30 UNIQUE Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

Located on the island of Honshu is Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka. The city is huge, with a population of over 2.5 million people, and is bustling with plenty of things to see in Osaka.

Osaka isn’t always on the traditional Japanese tourist trail like Kyoto and Tokyo, but it is full of life and things to do. Osaka has plenty of great restaurants, shopping, bars, and culturally interesting activities to keep visitors busy for at least a few days.  Whether cruising the Dotomborigawa River or visiting the Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple, here are some of our favorite unique things to do in Osaka.

Unique Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

National Bunraku Theater

For centuries, Osaka has been the heart of Japan’s traditional Bunraku puppet theater. Making a visit to the National Bunraku Center is one of the many unique things to do in Osaka that shouldn’t be missed.

It has a large hall seating over 700 and a smaller one seating more than 150, but if you think the seats don’t sell out quickly, you’d be wrong. Production of the Japan Arts Council, Bunraku is a performing art form that uses intricate puppets to entertain and tell a story.

Though the traditional shows are nearly four hours long, don’t worry if that’s more time than you want to spend here, because tickets to individual acts are also available. The theatre is just a short walk from the subway, and if you happen to end up there on an off day, stop by anyway because they may let you check out the theatre and its famous puppet collection.

The Japan Arts Council website has an English translation function, so look there for specific times, dates, and pricing information. Whether visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple

Tenjin Matsuri

“Festival of the Gods” to us English speakers, Tenjin Matsuri is often referred to as the world’s biggest boat festival by proud Osakans. Though that claim hasn’t been confirmed, there’s no doubt that it’s a big one, and it’s

Osaka’s largest festival of the summer season happens every July 24th and 25th. The Japanese have a reputation for being reserved and well-behaved, but Tenjin Matsuri is a time when many of them let their proverbial hair down.

Celebrated for over 1,000 years, the festival includes fires lit aboard elaborately adorned riverboats in the evening, rituals, traditional dance, fireworks, and a parade comprised of thousands of revelers dressed in ancient garb.

Considered one of the most important festivals in Japan, it’s especially important in Osaka and is held to honor Sugawara no Michizane – the god associated with astuteness and learning.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

If you are traveling with children, one of the most interactive and best things to do in Osaka is visit the aquarium. Due to its geography, the island nation of Japan and its people have been seafarers and seafood lovers since the beginning of time.

The sea is an integral part of their culture, hence the popularity of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Considered one of Japan’s best aquariums – and one of the largest in the world – it’s located near Osaka Bay and contains fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine mammals from around the world.

The massive central tank is so large that it’s able to hold the world’s largest fish – the whale shark – which is closer in size to whales than it is to sharks and dwarfs even the mighty great white. The exhibits are clearly labeled in English, so you’ll be able to read and understand just what it is you’re looking at. Like most things in Osaka, it’s an easy walk from the subway station.

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple

Finding the best things to do in Osaka isn’t tough, but few of them capture Osaka’s essence better than the Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple. Also referred to as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple is among the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Built in the 11th year of the 3rd Century, its aesthetic architecture is purely Japanese and free of any foreign influences, which may make it stand out among other Japanese temples to those with a discerning eye.

The temple is considered the home of three deities who are purported to protect travelers, sailors, and fishermen. Still an active shrine site for the locals, it’s packed on New Year’s Day, when the Japanese come to present offerings, pay their respects, and ask the divine beings to aid and protect their loved ones. We visited on a weekend and found hardly anyone there.

National Museum of Ethnology

Though you probably didn’t fly halfway around the world to Osaka, Japan to spend your time learning about Swedish and Australian culture, that doesn’t mean a trip to the National Museum of Ethnology doesn’t deserve one of those precious spots on your itinerary. A tour of the National Museum of Ethnology may remind you that centuries ago, distant and unique people from all over the world were trading, fighting, and influencing one another’s cultures.

The exhibits are full of fascinating artifacts, icons, and even mundane and quirky items used in everyday life. There’s also a special audio room where you can listen to music from around the world. Located in Senri Expo Park, the museum is an easy walk from the subway.

Tickle your funny bone at the ROR Comedy Club

If going to a comedy club and seeing a routine in a language you don’t understand sounds like a great way to waste an evening, then fear not, because, since 2011, ROR Comedy Club has been Osaka’s only English-speaking stand-up comedy club.

