by Sgt Garcia / [CC BY-SA 3.0
A Vibrant City Renowned for Its Rich Culture, Diverse Culinary Scene, and Energetic Nightlife
Table of Contents
A. About Osaka
Traditionally considered Japan's economic hub, cosmopolitan Osaka is one of the busiest cities on the planet.
The pace of life in Japan's third-largest city with its skyscrapers, neon, electronics stores, large shopping complexes, canals, and countless bars and clubs never seems to slow down.
Osaka is also the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the entire world with around twenty million people.
➕ The Good
Above all, Osaka is an incredibly safe city with very efficient public transportation.
Furthermore, situated on the Yodo delta with its network of watercourses and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges, Osaka enjoys a fantastic location.
Nicknamed "The Nation's Kitchen", of course the city is famous for its delicious food.
Osaka boasts also great shopping, in districts such as Namba and Shinsaibashi, and the Dōtonbori canal entertainment area.
In addition, in the center, the city possesses numerous pedestrian zones in the form of covered shopping arcades such as the 600m long Shinsaibashi-suji and the 2.6 km long Tenjinbashi-suji.
Finally, the nightlife in Osaka is particularly vibrant.
➖ Negative Aspects
First of all, Osaka is an expensive city.
In addition, don't expect great weather most of the year, but many cold or rainy months.
Furthermore, the quality of the sights is (compared to the other cities on our list) not particularly high overall.
Finally, Osaka was widely destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in concrete. Therefore, you will notice hardly any historic buildings.
B. Best Things to Do in Osaka in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count almost twenty-five sights in Osaka. The following sights contribute to a decent score of 6.10/10 in this most important category:
# Osaka Castle and Park 6
Originally built in 1583, the iconic Osaka Castle (Osaka-jō) was reconstructed in its present form in 1931.
Surrounded by an enjoyable park, this visually stunning castle is home to an interesting museum and offers magnificent views over Osaka.
Castle and Park | Viewpoint Originally Built: 1583 | Reconstructed: 1931 | Height: 58 m
by Jakub Hałun / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Universal Studios Japan 6
Attracting around ten million visitors each year, this world-class Hollywood-styled theme park offers a variety of fun and thrilling rides inspired by blockbuster movies.
by Batintherain / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 6
The world-class aquarium, designed by the famous American architect Peter Chermayeff, appears very stylish from outside and hosts one whale shark and a wide variety of other species, including otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, rays, and jellyfish.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館) is ranked as the sixth-best aquarium in the world on our detailed list.
Aquarium Biggest Tank: 7.5 million liters | Tunnel: 11 m, 36 ft | Species: 740 | Established: 1990 | Rank in Our List of the Best Aquariums in the World: #6
by 663highland / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Dotonbori 5
The pedestrian thoroughfare of Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka nightlife and is most impressive during the evening when the light of its giant neon signs is illuminated.
by Type specimen / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Shitennō-ji Temple 5
Carefully reconstructed to reflect the original sixth-century design, this is Osaka's best-known temple complex.
Highlights include a five-story pagoda, the Golden Pavilion with its fine statues and paintings, the Lecture Hall, and the beautiful Japanese garden.
by 663highland / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Umeda Sky Building and Floating Garden Observatory 5
The 173-meter tall Umeda Sky Building is a stunning example of modern architecture.
To enjoy a delightful panoramic view of Osaka head to the observatory called "Kuchu Teien" (The Floating Garden), an open-air deck that is filled with local flowers and plants.
Skyscraper | Modern Architecture | Viewpoint
by Eriyasu / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Abeno Harukas (Abenobashi Terminal Building) 5
Standing at a height of 300 m, this iconic modern skyscraper is the tallest skyscraper in Japan.
The observation deck on the building's top three floors offers outstanding views over Osaka from glass-enclosed and open-air spaces.
Skyscraper | Viewpoint Total Height: 300 m / 984 ft m | View Type: Glass Windows | Completed: 1988
by Jo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Sumiyoshi Taisha 5
Sumiyoshi Taisha with its vivid red Sorihashi Bridge is the head Sumiyoshi shrine of over 2,300 shrines Sumiyoshi located in Japan.
Temple Complex Built: ca. 3rd Century
by Saigen Jiro / Public domain
# Minami (Namba) and the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade 5
Situated in the south of Osaka, Minami (Namba) is the city's most famous entertainment district and an extremely popular shopping destination.
Start by exploring the famous 600 m long Shinsaibashi-suji is a covered shopping arcade.
City District with Covered Shopping Street
by BradBeattie / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Shinsekai 5
The more traditional Shinsekai district is Osaka’s old downtown and home to the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
by 螺钉 / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Osaka
#11 | Kuromon Market 5
Kuromon Market is a bustling marketplace known for its fresh seafood, produce, and street food.
by DVMG/ CC BY-SA 3.0
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- Osaka Museum of History 5
- National Museum of Art 5
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Harbor Village 5
- Osaka Science Museum 5
- Hozenji Temple (Hozenji Yokocho) 5
- Tsutenkaku Tower 5
- Amerikamura (City District) 5
- National Bunraku Theater 4
- Osaka Expo Park 4
- Denden Town (City District) 4
- Tennōji Park and Zoo (City District) 4
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Osaka
Minoo National Park 6
Minoo National Park is located in the northern part of Osaka Prefecture, Japan, and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
One of the park's most famous attractions is the Minoo Waterfall, which stands at 33 meters high and is especially picturesque during the autumn season when the surrounding maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
City 20.5 km from Osaka
by Go Imai / CC BY-SA 2.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Osaka (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Osaka for at least three entire days: