What to do in Osaka

Osaka's lively heart, known for the Glico Man sign, neon lights, and restaurants and bars serving signature Osaka dishes. It is best visited in the evening when the area lights up.

"Osaka's lively heart, known for the Glico Man sign, neon lights, and restaurants and bars serving si"

The city's best-known landmark and a must-see at least once, even if a little touristy. A stroll around the castle grounds makes a relaxed day out.

"The city's best-known landmark and a must-see at least once, even if a little touristy. A stroll aro"

A famous Osaka landmark with a memorable escalator ride up to a rooftop with city views. The rooftop also has love locks.

"A famous Osaka landmark with a memorable escalator ride up to a rooftop with city views. The rooftop"

A neon-lit retro district that makes a great photo spot, with plenty of restaurants and bars. It is a good alternative to Dotonbori.

"A neon-lit retro district that makes a great photo spot, with plenty of restaurants and bars. It is "

A small, beautiful shrine with a distinctive giant lion-head stage where shrine events are held throughout the year. It offers a calm contrast to the city's hectic pace.

"A small, beautiful shrine with a distinctive giant lion-head stage where shrine events are held thro"

One of the world's largest aquariums, with more than 15 large tanks of Pacific marine life. The glowing jellyfish area is a highlight, and it is especially good for children.

"One of the world's largest aquariums, with more than 15 large tanks of Pacific marine life. The glow"

The iconic tower that dominates Shinsekai's famous street view.

"The iconic tower that dominates Shinsekai's famous street view."

A theme park with Harry Potter world and the first Super Nintendo World, about 15 minutes from Umeda. Timed-entry tickets are needed for some areas, and Halloween Horror Nights runs in October.

"A theme park with Harry Potter world and the first Super Nintendo World, about 15 minutes from Umeda"

A 300 m skyscraper that was Japan's tallest when completed, housing an art museum and a huge department store. The Harukas 300 observation deck on the top three floors gives 360° city views, and heliport tours run on the roof.

"A 300 m skyscraper that was Japan's tallest when completed, housing an art museum and a huge departm"

The famous Glico running man billboard is one of Osaka's most iconic sights.

"The famous Glico running man billboard is one of Osaka's most iconic sights."

Recommended as the best area to stay, at the heart of Osaka and close to the city's famous nightlife.

"Recommended as the best area to stay, at the heart of Osaka and close to the city's famous nightlife"

Central district recommended as a base for enjoying Osaka's vibrant nightlife.

"Central district recommended as a base for enjoying Osaka's vibrant nightlife."

A Ferris wheel built onto the Don Quijote store in Dotonbori, with a decent view over the Dotonbori area. Riding it in the evening is recommended.

"A Ferris wheel built onto the Don Quijote store in Dotonbori, with a decent view over the Dotonbori "

A giant Ferris wheel 112 m tall, across from the aquarium, with great views over the Bay Area. It is best visited in the evening when it is lit up.

"A giant Ferris wheel 112 m tall, across from the aquarium, with great views over the Bay Area. It is"

Osaka Station was rebuilt in 2011 as a modern complex under a large glass roof. It offers extensive shopping and dining, plus rooftop green spaces on its North and South buildings.

"Osaka Station was rebuilt in 2011 as a modern complex under a large glass roof. It offers extensive "

One of Japan's oldest temples, located near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas.

"One of Japan's oldest temples, located near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas."

An atmospheric stone-paved alley in the Namba entertainment district, recommended for a stroll.

"An atmospheric stone-paved alley in the Namba entertainment district, recommended for a stroll."

One of Osaka's most popular cherry blossom and flower viewing spots, home to the 150-foot, three-faced Tower of the Sun.

"One of Osaka's most popular cherry blossom and flower viewing spots, home to the 150-foot, three-fac"

A discreet temple with a moss-covered statue that visitors splash with water for luck. It offers tranquility amid Osaka's busiest streets.

"A discreet temple with a moss-covered statue that visitors splash with water for luck. It offers tra"

Osaka's most central and well-connected district around Osaka Station. It's a convenient base for day trips but can be confusing to navigate, with street-level, skywalk and underground routes.

