Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan after Tokyo, but in many places, it feels completely different. While Tokyo is sleek and polished, Osaka feels looser, livelier, and a tad raw. The city is often regarded as the culinary capital of Japan. The Dōtonbori district, with its neon lights and endless food stalls, is the beating heart of the city. The atmosphere in Osaka is energetic yet accessible; people strike up conversations more quickly, laugh louder, and seem to be in less of a hurry. It is a city that lives both by day and by night. It is also the perfect base for exploring the beautiful surrounding area. In this article, I share 12 tips for the best things to do in Osaka.

How do you travel to Osaka?

Most people travel from Kyoto or Koyasan to Osaka. Is Osaka the starting point of your trip through Japan? Then you will likely arrive at Kansai International Airport. Below you can read how to travel from these places to the center of Osaka.

Tips for transportation in Osaka

You have several options for getting around Osaka. Subways and trains run throughout Osaka, taking you to almost every neighborhood. This is often the best option, as the subway and trains are faster than the bus. You can easily see which subway or train is best to take via Google Maps.

Osaka is a city where many people cycle. Shared bicycles from Docomo have stations all over the city. Install the Docomo Cycle app in advance and create an account. Choose a bike at a station and unlock it via the app. You must return it to an official station.

What to do in Osaka?

There is a lot to see, do, and taste in Osaka. Go explore and let the city surprise you. The following sights and activities are definitely worth a visit in my opinion!

Discover hidden hotspots of Osaka with the walking tour

In Osaka, there really is something to experience on every street corner, and during the fun Osaka walking tour, you discover the many faces of the city in just three hours. The enthusiastic guide takes you through the coolest neighborhoods of Osaka: America Mura, Shinsaibashi, and Dōtonbori (you can read more about these later in this article). Along the way, the guide shares all kinds of interesting facts about the local culture and shows you hidden spots you would likely miss on your own. You’ll also taste the typical octopus balls (takoyaki) and immediately get a list of tips for good eateries nearby.

Explore the Dōtonbori district, the bustling heart of Osaka

The Dōtonbori district is the bustling heart of Osaka and truly comes to life once the sun goes down. Thousands of neon signs glitter along the canal, while the street is filled with food stalls serving local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake). In Dōtonbori, it’s all about food, socializing, and atmosphere. The Ebisu Bridge forms the central point of the district and offers a beautiful view over the canal. Many locals take a selfie here with the famous Glico Running Man sign, which has been a true city icon since the 1930s. Want to get away from the crowds? Dive into one of the narrow side streets where cozy izakayas and small bars are tucked away.

Tip: Be sure to take a walk down Midōsuji Avenue in the evening. Along this four-kilometer (2.5-mile) road, trees on both sides are illuminated, stretching from Namba all the way to Osaka Station. It creates an almost fairytale-like atmosphere.

Visit the charming street: Hozenji Yokocho

Just a two-minute walk from the busy Dōtonbori lies the charming Hozenji Yokocho. This is a narrow paved street with wooden facades and lit lanterns. Tucked away in this street, you will find the Hozenji Temple, featuring a moss-covered statue of Fudo Myoo, a Japanese Buddhist guardian deity. Locals pour water over it as a ritual for good luck. Surrounding the temple are small traditional eateries and izakayas where you can enjoy local dishes in peace, away from the city’s neon intensity. The atmosphere is intimate and feels like an oasis of calm in the middle of lively Osaka.

Tip: Be sure to walk through Ukiyo Koji, a narrow alley full of lanterns and art on the walls. Most restaurants open around 11:30 AM, but the street really comes to life later in the day.

Go shopping in America-Mura

America Mura, often abbreviated as Amemura, is the creative and quirky heart of Osaka. This neighborhood is known for its mix of Japanese and American influences, featuring vintage stores, streetwear boutiques, and colorful murals on almost every corner. You’ll recognize the neighborhood by the unique streetlights, each with its own design.

