Osaka Attractions

Osaka is Japan's foodie capital - try Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and the fluffy cheesecake at Rikuro Ojisan no Mise in Namba.

For the best view of Osaka, I recommend the Harukas 300 observation deck in the city's tallest building. It's particularly beautiful at sunset. You can purchase tickets online in advance.

My recommendation for 3 days in Osaka: Explore Umeda, the castle district, and Dotonbori with its sea of neon lights - ideal to walk around or use the Osaka Loop Line.

For day trips, Nara or Kobe are worthwhile. I suggest staying in Nara for at least one night to experience the area at a relaxed pace.

You can best stay in Namba or Umeda - both neighborhoods are central, well-connected, and have many restaurants nearby.

Many attractions are included in the Osaka Amazing Pass (view here), along with free use of public transportation.

We explored the following attractions in Osaka over 2.5 days. We'll share our highlights in this post. Osaka is Japan's third-largest city and also a million metropolis. However, you don't need as much time to explore as you would in Tokyo or Kyoto. We love the bustling and creatively quirky Osaka, which is so different from Tokyo.

If you love Japanese food, you'll find your personal foodie paradise in Osaka. The city is known as the 'Kitchen of Japan' and the place with the best food scenes in the country.

I have summarized the most beautiful and historically significant places and activities in the city here. If you're wondering what to do in Osaka, you'll find our must-see places here that you should definitely visit on your first trip to Osaka.

Umeda Sky Building

Universal Studios Japan with Mario World

Harukas 300, Osaka's highest observation deck

Ferris wheel on top of Hep Five Shopping Mall

Osaka Castle

Osaka-Jo Koen Castle Park

Tsutenkaku (Osaka Tower)

Tenjinbashi Shopping Street

Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street

America Mura

Dotonbori

Culinary specialties in Osaka: Rikuro Ojisan no Mise, Namba Honten

I recommend staying at least 2 days in Osaka. Ideally, three days in Osaka, or five days if you plan to take day trips (to Nara). We spent 3 nights (2.5 days) in Osaka and explored Nara not as a day trip, but with an overnight stay (also my tip).

If you only have one day for Osaka (after all, it's Japan's third-largest city), you should definitely see Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, America-Mura, Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku Tower, and Dotonbori. If there's still time and the weather is nice, you can visit the Osaka Harukas observation platform.

Osaka is one of Japan's most important cities after Tokyo and is located on the island of Honshu. Although there aren't as many traditional or picturesque places and temples as in Kyoto or Tokyo, the city is definitely worth a visit. If you're planning a trip to Japan, you must include Osaka in your itinerary.

The locals are known for their warm hospitality, and residents will tell you that Osaka is one of the most relaxed cities in the country.

Additionally, there are great shopping streets, museums, galleries, amusement parks, and of course, some really great attractions.

That's why Osaka was high on our must-see list from the start of our trip planning for Japan. We were not disappointed. We found sensational food and one of the most exciting and relaxed places in Osaka.

Osaka's unofficial motto is kuidaore, meaning 'to eat until you drop.' And we did exactly that. We not only explored unique landmarks but also indulged ourselves with a variety of culinary delights.

In this article, we'll show you which attractions in Osaka you definitely should not miss and share our personal highlights along with many practical sightseeing tips.

-> Nara was not visited as a day trip like many do from Osaka or Kyoto, but we also stayed overnight there.

See for yourself that Osaka has many noteworthy places to offer!

Osaka is so different from Tokyo or Kyoto. We find it mysterious that Osaka is referred to as 'Tokyo's little sister.' After all, the two metropolises are completely incomparable.

People here are much more open and not quite as shy and reserved. A bit more colorful and somehow a little crazier. This is already evident by the fact that in Osaka, people stand on the right side of the escalator instead of the left - crazy.

We gathered a lot of information locally from a local resident and followed her advice. Here are the well-known attractions in Osaka that you should visit.

Exploring modern Osaka also means climbing the most spectacular building in the Umeda district. The Umeda Sky Building is an eye-catching structure.