"Osaka's most central and well-connected district around Osaka Station. It's a convenient base for da"

The centre of Osaka's youth culture, full of vintage and secondhand shops selling the latest fashion trends. It is worth exploring even if you don't plan to shop.

"The centre of Osaka's youth culture, full of vintage and secondhand shops selling the latest fashion"

Osaka's otaku and anime district, the local equivalent of Akihabara. It hosts the Nipponbashi Street Festa cosplay festival in spring.

"Osaka's otaku and anime district, the local equivalent of Akihabara. It hosts the Nipponbashi Street"

An after-dark experience in a park, with interactive light and sound artworks that respond to visitors. It suits solo travellers and families alike.

"An after-dark experience in a park, with interactive light and sound artworks that respond to visito"

A great side trip just 30 minutes from Osaka. You can travel on the Kyo-train Garaku, which has its own stone garden on board.

"A great side trip just 30 minutes from Osaka. You can travel on the Kyo-train Garaku, which has its "

Famous for its deer parks and reachable in under an hour from Osaka, making a fantastic afternoon trip.

"Famous for its deer parks and reachable in under an hour from Osaka, making a fantastic afternoon tr"

Called Osaka's best temple, in the northern hills of Osaka. It's a must-visit in autumn for the leaves and pairs well with a hike to Minoo Falls.

"Called Osaka's best temple, in the northern hills of Osaka. It's a must-visit in autumn for the leav"

An Osaka-born shop famous for melt-in-your-mouth cheese tarts. The video suggests ordering one with an accompanying drink.

"An Osaka-born shop famous for melt-in-your-mouth cheese tarts. The video suggests ordering one with "

A crab restaurant known for the giant mechanical crab on its facade, one of Osaka's most iconic scenes.

"A crab restaurant known for the giant mechanical crab on its facade, one of Osaka's most iconic scen"

A nature escape north of the city on the Hankyu line. It is known for autumn maples, early-spring evening fireflies and rare Japanese giant salamanders.

"A nature escape north of the city on the Hankyu line. It is known for autumn maples, early-spring ev"

A bar where you can enjoy a drink, play classic video games and chat with a friendly crowd.

"A bar where you can enjoy a drink, play classic video games and chat with a friendly crowd."

A cheaper downtown hub with great access and lots of shopping. It's walking distance to Shinsekai and is served by the Haruka Express from Kansai Airport.

"A cheaper downtown hub with great access and lots of shopping. It's walking distance to Shinsekai an"

The most popular kushikatsu restaurant in Shinsekai, where the dish is said to have originated. The main store retains its old-school charm and only takes cash.

"The most popular kushikatsu restaurant in Shinsekai, where the dish is said to have originated. The "

Riverside walk from Sakuranomiya Station through endless rows of cherry trees. It's a spring highlight leading toward Osaka Castle.

"Riverside walk from Sakuranomiya Station through endless rows of cherry trees. It's a spring highlig"

Japan's tallest Ferris wheel, next to Expo Park. In winter, gondolas come with a kotatsu, warm sake and oden.

"Japan's tallest Ferris wheel, next to Expo Park. In winter, gondolas come with a kotatsu, warm sake "

A charming, walkable neighbourhood near Umeda filled with small cafes, handmade goods shops and vintage stores selling retro items from the 80s. Most shops open in the afternoon.

"A charming, walkable neighbourhood near Umeda filled with small cafes, handmade goods shops and vint"

The birthplace of Tsutaya, where the concept began in 1983. This multi-floor lifestyle store has over 150,000 books plus stationery, clothing, food and kitchenware.

"The birthplace of Tsutaya, where the concept began in 1983. This multi-floor lifestyle store has ove"

Osaka's most iconic market, known as the city's kitchen, with a history dating back to the Edo period. It sells fresh produce, seafood and street food, including fresh tuna sushi.

"Osaka's most iconic market, known as the city's kitchen, with a history dating back to the Edo perio"

Suggested as an extra stop for travellers wanting to visit more shrines.

"Suggested as an extra stop for travellers wanting to visit more shrines."

A busy covered shopping arcade that can be overwhelming but is still worth visiting.

