Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Home in the World
The first city I ever visited in Japan was Osaka. Unlike for many other people, who usually start their Japan travels in Tokyo, my inaugural taste of the Land of the Rising Sun came in the form of the grittier, more laid-back, yet no less vibrant ‘little’ sister, Osaka. And what a fabulous choice that was.
You see, while Osaka (pronounced OHH-saka, not Oh-SA-ka) may not have the glitzy global reputation of Japan’s capital, it does offer a lot of the same vibe and aesthetic, albeit on a smaller, more casual scale – which could well be a good thing for first-timers wanting to ease their way into the intense (in a good way) culture shock that is travelling to Japan.
Below are some of the things I enjoyed during my first stay in the city, as well as a few things I didn’t get time for but which are on my list for future visits. Use it as a guide to help you craft your own itinerary based on your personal interests and tastes for what to see and do in Osaka. If you have time, you can even intersperse these with some of its more offbeat, hipster neighbourhoods.
You might also like to download my free quick guide to Osaka, which concisely summarises everything you need to know before you go.
Dotonbori
Osaka is not what I would call a touristy city. While it is often visited as part of Japan’s ‘big 3’ along with Tokyo and Kyoto, it definitely doesn’t have a huge amount of well-trodden, must-see sights, and I never felt like anywhere I went was overrun with tourists (something which cannot be said of a place like Kyoto or many other cities elsewhere in the world).
If there is one picture of Osaka that you’re going to see in travel brochures or Instagram posts about the city, however, it will likely be of giant neon billboards and colourful signage lining either side of a narrow canal. This is Dotonbori, a riverside entertainment precinct filled with popular eateries, shops and nightlife venues.
Vibrant enough by day, but transforming into a truly heaving hub of lights, music and hyperstimulation at night, Dotonbori will have to figure on everyone’s Osaka itinerary at some point.
The epicentre of it is undoubtedly on and around the Dotonbori Bridge, which provides a great view of the entire canal and eclectic mix of signs, the most notable of which is the iconic Glico Running Man.
This large LED billboard depicting an athlete running on a blue track, his arms up as if in celebration of a victory, was first installed in neon format in 1935 as an advertisement for the Glico candy brand. Quite why it has become so iconic, I don’t know, but it is synonymous with Osaka and you’ll probably find yourself taking several photos in front of it.
I have seen reports of some women feeling a little unsafe around the bridge later at night, with groups of boys trying to pick them up or follow them, but I personally did not witness this. All I can recommend is to remain vigilant and exercise common sense, just as you would anywhere.
Opposite the Glico Running Man is the similarly eye-catching yellow Ebisu Tower ferris wheel (a.k.a. the Don Quijote ferris wheel – due to it being part of the Don Quijote discount store building). You can take a ride on it, or simply admire it from below. You’ll definitely have to turn that 0.5x zoom on your phone camera to try and fit it all in the frame!
I would definitely recommend spending a few hours walking around Dotonbori (you can take a cruise down the canal too, if you like) and exploring not only the main canalside boardwalks, but also the many quirky, bustling streets leading off it. It really is a feast for the senses.
One particular little gem is Ukiyo Koji, a very narrow, lantern-strung laneway with artworks and displays depicting scenes from Osaka 400 years ago. The entrance is easy to miss, but if you use Google Maps, you shouldn’t have a problem. Look for a big sign with a smiley face and KARAOKE ROOM in red letters, and the laneway is just to the right of that as you face it.
To further soak up the experience, consider walking a few blocks south down the grand Midosuji Avenue to Namba Square, where there is always a great vibe, before meandering through the Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street and neighbouring arcades that run off it.
Dotonbori, Namba and Sennichimae all form part of Osaka’s thriving, easily walkable Minami entertainment district, and I personally loved wandering through them. If you enjoy taking colourful urban photography, trying fun street food (see further down) and browsing though eclectic little shops, this whole area is a must.
