I visited Osaka in March 2018 with friends as part of our week long trip in Japan. We landed in Osaka and immediately took a train to Kyoto. We then explored Kyoto for 3 days, Nara for 1 day, and Osaka for 3 days before returning home.
Osaka was a fun end to our trip, with its mix of energetic vibes yet deep historical culture. Often called “the Kitchen of Japan,” it’s also a major center for culinary innovation and famous for its street food. Here are my favorite things to do in the city:
1. Dotonbori
Why Visit:
Osaka’s most famous entertainment and food street, Dotonbori is lively and colorful. It’s the heart of the city’s “kuidaore” culture, which literally means “eat till you drop.”
Highlights:
- Glico Running Man → the long-standing, iconic and beloved symbol of Osaka.
- Kani Doraku Crab Sign → the huge moving crab that’s impossible to miss.
- Eat your way through Osaka’s specialties: takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
How to Go:
Arrive in the late afternoon when it’s less crowded, then stay for dinner and stroll along the canal at night to see the neon lights reflecting on the water.
2. Osaka Castle
Why Visit:
One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle is a stunning blend of history, architecture, and nature right in the middle of the city.
Highlights:
- Osaka Castle Park → a huge park surrounding the castle, filled with moats, stone walls, cherry trees, and scenic walking paths.
- Main Castle Tower → museum showcasing Osaka’s samurai history and the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle’s founder. There’s also an observation deck on the top floor with 360° city views.
How to Go:
If you can, visit between late March and early April when cherry blossoms surround the castle. We went a bit too early and sadly missed the blooms! The castle grounds are free to wander, but you’ll need a ticket to access the main tower. We bought ours onsite, but you can also get them online in advance.
3. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
Why Visit:
Osaka’s main shopping hub, a covered arcade that stretches nearly 600 meters from north to south. It’s packed with shops, cafés, and local energy, making it one of the city’s liveliest places to stroll, shop, and snack.
Highlights:
- Main Arcade → a long, glass-roofed walkway with a mix of international brands, Japanese fashion, and quirky local stores.
- Buy Souvenirs → check out Don Quijote (discount megastore) and Glico (maker of Pocky). We bought so much Japanese snacks!
How to Go:
Start at Shinsaibashi Station and end at Dotonbori. Most shops open from around 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
4. Umeda Sky Building
Why Visit:
One of Osaka’s most striking landmarks, Umeda Sky Building is made up of two 40-story towers connected at the top by a futuristic observatory.
Highlights:
- Floating Garden Observatory → a 360° open-air observation deck connecting the two towers.
- Escalator Tunnel → ride through a pair of see-through escalators suspended between the towers, one of the most unique features of the building.
How to Go:
We bought tickets onsite, but you can also buy them in advance online (especially if you plan to visit around sunset).
5. Day Trip to Nara
Why Visit:
Japan’s first permanent capital, known for its ancient temples, cultural treasures, and bowing deers.
Highlights:
- Todai-ji Temple → home to the Great Buddha statue (Daibutsu) inside the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), the world’s largest wooden building.
- Nara Park → over 1,000 free-roaming sika deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods. They bow to visitors in exchange for special deer crackers (shika senbei) sold at official stands.
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine → a beautiful Shinto shrine set in a forest with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns covered in moss.
How to Go:
We took the train from Kyoto to Nara on the way to Osaka, but you can also do this as a day trip from either city (35–45 minutes).
Planning a trip to Japan? Don’t miss my Top 5 Tips for Japan.
Exploring other cities too? Check out my top things to do for Kyoto and Tokyo.