In America Mura, it’s all about self-expression. You’ll find iconic shops like Kinji Used Clothing, a mecca for second-hand fashion and retro pieces. Be sure to check out American Village Freemarket B.B, a store for real collector’s items. America Mura feels a bit like the Harajuku district in Tokyo, but a bit rawer. A must-visit for those who love creativity and vintage.

Good to know: Most stores in America Mura open around 11:00 AM and stay open until about 8:00 or 9:00 PM.

Dive into history at Osaka Castle

North of Osaka’s center, you’ll find a building whose architecture is totally different from the rest of the city. Osaka Castle is an imposing castle set in a beautiful park. In the spring, it turns into a sea of pink cherry blossoms. The white walls, gold details, and high towers contrast beautifully against Osaka’s modern skyline. Inside Osaka Castle, you’ll find a museum that tells the rich history of the castle. Don’t forget to visit the eighth floor, as you’ll have a magnificent panoramic view over Osaka from there.

Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market is a 200-year-old market and is one of the best things to do in Osaka. This market is nicknamed “Osaka’s Kitchen” because chefs do their shopping here for their menus. You can wander endlessly through this covered market and marvel at all the delicious food and fun souvenirs. You’ll find shops full of fresh fish, fruit, snacks, and friendly vendors who are happy to let you taste something. This is the place to try typical Osaka dishes, from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that you’ll want to sink your fork (or rather, your chopsticks) into. Kuromon Ichiba Market is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Visit Universal Studios Japan and dive into Osaka’s film world

For a day full of fun and adrenaline, a visit to one of Asia’s most popular theme parks is an absolute must. Universal Studios Japan is a giant amusement park where you can easily entertain yourself for a whole day. You literally step into the worlds of your favorite movies, from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park to Minions and Super Nintendo World, where you can walk through Mario’s colorful universe yourself. Everything here is developed to perfection: the music, the decor, and the food. Every detail contributes to the experience. Keep in mind that this park gets very crowded, especially on weekends. For some themed areas in the park, you must choose a time slot upon entry, and on the busiest days, this works via a lottery system.

Tip: Reserve tickets for Universal Studios Japan well in advance. It pays off enormously to purchase an Express Pass as well, which significantly reduces waiting times for attractions. On busy days, wait times can easily exceed several hours per attraction, meaning that without a pass, you might only see a small portion of the park. The Express Pass for 7 attractions is the most popular if you want to see as much as possible, and it also guarantees access to mini-worlds like Nintendo World and Harry Potter.

Walk through the retro neighborhood of Shinsekai

The Shinsekai district was designed in the early 1900s as a futuristic city inspired by Paris and New York, but today it feels decidedly retro. Narrow streets full of neon signs, eateries, and game arcades give Shinsekai its characteristic raw charm. The 103-meter (338-foot) Tsutenkaku Tower is the district’s eye-catcher. Go to the 91-meter (299-foot) observation deck for a 360-degree view of Osaka. Be sure to taste the local specialty kushikatsu while in Shinsekai, as this dish originated here. Kushikatsu are deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables with a special sauce, and you can taste them at their best at Kushikatsu Daruma.

It’s especially lovely to wander through the streets of Shinsekai in the evening. Once the neon lights come on and people play games in the arcades, this neighborhood truly comes to life.

Learn to make sushi in Osaka

In the land of sushi, a workshop where you learn to make sushi yourself is a must! During the Sushi Workshop, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade and prepare three different types of sushi yourself. And the best part: you get to eat your homemade sushi, of course. You’ve just prepared your own delicious lunch!

Find peace at Shitennō-ji Temple

Shitennō-ji Temple was built in the year 593, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple has been destroyed several times by fires and war, but it has been rebuilt every time in the same style as the 6th-century original. The outer grounds of the temple are free to access, but payment is required for entry to the inner grounds. In the pebble-covered courtyard stands a five-story pagoda that can be entered and climbed. There is also a small market at the temple on Sundays.

