The Open Road Travel

Compared to sprawling Tokyo, the more compact Osaka is often unfairly overlooked as a premium tourist destination. A quick look at what the city has to offer reveals it is packed with attractions to rival the capital and deciding on the 10 best things to do in Osaka is no easy task.

With thousands of years of history and the 2nd largest population of any Japanese city, it’s no wonder that Osaka boasts a smorgasbord of cultural delights. From ancient temples to cutting edge theme parks, there’s so much to see and do that choosing what to prioritise during your trip is a challenge.

Lucky for you, I’ve done all the work of picking out the best attractions to see in Osaka for you. So, if you are planning to visit Osaka yourself, allow me to walk you through the very best of what the city has to offer, so you can get straight to planning your perfect travel itinerary.

With a history of human habitation dating back as far as 300 BCE, Osaka has had literally thousands of years to develop into the vibrant city that it is today.

By population, Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, which means the city boasts a varied wealth of attractions and entertainment to suit the diverse tastes and needs of both residents and tourists.

Having been a major port town since the 5th century, Osaka has long been established as one of the country’s major centres of politics, economics, and industry.

The city’s long history and significance make it little surprise that it is home to some of Japan’s principal cultural attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Osaka Castle. Osaka’s location also makes it perfect for anyone who wants to explore outside of the city limits.

All the attractions of historic Kyoto are just a 15-minute journey away by bullet train. Meanwhile, Nara, with its population of friendly deer, is just an hour away. Foodies can enjoy being just a 20-minute trip from Kobe, world famous for its high-quality beef.

Like most of Japan, Osaka experiences very distinct seasons. The summers can be smotheringly hot (worsened by the humidity of the rainy season) and the winters bitterly cold (worsened by the damp sea air).

Therefore, the milder spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Osaka for most.

This is especially true if you’ll spend a lot of time outside going between attractions, as the climate is much more comfortable. You’ll also reap the benefits of the stunning colours of the changing trees.

Sakura season is a particularly popular time to visit and usually hits around late March to early April. One event that may tempt you to visit Osaka at the peak of summer, despite the heat and humidity, is the Tenjin Matsuri.

Occurring near the end of July, Tenjin Matsuri, held at Tenmangu Shrine, is one of the biggest, most culturally important festivals in Japan, so is well worth going out your way for.

Moving on to the main event, I have whittled down all of the city’s various attractions to just the 10 best things to do in Osaka for you to prioritise visiting.

I’ll walk you through exactly what makes each of them so worth your time, so you can easily pick out which to fit into your Osaka travel itinerary.

Ranking as one of the top attractions in all of Japan, Osaka Castle is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Osaka. Dating back to 1597, with various renovations, rebuildings, and expansions since, the castle is a magnificent example of Japan’s rich history.

Osaka Castle is significant enough to have earnt the title of Osaka’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with the impressive central structure, Osaka Castle also boasts extensive grounds with glistening moats, fortified walls, and various defensive gates.

The various groves of plum and cherry blossom trees make it an especially lovely site to visit throughout the spring season.

If all of that’s not enough for you, you can delve even deeper into the area’s history at the Osaka Museum of History. Located right opposite the south-west corner of the castle grounds, the two attractions make a perfect pairing for any history fan.

Osaka Castle may be the most historic, traditional castle in the city but it’s not the only castle you can find there. Head on over to Universal Studios in Osaka Bay and you’ll find a detailed replica of Hogwarts Castle from the Harry Potter films.

If you are looking for ideas to keep the whole family entertained, then a day at Universal Studios Osaka is perfect. The huge park has a wide range of themed areas and rides based on various beloved franchises.

The Hogwarts castle is, of course, part of the broader Wizarding World area. Super Nintendo World is a relatively new area that is already wildly popular with fans of the video game franchise.

Sanrio, various popular anime, and film franchises such as Jurassic World are also represented at Universal Studios Osaka. This is one attraction that really does have something to appeal to every visitor, so it’s perfect whether you’re travelling solo or with a larger group.

Another perfect family friendly attraction is the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, also located in Tokyo Bay. The largest aquarium in the world when it opened in 1990, Kaiyukan is still one of the biggest on the planet, housing thousands of fish and marine animals from across the globe.

Kaiyukan houses the animals in a wide array of environments to replicate the natural habitats of the varied species. Visitors can enjoy popular attractions such as shark tunnels, home to Kaiyukan’s famous whale sharks, penguin colonies, and glowing tanks of ethereal jellyfish.

From adorable otters bustling about their river habitats, to deep sea critters lurking in the darker tanks, Kaiyukan Aquarium caters to all curiosities.

There are even interactive exhibits and the opportunity to get involved in feeding the animals for those who want a more hands on experience. Visitors seeking something to do in the evenings can enjoy the Night Aquarium experience.

At 5pm each day, the lights are dimmed, and the background music shifted to something more atmospheric. Perfect for a date night, or just a more laid-back experience once the bigger crowds have left.

Right next door to Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium is the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Standing 112.5 metres (369 feet) tall, riders can enjoy stunning panoramic views from the top.

Aside from being able to see across the whole of Osaka, being located right by the water’s edge grants you beautiful views across the water and islands of Osaka Bay.

