The best things to do in Osaka welcome you to get to know this pulsating city and its thrilling sights. The key attractions include Osaka Castle, Dotonburi shopping landmark, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, and the Tenpozan Ferris Wheel.

If you're interested in Japanese history, make sure you pay a visit to the Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture. For those who appreciate traditional arts, a Sumo wrestling match as well as Noh and Kabuki stage performances are a must.

What are the best things to do in Osaka?

  • 1

    Osaka Castle

    Where history blooms under cherry blossoms

    Osaka Castle
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    Osaka Castle, like many old Japanese castles and temples, has been damaged and rebuilt several times throughout its history, and is actually one of the finest castles left in Japan nowadays. Osaka Castle was founded in 1583 but was rebuilt in 1931. Its top floor offers splendid views of the city.

    Every spring, travelers from near and far visit the castle grounds to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms as well as the vividly coloured leaves in autumn. The castle’s museum, located inside the main building, has a massive collection of about 10,000 historical items such as swords, armor, portraits, lacquerware, multi-coloured woodblock prints and folding screens.

    Lokasi: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

    Buka: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

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  • 2

    Dotonburi

    Osaka's neon playground where food is king

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    Dotonburi is a famous landmark in the most well-known commercial district in Osaka. It features countless shops, restaurants and entertainment centres.

    Many visitors come here at night, mainly for the food, and to grab a few photos in front of the popular ‘Glico Man’ (Glico is one of the biggest Japanese snack companies), a large neon advertising sign in Dotonbori, as well as other flashing adverting signboards. You can reach Dotonburi by taking the subway to Namba station. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the station.

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  • 3

    Universal Studios Japan

    Thrill rides, movie magic, fun for all ages.

    Universal Studios Japan
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    Universal Studios Japan is a fun place for families, especially for the little ones. Meet famous characters like Snoopy, Shrek and Popeye, and enjoy many exciting rides based on famous movies. Popular rides include Jurassic Park, Jaws, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.

    You will never go hungry while at this theme park. Food selections range from Japanese to western and light meals as well as desserts and ice creams. Expect to queue for about 20 minutes per attraction, longer for the more popular rides and attractions. Try to plan your visit on a weekday to have more of the park to yourself.

    Lokasi: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

    Buka: Hours vary by season

    Telepon: +81 (0)570-200-606

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  • 4

    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Marine marvels, family fun and Ferris wheel thrills

    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
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    Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan features exciting marine creatures, ranging from whale sharks to sea lions and penguins, jellyfish and sea otters. You’ll also get to see turtles, manta rays, Japanese giant spider crabs, harbor seals and a tropical reef exhibit. The aquarium tank is made from acrylic glass sheets, giving visitors the impression that they are also underwater, along with the creatures exhibited. Audio guides in English are available.

    Kaiyukan Osaka Aquarium is located in Tempozan Harbor Village and is surrounded by many leisure activities including a giant Ferris wheel and the Market Place, where you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants. It’s best to avoid visiting on public holidays and weekends as the aquarium can be very crowded.

    Lokasi: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

    Buka: Hours vary by season

    Telepon: +81 (0)6-6576-5501

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  • 5

    Traditional Japanese Theatre

    Where Noh's serenity and Kabuki's vibrancy meet

    Traditional Japanese Theatre
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    You can experience traditional Japanese theater through live artistic performances like Noh and Kabuki. Noh dates back more than 700 years and is probably the only ancient performing art that is still performed in its original style. You can see this masked drama at Ohtsuki Noh Theatre, close to Osaka Castle.

    Kabuki has colorful costumes, mesmerizing dances, music and stories that deal with many subjects, including wars, loyalty and love affairs. The shows cover a variety of characters, from war lords or samurais to common people like farmers and merchants. The best place to see Kabuki in Osaka is at Shochikuza Kabuki Theatre. It’s located close to Namba station.

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  • 6

    Shitennoji Temple

    Shitennoji Temple
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    The oldest officially established temple in Japan, Shitennoji Temple is regarded as the spiritual heart of Osaka. It was constructed in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Japan. Throughout the ages its wooden buildings have been ravaged by war and by fire, and every time locals would faithfully reconstruct them according to the original plans.

