The Best Tourist Attractions in Osaka, Japan
The Japanese port city of Osaka, on the island of Honshu, is often compared to its big brother, Tokyo – but it is a thriving metropolis in its own right. Where to start? We curate the must-visit tourist attractions to add to your itinerary.
Osaka is well-known for its food – the Japanese call it “the nation’s kitchen”, neon-lit nighttime entertainment district, Nipponbashi, and traditional temples, along with the tallest building in the country, Abeno Harukas. There’s even a castle. Here’s our guide.
Tennoji Park
Park
This green park is situated beneath Abeno Harukas, a soaring 300m (984ft) skyscraper above Osaka Abenobashi Station, the highest in Japan. Inside, there’s a host of family-friendly attractions, including Tennoji Zoo, which houses 1,000 animals of 200 different species, such as lions, chimpanzee and koalas, along with the traditional Keitakuen Garden,and the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. In the surrounding Tenshiba area, you’ll find restaurants, a market, futsal courts, and the Kintetsu Friendly Hostel, which offers affordable accommodation for families and groups of up to eight people.
Shinsekai
Architectural Landmark
The Shinsekai neighbourhood, next to the downtown Minami district, was created in 1912 to showcase Osaka’s modern identity and was modelled on Coney Island and Paris. While it has a reputation for being a bit seedy, it’s also one of the city’s most colourful areas and has a distinctive culinary identity. If you’re feeling daring, dine at one of the fugu (blowfish) restaurants, or grab a casual bite at one of the kushi-katsu outlets, which sell deep-fried, breaded meat, fish and vegetables on skewers.
Shitennō-ji
Buddhist Temple
Immerse yourself in an essential part of Japan’s history at the Shitennō-ji temple, which is regarded as the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in the country. It dates back to the sixth century CE and, although the buildings have burnt down several times over the centuries, they have been rebuilt in the same style. It’s free to enter the outer temple grounds but you’ll need to pay admission to visit the inner precinct, which features a five-storey pagoda, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and exhibitions of valuable artworks in the treasure house.
Kuromon Market
Market
Want to experience some of Osaka’s local delicacies? Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market, in the Minami district, that boasts the nickname “Osaka’s Kitchen”. There are around 150 vendors selling everything from seafood, meat and other produce to traditional sweets and homewares. Street food on offer include grilled crab, yakitori (chicken skewers), sushi, sea urchin, and the city’s famous takoyaki (balls of batter filled with diced octopus).
Osaka Castle Park
Museum, Park
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
Park
Think Japan and you probably don’t envisage a quaint windmill in a tulip garden. However, this is exactly what you’ll find at Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park. This 300-acre (120ha) park, on the outskirts of the city on the site of the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition, also features one of the world’s largest greenhouses, a traditional Japanese teahouse, a large pond, swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, a dog park and many other amenities. The windmill is found in the Mountain Area, alongside the International Garden, which is made up of micro-gardens inspired by different countries around the world.
Dotonbori
Bridge
Hozenji
Buddhist Temple
Hozenji is a quiet temple, tucked away among the alleyways that branch off from the noisy Dotonbori district. Lantern-lit and featuring a stone deity covered in moss, it’s an intimate escape from the nearby commotion and commercialism. Pray to the presiding god of protection, Fudomyoo, for safety on your travels before heading to the izakaya (a Japanese bar that serves drinks and small dishes) on Hozenji Yokocho, a cobbled street straight from a history book.
Amemura
Park, Shopping Mall
Nambayasaka Shrine
Shinto Shrine
Osaka’s most visually striking shrine, Nambayasaka, features a stage shaped like a massive lion’s head baring its teeth. It is quite possibly the closest most will, or even want to, get to being consumed by a large animal. This shrine is not only a great place for a photo-op but it’s also a chance to experience local culture at a site that isn’t crowded as it’s off the beaten path.
Den Den Town
Bookstore, Shop
Spa World
Amusement Park, Health Spa
After spending time in any large city, it is often good to unwind. One great way to let off steam is by enjoying a soak at Spa World, a gigantic spa and water park. Spa World’s main attraction is the around-the-world-themed bathing experience, which features European and Asian influences. The spa, which features numerous opulent baths, alternates between admitting either men or women, depending on the month.