Known as Japan’s ‘Comedy Central,’ they’ve won excellence awards from a host of international travel sites, so you know it’ll be fun. On the other hand, since Osakans love a good laugh, why not throw caution to the wind and walk into one of the clubs where the routines are in Japanese?

What better way to knock elbows with a few locals, drink yourself into oblivion, and have a great time that you’ll remember for years to come. Remember, just laugh when everyone else does, and you’ll be fine.

Universal Studios Japan

It may seem a bit backward to visit an icon of American culture when vacationing in a unique and exotic country like Japan, but a trip to Universal Studios Japan may help reverse that bout of homesickness. Universal Studios is one of the best places to go in Osaka.

Featuring exhibits from such timeless blockbusters as Jaws and Terminator, it’s a place that lovers of movies will appreciate. Much more than a boring exhibit of movie paraphernalia, the site is an amusement park too.

The facility has been open since 2011 and was the fastest one in history to rack up 10 million visitors, which it did in its first year. There are special areas for kids full of lovable characters they’ll recognize, but the wait for rides at peak times can be excessive and the tickets aren’t cheap, so in order to get your money’s worth, try to go during non-peak times, weekdays, and days that aren’t bright and sunny.

Osaka Castle

Still wondering what to do in Osaka? You need to hit up the Osaka Castle. One of the greatest places of interest in Osaka is Osaka Castle. Though Japan isn’t a country most people associate with castles, you’ll be surprised at just how many there are.

Osaka Castle is one of the country’s largest and has seen its fair share of important historical events since it was built in the 16th Century. Built by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was an integral figure in the country’s unification, the current castle is a reproduction that was completed in the 90s because the original was totally destroyed by Allied bombers in 1945.

During World War II, the castle played a central role in Japan’s munitions industry, so it became a high-priority target for aerial bombardment, but don’t worry, you’ll never know it’s not the original. You’ll still be impressed by the stalwart stone walls, moats, turrets, and architecture. There’s a fascinating and educational museum inside that will fill in all those important details too.

Spa World

It seems the more you travel, the more you realize that natural hot springs aren’t that rare. As a geologically active country, Japan is home to hundreds of hot springs – or ‘onsens,’ as they’re known in Japanese. Spa World is one of the world’s largest hot spring facilities and is divided into two floors – one for men and the other for women.

The areas are decorated with themes from different countries and regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greece. Many spas in Japan – including Spa World – are open around the clock, to accommodate and cater to those with different schedules.

There’s a gym, restaurant, and water park on-site, and massages if the warm, therapeutic waters didn’t quite do the trick. Most of the signs are written in English in addition to Japanese, so make sure to read them, because they’ll tell you about proper onsen etiquette.

Osaka Station City

Osaka Station City is a fantastic thing to see in Osaka. Bustling with tourists, commuters, and harried people of all stripes, Osaka Station City is a busy train station comprised of many different buildings. More than just another ho-hum train station though, Osaka Station City includes entertainment, retail, and dining areas, all of which are housed in a magnificent, contemporary, glass-topped building said to be the largest of its kind in Japan.

It’s also one of Osaka’s busiest and trendiest shopping districts, comparable to even those found in Tokyo, according to many Japanese. For a great photogenic vista, head to the elevated bridge above the platform, which gives a bird’s eye view of the trains and tracks below.

The station reportedly handles more than a million passengers a day and there are public spaces on the rooftop if you need to relax while waiting to catch your connecting train.

Den-Den Town

I can’t write an Osaka travel blog and not recommend this area. Also called Nipponbashi, Den-Den Town is a shopping district in Osaka that’s famous for electronics and otaku – which is an often-derogatory term used to describe people whose interests in anime and other fetishes are borderline neurotic. The name became mainstream after one of Japan’s most infamous psychopaths and serial killers was dubbed the otaku murderer.

The term is becoming less negative, though, and the district has a reputation for eclectic nerdiness, which most find endearing. Due to the competition between electronics vendors, it’s okay and even expected that you’ll haggle over the price if you decide to buy something to take back with you.

Walk Around Dotonbori

Dotonbori is one of the most popular places to visit in Osaka. It’s a lively area that is as crazy as it looks. If you want bright lights, crowds, restaurants, food stalls, and plenty of shopping, travel to Dotombori.

