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15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

TripBlog
TripBlog
Oct 15, 2019

Catalogue

  • Osaka Castle:
  • Namba Yasaka Shrine:
  • Shitennoji Temple:
  • Osaka Museum of Housing And Living:
  • Dotonbori:
  • Kuromon Market:
  • Local Food:
  • Minoo National Park:
  • Universal Studios Japan:
  • Osaka Expo Park:
  • Instant Ramen Museum:
  • Tsutenkaku:
  • Umeda Sky Building:
  • Abeno Harukas:
  • Tempozan Ferris Wheel:
  • Show More

Osaka, the third most visited city in Japan, has a lot to offer to its tourists. The reason being simple. While Tokyo and Kyoto have an extensive list of attractions in terms of history, festivals and many events, the laid-back city of Osaka have a different vibrancy of its own, whether it be unique culinary, culture or heartwarming experiences and of course, many attractions. If the land of the rising sun, Japan is your next vacation destination, wondering what to do in Osaka, this carefully curated list of 15 fun things to do in Osaka Japan will help you make the most of your trip.

Osaka Castle undoubtedly tops our list of things to do in Osaka. This 16th-century Shogunate Osaka Castle, in spite of undergoing several restorations, is the main historical landmark of the Osaka city. This ancient castle was built in the year 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who was popularly known as the Napoleon of Japan. It took 10,000 workers to construct the castle but what you see now is restored version of the original castle. The castle was destroyed by Tokugawa and was restructured many times after that. The central tower you see now is built in 1931 and is surrounded by a moat, Osaka Castle park along with many plums, peach, and cherry-blossom trees. This majestic oasis welcomes visitors with changing seasonal views particularly during Sakura Season, that is, around spring season and then again in fall when the leaves change color. Do take out time to dress up in Japanese iconic clothes and accessories, the kimonos, helmets, and surcoats here at Osaka Castle. Don’t forget to click a picture. The Castle is open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and the adult admission fee is ¥600.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

If you have time to visit only one shrine in the Namba district area, your best choice will be the Namba Yasaka Shrine. This place is one of the most unique and photo-worthy shrines of Osaka. So, why is it unique? It houses a gigantic lion head statue called the Ema-Den. It is said that the wide-open mouth of the lion swallows’ evil spirits of the visitors and bestows good luck and success upon you. There is a stage inside the mouth that hosts many events during the year. The entire shrine area is dotted with Sakura tree making the place a visual delight too. The shrine is in close vicinity to Dontobori (this will come later on our list of things to do in Osaka) and only 5 minutes away from the Namba parks, a popular commercial destination. It is open 24 hours a day, and the admission is free.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

The temple of Shitennoji is one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples and is also said to be the first-ever state-funded temple. It was built in AD 593 by Prince Shotoku, who played a vital role in the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. The temple premises burned down several times in its 1400 years history due to natural calamities and World War II. But each time it was carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th-century model. If you are visiting this place, please note that there is no fee to explore the outer temple grounds. But the inner precinct, the Gokuraku-Jodo Garden and the temple’s treasure house admission is paid. The inner courtyard of the temple has a five-storied pagoda that you can go up and explore. It also has a main hall called Kondo in which Shotoku the price and founder of this temple is enshrined as a statue of Kannon. You can also explore the nearby temple garden, the Gokuraku-Jodo Garden that is inspired by the Western paradise of the Amida Buddha. Visit the temple treasure house that showcases paintings, scriptures, and other valuable belongings of the Shitennoji Temple. The Shitennoji Temple is open from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. from October to March and is open up to 4:30 P. M. during rest of the year. Visiting this temple is one of the things to do in Osaka.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

Here is a perfect chance for you to see how Osaka was in the Edo period (Also known as Tokugawa period is the timeline between 1603 and 1868 in Japanese history). This interactive museum is a recreation of streets and life of Osaka from the Edo Period townscape. So, of the exhibits here that need a special mention are kimono shop, toy shop, and bathhouse. The attention to detail will fascinate you. There is a cat on one of the roofs, there are lights that dim and brighten with time, and even the sound of rain is reflected to mimic inclement weather of the town from that period. Though most of the exhibits are of Edo period, there are also settings of Meiji, Taisho, and Showa timeline. These signify the evolution of the Osaka city until the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also many cultural events held in the museum from time to time, and the events depend on the season. Some of the events held in this museum are Rakugo, the comic storytelling event, musical performances, and craft workshops for you to try. This is also a great place to rent Kimono and take pictures in the streets of ancient Osaka. The Museum is open from 10.00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and is closed on every Tuesday. Ticket costs ¥600 for adults. It is still well worth a visit and is one of the things to in Osaka.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

