Best things to do in Osaka

Osaka Essentials

Osaka features a mix of 16th-century history at Osaka Castle and ancient spiritual sites like Sumiyoshi Taisha and Shitennoji. Modern landmarks include the 300-meter Abeno Harukas and the Umeda Sky Building’s circular observatory. For entertainment, the city offers Universal Studios Japan and the Kaiyukan aquarium. Culinary and shopping hubs center on the neon-lit canals of Dotonbori, the traditional stalls of Kuromon Ichiba Market, and the retro atmosphere of Shinsekai.

Osaka Essentials — Map

Mc681 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Osaka Castle

Historic castle and museum featuring a five-story main keep built atop a stone foundation and surrounded by moats and fortifications. Originally established in 1583, the current tower houses a collection of cultural assets and an observation deck on the eighth floor.

Steve Collis / CC BY 2.0

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Dotonbori

Lively entertainment, dining, and shopping district known for vibrant neon lights and iconic signboards. Features numerous restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine along a canal.

Terence Ong / CC BY 2.5

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Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios in Japan is one of only four theme parks the studios own across the whole world.

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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the most popular aquariums in the world. It is home to more than 15 tanks, each representing a different region with various kinds of…

Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC0

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Glico

Iconic neon billboard in Dotonbori depicting a runner crossing a finish line. Originally installed in 1935 as an advertisement for Glico confectionery, the current LED version is the sixth iteration of this landmark.

Brücke-Osteuropa / CC0

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Floating Garden Observatory

More than 170 meters tall and 40 storeys high, this architectural wonder is one of the most imposing sights in Osaka.

DVMG / CC BY 3.0

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Abeno HARUKAS

With its 60 floors, this is the tallest building in Japan. Occupying top three floors, Harukas 300 is an observation deck offering…

OsianLlwyd1 / Public domain

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Kuromon Ichiba Market

If you're looking for the freshest ingredients, this is the place to go. Whether it's meat, vegetables, fish, eggs, they have it all.

Momopy / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Tsutenkaku

One of the best-known landmarks in Osaka, this 103-meter-high tower provides amazing views of the city.

MShades from / CC BY 2.0

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Shinsekai

A very atmospheric part of Osaka, this district was built in style of Western cities, mainly Paris and New York.

利用者:Stanislaus / Public domain

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Sumiyoshi Taisha

Founded in 211 AD, this magnificent shrine is dedicated to three deities protecting the nation, sea voyagers and celebrating waka poetry.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

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Shitennoji

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple was completely rebuilt in 1963, but it still retains its former charm.

Joao Figueira / CC-BY-SA

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Shinsaibashi Suji Shopping Street

A 600-meter-long covered shopping arcade featuring boutiques, department stores, and pharmacies. This retail district has served as a commercial center for over 380 years, connecting the Shinsaibashi and Namba areas.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Namba Yasaka Shrine

Shinto shrine notable for its 12-meter-high stage shaped like a massive lion's head. The lion's open mouth is symbolically believed to swallow evil spirits, attracting visitors seeking success in business or education.

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