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Japan is crammed with beautiful locations, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the hovering peak of Mount Fuji. Nonetheless, in the event you’re planning the last word journey itinerary of Japan, you possibly can’t overlook Osaka. From its mouthwatering road meals to its energetic nightlife and world-class sights, there are an countless quantity of unbelievable issues to do in Osaka.
Osaka is one in every of my favourite cities in Japan (though I could also be barely biased since my mother is a proud Osakan). Not solely have I visited this vibrant metropolis numerous occasions as a toddler, nevertheless it was my dwelling base once I spent a 12 months dwelling in Japan. And but, each time I go to Osaka, I uncover one thing new, funky, and thrilling to do.
So, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable day trip otherwise you’re planning to spend a complete week within the Kansai area of Japan, there are many wonderful locations to go to in Osaka. Inside this submit, I’ll define the very best Osaka sights so as to add to your itinerary; from the thrilling Common Studios Japan to the picturesque hikes of Minoh Park and the traditional temple of Shitenno-ji.
With out additional ado, these are the 15 finest issues to do in Osaka.
Finest Issues To Do in Osaka
With so many unbelievable issues to do in Osaka, it may be onerous to restrict the alternatives to only 15. Nonetheless, I’ve hand-chosen a few of the finest excursions and sights Osaka has to supply. From the highest historic websites to the very best road meals, hikes, and day journeys from Osaka, you’ll discover a big selection of issues to do round Osaka.
So, in the event you’re prepared to search out out extra, let’s dive proper in.
1. Go Buying Down the Dotonbori Canal
First issues first, I can’t speak about the very best issues to do in Osaka with out together with the Dotonbori neighborhood. Positioned within the Minami (Namba) space, Dotonbori is Osaka’s leisure middle and a necessary spot to expertise Osaka’s nightlife.
Whereas I’m not into the bar scene myself, I like visiting Dotonbori for its wonderful meals and purchasing spots. And I like its upbeat and thrilling environment. It’s crammed with brilliant, neon indicators and dynamic billboards, and also you completely need to take a photograph copying the long-lasting Glico Operating Man pose – it’s a should!
Total, Dotonbori is likely one of the most vibrant and energetic neighborhoods in Osaka, and it has a few of the finest issues to do in Osaka at night time. Evidently, you completely have so as to add it to your Osaka itinerary.
Tackle: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Go to the Majestic Osaka Fort (One of many Finest Locations to Go to in Osaka!)
Subsequent up, one in every of my absolute favourite issues to see in Osaka is the imposing Osaka Fort. A surprising piece of structure rising from a backyard of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms (you completely have to go to in February and March if doable), Osaka Fort was constructed underneath Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583 however has been destroyed and reconstructed many occasions.
Housing a historical past museum and a scenic lookout level, Osaka Fort is the right place to go to for historical past and structure lovers. Nonetheless, it presents one thing for nature lovers as nicely; my favourite factor to do is to wander round its huge park. Surrounded by enchanting gardens and a dense moat, it’s simple to spend half a day peacefully wandering across the grounds.
It prices 600 JPY to enter the fort (round $4.25 USD) and it’s simple to guide in particular person. Click on right here to be taught extra about visiting Osaka Fort.
Tackle: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Pattern the Native Delicacies on the Kuromon Ichiba Market
Inside Japan, Osaka is legendary for its energetic nightlife and unbelievable road meals. If you wish to expertise the latter, I like to recommend you go to “Osaka’s Kitchen” – the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Good for all of the adventurous foodies on the market, the Kuromon Ichiba Market is a public market situated within the Minami (Namba) space of Osaka. It homes over 150 outlets primarily centered on promoting seafood, and lots of the stalls additionally promote smaller meals gadgets that you may get pleasure from proper then and there.
A few of my favourite issues to eat embrace takoyaki and yakitori. Nonetheless, it could possibly get fairly crowded throughout its peak hours, so I like to recommend going early within the morning. Click on right here to be taught extra about visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Tackle: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Spend a Thrilling Day at Common Studios Japan
If you happen to’re on the lookout for the very best issues to do in Osaka for households, then you should go to Common Studios Japan (USJ for brief).
As a toddler, spending an exhilarating day at USJ was all the time the spotlight of my journey. A few of my favourite rides embrace the Jurassic Park trip, the Jaws trip, and the Area Fantasy trip. I’ve additionally heard wonderful issues concerning the newer rides comparable to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Problem and the Flying Dinosaur.
