Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is known for its vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage, earning it the nickname “Japan’s kitchen.” This title dates back to the Edo period, when Osaka was the nation’s central hub for the trade of rice and other essential foodstuffs. Today, the city continues to live up to its reputation with a thriving street food scene and a deep-rooted love for flavorful, hearty dishes. Known for its warm, down-to-earth locals, Osaka offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s food culture, making it an essential destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Osaka also serves as the perfect travel launchpad for the Kansai region, due to its proximity to some of the famous destinations in Japan. Long story short I’ve ended up visiting Osaka five times within the past decade.
This post is long overdue – it’s about time I impart some knowledge and my favorite things to do in Osaka!
- How to get to Osaka
- Getting around Osaka
- Where to stay in Osaka
- Things to do in Osaka
- Visit the Osaka Castle
- Eat all the street food in Dotonbori
- Visit the anime town at Den-Den Town in Namba
- Visit the Osaka Aquarium
- See Osaka city from above
- Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Museum
- Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery
- Take easy day trips from Osaka
- Taste the local delicacies of Osaka
How to get to Osaka
Osaka is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Japan, third after Tokyo and Yokohama. Being one of the major cities in Japan, Osaka is very accessible domestically via the trains as well as internationally via the airport. Here are the two main ways to get to Osaka:
By Shinkansen train – Most people get to Osaka by train from Tokyo via Shinkansen, Japan’s famous ultra-fast bullet train. If you are coming here from Tokyo and you don’t have a JR Pass, you can book the Tokyo – Osaka Shinkansen here. You’ll most likely get off at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, where you will have plenty of convenient options for local trains to switch to. If you have the Unlimited JR Pass, then the Tokyo – Osaka train is already included so you don’t need to buy separately!
🚆 Book train ticket online: Purchase Japan train ticket via Klook for easy redemption at the station once you’re in Japan.
By Airplane via KIX – The closest international airport to Osaka is the Kansai International Airport (KIX). Several airport express trains can take you to Osaka depending on which stations you want to go to: Haruka line by Japan Rail for Shin-Osaka or Osaka station (might be included in JR Pass, depending on which pass you get), or Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t for Namba station. From these stations, you can also resume your journey with local trains using your IC card.
Luggage Delivery: If you are staying at a hotel in Osaka, you might be interested in luggage delivery services from Kansai International Airport. Luggage delivery is common in Japan and reliable. It lets you travel without having to carry your heavy luggage.
Getting around in Osaka
Traveling around within Osaka is very easy. There are vast local train network that can take you to many places in Osaka.
Local trains in Japan run on IC (Integrated Circuit) Cards. This IC card will be your lifeline during your stay. It allows you to tap in and out of each train station without having to buy a ticket every single time you take a train. And because everyone has an IC card in Japan, you can even use your card balance to buy things from convenience stores and vending machines. Whenever the balance is running low, you can easily refill the card using cash or credit card at any train station.
Virtual IC Card: Learn more about IC Card and how to use your mobile phone as an IC Card in Japan!
The IC card used in Kansai is called ICOCA. Different areas in Japan have different brands of IC cards, but they all work exactly the same way across the country. For example, in the Kanto (Tokyo) area, the popular brand is Suica or Pasmo. In the Kansai (Osaka) area, they are called ICOCA – a play on the Japanese word “Ikouka”, which means – “Let’s go!”. Regardless of the brand, IC Cards can be used across Japan. You can use Suica and Pasmo in Kansai, and you can use ICOCA in Tokyo.
Where to stay in Osaka
In Osaka, it’s best to stay close to a major train station – anywhere near Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba, Tennoji and Umeda / Osaka station is a great option.
Here are some recommendations:
- Zentis Osaka in Umeda ($$) – Located within a few minutes walk to Osaka Station. They have studio apartments as well as family rooms for those who want bigger accommodations.
- InterContinental Osaka ($$$) – Also located within a few minutes walk from Osaka station, this hotel is very convenient with many amenities nearby
- Hotel Noum Osaka ($$) – A cute modern hotel located one station away from Osaka-Umeda station.
- Umedaholic ($$) – Small hotel near Osaka-Umeda station and close to the city center.
- Guesthouse Ten-roku ($) – Female-only dorm, perfect for solo travelers who are looking to save on accommodations.
Things to do in Osaka
Osaka offers a dynamic mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for all travelers. Whether you’re into history, food, or fun, Osaka has something for everyone!
