The 10 Best Things to do in Osaka – on Your First Trip

If you’re adding Osaka to your Japan trip itinerary you’re probably wondering what you should do there. Well, here are the 10 best things in Osaka that we’d suggest if it’s your first trip to the city – there’s food, there’s culture – and there’s rollercoasters!

Osaka, Japan’s third biggest city, is a great choice to visit if you want to combine Tokyo with a second destination. I’ve been three times now (and number four is coming later this year) and it’s probably my favorite city after Tokyo so trying to pick a top ten was pretty tough.

If you like cities, you might want to base yourself in Osaka and take day trips to Kyoto and Nara to get your history fix – or, do the opposite and stay in Kyoto and visit Osaka for a day.

But, however long your visit to Osaka, you’re going to want to know what to do when you get there.

So, here’s what we think are the 10 best things to do in Osaka if it’s your first visit to the city…

Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Oh, and if you haven’t yet decided whether to base yourself in Kyoto or Osaka, you’re going to also want to check out our post on Kyoto vs Osaka which reveals what to consider when making that decision so bookmark that for later.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Osaka

Osaka is located about two hours by bullet train south of Tokyo.

It’s a large, heavily populated city but, most of the things to see in Osaka are concentrated around the middle of the city, so, if you just want to skim the surface of all there is to do here, you can explore pretty much all of these 10 main sights in a day by foot and metro.

1. Explore Shinsekai

Shinsekai is an older part of Osaka and it contains the city’s original tourist attraction, the Tsutenkaku Tower, which was built in 1958 (a replacement for the original that was destroyed by fire in 1943).

As you might guess from looking at it (below), it was modeled on Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

You can go up Tsutenkaku, there’s a viewing platform on the 5th floor that looks out over Shinsekai.

At 87 meters it’s not the tallest view in Osaka, but, it’s fun to see knowing that back in 1912, when the original tower was built, it was the tallest structure on the continent and a real feat of engineering.

It is pretty at night though as the lower height allows you to see more detail below.

Oh and talking about night. The lights on the tower change colour and the circle at the top actually reveals the weather forecast for the city. If it’s white, it’s sunny, if it’s red it’s cloudy, if it’s blue get your umbrella ready!

You’ll also find some fun shops on the lower levels of the tower.

Tsutenkaku is open from 8.30am to 9.30pm seven days a week

But it’s not the only thing to do Shinsekai.

The rest of Shinsekai teams with izakayas and restaurants and it’s a good place to eat Kushi Katsu, it’s also a photographer’s dream with bright-colored signs, giant hanging models, and the shape of Tsutenkaku hovering in the background.

If you have more than one day in Osaka, you might want to visit Spa World, which, while perhaps not the most authentically Japanese onsen you might visit on your trip, is a fun way to soak away half a day.

It contains different themed pools and other treatments from around the world.

Is Shinseikai Safe?

On my first trip to Osaka, I was very nervous in Shinsekai.

At that point, over 10 years ago, all the guidebooks were saying that this was the rough part of town and you should be very careful.

It’s now one of my favorite areas and the time before last that I went, it was the first place I headed to – on my own!

Generally, nowadays Shinseikai is busy and full of other visitors. There are still a few ‘interesting’ things around the place to watch out for though.

If your children have developed a gachapon habit (the little machines containing capsule toys) keep a close eye on them in Shinseiki as there are adult-only gachapon machines dotted around the streets and those capsules might contain goodies that come with a few questions!

Shinseiki also borders Nishinari which is the more rundown area of Osaka. Locals will be very wary of this place but, that’s because they judge it on Japanese standards.

You’ll likely be safe here but do just be aware of your surroundings and belongings, particularly if you’re here at night or traveling solo. If your safety ‘spider senses’ are tingling listen to them.

One of the best things I did on my last trip to Osaka was take a ‘backstreets tour’ of this area which told us more about Nishinari. Take a look at our Osaka itinerary for more details, and also how to best fit that into your trip.

How to Get To Shinsekai

Ebisucho is the nearest station which is located on the brown, Sakaisuji – line on the Osaka metro. Take exit 3 and you’ll arrive at the North end of Shinsekai. You can also catch the red Midsouji Line, or the Sakaisuji line to Donbutseun-Mae station which will bring you to the southern end by SpaWorld.