This is easily one of the best things to do in Osaka. Dozens of restaurants line the Dotomborigawa River, and while you’re enjoying dinner, you can admire the numerous billboards. Afterward, a popular thing to do in Osaka is an evening cruise on the river. It’s always busy, but at night is when it really comes alive.

Take an Evening Cruise on the Dotomborigawa River

As mentioned above, one of the most popular things to do in Osaka is to cruise on the Dotomborigawa River. While sitting in the comfort of your boat, you’ll be able to gaze up at the bright lights and billboards!

Soar to New Heights

There is no way you can miss the bright yellow Ferris wheel that towers over Dotonbori. Most people just look at it, but for ¥600 you can actually ride it.

This Ferris wheel was actually out of commission for nine years before opening up again in 2018, so it’s worth the money to ride up on it now!

The whole ride takes 15 minutes to go full circle, and once at the top of the 77-meter structure, you get amazing views at night. Be forewarned, it is a tad bit scary if you are afraid of heights.

Try The Best Udon

As you leave Dotonbori, make sure to stop at Tsurutontan Soemoncho for a bite of delicious Udon. Udon is a type of thick wheat flour noodle used frequently in Japanese cuisine, it’s served hot or cold and can be found throughout the country.

However, we had our very best Udon meal at this shop for only ¥1000 while overlooking the Dotomborigawa River.

National Museum of Art Osaka

Located on Nakanoshima Island between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers in central Osaka, the National Museum of Art is an underground facility is also known as NMAO or National Museum of Art Osaka. Though it’s a national museum, it has a decidedly international flair, partly because it was originally built to house an international art expo in 1970.

The name of the famous Japanese architect who designed the museum probably won’t mean anything to you, but you’ll likely find his work impressive. The majority of the museum’s collections and exhibits are from the post-war era, and there are some exemplary works from world-renowned masters like Cezanne and Picasso as well.

Amerika-Mura

Japanese for “American Village,” America-Mura is a chic pocket of hipster-ridden coffee bars, shops, tattoo parlors, clubs, and hotels that cater to trysts between young lovers.

Though you may not think it has much in common with any town in America you’ve ever visited, it got its name after World War II, when the devastated country began the slow process of rebuilding; this area was the place to go to get American goods like t-shirts, razors, and cigarettes.

Sitting starkly in the middle of the village is a park constructed of concrete called Triangle Park, which is known as a rallying point preceding a night in the town (it’s also the dirtiest spot we’ve found in Japan – tons of litter).

There are also many bold murals – some of which have been painted by famous, contemporary Japanese artists – and there’s even a pint-size Statue of Liberty if you’re feeling homesick or just want a quirky photo to show your jealous friends back home. Though the area is fun and lively, it’s not a great place for families after the sun goes down.

Play a Few Games of Pinball!

In Amerika Mura, you have the chance to enter an old-school pinball arcade and practice your pinball skills. There must be at least 100 pinball machines inside The Silver Ball Planet, costing between ¥25 to ¥100. Heading here is one of the most unique things to do in Osaka if you’re looking to kill an hour or two.

There’s a machine inside to break your change and some glass bottles of Coke to feel refreshed after you sweat it on the tables.

Get Yourself Some Ice Cream!

Also in Amerika-Mura is Long Soft cream, which is exactly as it sounds – long soft ice cream. It’s here that you can get your hands on 40 cm tall ice cream for ¥400, and they claim it to be the longest ice cream cone in Japan. Long Soft Cream is an institution in the area.

Also, next door is Shiroichi, which serves higher quality cream ice, and also a cotton candy shop where you can get your Instagram photos with a huge rainbow mess of cotton candy!

Try One of Osaka’s First Local Specialty Coffee Shops

Don’t leave Amerika-Mura just yet! Lilo’s Coffee Roasters is the first specialty coffee shop to open up in Osaka. It’s a small shop, but the coffee is delicious! It’s here you can get pour-over coffee, cold brew, or a GOOD latte from beans all over the world.

Sometimes good coffee that doesn’t come out of a vending machine can be hard to come by in Japan so I always appreciate hip coffee shops when I see them. Here, each coffee is also accompanied by a card that details the coffee origins and tasting notes.

Try Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a type of Japanese savory pancake filled with cabbage and many other toppings. It is a staple food to try while in Japan and can be found around the country. Okonomi means “as you like it” and yaki means “grilled,” so it’s a meal catering to your own personal preferences.

