Wanderlust: 11 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

Things to do in Osaka are just non-stop. This interesting city in Japan is like the sister of Tokyo, the country’s capital. There are several activities right from every corner, leaving you gaping for more. So, in this guide, we’ll take a closer look at these experiences. 

Basically, Osaka is the “gastronomic capital” of Japan. In fact, “eat until your drop” is considered as the city’s informal motto. There is seemingly no other place where Japanese cuisine is at its best. For one, Osaka is famous for okonomiyaki, the well-loved Japanese pancake dish. But anybody whose soft spots are that dish, teriyaki, or sushi will find Osaka heaven. 

But, Osaka has more to offer than just its cuisine. As you travel here, you can explore the rich Japanese history, revel in its nightlife spots, watch another iconic Japanese activity here – watching puppet theatre – and tons and tons of shopping opportunities. Can’t wait to find out these things to do in Osaka? Read on. 

Best Things To Do In Osaka

Get to know the best things to do in Osaka right now. Experience the best of Japan in this amazing city.

1. Take A Tour To Japan’s Past At Osaka-jō

You’ve perhaps seen photos of your friends who have been to Osaka in front of that quintessential castle in this city. That must be Osaka-jō. Visiting this landmark is one of the first things to do in Osaka that travelers include on their bucket list. 

General Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the man credited for unifying Japan during the late 16th century, built this castle to display power. With its purpose being that, its construction labored a hundred thousand workers. 

Though the structure you see today is a concrete reconstruction in 1931 with refurbishing in 1997, it is still quite a sight, dramatically located atop a fortified hill and looming over its surrounding park and moat. 

Inside, you find well-cherished collections of art, armor, and daily implements related to this castle. There’s also an observation deck on the eighth floor that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding areas. 

After touring the castle, don’t forget to stop by the parks around it. They provide leisure for locals and tourists year-round, but most like to visit this place during the cherry blossom season, or around the second quarter of this year, as the castle’s grounds are sprinkled in pink petals of the flower.

2. Make Some Magic At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Osaka is also home to a Universal Studios, alongside other cities in the world like Orlando and Singapore. Nowadays, a Universal Studios theme park has continually been tied to Harry Potter. Yes, the famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter that has been astonishing tourists from across the globe. You can head to this theme park when you’re here in Osaka. 

If you are an avid fan or reader of the “Harry Potter” novels and movies, you should be aware of the moment the giant Hagrid revealed to Harry that he is a wizard. You’ll feel the chills that Harry Potter felt moving down his spine from your first step into Osaka’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is Osaka’s pride. It successfully reproduces the world from the Harry Potter stories with meticulous attention to detail. You can experience what you exactly saw in the movies and read from the books in this theme park.

Among the things to do in Osaka while you’re here include walking to the entrance of Hogsmeade village, see the famous Ford Anglia that Harry Potter and Ron Weasley rode toward Hogwarts in the second installment, smell the aroma of butterbeer, meet the conductor of Hogwarts Express, experience the 3D Forbidden Journey ride (which the details we leave up to you to explore), and a whole lot more. 

3. Have Your Palates Ready For Some Great-Tasting Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s Most Famous Dish

Osaka is not only Japan’s gastronomic capital, but it is also where the best-tasting okonomiyakis are served. 

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake dish or pan-fried dish consisting of batter and cabbage. Selected ingredients and toppings can be added, and they vary from meat and seafood, to wasabi and cheese. The name, “okonomi” is Japanese for “to one’s liking.”

So, if you’re here to enjoy the best things to do in Osaka, never forget indulging in some great-tasting okonomiyaki. If you’re cravings continue to haunt you, some of the other must-try dishes while you’re here in Osaka are the tako-yakis or octopus-studded snacks, kushikatsu skewers, kitsune udon noodle dish, and the sushis crafted in a style Osaka calls its own.

Welcome to our “things to do in Osaka” guide! We have more stories about Japan coming your way, such as the best photography spots in this country in East Asia. 

4. Osaka Is The Birthplace Of Bunraku, The Centuries-Old Japanese Puppet Theatre Performance

Osaka providing a space to almost three million residents is not enough. It has to have puppet and dolls, too. This is because this city is the birthplace of bunraku, or the centuries-old art of Japanese puppet theatre. Japan has ikebana and origami, it has to have bunraku, too. Even those who are not too much interested with theatre will have to admit that these lifelike puppets are spectacular. 

Watching a bunraku performance is among the best things to do in Osaka. One of the best places to watch this performance is at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka’s Nippombashi district.

5. Lose Yourself In Dōtombori

Dōtombori is probably among the most photogenic spots all across Osaka. This is considered the city’s liveliest nightspot, and the central hub of the town’s southern portion. Its name originates from Dōtombori-gawa, a 400-year-old canal now lined with pedestrian walkways and stretches of illuminated billboards glittering off the waters. There are also several things to do in Osaka while you’re here, such as seeing the famous Glico running man sign. 

This place has also been equated to great shopping. Some of the best places where you can shop ‘til you drop in Dōtombori are at the Narumiya Ebisubashi Gallery, Sennichimae Shopping Street, Naniwa Meibutsu Ichibirian Dotombori, Onitsuka Tiger Namba, and Edion Dotonbori. You can find rows of shops and boutiques that sell products that include, but not limited to, cosmetics, fashion, electronics, and souvenirs. 

South of the Dōtombori-gawa canal is a pedestrianized street where you can find dozens of restaurants vying on which has the flashiest signage. For the best views, head over to Ebisu-bashi, the bridge located at the strip’s western end. 

