Osaka has always been a popular city in Japan, and with Expo 2025 about to be held, I believe many travelers will choose Osaka as a vacation destination this year. This article will divide Osaka into 6 areas. Each area has its characteristics and can be visited for a whole day. We will also update the attractions near Osaka City ASAP to ensure that you can fill your vacation.
What you need to travel to Osaka:
First time traveling to Japan? Here is a complete travel guide!
Maps
More information in Google Mymap
Transportation between Kansai Airport and Osaka City Center
Osaka Amazing Pass
If you travel to Osaka, be sure to purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass. You can visit up to 40 popular attractions with this pass. For more information, please visit: https://osaka-amazing-pass.com/en/
Recommend Hotels
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi Grand Hotel Osaka
Other Hotels in Osaka: Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets: Trip.com | Expedia
Namba
Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori
After arriving in Osaka, you can first take the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t to reach the Namba area. Of course, the first stop is to enjoy Japanese food in the famous Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. For example, Hokkyokusei Omelet and Kamukura Soup with Noodles, etc. It is also recommended to choose a hotel in this area, this is the very center of Osaka, and it is very convenient to travel to other attractions from this area.
Shinsaibashi is a traditional Japanese shopping street. Shops and department stores are located on both sides of the road about 600 meters long. Famous shops such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Pokemon Café, UNIQLO, ABC Mart, Donki, Daimaru Department Store, and PARCO can be found here.
Dotonbori is a canal, and the famous Glico sign has become a landmark of Dotonbori. You will find that every visitor to Osaka must take photos here. The giant crab decoration at the entrance of かに道楽 is also a popular backdrop for tourists to take photos.
You can also take a Dotombori River Cruise, which will travel back and forth on the canal once, and the total journey takes about 20 minutes. However, this sightseeing boat is often full. It is strongly recommended to book tickets online first. You can ride for free if you have the Osaka Amazing Pass. The dusk period is a lively time, it is best if you can set off at dusk. However, the scenery at night is also worth visiting.
Dotombori Tombori River Cruise/Water sightseeing boat WONDER LOOP
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again.)
How to get there: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, get off at Shinsaibashi Station.
Hokkyokusei
Address: 2-7-27 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:30 – 21:30
http://hokkyokusei.jp/
Kamukura Soup with Noodles
Address: PARCOB2F, 1 Chome−8−3, Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 07:30
https://kamukura.co.jp
Nipponbashi & Kuromon Market
Nipponbashi (Osaka) is a famous anime culture gathering place in Osaka, also known as Kansai Akihabara. It sells everything from books such as comics and magazines to anime merchandise, figures, cards, games, and more. It attracts many travelers looking for original comics and anime-related goods. If you love Japanese anime or games, you must go here to seek Japan-limited peripheral products.
How to get there:
Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line or Sennichimae Line, get off at Nipponbashi Station.
Address: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Kuromon Market is a famous seafood market. Seafood from Osaka Port is transported to the market for sale every day. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black Gate Market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. The specialty is that there are many conger eels, puffer fish, various fish dishes, Grilled scallops, and other Japanese delicacies that can be found here.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
This is a popular attraction in downtown Osaka. It is said that it was founded so long ago that it is impossible to find out. The earliest record is in Emperor Nintoku (313-399), an infectious disease broke out in Osaka, and people began to worship at Yasaka Shrine, which has since become an ancient shrine that protects the surrounding areas of Namba.
Passing through the torii of Namba Yasaka Shrine, the most representative Lion Temple is right in front of you. It symbolizes helping people who come to worship, sucking all the misfortune into the mouth, and represents bringing good luck and victory. People pray for business prosperity, passing exams, and smooth job hunting at this shrine.
Address: 2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 06:30 – 17:00
How to get there: Metro Midōsuji Line or Yotsubashi Line, get off at Daikokucho Station, then walk for about 6 minutes.
Osaka Metro Midōsuji Line, Sennichimae Line, or Yotsubashi Line, get off at Namba Station, then walk for about 8 minutes.
Tennoji
Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku is a tower and well-known landmark of Osaka, Japan, and advertises Hitachi. The name Tsutenkaku means “building that reaches straight to the sky.” The design of the first generation was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, but it was destroyed by fire. The current Tsutenkaku is the second generation, and its height including the lightning rod is as high as 108 meters.
The golden observation deck located on the 5th floor is the most famous attraction of Tsutenkaku Tower. You can have a panoramic view of Osaka city scenery from here. As the name suggests, the interior is decorated with gold, and the concept is taken from the Golden Tea Room built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The golden observatory houses a statue of the god known as Billiken. Billiken was created by American artist Florence Pretz based on the gods he saw in his dreams and was introduced to Japan in 1909. Billiken is touchable, it is said that just touching the soles of Billikens’ feet will bring blessings. Touch the soles of his feet to receive blessings!
