Are you in the process of planning your trip to Japan?
You’re definitely keen on the culture and traditions that prevail in the country…
Yet, you still haven’t decided where exactly to say?
If that’s the case, here are a few reasons why Osaka would be an excellent pick for you!
By visiting Osaka, you’ll be able to learn a great deal about Japan’s traditions and explore various museums. People are likewise exceptionally friendly-mannered and warm, which is crucial when planning a trip to an unknown city.
Moreover, if you’re a bit of a foodie, Osaka blusters a lot of restaurants and eateries that will undoubtedly leave you impressed.
What’s more, is that the town boasts various museums and recreational centers where you and your family can chill and merely enjoy your trip.
In this guide, we’ve listed the 17 most attractive places in Osaka where you can spend your time. Each one offers something unique for everyone.
So without further ado, let’s dive right into it…
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Osaka-Jo
The Osaka-Jo is literally one of the most attractive destinations you can explore when you find yourself in the city.
The castle was built back in 1583, and over 100,000 people participated in its construction. Throughout the years it has been renovated multiple times. In 1931, the Osaka-Jo went under massive destruction. However, with the years going by the castle was rebuilt and went through various renovations.
Inside the building, you can examine weaponry, along with magnificent artwork. On the 8th floor, you’ll find an observation deck where you can contemplate the nature and take some pictures.
It’s one of the most impressive buildings in Osaka at this moment of time. It’s worth checking it out.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios, Japan, is one of the most attractive theme parks after Disneyland in Tokyo.
As the name suggests, the park is similar to Universal Studios in the USA, however with Japanese twists, of course. You can head to the park and check out some of your favorite movies.
It’s, without a doubt, worth a visit, especially when strolling around with your family.
Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
If you’re keen on traditional art and handicraft exhibitions, then you definitely can’t go wrong by heading to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum.
The uniqueness of the museum stems from its traditional home-based construction. When you enter the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, you’ll be able to expand your knowledge regarding the art of ukiyoe, which is a kind of a Japanese print.
A lot of exciting and compelling exhibitions are available so you’ll stay highly engaged during your whole tour. The museum is worth checking it out.
Dotonbori
If you would like to engage with a lot of people and also visit great restaurants, then the perfect place for you would be Dotonbori.
After the sun has gone down, that’s the perfect time for your promenade with your partner. Various shops and boutiques are likewise available where you can browse for souvenirs. Live music is one of the best attractions and entertaining activities Dotonbori can offer. Singers will definitely captive your attention and compel you. Simply put: the place is great!
Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi will be the perfect place for you and your family if you plan serious shopping while being in Osaka. It’s the main district where people gather in order to browse authentic clothes, cool souvenirs, handicrafts, and other home-related stuff.
In Shinsaibashi, you can pretty much find anything you’re looking for. It’s actually a great place to explore when a rainy day occurs, and you can’t go to Dotonbori for a stroll.
And if you also want to buy some gifts for yourself and your family for being on vacation in Osaka, then you can’t go wrong by heading to Shinsaibashi. It’s a great shopping district.
Osaka Aquarium
If you would like to visit one of the largest aquariums in Japan, then the Osaka Aquarium would be an ideal place for you. First off, the building boasts with a modern and attractive design that has been amazing audiences since its origin.
Second, in the Osaka Aquarium, you’ll be able to examine a significant amount of marine species such as whale sharks, dolphins, otters, and turtles.
What’s more, is that the aquarium features a nine meters in length large tank. There you can contemplate tropical fish, along with seahorses that create a broad spectrum of colors. The place will definitely leave you with a jaw-dropping expression on your face. It’s highly worth it!
Umeda Sky Building
Boasting a height of 173 meters, the Umeda Sky Building is one of the most notable places in Osaka you can visit.
The uniqueness of the skyscraper stems from its hanging garden on the 39th floor. That’s one of the main reasons why Japan is so popular among tourists. The “Garden Observatory” will undoubtedly leave you highly impressed due to its abundant flora. It’s the perfect place for you to explore nature and to shoot a few photos so you can recall the great attractions you visited during your stay in Osaka.
America Mura
Like Shinsaibashi, the America Mura is another impressive shopping district featuring various restaurants, shops, boutiques, and cafes. It’s actually better to visit America Mura on a sunny day so you can absorb some fresh air. Whereas Shinsaibashi is better off when rainy days occur.