Okonomiyaki is said to originate from Osaka, so to have it in the city is a must-do. We scoured Dotonbori for the best Okonomiyaki in Osaka and landed on Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki. Depending on the type of Okonomiyaki you order you can expect to pay between ¥700-¥1300 for one pancake. However, we found one was more than enough for two!

Try Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack that is made out of wheat flour-based batter. It is typically topped with tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion and then brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

It’s a sweet and savory snack that is sure to fill you up at least a little bit. It became popular in Osaka in the mid-1930s, and nowadays, you will see street vendors selling Takoyaki down Dotonbori Street. The most famous place to try Takoyaki is Aizuya, recommended in the Michelin guidebooks.

Try Jiggly Cheesecake

Another famous food to try in Osaka is a Japanese Jiggly Cheesecake. Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is a small shop that sells hot and fresh cheesecakes all day! You can only buy a whole cheesecake, not by the slice here, so come with friends.

You’ll likely have to wait in line to buy a cheesecake fresh out of the oven, but if you prefer not to wait, you can also go into the shop and buy one that was made earlier in the day.

We got lucky and only had to wait five minutes or so in the line, but we were told it gets much busier depending on the day. A Jiggly cheesecake will set you back all of ¥1000 and it is more than worth it! Plus, they keep well if you have a refrigerator in your hotel room.

Umeda Sky building

Google ‘Umeda Sky Building’ and take a look at the photos, then you’ll definitely want to make it one of the best things to do in Osaka. Comprised of two towers connected with a massive observation span, it’s a great place to get vistas of the city that you won’t find elsewhere. Though not tall by modern skyscraper standards, the building’s magnificent architecture more than makes up for what it lacks in height.

The building is also a magnet for Japanese couples, who have their names engraved on heart-shaped locks, then leave them at the top overlooking the city as a symbol of their love and commitment. In the building’s basement, there’s a restaurant designed to look like a typical street in Osaka about 100 years ago.

Namba Yasaka Jinja

Namba Yaska Jinja shrine is one of the most famous in Osaka, mainly because of the monster head at the entrance. Because of this Namba Yasaka, Jinja receives visits from all over the world, and it’s a very photogenic spot to see in Osaka.

Nakanoshima Park

If you’re looking for free things to do in Osaka, then head to the park! Since you’ll already be on this beautiful island visiting the National Museum of Art, why not cool those hot heels and stick around a bit, because there’s a lot to see on this long, narrow island – like its historic government buildings, museums, and the promenade that runs along the riverfront.

Like most things Japanese, they did an excellent job combining the natural and human-made worlds into a pleasant and soothing environment. It’s a great place to take a relaxing stroll and look at the magnificent views of the city across the river too.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market is 580 meters of Japanese food! This is a covered market in the heart of Osaka’s Chuo Ward, where locals and tourists come every day. You can get fresh fish, sushi, fruits, Japanese treats, or pretty much anything you want here. Come hungry, because there is a lot to try.

As with most fish markets, it’s best to get here earlier in the day, though if you arrive around 5 pm vendors will start slashing prices to get rid of their food for the day. This is a very popular thing to do in Osaka, so expect crowds and higher than-normal prices.

Take Photos in Shinsekai

Shinsekai is an old neighborhood in downtown Osaka. It’s said to be one of the most dangerous and most impoverished areas of Osaka, but we traveled here at night to grab a few photos and didn’t notice a thing.

Most travelers travel to Shinsekai to grab a photo with the Tsūtenkaku tower in the background, but there are also a few places to eat and drink around here as well.

Practice Your Samurai Skills

Have you ever wanted to be a Samurai? In Osaka, you can take lessons on how to be one. You’ll begin by changing your clothes into an iaigi, the clothing worn by samurai. Then you’ll enter the dojo, which is a traditional Japanese training room where you will learn your samurai etiquette and ritual! It’s an exciting thing to do in Osaka!

Wear Kimono

One of the most popular things to do in Osaka and Kyoto is to practice wearing traditional Kimono. Who doesn’t want to look beautiful and take photos in a kimono while in Japan?You don’t just get to try Kimono, but you can actually venture around Osaka in it too!

Getting Around Japan

Transportation in Japan could be your number one expense, depending on how much you plan to bop around the country. Rail travel in Japan is simply expensive. The faster the train, the higher the ticket price, especially if you’re traveling on the famous Shinkansen (bullet train).

