Planning a trip to Osaka? While the city is famous for its street food and bright lights, there’s so much more to explore.
From peaceful river cruises to ancient shrines, and from local cooking styles to unique viewpoints, here are 10 experiences you won’t want to miss.
My guide will help you discover both the lively and peaceful sides of Osaka. 😊
1. Exploring Dotonbori at Night
a. Best Times to Visit
- Prime hours are 6 PM to 10 PM when all neon signs are lit and restaurants are bustling
- Visit between 5-7 PM to avoid the largest dinner crowds but still enjoy the atmosphere
- All major restaurants open until 11 PM; some until midnight
- Early evening (5-6 PM) is ideal for families with young children to see the lights before crowds peak
b. Must-See Spots
- Iconic food displays: Look for giant 3D sushi, Gyoza, and octopus decorations.
- Glico Running Man sign: Snap your best photos from Ebisu Bridge.
- Kani Doraku crab sign: Watch the giant mechanical crab move its claws and eyestalks every half hour.
- Hozenji Yokocho alley: Historic stone-paved street with 60+ traditional restaurants and bars.
- Tombori River Walk: Newly renovated waterfront path perfect for night photography.
- Kinryu Ramen’s giant dragon sign: Popular late-night ramen spot with outdoor seating.
c. Must Try Foods
- Conveyor Belt Sushi (Genrokuzushi): Choose from a wide variety of sushi as it passes by on a conveyor belt.
- Kushikatsu (Kushikatsu Daruma): Deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables are popular here.
- Takoyaki (Takoyaki Wanaka): These octopus-filled batter balls are an Osaka specialty.
- Okonomiyaki (Okonomiyaki Mizuno): A savory pancake filled with various ingredients.
- Taiyaki (Naruto Taiyaki Hompo): Enjoy these fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste or custard.
d. How to Get There
Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line/ Yotsubashi Line/ Sennichimae Line to Namba Station. Exit via 15-B, then walk about 5 minutes to Dotonbori.
Read More: 17 Best Street Foods You Must Try Out in Dotonbori Osaka
2. Enjoying a River Cruise on the Tombori River
a. Cruise Basics
- Experience a delightful 20-minute adventure on the Tombori River
- Boats depart every 30 minutes starting from 11 AM
- The last cruise departs at 9 PM, perfect for both day and evening experiences
- Journey under 9 unique bridges while viewing famous Osaka landmarks
- Your guide will share interesting stories about Osaka’s history and culture throughout the trip
b. Booking and Tickets
- Tickets are available at the booth one hour before the first cruise starts
- Ticket prices:
- Adults: 1,500 yen
- Students (junior high and up): 1,000 yen
- Kids (elementary): 500 yen
- The Osaka Amazing Pass is accepted for this attraction
- I recommend booking early, especially for evening cruises, as they tend to fill up quickly
c. Boarding Location and Access
- The cruise departs from Tazaemon Bridge Pier, located in front of Don Quijote Dotonbori Store
- Find the ticket booth on the first floor of Don Quijote, facing the Tombori Riverwalk
- The boarding area is easily accessible and well-marked
d. What to Expect During the Cruise
- Enjoy spectacular views of Osaka’s highlights, including the iconic Glico Running Man
- The boat makes a special photo stop in front of the Glico sign
- Learn fascinating details about each of the 9 bridges along the route
- Commentary is available in multiple languages: English, Chinese, and Korean
- Comfortable seating and clear viewing areas for all passengers
e. Day vs. Night Cruises
- Daytime cruises offer clear views of the vibrant street life and architectural details
- Evening cruises showcase the city’s stunning illuminated scenery
- The illuminated night scenery creates a romantic and magical atmosphere
- Book evening cruises in advance as they are particularly popular
Read More: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Osaka
3. Trying Okonomiyaki
a. What is Okonomiyaki?
- A delicious savory Japanese pancake that’s a must-try in Osaka
- Made from a simple mix of flour, eggs, and fresh shredded cabbage
- The name means “cooked as you like it”, so you can choose your favorite ingredients
- Each pancake is cooked fresh on a hot grill right in front of you
- Popular ingredients include tender pork, fresh seafood, or vegetables
- The dish is finished with special toppings that make it uniquely Japanese
b. Best Places to Try
- Mizuno in Dotonbori: Famous for seafood okonomiyaki since 1945.
- Chibo: Multiple locations, English-speaking staff, great views from upper floors.
- Okonomiyaki Kiji in Umeda: Experience authentic flavors where locals love to eat.
- Fukutaro near Namba: Specializes in modern variations.
c. Must-Try Variations and Toppings
- Classic Osaka-style: Try the mix of tender pork, fresh squid, and juicy shrimp.
- Modan-yaki: Extra filling with added yakisoba noodles.
- Negiyaki: A lighter version packed with fresh green onions.
- Essential toppings that make it special:
- Sweet and savory okonomiyaki sauce
- Creamy Japanese mayonnaise
- Dancing bonito flakes (dried fish flakes that move from the heat)
- Crispy aonori (seaweed flakes) for extra flavor
Read More: 10 Foods I Regret Not Trying in Osaka
4. Trying Kushi Katsu
a. What is Kushi Katsu?