Tip: Also walk past the turtle pond and the beautifully landscaped Gokuraku-jodo Garden behind the temple.

View the Osaka skyline

Want to admire the Osaka skyline? Visit the impressive observation deck of Harukas 300, located on the 60th floor. From here, you have a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, from the skyscrapers to Osaka Bay. On clear days, you can even see as far as Kyoto. The observation deck is modern, spacious, and largely surrounded by glass, giving you the feeling of floating above the city. There is also a café where you can enjoy the view with a snack and a drink. The view is extra beautiful around sunset, when Osaka’s thousands of lights slowly turn on.

Take a day trip to Nara

Just like from Kyoto, you can easily take a day trip to Nara from Osaka. This city was once the capital of Japan, which is reflected in the many extraordinary temples still found there. What makes Nara unique, however, are the hundreds of tame deer that roam freely through the city and the park. While walking past centuries-old temples, you’ll encounter curious deer everywhere hoping for a deer cracker. Nara is compact enough to explore in one day. You’ll be there in about half an hour by train, which departs several times an hour from Osaka. Read my tips for Nara to find out everything there is to do.

Tips for good restaurants in Osaka

• Brooklyn Roasting Company Namba – This coffee spot is perfect for a morning pit stop. Order a cup of coffee and something from the bakery for a quick bite.
• Paprika Shokudo Vegan – At this atmospheric spot, you enjoy vegan cuisine at its best. Order a tempeh teriyaki rice bowl or a vegan cheese hamburger.
• MaZe Nishihorie – This is one of the best breakfast spots in Osaka. Expect large portions and varied dishes with avocado, eggs, and croissants.
• Gyukatsu Motomura – The specialty here is gyukatsu: a beef cutlet fried briefly and at high heat, with a crispy exterior.
• Okonomiyaki Sakaba O – This is a tiny, lively izakaya where you can eat delicious Osaka dishes like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. It is fried fresh right in front of you.
• Onigiri Gorichan – Here, it’s all about onigiri: seasoned Japanese rice balls. You can choose from more than 40 types of combinations, from classic (salmon, umeboshi, kombu) to richer fillings like wagyu sukiyaki with egg yolk, mentaiko, or miso peanut.
• A Happy Pancake – This popular restaurant has multiple chains and specializes in fresh, mega-fluffy souffle pancakes.
• Shawarma House Halal Restaurant – Craving Middle Eastern cuisine? Get delicious shawarma and falafel wraps here, with tasty toppings and sauces.
• Kyushu Ramen Kio Dōtonbori – Besides classic tonkotsu ramen, you can also try ramen with tomato and cheese here. Japan meets Italy.
• The Fire – This lovely spot serves delicious vegan ramen! In addition to various versions of ramen, they also serve vegan gyozas and delicious cocktails.
• Kushikatsu Daruma – You’ll recognize this restaurant immediately by the man with the angry face on the facade. They serve kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers of meat, fish, or vegetables dipped in a special sauce.

Our favorite places in Osaka

One of the most atmospheric accommodations to stay in Osaka is Hotel Noum OSAKA. The hotel’s decor is minimalist yet warm. It is beautifully located on the river, just outside Osaka’s busy center. After a fifteen-minute bike ride, you’re already in the lively Dōtonbori district. The rooms are comfortable and some have views of the river with the city behind it. Prefer to stay in the hustle and bustle of Osaka? Then Hotel Morning Box is an excellent choice. It is located right in the Shinsaibashi district, yet you experience complete peace within the hotel itself. An extra bonus is that you can use the baths on the tenth floor. After exploring Osaka all day, this is the perfect place to completely relax. There is also a nice lounge and they serve a delicious breakfast. Prefer staying in a hostel? Grand Hostel LDK is a cozy hostel in the Shinsaibashi district. In the large common area, you easily meet other travelers and there is a large shared kitchen. Both the private rooms and dorms are very comfortable.

Hotel Noum Osaka More information

Hotel Morning Box More information

Grand Hostel LDK More information

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