Streetscape in the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

What to Expect at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

It took me five trips to Osaka to get here, as it has one of the most boring-sounding names in the entire world – but trust me, if you go in with the right attitude, this place is fun, and definitely a good thing to do in Osaka with kids. Here’s what to expect at Osaka’s worst-named museum!

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Couple pray in front of the giant lion's head at the Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka

How to Visit Osaka’s Amazing Lion Head Shrine

It doesn’t matter how tall you are, if you stand in front of the giant lion’s head at Osaka’s Namba Yasaka shrine, you’ll feel tiny – here’s why it should be on your Osaka itinerary, and what to look out for once you’re there.

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What to Expect on Osaka’s ‘Don Quijote’ Ferris Wheel

Officially called the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel, everything about this says fun – it’s bright yellow, U-shaped, perched on top of the Don Quijote store in Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit playground and covered with pictures of the store’s cute penguin mascot. But is riding the Ebisu Ferris Wheel in Dotonbori as fun as its exterior might have you believe? Here’s our review of the wheel, plus all the tips you need to plan your own visit.

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China Pavilion Osaka Expo

The Quick Guide to Expo 2025 in Osaka

Expo 2025 has opened in Osaka and is running until October 13th. The site is enormous, even the website is like a maze, and it’s all a bit complicated to understand what’s there and how to access it. So, if you’re planning on visiting, or wondering if you should, here’s the very simple version of what you need to know.

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View over the Dotonbori canal during the day showing the famous Glico man sign

Where to Stay in Osaka on Your First Trip

Osaka is a big city with many hotels to choose from, but there are a few clear winners when it comes to the best places to stay in town for tourists. Check out our guide on where to stay in Osaka on your first trip to help you decide which is best for you.

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Illustrated image of woman looking out of an onsen to see trees. The caption reads Spa World Osaka Guide in pink letters over the top

What You Need to Know Before You Visit Spa World in Osaka

Located in the fun area of Shinsekai in Osaka, Spa World is not a traditional onsen. It’s more of a water theme park full of themed hot and cold pools that are the perfect place to soak away some of the aches you’ll end up with walking miles around Japan. But, while it might be a fun soaking spot, there’s still etiquette involved with visiting Spa World, and it’s good to be clued up on what to expect before you visit.

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Tsutenkaku tower in Osaka taken from the end of the street that leads up to it.

How to Spend Three Days in Osaka

Three days is the perfect amount of time to see all the big sights in Osaka – plus a few surprises I’ve found on my three trips there. Our three-day Osaka itinerary shows you how to get it all done.

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