Osaka is the main city of the Kansai region in Western Japan. As the biggest city in the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe tri-city area and the capital of the Osaka prefecture, the city is a popular tourist destination with many places to see and many things to do.
Before reading this article, let's know more about basic information of Osaka → Discover Osaka, the Capital of Western Japan!
There are lots of things that can be done in Osaka. Such as:
- Eat specialty gourmet that originated in Osaka
- Do shopping such as window shopping
- Enjoy view of Osaka from the tallest building in Japan
- Have a relaxing time in a Japanese garden
- Become a samurai and fight with a sword
- Take a commemorative photo with a gigantic and fancy sign behind
Where to Visit in Osaka?
Osaka has lots of attractions. Here, we will introduce some spots that should not be missed if you come to Osaka.
| Spot Name | Features |
| Tsutenkaku | A landmark of Osaka |
| Osaka Castle | A historical site that tells the history of Osaka |
| Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN | One of Japan’s most spectacular aquariums |
| Universal Studios Japan | A theme park where you can enter the world of movies |
| Dotonbori | Gigantic, fancy billboards are lined up |
| Spa World, Osaka | A spa resort complex where you can refresh |
| Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory | A tower with beautiful night scenery |
| Osaka Fish Market (Osaka Municipal Wholesale Market Honjo) | A market where fresh ingredients can be eaten inside |
| Kuromon Market | ”Osaka Kitchen”, where around 150 shops are lined up |
| Tennoji Zoo | A zoo that is near the town centre that can be easily accessed. |
Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku is a tower situated between Namba Station and Tennoji Station. It is a landmark in Osaka, and there is a Billiken statue on the golden observatory on the 5th floor that will give you good luck if you stroke the soles of its feet. In addition, the colour of the light at the top changes according to the weather each day.
Spot information
- Spot name: Tsutenkaku (通天閣)
- Street address: 1-18-6 Emisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0002
- Nearest station:
- [Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line] Ebisucho Station ... about 4 minutes on foot
- [Osaka Metro Midosuji Line] Dobutsuen-mae Station… 7 minutes on foot
- [JR Loop Line] Shin-Imamiya Station ... about 7 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available（Osaka Free Wi-Fi）
- Language: English, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Korean, Thai
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: VISA, Master Card
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is situated in the centre of Osaka City. Buildings of important cultural properties are stand around the restored castle tower. There is a museum inside the castle tower where exhibits related to Osaka Castle are displayed.
Spot information
- Spot name: Osaka Castle (大阪城)
- Street address: 1-1, Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City 540-0002
- Nearest station:
- [JR Loop Line] Osaka Castle Park Station / Morinomiya Station… About 18 minutes on foot
- [Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line] Tanimachi 4-chome Station / Temmabashi Station… About 19 minutes on foot
- [Osaka Metro Chuo Line] Tanimachi 4-chome Station / Morinomiya Station ... About 19 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available
- Language: English, Chinese (simplified/traditional), Korean
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: Unavailable
Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN
KAIYUKAN is an aquarium situated in the bay area of Osaka. It is said to be one of the largest aquariums in the world, and around 30,000 creatures of 620 species are bred and exhibited in water tanks that are replicas of bodies of water from around the world.
Spot information
- Spot name: Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN (海遊館)
- Street address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City 552-0022
- Nearest station: [Osaka Metro Chuo Line] Osakako Station ... about 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Available（Osaka Free Wifi）
- Language: English, Chinese (Simplified / Traditional), Korean, Français, Thai
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance, Online
- Credit cards：VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, UnionPay
Dotonbori, Osaka
Dotonbori is a shopping district that specializes in food, located in the centre of Osaka city. The scenery of the gigantic and colourful restaurant signboards along the Dotonbori River is spectacular.