The special outdoor observatory “Tembo PARADISE” is an outdoor corridor. Since there are fewer obstructions to the view, you can experience a more stunning view than the indoor observatory. The “TIP THE TSUTENKAKU”, also located outdoors, is the most thrilling attraction in Tsutenkaku. The ground is paved with transparency, allowing you to look down from an altitude of 92.5 meters, making the experience feel like walking in the sky.
Of course, you must experience the Tower Slider. This is a new screaming amusement facility in 2022. It is a slide with a total length of 60 meters and a tubular slide. Slide down the outside of the elevator tower from the 3rd floor of Tsutenkaku. Since the upper half of the slide is designed to be transparent, you can enjoy the street views of Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai at the same time during the ride. Try not to scream.
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again.)
Address: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Open Friday 11:00)
How to get there: Take the JR Loop Line to Shin-Imamiya Station. It’s a 6-minute walk from there.
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station. It’s a 6-minute walk from there.
Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, get off at Ebisucho Station. It’s a 3-minute walk from there.
Shinsekai Hondori Shopping Street
There are many gourmet restaurants here with exaggerated and colorful three-dimensional signs and flags to attract the attention of passing tourists. In addition, you can take photos of the entire Tsutenkaku building at close range, making it a beautiful landscape. In addition to restaurants, shops There are also many entertainment facilities on the street.
There is the “Asahi Theater” which hosts performances such as popular Comedies and Manzai, and the “New World International “, a retro-style cinema that opened in 1950. This is an excellent tourist attraction to experience Japanese traditional culture.
Address: 2 Chome Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka
How to get there: Same as Tsutenkaku.
Abeno Harukas
Abeno HARUKAS 300 was once the tallest building in Japan (Azabudai Hills have surpassed it), at 300 meters. The observation deck is from the 58th to the 60th floor. It is super exciting to move freely between floors. Abeno also has the popular Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, souvenir shop, and KINTETSU Dept. Main Store. The observation deck is made of 360-degree transparent glass with no blind spots. The best time to enter is in the evening
However, there is only an indoor viewing platform here, and the glass is very reflective. Remember to keep the lens close to the glass and cover the area around the lens with your hand or coat to reduce reflections. Especially at night, there is a super magical “Fake Tsutenkaku Tower”. The Tsutenkaku Tower was originally supposed to be in the northwest, but due to the play of light and shadow, it appeared in the northeast.
Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
How to get there: Tennoji is a major transit center, so there are many points of access, ride the Midosuji Line or Osaka Loop Line, and get off at Tennoji Station.
Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji, which means Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings, was founded by Prince Shotoku, the father of Japan’s Buddhism. It is the oldest temple in Japan and is characterized by its oldest architectural style in Japan. There is a Japanese garden where you can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape and Japanese style. Here you can feel the history and culture of Japan.
In Shitennoji Temple, there is a stone torii that is rare in modern temples. The stone torii was originally wooden, and it was not until 1294 that it was changed to the existing stone torii. Torii were originally built around sacred sites to create a barrier, so it is not surprising that they were placed in temples. However, in modern Japan, torii gates are mainly installed in shrines, and torii in temples are quite rare.
Especially during the cherry blossom season, you can see cherry blossoms everywhere in the temple, among which the Japanese garden scenery of the “Garden of Paradise” is the most beautiful. Strolling through the garden, you can enjoy various views decorated with Japanese-style cherry blossoms.
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again.)
Address: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 8:30 – 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)
How to get there: Metro Tanimachi Line, get off at Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Himeji Castle are known as the three most famous castles in Japan. The history of Osaka Castle can be traced back to Japan’s Warring States Period. It was built under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who completed the great cause of unifying the world and was completed in 1585. Afterward, due to factors such as wars and lightning strikes, the castle guard ceased to exist for a long time. It was not until 1931 that the citizens of Osaka raised funds and finally restored the castle from the Warring States Period.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk into Osaka Castle from the castle gate. The towering walls and wide moat reflect the power of Osaka Castle in the past. There is a history museum inside Tenshu, and the mini models in the permanent exhibition vividly reproduce the war scenes of “The Siege of Osaka Summer campaign”. Also on display is a full-scale restored model of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorite Golden Tea Room.
The top floor is an observation deck with a panoramic view of Osaka City. There is a very popular Cosplay area on the first floor, where you can try on the helmets and costumes of samurais. And Kosode, the traditional kimono for Japanese women.