It houses one of the most popular tourist spots: the observation deck on the 39th and 40th floors called Kuchu Teien Observatory at 173 meters high, which provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka.

The skyscraper actually consists of two buildings connected at the top with the observation deck. The weather wasn't great when we visited, and it was quite hazy. Nevertheless, the observation deck is a great attraction. On the upper platform, there are no windows to interfere with your photography.

Visiting information:

Enter the right tower to access the observation deck. From there, go to the third floor and follow the crosswalk at the back to the left tower. Take the elevator to the 35th floor and then switch escalators from the left to the right tower. Once you reach the top, you can purchase your ticket from the machine.

Opening hours of the observation deck: 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM, last entry: 10 PM

The platform may be closed in stormy weather.

The evening just before sunset is the most beautiful time for a visit. Make sure to arrive on time, as everyone wants to be up there to enjoy the view.

Ticket prices for adults: 1,500 yen, elementary school students and younger: 700 yen, free for children under 4 years

You can buy tickets online here

2 buildings are connected to the observation deck on the 40th floor by escalators, providing a 360-degree panoramic view.

Address: 1-1-87 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023

A highlight that is at the top of my list for my next visit to Osaka is Universal Studios Japan. The theme park is located in Osaka Bay and has been open since 2001 - today, it is the second-most popular amusement park in Japan, right after Tokyo Disneyland.

There are now 10 different themed areas through which you can move as if through movie worlds:

Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - and newly opened and a must for me personally: Super Nintendo World!

Here you can race through Bowser's Castle with Mario Kart, complete interactive games, and stand in a world full of green pipes, power-ups, and Yoshi adventures. As a Nintendo fan, this is an absolute dream!

In addition to family-friendly carousels, there are also thrilling roller coasters, 4D simulators (e.g., Spiderman or Jurassic World), daily parades, shows, and countless photogenic encounters with mascots like Snoopy, Hello Kitty, or Minions. There's also plenty of culinary offerings: restaurants, street food stalls, and themed cafes ensure you can stay there all day long.

My tip: If you want to visit Universal Studios, be sure to secure your ticket early online - especially on weekends and during holidays, tickets sell out quickly. For Super Nintendo World, you often need an additional time reservation on-site or an express ticket. We also visited the Universal Studios in L.A. with an express ticket, which I recommend!

️ Tickets & Express Passes for Universal Studios Japan can be found on Klook, GetYourGuide, or the official website.

If you want to experience the city from an even more dizzying height, you can't miss Harukas 300. The platform is located on the 60th floor of Abeno Harukas, which, at 300 meters, is the tallest building in Japan outside of Tokyo.

From up here, you have an impressive 360° panoramic view of all of Osaka, up to Osaka Bay, Kobe, and even Awaji Island when the weather is good. The open area on the 58th floor, the 'Sky Garden,' is especially nice, with wooden decking, seating, and a small café - ideal for a relaxing break with a view.

I recommend visiting in late afternoon to catch the sunset, if the weather is good. The view over the sea of lights in Osaka at night is also spectacular. I found the view from Umeda Sky Building to be more beautiful.

Visiting information:

Entry: 1,500 yen (adults), 700 yen for children, free for children under 4

Opening hours: daily 9 AM - 10 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM)

Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka (right by Tennoji Station)

It's best to buy tickets in advance from Klook

Visit the official website

Also located in the Umeda district, Osaka's business center, is the HEP Five Shopping Mall. HEP stands for Hankyu Entertainment Park. Those who have been following us on the blog for a while know that regular shopping malls are not our top destination. We prefer spending our time outside exploring the city we are visiting. In this case, we had to make an exception. There is indeed one of the top attractions in Osaka on the HEP 5: a red Ferris wheel.

On the 7th floor, you enter the Ferris wheel. With a diameter of 75 meters and 52 gondolas, a complete rotation takes 15 minutes. At 106 meters above the ground, you reach the highest point. From there, you have a wonderful view over the city. At night, the Ferris wheel is illuminated and visible from afar. If you have a bit of time, you should explore the shops. We found it interesting to browse through Japanese fashion.