- A beloved Osaka street food of deep-fried skewered treats
- Each bite-sized piece is carefully placed on a wooden skewer
- Fresh ingredients include meat, seafood, and vegetables
- Every piece is coated in three layers:
- Light dusting of flour
- Fresh egg wash
- Crispy Japanese breadcrumbs
- Fried until golden brown and perfectly crisp
b. Where to Find the Best
- Kushikatsu Daruma in Dotonbori:
- Famous chain with main shop in Shinsekai
- Excellent crispy coating
- Wide selection of skewers
- Affordable at around 2,000 yen per person
- Kushikatsu Jan Jan in Shinsekai:
- Beautiful location near Tsutenkaku Tower
- Perfect for evening dining with tower views
- Traditional atmosphere
- Yaekatsu in Shinsekai:
- Watch skilled chefs at work in the open kitchen
- Long-running local favorite
- Traditional recipes
- Nishikawa in Kitashinchi:
- Premium ingredients
- Upscale dining experience
- Higher-end pricing at 10,000 yen per person
c. Eating Etiquette
- The golden rule: Never dip your skewer twice in the sauce
- Take one dip before eating your piece
- Some restaurants now provide individual sauce bottles, allowing multiple dips
- Eat directly from the skewer from top to bottom
- Fresh cabbage is provided to refresh your palate between bites
Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Osaka
5. Exploring the Umeda Sky Building
a. What Makes It Special
- Unique architecture: Two 40-story towers connected by a “Floating Garden Observatory”
- One of Osaka’s most recognizable landmarks
- Offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city
- Features the world’s highest escalator, crossing between the towers
b. Visiting the Kuchu Teien Observatory (Floating Garden Observatory)
- Located on the top floors (39th-40th) of the building
- Offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas
- Best time to visit: sunset for stunning day-to-night transitions
c. Enjoying the Sky Walk
- Open-air observation deck on the rooftop
- Provides unobstructed views of Osaka’s skyline
- Features a circular walkway with glass panels
- Illuminated at night for a magical atmosphere
- Can be windy, so hold onto your belongings
d. Practical Tips
- Come early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience
- Visit around sunset to see Osaka transform from day to night
- Nighttime visits offer stunning views of the illuminated city
- Bring a light jacket and tie up long hair, as it gets windy on the outdoor observation deck
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues
e. How to Get There
- Option 1: Take the JR Line to Osaka Station. Use the Central North Exit and walk about 9 minutes to reach the Umeda Sky Building.
- Option 2: Take the Hankyu Railway to Osaka-umeda Station. Exit from the Chaya-machi Exit Ticket Gate and walk about 9 minutes to the Umeda Sky Building.
- Option 3: Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Umeda Station. Use the North Ticket Gate and walk about 9 minutes to the Umeda Sky Building.
- Option 4: Take the Osaka Metro, Hankyu, or Hanshin line to Umeda Station. Use Exit 5 and walk to the Umeda Sky Building.
Once you arrive at the Umeda Sky Building:
- Enter the building and go to the 3rd floor to find the Kuchu Teien Observatory entrance.
- Take the elevator to the 39th floor.
- From there, you can access the observatory floors (39th, 40th, and rooftop).
Read More: 17 Biggest Mistakes Travelers Make When Visiting Japan
6. Taking a Day Trip to Nara
a. Must-See Attractions
- Todaiji Temple: Home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
- Nara Park: Famous for its free-roaming deer and beautiful scenery.
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Known for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
- Kofukuji Temple: Features a five-story pagoda and interesting museum.
- Isuien Garden: A peaceful traditional Japanese garden perfect for a break.
b. Deer Interaction Guidelines
- Purchase deer crackers (¥200) from official vendors
- Don’t tease deer with food or touch their antlers
- Keep food hidden when not feeding
- Bow to deer for interaction (they bow back)
- Avoid feeding deer near temple entrances
c. Time Management
- Start your day at Kofukuji Temple, which is closest to the stations.
- Follow a route through Nara Park to Todaiji, then to Kasuga Taisha.
- Arrive by 9 AM to avoid largest crowds
- Plan 6-8 hours for main sights
- Temple closing times vary (usually 4:30-5 PM)
- Last entry to major sites 30 minutes before closing
- Reserve 45 minutes for return journey
d. How to Get There
- Option 1: Take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service from Osaka Station to JR Nara Station (around 58 minutes).
- Option 2: Take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station, which is closer to the main attractions (around 36 minutes).
7. Visiting the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
a. What Makes It Special
- Discover one of Japan’s most impressive aquariums right in Osaka
- Home to an amazing collection of 30,000 sea creatures from 620 species
- Walk through 15 massive tanks filled with marine life
- Experience a unique top-to-bottom journey from the 8th to 4th floor
- Watch the incredible whale sharks, the largest fish in the world
- Each floor offers different viewing angles of the sea life
b. Must-See Exhibits
- The Pacific Ocean tank: Marvel at the massive whale sharks swimming gracefully.
- Japan Forest: Experience a recreated Japanese forest ecosystem.
