Osaka is an absolute gem that often flies under travelers’ radar. Known for its buzzing food scene, lively neighborhoods, and unique charm, Osaka is the kind of place that wins your heart the moment you arrive. During our three days here, we fell in love with the vibe of the city, its incredible shopping scene, and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Osaka, including where to stay, how to get around, and the perfect day trips to add to your Japan itinerary.
How Many Days to Spend in Osaka
We spent three days in Osaka, and it felt like the perfect amount of time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, explore its major attractions, and even take a couple of day trips. If you’re short on time, two days can still give you a good taste of Osaka’s highlights, such as its famous Dōtombori district and Osaka Castle, to name a few. However, three to four days is ideal if you want to dive deeper into the food scene, shopping districts, and nearby destinations like Nara and Kobe.
Best Things to Do in Osaka: A Complete Travel Guide
1. Visit Osaka Castle
This being a symbol of the city, a visit to Osaka Castle is a top thing to do in Osaka. As you stroll through the castle grounds, you’ll be enveloped by vast green spaces, historic stone walls that have stood the test of time, and cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring. If you visit in autumn, as we did, the foliage transforms into breathtaking shades of deep red and orange.
Inside, the castle’s museum offers fascinating insights into its past, and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden is beautiful year-round. Don’t miss the chance to head up to the top floor and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk around the castle grounds. Alternatively, you can join a walking tour for a chance to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture.
Admission to the castle costs around 600 yen, while entry to the garden is an additional 200 yen.
2. Explore Dōtombori (best thing to do in Japan)
The heart of Osaka’s nightlife and entertainment scene, Dōtombori is a vibrant district packed with neon lights, street food stalls, and quirky shops. Make sure to stroll along the canal and snap a photo with the iconic Glico Man sign! Don’t miss trying takoyaki (octopus balls), which are served piping hot and drizzled with tangy sauce and bonito flakes, or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), a local specialty that you can watch being cooked fresh on a hotplate.
Best Time to Visit: Evening is the best time to visit Dōtombori, as the neon lights bring the area to life. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and take photos without distractions, an early morning visit might be the better option. Also, it’s good to note that weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
3. Shop in Shinsaibashi
Osaka is a shopper’s paradise, and Shinsaibashi is where you’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local shops. Walking through Shinsaibashi-suji, a long shopping arcade, feels like stepping into a shopaholic’s dream—every store imaginable lines the covered street, from major brands to tiny specialty stores. We shopped to our heart’s content here, especially at the unique second-hand stores such as Vintage Qoo and RagTag.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the atmosphere is buzzing, and you can easily hop over to nearby Dōtombori for dinner
Fun fact: Shinsaibashi has been a shopping hub since the Edo period, making it one of Japan’s oldest commercial districts!
Tips: Look out for tax-free shopping deals if you’re purchasing souvenirs or clothing. Make sure to have your passport with you as you’ll be asked to present it upon paying, otherwise, they won’t be able to issue the tax refund.
4. Discover Kuromon Ichiba Market (Unmissable thing to do in Osaka)
Foodies, rejoice! Kuromon Ichiba Market is the place to sample fresh seafood, wagyu beef, and local delicacies. This bustling market has been serving locals for over 190 years and is a paradise if you’re eager to sample the best of the local cuisine. Here, you’ll find specialties like fresh sea urchins, grilled scallops, local sweets, and juicy skewered strawberries. You must try the melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef skewers, grilled to perfection and seasoned simply to let the quality of the meat shine. A food tour is a great way to try some of Japan’s most iconic dishes while also learning about their origins. It’s best to come hungry—you’ll want to sample as much as possible!
TIP: Don’t forget to carry cash with you as many vendors don’t accept cards.
Best Time to Visit: Morning is ideal for the freshest offerings. The market opens at 9 AM and closes by 6 PM.
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5. Take in the Views from Umeda Sky Building
End one of your days by visiting one of Osaka’s most iconic modern landmarks, the Umeda Sky Building and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its Floating Garden Observatory. Standing between two futuristic skyscrapers, the open-air observatory feels like floating in the sky. Fair warning, if you fear heights, you might want to ditch the observatory, for one of the numerous restaurants and bars instead. No matter what you choose, the experience is worthwhile! Visit at sunset for an unforgettable experience as the city transitions from day to night, with lights twinkling below.
Admission to the observatory costs around 2,000 yen.
6. Experience Universal Studios Japan (fun things to do in Osaka)
For theme park lovers, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must-visit. It’s home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can sip on butterbeer, explore Hogwarts Castle, and shop for wands in Hogsmeade. But that’s not all—USJ also features thrilling roller coasters, Minion-themed rides, and the ever-popular Super Nintendo World, where you can step inside the world of Mario. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and if possible, get an Express Pass to maximize your time in the park. Entrance fees start from 8,600 yen and you can reserve them here.
Tips: Book your tickets in advance online. Express Passes are highly recommended to skip the long lines.