You can lower your cost significantly by buying a Japan Rail Pass – only offered to visitors to Japan. The JR Pass is something you will typically want to think about purchasing before your trip, and you can pick it up once you arrive at a JR station. From there (depending on your type of pass) you can travel to Japan freely on JR trains. They have different types of passes according to where you’ll be and the length of your trip.

The first time I visited Japan I wanted to see as much as I could so I bought a 14-day JR Pass for less than $400 and traveled every two-three days around Japan. The second time I visited I was only in Hokkaido doing minimal travel as it was a ski trip so I decided to just pay for my train travel outright.

The third time I visited, I also declined a JR Pass as I was doing minimal travel, but after spending ¥12000 on one round-trip train journey from Osaka-Shingu, I think I would have been better off with a designated rail pass. When planning your trip to Japan, you should consider where you are visiting and the distances you’ll cover. Long distances may require high-speed trains and will generally cost more than a short one-hour journey.

If you are traveling to one region of Japan, it may or may not be worth it for you to purchase a rail pass before. If you want some spontaneity in your Japan travels a rail pass is the way to go.

We’ve also found that MOST (but not all) buses and subway rides in Japan charge you by distance covered. It is not a flat fare. Most importantly, always, ALWAYS keep your bus, train, or subway ticket on you throughout your entire journey. You will need it to exit the station.

A few examples of our costs:

Money-Saving Tips for Japan

Take public transport

You may think that the trains in Japan are expensive, but they are nothing compared to the price of taxis in Japan. If you step into a taxi, you should be prepared for a costly fare.

No – the Japanese are not trying to rip you off, that’s just the fare for traveling via taxi in Japan. It’s also important to note that in most cities public transport stops around midnight even in Tokyo, so if your flight lands late have a plan for how you are getting to your accommodation.

Stay in Guesthouses

If you don’t want to stay in a hostel the next best thing is a Japanese-run guesthouse. I found them to be extremely better value than hotels in Japan and almost always busy. Yes, most hotels in Japan have crazy small rooms. We book a lot of our accommodation on Airbnb.

Cook Your Own Food

If your accommodation has a kitchen then it’s best to make use of it. We saved a ton of money this way in the expensive resort town of Niseko and made our own meals every night. The grocery store provides great value, especially on Japanese food like noodles, rice, and vegetables. You can even find food to cook with at the convenience stores.

Check out the ¥100 shops

A ¥100 shop is equivalent to an American dollar store. You can find almost anything at them so it’s always worth it to scope some out!

Eat your fresh fruits and vegetables before you get to Japan

Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and even oranges are pretty expensive in Japan, so try to avoid them if you’re on a budget. I found a lot of vegetables besides mushrooms and a few leafy greens to be higher than average as well.

Frequent Convenience Stores

You can get almost anything you want at Lawsons, 7-11, and Family Mart. They are open around the clock and have things like pastries, coffee, pre-made meals, toiletries, and sake.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Japan?

So how much Japan spending money per day should you have? Besides the pre-trip expenses like airfare, luggage, and any Japan packing list items you’ll want to buy, I believe you can get by in Japan for ¥7000-10,000 a day.

Actually, to prove this I tracked all our expenses for one day out in Osaka. We were not frugal, but not lavish in our spending either. We ate what we wanted to eat, did what we wanted to do, and had a fantastic time!

Now you definitely could do it a lot cheaper than this or for much more. Many things on the above list are superfluous, but I like coffee, ice cream, a beer with my meal, and the occasional shopping spree.

When I first traveled to Japan for the first time, I was on a backpacker budget. I visited there in February (off season), spent my nights in hostels, ate basic meals from 7-11, and only indulged in a few cheap excursions – but for the most part, stuck to the free temples and just walked around and enjoyed the view. I had a fantastic time on less than the ¥6000 a day.

You can travel cheaply through Japan if you are determined. At the same time, if it’s your one big trip to Japan, I don’t think you should be afraid to spend money on food and experiences you can’t get back home.

What to Pack for Japan?

Wondering what to wear in Japan? You aren’t alone. Japan can be a very tricky country to pack for as there are so many styles you can go with, and of course, every season is different.

We’ve traveled to Japan during all their four seasons. Most of Japan is a four-season country and winter travel is vastly different than summer. Here are the essential Japan packing list items to bring with you, depending on the season you visit!