Visiting information:

Entry: 600 yen per person

Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsaka-jō) dates back to 1583. It was built with the help of 100,000 workers. The builder Hideyoshi Toyotomi was obsessed with gold and insisted that gold be applied to much of the castle's interior decoration. To this day, the love for gold is visible on the outer facades.

After its completion, the castle served as a fortress. Like many others in Japan, Osaka Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. In 1665, the main tower was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning storm. Since the 1950s, Osaka Castle has been considered a historical monument and is lovingly maintained by the city of Osaka.

Despite the fact that the castle is no longer original, it is still one of the most impressive buildings in Osaka. It is located amidst the green castle park (Osaka-Jo Koen) and is surrounded by a moat.

Once inside the castle, you can visit a historical museum showcasing a selection of weapons and artworks. On the 8th floor, there is an observation deck that offers a panoramic view over the adjacent park and the vast Osaka area.

Osaka Castle is the main attraction of the city. This five-story castle captivates thousands of tourists each year and immerses you in its 450-year history!

It is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season and in autumn when most tourists are there.

Note: Do you have the Osaka e-Pass? Then entrance is included. Read more information about the pass in the travel tips further down.

Visiting information:

Opening hours: 9 AM - 5 PM, last entry 4:30 PM

Entrance for the castle: 600 yen (children up to 15 years free)

Entry for watchtowers and gunpowder magazine costs 700 yen. The combo ticket is 1,200 yen.

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002

If you're already at Osaka Castle, you should also visit the surrounding park. The Castle Park opened in 1931. Particularly during the sakura season (cherry blossoms) in spring and the koyo season (falling leaves) in autumn, the area is very popular and well-visited due to its many trees.

We were there relatively early in the morning. You have the best view of the castle from the park grounds. If you feel like it and have time, you can even take a short boat ride in the castle moat. In Japan, anything is possible!

In the Shinsekai district, you will find the Tsutenkaku Tower, the most famous landmark of this district. You can visit the 100-meter-high steel tower. Go up and enjoy a great view of the city from above.

In Osaka's history, this tower holds a special place as a symbol of progress and innovation.

The Tenjinbashi Shopping Street is the longest shopping street in Japan! There is always something going on here, and you will definitely find great bargains. The best part is that the street is covered, making it ideal for strolling even in the rain.

The counterpart to Tenjinbashi is the Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street. This is the oldest shopping street.

Shinsaibashi-suji is also covered and located in the heart of the Minami district. Shinsaibashi-suji has been Osaka's most important shopping district for 400 years. More than a hundred shops line this 600-meter-long street.

From huge department stores like Daimaru and a Uniqlo flagship store to Asics and small independent boutiques, this street has something for every shopper and every budget. There are also dozens of delicious restaurants and cafes, either directly on the street or in one of the side alleys. Explore this street and bring some time with you!

West of Shinsaibashi lies America-Mura, also known as Ame-Mura (translated as 'American Village'). Osaka's creative and music scene is at home here! With many hip cafes, boutiques, shops, and street art, things are definitely a bit crazier here than in the rest of Osaka (and that's already 'wild' by Japanese standards). That's why this neighborhood is very popular among younger locals.

Second-hand shops with vintage clothes and boutiques of small up-and-coming labels sit alongside shops from international brands. You can only find this here. Flea markets often take place on weekends, which I find so exciting in Japan. One of my favorite places in Osaka!

By the way, you can find quite moderate prices in the bars and pubs!

By the way: America-Mura is just 5 minutes away from Dotonbori Bridge.

The liveliest and most colorful district in Osaka is Dotonbori. As soon as you enter the bustling street along the Dotonbori Canal, you'll be dazzled by hundreds of neon lights, huge, moving 'mascots' on the facades of buildings, and delectable smells from all the street food stalls.

If you only have time for one place in Osaka, then spend it in Dotonbori!

This is a pretty famous wobbly cheesecake that has crossed borders. There's no doubt we had to stand in line and get a cake, right?

