Whether or not you’re on the lookout for tradition, enjoyable or scrumptious meals, our checklist of the very best issues to do in Osaka, Japan will enable you benefit from your subsequent journey!

As of right now, Tokyo, Kyoto, and even Hiroshima all have intensive points of interest in Japan and are visited by hundreds of vacationers annually attributable to their historical past, festivals, and different occasions.

Osaka nevertheless, can considerably be ignored when in comparison with these different cities.

In my view, Osaka actually stands out as a must-see and port metropolis on Honshu Island that’s simply as unimaginable as Japan’s extra touristy locations.

Whether or not or not it’s touring a Buddhist temple, consuming native meals, or simply admiring the neon lights of Osaka metropolis, there are numerous methods to get pleasure from your self and expertise Japanese tradition right here.

READ MORE: Try our checklist of the high locations to see in Japan

The Finest Issues to Do in Osaka Japan

Osaka Bay is an financial powerhouse with a number of enjoyable actions, whether or not they have cultural roots or they’re simply commercially primarily based.

Actions and issues to do in Osaka can simply go well with anyone, whether or not or not it’s driving a motorbike or taking a stroll by way of a basic park setting, or visiting Common Studios Japan.

The very first thing you must do is choose up an Osaka Superb Cross, which supplies you limitless transport, in addition to entrance to lots of the major Osaka points of interest, together with the citadel.

The Klook web site within the hyperlink above is the most cost effective place to purchase this and is what we personally used on our journey to Osaka in 2019.

BONUS – Use the coupon code “NMDSKLK” on Klook when testing and also you’ll get $5 off your first reserving!

From visiting theme parks like Common Studios and Legoland, to standing on the statement deck of Osaka’s tallest constructing, there isn’t a restrict to the points of interest in Osaka!

NOTE: We suggest AVOIDING the horrible Osaka Aquarium. Learn extra about it under.

1. Drive a Go Kart Across the Metropolis Dressed as a Video Recreation Character

This isn’t even a joke. By far the funniest Osaka exercise you are able to do is to dress up as your favorite online game or anime character, and zip across the metropolis in a go-kart!

Beginning near the Namba station, you undergo a fast security briefing, dress up, after which hit the streets.

How that is authorized we don’t know, however it’s actually one of many coolest issues to do in Osaka!

The most cost effective place to e book that is on-line on the Klook web site.

BONUS – Use the coupon code “NMDSKLK” on Klook when testing and also you’ll get $5 off your first reserving!

2. Legoland Discovery Middle

Legoland is a beloved, Lego-themed amusement park with distinctive and engaging areas all around the world.

Legoland in Japan is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing and distinctive locations to go to in Osaka, and a must-do in the event you’re touring to Osaka with children.

Visiting Legoland could be a nice and considerably otherworldly expertise for you and your kids.

Youngsters will love entertaining themselves with the limitless toy tables and lego bricks. There’s additionally a 4D cinema and loads of rides.

Go to the Legoland Discovery Middle for some presents and toys to take residence as souvenirs.

Purchase a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket on the Klook web site.

• Tackle: Tempozan Market place, which resides within the Minato Ward
• Opening hours: 10am – 4pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
• Worth: differ per ticket primarily based on age, ranging from 3200 to 1600 yen, and 2000 yen after a sure time

3. Eat the Avenue Meals within the Dotonbori District

Experiencing a few of Osaka’s greatest points of interest couldn’t be full with out tasting and attempting the road meals.

For those who’re an actual foodie, Dotonbori must be on the highest of your checklist of locations to go to in Osaka.

Dotonbori is very recognized for its leisure and actions, however the avenue meals is great, a lot in order that simply the considered it ought to excite these with curious style buds.

That are the very best dishes to strive? Takoyaki, genuine Ramen, and Yakitori are a number of the most delectable avenue meals meals supplied.

From candy to savoury, and even distinctive meals objects similar to grilled octopus, Dotonbori just about has one thing in retailer for each intrigued customer.

For all meals lovers questioning what to do in Osaka, the Dotonbori district is an Osaka must-see! It’s open all day and evening.

• Tackle: Chuo Ward of Osaka, Japan

4. Go to Nishiki Seashore

For those who’re seeking to spend a calming day on the seashore, then add a go to to Nishiki Seashore to your checklist of issues to do in Osaka.

You may amp up your expertise at Nishiki by jet snowboarding or attempting different water sports activities and actions.

Nishiki Seashore additionally goes underneath the identify of Nishikinohama Seashore Park, and for good cause.

There’s additionally a park part along with the seashore, the place you’ll be able to go barbecuing and luxuriate in picnics with pals and households.

It’s best to go to Osaka in the summertime in case you are planning to get pleasure from some solar and enjoyable actions at Nishiki Seashore, as it is just open from July 1 to the top of August.