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7. Visit Shinsekai
When exploring the best things to do in Osaka, Shinsekai stands out as a vibrant neighborhood that feels like a living museum. We enjoyed exploring this district, which is a wild mix of retro charm and modern energy. Here is where you will also find the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, which dominates the skyline. When you get hungry, head to Jan Jan Yokocho Street, which is packed with tiny restaurants serving kushikatsu—crispy deep-fried skewers that are an Osaka specialty.
The area has a playful spirit, embodied by Billiken, a quirky good-luck charm you’ll see everywhere. Locals believe rubbing his feet brings fortune – a charming local superstition that adds to Shinsekai’s unique character.
As evening falls, the neighborhood transforms. Neon lights flicker to life, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that captures Osaka’s legendary entertainment spirit. Street vendors, small bars, and local characters create an immersive experience that goes beyond typical tourist routes. In our opinion, this is the best time to visit Shinsekai! Visiting here is an unmissable experience and easily one of the best things to do in Osaka, especially if you’re a goodie.
8. Explore Amerikamura (top thing to do in Osaka)
For a more youthful, alternative vibe, head to Amerikamura, or “Amemura” as the locals call it. This is a youth-driven district packed with vintage shops, street art, and cute cafés. Amerikamura is known for its edgy fashion and pop culture influence, and it’s the perfect place to soak up Osaka’s vibrant urban scene. One of the coolest things about Americamura is its history—it started in the 1970s when stores began importing American goods, giving the area its name. It is a hotspot for thrift shopping, and spotting cool murals such as the famous upside-down clown statue, a true Amemura icon. Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs or just people-watching, exploring Americamura is definitely one of the best things to do in Osaka if you love fashion, creativity, and a little bit of chaos.
9. Enjoy a River Cruise
Take a river cruise along the Okawa River to see Osaka from a different perspective. The boats glide past some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks such as Dotonbori offering a relaxing break from the busy streets. The evening cruises are particularly magical, as the city lights reflect on the water, creating a dreamy ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a romantic experience or just want to unwind, this is a fantastic way to appreciate Osaka’s beauty. Book tickets in advance during peak seasons like spring and fall.
Best Time to Visit: Evening cruises are especially romantic and scenic.
10. Try Local Delicacies (top thing to do in Osaka)
Osaka is often called “Japan’s Kitchen,” and for good reason. Don’t leave without trying kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), which range from meat and seafood to vegetables, all coated in a light, crispy batter (we’re literally drooling as we’re writing this!). Another must-try is Rikuro’s fluffy cheesecake, famous for its jiggly texture and delicate sweetness. This place has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years, so be prepared for long queues, especially if you’re visiting one of the branches in Osaka’s busiest areas. If you’re feeling adventurous, try fugu (pufferfish) at a licensed restaurant—Osaka is one of the best places in Japan to sample this delicacy! Join a food tour to experience an array of local eateries and local delicacies.
Is Osaka Walkable?
Yes, Osaka is a very walkable city, especially in neighborhoods like Namba, Umeda, and Shinsaibashi. However, the city is large, so for longer distances, you’ll want to take advantage of Osaka’s excellent public transportation system. The Osaka Metro is efficient, easy to navigate, and will get you to all the main attractions quickly. Some major stations feel like an entire city beneath the surface, complete with retail shops, eateries, and even supermarkets, turning a simple metro ride into an experience of its own. Make the most of your days in Osaka by joining this tour, which takes you through some of the most popular attractions in the city, but also explores hidden gems.
Where to Stay in Osaka
The best part of Osaka to stay in is Namba, thanks to its central location and proximity to Dōtombori, Shinsaibashi, and the city’s nightlife. With that said, we actually opted for Kitakyuhojimachi area, which was a short walking distance to Shinsaibashi. We loved how quiet the area was, yet it still had lots of places to eat, a few convenience stores, and was easy to explore on foot. Lastly, Umeda is another great option, especially if you prefer a quieter area with excellent shopping and dining options.
Day Trips from Osaka
Nara
Nara is closer to Osaka than Kyoto, making it an ideal day trip in your Japan itinerary. It takes just 40 minutes by train to reach Nara Park, where you can meet the city’s famous free-roaming deer and explore beautiful temples like Tōdai-ji. While the park itself is free to enter, some temples charge an entrance fee, typically around 500-600 yen. We spent half a day here, and it was a magical experience. We recommend this tour to make the most of your visit to Nara Park.
Tips: Buy some “shika senbei” (deer crackers) to feed the friendly deer. Vendors sell them at the park entrances and they cost 200 Yen.
Kobe
Another fantastic day trip is Kobe, just 30 minutes by train from Osaka. Known for its world-famous Kobe beef, the city also offers beautiful views from Mount Rokko and a lovely harbor area to explore. Spend the day sampling local cuisine, visiting the Ikuta Shrine, and enjoying the city’s relaxed vibe. Don’t miss out on the Kitano-cho area, known for its 19th-century Western-style mansions. The area has a unique atmosphere, with small cafes, boutiques, and galleries. This was our favorite part of Kobe, and we can’t recommend it enough!
Ready to kick off your trip planning? Check out these handy travel resources:
