makes you feel like you are hovering over the streets below. There is also an open air atrium in the middle where you can sit and have a drink while you watch the sunset.
6. Visit the Retro Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai
While the other towers on this list are modern and sleek, Tsutenkaku is wonderfully retro. It was originally built to look like a mix of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and it serves as the symbol of the Shinsekai district. Inside, you will find a statue of Billiken, a “god of happiness” that locals rub the feet of for good luck. The whole area around the tower feels like a time capsule from the mid-20th century, full of flashy signs and busy restaurants.
Only in Osaka: Food and Drink Experiences
7. Eat Fresh Takoyaki in Namba
You cannot claim you have been to Osaka until you have burnt your tongue on a fresh batch of takoyaki. While these octopus balls are sold all over the country, the ones here have a distinct, dashi-rich batter that is crispy on the outside and almost gooey in the centre. You will find hundreds of stalls in the Namba and Dotonbori areas, but we suggest looking for a place like Wanaka if you want to see why locals are so picky about their batter. Try them with just salt and spring onions to actually taste the quality of the octopus.
8. Try Hearty Osaka-style Okonomiyaki
There is a massive rivalry between Osaka and Hiroshima over who makes the best savoury pancake, but the Osaka version is the ultimate comfort food. It is thick, hearty, and packed with cabbage and your choice of meat or seafood. Part of the fun is sitting at a counter and watching the chef flip the pancake on a hot steel grill right in front of you. While Mizuno is a legendary choice for their light mountain yam batter, any busy shop with a local queue will give you that classic “eat until you drop” experience.
9. Dip Kushikatsu at Daruma in Shinsekai
Kushikatsu is basically anything on a wooden skewer, breaded and deep-fried. The Shinsekai district is the spiritual home of this dish, and Daruma is the most famous place to try it. You will see a giant, grumpy-looking chef statue outside. There is one golden rule here: no double-dipping. You get one chance to dip your skewer into the communal tin of thin, savoury sauce before you eat it. It is simple, cheap, and goes perfectly with a cold beer.
10. Grab a 551 Horai Steamed Pork Bun
You will see people carrying white and red boxes of these buns all over the city and even on the Shinkansen. 551 Horai is a cult favourite in Osaka, and the smell is unmistakable. The buns are hand-packed every day with a juicy pork and onion filling. You can find their stalls in almost every major train station, so you can grab one before leaving Osaka for your next destination.
11. Sample Fresh Seafood at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” this covered market has been the place where local chefs buy their ingredients for nearly 200 years. While it has become very popular with tourists lately, it is still a fantastic place to try high-quality seafood without a sit-down meal. Look for stalls selling grilled scallops, fatty tuna (otoro), or sea urchin served right in the shell. It can get very crowded, so we recommend arriving by 10:00 AM before the lunch rush hits.
12. Taste the Original Rikuro-ojisan Fluffy Cheesecake
If you have spent any time on social media looking at Japan travel clips, you have definitely seen this cake. The Rikuro-ojisan cheesecake has gone viral globally because of the way it jiggles when it is sliced fresh out of the oven. You will usually hear a bell ringing at the shop to signal a new batch is ready, at which point the staff stamps each one with the brand’s signature logo. It is light enough to eat almost an entire cake in one sitting (or is that just me?), and while it is fine cold, it is best eaten while it is still warm and wobbly.
13. Drink Local Minoh Beer
If you are a fan of craft beer, you have to try Minoh Beer. It is brewed in the northern part of Osaka and is famous for its “Osaruda” (monkey) logo. Their Stout and Weizen have won world beer awards, and you can find them in specialized bars around the Namba and Umeda areas. It is a great way to support a local business while taking a break from the busy city streets.
14. Explore the Hidden Izakayas of Hozenji Yokocho
This is a narrow, stone-paved alley just a minute away from the bright lights of Dotonbori. It feels like stepping into another era. The alley is lined with small izakayas and traditional restaurants that have survived fires and wars. It is the perfect place to go for an evening drink and some small plates of food.
World-Class Entertainment and Theme Parks
15. Enter Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
We have to be honest with you: USJ is a massive commitment. If you are coming here for the Mario Kart ride or to see Peach’s Castle, you need to dedicate a full day to the park. It is a sensory explosion of primary colours and 8-bit music. To get into the Nintendo area, you almost always need a Timed Entry eTicket, which you can only get through the official app once you have entered the park gates. Our advice is to arrive at least an hour before the official opening time if you want any chance of beating the crowds.
