15 Best Things To Do in Osaka Japan

Are you planning to travel to Osaka soon? Searching for unique things to do in Osaka, Japan?

Although Osaka has a more city vibe than other Japanese destinations, there are still lots of tourist spots in Osaka that you must explore.

From gorgeous Himeji castle to fun Universal Studios, there is no shortage of fun places to visit in Osaka!

So, if you are wondering what to do in Osaka, read this Osaka guide on the 15 Best Things to Do in Osaka Japan!

Where is Osaka Located?

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and is located in the Kansai region.

This bayside city is only a 50-minute drive from Kyoto and is surrounded by the cities of Nara and Kobe in the east and the west.

The city was the center of cultural exchange and commerce in earlier times. It is still considered an important cultural, economic, and historical hub for Japan.

The City of Merchants suffered during the WWII bombings and was almost destroyed. But it was rebuilt.

And there are plenty of unique things to do in Osaka.

How to Reach

Flights

Kansai International Airport is the closest international airport to the city, at 50 km distance. From the airport, take a bus, taxi, or train to the city center.

If you are flying domestically, take a flight to Itami Airport, closer to the city.

Trains

One of my favorite ways to reach the city is by taking a train. You can take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen train line from Tokyo within 3 hours.

Plenty of JR trains connect the city to nearby cities such as Kobe, Nara, Kyoto, and more.

Ferries

If you travel from cities such as Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, etc., you can even take a ferry to reach here!

Buses

From Osaka Bus Station and Namba Bus Station, you can find buses that connect this city to the nearby towns.

Best Time to Visit Osaka

If you are planning to travel to Osaka, you should plan your trip according to the activities and the attractions you wish to visit.

If you wish to see the cherry blossoms, the best time to travel to Osaka is Spring. The flowers bloom in March and remain till the first week of April.

But this is also the peak season. So, you will find tourists everywhere and prices hiked for most things.

If you want to see beautiful foliage in Osaka, then autumn is also a good time to visit. The weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the tourist spots in Osaka thoroughly.

You can plan your trip at the start of October and November end. This is also a popular time to visit, and you might find tourists at most attractions in Osaka.

September and May are a good time to visit Osaka because of the pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Avoid visiting in June and July as it is an extremely wet time.

Also, August would be extremely hot. It isn’t a good idea to visit unless you are used to heat.

If you don’t mind the cold, then winter is perfect as there are few tourists around. January and February are the coldest months but the temperature doesn’t go below 0 degrees Celsius.

15 Best Things To Do in Osaka Japan

Spend a Day at the Universal Studios Japan

Are you wondering about what to see in Osaka?

Since I recently traveled to Japan, I can share everything you need to know to explore this amazing Japanese city.

One of the most fun Osaka tourist attractions you cannot miss is Universal Studios Japan. This was the first Universal Studios to be built outside of the USA and it is massive.

Here, you can find amazing attractions such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park rides, Water World, and more!

Trust me, this is a paradise for kids and adults alike and you can easily spend a full day here!

Check Out: Universal Studios Japan 1, 1.5, or 2-Day Studio Pass

Check Out: Universal Studios Japan E-Ticket

Explore the Dotonbori Street

Another one of my favorite tourist spots in Osaka was Dotonbori Street which was perfect for a night stroll!

I loved the neon lights and the range of food options available here.

You should arrive after sunset, walk up to the main drag, and try the delicious street food here.

Also, don’t forget to visit Don Quijote, a famous Japanese discount store, that sells literally everything!

Plus, there is a Ferris wheel here too.

Check Out: Sushi Class in Dotonbori

Check Out: Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount

Shitenoji Temple

If you want to learn about Japan’s religion, one of the best places to visit in Osaka is Shitenoji Temple.

One of the oldest temples in Japan, the Shitenoji Temple was built in the 6th century to introduce Buddhism to Japan.

This Buddhist structure has been rebuilt over the years due to numerous fires but still maintains its original design.

Here, you can spend time exploring the koi ponds with turtles and a Zen market. Sometimes, they have weekend markets held here as well.