Here are the things I enjoyed doing in Osaka:
- Visit the Osaka Castle
- Eat all the street food in Dotonbori
- Visit the anime town at Den-Den Town in Namba
- Visit the Osaka Aquarium
- See Osaka city from above
- Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Museum
- Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery
- Take easy day trips from Osaka
- Taste the local delicacies of Osaka
1. Visit the Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the major landmarks in the city, a symbol of the country’s feudal past. Originally built in the late 16th century by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle played a crucial role in the unification of Japan. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries and today it stands as a restored version.
Personally, I was way more impressed by the area around the castle rather than the castle itself. It’s surrounded by this amazing park aptly called Osaka Castle Park. It makes for a picturesque stroll especially if you happen to be here during Hanami (Sakura) or Momijigari (Autumn) season.
To get to Osaka Castle, I recommend entering the park from the southwest corner. The closest station is Morinomiya on the Chuo line. From the station, you can have a walk through the park before finally getting to the castle. The walk from this point would take about 20-30 minutes, so be sure to plan your time accordingly!
Osaka Castle Entrance Ticket: You can pre-purchase the entrance ticket to the Osaka Castle via Klook here
2. Eat all the street food in Dotonbori
Dotonbori is the center of everything “Japan” in Osaka. You can find a 24-hour Donki (Japanese variety shop), Restaurants, Arcades with Gashapon machines, drug stores, vertical neon-light billboards, and most importantly for me: Takoyaki, and osaka specialty.
3. Explore the anime town at Den-Den Town in Namba
If you enjoyed Akihabara in Tokyo, you’ll love Den-den town. It’s Osaka’s hub of everything geeky – electronics, Anime goodies, Gashapon machines, comic book stores, and video games. You can also find decent shopping here at Japanese variety stores like Loft and Donki.
If you don’t know what Gashapon is, you must try them while you are in Japan! They are these capsule toy machines that you can find all over Japan. The machine dispenses small toys or figurines in a capsule. Each machine has different themes with 4-5 possible options of toys that you can get, but you won’t know exactly which one you get until you put in your yen coins and turn that knob. It’s the literal definition of cheap thrill – each capsule toy costs only 200-400 yen.
4. Visit the Osaka Aquarium
The Osaka Aquarium is one of the most impressive aquariums I’ve ever visited so far. They have an intensive collection of marine life sourced from different parts of the world, including a pair of whale sharks in a massive tank along with other species like Manta Rays, Nurse Sharks, and Eagle rays.
However, as an avid diver, I have to admit this made me uncomfortable… especially seeing highly intelligent animals like dolphins in captivity. On the other hand, I can see how an aquarium could be a great educational opportunity for kids and adults alike.
You can buy the tickets to the Osaka Aquarium online here so that you don’t have to wait in line.
5. See Osaka city from above
If you would like to see the city from high up, there are plenty of observatories around Osaka! Here are a few of options:
1. Highest Point of Views at Umeda Sky (170m) or Abeno Harukas 300 (300m)
For the highest point of view, I suggest visiting the Umeda Sky Building Observatory at Umeda / Osaka station or Harukas 300 at Abeno Harukas in Tennoji station. The true highest point in Osaka is Abeno Harukas at 300m, while the Umeda Sky Observatory is only 170m above the ground.
Buy Tickets: You can pre-purchase the ticket to Umeda Sky Building (1500 yen) and Harukas 300 (1800 yen).
2. Retro Tsutenkaku Tower at Shin-sekai (91m)
My favorite tower in Osaka is Tsutenkaku at Shin-sekai. Although it is not very tall at 103m (and the observatory is only at 91m high), I thought it was the most interesting because it has more history and character than the other towers.
Tsutenkaku was originally built in 1912 but refurbished multiple times over the years. As you are going up the tower and coming back down, you’ll be able to enjoy the retro Japan exhibitions they have in the tower, such as Atom Boy and the retro history of Pocky and Glico snacks. This exhibition can be seen for free!
Buy Tickets: Purchase the Tsutenkaku ticket here and exchange it for a physical ticket when you get there
I would also highly recommend topping up an additional 300 yen to reach the top deck. You can do this when you’re at the observatory. Normally, I would not recommend topping up to get to the higher point of an observatory as it’s usually not worth it. But in the case of Tsutenkaku, it was TOTALLY worth it!