Closest metro stop: Namba
Kuromon Market
Just a stone’s throw from the previously mentioned attractions – indeed still within that Minami district – is Kuromon Market. This arcade-like market hall is lined with stalls selling everything from fresh seafood, to flowers, to souvenirs, to Super Mario sweets and everything in between. It’s definitely worth taking a stroll down it and perusing the wide range of wares, set to the backdrop of subtle fish aromas and vendors greeting customers with a vocal irasshaimase!
Closest metro stop: Nipponbashi, but also easily walkable from Namba
Osaka Castle Park
If there’s another must-see tourist sight in Osaka apart from Dotonbori, then Osaka Castle Park is probably it. Originally built in 1583 as a classic timber superstructure on an elevated stone foundation, but having been reconstructed several times, this moated castle looks like something you expect to see in a more rural part of Japan, rather than in the middle of one of the country’s biggest cities.
While it may not have quite the authentic, old-world charm of the famous Himeji Castle – Japan’s largest and most visited castle, located about a 30-minute bullet-train ride from Osaka – I believe it is still worth a visit, especially if you want to admire Japanese castle architecture but don’t have time to make the day trip to Himeji.
You can go inside the castle, visit the museum there and climb to the observation deck at the top, but I personally did not do this. The castle park is really very beautiful, and I preferred to spend my time exploring these grounds, rather than waste half an hour queuing up for the castle. I highly recommend allowing an hour or two to wander the vast, leafy gardens as you make your way up to the castle.
One of my favourite discoveries there was the Hokoku Shrine, built in honour of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who helped unify Japan in the late 16th century. I noticed a large stone torii gate at a clearing on the way up to the castle, and wandered over to take a photo of it – only to then realise it led to a secluded precinct with a Shinto shrine, some small pavilions, a zen-like garden with stone pagodas, and a bronze statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself.
As with most shrine complexes in Japan, there is also a little stall where you can buy wooden ema wish plaques, omikuji fortune slips and other trinkets. It was a lovely little find!
Closest metro stop for Osaka Castle Park: Morinomiya (follow the illustrated signposts for the exit closest to the park)
Umeda
For a glimpse of more modern Osaka, head to the upscale commercial, shopping and entertainment district. With its glass high-rise, classy stores and leafy al-fresco cafés, it felt a bit like Singapore.
It is most famous for the Umeda Sky Building, a unique arch-shaped skyscraper with a mesmerising escalator leading to an observation deck that provides panoramic views of the city.
I had intended to visit it but it was little further away from the metro station than I had realised, and the walk was further impeded by the fact that there was a lot of construction going on for the upcoming Expo 2025, so I unfortunately did not have time to navigate around that, and instead had to be content with viewing the building from afar. I hear the view is best at dusk though, so that’s my plan for next time!
Umeda is also home to the gigantic, upmarket Grand Front Osaka complex, which houses everything from restaurants and stores, to offices and event venues, and even the super swish Intercontinental hotel.
A true one-stop shop, it is one of the largest shopping complexes in Japan (indeed the largest in western Japan), comprising multiple high-rise buildings connected to each other, as well as to the JR Osaka train station and Umeda metro station, by a number of overpasses.
The glamorous interiors were no less impressive. I’ve often found big, swanky shopping malls to be soulless and devoid of any life, but every building of Grand Front Osaka was pumping!
I enjoyed a brief pitstop at Bar & Gelateria Raffinato on the basement level, which had a lovely little semi-outdoor area with water features – a moment of refreshing zen amidst the hustle and bustle.
As with everything in Japan, the gelatos were all beautifully displayed, complete with actual representative items decorating the respective flavours (in case you couldn’t tell your strawberry from your raspberry).
There were little magnetised labels written in English and Japanese that you simply picked off the board and showed to the vendor, so they knew exactly what you wanted. They apparently use an Italian-made gelato machine, and boy, was it one of the creamiest gelatos I’ve ever had!
Closest metro stop: Umeda
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Another unexpected downtown treasure is the Namba Yasaka Shrine, dedicated to the deities Susano-no-mikoto, Kushi-inadahime-no-mikoto and Yahashira-miko-no-mikoto.
Just a block off a major artery road cutting through the heart of Osaka, surrounded by otherwise non-descript post-war apartment blocks, tiny eateries and even a cat café, this leafy shrine complex exceeded my expectations as soon as I stepped through its torii gate.
I had seen photos of the lion’s head ‘temple’ (Shishiden or ‘Lion Hall’) online, but it turned out to be bigger than I had imagined: 12 metres high (40 ft), to be precise.
I also realised, when I got there, that the lion’s ‘mouth’ actually doubled as a stage for various festivals and ceremonies, rimmed by giant teeth and overlooked by the lion’s huge eyes. The gaping mouth is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck. This certainly is one of Japan’s more distinctive and unique temple complexes.
The actual shrine is a more traditional building situated at right angles to the Lion Hall. Any visitor can pay their respects and pray there by throwing some coins into the wooden offering box at the front (there is no fixed amount), bowing twice, clapping your hands twice, saying a silent prayer, then bowing again.
As with most Japanese shrine complexes, there is an opportunity to buy ema plaques and omikuji fortune slips. I definitely recommend also spending a little while exploring the small zen-like garden at the north-eastern corner, with its lush greenery, mini pagodas, engraved stones, small shrines and historic information boards.
All in all, a very underrated, not-excessively-crowded sight to see in Osaka, and so easily accessible from the bustling hub of Namba. Set aside an hour (before the shrine’s daily closing time of 5pm) and make sure to include it in your Osaka itinerary!
Closest metro stop: Namba
Shinsekai
If you’re looking for more of the kaleidoscopic, hypersensory experiences that Japan is known for, another good option is to head to Shinsekai. This older, semi-retro entertainment precinct in the south of downtown Osaka is lined with vibrant eateries, quirky shops, small hotels… and a few dive bars – all set amidst the key ingredients of flashing neon lights, blaring music, frenetic signage and over-the-top façades featuring larger-than-life sculptures and artwork.
Some visitors may find the whole thing a little seedy or tacky, but if you’re into eclectic street photography, vivid colours or sampling the wide range of delicacies and street food Osaka is renowned for, definitely do not miss Shinsekai. I visited in the daytime and it was stimulating enough; if you want to take things up a notch, then I’m sure night time is even wilder! You might even like to take a street-food tour while you’re here.
The district’s main icon is the 100-m-tall (330 ft) Tsutenkaku Tower, which looks like a cross between the Eiffel Tower and an airport control tower. You can climb up to its observation deck for the equivalent of around USD 10 (it’s open 10am-8pm) and take in the sights and sounds of Shinsekai from above. But if you prefer to stay on solid ground, be sure to stand underneath the tower and look up at its underbelly – it’s surprisingly covered in art!
To get the famous view of the tower and Shinsekai’s main street leading up to it, take exit 3 at Ebisucho metro station. The vista will gradually reveal itself as you ascend to street level.
Another Shinsekai recommendation is to take a stroll down Shinsekai Market Street, which you will also find near exit 3 of Ebisucho metro station. It’s essentially a covered arcade of small food stalls and souvenir shops, similar to Kuromon Market.
I personally bought some lovely little trinkets and stationery pieces from one of the shops – all of which were so painstakingly and neatly wrapped by the friendly shopkeeper. She spoke no English and we spoke basically no Japanese, but we still had a wonderful interaction, and I think of her whenever I look at the souvenirs. So definitely consider exploring the market hall, because you never know what you might find!
Closest metro stop: Ebisucho (take exit 3 for the iconic tower view)
Eat fun street food
Osaka is renowned for being the foodie capital of Japan, and, in a country whose cuisine is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, not to mention Japanese expertise in crafting quirky and aesthetic food, that is a prestigious title indeed. I have a separate blog post on the various things I ate in Osaka, but here is a quick summary of some cute, tasty street-food treats I recommend enjoying as you explore this vibrant city.
Takoyaki: One of Osaka’s signature dishes, these battered balls filled with chunks of octopus have an unexpectedly gooey texture and are super delicious. You’ll find takoyaki stands everywhere in Osaka, so there’s definitely no excuse not to try them!