Visiting Rikuro is a must not only for tourists. Here you will find the famous shaky cheesecake that you will stumble upon when you delve into Osaka. However, Rikuro's cheesecake has little in common with the German or New York cheesecake version. Rikuro imports Danish cream cheese specially for this cake to create a small fluffy and wobbly cake.

The line in front of the stand is long for a reason. When lining up, you must decide between one of the long lines: 'Fresh from the oven' (longer line) or 'Baked today'. We chose the second option due to time constraints. Since we had the cake in our apartment, it didn't matter whether it was still warm.

But I tell you: It was sooo delicious! I love this cake!

Here you will find my Osaka map, where I have marked all the sights.

In Osaka, you can find accommodations for every budget. From capsule hotels and stylish hostels to traditional Japanese inns (Ryokan) or luxury hotels, this city offers it all.

We booked an Airbnb apartment since we - as always - planned quite spontaneously. If you want to travel to Japan during cherry blossom season, book your accommodations a year in advance to find well-located and budget-friendly options.

Osaka isn't as big as Tokyo. Still, make sure your hotel is located on the JR Osaka Loop Line. The best districts are near the main stations Namba and Osaka/Umeda, from where you can easily reach all the attractions.

Ideal district: Namba (Shinsaibashi) is the nightlife district with shopping opportunities and markets, as well as restaurants (district: Daimaru, Namba, and Shinsaibashi)

Also good: Umeda. Umeda Sky Building, Tanjimbashsuji Shopping Street, Grand Front Osaka Shopping Center with many restaurants.

Minami (ミナミ, 'South') is around Namba Station and is one of Osaka's two major city centers. It is the city's most famous entertainment district, offering numerous restaurants and shopping options. Here you will find Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Amerikamura, Den Den Town, and Kuromon Market.

The district is easily accessible as it is served by three train companies, as well as three subway lines and a highway bus stop. The other major city center is Kita (キタ, 'North'), which is centered around the Osaka and Umeda stations.

Budget (3-star, good and affordable accommodation):

Hotel Code Shinsaibashi

Dio Higashi Shinsaibashi

Mid-range (4-star):

Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba

Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba

Hotel Nikko Osaka

Luxury hotel (5 stars):

Swissotel Nankai Osaka

Budget (3-star, good, and affordable accommodation):

Minn Osaka-Nord

Bijou Suites Sorriso (3 stars, but became very expensive)

Mid-range (4-star):

Hotel Granvia Osaka - JR Hotel Group

Luxury hotel (5 stars):

InterContinental Hotel Osaka

Hilton Osaka Hotel

Ritz Carlton Osaka

Conrad Osaka

Hotel Deals and Bestsellers:

If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Osaka, I recommend the Osaka Amazing Pass instead of the Osaka e-Pass. This will allow you to save a lot of money - especially if you combine many entries and rides in one or two days.

With the Osaka Amazing Pass, you get free entry to over 40 attractions, including:

Umeda Sky Building (until 4:30 PM)

Osaka Castle Museum (main tower)

Tsutenkaku Tower

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

Sakishima Cosmo Tower

Shitennoji Temple

several river and boat tours

and many other museums, parks, and onsens

Plus: Unlimited use of the subway, buses, and selected train lines within Osaka is also included. This allows you to move through the city freely without worrying about yen.

You will also receive discount coupons for restaurants and shopping (Tokux2 coupons) as well as a small guide with a city map.

Prices for the Osaka Amazing Pass:

1-day pass: 2,800 yen

2-day pass: 3,600 yen

How the pass works:

When you purchase it, you receive a card (analog or digital - depending on the provider). You simply show it at the entrance of participating attractions - in some cases, you can even skip the line.

Unfortunately, we only discovered the pass on-site - and we could have easily saved over 2,000 yen per person, for example:

Umeda Sky Building: 1,500 yen

Osaka Castle Museum: 600 yen

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel: 800 yen

Tsutenkaku Tower: 800 yen

River Cruise: 1,200 yen

Shitennoji Temple: 300 yen

Sakishima Cosmo Tower: 800 yen

My tip: If you want to see a lot and use public transport, the Amazing Pass is definitely worth it - especially the 2-day pass.