"A busy covered shopping arcade that can be overwhelming but is still worth visiting."

An underrated city 30 minutes away, known for Kobe beef and its own Chinatown. In December its illumination festival commemorates the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.

"An underrated city 30 minutes away, known for Kobe beef and its own Chinatown. In December its illum"

An okonomiyaki shop recommended for its seafood okonomiyaki. Sitting at the counter lets you watch the chefs cook your okonomiyaki in front of you.

"An okonomiyaki shop recommended for its seafood okonomiyaki. Sitting at the counter lets you watch t"

A popular taiyaki shop, usually with a queue, serving some of the best fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste.

"A popular taiyaki shop, usually with a queue, serving some of the best fish-shaped cakes filled with"

A shopping area just north of Osaka Station with a wide selection of modern shopping and dining.

"A shopping area just north of Osaka Station with a wide selection of modern shopping and dining."

A park near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas, mentioned as a nearby attraction.

"A park near Shinsekai and Abeno Harukas, mentioned as a nearby attraction."

A small museum of Osaka-style ukiyo-e woodblock prints, easy to combine with a visit to Dotonbori.

"A small museum of Osaka-style ukiyo-e woodblock prints, easy to combine with a visit to Dotonbori."

A theater in the Namba area where visitors can watch traditional performances.

"A theater in the Namba area where visitors can watch traditional performances."

The national theater for bunraku traditional puppet performances, near Dotonbori.

"The national theater for bunraku traditional puppet performances, near Dotonbori."

Historic shrine that hosts the Tenjin Matsuri around July 24th, ranked as one of Japan's top three festivals.

"Historic shrine that hosts the Tenjin Matsuri around July 24th, ranked as one of Japan's top three f"

Zoo near Shinsekai, suggested if you have daylight left. Entry is included with the Osaka Amazing Pass.

"Zoo near Shinsekai, suggested if you have daylight left. Entry is included with the Osaka Amazing Pa"

Department store inside Abeno Harukas, described as the largest in Japan.

"Department store inside Abeno Harukas, described as the largest in Japan."

An Osaka Bay sightseeing cruise departing near the Kaiyukan aquarium.

"An Osaka Bay sightseeing cruise departing near the Kaiyukan aquarium."

An indoor Lego attraction in the Tempozan harbour area next to the aquarium.

"An indoor Lego attraction in the Tempozan harbour area next to the aquarium."

A castle day trip that JR Pass holders can make at no additional cost.

"A castle day trip that JR Pass holders can make at no additional cost."

About an hour from Osaka by sightseeing train, considered Japan's top cherry blossom spot with over 30,000 cherry trees covering the mountain.

"About an hour from Osaka by sightseeing train, considered Japan's top cherry blossom spot with over "

One of Dotonbori's most popular takoyaki shops. It's known for its surprise crab takoyaki with massive chunks of crab and octopus.

"One of Dotonbori's most popular takoyaki shops. It's known for its surprise crab takoyaki with massi"

Famous okonomiyaki joint in the retro basement alleys of the Umeda Sky Building. It gets busy, so expect a wait.

"Famous okonomiyaki joint in the retro basement alleys of the Umeda Sky Building. It gets busy, so ex"

Upscale building near Osaka Station with expensive stores and restaurants. Some restaurants offer cheaper lunch sets.

"Upscale building near Osaka Station with expensive stores and restaurants. Some restaurants offer ch"

Ramen shop on the 2nd floor of the Nakanoshima Daibiru with an English QR menu and huge bowls. The yuzu-flavoured Captain Gold Comeback Ramen is recommended.

"Ramen shop on the 2nd floor of the Nakanoshima Daibiru with an English QR menu and huge bowls. The y"

Department store by Osaka Station that houses the One Piece, Nintendo and Pokémon stores.

"Department store by Osaka Station that houses the One Piece, Nintendo and Pokémon stores."

Large green lawn space directly beside Osaka Station. It's a refreshing spot in warmer months to relax with food or an Osaka mix juice.

"Large green lawn space directly beside Osaka Station. It's a refreshing spot in warmer months to rel"

Okonomiyaki restaurant on the 29th floor of the Hankyu Grand Building with night views over Osaka. Staff cook the okonomiyaki at your table.