Whether or not you’re touring with children, a major different, or with your mates, I actually suggest visiting USJ; it’s certainly my favourite theme park on the earth. If you happen to’re concerned about shopping for a pre-booked entry move, clicok right here.
Tackle: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Admire the Native Sights on an Osaka Strolling Tour
If you happen to’re questioning what sights to see in Osaka, then it’s a must to be part of one of many prime guided Osaka strolling excursions. Not solely will this tour take you to the most well-liked sights in Osaka, however you’ll even be launched to some distinctive hidden gems.
With stops at a few of the prime sights in Osaka, together with a number of that I’ve already talked about, (like Osaka Fort, Dotonbori, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market), your native information with share some tidbits concerning the huge historical past and tradition of this fascinating metropolis.
Whereas I’ve by no means taken this tour myself, my favourite strategy to expertise a brand new metropolis is to wander round on foot. And I’ve spent many days strolling round Osaka Fort Park, Namba, Dotonbori, and Tennoji. With this tour, you possibly can condense this wandering right down to half a day. If you happen to’re concerned about reserving the strolling tour, click on right here.
Tackle: The tour meets at 3-chōme-2 Tanimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0012, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
6. Tour the Historic Shitenno-ji Temple
Though Shitenno-ji Temple isn’t one of the common vacationer sights in Osaka, it’s undoubtedly one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Osaka.
One of many oldest Buddhist temples in all of Japan, (and the primary to be constructed by the federal government), Shitenno-ji Temple was constructed in 593 underneath Prince Shotoku. With a serene pond and a location close to the stunning Gokuraku-jodo Backyard, Shitenno-ji is the very best place to flee Osaka’s crowded streets. So, in the event you’re an introvert like me, you completely have to go to.
If you happen to’re in Osaka on the twenty first of the month, I like to recommend trying out Shitennoji’s Flea Market. Stuffed with all kinds of fascinating merchandise, it’s one of many coolest locations to purchase souvenirs.
Tackle: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Get a Style of Osaka’s Delicacies on a Meals Tour
If you happen to’re a foodie on the lookout for among the best issues to do in Osaka, then becoming a member of a meals tour is the way in which to go. Guiding you to the very best native eating places for some scrumptious and mouthwatering genuine Japanese delicacies, you’re certain to get a real style of Osaka.
On this meals tour, you’ll attempt a few of the finest dishes Japan has to supply, together with edamame, karaage, tonpeiyaki, yakitori, gyoza, and kushikatsu. And don’t neglect about one in every of my favourite Osakan dishes, takoyaki (a ball-shaped snack usually crammed with diced octopus).
Click on right here to guide the Shinsekai Meals Tour; you undoubtedly gained’t remorse it.
Tackle: The tour meets at 1-chōme-17 Sannō, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0001, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Signal-Up for a Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class
If you happen to like to prepare dinner (and eat) and also you’re looking for an interactive expertise in Osaka, then I like to recommend signing up for this wonderful ramen and gyoza cooking class.
Led by unbelievable, English-speaking instructors, you’ll be taught the ins and outs of the way to make these two basic Japanese dishes from scratch. What’s extra, after your class is completed, you get to benefit from the fruits of your labor.
Whereas I’ve by no means booked a cooking class earlier than, I’ve all the time loved making my very own gyoza; I’m certain you’ll too. So, if knocking up your personal dish is one thing that pursuits you, this class will certainly be a spotlight of your journey. For extra particulars on the way to guide the cooking class, click on right here.
One other enjoyable cooking class in Osaka for {couples}, teams, households, or solo vacationers is this Osaka Cooking Class which teaches you the way to make takoyaki (fried balls of wheat flour and octopus), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and miso soup. Be taught extra about this extremely rated exercise in Osaka, right here.
Tackle: The category takes place at Japan, 〒542-0082 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shimanouchi, 2-chōme−9−14 マスターズ・レジデンス道頓堀1. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Embark on a Waterfall Hike in Minoh Park
If you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Osaka, I like to recommend visiting the local-favorite escape on the outskirts of Osaka: Minoh Park.
With a straightforward, three-kilometer mountaineering path that results in a 33-meter-high waterfall, Minoh Park is ideal for these with young children. It’s one in every of my favourite free issues to do in Osaka – I like visiting Minoh Park for its enchanting forests and serene river. Because of the hike not being significantly strenuous, it could possibly get crowded on weekends, so try to go to within the week if doable.
If you happen to’re visiting Osaka within the fall, Minoh Park is likely one of the finest locations to admire Osaka’s foliage.