• Tackle: Kaizuka-shi, Osaka

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on our detailed itinerary for the right 3 days in Osaka!

5. Common Studios Japan

Considered one of 4 Common Studios theme parks situated all around the world, Common Studios Japan is one distinctive theme park situated in Osaka that’s enjoyable for you and the entire household.

Akin to the opposite Common Studios parks, the principle points of interest are the rides primarily based on well-known film franchises.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park are two standard themed mini worlds stuffed with rides and activites.

For the youthful kids, a world of entrancing actions that includes the beloved cartoon character Curious George can be situated within the park.

Common Studio park is all the time among the many high Osaka vacationer points of interest for each cinema buff!

• Tackle: Sakurajima , Konohama Ward of Osaka
• Opening hours: Opening and enterprise hours within the park truly differ and alter by month, so it is very important examine the web site for extra particular particulars.
• Worth: round 7670 Japanese Yen (costs might differ primarily based on time and ages)

6. Hattori Ryokuchi Park

Hattori Ryokuchi Park is a big park comprised of a number of steep and beautiful hills in addition to mountainous terrain, and is situated within the northern a part of Osaka.

The setting and true aesthetics of this park are a bit rustic when in comparison with the booming nightlife of Osaka and different Japanese cities as an entire.

It’s actually lovely and peaceable with elegant fountains and playgrounds for kids to get pleasure from.

It ought to come as no shock that many locals, and typically vacationers, use this park to alleviate stress and obtain the last word rest time.

Tennis courts and horse driving facilities are available for these on the lookout for extra of a thrill.

The park usually stays open always, as there are such a lot of actions to expertise and luxuriate in.

• Tackle: Hattori Ryokuchi, Toyonaka-shi Ward, Osaka
• Opening hours: 24h/7

7. Verify Out Osaka Fort

In case you are seeking to expertise an actual cultural and historic landmark within the metropolis, Osaka Fort is the right place to go to primarily based on the true significance of serving to the now close-knit nation of Japan to be unified.

It’s one of many oldest of its type, constructed in 1583. Nevertheless it was destroyed shortly after by the Tokugawa.

So actually, the Osaka citadel that you would be able to see now was reconstructed in 1931.

This landmark could be greatest to go to in the course of the Cherry Blossom season, usually in March and April, as it’s a standard spot for hanamis (the act of having fun with flowers).

Not solely do you have to go to the citadel because it is without doubt one of the most lovely issues to see in Osaka as a result of elegant design, however the inside accommodates totally different actions and artifacts to see.

Historic supplies courting from the Fort’s first building are on show.

It’s positively a compulsory spotlight with out which the Osaka sightseeing expertise wouldn’t be full!

Some of the enjoyable actions to expertise inside Osaka Fort is getting the possibility to put on Japan’s iconic garments and equipment – kimonos, helmets, and even surcoats.

You might get your picture taken whereas sporting these totally different objects.

Surrounding the park is the Nishinomaru Backyard, an archery placement.

Get your Osaka Fort ticket right here.

• Tackle: Osakajo, within the Chuo Ward of Osaka
• Opening hours: day-after-day from 9 AM – 5 PM
• Worth: 600 Japanese Yen

8. Hit Up the Market in Kuromon Ichiba

Like Dotonbori, Kuromon Ichiba is a paradise for exploring avenue meals and totally different distributors.

The market is energetic and takes up a very good quantity of area in Osaka, permitting you to strive numerous dishes from its distributors.

Contemporary meals is the last word deal with when visiting Kuromon Ichiba, as many distributors can merely simply put together your meals for you proper then and there.

For those who’re into seafood then you definitely’re in for a deal with, as Kuromon Ichiba is greatest recognized for its fish dishes.

For those who’re a first-time vacationer, positively strive the totally different recent avenue meals supplied as it’s a one-of-a-kind expertise.

• Tackle: Nipponbashi, inside the Chuo Ward of Osaka
• Opening hours: day-after-day from 9 AM – 6 PM

9. ATC Asobi Mare

For those who’re on the lookout for the highest issues to do in Osaka with children, then you definitely completely have to take a look at ATC Asobi Mare. This place is extra for households and is known as an leisure middle or indoor amusement park.

It is without doubt one of the extra pleasurable Osaka points of interest for the younger ones.

This middle is right for kids of all ages, with there being a softer and safer zone for toddlers and a extra fascinating buying arcade for older kids.

There’s even a spot on your little one to play gown up, and expertise hours of enjoyable.

As a result of it’s an indoor park, you gained’t be bothered by the climate exterior – excellent for these wet days.

• Tackle: Osaka Prefecture, inside the Suminoe Ward of Osaka
• Opening hours: day-after-day from 10 AM – 7 PM
• Worth: 900 Japanese Yen (weekdays) and 1100 Japanese Yen (weekends)

10. Sumiyoshi Shrine

Often known as the Sumiyoshi Taisha, this shrine was based within the third century. It is without doubt one of the most well-known Buddhist temples you can go to in your entire nation.