The normal observation deck was indoors, but the top deck was completely outdoors. There is also a section with a glass floor so you can test your bravery by standing there and looking down. I did not pass that test because my legs were shaking as soon as I looked down 😛
3. Ferris Wheel at HEP FIVE
For a cheaper option, you can take the Ferris Wheel at HEP FIVE near Osaka station – It’s small, but it is only 600 yen per ride. For this price, you get a private car to yourself and the wait isn’t very long.
Buy Tickets: You can speed up the process too by buying the ticket ahead of time here: HEP Five Ferris Wheel, then all you have to do is scan the QR code when you get there.
6. Namba Yasaka Shrine
Located in the heart of Namba is the Yasaka shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for the unique Shishiden, a ritual stage shaped like a giant lion’s head. You’ll also notice that the lion head does not look like the typical lion statues you might expect – rather, it is Komainu – the lion-dog creature that often guards the entrance of Japanese Shinto shrines.
It is believed that the lion head will swallow any evil spirit or bad luck you might have so that you will receive good fortune. The shrine is popular with students who are hoping to get good marks on their exams.
7. Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Museum
Also known as Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, the gentleman who founded Nissin Food Products – the company that makes Cup Noodles. I didn’t get to do this on my visits to Osaka since I visited the one in Yokohama.
But if you’re like me and lived off cheap instant ramen in college, I reckon this museum warrants a visit. You can even decorate your instant ramen cup!
8. Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery
If you are a whiskey lover, a trip to this distillery is a must. They are located about 30 minutes from Osaka / Umeda station. You can visit the Yamazaki Whiskey Museum for free and do some whiskey tasting (not free). If you’re interested to learn about the whiskey-making process then they have tours that cost 1000-2000 yen.
Book a slot: As this tour is very popular, make sure you book your slot for the tour ahead of time here
9. Take Easy Day Trips from Osaka
The main draw of Osaka is not just the city itself. With Japan’s extensive train network, Osaka also serves as the perfect launchpad to the array of destinations in the Kansai region.
➡️ Short Trips from Osaka: I’ve made a list of my favorite short trips or day trips from Osaka here that can be reached within an hour – or even under!
If it’s your first time in Osaka, I recommend taking trips to Kyoto and Nara. A more veteran visitor can check out other places like Kobe and Hiroshima.
10. Taste the local delicacies of Osaka
Osaka is known as Japan’s Kitchen. Locals believe that the food in Osaka is the best in the country – yes, even better than the capital city Tokyo.
Here are some of my favorite eats in Osaka:
1. Takoyaki (Octopus Ball)
When visiting Osaka, eating Takoyaki is a must. Takoyaki is one of the most well-known street snacks in Japan. It’s a ball-shaped snack made from a wheat-flour-based batter with chopped-up juicy octopus tentacles and other ingredients such as ginger and green onion, grilled in a pan with hemispherical holes to help shape it into a ball. Once done, it’s served with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo, then topped with crispy bonito flakes. Although you can find this all over Japan, it was popularized in Osaka.
I tried Takocha near Umeda station. It’s a very small stall manned by one guy, and you might have to wait for your takoyaki. However, the takoyaki is stunningly delicious.
Takocha
Closest Station: Osaka-Umeda Station or Osaka Station
Direction: Google Maps
One of the most popular places to get Takoyaki is Dotonbori. The one I tried is from the Konamon Takoyaki Museum in the middle of Dotonbori and it was delicious! The batter is crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. The bits of octopus are also quite generous. Best of all, they’re always made fresh on the spot! If you see a queue forming, fret not. They’re just waiting for the next batch and once that’s done, the queue moves fast. I ended up eating a dozen of these by myself…
Konamon Takoyaki Museum
Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line)
Direction: Google Maps
2. Japanese Cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise
Rikuro Ojisan no mise means “Grandpa Rikuro’s store”. You might have seen this store making its rounds on social media.
Popular for the fluffy cheesecake that “jiggles” as it comes out fresh out of the oven, Rikuro Ojisan cheesecake originated from Osaka and for a while could only be found in Osaka and Kobe, though I heard there are now branches in Shanghai and Beijing.
Their cheesecake is different from the ones you get in, say, New York, which tends to be very rich. Rikuro’s cheesecake is very fluffy in texture and light in taste – much like other Japanese desserts, it’s not too overly sweet. I only got a slice but I feel like I could have eaten an entire cake on my own.
3. Yakitori at an Izakaya in Namba
Visiting an Izakaya for some yakitori is a must when you’re in Japan. There are tons of them near Namba station, on the south-west side.