Check Out: Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket

Enjoy the View From the Umeda Sky Building

One of the top places to go in Osaka is the Umeda Sky Building, especially for architecture lovers.

This Osaka tourist spot is a popular skyscraper that features an outdoor observation deck that hangs between two buildings.

From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the city.

There are several restaurants and shops for you to explore here as well.

Check Out: Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket in Osaka

Check Out: Guided Walking Tour to Castle, Shinsekai, & Dotonbori

Try the Delicious Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

One of the best things to do in Osaka Japan is to eat lots of pancakes!

No, I am not kidding. On my Osaka trip, I found a wide variety of pancakes and they were extremely delicious.

A few places that you must try are the Happy Pancake or Gram Cafe & Pancakes. Here, you get the best souffle pancakes.

For American-style pancakes, ELK New York Brunch is best.

And if you want more options, you can check out Pancake Cafe Mog.

Check Out: 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour

Visit the Osaka Castle

Don’t forget the famous Osaka Castle if you are wondering what to see in Osaka Japan.

It is one of the top sites in Osaka, especially if you wish to witness the cherry blossoms in Japan.

You need to cross two moats to reach the castle grounds. Inside the castle, there is a museum that is a great way to learn its history and it was so amazing!

There is also an observation deck on the 8th floor that offers stunning views of the city.

But my favorite place was the surrounding Nishinomaru Gardens which are perfect for the cherry blossoms viewing in the spring.

You can also get amazing views of the castle from here.

Check Out: Main Sights and Hidden Spots Guided Walking Tour

Check Out: Osaka Castle Tower Guided Tour in 90 Minutes

Enjoy Go-Karting in Osaka

Are you a Mario fan?

If yes, one of the coolest things to do in Osaka is driving a go-kart on the streets while wearing a Mario costume!

How cool, right?

This is a unique experience that you must try once. You can book a tour to explore the city and fulfill your dream of becoming a real-life Mario for a day.

Check Out: Osaka: Street Kart Experience on Public Roads

Himeji Castle

One of the top things to do in Osaka is planning a day trip to the Himeji Castle an hour’s ride from the city.

This magnificent white castle is quite famous as it is one of the 12 original remaining castles in Japan. Most others were destroyed during the WWII bombings.

Trust me, you must visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site at least once.

You can stroll around the grounds here, learn about its history and architecture, and climb to the top of the castle for panoramic views of the city!

Check Out: Osaka: Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Check Out: Osaka: Himeji Castle, Koko-en, Arima and Mt. Rokko Day Trip

Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

If you love Ferris wheels, one of the top sites in Osaka for you to visit is the Tempozan Harbor Village.

Here, you can ride one of the tallest and one-of-a-kind Ferris wheels in the world!

When the Tempozan Ferris Wheel was first opened to the public in 1997, it was the tallest in the world. But many others have crept up since then.

However, the 17-minute ride of this Ferris Wheel is still amazing and offers a stunning view of Osaka Bay and the nearby mountains!

Check Out: From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara Guided Bus Tour

Explore Minoo Park

One of the places to go in Osaka for some nature time is Minoo Park located 45 minutes north of the city center.

What I love about this place is that there is a path through the forested mountains that leads to a stunning waterfall. This is a great place for nature lovers like me.

You will find mostly local couples and families here. It is one of the offbeat tourist spots in Osaka that you can explore.

Check Out: Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

Head to the Retro Shinsekai

If you want to witness a vintage Japan, then one of the top things to do in Osaka is explore the retro Shinsekai neighborhood.

This area has a 20th-century feel with neon lights, vintage signs, and Showa-era storefronts, and one of my favorites!

You can easily spend half a day here exploring the streets, visiting the Tsutenkaku Tower, enjoying traditional arcade games, and marveling at the street art.

Also, don’t forget to try the Kushikatsu cuisine here!

Check Out: Shinsekai Food Tour with 13 Dishes at 5 Eateries

Check Out: Hotspots and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

Go To The TeamLab Botanical Garden

After the success of the teamLab Borderless, a digital museum in Tokyo, teamLab opened a new exhibit in Osaka in 2022.

The exhibit is at one of the top Osaka tourist attractions – Nagai Botanical Garden.