Okonomiyaki: Another signature dish originating in Osaka, these savoury pancakes are to die for and are a must-try. Usually containing a mix of vegetables, meat or seafood and zesty sauces, and topped with zigzags of kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki are simply a must-try in Osaka. Like the takoyaki, you’ll find street-food stalls selling them for very low cost on virtually every corner.
Yakisoba: This classic stir-fry noodle dish is not native to Osaka, but, if you’re in Japan, it’s definitely worth sampling. Usually made with pork but also available as a vegetarian version with abundant cabbage, onions, bean sprouts and ginger, and often topped with a fried egg, yakisoba make a scrumptious low-cost Japanese street-food experience.
Onigiri: These ubiquitous rice balls wrapped in nori seaweed (shaped more like triangles) are everyone’s go-to snack in Japan. Found in every konbini (convenience store) or supermarket fridge across the country, they cost barely a dollar or two and come with all kinds of fillings, from seafood, to mustard seeds, to fermented soy beans, to pickled plum, so you can easily create your own smorgasbord of them and enjoy a flavoursome meal for very little cost! If you enjoy sushi, you will definitely like onigiri.
10-Yen pancake: Shaped like a giant 10 yen coin (but costing ¥ 500, or around USD 3.00), this quirky snack is a social media sensation. But not only is the warm, cheese-filled pancake aesthetically pleasing, it’s also utterly delicious. I definitely think it lived up to the hype.
Candied strawberries: Strawberries are a BIG thing in Japan, and among the most popular treats featuring this premium fruit are the iconic candied strawberries on a stick, usually served on a strip of bright red paper. Once you crunch through the super sweet, brittle candied outer shell, you’re rewarded with the soft, luscious contrast of the fresh strawberries underneath. A really nice mixture of textures, and a sugary street-food snack I’m glad to have tried!
Egg tart: These are admittedly not Japanese but are still wildly popular across Asia, having originated in Macau after in turn being inspired by their Portuguese counterparts. I got mine from Lord Stow’s Bakery in Dotonbori. They have several different varieties to choose from, and, over the multiple occasions that I bought from there, I tried the original egg tart, the chocolate tart and the crème brûlée. The flaky pastry shell provides the perfect receptacle for the delectable, luscious, pudding-like centres.
Chiffon cake: Another treat I saw A LOT of as I walked around Osaka’s food stalls and shops was chiffon cake. It seemed to be extremely popular and admittedly looked amazing, so in the end I caved and decided to try it. Holy wow, it was like eating a cloud. A light, airy, vanilla-y sweet cloud baked to Japanese perfection.
Explore konbini and department stores
This is not unique to Osaka; it’s a general experience any traveller to Japan should have – because Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, and department stores take retail to the next level. You may even have already seen some of the countless viral social media posts about konbini in particular.
Found on nearly every street corner, these incredible little shops usually belong to one of three main brands: Family Mart, Lawson or 7-Eleven. But they’re definitely not your average 7-Eleven; they’re like a supermarket on steroids.
Incredible ready-made snacks (which can often be heated up and eaten right there because there are heating facilities in the shop), fruit & veg, toiletries, socks, underwear, office supplies, photocopying facilities, stationery.. you name it.
Basically the eclectic variety of Aldi but condensed in the form of a small, corner shop – at subway stations they sometimes even take the form of a mere kiosk, yet still offer an abundant range of wares.
I mentioned earlier that I bought an onigiri from my local konbini for the equivalent of about USD 1.00. These stores sure are a great way to pick up quick, interesting snacks while you’re out and about.
I know convenience stores are not necessarily something anyone would put on a tourism itinerary, but in Japan they really are a unique experience, so I definitely recommend popping into one and exploring their fascinating offerings for yourself.
It is a similar story for the department stores. I’m not someone who likes to spend much time in shops when travelling; shopping malls and stores generally look the same the world over, and I’d rather be out seeing more authentic things.
But Japan does retail so well, and, on a rainy day in Osaka, I decided it was a good chance to see a Japanese department store for myself. In this case, it was Takashimaya in Namba. Oh, and if you have a wet umbrella with you, there are umbrella wrapping machines at the entrance to prevent it from dripping all over the floor.