Tackle: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Test Out Osaka’s Hidden Gems on a Backstreets Tour
If you happen to’re eager to discover the extra hidden, distinctive, and unknown locations to go to in Osaka, then I like to recommend reserving this Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration tour.
Guiding you thru gritty areas with deserted buildings, playing spots, alleyways, and red-light districts, this tour is right for individuals who need to be taught each side of the town. It’s not really useful for youngsters underneath the age of 16, these with mobility impairments, or those that are pregnant.
Though I’ve visited Osaka numerous occasions, I’m but to affix this tour. It’s on my checklist of issues to do, nonetheless, because it explores districts and areas that I’ve little expertise with. So, if you wish to get a deeper perception into the historical past of Osaka and its not-so-pretty sides, then I like to recommend this tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Tackle: The assembly spot varies; guide the tour to be taught extra.
11. Expertise Osaka’s Nightlife on a Bar Hopping Tour
If you happen to’re eager on getting an area’s inside information of the very best bars and izakayas in Namba, you should take a look at this bar hopping and meals tour. From sampling unbelievable dishes to attempting high-quality drinks, this tour provides you with the last word introduction to Osaka’s nightlife.
I’m not likely a drinker myself however I can actually recognize why Osaka is taken into account among the best occasion cities in Japan – it’s so colourful and vibrant, anybody can benefit from the environment. If you wish to take a look at a few of the local-favorite bars, then that is undoubtedly one of many prime issues to do in Osaka. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide the tour.
Tackle: The tour meets at 1-chōme-8-16 Nanba, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
12. Go to the teamLab Botanical Backyard
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for among the best issues to do in Osaka for {couples} otherwise you’re on the lookout for a spot that may present some unbelievable photograph alternatives, I like to recommend trying out Osaka’s teamLab Botanical Backyard.
Positioned in Nagai Park, this out of doors botanical backyard options digitized interactive artwork that includes itself into the encompassing surroundings. With enchanting and bewitching shows that make you’re feeling such as you’re in a fantasy world, it’s the right strategy to spend a calming night in Osaka. Click on right here to pre-book your ticket.
Tackle: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Journey Osaka by Go-Kart
Wish to discover Osaka in fashion? If that’s the case, then I extremely suggest reserving a go-karting tour; one of the enjoyable issues to do in Osaka.
Providing costumes and go-kart rental, you’ll observe your information to a few of the finest sights in Osaka, together with Osaka Fort, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide, and be aware that you just’ll want a legitimate worldwide driver’s license.
Tackle: Japan, 〒556-0005 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Nipponbashi, 5-chōme−5−２ 森本ビルII. Click on right here for instructions.
14. Take a Day Journey to Kyoto and Nara
As you possibly can see by now, there are various superior locations to go to in Osaka. Nonetheless, one in every of my favourite components of dwelling in Osaka was being shut to 2 historic and implausible cities: Kyoto and Nara. And fortuitously, you possibly can go to them each in in the future by taking this bus tour to Kyoto and Nara.
With stops in Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nara Park, you’ll get to expertise a few of the most beautiful sights Kyoto and Nara have to supply. Expertise two UNESCO world heritage websites and marvel on the pure magnificence of those former capital cities.
Any journey to Japan could be incomplete with out visiting these particular locations; they’re the very best locations to go to close to Osaka. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide the tour.
Tackle: The assembly and pick-up spots fluctuate. E-book the tour to be taught extra.
15. Take a Large Day Journey to Hiroshima and Miyajima
Final however not least, in the event you’re hoping to discover extra of Japan throughout your journey to Osaka, then I extremely suggest taking this unbelievable day journey to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Positioned lower than three hours from Osaka by Shinkansen (the bullet prepare), you’ll get to go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to be taught concerning the atomic bomb that dropped in 1945.
With a lot historical past and tradition, together with beautiful pure websites, Hiroshima is dwelling to a few of the finest issues to do close to Osaka. I all the time love visiting this metropolis, together with Miyajima, its neighboring island, and this tour is certain to make you fall in love with the town too. To be taught extra and guide the tour, click on right here.
Tackle: The tour meets at 3-chōme-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan. Click on right here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Osaka
Now that we’ve gone over the 15 most unbelievable issues to do in Osaka, let’s go over some pattern journey itineraries. Listed below are a number of methods that you may incorporate these prime issues to see in Osaka into 1-day, 2-to-3-day, and 1-week itineraries:
1 Day in Osaka Itinerary
Right here’s how I’d plan your final 1-day Osaka itinerary:
First, begin your morning by visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market earlier than it will get too busy with fellow vacationers. Pattern a number of mouthwatering dishes for breakfast, earlier than heading to the Dotonbori Canal.