Spot information
- Spot name: Dotonbori (道頓堀)
- Street address: Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City 542-0071
- Nearest station:
- [Osaka Metro Midosuji Line] Namba Station ... right by the station
- [Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line or Sennichimae Line] Nippombashi station ... right by the station
- [Nankai Electric Railway] Namba Station ... about 7 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Available（Osaka Free Wi-Fi）
- Language：English, Chinese, Korean
- Credit cards：Available（depending on the shop）
Spa World, Osaka
Spa World is a complex spa resort located on the south side of the city. There are baths, rock baths, pools and hotels that take on the image of spas around the world. Also, there are facilities where you can comfortably refresh, such as in the relaxation area and the gym.
Spot information
- Spot name: Spa World – Onsen from Around The World (スパワールド 世界の大温泉)
- Street address: 3-4-24 Emisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City 556-0002
- Nearest station:
- [JR Osaka Loop Line (counterclockwise)] Shin-Imamiya Station… right by the station.
- [Osaka Metro Midosuji Line or Sakaisuji Line] Dobutsuen-mae station ...right by the station
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：English, Chinese(simplified/traditional), Korean
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance
- Credit cards：VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay
The Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory
The Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory is located on the 55th floor of the Cosmo Tower complex situated in the bay area. The night view from the observatory which has a 360 degree view is a breathtaking sight. Also, there is a window where you can see directly below, and you will see a view that will stop you in your tracks.
Spot information
- Spot name: Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory (Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building Observatory)
- Street address: 1-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City 559-0034
- Nearest station:
- [Osaka Metro Chuo Line] Osaka Metro Cosmosquare Station ... about 7 minutes on foot
- Trade Center-mae Station ... About 3 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Unavailable
- Language：English, Chinese
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
Osaka Municipal Wholesale Market Honjo
Osaka Municipal Wholesale Market Honjo is located in the northwestern area of Osaka City. The market tour where auctions can be seen is popular. It should be noted that the tour requires a reservation and an interpreter. Furthermore, it is possible to eat dishes such as sushi and Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) made with fresh ingredients the dining area.
Spot information
- Spot name: Osaka Municipal Wholesale Market Honjo (大阪中央卸売市場本場)
- Street address: 1-1-86 Noda, Fukushima-ku, Osaka City 553-0005
- Nearest station:
- [JR Osaka Loop Line (counterclockwise)] Noda Station… About 10 minutes on foot
- [Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line] Tamagawa Station ... About 10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Unavailable
- Language：English, Chinese, Korean
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market is located in Nipponbashi near Namba. There are around 150 shops in an arcade of around 580 metres. It is known as the “Kitchen of Osaka,” There are fresh ingredients available on the spot at the eat-in area. The Kuromon information centre offers temporary luggage storage service.
Spot information
- Spot name: Kuromon Market (黒門市場)
- Street address: 2-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City 542-0073
- Nearest station: [Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line] Nippombashi Station ... About 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：English, Chinese(traditional)
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted (May vary depending on the shop, but most of them do not take cards)
Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo is situated in the Tennoji area located on the south side of the city. It is characterized by its natural replication of the environment in which the animals usually inhabit. In addition, for a limited period, there is a night ZOO where the animals can be seen at night.
Spot information
- Spot name: Tennoji Zoo (天王寺動物園)
- Street address: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City 543-0063
- Nearest station:
- [Osaka Metro Midosuji Line] Dobutsuen-mae station ... 5-10 minutes on foot
- [JR] Tennoji Station ... 5-10 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：English, Chinese, Korean
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance, In convenience stores
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
Attractions and Experiences in Osaka
There are various ways to enjoy Osaka. Here, we will introduce the most recommended spots.
| Experience | Features |
| Universal Studios Japan (USJ) | Large theme park where the world of movies can be enjoyed |
| Redhorse OSAKA WHEEL | The highest Ferris wheel in Japan |
| Samurai & Ninja Experience | Fight as a Samurai at places such as Osaka Castle |
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a large theme park located in the bay area. The theme park is divided into nine areas with attractions based on each theme in that area. It should be noted that a foreign language map can be obtained from the guest service situated on the left side of the entrance.
Moreover, they have substantial services within the facility. For example, a charging spot is situated in front of the toilets that can be used for 300 yen per 20 minutes. Other services include duty-free services, and wheelchair and pram rental services.