They have turned nature into art at night using non-material digital technology that won’t harm the plants.

Trust me, this is one of the coolest tourist spots in Osaka that you must include on your Osaka sightseeing itinerary!

Check Out: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Plan a Day Trip to Nara

If you are tired of the Osaka sightseeing, you can plan a trip to the nearby city of Nara.

I am sure most of you would have heard of this charming town which is popular for its large park where thousands of deer roam freely.

It is an hour’s train ride from Osaka and is perfect for a break from city life.

Here, you will find many beautiful temples, gardens, and delicious food you won’t find anywhere else.

Check Out: From Osaka: Nara Customizable Private Day Tour

Check Out: Nara, Todaiji, Matcha Experience and Hot Spring Tour

Don’t Forget Shopping in Osaka

Honestly, from my experience, shopping is one of the top things to do in Osaka.

Shopping in Japan is an amazing experience. You can find amazing brands for affordable prices here and some unique items and designs.

You will find lots of shopping malls and departmental stores near Osaka Station. Here, you can buy everything from souvenirs to local Japanese designer brands.

Dotombori and Namba areas are also good for shopping where you can find plenty of specialty shops, sweets, international brands, and more.

For vintage and thrift stores, Amerikamura is perfect. You will find several boutiques, burger joints, and cafes to explore.

But my favorite was Orange Street which has become the fashion center nowadays. From trendy cafes to fashion boutiques to furniture makers, you’ll find them here.

Check Out: Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

Spend a Day in Kyoto

If you still want ideas on what to do near Osaka, I suggest planning a day trip to Kyoto.

Kyoto is just a 30-minute train ride from the city and can be a great addition to your Osaka trip, especially if you have a lot of time.

There are many amazing things to do in Kyoto. You can visit the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple for stunning city views or head to Arashiyama for the majestic bamboo forest.

You can also enjoy activities here like shopping, walking on the streets, chasing cherry blossoms, and more.

Don’t skip a day’s travel to Kyoto if you have the time.

Check Out: From Osaka: Kyoto Top Highlights Day Trip

Check Out: From Osaka or Kyoto: Hiroshima and Miyajima Train & Bus Tour

How to Get Around

Metro and Trains

One of the convenient and affordable ways to travel around the city is by taking a metro or a train.

Eight metro lines connect the most important attractions in Osaka. Apart from that, you can also take the JR Osaka Loop Line which goes around the city and connects Kansai Airport as well.

If you bought a Suica card in Tokyo, you can use it here to access the metro and the JR train lines.

Buses

The city also has an extensive network of buses and reaches areas not serviced by rail.

The best part is that you can use your Suica card to access most city buses.

Bikes

If you want to explore the city like a local, rent a bike and cycle around the city.

You will find many rental companies here but you have to book in advance.

Taxis/Ubers

Taxis are a little expensive here so if you are traveling on a budget, this may not be the best option.

I like to use Uber. I like the ‘fixed’ rates, and my credit card info already in the app.

Best Things To Do In Osaka Packing List

Here are some tips on packing lightly for your visit to Osaka Japan 

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.

World Traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.

The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.

I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

I also sometimes bring my Vionic Tides flip-flops depending on the time of year. The toe post is so comfortable.

This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

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Where to Stay

Conrad Osaka – If you are looking for a luxury property to stay in Osaka, then Conrad Osaka is a good choice. T

his hotel offers breathtaking views of the city with high-quality amenities such as an indoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, etc.

Plus, it is located in the Umeda district and is close to several attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Check the Price Here

Hotel Royal Classic Osaka – Another great option is Hotel Royal Classic Osaka in Namba District.

This luxury hotel features all the top-notch amenities and is close to several major attractions such as Orange Street, Nainwa Park, and more.

Check the Price Here

HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi – For those who wish to stay in the Shinsaibashi area, Hotel The Flag is the best choice.

This contemporary-styled hotel offers a buffet breakfast and features well-equipped rooms with free WiFi.

You are also close to popular Osaka tourist attractions such as Shitennoji Temple, Kurobon Ichiba Market, and more.

Check the Price Here