17 Main Things to Do in Osaka for First-Time Visitors
On a recent solo trip to Japan, I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka.
I personally really enjoyed Osaka. It’s a busy city, but had a more laid-back environment, and reminded me of the San Francisco Bay Area where I’m from (Osaka and San Francisco used to be twin sister cities).
I chose Osaka as a base to take day trips to Nara and Kobe, but also dedicated a few days to explore Osaka.
Here’s everything I did, plus the top five things to do in Osaka that I recommend if you have limited time.
I also added list of Osaka attractions I didn’t get to and will save for future Osaka trips.
Split by these categories:
- Temples and Shrines
- Shopping Areas
- Parks and Green Spaces
- Modern Attractions
Japan Checklist: have you booked these yet?
▢ Japan Local sim card or Japan eSIM card
▢ Ride from the airport: prebook a ride | airport train
▢ Book your stay in Osaka (top places)
▢ Hire a private driver in Osaka for a day
▢ Book the most popular Osaka tours
Cultural Sites
1. Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is famous for its giant lion head-shaped stage, which is believed to “devour” bad luck.
It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Dotonbori in the Namba district, and is free to enter.
2. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and along with visiting Dotonbori, are the top things to do in Osaka.
I went at the tail-end of cherry blossom season, but the surrounding park is scenic off-season too.
You can stroll around the grounds or go inside.
The castle has multiple floors of museums. You can either take the stairs or elevator to each floor. At the very top is an outdoor deck for views of the park.
Tickets cost 600 yen ($4 USD). The Osaka Castle is part of the Osaka Amazing Pass, which I used to enter.
Otherwise, expect queues or prebook the ticket online.
3. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is devoted to the Tenjin deity of learning and academics. A lot of students visit to pray for academic success and right before exams.
The shrine also hosts the grand Tenjin Matsuri every July, one of Japan’s most popular festivals.
Admission to the temple is free.
4. Shitenno-ji Temple
Shitenno-ji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest temples, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku.
The temple features a beautiful five-story pagoda.
You can also go up the main tower (must take off your shoes).
Tickets cost 300 yen ($2 USD). It closes at 4 PM, so be sure to plan your visit earlier in the day to explore its full grounds.
Modern Attractions
5. Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building offers panoramic views of Osaka from its rooftop observatory.
Along with the observatory, you can enjoy views of Osaka from the cafe inside.
It’s also popular for the long tunnel-like escalators going up to the observatory.
I used my Osaka Amazing Pass to enter (though only free to enter until 3pm with the pass).
You can prebook your observatory ticket online.
The gardens surrounding the building are also beautiful to roam:
6. Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower has become the symbol of Osaka and was originally built in the early 20th century.
I’ve visited during the day and night, and it’s definitely better to see it at night, where it’s lit up and the surrounding Shinsekai area is lively.
You can get views of Osaka from the observation deck, as well as ride the slide at the Tsutenkaku Tower, though lines can get long.
Entrance is part of the Osaka Amazing Pass, or you can buy a ticket online to skip the ticket queue.
7. HEP Five Ferris Wheel
The HEP Five Ferris Wheel is located at the center of the Umeda shopping area.
A ride was part of the Osaka Amazing Pass, so I visited at night and took a solo ride.
The views are especially better at night. Plus, if you can figure it out, you can set up bluetooth from your phone to play some music.
Prebook a ticket online or buy once there.
Shopping Areas
8. Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is the longest shopping arcade in Japan, stretching over 1.6 miles (2.6 km).
It’s a lively and diverse shopping area, with everything from traditional kimono shops to modern cafes.
9. Shinsekai District
Shinsekai or the “New World” is an older but colorful district in southern Osaka with retro restaurants, bars, games, and shops.
It’s also where the Tsutenkaku Tower is located.
Visit at night, where all the shops are lit up. It’s less crowded than Dotonobori but one of the main places to visit in Osaka at night for tourists.
10. Amerikamura
Amerikamura is like Osaka’s version of Tokyo’s Harajuku, and a popular spot for street fashion and vintage shops.
The area is filled with unique boutiques, international brands, and street art.
It’s also where Triangle Park (Sankaku Park) is located, which was always packed and social.
I loved the urban and more laid-back vibe here.
11. Umeda Station
Umeda Station is a major commercial hub, home to a variety of department stores, cafes, and fashion outlets.
It’s where the HEP Five Ferris Wheel is located.
I went at night, and you’ll see locals just hanging out.
12. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is one of Osaka’s most famous districts, known for its bright neon signs and eateries.
It’s busy throughout the day and night, and can get quite packed during busy seasons.
I highly recommend visiting at night too, where you’ll see the lights reflect on the Dotonbori canal.
With the Osaka Amazing Pass, I did a river cruise and really enjoyed it.
This is also where you’ll see the famous Dotonbori Glico Sign.
13. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
Shinsaibashi-Suji is a busy shopping arcade located in Dotonbori, filled with a wide range of stores from luxury brands to local shops and cosmetic stores.
It’s one of Osaka’s most popular shopping streets and where you can buy duty-free products.
It gets quite packed, so visit early if you want to do some shopping.
Parks and Green Spaces
14. Nakanoshima Park
Nakanoshima Park is Osaka’s first public park. It’s massive and located on an island between two rivers.
The park is famous for its rose garden when in bloom in spring and autumn, but it’s also a nice spot for picnics and evening strolls.
I sat on the grass in a shady area and the views were really peaceful.
15. Tennoji Park
Tennoji Park is a large urban park with a variety of attractions, including botanical gardens and an art museum.
It has beautiful greenery and a nice pond to explore around.
Plus, an Osaka sign you can take a photo with.
16. Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park is farther away from central Osaka, but was worth visiting. It’s famous for its flower gardens, which change with the seasons.
I went in mid-April during nemophila and tulip season.
There’s also cycling paths, picnic areas, and scenic ponds.
Admission is free.
17. Utsubo Park
Utsubo Park is a large rectangular-shaped recreational park with lots of flower gardens and walking paths in the center.
I went during the day to rest on the benches, but it’s lit up at night too for an evening stroll.
It’s worth visiting during cherry blossom and autumn seasons, and when the rose gardens are in bloom.
More Things to Do in Osaka
These were more things to do in Osaka I didn’t get to or that might interest you.
Most popular:
- Universal Studios Japan
- Harukas 300 Observatory
- Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory
Unique places to visit:
- Parco Totoro
- Glion Museum (cars)
- The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
- Cup Noodles Museum
More cultural sites:
- Hozenji Temple
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Museums:
- Osaka Museum of History
- National Museum of Art
Top Things to Do in Osaka
If you have limited time in Osaka, here are the top five places to visit:
- Dotonbori
- Osaka Castle
- Shinsekai “New World”
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shitenno-ji Temple
*Universal Studios Japan is also a very popular site if it interests you.
I hope this post was helpful! I’ll continue to add more after future trips to Osaka.
Have an awesome trip to Osaka!
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🎥 Watch my Osaka vlog.