Admire the neon indicators and go to a number of shops, (just like the Mega-Don Quijote, a large low cost retailer), earlier than taking a prepare over to Osaka Fort. Tour the museum and wander across the peaceable grounds at your leisure.
Finish the day by returning to Namba and reserving into one of many following excursions: the Shinsekai Meals Tour, the Bar Hopping and Meals Tour, or the Deep Backstreets Exploration Tour.
2-3 Days in Osaka Itinerary
Right here’s how I’d plan your final 3-day Osaka itinerary:
On day one, I’d guide a guided Osaka strolling tour to Osaka Fort, Dotonbori, Abeno Harukas 300, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market. As soon as once more, I’d finish the day by reserving one of many following wonderful night time excursions: the Shinsekai Meals Tour, the Bar Hopping and Meals Tour, or the Deep Backstreets Exploration Tour.
On day two, I’d both spend the entire day at Common Studios Japan, or I’d take one of many day journeys listed above – you possibly can both guide a day journey to Kyoto and Nara, or guide one for Hiroshima and Miyajima.
On day three, I’d begin my day with a waterfall hike in Minoh Park. Upon returning to central Osaka, I’d go to Shitenno-ji Temple earlier than attending a Cooking Class in Dotonbori. Both select to finish the night time with one other night time tour or wander round Dotonbori.
1 Week in Osaka Itinerary
If doable, I completely suggest spending an entire week in Osaka. Not solely will it give you a greater image of the town and its nooks and crannies, however you’ll additionally get the time to take a look at a few of the unbelievable day journeys from Osaka.
Right here’s how I’d plan the last word 1-week Osaka itinerary:
The place to Keep in Osaka
These are a number of of the very best neighborhoods in Osaka for vacationers:
Kita (Umeda) – Finest for First-Time Guests
Among the best neighborhoods in Osaka for first-time guests is undoubtedly Kita (Umeda). Conveniently centered across the enormous and bustling Umeda Station, Kita (Umeda) has the whole lot a traveler appears to be like for – unbelievable purchasing and eating choices, pretty shrines, serene parks, spacious streets, and academic museums. Although it’s centered round so many issues to see in Osaka, it nonetheless has a relaxed vibe.
If you happen to’re considering of staying in Kita (Umeda), I like to recommend staying on the Aloft Osaka Dojima.
Minami (Namba) – Finest for Nightlife
Anybody who loves pleasure and motion has to remain in Osaka’s leisure district, Minami (Namba). Whereas my introverted self rapidly was just a little overwhelmed by the fixed crowds, Minami (Namba) is ideal for individuals who love nightlife and assembly new folks. With tons of bars, golf equipment, izakayas, and outlets, staying in Minami (Namba) signifies that there are countless locations to see in Osaka.
If you happen to’re considering of staying in Minami (Namba), I like to recommend staying on the Hiyori Resort Osaka Namba Station.
Tennoji – Finest for These on a Finances
Final however not least, in the event you’re a backpacker on a finances otherwise you’re simply trying to decide on a extra reasonably priced lodging choice, I like to recommend staying in Tennoji. One in all my favourite locations to remain, Tennoji is a bustling space crammed with unbelievable outlets and eating places with some contrasting quieter spots in Tennoji Park and Shitenno-ji Temple.
If you happen to’re planning to remain in Tennoji, an incredible resort to take a look at is the Backpackers Resort Toyo.
Finest Eating places in Osaka
Let’s speak some extra about Osaka’s scrumptious meals; these are a number of of the very best eating places that you’ll find in Osaka:
Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori
Osaka is legendary for 2 wonderful dishes: okonomiyaki and takoyaki. If you happen to’re concerned about sampling the latter, then it’s a must to add Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori to your checklist. The right snack to seize whereas exploring the streets of Dotonbori, the takoyaki (items of octopus in grilled balls lined in savory toppings) at Takoyaki Wanaka is affordable however scrumptious.
Sushi Hayata
A visit to Japan is incomplete with out gorging on sushi. Fortunately, you’ll find some unbelievable and reasonably priced sushi at Sushi Hayata. With a pleasant and welcoming environment, Sushi Hayata is likely one of the finest locations in Osaka to rewind for dinner.
Houzenji Sanpei
If you happen to’re concerned about attempting one other one in every of Osaka’s iconic dishes, then you definitely merely have to go to Houzenji Sanpei. Serving mouthwatering okonomiyaki (a savory pancake made with cabbage, meat, seafood, okonomiyaki sauce, and Japanese mayonnaise), Houzenji Sanpei is an reasonably priced restaurant that’s undoubtedly value a go to. And belief me, okonomiyaki is a lot extra scrumptious than it sounds.
Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi
One in all my favourite methods to chill out after a protracted (and sometimes chilly) day of sightseeing in Osaka is to take pleasure in a steaming bowl of ramen. If you happen to’re concerned about doing the identical, then take a look at Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi. With a variety of reasonably priced bowls of ramen to select from, it’s an incredible selection for lunch or dinner.
Sunshine
Each time I go to Japan, the one factor that I completely need to get is the fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes. If you happen to’re concerned about attempting a few of your personal, I like to recommend visiting Sunshine. A comfortable and common espresso store providing breakfast meals, omurice, and pasta, Sunshine is a mid-range restaurant that’s good for a mid-day break.
Attending to Osaka
Now that we’ve mentioned what to do in Osaka, the very best Osaka journey itineraries, the place to remain in Osaka, and the highest eating places to attempt, let’s talk about the way to get to Osaka.
There are two airports in Osaka that you may arrive at and depart from: the Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX) and the Itami Airport (ITM). At present, worldwide flights are served by KIX and home flights are served by ITM. Each airports supply trains and airport buses to get into and out of central Osaka.
You may as well get to Osaka by prepare, shinkansen (the bullet-train), or bus. If you happen to’re extra budget-minded like me, there are various in a single day buses from Tokyo to Osaka that you may take. However, the simplest methods to get to Osaka are by bullet-train or flight.
When you’re in Osaka, it’s tremendous simple to get round. With an intensive, frequent, and handy prepare system that takes you all around the metropolis, public transport is the way in which to go. You may as well get round by taxi, uber, bike, foot, or bus.
Issues To Do in Osaka: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Osaka:
Inside Japan and internationally, Osaka is called a big and bustling metropolis with mouthwatering road meals, energetic nightlife, huge leisure choices, and outgoing and considerably boisterous locals.
In my view, the very best time to go to Osaka is within the spring (late March-early April) and fall (late October-early November). If in any respect doable, it’s best to go to Osaka (and Japan) within the spring for the cherry blossoms; there’s nothing extra magical than seeing the unbelievable, historic Japanese websites surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.
The sights can get fairly crowded within the spring, so one other nice time to go to Osaka (and Japan) is within the fall for its vibrant, colourful foliage.
Osaka is unquestionably value visiting. From the majestic Osaka Fort to the historic Shitenno-ji Temple, the energetic Dotonbori to the thrilling Common Studios, there’s a plethora of wonderful locations to go to in Osaka. Moreover, Osaka has a singular and upbeat vibe that’s not like some other vacation spot in Japan.
When you can admire and discover most of Osaka’s sights in 3 days, that’s the naked minimal (for my part). As somebody who lived in Osaka and is a toddler of a proud Osakan, I like to recommend staying longer if doable, particularly since there are various unbelievable day journeys that you may take from Osaka (comparable to Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, Kobe, and Himeji).
Sure, Osaka is completely protected; in keeping with World Inhabitants Evaluation, it’s the third most secure metropolis on the earth. Whereas there are some sketchy areas (like most cities on the earth), Osaka may be very protected in the event you take regular precautions and observe your instincts.
The most well-liked factor to do in Osaka is to go to the thriving streets of Dotonbori and Namba. Stuffed with neon indicators and teeming with outlets and eating places, there are tons of issues to do in Namba. One other common and wonderful sight is Osaka Fort.
Whereas Japan usually isn’t seen as an affordable vacation spot, I contemplate it to be very reasonably priced. And Osaka itself is likely one of the cheaper locations in Japan; with tons of finances hostels within the Tennoji space and reasonably priced road meals out there all around the metropolis, Osaka is pretty cheap.
The 2 native dishes that you just completely need to attempt in Osaka are takoyaki (grilled octopus in savory balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes comprised of cabbage, meat, and seafood). In the event that they don’t sound too appetizing, I urge you to rethink; served with a few of the most mouthwatering seasonings and sauces, these dishes are my consolation meals.
In Closing
I hope this text on the 15 finest issues to do in Osaka has supplied you with some concepts and inspiration to your Osaka itinerary. No matter how lengthy you’re visiting Osaka, I’m certain you’ll find yourself loving it as a lot as I do.
So, pack up your luggage and seize your passport. I hope you could have an unbelievable journey.
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