What Else is Nearby

Osaka is a lot smaller than Tokyo so you can pretty much do everything on this list in one day (Universal Studios is the exception) but, when planning your day, Abeno Harakus is a short walk or metro ride away from the southern end of Shinsekai. You can also easily walk to Kuramon market and Den Den town from here.

2. Nibble Your Way Round Kuromon Ichiba

Tokyo has Tsukiji, Kyoto has Nishiki – Osaka has Kuromon Ichiba (ichiba means market). And it’s probably my favorite of them all – mostly because of the design.

The thing I love most about Osaka is that it seems to err on the side of kitsch.

If they can stick a giant model of something on the front of the building or hang it from the ceiling they will – which makes Kuromon a really fun place to wander around even if you don’t want to eat anything as it’s full of such things.

A lot of the market is aimed at local shoppers who pick up their groceries and other goodies here, but other stalls sell ready-to-eat and freshly cooked dishes that you can sample on your visit.

Basically, just wander around and see what you fancy – you’ll find lots of freshly cooked shellfish, sushi, and fried goods.

There’s also a branch of Takoyaki Wanaka (see below in the foodie section) at the north end of the market.

How to Get To Kuromon Market

The closest station to Kuromon Market is Kintetsu-Nippombashi on the Kintestu-Nara line (take exit 10) or, the Nippombashi station on the pink (Sennichimae) or brown lines.

One mistake not to make is assuming the market opens really early – it doesn’t. 9am is opening time, but, some of the more ‘restuaranty’ stalls or shops in the market might not open until 11ish.

What Else is Nearby

Kuromon Market is located very close to the Namba area of Osaka which has lots of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a fun area to just wander around and see what you can find. If you’re here later in the day, visit SuperJap bar which is around the corner from the market – it’s one of our favorite standing bars in Osaka. Check out our guide to standing bars to find out more.

3. See the Bright Lights of Dotonbori

One of Osaka’s most popular tourist areas, Dotonbori is most famous for its nighttime display of bright-colored lights along the river. It’s definitely one of the must-do Osaka sights.

But looking at the lights isn’t the only thing to do here.

You’ll find lots of restaurants and bars in this area – and, if you can snag one of the outside seats, you can’t really go wrong starting your evening at one of the bars along to Totomburi River Walk, like the fantastically named Dotonbori Riverside Grill Wonder which is located right on the canal.

It’s not marked on Google Maps, but it will come up if you search. If not head to their website for directions – but it’s at the far eastern end of the walk.

The Best View of the Dotonbori Lights

The bright lights are best seen from either the Ebisu Bridge or the bridge on Mido Suji dori. The closest station is Namba, exit 14.

What Else is Nearby

Take a detour in the backstreets to find the interesting Hozenji Temple.

Inside you’ll find a moss-coloured statue of the god Fudo Myoo (we also talk about him in our guide to Tokyo’s best temples).

It’s said to be good luck to splash this statue with water – and, as people have done so moss has grown on the damp stone over the years.

The temple is also at the entrance to the atmospheric alley Hozenji Yokocho where you’ll find more bars and restaurants (seriously, you’ll never go hungry in Osaka).

4. Get Your Geek on in Den Den Town

This is the Osaka version of Tokyo’s Akihabara and while it’s not as big if you are into Otaku culture, you’ll want to take a look at the Manga and Anime stores, Gachapon shops, Cosplay outfitters, and maid cafes here.

You’ll find all the big-name brands like Mandrake and Animate, and a lot of smaller stores too.

I can’t possibly write a better guide to the area than the team at Inside Osaka have and so, if you want specific details of exactly which shops to visit have a look at their guide to Den Den Town.

If you’re more into the gadgets side of Akihabara, the selection here is smaller, but it’s still worth a wander.

Don’t forget to look up when you’re there – there’s an interesting wasp sculpture on one of the roofs that I still can’t find out the origin of!

How to Get to Den Den Town in Osaka

Den Den Town is in Nihonbashi, Chome 2.

A good way to find it is to head to the Animate Store Nipponbashi or Super Potato (both marked on Google Maps), depending on which end of town you’re coming in from.