Visiting this shrine could be a peaceable and enlightening expertise, making it top-of-the-line issues to do in Osaka.

Situated on the Shrine’s grounds is the breathtaking Sorihashi bridge that stands out with its modern crimson shade.

Strolling across the shrine is enjoyable and has some distinctive insights, with you with the ability to witness blessings given to kids throughout totally different occasions of yr

• Tackle: 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward
• Opening hours: Open from 6:00 AM to six:00 PM, nevertheless, this time setting modifications from October to March to six:30 AM.
• Worth: This particular Buddhist temple at the moment holds no admission charge which is akin to a number of different Buddhist shrines outlining Osaka and Japan as an entire.

11. Hozenji Temple

The Hozenji temple is a major and cherished Buddhist temple inside Osaka.

This Buddhist temple is situated close to the busy and standard buying and tourism avenue of Dotonbori.

Nevertheless, the aesthetic and enchantment of the temple are nonetheless peaceable, full with elegant lanterns and several other statues and lamps crafted from totally different supplies.

There’s even water that’s blessed with luck to carry you luck and concord out there.

Fortuitously, this Buddhist temple is definitely accessible as it’s nearer to the favored metropolis and industrial vacationer areas like Nanba, inside the Chuo ward of Osaka.

• Tackle: 1 Chome-2-16 Nanba, Chuo Ward
• Opening hours: Enterprise hours for this temple are from 7 AM – 5 PM
• Worth: Freed from cost

12. Osaka Science Museum

This is without doubt one of the most important and mesmerizing museums in Japan, and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Osaka.

It is perhaps tough determining what to see in Osaka while you’re touring with children, however this science museum is attention-grabbing for youths of all ages.

The shows are interactive, academic, and pleasurable.

The interactive displays had been primarily designed to assist educate and inform kids, though anybody might discover one thing they’d get pleasure from studying about inside the museum.

Displays at this Osaka Museum embrace the historical past of science, electrical energy, and the essential basis of chemistry.

Charges for the displays differ between adults and youngsters, or college students, with costs beginning starting from 300 to 600 yen.

Opening occasions can differ and alter, particularly now that the museum is at the moment closed for renovation, and might be reopening in April of 2019.

For individuals who would plan to see two museums, the Osaka Science Museum is situated close to the Nationwide Museum of Artwork in Nakanoshima, Kita. Head to the Nationwide Museum of Artwork earlier than or after your journey to the Science Museum.

• Tackle: 4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 5 PM
• Worth: 400 Japanese Yen for adults 300 yen for college students (additional value for particular exhibitions)

13. Tower of the Solar

The Tower of the Solar is a singular and lavish constructing and is a main instance of Japanese structure.

Learn our intensive information for touring to Japan!

It’s situated proper within the Osaka prefecture, so it’s well-known and excellent for many who are staying in a central location.

The tower was inbuilt dedication and as an emblem of the Osaka Expo in 1970.

There’s numerous unimaginable art work across the tower, together with the Tree of Life exhibition area.

With the tower’s top being 70 meters, the highest flooring statement deck is definitely accessible because of shifting staircases and lifts.

Tower of the Solar is a one-of-a-kind sight, and the exhibitions together with the Tree of Life are gorgeous.

• Tackle: 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita
• Opening hours: day-after-day from 10 AM – 5 PM
• Worth: 300 – 700 Japanese Yen (relying on age)

14. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

As an alternative of being entrapped inside an amusement park, the Tempozan Ferris wheel is situated inside the Tempozan harbor village.

It stands out attributable to its large dimension and top of 112 meters.

With the booming nightlife and brilliant surroundings, the Ferris wheel doesn’t appear misplaced because it provides a pleasant contact to the harbor.

You may go to and journey the wheel each in the course of the day and at evening, although the glittering lights are particularly scenic after darkish.

Rides on the Ferris wheel often final quarter-hour. Driving this iconic wheel is without doubt one of the most entrancing and fascinating actions when questioning what to do in Osaka.

The journey is clearly thrilling attributable to its top and isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, however the view is gorgeous and in the end value a strive.

• Tackle: Kaigandori, inside the Minato ward of Japan
• Opening hours: day-after-day from 10 AM – 9:30 PM
• Worth: 800 Japanese Yen

15. Utsubo Park

Each a public and urban-centered park, Utsubo Park is constructed on the stays of a former airfield, giving it the looks of an airplane runway.

Flowers and totally different bushes line the park, and there’s additionally a sublime rose backyard. In direction of the northern aspect of the park, there are memento retailers and different touristy shops.