16. Step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, the scale of this area inside Universal Studios Japan is incredible. The walk through the forest into Hogsmeade is a total shift in atmosphere, complete with the Hogwarts Express and the towering Hogwarts Castle. Most people rush straight for the Forbidden Journey ride, but the real fun is just walking around with a Butterbeer and looking at the detail in the shop windows (trust me, I’m a Potterhead).
17. See the Whale Sharks at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
This is one of the largest public aquariums in the world, and the design is actually quite clever. You start at the top floor and walk down a spiral ramp that circles a massive central tank. That tank holds 5,400 tonnes of water and is home to a pair of whale sharks. Seeing these enormous, spotted creatures glide past the glass is an incredible experience. We recommend avoiding weekends if you can, as the narrow walkways can feel a bit cramped when the crowds arrive.
18. Take a Ride on the Hep Five Ferris Wheel
This massive bright red wheel is built right into the top of a shopping mall in Umeda. It is one of the most recognisable parts of the city skyline. Each cabin has a built-in speaker so you can plug in your own music as you go up, which is a nice touch for a quick break from the shopping crowds below. From the top, you get a clear view of the Osaka Station area and the surrounding skyscrapers.
19. Experience the teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
This is a permanent outdoor installation in Nagai Park that comes to life after the sun goes down. Unlike the indoor teamLab exhibits in Tokyo, this one uses the actual trees and flowers of the garden as a canvas for light and sound. The exhibits react to your presence and the wind, making it feel like the forest is alive. It is a long walk through the park, so wear comfortable shoes, and keep an eye on the weather since the whole thing is outdoors.
We know, it seems like there is a teamLab everywhere these days. Read our detailed comparison of each:
Local Neighbourhoods and Culture
20. Walk the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
If you want to see where local people actually shop and eat, head to Tenjinbashi-suji. At over two kilometres long, it is the longest covered shopping street in Japan. It stretches across three subway stations and is packed with everything from old-fashioned hardware stores to tiny sushi spots. Because it is so long, the atmosphere changes as you walk. The southern end near the Tenmangu Shrine feels a bit more traditional, while the northern end is full of bargain clothing shops and lively standing bars.
21. Explore the Youth Culture of Amerikamura
Often called “Amemura” by locals, this neighbourhood is the centre of Osaka’s alternative fashion and street culture. It earned its name in the 1970s when shops here started selling imported goods from the United States. Today, it is a maze of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and galleries. Make sure you look up to see the humanoid lamp posts and the small Statue of Liberty on a rooftop. It is a gritty, creative area that feels very different from the polished department stores of Umeda.
22. Hunt for Electronics and Anime in Den Den Town
Located in the Nipponbashi district, this is Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara. It is the place to go for electronics, video games, and anime collectibles. What we like about Den Den Town is that it feels a bit more approachable and less “corporate” than its Tokyo counterpart. You will find plenty of independent shops tucked away in the side streets selling retro gaming consoles and rare figurines. It is a fantastic place to get lost for a couple of hours if you have any interest in Japanese pop culture.
23. Visit Shitennoji Temple
Most people skip this because it is a bit further south, but Shitennoji is one of the oldest temples in the country. Even though the buildings are concrete reconstructions, they were built to the exact same floor plan used over 1,400 years ago, which gives it a very different, “ancient fortress” feel compared to the wooden temples in Kyoto. The best part is the Gokuraku-jodo Garden. It is tucked away in the back of the complex and is usually empty, making it one of the few places in the city where you can actually hear yourself think.
24. Find the Moss-Covered Buddha at Hozenji Temple
Tucked away in a tiny alley near the neon lights of Namba, this small temple is one of our favourite spots in the city. The main attraction here is the statue of Fudo Myoo, which is completely covered in a thick layer of green moss. Visitors splash water over the statue as they pray, and over the decades, the moss has grown to cover almost the entire figure. It is especially atmospheric at night when the paper lanterns are lit and the smell of incense fills the narrow path.
25. Cross the Taiko-bashi Bridge at Sumiyoshi Taisha
This is one of the most unique shrines in Japan because of its architectural style. It is one of the only ones that hasn’t been influenced by mainland Asia. The first thing you will see is the Sorihashi Bridge (or the Drum Bridge), which has a ridiculously steep arch that reflects perfectly in the water. It is a bit of a workout for your calves to walk over it, but it is a classic Osaka photo op. To make the trip even better, take the Hankai Tramway to get here; it is the last streetcar line in the city and feels like a total throwback.