America Mura is quite often compared with the Harajuku district in Tokyo due to its young cultural Japanese activities. All in all, if you’re keen on street fashion, vintage clothes, and modern street snacks, America Mura would be an excellent place for you to visit.
The National Bunraku Theater
If you’re keen on puppets and acting, then you can’t go wrong by heading to the National Bunraku Theater. The theater boasts spectacular shows with impressive puppet scenes. It’s a place where you can learn a great deal about the Japanese art of bunraku. Your kids will, without a doubt, be highly engaged and entertained by the spectacles.
The bunraku art dates back to the Edo Period. Since then, it has been quite successfully entertaining audiences. The puppet theater tells stories of Japenese legends lived during the 17th and 18th century. We highly suggest checking it out!
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Do you want to get an impression of traveling back in time? If so, then the perfect place for you and your family, especially your kids, would be the Sumiyoshi Shrine. The uniqueness of the Sumiyoshi stems from its ancient construction. It dated back 1,800 years ago, and it is also considered to be one of the oldest shrines not only in Osaka but in Japan either.
It’s likewise one of the prettiest shrines in the city and features awesome ornaments and adornments. Moreover, you’ll be able to examine a park that comes with a bridge that stretches over a glassy pond. It will undoubtedly leave you highly impressed.
Osaka Museum Of Housing And Living
Another great place where you can travel back in time would be the Osaka Museum Of Housing And Living. The museum is considered to be one of the most excellent and most inspiring museums in Japan.
The uniqueness of this museum stems from its exhibition model houses and traditional buildings. Most of the houses are from the Edo Period between the 17th and 19th centuries. You’ll get quite a thorough expression of how people used to live back in the days.
You’ll also be able to put a Japanese outfit like a kimono on yourself and stroll around the museum examining all of the fantastic exhibits.
Go-Kart
The Go-Kart might be the most entertaining activity you can participate in during your stay in Osaka, especially for your kids. It’s also one of the most popular activities in Japan due to its extraordinary car-driving way. You literally dress like your favorite animated character and tour around the city with your friends. It’s definitely worth if you want to take a rest from everyday activities.
Osaka Expo Park
Osaka Expo Park is one of the most fascinating parks you can explore in the city. It’s actually located 20 km away from Osaka’s center. It’s quite huge and the best time to visit it is in the cherry blossoms and the autumn due to its abundant and beautiful tree nature in that part of the year.
Truth be told, the park is trendy, mostly because of its symbolic “Tower of the Sun,” which was designed by the magnificent Japanese artist - Taro Okamoto. The mark will, without a doubt, leave you highly impressed.
Shitenoji Temple
If you’re keen on ancient “samurai” style of buildings, then you can’t go wrong by heading to the Shitenoji Temple. Unfortunately, like most buildings in Japan, this one was also destroyed during the Second World War. And rebuilt and renovated a few times after.
It originally dates back to the 6th century, which makes the building actually one of the oldest temples in Osaka. A lot of things can be explored, ranging from exhibitions and items to the interior design. The Shitenoji Temple is undoubtedly worth the visit.
Peace Osaka
If you want to know more about what signs the Second World War left in Japan, you can head to Peace Osaka for high-quality education.
Peace Osaka mostly focuses on presenting peace as something essential. Some of the galleries emphasize the dark periods during the war when the city was nearly erased to the ground. A lot of things can be learned, and it is also an excellent place for upcoming history students - the site will definitely keep you engaged.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Sometime in the past, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel was actually the biggest one in the world. And it still brings outstanding experience to its visitors.
If you would like to contemplate fascinating city views from the clouds, then you can’t go wrong with the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
It’s one of the main attractions in the city, and a significant amount of people are headed to the wheel every day, especially during the weekends. Pick a time in the morning so you can escape the crowds. All in all, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel delivers an excellent entertaining experience.
General info about Osaka
Country | Japan |
Capital | Tokyo |
Language | Japanese |
Timezone | (GMT+9) |
Currency | Japanese yen |
International dialing code | +81 |
Electricity | power plugs and sockets are of type A and B |
City population of Osaka | 2.69 million |
Things To Know Before Visiting Osaka
If you would like to taste a new kind of delicious food, the Osaka definitely boats great restaurants – they will amaze you.
Most natives travel with bikes. Instead of renting a car, you can hire a bike, go for a ride, and enjoy the fresh air winding straight through your face.
Keep in mind that the locals speak their mother language, so you might find it harder than usual to navigate yourself through the city if you don’t have a GPS. But all in all, the visit is highly worth it!