Different points of interest in Utsubo Park embrace tennis courts, botanical gardens, a science and expertise middle, and a flower and sculpture exhibit. The latter is barely open within the fall months of October and November.

• Tackle: Chome Utsubohonmachi, inside the Nishi ward of Osaka
• Opening hours: 24h/7
• Worth: Exercise charges differ per location and exercise.

16. AVOID the Osaka Aquarium

It might sound unusual to let you know NOT to do one thing on a listing of issues to do in Osaka, however there’s a very good cause for it.

The Osaka Aquarium is thought for being one of many metropolis’s high points of interest. In truth on most different weblog posts and articles you’ll examine Osaka, they’ll have this as being within the high 3 actions.

This place is touted as being the very best aquarium in Japan, and top-of-the-line on this planet. However the fact is it’s a horrible, unhappy place.

The marine life are saved in abysmally small tanks, usually uncovered to loud noises and intense crowds.

The penguins for instance are always surrounded by tons of of individuals, actually solely centimetres away from them.

There’s an entire part the place individuals can truly contact the fish, and also you’ll discover numerous guests enjoying with them, with no care in any respect for his or her wellbeing.

Maybe the worst of all although is the 2 whale sharks that depressingly circle their tiny enclosure.

The largest fish on this planet is saved in a tank that hardly offers them sufficient room to maneuver.

To make issues worse, there are reviews that the whale sharks truly die each few years attributable to being saved in captivity.

When a whale shark dies, the aquarium simply buys one other one to placed on show.

The administration declare they’re doing a little conservation work, however no matter small quantity of fine they could be doing is overshadowed by their blatant disregard for the wellbeing and well being of the animals they personal.

After all, you can also make your personal determination about visiting, however there’s no method we might ever, ever suggest anyone to go there.

For those who care about animals in any respect, you’ll not assist this tragic attraction.

Not a lot else makes it on our checklist of locations to keep away from in Osaka, however the Osaka Aquarium must be averted in any respect prices.

17. Nagai Botanical Backyard

Following the theme of flowers and botany, the Nagai Botanical Backyard is a sublime backyard stuffed with various flower and plant species.

Seasonal flowers additionally line the park and are a well-liked favorite for locals and vacationers alike.

You may go to the park throughout any season, because the gardens differ barely primarily based on the time of yr.

The backyard is even pleasurable in the course of the wintertime, with the inclusion of the Christmas rose being distinguished within the colder months.

Bushes of various species additionally line the park, together with the sequoia, a massively giant and lavish tree.

To accompany these bushes, there are over 1,000 different species scattered all through the massive backyard, all paired with totally different fowl species.

• Tackle: Nagaikoen, inside the Higashisumiyoshi Ward in Osaka
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Worth: 200 Japenese Yen

18. Umeda Sky Constructing

The Umeda Sky Constructing is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks in Osaka. It’s situated close to Osaka Station and is an actual sight to see.

Consisting of two big towers, every at 40 tales tall, the constructing is tremendous fashionable and nearly other-worldly wanting.

The 2 towers are joined on the high by a whole flooring referred to as the Floating Backyard Observatory. From right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a unbelievable view over your entire metropolis.

Heading up right here just isn’t for many who are afraid of heights, nevertheless. The observatory is suspeded over the air, because it acts as a bridge between the 2 towers.

However even from the bottom, the Umeda Sky Buildings is an iconic piece of recent structure in Osaka.

• Tackle: 531-0076 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
• Hours: 9:30am – 10:30pm every day
• Worth: 1500 Yen

19. On the spot Ramen Museum

It’s well-known that everyone loves ramen noodles when visiting Japan. So why not go to an Osaka museum devoted to them?

Positively one of the vital distinctive Osaka factors of curiosity, the On the spot Ramen Museum is devoted to educating individuals in regards to the meals referred to as prompt ramen.

Whereas it’s definitely weird with its matter of selection being prompt noodles and the well-known model “Cup Noodles”, it’s definitely value a go to because it is without doubt one of the most memorable issues to do in Osaka.

Some displays inside the museum are the Hen Ramen Manufacturing unit the place you’ll be able to watch and make hen ramen by hand, the My CUPNOODLES manufacturing unit in which you’ll customise your personal particular cup noodles package deal, and “the delivery of hen ramen” the place you’ll be able to study how the primary prompt ramen product took place.

The moment noodles tunnel shows a big and intensive line up of various manufacturers, flavours, and different variations of prompt ramen.

There’s additionally a tasting room, the place standard manufacturers and favourite flavors of prompt ramen are tried and examined, in addition to a museum present store.

Some objects are even restricted, making them helpful and uncommon; particularly as they’re solely offered and marketed from this particular store inside this Osaka museum.

• Tackle: 8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda
• Opening hours: day-after-day (besides Tuesday) from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Worth: 500 Japanese Yen

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