Nature and Local Escapes
26. Hike to the Waterfall at Minoh Park
If the noise of the city centre is starting to get to you, hop on a train to Minoh. It is only about 30 minutes north of Umeda, but it feels like a different world. The walk from the station to the waterfall takes about 45 minutes on a paved path that follows a river. Along the way, you have to try the “Momiji Tempura.” These are real maple leaves that have been preserved in salt for a year and then deep-fried in a sweet batter. They are crunchy, slightly sweet, and a snack you will only find in this specific corner of Osaka.
27. See the Tower of the Sun at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
![Where to go in spring in Japan Expo '70 Commemorative Park [Osaka]](https://flipjapanguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Where-to-go-in-spring-in-Japan-Expo-70-Commemorative-Park-Osaka-1024x576.jpg)
This park was the site of the 1970 World Expo, and it is dominated by the massive, slightly eerie Tower of the Sun designed by Taro Okamoto. It looks like something out of a science fiction film from the seventies. The park itself is huge and includes a beautiful Japanese garden and the National Museum of Ethnology. It is a fantastic place for a long walk or a picnic, especially during autumn when the leaves change colour.
28. Relax at Spa World
We like to describe Spa World as an “onsen theme park.” It is a massive multi-storey building in the Shinsekai area where you can experience hot springs from all over the world. One floor is designed like European baths, complete with a Roman fountain, while another floor looks like traditional Asian spas. It is open almost 24 hours a day and is the perfect place to soak your tired muscles after a long day of walking. Just keep in mind that like most traditional baths in Japan, they have a strict policy against visible tattoos.
Read this before you first onsen visit:
29. Walk Through the Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Tunnel
If you are lucky enough to be in Osaka during mid-April, you must try to visit the Japan Mint. For just one week a year, they open a 560-metre path along the Yodo River to the public. This path is lined with over 300 cherry trees, including many rare varieties that bloom later than the standard trees. Because it is only open for such a short time, it is incredibly crowded and you usually need to book a viewing slot online in advance. It is a bit of a mission to get into, but the variety of colours and shapes of the blossoms is spectacular.
30. Ride the Tombori River Jazz Boat
Most people see Dotonbori from the crowded bridges, but seeing it from the water gives you a completely different perspective. While there are standard tourist cruises, the Jazz Boat is a much more interesting choice. You get to cruise down the canal for 40 minutes while a live jazz band plays. It is a bit quirky and loud, which fits the personality of Osaka perfectly. It is a great way to see the neon signs reflected in the water without having to shoulder your way through the crowds on the pavement.
31. Sunset Views from the Sakishima Cosmo Tower
While Abeno Harukas is the tallest, the Sakishima Cosmo Tower in the bay area offers what we think is the best view of the harbour. The observation deck is on the 55th floor and gives you a clear look at the Port of Osaka, the giant ferris wheel, and the bridge to the airport. Because it is located on a reclaimed island in the bay, it is usually much quieter than the observatories in Umeda. If you go just before sunset, you can watch the sun drop over the Osaka Bay while the city lights begin to flicker on behind you.
Osaka Bucket List FAQs
Is one day really enough to see Osaka?
You can see the “greatest hits” like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle in a single day if you move fast, but you will barely scratch the surface of the food scene. We recommend at least two or three days to explore the different districts and actually enjoy the atmosphere without constantly checking your watch.
What is the best way to get around the city?
The subway is your best friend. Instead of buying individual tickets, we suggest using a digital IC card on your phone. If you are planning to hit several spots on this list in one day, look into the Osaka Metro Day Pass. It usually pays for itself after about three or four rides.
When is the best time to visit Osaka?
Spring (late March to early April) is beautiful for the cherry blossoms at the Mint and Osaka Castle, but it is also the most crowded time. Autumn (November) is our personal favourite because the weather is crisp and the maple leaves in places like Minoh Park are incredible.
Is the Osaka Amazing Pass worth it?
If you are planning to visit at least three or four of the paid attractions on this list (like the Umeda Sky Building, the Tombori River Cruise, and the Ferris Wheel) then yes, it is a great deal. It covers your entry fees and your subway travel for the day.
Rounding Out Your Osaka Trip
If you are looking at this massive list and realising you can’t possibly hit every spot because you only have 24 hours in the city, don’t worry. We have already done the legwork for you. You can find all the absolute “must-do” stops packed into our 1 Day Osaka Itinerary so you can see the best of the city without feeling like you are rushing.
If Osaka is just one stop on a bigger trip through the region, you are probably wondering how to handle the trains. Navigating the different rail networks can be a bit of a headache, so we have put together a guide to help you. We compare the different JR West Passes to help you figure out which one will actually save you money for your specific route.