Tsutenkaku
Building
At 103m (338ft), Tsutenkaku Tower was once dubbed the tallest structure in the Orient – obviously some time ago. This tower, surrounded by an amusement park, is today overshadowed by the surrounding skyscrapers, though it still manages to stand out thanks to its gaudy lights, which feature public-service announcements and advertisements, as well as weather forecasts.
Abeno Harukas
Building
One of the skyscrapers that overshadows Tsutenkaku Tower is Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan. Abeno Harukas was given its title in 2014 and contains a train station, shopping centre, art museum, hotel, offices and more. Its most exciting feature is arguably the Harukas 300, a three-floor observation deck and open-air atrium, from which you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city.
Osaka Castle
Building
Universal Studios Japan
Amusement Park
This beloved theme park, known locally as USJ, is conveniently located just outside the city on a man-made island. It features much-loved attractions, including Jaws and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as exclusive ones such as Cool Japan. At USJ, visitors can pose for pictures with Hello Kitty, become a Monster Hunter or a Sailor Scout in one of the 4D experiences, and run away from zombies during Halloween.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Aquarium
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
Amusement Park
Just outside of the aquarium is the world’s former tallest Ferris wheel, named, ironically, after Japan’s smallest mountain across the street. The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel stands 112.5m (369ft) and offers stunning views of many of the city’s famous landmarks – that is, if you’re willing to brave the 17-minute ride.
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
Market
This is longest shotengai (covered shopping arcade) in Japan, offering insight into the daily hustle and bustle of Japanese business. Spanning multiple kilometres and neighbourhoods, Tenjinbashisuji features a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafes and bookstores. Stroll along, no matter what the weather, and enjoy all the delicious food, souvenirs and other goods Osaka has to offer.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Museum
This charming museum, located near one end of Tenjinbashisuji, is one of Osaka’s best museums thanks to its interactive exhibits. You can walk through a life-sized replica of Edo-period Japan, dressed in a kimono, and explore traditional homes, buildings and streets. Daytime and nighttime are both simulated in the village as you stroll.
Osaka Tenmangu
Shinto Shrine
On the other end of Tenjinbashisuji is one of Osaka’s most famous shrines, Osaka Tenmangu. This shrine is more than 1,000 years old, and the site of Osaka’s biggest and most famous annual festival, the Tenjin Matsuri. It’s never too crowded or noisy, despite its location in a business district, and this makes the beautiful grounds feel all the more sacred.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Park
In 1970, Osaka hosted the World Expo and this park lives on as a commemoration of the event. Banpakku Kinen Koen (Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in English) is a huge space with facilities ranging from a Japanese garden to the Tower of the Sun, a bird-like structure that was symbolic of the expo. There is also a folk-craft museum, and the National Museum of Ethnology, which showcases world cultures.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Shinto Shrine
Head to Sumiyoshi Taisha for a more spiritual experience. Visit the rare Shintō shrine and the picturesque Taiko Drum bridge leading up to the main entrance. Ringing in the new year in Osaka? Watch crowds of thousands gather here to pray on New Year’s Day.
Nakanoshima Park
Park
This stretch of green, near Umeda in Osaka’s busy business district, divides two rivers and is home to the city’s first public park. Established in 1891, Nakanoshima Park has long been an escape for residents of the city, who find zen in its rose garden, with more than 300 varieties of the flower, and enjoy great views of the adjacent rivers. Time it right and get stuck into group yoga and dance practice – or, failing that, pack a picnic.
Umeda Sky Building
Building
Want the best views of downtown? The Umeda Sky Building is a must-visit in Osaka. Climb to the top (or jump in the lift) to scale one of the 40-storey towers, which are connected by a “floating observatory”. Here, you can enter via a tunnel-like escalator surrounded by glass. Afraid of heights? There is also an underground market in the basement that recreates the atmosphere of early 20th-century Osaka.
Mino Park
Forest, Park
Mandi Keighran contributed additional reporting to this article.