Osaka Castle Park is also the leading cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan. There are about 3,000 cherry blossoms that will dye the park pink.
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again. Cruise is also within the scope of the pass. For details, please visit the Japan Amazing Pass official website.)
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00 / 24HRS (Park)
How to get there: Metro Osaka Loop Line, get off at Morinomiya Station, which will bring you to the southeast side of the park. Alternatively, you may choose to get off at Osakajokoen Station, on the northeast side of the park.
Japan Mint Bureau Ministry of Finance (Mint Museum)
The Japan Mint Bureau Ministry of Finance was converted from a thermal power plant built in 1911, and it still retains the appearance of the brick building from that time. It later reopened in 2009 after extensive renovations. The museum displays valuable items such as gas lamps and balance scales, currency samples, and machines used in the early days of the Mint.
The Mint holds a week-long event every year in conjunction with the cherry blossom season. During this period, you can enter for free to enjoy the cherry blossoms. There was an endless stream of travelers, food stalls were opened nearby. The Osaka Mint Museum was also selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 best cherry blossom spots.”
Address: 1-1-79 Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka
Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:45
How to get there:
Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line or Sakaisuji Line, get off at Minamimorimachi Station.
Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, get off at Tenmabashi Station.
Umeda
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is a 40-story giant skyscraper that connects the tops of two super high-rise buildings. In England, it was selected into the “Top 20” list of world buildings as a thrilling skyscraper. Its unique appearance is one of its popular charms. The most famous Kuchu Teien Observatory is located on the top floor 173 meters above the ground. You can enjoy the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island, Mount Rokko, and the Osaka cityscape centered on Umeda with a 360-degree broad field of view.
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again.)
Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 09:30 – 22:00
How to get there: The Umeda Sky Building is a 7-minute walk from Osaka Station and is nearest to the Grand Front shopping complex on the station’s north side.
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
This was founded in 1929 and is one of the representative department stores in Osaka. At that time, department stores directly connected to railway stations were rare in the world. Their unique services have also attracted much attention. For example, in the “Personal Styling Service” on the 6th floor, professionals with professional knowledge provide customers with all-around support such as styling, hair, and makeup techniques. They also provide a variety of considerate services such as shopping assistance for elderly and disabled customers, interpretation assistance with shopping, and a “children’s room” where children can be temporarily cared for.
Address: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
HEP FIVE
HEP FIVE was inaugurated in November 1998 to create a place where people would want to come back often, based on the spirit of warm and welcoming hospitality. HEP FIVE is known as “the shopping destination for teens in Osaka”.
“HEP” is the abbreviation of “Hankyu Entertainment Park”, and “E” means “entertaining guests” in addition to entertainment. When it was first built, this bright red Ferris wheel became a hot topic as the world’s first Ferris wheel integrated into a building and equipped with air conditioning. The Ferris wheel, which offers a sweeping view of Osaka city, has been very popular since its opening.
Address: 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00
How to get there: You can take the Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, JR Line, subway, and Shinkansen. Get off at Osaka-Umeda or Osaka Station (Midosuji Exit), which are the nearest train stations.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
This Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. Since its establishment in 949, it has always been crowded with candidates from all over the country during the examination season. It is said that the origin of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine was due to the disasters that began to occur in the city after the death of Sugawara no Michizane, and it was built to appease his ghost.
The busiest time is Tenjin Matsuri (Matsuri means festival), which is held every year from late June to July 25. It is one of Japan’s 3 major festivals with more than 1,000 years. Nearly 3 million people from Japan and abroad visit, making it Osaka’s leading summer festival. Especially on July 25, a group of about 3,000 people patrolled the area near Tenmangu Shrine, and about 100 boats sailed on the river at night. When the fireworks are launched at the end of the festival, the night sky above Okawa transforms into a world full of fantasy, illuminated by the fireworks.
Address: 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 05:30 – 18:30
How to get there:
JR Tozai Line, get off at Osaka Tenmangu Station. 4-minute walk from Exit 3.
Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Sakaisuji Line, get off at Minami-morimachi Station. 4-minute walk from Exit 4-B.
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
This is the longest shopping street in Japan, with a total length of about 2.6 kilometers from Tenjinbashi 1-chome to 7-chome. There are about 800 shops and restaurants on the shopping street.
Among them are restaurants with long queues such as sushi, curry rice, ramen, and cafes. There are also local specialties such as takoyaki, croquettes, crepes, teriyaki, etc. The streets are lined with old-fashioned public cafeterias, blacksmith knife shops, tea shops founded in the first year of the Meiji era, second-hand bookstores, clothing stores selling Osaka’s famous tiger-print T-shirts at super cheap prices, as well as pottery shops and general stores. and various unique boutique stores.
The Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is nearby. During Tenjin Matsuri, the local mikoshi parades Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street every year. The eye-catching female mikoshi team makes a lively appearance, pushing the festive vibes to a climax.
How to get there: Metro JR Osaka Loop Line and get off at Tenma Station. Leave the station and head into the narrow alleys, where hundreds of izakaya are located.
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
This is the first museum in Japan with the theme of “History and Culture of Residence.” It records the changes in Osaka’s housing and common people’s lifestyles from the Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. My special recommendation is to watch performances using images, models, and narration at the “Residential Theater”. The story introduces a family that was born and grew up in an Osaka shopping street and continues to change with the development of the times.
The theme of the exhibition area on the 9th floor is “Saijiki of Naniwa Machiya (Time Slip to the Edo Period)”. The street scene of the Edo period in the early 1830s is reproduced in the actual size of the time. You can walk along the streets with bathhouses, kimono shops, bookstores, pharmacies, and other shops. They can also enter the store and touch the exhibits to experience the scene in depth.
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again.)
Address: 6 Chome−4−20, Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00
How to get there: Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line or Sakaisuji Line, get off at Sakaisuji Tenmabashi 6-Chome Station.
Port of Osaka (Osakako)
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
USJ is a very popular theme park around the world. Its unique and rich charm allows both adults and children to experience the feeling of entering the movie world. There is SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which will only open in 2021, as well as theme areas that we are familiar with from famous movies such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and Jurassic Park. The park is very vast, and travelers who like to visit the amusement park may not have enough time in one day.
https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
The USJ guide will be updated soon, and a new link will be added here later, so stay tuned.
Address: 2-chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 09:00 – 19:00 (Depending on the holiday, it will open at 8:00 or close at 22:00. For details, please visit the USJ official website)
How to get there: a five-minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line (also referred to as JR Sakurajima Line).
Solaniwa Onsen
Solaniwa Onsen is the largest hot spring park in Kansai. You can experience up to nine kinds of special hot springs, independent hot springs, and stone spas. Among them, in the garden view bath located on the top floor, where you can see the vast Japanese garden, the Senbon Torii is a favorite photo spot for visitors. There is a camera on site, with the Torii as the background, and the photos taken can be downloaded immediately.
You will receive a hand strap before entering. There is no need to pay in advance for purchases in the park. It is very convenient to check out when you leave. POCKETALK is also provided for easy translation. The most recommended is the independent hot spring. If you go with your family or couple, you can enjoy a private hot spring together. There are also a variety of Japanese dishes in the venue. After soaking in the hot springs, have a Japanese dinner to ensure that your fatigue will stay here.
Address: 1 Chome-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka
Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (Closed on Wednesday)
How to get there: More details on the official website: https://solaniwa.com/en-us/access/#train
Santa Maria
This sailing-type sightseeing ship was built after the “Santa Maria” used by Columbus when he discovered the American continent. It was twice the size of the ship at that time. This sightseeing cruise ship departs from the pier on the west side of the Aquarium in Tempozan Harbor Village and cruises around major scenic spots along the coast of Osaka Port. The entire voyage takes about 45 minutes.
The ship has a 4-story structure, equipped with guest rooms, food stores, first-class cabins, etc., making it possible to spend a very elegant sailing time. The Santa Maria’s observation deck has great views and benches. The guest room “Sala de Colon” on the first floor displays materials related to the Age of Discovery and ships. There is a shop selling drinks and snacks in the guest room “Sala de Patio” on the second floor. Among the various sailing plans, the most recommended is the dusk cruise, which is very popular as you can experience a sea trip immersed in the beautiful sunset.
(If you have already purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass, you do not need to purchase it again.)
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka
How to get there:
Osaka Metro Chuo Line, get off at Osakako Station, about a 5-minute walk.
Yumeshima Island
Expo 2025
Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka, Japan. It will take place for six months during 2025, opening on 13 April 2025 and closing on 13 October 2025. The chief designer of this World Expo is Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, who is responsible for the overall planning and design guidance. He designed a 60,000-square-meter wooden circular corridor as a landmark building for this World Expo. The corridor adopts a Japanese wooden structure architectural style, and visitors can overlook the seascape from the top floor. It will become the world’s largest wooden building.
Expo 2025 will attract many travelers to Osaka. If you are also interested in going to Osaka this year, remember to plan your trip and make reservations to avoid missing flights and hotels.
How to get there:
The Osaka Metro Chuo Line can be accessed via the newly built Yumeshima Station
More Attractions Near Osaka
Surrounding travel guide will be updated gradually: Awaji Island, Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, Lake Biwa, Kobe
Awaji Island
Wakayama
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