10 Unique Experiences to Have in The Vibrant City of Osaka
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and the commercial capital of the country. Just under a 3 hour Shinkansen ride away from Tokyo lies this bustling port city renowned for its delicious street food and vibrant nightlife. Despite being one of Japan’s largest cities, it’s on a smaller scale than Tokyo making it much more manageable to explore with 3 to 4 days. Here’s the top 10 best things to see while visiting Osaka!
10. Teamlab Botanical Gardens
The Teamlab Botanical Gardens is another spectacular art instillation you’ll find exclusively in Osaka. This outdoor exhibit is an incredible display of light and colors that radiates against the darkness. The operating hours are from 6pm to 9:30pm with last entry around 8:30pm. Keep in mind that they are closed on Mondays. The entire experience should take about an hour to walk through. Reserve tickets in advance online here.
9. Hozen-ji Temple
Right in the heart of Downtown Osaka you’ll find the Hozen-ji temple located in a narrow alley. This Buddhist temple was built in the 1600s and has become a historic part of the Dotonbori District. Concealed within the small shrine is a moss covered statue which you can splash water on for good luck. Just a 15min walk away you can find the Nanba Yasaka Shrine, another famous shrine in the city with the shape of a lion.
8. Umeda Sky Building
For a panoramic view of Osaka, visit the Umeda Sky Building. Its Floating Garden Observatory offers stunning vistas, especially at sunset. The unique architecture and the sky-high escalators are attractions in themselves. Purchase your tickets online here or buy the Osaka Amazing Pass for access to this and many more of the city’s popular landmarks!
7. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
For an epic journey to the bottom of the sea floor, check out the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It is Japan’s largest aquarium and one of the largest in the world. The Aquarium offers a mesmerizing look into the exotic marine life below including sea turtles, otters, and even whale sharks! Reminds me of that time we swam with whale sharks in Atlanta, Georgia’s massive aquarium.
6. Kuromon Ichiba Market
Kuromon Ichiba Market is one of the city’s premier eating destinations and renowned as Osaka’s kitchen. Vendors sell a variety of items from fresh seafood to just about anything on a stick. We tried Unagi, grilled scallops, and a sushi bowl. Everything was high quality and delicious!
5. Go on an Osaka Food Tour
Osaka is notorious across Japan for its legendary street food. And the best way to experience all the tasty food the city has to offer is alongside a local on a food tour. This epic food tour took us all across the popular areas of Dotonbori and Shinsekai in search of authentic Japanese cuisine. We indulged in some of the Osaka essentials including Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu. Experiencing this tour is a must for any foodie who wants to broaden their horizons on Japanese cuisine.
4. Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower is located in the heart of the Shinsekai district and is one of the city’s most iconic structures. The tower is 103 meters tall and literally translates to “Reaching Heaven Tower”. It was originally inspired by the Eiffel Tower in France. Thrill seekers can purchase tickets to the tower slide for an exhilarating rush! The retro atmosphere of the Shinsekai (meaning “New World”) is also worth exploring to catch a nostalgic glimpse into Osaka’s past .
3. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is the epitome of the nightlife and street food scene in Osaka. It’s famous for its neon lights, bustling atmosphere, and iconic Glico Running Man sign which has become a symbol of the city. A perfect night in Osaka usually ends with a stroll along the canal in Dotonbori. You can also sign up for a sightseeing cruise for a different perspective of the famous street.
2. Universal Studios Japan
USJ is one of the 6 Universal theme parks across the world and the first one built outside of the USA. Universal has lots of famous franchises like Harry Potter, Jaws, and Jurassic Park as well as exclusive Japanese titles such as My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, Monster Hunter, and Pokémon. Ticket options for visiting USJ can be quite convoluted, but typically most people buy a normal entry ticket along with a separate express pass to gain limited timed access to certain areas of the park. It may be more expensive, but is vital if you want to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or the iconic Super Nintendo.
Despite having innovative technology and thrilling rides, your day at the park will be mostly waiting in line over 2 hours for a ride, massive amounts of crowds, and expensive prices for everything. However it may be worth it for the magnificence of the Mario World alone. The park is massive so I only recommend visiting if you have an entire day to spend. Be sure to download the USJ app for wait times and more! P.s The best rides were the Mario Kart & Demon Slayer train and Kinopio’s Cafe had some delicious food! Worth the wait.
1. Osaka Castle
Quite possibly the most famous building in all of Japan, Osaka Castle is surrounded by a fortress and the huge grounds of a garden. The springtime makes it a great scenic location for watching the cherry blossoms. Originally built in 1583, the infamous castle was destroyed 4 separate times until its final reconstruction in 1931. You can spend a few hours admiring the majestic architecture and ascending to the top which offers incredible views and dives into the tumultuous history of Japan’s past. It’s open from 9am – 5pm daily and you can buy tickets online here or access it with the Osaka Amazing Pass to avoid the long line.
Osaka is a lively city filled with delicious street food, historic culture, thrilling sights, and a vibrant nightlife. Despite being a bustling metropolis like Tokyo, you can easily explore most of the most significant landmarks in 3 or 4 days. Although the popular areas like Dotonbori and Shinsekai can get pretty rowdy, there are other neighborhoods with a much more tranquil vibe. Also Osaka is only a 15min Shinkansen ride away from the pristine city of Kyoto which is another one of our favorites! Stay tuned for more epic travel adventures thru Japan and keep leveling up!
Check out our full experience at Universal Studios Japan and find out if it lives up to the hype!
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