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Discover the best things to see and do in Japan's monopolis, Osaka, on the island of Honshu, famous for Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, and Abeno Harukas, the tallest tower in Japan. All hotels bookable through Culture Trip.

Japan

Osaka

The Best Tourist Attractions in Osaka, Japan

From historic castles and Buddhist temples to kabuki theatres, fresh seafood and the flashing lights of Dotonbori, Culture Trip explores the best things to do in Osaka.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Osaka

Don't let bad weather stop you from having a good time in Osaka – check out Culture Trip's list of the best things to do on a rainy day in Japan's culinary capital.

15 Great Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Osaka

Known as the Kita district, Umeda is a breathtaking place. Read on for a combination of the best things to see and do in this part of Osaka.

The Best Things to Do in Osaka's Umeda District

Shinsaibashi is a popular shopping destination in Osaka, Japan. However, there's much more to do and see than just shopping in this neighborhood!

The Top 10 Things To Do and See In Shinsaibashi

Insider Travel Guides

Osaka, the third largest city in Japan, may not be as pretty as its contemporaries – but it is more fun. The unofficial motto here seems to be: eat, drink, have a good time, and maybe do some sightseeing – if you feel like it.

The Insider Guide to Osaka

From 683CE to 745CE, Osaka served as the capital of Japan, but ever since this short-lived stint it hasn’t quite kept up with its showier (and stuffier) counterparts – Tokyo and Kyoto.. The merchant city vs the political and imperial, Osaka has always had a bit more of a playful, fun attitude. It offers a very different taste of Japan – more down to earth, where people are more chilled and where street food consistently ranks among this foodie city’s top dishes.

While there is plenty to see from old Osaka, such as Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine and Shitennō-ji – the latter is thought to be the first Buddhist temple in Japan – most have been rebuilt over the years. They’re still worth visiting though, especially when the cherry blossom season is in full swing and in autumn when the leaves are bright and fiery. One of the best places in Japan for viewing the sakura (cherry blossom), Osaka seems to blossom then too – with Osaka Mint Bureau and Nishinomaru Park two top hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) spots.

Other favourites are the old neighbourhood of Shikensai – styled on Paris and New York’s Coney Island circa 1912 – and Tsutenkaku Tower, which offers views over the city. After dark, Dōtonbori is where it’s at – with neon signs and people-watching opportunities galore. If culture is more your scene, check out the Abeno Harukas Art Museum, while those who love slightly odd modern architecture won’t want to miss the Umeda Sky Building next to Osaka Station.

Saying all that, Osaka’s best attractions are probably its people and cuisine, which makes Kuromon Market another must-see – it has some of Japan’s best food, fresh fish and awesome photo opportunities.

And if all that isn’t quite enough, you’ll find family-friendly fun and adrenaline at Universal Studios Japan. Keen to find out more? Read on to delve deeper into all the things that make Osaka special.


The Main Attractions

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Chad

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Sharm El-sheikh

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Equatorial Guinea

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Port Louis

Mauritius

Casablanca

Marrakech

Sale

Morocco

Maputo

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Namibia

Lagos

Abuja

Ibadan

Nigeria

Pointe-noire

Republic Of The Congo

Kigali

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Guide to Food & Drink in Osaka, Japan | Culture Trip

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Great Eats & Drinks

Discover the best spots for good food & good vibes

Restaurants

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Bars We Love

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars In Amerikamura, Osaka

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars in Minami and Namba, Osaka

Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars In Umeda, Osaka

See & Do

Alternative Bars You Should Try in Osaka

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Bars & cafes

The 10 Best Bars in Horie, Osaka

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Breakfast

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Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Amerikamura, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Namba, Osaka

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Breakfast And Brunch Spots In Osaka, Japan

Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Dōtonbori, Osaka

Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Umeda, Japan

Food & Drink

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Veggie Delights

The top places to eat well when looking for veggie-options

Restaurants

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Music

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Restaurants

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Coffee

Bars & cafes

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