I was particularly interested in seeing the stationery section, robotics department and the basement food hall – and they did not disappoint! The Japanese always do everything so PERFECTLY. And by that I mean, everything is presented so very beautifully: from packaging, to the displays themselves, to the intricate details of each product, to the sheer variety of items on offer. It’s simply mind-blowing.
Take some time to admire the quirky stickers, colourful notepads and pens and utterly magnificent origami papers in the stationery section, then marvel at the insane robotics technology, before heading to the basement and getting lost in the maze of deliciousness that is the food hall, with its aesthetically decorated cakes, superbly compartmentalised bento boxes and rainbow arrays of sushi.
Explore manhole covers
As you walk around the city, be sure to look down every so often to look for manhole covers. Yes, you heard me right. Manhole covers may not be something you’d typically put on a travel to-do list, but, in Osaka, they are sometimes veritable works of art!
I managed to spot a few while out and about. Near Osaka Castle, for example, there was one with a pretty picture of the castle framed with cherry blossoms. I also saw several red, white and blue covers with quirky mascots promoting Expo 2025, for which Osaka was the host city.
Another was a striking yellow and red with a picture of what looks like a bus or truck and the words ‘Osaka City’ on it. So if you want to add a little unique dimension to your Osaka wanderings, keep your eyes peeled for these unexpected pops of colour on the pavement.
Day trips
Osaka, in the Kansai region of Japan, is excellently located for plenty of varied day trips, making it the perfect base for those not wanting to pack up and move to different locations every few days, which can get a bit tiring.
Some of the best ‘big-city’ day trips you can do out of Osaka include Kyoto and Hiroshima (Tokyo is technically possible too, but you can’t really see much in a day). Both cities are of course worth more than a day, and if you are able to spend longer there, that is always the better option. But for those pressed for time, you can still see a surprising amount on a full day excursion from Osaka.
There are also several other great day-trip options, including Nara, Katsuoji, Himeji and Uji. You can read more about all these options and more in my blog post on day trips from Osaka.
Getting around
Unsurprisingly, the subway is the best way to get around Osaka city. I highly recommend buying an ICOCA card, which operates similarly to the Oyster card in London in that you simply load it up, tap on and off when using public transport, and recharge it as necessary.
User-friendly, English-language machines selling ICOCA cards are widely available at all subway/train stations, and if you can’t find them, simply ask at an information booth; the staff were always happy to help and were able to communicate in English. You can preload your card with a chosen set amount (I chose ¥ 5000), and this will include a ¥ 500 refundable deposit. See how I bought mine.
You may have heard of the Pasmo and Suica cards used in Tokyo. Well, the ICOCA is the Kansai version of these, issued by JR West. But, like its Tokyo counterparts, it can be used across Japan. So if you’ve been in Osaka and are then heading to Tokyo, you’ll be able to use your ICOCA card there without needing to get a Pasmo or Suica card.
The ICOCA card can be used on all trains, buses and subways in Osaka (but NOT the Shinkansen bullet train), as well as some small shops and konbini, where you can also recharge them. I found the ICOCA card to be invaluable, and, in my week or so in Osaka, I never came close to needing to top mine up, as the subway rides were not very expensive.
The Osaka subway is extremely clean, functional and well sign-posted in English. I never once got lost. While the stations can sometimes get crowded, it still never seems truly chaotic, as there is always a sense of order and respect among everyone. People queue up in orderly lines on the platform, wait for passengers to disembark first and then board themselves. No pushing or shoving.
Masking is quite prevalent (everywhere in Japan, but particularly on public transport – it has been part of community practice since well before the pandemic), so if you feel more comfortable wearing one amongst all the crowds, you definitely won’t be the odd one out. And if you are sick, it is all the more important to do so, because it is considered respectful etiquette in Japan to not pass on germs to others and to not sniff or cough loudly in public.
Getting to Osaka, and where to stay
Osaka is Japan’s third largest city, and is serviced by most major airlines via its newly refurbished Kansai International Airport, one of the country’s largest aviation hubs after Tokyo’s two airports. It also has a smaller domestic airport, Itami, which is located closer to the city centre.