6. Do An Osaka Food Tour Exploring The City’s Hidden Eateries

Sure, you have with you okonomiyakis, sushis, and tako-yakis during your stay in Osaka, but did you know that this city in Japan also has hidden eateries where delights are unimaginable? Take a tour around Osaka’s hidden eateries. 

Eat your way around Japan’s gastronomic capital where a local guide will take you to five hidden eateries where you’ll get to try 10 different dishes. Some of them are gyoza, oden, kitsune udon, and a whole lot more. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be offered.

Enjoying the best things to do in Osaka so far? How about Tokyo? Have you seen this city yet? Find out the best things to do in Tokyo here. 

7. Award-Winning Tour: Experience Osaka Like A Local, And Explore City’s Quirkiest Spots Often Missed By Tourists 

You’ve read it in the heading, and that’s exactly what this tour is all about. In this award-winning tour, you’ll be led by your guide who will take you to a deep-dive into authentic Japanese culture as you experience Osaka like a local.

You’ll get to explore Osaka’s historic districts, including a former ghetto and a red-light district. You will also learn about the city’s history, heritage, and local traditionals, as well as venture down its backstreets to see quirky landmarks often missed by travelers. Did we say you’ll also get to sample traditional street foods? If you’re looking for something fun and unforgettable, this is one of the things to do in Osaka that you shouldn’t dare miss. 

8. Achieve Serenity At Shitennō-ji, The First Buddhist Temple In The Country 

If all the sightseeing and walking around Osaka are leaving you tired and dejected, you can take a moment and take a breather, relax at Shitennō-ji, the first Buddhist temple in Japan. 

This temple is a well-preserved complex that tourists must visit. Its construction thousands of years ago nearby Osaka Bay provided a platform for this new religion in Japan leading to today. 

Its gardens are where you can find some inner peace, while the temple itself attracts visitors to reflect and achieve serenity as well. You may also visit its Treasure House which displays valuable items from the temple throughout its history, such as paintings and scriptures. 

9. See What’s Below The Ocean’s Surface At Kaiyukan Aquarium, One Of The World’s Largest Public Aquariums

With Japan being an island nation or archipelago, it is just suffice to say that it has a rich underwater biodiversity. And Osaka’s Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the world’s largest public aquariums, celebrates that characteristic. 

Here, you can find dozens of habitats recreated from their actual locations surrounding the Earth’s “Ring of Fire.” Home to 30,000 marine animals from across the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium showcases penguins, dolphins, otters, sea lions, whale sharks, and jellyfish, among many other creatures on display. 

Whether you have kids in tow (especially) or just visiting here with friends, this is one of the things to do in Osaka that you should have on your list. 

Japan is one of Asia’s treasured gems. If you had fun with the things to do in Osaka, you might want to take your trip further by visiting Seoul from Japan’s neighboring country, Korea. 

10. Experience Retro At Shin-Sekai

Should you be wondering what Osaka felt like before, you should head over to Shin-Sekai. 

A century ago, Shin-Sekai, which is Japanese for “new world,” was home to a cutting-edge amusement park. Now, this place, already regarded as an entertainment district, mixes this retro vibe with what it offers today. It is centered on the 103-meter high steel-frame tower, Tsūten-kaku, which was constructed in 1912 and rebuilt in 1956, and surrounded by ancient pachinko and mahjong parlors that draw people of diverse backgrounds. 

Somehow, Shin-Sekai has also been a place for affordable and nostalgic food adventures behind imposing signages, especially for kushikatsu, or deep-fried meat and veggies on skewers.  

11. Revel In Some Nightlife In The Umeda Neighborhood

Truly, what’s a trip without some nightlife? Does Osaka have them, you ask? Definitely. While the city has several places to enjoy things to do in Osaka at night, the most popular would probably be Umeda. 

After the sun has set, this Osaka neighborhood is filled with music, lights, and places to drink and have fun. Aside from being a center for nightlife, Umeda has also been a hub for business, commerce, and shopping. 

Aside from the nightlife experiences it offers, if you want to taste authentic Japanese flavors, get panoramic views of the city, ride a ferris wheel, and shop for souvenirs, Umeda is the place to be.

Asia has so many amazing destinations. Aside from this “things to do in Osaka” piece, you might also be interested in the best things to do in Bali. Thank you for reading our story.

Things To Do In Osaka: When Is The Best Time To Travel Here?

While it is true that the best things to do in Osaka are right from every corner, not all the time that these activities can offer what’s perfect. There are months when it is great to travel to Osaka, and there are times when it is not. So before packing your bags, you should first get to know the best times to travel to Osaka. We’ll present them up next. Read on. 

The best times to visit Osaka are during autumn (around October to November) or in the spring season (around April to May). In both these seasons, temperatures and climate in Osaka are more moderate than the more extreme summer or winter seasons. Aside from that, traveling between April to May, or October to November sees Osaka at its best.  

Osaka Is Japan’s Gastronomic Capital

If Kyoto is the Japanese city of the nobles and Tokyo is the city of the samurai, Osaka would have to be the city of the merchant class. Locals here take pride in shaking off the conservatism mostly found in the rest of Japan. 

This vivacious city – and the third-largest in the country – take it all in, is a place where people are a little bit on the brasher side, and where playful jabs pepper conversations. Did you know that Korea is just a train ride away from Osaka?

Osaka may be where the best of Japanese cuisine is, but there are a whole lot more things to do in Osaka than just the food, from living the Harry Potter lifestyle to learning about the city’s past. So what are you waiting for? Fly to Osaka today.