Dotonbori is the most happening and vibrant neighborhood of Osaka. If you only have one day time to spend in Osaka, then Dotonbori would top the list of things to do in Osaka. This main artery road of Osaka is a place that epitomes the historic Osaka culture. Restaurants, Neon lights, Animatronic signs, and a sprawling nightlife define this place. Take a picture of the LED Glico Man running across the world, an iconic display of the area. The other displays that won't miss catching your attention are the Giant crab over Kani Douraku, giant octopus over Dotonbori Konamon Museum and the beautiful Dontonbori Canal that runs beside the street. Most of the place’s attractions are around the Dotonbori Canal, filled with many restaurants and bars. You can also cruise in a boat around here. The whole street is packed with famous restaurants serving gourmet seafood. Do stop by the Kuidaore Taro, a place that means eat till you drop. And finally, pick up a memorable souvenir at Osaka Meibutsu. Make sure you visit the place during night time to catch up with all the action here.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

The Kuromon Market is the best place to sample the city’s culinary treasure. After all, Osaka is known as the ‘Tenka no Daidokori,’ means ‘the nation's kitchen,’ for a reason. Kuromon Market or Kuromon Ichiba is a huge market in western Japan that consists of over 180 stores. This market has more than 19 decades of history and is popular as “Osaka’s Kitchen.” The market is a perfect place to buy all kinds of fresh food, produce, and gourmet products.

This is the best place to gather quality and seasonal ingredients and is flocked by locals, professionals’ chefs as well as tourists all the time. The Market is also the best place to enjoy authentic street foods of the region. Kuromon market is the best place for an in-depth understanding of Osaka’s food culture. The best way to explore this market is by talking a Kuromon Market Food walking tour. This 2-hour tour walks you through the cultural dishes and must-haves of local food. Visit this market by adding this in your list of things to do in Osaka.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

Your trip to Osaka is incomplete without trying all of the local seafood delicacies. Osaka city is an eating paradise. It has everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food. Find world-class beef from the nearby town of Kobe and fresh sushi via the Osaka Bay. Do not skip tasting the local specialties, too. The first must-taste is the city’s quintessential street snack, the Takoyaki.

A crispy ball-shaped cover surrounds a gooey center of octopus, served with pickled ginger, and scallions. The dish is brushed with a sweet sauce and sprinkled with ‘Nori’ for a perfect taste. Another specialty dish here is the Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake that can be topped with ingredients of your choice such as meat, seafood, and noodles. Also, try the Battera, which is a type of sushi mackerel that is compressed with rice. A perfect way to understand and sample the Osaka’s kitchen is a local food tour. Add this in your things to do in Osaka bucket to experience to have one of the best food scenes in all of Japan.

Minoo National Park is a perfect getaway around Osaka for nature lovers. This forested valley on the outskirts of Osaka is one of the best places in the Kansai Region to see the autumn colors in a natural setting. The best time to enjoy the autumn colors of the forest is around November. The woods are the popular attraction around here for its bright red maple trees and waterfalls. This natural recreation area can be reached in less than 30 minutes from the downtown Umeda area. Also, while you are here, don’t pass up an opportunity to try the fried Maple leaf sold here. This crispy tree leaf is a must thing to eat in Japan list. You can also go for a trek and visit the Minoo waterfalls here. Anyone who likes Parks should add this in a list of things to do in Osaka.

There are only 4 Universal studios around the world. Osaka, Japan has one of them. This is the best place to have fun with the entire family. Like in all Universal Studios parks, rides are based on famous movie franchises. The attractions here include the classic Jaws ride, Hello Kitty zone, Minions and Jurassic Park-themed attractions as well as the Sesame Street Fun World. Like LA Universal Studio, the Wizard World of Harry Potter is the real star around here.