If you have large luggage with you, it is best to use the extra-large lockers or large lockers situated outside the park.
Spot information
- Spot name: Universal Studio Japan (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン)
- Street address ： 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City 554-0031
- Nearest station: [JR Yumesaki Line] Universal City Station… Right by the station
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：English, Chinese（simplified/traditional）
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance, In convenience stores, Hotel, Online
- Credit cards：VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, Discover
Redhorse OSAKA WHEEL
Redhorse OSAKA WHEEL is a ferris wheel situated in Suita City, which is located north of Osaka City. The height of the Ferris wheel is about 123 metres which is the highest in Japan, and the gondola floor inside is see-through. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the view overlooking the Osaka city. (Information accurate as of January 2020)
Spot information
- Spot name: Redhorse OSAKA WHEEL
- Street address: 2-1 Senri Bampaku Koen, Suita-shi, Osaka City 565-0826
- Nearest station: [Osaka Monorail] Osaka Monorail Bampaku-kinen-koen Station ...
- About 2 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Available (in MARUMIE PLAZA)
- Language：Only Japanese
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance, Online
- Credit cards：Available
Samurai and Ninja Experiences
Samurai and ninja experiences are held in various areas of Osaka. For example, LAST SAMURAI and Ninja-Do are well-known.
In addition, there is a "Samurai / Ninja Experience" facility run by the Japan Tatedo Association in MIRAIZA Osaka Castle in Japan. It is possible to change into a kimono and learn the basics of sword fighting, and you can experience actually fighting with a sword. It is necessary to make a reservation by 10 o'clock the day before.
Osaka is Rich with Gardens
Osaka has lots of Japanese gardens. Here, we will introduce some of the best of these gardens.
| Spot Name | Features |
| Keitakuen | A pure Japanese garden with a lake in the centre |
| Osaka Castle Park | A park with important cultural assets lined up |
| Daisen Park Japanese Garden | A garden with tombs inside |
| Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park | A place where you can learn about the evolution of Japanese garden culture |
Keitakuen Garden
Keitakuen is a pure Japanese garden situated within Tennoji Park, located in the southern part of the city. At the centre of the pond, there are stones and azumaya (huts) that are said to convey sea voyages.
Spot information
- Spot name: Keitakuen (慶沢園)
- Street address: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City 543-0063
- Nearest station: [Osaka Metro Midosuji Line] Tennoji Station… 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Only Japanese
- Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
- Credit cards: No credit cards accepted
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is a park built around Osaka Castle in the centre of Osaka. The highlights of the castle park are the important cultural properties and the flowers that bloom there.
For example, ume (plum) bloom in the eastern Plum Grove around February and around 300 sakura blossoms bloom in the Nishinomaru Garden around March - April. In the peach grove you can see 140 peach trees of around 10 species, and in the Hydrangea and Deutzia Garden you can see around 1400 flowers such as hydrangea, Benigaku hydrangea and deutzia.
Spot information
- Spot name: Osaka Castle Park (大阪城公園)
- Street address: Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City 540-0002
- Nearest station: [JR Osaka Loop Line (counterclockwise)] Osakajokoen Station… About 18 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：English, Chinese（simplified/traditional）, Korean
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance
- Credit cards：Unavailable
Daisen Park Japanese Garden
Daisen Park Japanese garden is a garden located within Daisen Park in Sakai City, south of Osaka City. The garden is built around a pond, so that you can enjoy the scenery that changes depending on the angle you are viewing from.
Spot information
- Spot name: Daisen Park Japanese Garden (大仙公園 日本庭園)
- Street address ：〒 590-0820 Daisen Park, Daisennakamachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City 590-0820
- Nearest station:
- [JR Hanwa Line] Mozu Station ... About 15 minutes on foot
- [Nankai Koya Line] Bus from Sakaihigashi Station[5], Special Express [5] About 20 minutes → Daisen Park West Bus Stop ... About 5 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Unavailable
- Language：English
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park
The Japanese garden at Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park was built at the time of the Japan World Exposition in 1970 event. On a long and narrow site of about 1,300m east and west, there are four gardens that signify the transition of Japanese garden culture.