"Okonomiyaki restaurant on the 29th floor of the Hankyu Grand Building with night views over Osaka. S"

Shopping mall next to the Kaiyukan with a food court. It's a convenient lunch stop after the aquarium.

"Shopping mall next to the Kaiyukan with a food court. It's a convenient lunch stop after the aquariu"

Retro food alley at the back of Tempozan Marketplace with eateries in a fun old-school Japanese street setting.

"Retro food alley at the back of Tempozan Marketplace with eateries in a fun old-school Japanese stre"

A large red Ferris wheel on top of the HEP FIVE shopping building in Umeda. It was under construction at the time of filming.

"A large red Ferris wheel on top of the HEP FIVE shopping building in Umeda. It was under constructio"

An iconic Osaka mascot figure, originally made for a local restaurant. His name means 'eat till you drop', a nod to the city's foodie culture.

"An iconic Osaka mascot figure, originally made for a local restaurant. His name means 'eat till you "

A quirky shop selling goods featuring Fueki-kun, the brand's mascot. Its vanilla soft serve comes in a doll-head cup that you can keep as a souvenir.

"A quirky shop selling goods featuring Fueki-kun, the brand's mascot. Its vanilla soft serve comes in"

An official Pokémon store with a wide range of Pokémon-themed products. It includes exclusive items often only available at Pokémon Centers in Japan.

"An official Pokémon store with a wide range of Pokémon-themed products. It includes exclusive items "

A Bib Gourmand-awarded okonomiyaki restaurant, recommended for its Ajinoya mix okonomiyaki with yakisoba on the side. It is popular, so arrive early to avoid long queues.

"A Bib Gourmand-awarded okonomiyaki restaurant, recommended for its Ajinoya mix okonomiyaki with yaki"

A standing izakaya near Kyobashi Station, famous for its owner Toyo flame-broiling tuna cheek with a blowtorch. The set of fresh sashimi and the flame-broiled tuna cheek are recommended.

"A standing izakaya near Kyobashi Station, famous for its owner Toyo flame-broiling tuna cheek with a"

The official Studio Ghibli store in Namba, full of Ghibli goods. You can take photos with No-Face and Totoro.

"The official Studio Ghibli store in Namba, full of Ghibli goods. You can take photos with No-Face an"

A yakiniku restaurant in Hozenji Yokocho serving delicious cuts of meat, recommended as the perfect final dinner of the trip.

"A yakiniku restaurant in Hozenji Yokocho serving delicious cuts of meat, recommended as the perfect "

A mostly office district along the south bank of the Tosabori River, lined with cafes and restaurants. Many have riverside decks that are especially pleasant in the warmer months.

"A mostly office district along the south bank of the Tosabori River, lined with cafes and restaurant"

A riverside cafe in Kitahama with a deck and a second storey. You can eat a toastie there while enjoying views over the river.

"A riverside cafe in Kitahama with a deck and a second storey. You can eat a toastie there while enjo"

A coffee shop with an indoor area popular with remote workers and a huge deck. The deck looks out over Nakanoshima and the Tosabori River.

"A coffee shop with an indoor area popular with remote workers and a huge deck. The deck looks out ov"

A narrow island in the river just above Kitahama. It is home to the European-style Osaka City Hall, a Tadao Ando-designed library and a rose garden.

"A narrow island in the river just above Kitahama. It is home to the European-style Osaka City Hall, "

A children's library designed by famous architect Tadao Ando. It is worth visiting for the architecture even if you can't read the Japanese books.

"A children's library designed by famous architect Tadao Ando. It is worth visiting for the architect"

A gorgeous rose garden on Nakanoshima island, good for a stroll.

"A gorgeous rose garden on Nakanoshima island, good for a stroll."

A garden within the Osaka Castle grounds that charges a small entry fee.

"A garden within the Osaka Castle grounds that charges a small entry fee."

The famous statue designed by Taro Okamoto, located in Expo '70 Commemorative Park.

"The famous statue designed by Taro Okamoto, located in Expo '70 Commemorative Park."