- Antarctica: Watch penguins frolic on icy cliffs and in chilly waters.
- Jellyfish exhibit: Be mesmerized by the ethereal beauty of various jellyfish species.
c. Nearby Attractions
- Take a ride on the adjacent Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of Osaka Bay
- Explore Tempozan Harbor Village for shopping and dining options
- Visit the nearby Legoland Discovery Center for family-friendly fun
- Enjoy local specialties at Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho food court
- Take a stroll along the harbor for scenic views and fresh sea air
d. How to Get There
Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Osakako Station. Use Exit 2 and walk about 9 minutes to reach the aquarium.
Read More: 3 Days in Osaka Itinerary: How to Do It Under $370
8. Shopping in Shinsaibashi
a. Overview
- Osaka’s premier shopping district with a perfect mix of high-end and budget-friendly stores
- The main shopping street, Shinsaibashi-suji, is a covered arcade stretching about 600 meters
- You’ll find a mix of international brands, local shops, department stores, and restaurants
- The area features numerous cosmetics and beauty shops
- Food options are plentiful, with restaurants and cafes throughout the arcade
b. Key Stores and Shopping Spots
- Uniqlo: Popular Japanese casual wear brand with a multi-story flagship store.
- Daimaru Shinsaibashi: A large department store with high-end brands.
- H&M and Zara: International fast-fashion retailers.
- Don Quijote: A discount store with a wide range of products.
c. Local Fashion Boutiques
- WEGO: Trendy and reasonably priced clothing popular among young locals.
- SPINNS: Offers a mix of vintage and new clothing with a quirky Japanese style.
- ZARA: Spanish fast-fashion brand with the latest trends.
- GU: Uniqlo’s sister brand, known for even more affordable basics and trendy pieces.
- American Village (nearby): An area with many vintage and second-hand clothing shops.
d. Beauty and Cosmetics Shopping
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi: A large drugstore chain with a wide range of Japanese cosmetics and skincare.
- LUSH: For handmade cosmetics and bath products.
- Shiseido: The flagship store of this famous Japanese cosmetics brand.
e. Tips for Shopping
- Bring your passport to qualify for tax-free shopping at many stores
- Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and holidays
f. How to Get There
Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Shinsaibashi Station. Use Exit 5 or 6 and you’ll be right in the Shinsaibashi area.
Read More: Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street: Visitor’s Guide and Map
9. Trying Takoyaki from a Street Vendor
a. What is Takoyaki?
- Takoyaki are small, round balls of wheat flour batter filled with diced octopus
- They’re cooked in special molded pans and typically served in batches of 6-8 pieces
- Think crispy outside (like a savory donut) but wonderfully gooey inside
- The fun part? They’re topped with a special sauce, Japanese mayo, dancing bonito flakes, and seaweed
- Fun fact: These tasty treats were born right here in Osaka back in the 1930s!
b. Where to Find the Best Takoyaki
- Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka in Dotonbori: Known for Michelin-recognized takoyaki with a crispy outside, gooey inside, and a special “takoyaki salt” for extra flavor.
- Aizuya in Namba: Featured in Michelin Guide, known for innovative recipes and no sauce
- Kukuru in Dotonbori: Easy to spot with large octopus sign, offers unique “surprise” takoyaki.
- Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan in Tennoji: Famous for crispy exterior and gooey center, uses special broth in batter.
- Juhachiban in Dotonbori: Known for creamy batter and extra crunchy texture from tempura bits.
- Hanadako in Umeda: Popular for fluffy takoyaki with melt-in-your-mouth texture.
c. Quick Tips
- Wait 2-3 minutes before eating – they’re extremely hot inside!
- Use provided toothpicks or small forks
- Each shop has a unique style – try different places to find your favorite
10. Visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
a. Overview
- One of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines, dating back to the 200s CE
- You’ll find this historic gem in Osaka’s southern district
- The shrine protects seafarers and is dedicated to the Sumiyoshi sea deities
- Think of it as the “headquarters” – it’s the main shrine among 2,000+ Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide
- The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style called Sumiyoshi-zukuri
b. Architectural Highlights
- There’s not just one treasure here – you’ll discover four main halls, all recognized as national treasures
- Look up to spot the straight, clean lines of the roofs – that’s the signature Sumiyoshi-zukuri style
- You’ll see forked roof finials (chigi) and horizontal roof billets (katsuogi) on the buildings
- Don’t miss the famous Sorihashi Bridge – its graceful arch over the pond makes for amazing photos
c. What to See and Do
- Start your visit by walking across the stunning red Sorihashi Bridge (also called Taiko-bashi)
- Take your time to visit each of the four main halls – they each have their own character
- Look for the beautiful black pine trees that dot the landscape
- Spot the sacred trees and stones as you explore – each has its own story
- Looking for love? Many visitors pray here for relationship luck!
- The shrine is especially beautiful during sunset when the buildings glow in the golden light
d. How to Get There
Take the Nankai Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station. Use the East exit and walk about 2 minutes to reach the shrine. You’ll see the shrine’s iconic bridge and entrance.
Read More: Namba Yasaka Shrine: A Guide to Osaka’s Hidden Gem