You can then wander around the 2-3 blocks that make up Den Den town from there.

What Else is Nearby

The next block is home to Reptile Cafe Dining Rock Star where you get to have snacks and drinks with various scaly folk! They also have a snake cafe in Amerikamura (below). See more here.

DenDen Town is also a 15-minute walk from Namba Shrine with its interesting Lion Head design.

DenDen Town is also flanked by Namba City and Namba Parks, two huge shopping centers.

5. Embrace History at Osaka Castle

The original castle on this site was built in 1563 by the feudal lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi, but this is not that castle!

That castle was destroyed after Hideyoshi’s death and a new structure was built, but then fire hit that building destroying it too. It took until 1931 for the version you see today to fully take shape.

Despite the modern origins of some of its elements, the castle is still an important building of national significance and, probably the easiest Japanese castle to visit if you don’t have time to take a day trip to other sites like Himeji or Okayama.

If you have an interest in samurai history, you might also want to stop at the Castle Museum which contains over 10,000 artifacts many of which have samurai or feudal origins.

The castle opens from 9am and so is one of the best things to do early in the morning in what’s generally a quite late-waking town.

If you’re here in cherry blossom season, the grounds of the castle are one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Osaka.

How to Get to Osaka Castle

The castle is located on large grounds and while you can come in from any direction, the best entrance to the castle is via the Oteman gate so the nearest station is Tanamachinanchome on the purple and darker green (Chuo) line. Take exit 2,

What Else is Nearby

Continue your deep dive into Osaka’s history at the Osaka Museum of History which is very close to the castle, and much more fun than it sounds.

You can also reach the Umeda Sky Building, Osaka’s other main skyscraper, and the surrounding district from the castle fairly easily. We explain how to see this area in a day in our three-day Osaka itinerary.

6. Eat All the Things

When you’re talking about what to do in Osaka, eating comes very high on the list. The city is known for its food, particularly all things deep-fried and there are three dishes pretty much every first-time visitor should try…

Okonomiyaki: A deep-fried pancake filled with meat, seafood, and cabbage and topped with a sweet sauce.

Takoyaki, is deep-fried octopus balls served with a dash of mayonnaise and eaten with a toothpick.

Good ones are very moreish and while you might look at the big pile you’re served and think you can’t eat all of those, you’ll be surprised how easy it is!!!

Kushikatsu, deep-fried meat, and vegetables on a stick, dipped into a thick black sauce.

You’ll find more info on all of these – plus suggestions of the best places in Osaka to try them in our guide to Osaka for foodies.

7. Take in the View from Abeno Harukas

It might sound like something you’d shout in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (see below), but this is actually the name of Osaka’s tallest building (it was the tallest, but the new Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower in Tokyo took it’s crown at the end of 2023.

Still, the building is an impressive 300 meters high. The observation deck is located on the 60th floor and, as well as having floor-to-ceiling windows to test the nerves, also offers an optional extra walk up two sets of steps up a glass wall and onto a walkway on top of the building known as The Edge.

My head swims just looking at it!

Top tip – if you’re up here, don’t miss the bathroom!

The Abeno Harukas complex also contains a department store, and, if you’d like to stay in a room with a view, is also home to the Marriot Hotel on levels 38-55.

If that sounds like a place you’d like to base yourself on your Osaka trip, you can check room rates and details here. The views from the rooms are AMAZING.

Note – Abeno Harukas is Japan’s tallest building, but Tokyo Skytree (one of our Top 10 Things to do in Tokyo), which is classed as a structure, not a building is taller.

Obviously, they look out over different things so you might want to do both, but if it’s the thrill of height you want rather than that view, you might want to choose Skytree instead.

How to Get To Abeno Harakus

Abeno Harakus is located directly above Osaka Abenobashi station on the Kinsetsu-Limited Express or Minamiosaka lines, exit 10.

Or, use the metro and get off at Tennoji Station – on the red (Midosuji) and purple (Tanimachi) lines and use the pedestrian walkway to take you to Abeno Harakus.

What Else is Nearby

Abeno Harakus towers over Tennoji Park, one of Osaka’s biggest green spaces that’s also home to the zoo and the Museum of Fine Arts.

It’s also very easily combined with a trip to Shinsekai.

