Osaka Travel Guide | Things to do in Osaka

Metropolitan City of the West

Osaka 大阪 is Japan’s second largest metropolitan region after Tokyo. Located in the Kansai area, Osaka is an amazing city offering entertainment, traditional culture, shopping experience and food & dining. Osaka is consisted of 24 city wards, and Kita Ward 北区 and Chuo Ward 中央区 have most of the popular destinations for visitors. Often locals call these 2 areas Kita (North) and Minami (South) but be aware that they are not referring to the South Ward. The residents of Osaka speak Kansai-ben, which is a unique dialect used in Kansai region of Japan.

There are public transport including trains, subways and buses available for travel. Taxis can be found easily on main roads. Osaka is located approximately 1 hour via train from Kyoto so if you’re travelling to Kyoto, you can also visit Osaka. As well as Kyoto, it is close to other popular cities including Nara, Wakayama and Kobe.

Top Destinations

Nipponbashi

Close to the bustling Namba area, Nipponbashi is Osaka’s hub for anime, manga, and electronics. With its themed cafes, cosplay shops, and retro gaming stores, it’s a vibrant destination that showcases the best of Japan’s pop culture.

Tennoji

Located in southern Osaka, Tennoji is a lively district that seamlessly combines cultural heritage with modern attractions. With highlights such as Shitennoji Temple, Tennoji Park, and Abeno Harukas, it’s an area that offers something for everyone—from history enthusiasts to shopaholics.

Osaka Bay Area

Located along the southern waterfront of Osaka, the Osaka Bay Area is home to major attractions such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. With its blend of entertainment, dining, and shopping, the area offers a vibrant experience for all ages.

Tenma

Located in Osaka’s Kita Ward, Tenma is a vibrant neighborhood known for its historical Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, the bustling Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, and a delightful mix of traditional and modern attractions. Perfect for those seeking an authentic local experience, Tenma offers everything from cultural landmarks to trendy dining spots and scenic parks.

Umeda

Umeda, located in northern Osaka, is the city’s bustling commercial and business district, famous for its modern skyscrapers, extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Shinsekai

Shinsekai, located in southern Osaka, is a retro district that transports visitors back to Japan’s Showa era. Shinsekai offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and quirky modern attractions.

Namba

Located in the southern side of Osaka (Minami 南), Namba is the area where Dotombori, Namba Parks and other famous department stores and shopping areas exist.

Top Attractions

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers an exciting experience with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies. From Harry Potter and Minions to Jurassic Park, visitors of all ages can enjoy immersive entertainment. It's the ultimate destination for adventure, fun, and family memories.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori or Dotombori is the central area for shopping and entertainment in Osaka. Located south from Osaka station, it is the most popular destination for tourists. This area’s symbol is the famous glico man signage (Glico is food manucaturing company that makes famous snacks such as Pocky). Many visitors pose and take the photo together with this signage at Dotonbori Ebisu Bridge.

There is a boat ride called Tonbori River Cruise that goes through the Dotonbori canal. The 20-minute trip past the neon signs and able to enjoy the view. The cruise runs on the hour and the half-hour. Reception is on the 1st floor of the Don Quijote Building.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle or Osakajo commenced construction in 1583. It is a very popular tourist spot in Osaka. The main central tower is 55 meters high. Inside there is a museum and a viewing platform from which visitors can enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Osaka city. The castle is open to the public and can be accessed from Osakajōkōen Station on the JR West Osaka Loop Line.

Legoland Discovery Center Osaka

Osaka Legoland is an indoor theme park with lot of fun for families – both children and adults can enjoy. There are rides, 4D cinema, interactive activities and a workshop where you will be taught how to build Lego. This Legoland is much smaller compared to the one in Nagoya so if you wish to enjoy more thrilling rides, we recommend going to Nagoya Legoland. Located opposite of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, it is approximately a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Located in the Osaka bay area, Kaiyukan is one of the largest public aquariums in the world. It has 15 large tanks housing an astonishing variety of ocean life from the Pacific Rim including whale sharks, manta rays, seals and penguins. The aquarium exhibits around 30,000 marine creatures from 620 species including not just fish but also birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Located opposite of Osaka Legoland, it is approximately a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.

Soraniwa Onsen

You can call this an entertainment onsen complex where families, couples and singles can enjoy. It is a large complex with many different onsens, relaxing rooms and restaurants. You pay an entrance fee and you can stay until 10am next day. The onsens are separated by male and female, and there are approximately 6 different types of onsens you can enjoy – 3 outdoor and 3 indoor.

There are other facilities such as manga corner, sleeping room, massage/relaxation (incur additional cost), outdoor rooftop garden, as well as sauna area (incur additional cost).

Osaka Tennoji Zoo

The African Savanna Zone is the main attraction which is designed to resemble real animal habitats. The zoo is home to approximately 1,000 animals from about 200 species. The zoo is divided into four major areas: African Savanna Zone, Asian Tropical Rainforest Zone, Flight Aviary and the Surrounding Area and Friendship Square.

As of 2019, the entrance fee for an adult is 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students is 200yen, and preschool children can enter for Free.

Local Specialties

Takoyaki

Small, round dumplings filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions. Cooked in special molds and topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed, it’s the quintessential street food of Osaka.

Okonomiyaki

Osaka’s famous savory pancake made with cabbage, eggs, and various fillings like pork or seafood. Grilled to perfection and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes.

Kushikatsu

Skewered and deep-fried bites of meat, vegetables, and seafood, served with a tangy dipping sauce. A staple of Osaka’s Shinsekai district with a fun “no double-dipping” rule.

551 Horai Pork Buns

Fluffy steamed buns filled with juicy pork and savory spices. These popular snacks are sold at train stations, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat.

Osaka No Koibito

Osaka no Koibito is a popular sweet treat consisting of buttery cookies filled with smooth chocolate or cream. Known for its delicate taste and elegant packaging, it’s a favorite souvenir representing the charm of Osaka.