A large park in southern Osaka containing the Nagai Botanical Garden. It is about 30 minutes from Osaka Station on the Midosuji line.

"A large park in southern Osaka containing the Nagai Botanical Garden. It is about 30 minutes from Os"

A shopping building at Osaka Station. It houses the Pathfinder cafe on its fourth floor.

"A shopping building at Osaka Station. It houses the Pathfinder cafe on its fourth floor."

A cute cafe run by a world-champion latte artist from Melbourne, serving many milk options, a Melbourne-style 'magic' and a rainbow latte. It is on the 4th floor of LUCUA, not the 1st floor as Google Maps says.

"A cute cafe run by a world-champion latte artist from Melbourne, serving many milk options, a Melbou"

A laid-back coffee shop with mega cups of coffee. It is good for a break or remote work.

"A laid-back coffee shop with mega cups of coffee. It is good for a break or remote work."

A lively, grungy neighbourhood just east of Osaka Station with narrow alleys of hole-in-the-wall izakaya and dirt-cheap food and drinks. It is likened to Osaka's version of Golden Gai.

"A lively, grungy neighbourhood just east of Osaka Station with narrow alleys of hole-in-the-wall iza"

The longest shopping arcade in Japan, located in Tenma.

"The longest shopping arcade in Japan, located in Tenma."

The basement floors of the Osaka Ekimae Dai-2 and Dai-3 Buildings have rows of small, chill izakaya and restaurants with great happy-hour deals. The tip is to head to B1 and wander.

"The basement floors of the Osaka Ekimae Dai-2 and Dai-3 Buildings have rows of small, chill izakaya "

An Edo-period townhouse that once served as an inn for travellers waiting for riverboats in the old Hirakata Shuku post town. The 200-yen entry includes an early Showa ryokan annex and an upstairs hall of 63 tatami mats.

"An Edo-period townhouse that once served as an inn for travellers waiting for riverboats in the old "

A sacred camphor tree that appears to grow right through the platform of Kayashima Station, kept at locals' request when the station was built. A small shrine sits below it, and the tree is honoured as the station's guardian spirit.

"A sacred camphor tree that appears to grow right through the platform of Kayashima Station, kept at "

A temple town of machiya townhouses and the only Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Osaka Prefecture. Its Jonomon-suji Avenue, lined with temples and old houses, is listed among Japan's 100 best roads.

"A temple town of machiya townhouses and the only Important Preservation District for Groups of Tradi"

A traditional house once owned by an Edo-period family and donated to Tondabayashi City in 2004. It's open to the public for free and was quiet and peaceful when they visited.

"A traditional house once owned by an Edo-period family and donated to Tondabayashi City in 2004. It'"

A striking 180-meter tower built in 1970 by the Church of Perfect Liberty, dedicated to all victims of war regardless of nationality or religion. It can be seen from Tondabayashi's old town, but the area around it was closed when they visited.

"A striking 180-meter tower built in 1970 by the Church of Perfect Liberty, dedicated to all victims "

Dining and entertainment strip next to Universal Studios Japan. It has many restaurants, bars and nightlife options for after a day at the park.

"Dining and entertainment strip next to Universal Studios Japan. It has many restaurants, bars and ni"

Large city park around Osaka Castle. It is one of the best places in the city for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colours in fall.

"Large city park around Osaka Castle. It is one of the best places in the city for cherry blossoms in"

River boat tour on the Dotonbori canal, recommended as one of the best ways to see Osaka.

"River boat tour on the Dotonbori canal, recommended as one of the best ways to see Osaka."

Temple near Tennoji Zoo with a cemetery and some unique, striking designs.

"Temple near Tennoji Zoo with a cemetery and some unique, striking designs."

Large onsen and spa complex where visitors can try Japanese hot-spring bathing. Bathing is nude, so visitors should keep that in mind.

"Large onsen and spa complex where visitors can try Japanese hot-spring bathing. Bathing is nude, so "

This restaurant is known for wagyu bento-style lunch sets, including sukiyaki-style and grilled wagyu. A ticketing system lets you explore nearby instead of standing in the long line.

"This restaurant is known for wagyu bento-style lunch sets, including sukiyaki-style and grilled wagy"