8. Vintage Shop in Amerikamura

Tokyo has Harajuku, Osaka has Amerika-mura – it’s home to the best in street fashion and cool old vintage shops – but unlike Harajuku, Amerikamura is also a good place to spend an evening and you’ll find lots of small, interesting bars here.

Good places to stop at are Big Step which is full of vintage and new fashion and Mittera Kaikan which mixes shops and bars with a more alternative vibe.

If you are interested in street fashion, time your trip to Amerikamura for the weekend when there will be more people on the streets. You might also stumble across a flea market.

If you’re here on Halloween, this is also where to come to see the best costumes in Osaka.

How to Get To Amerika Mura

The closest station in Shinsaibashi on the red or lime green (Nagahori-Tsurumi Ryokuchi line) – take exits 14,15 or 16 or Yotsubashi on the blue (Yotsubashi) line, take exit 5

What Else is Nearby

Amerikamura and Dotobori and very close together.

It’s also fairly easily combined with a trip to Osaka Castle – although the two are an hour’s walk away from each other, they are connected by the lime green train line in about half an hour.

9. Spend a Day at Universal Studios Japan

If you’re traveling with children USJ, as it’s also known, is likely to be on your must-do list (or at least on their one!). It’s one of the most popular attractions in Osaka.

The park contains ten main areas in which you’ll find versions of many of the rides you might be used to from the US parks like Jurassic Park and the JAWS ride with a Japanese spin.

However it’s probably most famous for its Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction which offers a replica of Hogwarts, and the incredibly popular Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.

2022 also saw the opening of Super Nintendo World, based on the escapes of your favorite plumber.

How to Get To Universal Studios Japan

The closest station is Universal City which is about a 5-minute walk from the park gates.

This is connected to a number of stations in Central Osaka and the best guide to find your quickest route is the one on the offical USJ site here.

It will take about 15 minutes to get to Universal City from most of Osaka. Note though – I’d definitely recommend using Google Maps at the station. The line that goes to Universal has a couple of branches and on one trip, I wasn’t paying attention and got on the wrong one – and it took me a very long time to get back on track again. Even if you’re on the right platform make sure the train you’re getting on does stop at Universal City.

What Else is Nearby

Universal Studios Japan is located on the Osaka waterfront, but, not that near the other attractions in this area, like the famous Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, due to the way the roads lie.

It really is the reason to travel here and is probably going to take the whole day to explore. Also, once you are in the park, you can’t get a pass out so, you can’t come here in the morning, go somewhere else in the afternoon, and then come back in the evening like you can in the US parks.

If you do want to hang around after your trip to the park ends, there’s an entertainment area outside the park known as Citywalk where you’ll find shops and restaurants.

If you haven’t ticked Takoyaki off your Osaka must-do list yet, you might want to nip into the Takoyaki Museum here where you’ll find a whole arcade of vendors!

10. Just Wander…

At this point writing this article, I got stuck.

Not because I had run out of things to suggest though.

In fact, there were still so many other things I could tell you to do like shop in the 2.6km long Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade, the cute love shrine, visit one of the many museums, or head out of town a bit to go to the Cup Noodle Museum (I admit, that nearly made it, but I haven’t got there yet so, I didn’t feel I could definitively add it to the list) but instead, I decided to tell you what I love to do in Osaka

And that’s just wandering around a neighborhood soaking up the atmosphere and seeing what I find

I’ve never been disappointed doing this: from finding cool old buildings to photograph to exploring independent shops selling everything from sake to teddy bear donuts.

I’ve stumbled across a cafe full of rescue dogs that you could play with and then potentially adopt, some amazing temples full of stone figures, or offering fire rituals, and food trends like giant ice cream. I think there’s almost something around every corner.

I do this in Tokyo too, but, because Osaka is more compact I tend to find a greater variety of things in shorter walking time on my Osaka wanders. If you’re here for more than one day, you definitely need to add some wandering time to your schedule!

So, there you have it, our guide to the best things to do in Osaka on your first trip.

But did, we miss anything?

Is there something on your Osaka itinerary, or a list of favorite places in Osaka to visit that I’ve missed off that you think people need to know about? Then please, add it to the comments so other people (and we) can check it out next time.

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