Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is one of the primary cities in Japan following Tokyo and is situated on the island of Honshu. Although it may not be as traditional or picturesque as other destinations such as Kyoto, it still merits a visit if you are planning a journey to Japan.

Many residents will express that Osaka embodies one of the most relaxed atmospheres in the country, and the inhabitants are renowned for their warm hospitality, providing an excellent opportunity to delve into Japanese culture.

If you are a culinary enthusiast, you will be pleased as Osaka is reputed to have one of the finest food scenes in all of Japan. Additionally, you can explore museums, galleries, and amusement parks throughout the city, making this a part of the country that you certainly don’t want to overlook.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Osaka…

1. Visit Osaka-jo

Osaka Castle dates back to 1583 when it was initially constructed with the effort of 100,000 workers to complete the structure.

Similar to many castles in Japan, it was destroyed and the current structure was erected in 1931, subsequently undergoing renovations over the years.

Despite not being the original structure, it remains one of the most remarkable buildings in Osaka, set within a lush park and encircled by a picturesque moat.

Once inside the castle, visitors can observe an array of weaponry and artwork. An observation deck on the 8th floor offers panoramic views of the surrounding park and greater Osaka.

2. Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

To gain a deeper understanding of traditional art in Osaka, consider visiting the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, where you can discover the art of ukiyoe, a type of Japanese woodblock printing.

The prints are produced using wooden blocks, and the museum is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese dwelling.

Art enthusiasts should make this a priority, as it offers insights into one of Japan’s lesser-known crafts.

3. Check out the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Among the premier museums in Osaka is the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which serves as an open-air museum filled with models of homes and traditional structures.

The museum features numerous replicas of buildings that existed in Osaka during the Edo Period, from the 17th to the 19th century, making it an ideal destination to understand historical living conditions in Osaka.

To further immerse yourself in the experience, you can dress in period attire and explore the complex in a traditional Japanese outfit, such as a kimono.

4. Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine

Sumiyoshi Shrine is recognized as one of the oldest Shinto shrines, not only in Osaka but throughout Japan.

Constructed over 1,800 years ago, it is celebrated for its exquisite architecture and intricate design features, which make it one of the most picturesque Shinto shrines.

In addition to the shrine, the grounds include a park featuring a bridge that spans a serene pond.

5. Ascend the Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building is a significant landmark in Osaka, readily visible from various locations within the city.

Rising to a height of 173 meters, this building features an observatory on the 39th floor known as the Garden Observatory.

This remarkable floating garden is replete with local flora, providing visitors the opportunity to view this unique hanging garden.

6. Watch a show at the National Bunraku Theater

The National Bunraku Theater is the place to witness the Japanese art of bunraku, a traditional form of puppet theater that originated during the Edo Period.

Bunraku features large puppets operated by up to three puppeteers, narrating Japanese epics and legends from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Fortunately, English translations are available to help audiences understand performances.

7. Go out in Dotonbori

Dotonbori is recognized in Osaka as the prime location for experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife.

This area serves as a central hub for bars, restaurants, and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere during the evenings.

Numerous cafes and restaurants offer rooftop terraces, allowing guests to dine outdoors, listen to live music, and take in the sparkling views of Osaka.

8. Visit Osaka Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, is situated within Tempozan Harbor Village adjacent to Osaka Bay.

As one of Japan’s largest aquariums, it comprises eight floors of exhibits showcasing an extensive array of marine life, including whale sharks, otters, dolphins, and turtles.

The main tank spans an impressive nine meters in length and is vividly populated with tropical fish and various marine creatures such as seahorses.

9. Go shopping in Shinsaibashi

Residents often assert that Shinsaibashi District is the best area for shopping in Osaka, offering a diverse range of goods.

This section of town consists of arcades that provide an excellent opportunity to shop during inclement weather, featuring souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and home goods.

For gifts or keepsakes from your time in Osaka, this is the quintessential shopping destination.

10. Try the local food

Osaka is celebrated within Japan as a culinary paradise, making it an ideal location for food lovers. Signature dishes include Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake crafted from shredded cabbage and an array of toppings, alongside battera, a type of sushi made with mackerel compressed with rice in a wooden box.

Additionally, you may wish to sample kushikatsu, a dish featuring skewers of various ingredients such as meat and vegetables that have been deep-fried in breadcrumbs.

11. Make a pot at Maishima Pottery Museum

Located in the Bay Area of Osaka, the Maishima Pottery Museum sits on a man-made island established in 1998. The museum aims to utilize marine clay found in Osaka’s waters, offering visitors the chance to create their own pottery using a potter’s wheel.

The facility also includes galleries showcasing various pottery pieces and features an on-site kiln.

After crafting your creation, you may glaze it prior to firing in the kiln, and it can be shipped home as a memorable souvenir of your visit.

12. Scale Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas holds the distinction of being the tallest building in Osaka and in all of Japan.

Consequently, it is an essential stop on any trip to the city. You can visit the 5th floor, which houses a delightful café.

The building also features an observation deck offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Once you have absorbed the scenery, explore the remainder of the building, which includes a museum, department store, and various shopping and dining options.

13. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is among the most recognizable sights in Osaka, positioned on the edge of the scenic Osaka Bay.

At one time, it was the tallest Ferris wheel globally, and visitors can enjoy a ride for a stunning view of the cityscape.

The Ferris wheel is illuminated at night, so it is advisable to visit in the evening to relish the illuminative sights of Osaka.

14. Enjoy some retail therapy at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street claims the title of the longest shopping street in Japan, making it a must-visit destination.

Spanning over two kilometers through Osaka, this street offers an extensive variety of products.

Available items include clothing, household goods, shoes, literature, and souvenirs, along with numerous cafes to pause for coffee or a meal.

Be sure to seek out traditional Japanese medicine shops that offer a range of unique products.

15. Tour Peace Osaka

Peace Osaka was established to educate visitors on the significance of peace, concurrently serving as a memorial for those who lost their lives in wars worldwide.

Key galleries address dark moments in Osaka’s history, including the bombings that devastated much of the city during World War II.

For a poignant insight into the impact of warfare on Japan and other countries, a visit here is highly recommended.

16. Check out Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple originated in the 6th century under Emperor Suiko but, similar to many structures in Japan, it was destroyed during World War II.

Today, visitors will find reconstructed buildings, showcasing a variety of different structures throughout the compound.

Some buildings draw inspiration from designs since the 7th century, while others exhibit more contemporary styles, making this site an excellent place for appreciating diverse examples of Japanese religious architecture.

17. Enjoy the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum stands out as an iconic attraction in Osaka, dedicated to the humble instant noodle phenomenon.

Visitors will discover a variety of quirky offerings, including a statue of Momofuku Ando, who is renowned for inventing instant ramen, as well as a giant replica of a cup noodle.

The museum provides opportunities to taste and even create your own noodles through a series of interactive workshops.

18. Relax at Spa World

Spa World, as indicated by its name, is a facility in Osaka that encompasses a variety of spas, saunas, and pools.

Open 24 hours a day, visitors can enjoy outdoor onsen baths, allowing for a combination of relaxation and fresh air.

A range of spa treatments, including massages, is available, and patrons can stay overnight with the purchase of a complete access pass to Spa World.

It is important to note, however, that Japan enforces strict regulations regarding visible tattoos, which may limit access to the facilities.

19. Watch a Sumo Spring Grand Tournament

Each spring, the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament takes place in Osaka, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about this fascinating aspect of Japanese culture.

The event typically commences in March at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, where you can observe some of the most renowned sumo wrestlers compete.

As schedules may vary, it is advisable to check local listings for updated information regarding events during your stay.

20. Visit O-hatsu Tenjin

O-hatsu Tenjin is the name of a shrine in Osaka purported to be over 1,300 years old and is renowned for its unique legend.

The tale recounts that O-hatsu, a sex worker, and Trokubei, an apprentice merchant, took their own lives at this location so they could remain united forever in paradise.

Consequently, couples visit here to pray for strong relationships.

21. Admire the Tower of the Sun

The Tower of the Sun stands as one of the more distinctive attractions in Osaka, featuring a 70-meter tall structure designed by the celebrated Japanese artist Okamoto Taro.

The tower takes the form of a creature with three faces facing different directions, constructed in the 1970s as a tribute to the World Expo held in Osaka.

22. Explore the National Museum of Ethnology

This museum celebrates not only Japanese ethnology but also various world cultures.

Its mission is to demonstrate the interconnectedness of people across the globe through exhibitions including ceramics, costumes, masks, vehicles, and other artifacts from a multitude of countries.

Notable galleries focus on Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and, of course, Japan, with interactive exhibits like a music room offering the chance to play world music.

This is also an opportunity to delve deeper into diverse Japanese cultures from throughout the nation.

23. Check out Tenjin Matsuri

Tenjin Matsuri is among the foremost festivals in Japan, with Osaka as a vibrant place to experience its festivities.

The festival occurs in July and lasts for two days, during which you can observe the mikoshi, shrines carried through the streets, with revelers adorning traditional costumes.

On the second day, the shrines are transported to O-kawa and placed on boats, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.

24. Have fun at Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan ranks among the most significant theme parks in the country, following Disneyland in Tokyo, and is the second largest in Japan.

This park incorporates elements reminiscent of Universal Studios in the United States but also introduces a local twist, showcasing a variety of regional characters and themes.

25. Scale Tsutenkaku

Tsutenkaku is amongst the most recognized landmarks in Osaka, featuring a tower initially constructed in the 20th century, which has since been updated.

This site symbolizes Japan’s resurgence after the extensive bombings of World War II.

Visitors can admire views extending across Osaka from the observation platform, where local lore states that a lucky genie known as a ‘sky billiken’ can grant wishes if its feet are rubbed.