Osaka is a city filled with fun and interesting places, worth spending several days exploring.
This destination offers a perfect blend of culinary experiences, cultural sites, and vibrant nightlife.
Here, you can learn about Japanese history and traditions while enjoying all that one of Japan’s boldest cities has to offer.
There is so much to do in Osaka, and if you plan ahead, you’re sure to have the best vacation of your life.
What to see and do in Osaka?
The list of places to visit in Osaka is long and varied, so it’s worth taking the time to consider everything on offer and decide where to focus your time during your visit.
Here is a selection of Osaka’s must-see sights and activities to consider.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s three most significant castles, both in terms of size and historical importance. It features a main tower with 8 interior floors and 5 exterior floors.
This castle was undamaged during World War II, so its structure remains almost exactly as it was when first built, with only minor repairs.
One of the castle’s most unique features is the addition of an elevator to make visitor access easier.
Inside, you’ll find a museum, a convention hall, and a shrine dedicated to Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
The top floor serves as an observation deck, providing fantastic views.
Other parts of the castle grounds include walls, moats, gates, and defense towers, creating a striking appearance that begs to be photographed.
The castle is also surrounded by an expansive two-square-kilometer garden, where there are areas dedicated to baseball, archery, and kendo.
Dotonbori Street
Dotonbori is the main artery of the city. It’s the hub for most of Osaka’s restaurants and nightlife.
Here, you’ll find the Namba Parks shopping mall, featuring stores selling all kinds of products, both local and international, as well as restaurants and a cinema.
In addition to the mall, Dotonbori Street is lined with fashion shops well worth visiting, even if shopping wasn’t on your itinerary. The wide range of products is bound to capture your interest, making it hard to resist exploring.
Dotonbori’s restaurants are very popular, offering Japanese food with a modern twist. The Ajinoya restaurant is currently the most successful spot here.
In addition, you can see the world’s most famous billboard, featuring the Glico company’s runner with raised arms, an icon in Japan.
Located along the river, Dotonbori is also an ideal area for strolling and taking photos. The best time to visit is at night, when the area comes alive with energy.
Shinsekai Neighborhood
One of Osaka’s most visited districts is Shinsekai, which reflects the vision people in the 1950s had of the future.
This area is filled with neon lights and boldly used metal structures.
The famous Tsutenkaku Tower stands here, visible from almost anywhere in the district, towering over most buildings.
Dining in this district is very popular, offering a range of restaurants from upscale venues to those with affordable meal packages.
Kaiyukan Aquarium
On the outskirts of Osaka, close to the bay, you’ll find the Kaiyukan Aquarium.
This building boasts a large, eye-catching façade.
But watch out! Don’t be misled by the aquarium’s somewhat retro exterior—inside is where the real magic happens.
The experience begins as you enter a tunnel known as the “Aqua Gate.” Inside, you’ll be greeted by hundreds of aquatic animals, viewable through a sweeping 180-degree panorama.
The aquarium’s marine life includes otters, seals, dolphins, sea otters, penguins, rays, jellyfish, and much more.
Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest structures, dating back over 1,400 years.
In the first area you encounter upon entering, you’ll be able to admire a statue of Yakushi Buddha.
Next to it is a fountain where it is customary to throw in a piece of bamboo with a written wish.
The temple complex consists of three main buildings:
- Kondo Pavilion
Here, you’ll find several large murals depicting the life of Gautama Buddha, painted by Nakamura Gakuryô in 1959.
- Kodo Pavilion
This pavilion houses numerous statues of various Buddhist deities.
According to legend, these statues watch over the temple and gaze directly into the eyes of visitors.
- Pagoda
This is the temple’s most striking structure. Note that you’ll need to change footwear upon entering, as access to the five floors is permitted only if you use the shoes provided on-site.
For those interested in both cultural heritage and a peaceful atmosphere, Shitennoji is a must-visit, blending centuries-old traditions with a sense of spiritual reverence.
Inside the pagoda, you’ll find various paintings and sculptures, as it was originally built to store these valuable relics of Japanese history.
The last area to visit is the Jodo-Gokuraku Garden, featuring a beautiful lotus pond, purple maples, and cherry blossoms.
Den Den Town Geek District
Den Den Town is the perfect spot for lovers of all things “geeky” or “otaku.” If you’re drawn to Japanese pop culture, this area is a must-see.
Comparable to Akihabara in many ways, Den Den Town offers numerous shops for video games, manga, anime, and everything needed to craft the ultimate cosplay.
The area has stores specializing in Japanese products, as well as many that feature international goods at competitive prices.
Of course, the uniquely Japanese experience is the main attraction here, making it a true paradise for enthusiasts of Japanese pop culture.
HEP Five
The most impressive shopping center in Osaka is HEP Five (Hankyu Entertainment Park), with nine floors and two basements packed with nearly everything you can imagine.
More than 17 million people visit HEP Five each year—over 46,500 visitors daily! It’s easy to see why this mall is so popular.
Each floor and basement features specialty shops for electronics, designer fashion, furniture, video games, books, toys, cars, and much more.
There’s even a haunted house, a favorite attraction among visitors.
If you enjoy heights and thrill rides, you can take a spin on the giant Ferris wheel that runs through the center of the mall. The experience is breathtaking, as passengers board from the first floor, ascending through each level until they exit at the top, where panoramic views of the city await.
The seventh floor has an expansive dining area, an ideal place to relax and recharge.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is one of the best theme parks in Japan (alongside Tokyo Disney), attracting visitors from across Asia who come just to experience it.
With attractions inspired by beloved films and characters, it’s a place where fans of all ages can fully immerse themselves in fantasy and fun.
The park has eight themed areas, with the most popular being The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Universal Wonderland.
There are also sections dedicated to Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco.
In short, Universal Studios Japan is a fantastic activity in Osaka, especially if you have kids or simply love theme parks.
Amerikamura
This district emerged in the 1970s, initially as a marketplace for imported goods from the Americas, especially the United States.
Its success was so significant that it gradually expanded into the bustling area it is today.
Known as Amerikamura, it has evolved from its original concept, yet it remains a popular spot.
However, due to a resurgence of Japanese nationalism, most shops now focus primarily on Japanese products.
Umeda Area
Located in northern Osaka, Umeda’s main attraction is the Umeda Sky Building.
Standing at 173 meters, this striking building features an observation deck offering nearly panoramic views of the city.
The area is packed with a variety of stores, high-end shops, and excellent restaurants.
It’s also home to the offices of major corporations, giving it a unique blend of business and leisure.
Day Trips to Nearby Sites
Osaka is well-connected by road and rail to other nearby Japanese cities, making it easy to take day trips to fascinating destinations around Osaka.
Some of these popular tours include:
- Nara and Arashiyama Day Trip
- Private Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima
- Private Trip to Nara
- Private Trip to Kyoto
- Private Trip to Himeji and Kobe
- Kyoto + Sagano Train Excursion
- Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe Day Trip
How to Get to Osaka from Tokyo
The most convenient way to travel is by bullet train—a fast, comfortable experience that is an attraction in itself.
The efficiency of this service showcases Japanese culture and technology at its finest.
To get to Osaka from Tokyo, simply take the train from JR Tokyo Station and disembark at JR Shin-Osaka. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.
The experience provides not only a scenic view of Japan’s landscapes but also a glimpse into the seamless travel Japan is renowned for.