Osaka has Kansai International Airport, which also offers direct flights from Germany.

From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

From Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka, which takes about 15 minutes. There are also local trains running from Kyoto to Osaka, but the Shinkansen is faster and more comfortable. If you have the Japan Rail Pass, it's the best option.

There are also Shinkansen trains that run from other cities such as Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Fukuoka to Osaka. Prices vary depending on availability and season, but you can check rates and availability on the JR Central or JR West website, as well as Google Maps.

Osaka's public transportation system is well-signposted. The most convenient way to explore the city is by train or subway. There are seven different train lines and eight subway lines operating around Osaka and the surrounding cities. The most useful train for visitors is the JR Osaka Loop Line, which, as the name suggests, circles Osaka and also takes you to Kansai Airport. If you have the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride for free on the JR Line.

The subway lines are distinguished by different colors and are commented in English, so you always know where to stop.

Taxis are quite expensive in Osaka. A ride from the airport to the city can cost a few hundred US dollars. So if you want to travel on a budget, it's always best to take the train or subway. But these are so well developed in Japan that we never had to resort to a taxi. Currently, Uber and Lyft are not available in Japan.

The idyllic city and former capital Nara is often explored as a day trip from Osaka. You can reach Nara by train in less than an hour. We spent 2 days in Nara and have documented the attractions here.

We visited Osaka in spring (cherry blossom season). On my next trip, I would prefer autumn. Both seasons see quite a number of tourists, as these are the most popular travel times. The cherry blossom season in Osaka begins around the end of March, with the blooms at their peak in the first week of April. However, you can never predict this precisely.

Autumn begins here later than in other places around the world. If you want to see the autumn foliage, plan your trip for late November to early December.

In September and May, you have pleasantly summery temperatures with little rainfall. June and July are the wettest months, and August is the hottest and most humid (to be honest, I would try not to come in July and August).

In winter, there are the least tourists here. January and February are the coldest months, but the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees Celsius. Osaka's climate is quite mild due to its coastal location.

In Japan, the general rule is: stand left, walk right. Whether in the subway or in a department store. The Japanese stand in an orderly fashion when using escalators and go up and down.

This wouldn't be unusual if it weren't for Osaka. In all of Japan, it's customary to stand left. In Osaka, it's the only city where the opposite applies. Here, you stand right and walk left. Why that is? We could not figure it out until the end of our trip.

Osaka has approximately 2.7 million inhabitants and is the third-largest city in Japan after Tokyo (36.9 million inhabitants) and Yokohama (3.7 million inhabitants).

Osaka is located in the western part of the Japanese main island of Honshu, at the mouth of the Yodo River.

The distance to Tokyo is 500 kilometers.

In Japanese, Osaka is called: 大阪市, also known as Ōsaka-shi, pronounced like this: Oohsakka (long O, short S and A, and hard K).

The locals speak a Japanese dialect called Ōsaka-ben (Kansai Dialect).

The city is nicknamed "The Kitchen of Japan."

It is the capital of Osaka Prefecture and the economic center of the Kansai region.

The Keihanshin metropolitan area (around Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe) with about 14.9 million inhabitants is the second-largest in the country after the Kanto region with Tokyo. Worldwide, it ranks 23rd among the largest metropolitan regions (the largest European region is London, ranking 25th).

Osaka is Japan's traditional trade center and, with one of the most significant ports in Japan, is one of the country's major industrial centers.

We often receive questions in personal emails and messages. To prevent you from having to ask the same questions, we publish them here to make it easier to find answers:

Which district to stay in? Osaka is not as large as Tokyo. Still, make sure to choose a hotel located on the JR Osaka Loop Line. Choice 1 would be: Shinsaibashi is the nightlife district with shopping opportunities and markets, as well as restaurants (district: Daimaru, Namba, and Shinsaibashi) Umeda: Umeda Sky Building, Tanjimbashsuji Shopping Street, Grand Front Osaka Shopping Center with many restaurants

Have you been to Osaka and have a tip for our next Japan trip? Then please share it with us in the comments. We look forward to feedback, tips, and suggestions for changes.

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