    Major draws are the Main Gate, the five-storey Buddhist Pagoda and the Main Golden Hall. Locals flock to Shitennoji to pay respects to Prince Shotoku, who remains a revered figure even today. The best thing to do here is to stroll through the temple's Japanese landscape garden, with its manicured bushes, meandering streams, turtle sanctuary and a waterfall.

    Lokasi: Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0051, Japan

    Buka: Daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

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  • 7

    Amerika-mura

    Osaka's beating heart of fashion, music and edgy vibes

    Amerika-mura
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    Amerika-mura, or Ame-mura, is a hub for trends in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. The history of Amerika-mura dates back to the 1970s. It used to be a deserted town but soon became popular for flea markets, which took place in warehouses and parking lots.

    Now, it serves as a centre for fashion, music and art in Osaka. Triangle Park is located in the middle of Amerika-mura. This wide space often attracts those looking to relax and watch performances by aspiring comedians and musicians. If you’re always on the lookout for new things, Amerika-mura is a must-visit.

    Lokasi: 2 Chome Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan

    Buka: Monday–Saturday from 1 pm to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm

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  • 8

    Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

    Not for the faint of heart, breathtaking views await

    Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
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    The futuristic Floating Garden Observatory hanging between the twin towers of the Umeda Sky Building offers fantastic views over the city. At 560 ft and on the 39th floor it’s quite an experience to be up there and take in the vista.

    Even going up towards the 360-degree view is an event in itself as the elevator and escalator are both transparent. This exhilarating experience is not for those afraid of heights. Located within walking distance of Osaka station, it's easy to find this unique landmark.

    Lokasi: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan

    Buka: Daily from 9.30 am to 10.30 pm

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  • 9

    Tempozan Ferris Wheel

    Osaka unfolding at your feet

    Tempozan Ferris Wheel
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    The giant Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a fun way to catch panoramic views of Osaka Bay and surrounding areas. You’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the Ikoma Mountains to the east, Akashi Strait Pearl Bridge to the west, Kansai International Airport to the south and Rokko Mountains to the north.

    Tempozan is located nearby in the Tempozan Harbor Village. It is 367 ft high and takes about 15 minutes to complete a full turn. Made up of 60 cabins, each has room for 8 people and can be access with a wheelchair. You will hear commentary in both Japanese and English explaining each of the sights.

    Lokasi: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

    Buka: Hours vary by season

    Telepon: +81 (0)6-6576-6222

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  • 10

    Nanshuji Temple

    The birthplace of Japanese tea ceremony

    Nanshuji Temple
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    Nanshuji Temple was built in 1557 by Nagayoshi Miyoshi, the warlord who ruled Sakai at that time. The temple is well known as the place where Sen no Rikyu, the country’s top tea master, created and started the Tea Ceremony. Nanshuji was burned down and eventually rebuilt in 1617.

    Here you’ll find a beautiful Zen garden, a teahouse and a pagoda on the stunning temple grounds. Nanshuji Temple is around a 10-minute walk from Goryomae Station on the Hankai Line.

    Lokasi: 3 Chome-1-2 Minamihatagochohigashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka 590-0965, Japan

    Buka: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

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  • 11

    Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture

    A journey through Osaka's ancient past

    Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture
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    The interesting Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi culture museum features Japanese culture of the Yayoi period which prevailed in Japan from 300 BC to AD 250. The museum successfully recreates the general aspects of Yayoi culture by means of many media including a model of Himiko's Mansion (the first queen in Japanese history), a model of Yayoi’s rice fields in autumn, earthenware, vessels and pottery.

    After learning about this ancient culture, have a look at Ikegami-Sone Ruins next door. The museum is within walking distance of Shinodayama Station.

    Lokasi: 4 Chome-8-27 Ikegamicho, Izumi, Osaka 594-0083, Japan

    Buka: Tuesday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

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  • 12

    Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament

    Seconds of action, centuries of tradition

    Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament
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    If you plan to be in Osaka in the last two weeks of March, try to catch the Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament. The Sumo Spring Basho is the only competition of the year to take place in Osaka. It's an exciting and culturally fascinating experience. This popular traditional sport has been part of Japanese culture since ancient times.

    There are many fights in the course of one day and each fight lasts only a few seconds, or on rare occasions, for about a minute. Sumo wrestling in Osaka is held in the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, also known as Edion Arena Osaka, close to Namba station.

    Lokasi: 3 Chome-4-36 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan

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Stephan Audiger | Traveler Kompulsif