Tempozan Ferris Wheel is just over the water from Universal Studios, so you can spy across to sights like Hogwarts Castle too.

At night the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is illuminated in a brilliant display of rainbow lights. Against the dark backdrop of the Osaka Bay, the Ferris Wheel itself becomes almost as striking a view as the one from its top.

Speaking of incredible views, if you’re looking for a fantastic vantage point closer to the city centre, you’ll want to head over to the Umeda Sky Building. At 173 metres (568 feet) tall, those who venture up to the observatory at the top are graced with exceptional views across downtown Osaka.

Umeda Sky is two 40-storey skyscrapers joined by a series of bridges and escalators at the top, forming one of Osaka’s most recognisable landmarks.

Known as the Floating Garden Observatory, this viewing area combines cutting-edge architectural art with a unique sightseeing experience.

In contrast to the sky garden at its peak, beneath Umeda Sky is a subterranean entertainment and shopping complex. The main attraction of this underground mall is a sprawling food court designed to look like a marketplace from early 20th century Osaka.

Founded in 949 AD, Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most important Shinto sites in all of Japan.

With its sweeping roofs, passages of vibrant torii gates, and plethora of bronze zodiac statues scattered around the grounds, Tenmangu is a perfect example of traditional Japanese culture and spirituality.

Being a visually stunning location, as well as hugely historically and spiritually important, it is little wonder that Tenmangu Shrine is also the host of one of Japan’s biggest annual festivals. Tenjin Matsuri is held on the 24th and 25th of July each year.

The celebrations of Tenjin Matsuri involve a packed schedule of events. The most popular are the parades, with processions taking place both on land and on the river. Meanwhile, the festival’s fireworks display is one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

If you’re willing to travel just a little further out from the city centre, then Sumiyoshi Taisha is definitely worth the effort. Dating back to the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi Taisha is the Grand Shrine of the Sumiyoshi Gods, the head temple of over two-thousand shrines dedicated to the Sumiyoshi.

The temple is especially beautiful, with a network of grand stone torii, glowing lanterns, and marble statues. One of the most iconic symbols of Sumiyoshi Taisha is the vibrant red Sorahashi Bridge that arcs over the moat at the main entrance.

Nestled amongst the trees, Sumiyoshi Taisha is beautiful year-round, but especially worth a visit in the spring or autumn. Even though it’s a little bit further to travel than some other sites, there are three train lines running nearby, so getting there is still fairly straightforward.

If you’re looking for somewhere to experience the glowing neon cyberpunk vibe that Japanese cities are known for around the world, then you should pay a visit to the Shinsekai district.

Modelled after New York’s Coney Island, you can find some interesting features in Shinsekai, such as the giant pufferfish lantern that remains one of the most recognisable symbols of the area. One of the most prominent features of Shinsekai is the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

At 103 metres (338 feet) tall, the tower can be seen from most streets in the neighbourhood. This is particularly true at night, when it is lit up in its own display of neon illuminations. A viewing platform at the top provides excellent views across the district and nearby Tennoji Zoo.

Largely undeveloped in recent decades, Shinsekai has a unique atmosphere. It has an authentically retro air about it, with old-fashioned shopfronts and cheap restaurants accented by paper lanterns, which helps keep the neighbourhood feeling somewhat frozen in time.

Everyone visiting Japan will want to spend some time indulging in the local cuisine. If street food is what you have a hankering for, then head over to Kuromon Market.

The lively shopping arcade is packed with little eateries hawking a wide variety of traditional dishes and regional delicacies.

In addition to the various snacks and culinary delights for you to sample, Kuromon Market is also a great place to pick up souvenirs. Amongst the food vendors you will find plenty of little shops selling everything from affordable clothing to craft goods.

Namba is one of the main shopping and entertainment districts in Osaka. Packed with shopping malls, streets lined with high-end boutiques, and plenty of cafes for when you need a break, Namba is ideal for those who enjoy indulging in a bit of retail therapy.

In the evenings, the many restaurants, izakayas, and theatres make this one of the best areas in the city for after dark entertainment. Along the north of the district, you also have Dotonbori.

Straddling the Tombori River and home to the iconic Glico billboard, this bustling high street is one of the most photographed locales in the city. Even if you’re not a fan of browsing the shops, you should still swing by to snap a selfie with the Glico man from one of the nearby bridges.

Super central and packed with extra conveniences, Hotel WBF Namba is perfect for those who just want a comfortable base from which to explore the city.

Right at the heart of the city and walking distance from multiple public transport stations, the hotel is in a truly fantastic location.

The rooms are compact but pack in all the comforts you could need. Each comes equipped with an ensuite bathroom, flatscreen television, air-conditioning, and usb power points. Your room also includes a smartphone with unlimited data for you to use when out and about.

Guests also have the use of a laundry room, as well as a dining area with vending machines, hot drink facilities, and a microwave.

So, as you can see, there is plenty to keep anyone occupied in Osaka, no matter the length of your visit. This list of the 10 best things to do in Osaka is only the tip of the iceberg as far as all there is to see, do, and enjoy in the city.

If you are going to be short on time during your trip, then these are the perfect attractions to fit into your itinerary to really get a feel for Osaka. If you have a bit of a longer stay to work with, then they make a great starting point for starting off a more extensive schedule during your stay in Osaka.