Spot information
- Spot name: Osaka Expo'70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園)
- Street address: 2-1 Senri bampaku koen, Suita-shi, Osaka. 565-0826
- Nearest station: [Osaka Monorail] Osaka Monorail Koen Higashiguchi Station ... about 15 minutes on foot
- Wi-Fi：Available
- Language：English, Chinese(simplified), Korean
- Ticket Purchase：At acceptance
- Credit cards：No credit cards accepted
Recommended Shopping Spots in Osaka - Fashion -
Osaka is brimming with fashion shopping spots. For example, there are Osaka department stores, fashion buildings, and street stores. Here, we will introduce some of the best spots.
| Shop Name | Features |
| Osaka Takashimaya Department Store | They offer a telephone interpretion service in each shop |
| Hankyu Department Store Osaka Umeda Main Store | They offer shopping translation support |
| UNIQLO OSAKA store | A large store in front of Umeda station |
| Tennoji MIO | There are around 280 shops inside |
| NU chayamachi | Lots of casual fashion brands |
| Shinsaibashi Opa | Plenty of ladies brands |
If you are searching for fashion for adults, we recommend Osaka Takashimaya and Hankyu Department Store Osaka Umeda Main Store, and for youth, we recommend UNIQLO OSAKA and Shinsaibashi Opa.
Recommended Shopping Spots in Osaka - Miscellaneous Goods -
There are lots of miscellaneous merchandise chains and unique select shops in Osaka. Here, we will introduce some recommended miscellaneous goods shops.
| Shop Name | Features |
| Don Quijote Dotonbori Store, Osaka | Its landmark is the yellow Ferris wheel |
| Loft in LUCUA Osaka | Located conveniently in front of Osaka station |
| Tokyu Hands Shinsaibashi Store | All kinds of things are available in the large store on B1-8F |
| Food sample specialty store, DESIGN POCKET main store | It is possible to make food samples here (reservation necessary) |
| Pokemon Center Osaka | A place where it’s possible to buy an abundance of Pokémon goods |
| Hifumi Folk Art Store | A selection of quality products from all around Japan, such as pottery and dyed itemsร้านดองกิโฮเต้ ร้าน Loft และห้าง Tokyu Hands เหมาะสำหรับผู้ที่ต้องการไปลองเปรียบเทียบสินค้าหลากหลายรายการพร้อมกันค่ะ |
Don Quijote, Loft and Tokyu Hands are recommended for those who wish to compare lots of different products at the same time.
If you wish to find an unusual item, head for " DESIGN POCKET " or "Hifumi Folk Art Store".
Festivals and Events in Osaka
Various kinds of festivals are held in Osaka, from traditional festivals to subculture festivals.
| Famous Festivals or Events | Features |
| Osaka Festival of Lights | Osaka is brimming with illuminations |
| Osaka Temmangu Shrine Tenjin Matsuri Festival | One of Japan's three major festivals which started in the 10th century |
| Namba Yasaka Shrine Natsumatsuri Summer Festival | God tours the Dotonbori River by boat |
| NIPPONBASHI STREET FESTA | A cosplay event where even foreign cosplayers gather |
Nightlife in Osaka
Osaka offers a variety of ways to have fun even at night. For example, it is possible to drink alcohol in a bar or club all night. There are around 800 bars in Osaka city, in the shopping district, and there are lots of hotel bars. Additionally, there are an abundant amount of Osaka clubs in the Kita and Minami areas. (Information accurate as of January 2020)
Is Osaka Safe at Night?
The crime rate in Osaka has been declining. In addition, the Osaka Prefectural Police is implementing comprehensive entertainment district measures, so it can be said that the main entertainment districts are relatively safe. However, since the Chuo Ward, Nishi Ward, Minato Ward, and Sumiyoshi Ward have shown an increase, so we would like to warn you of that fact.
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