You can find suitable flight connections by searching on Skyscanner or Trip.com to find and compare the best fares.
In terms of accommodation, Osaka has options to suit every budget, from ultra luxury to backpacker hostels. I have personally stayed at the Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka on all three of my trips and cannot recommend it highly enough. You can read my full review of it here. Otherwise, you can find another property meeting your needs by using the search box below.
Looking for more Osaka travel content?
Check out these blog posts:
13 fun foods to try in Osaka
Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka: A comprehensive review
Guest post: All about sukiyaki, and 7 must-visit restaurants in Osaka
6 day trips from Osaka worth considering
Can you do a day trip to Tokyo from Osaka?
Alternative Osaka: 7 cool, underrated areas to explore
Underrated Osaka: 10 lesser known attractions & hidden gems
Final thoughts on what to see and do in Osaka
Osaka absolutely blew my mind. Admittedly, I had no reference point, as it was the first city I had ever visited in Japan, but I immediately felt connected with it and absolutely loved the vibe. Considering it has a metro-area population of 19 million, it somehow still makes you feel ‘at home’.
The people are extremely friendly, it has a slightly less polished but all-the-more authentic feel, and it offers pretty much all the fun, quirky and fascinating experiences you presumably want from a trip to Japan.
Whether it be trying unique street food, exploring the famous konbini convenience stores, trying out vending machines or capsule toy shops, seeking out tranquility in quiet gardens or temples, photographing stunning streetscapes and façade aesthetic, travelling on the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train or watching day turn into night amongst flashing neon signs and billboards, Osaka and its surrounds really do offer it all.
If you’re into theme parks, there’s the likes of LEGOLAND, and even Universal Studios with the highly popular Super Nintendo World, which I unfortunately didn’t have time for but definitely still have on my bucket list. Likewise for the teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka.
I truly cannot recommend the city highly enough, and I have already booked to return! If you’re planning a trip to Japan and are tossing up about whether or not to include Osaka along with the popular options of Tokyo and Kyoto, I can wholeheartedly say YES! You will not regret it.
I hope you found this article to be of use in helping you plan your Osaka itinerary. If you have any other suggestions or recommendations on what to see and do in Osaka, feel free to leave a comment below.
** This post, like everything else on this website, has been written entirely by me. No ChatGPT or any other AI tool has been used. It takes longer to create, but I value 100% human-generated content and I hope you do too! **
Before you go…
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Osaka on GPSmyCity.
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You might also like to download my free one-page Osaka city guide or read my blog post on fun foods to try in Osaka, as well as a guest post by local experts on Osaka’s best sukiyaki restaurants.
For more Asia travel content, feel free to check out my posts from Cambodia, Taiwan, South Korea and China, as well as my older travel memories (more narrative style than blog style) from Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore.
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What an enthralling read! Every visitor to Osaka should arm themselves with this guide. You’ve provided so much detail in a concise and informative manner. Brilliant
Thanks a lot 🙂 Hopefully people find it useful!
I love Osaka. As I was ready, I was going, yep, yep and then had a little laugh when I got to the man hole covers – I get photos of them too! Also great to do a day trip to Hiroshima.
Haha, so glad you could relate! And yes, how cute are the manhole covers! Osaka is such an amazing travel destination 🙂
Lovely guide. I agree Kansai is a lovely place to arrive, I tend to fly to Kansai, but I admit I haven’t been to Osaka in years! I plan to, but then I always plan more time in Kyoto. What I have seen of Greater Osaka recently (Sakai, train stations) was really good, so I will try to visit on my next trip. Already put Shinsekai and several shops on my visit list.
Thank you 🙂 I have not seen Sakai – will have to add it to my list. So much to see in that region in general. Definitely check out Shinsekai if you go back – it’s quite a feast for the senses, haha
This is a good list that covers the best of Osaka. Glad you included the mini wonders that are the Konbinis too.
Thank you! I’ve actually just returned from another trip to Osaka so I will be updating this post with a few more things too 🙂