Opened in 2014, it features attractions including the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as well as the signature "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride. Also, expect local Japanese cartoon characters in the Universal Studios of Japan. The Universal Studios Japan theme park is located in Sakurajima, and the tickets cost around $70. Expect huge crowd here at any time of the year. You may have to sell a few dollars for the fast pass if you cannot wait in long queues for the rides. Visit these attractions by adding this in things to do in Osaka.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

The Osaka Expo Park is located about 20 km away to the north of the city center. The park is best known for its ‘The Tower of the Sun,’ a 70-meter high icon that overlooks the park’s entrance. Its spacious ground has once hosted with Osaka Expo in 1970 that had 75 pavilions showing off world’s high-tech countries. Many of the Expo's exhibits remain for visitors to enjoy. The park also has a Dream Pond, where you can rent a boat and paddle around sculptures of the water. Also, do enjoy the tranquil in the Japanese landscape garden here. Anyone who likes Parks should add this in list of things to do in Osaka. The park also has other attractions like museums, virtual zoo, dining, shopping, and most importantly, the 5000 cherry blossom trees that pave the park. The Osaka Expo Park is open from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and is closed on Wednesdays, except during cherry blossom and autumn season.

Who doesn’t love Instant Ramen Noodles? Enjoy the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum here in Osaka. This cup noodles museum in Osaka has a range of quirky attractions. This Ramen Museum will walk you through the history of its making, from the time the noodles were first invented in the year 1958 to the time of its space Odyssey. There is also a ‘My Cup Noodles Factory’ that attracts children and adults alike. You can make your flavor of instant noodles here, your choice of vegetables and your choice of soup. The Instant noodle tunnel here displays around 800 different packages of Ramen noodles that has morphed from the time they were first made in 1958. Overall, this museum offers a thrilling and enjoyable experience for its visitors — Visi the cup noodles by adding this in your things to do in Osaka.

Standing at 103 meters, Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower is a symbolic slice of Osaka history. The original tower was built in 1912, was only 64 meters high. It was the regions tallest building. The original building was severely damaged in a fire that occurred in 1943. The current tower that took inspiration from the Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1953. It has several indoor viewing platforms and an observation deck on its 5th floor too. The lower levels of the Tsutenkaku tower have many fun-filled activities that include the iconic Glico display. While you are here, do check out the Shinsekai neighborhood, the Osaka’s old downtown district. This is the best place to feel the original vibe of the city with its retro shops, restaurants, and bars. The whole area is great for photo ops. So, add this in your list of things to do in Osaka.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

This building is one of the iconic landmarks in Osaka and can be seen from all corners of the city. This 173-meter-tall building also has an observatory on the 39th floor that stands as a major attraction. What is so special about this Observatory? The Observatory is one of the famous floating gardens that sits inside a glass dome suspended between the two 40 storeyed twin towers. The garden with many local flowers and plants is a visual treat. The Umeda Sky Building is occupied mainly with offices but also has an attractive underground food alley with markets and restaurants that transports you to a 1920s Japanese setting.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

Abeno Harukas is not only the tallest building of Osaka but also boasts as the tallest building in Japan. These 300 meters tall building hosts the biggest department store of Japan too called the Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store. This 1,00,000 sqm of retail space has all leading international brands, restaurants, and furniture. The building also has an observatory deck called the Harukas 300. The Harukas 300 deck has large floor to ceiling glass panels and offers 360 degrees view of all of Osaka from its 60th floor. The 58th floor of the building showcases designer inner court, a wooden deck, and a cafe. You can also pick a souvenir here, on the 58th floor. The 16th floor of the building host The Abeno Harukas Art Museum that has changing exhibits. The 16th floor also has a garden terrace with beautiful landscapes. The building is 15 minutes from Osaka station and only 5 minutes from Namba station.

This giant when is one of the most iconic sights in Osaka. Take a ride on this Tempozan Ferris Wheel to catch a glimpse of the pretty sights around the city. A 5 minutes’ walk from Osaka Subway station and minutes away from the Kaiyukan aquarium this giant wheel is located on the beautiful Osaka Bay. The wheel stands 112.5 meters tall. It offers a view of the Mount Ikoma on the east, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on the west, the Rokko mountains to the north and the Kansai International Airport to the south along with a beautiful view of the Osaka city. It has 60 cabins, and 3 of them are wheelchair accessible. The best time to take a ride and visit the place is after sunset when the wheel is lighted up. A general admission ticket costs ¥ 800. The wheel is illuminated at night, add this in your things to do in Osaka to have fun seeing here.

If you have more time to spend in Osaka, catch up with some of the other attractions like Asahi Beer Suita Brewery, Grand Front Osaka, Mozu tombs and many museums around here. Osaka is packed with friendly and easy-going citizens who are at ease with foreign visitors. Osaka is worth a visit.

15 Fun Things To Do in Osaka

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Contact Center of the year 2022
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