Izakaya is popular among corporate men and women as an after-work watering hole because they serve cheap small plates of various grilled skewers that go well with alcohol. My favorite is called Yakitori Nambatei, a small hole-in-wall restaurant where each plate costs 300-400 yen and comes with 3 skewers. I recommend having their draft beer as well!
Yakitori Nambatei
Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line)
Direction: Google Maps
4. Naniwa Omurice
Trivia: “Naniwa” is the old name of Osaka from the 6th century. The earliest record of the city being referred to in Osaka dates back to 14th century.
In Japanese cuisine, there are plenty of occurrences of “japanized western food” aka yoshoku, where the Japanese have adopted western dishes and made it into their own. Omurice is a popular example of this and has become a staple comfort food for many Japanese households. It’s usually made by a mother for their small children as it’s fun to eat and tastes good.
Omurice can be served in tomato-based sauce, or demi-glace sauce (savory beef sauce). I prefer the latter. Naniwa Omurice serves both styles and you can add more toppings such as Kaarage (Japanese fried chicken), fried prawn, pork cutlet or cheese.
Naniwa Omurice
Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi (Midosuji)
Direction: Google Maps
5. Fishing Boat Restaurant Zauo
If you want a bit more drama with your dinner, try visiting Zauo at Namba. At this restaurant, you can catch your own fish and they will prepare them for you in any style you want.
It’s not for the faint of heart though – I for one couldn’t bear to fish because I felt so bad for them… while fishing, you can feel the hooks dragging against their scales and I just couldn’t do it. So, I let my friends do the hard work and enjoyed the catch later 😡 But it’s still fun!
Zauo Fishing Boat Restaurant
Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line)
Direction: Google Maps
6. Zundouya Ramen
Zundouya Ramen specializes in Tonkotsu ramen, a type of ramen where the broth is made from boiling pork bone for hours until it turns white. It’s originated from Fukuoka but you can enjoy it all over Japan these days.
Zundouya is one of those ramen shops where you order outside the shop at a vending machine, then bring the voucher in and they’ll make your order for you. You can customize the noodles (curly or straight), the done-ness of the noodles (al dente, regular or soft), and the intensity of the broth (light, regular, or strong/fatty).
There are a few locations in Osaka but the one I went to is near Umeda / Osaka Station.
Zundouya Ramen
Nearest Station: Umeda
Direction: Google Maps
Alright, folks! That’s all from me about traveling in Osaka. Let me know in the comment below what you think and if there is anything else you want to know. I’ll be happy to answer your question as best as I can.
Til next time 👋
Are you planning a trip to Japan? I’ve written loads about the beautiful country. Check out the ‘Japan’ category of this blog for some travel inspiration.
Hello! Can I use Suica card for travels to other cities like Nara, Kyoto, and etc.? Or do I need to avail JR Pass?
Hey Sha! Yes you can use Suica everywhere in Japan where IC card is accepted. Some intercity train would accept it. However, for certain trains like bullet train, you might need to purchase a ticket or use JR pass. You can read more about traveling from one city to another here: https://girleatworld.net/is-jr-pass-worth-it/
Please don’t eat octopus, they are the most intelligent creatures on the planet behind humans (way above dolphins and chimps). I dare you to watch “My octopus teacher” and then eat octopus, squid or calamari. I’m also a diver and this documentary is very powerful. Great blog, well done! I’m going in May and look forward to all the things to see, eat and do.
My friend n I (ladies age 60-72) would like to see Sakura from April 6-20 2024. Appreciate your recommendation which place should we go in order not to miss Sakura.
Hi Melissa,
I am just glad to find your posts. I’ll be traveling with my family to Osaka in December for 4 days. Can you share some of your recommendation on my first day in Osaka as I want to explore the city before we get to the AirBNB which is near Nishikujo station (close to USJ). will be coming from tokyo by bullet train but have not bought tickets yet. i am planning to get the 6:30 AM bullet from tokyo but will be too early to check in the air BNB. any recommended places close to shin-osaka station that we can look around to pass time?
thanks
Hi Melissa
Nice reading info for Osaka. Is our first trip to Japan.. hope get more info from you.
We will reach Kansai Airport then to Tokyo for 5 days then back to Osaka for 5 days before back to Singapore. From Kansai airport to Tokyo hotel, near Shin-Okubo. Would you suggest to buy JR Pass? Our trips rather straight forward, as NEW to Japan.
Mainly all the famous spot in Tokyo and Osaka such as Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Asakusabashi, Shibuya and Harajuku for Tokyo. As for Osaka will be Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi-Suj, Kuromon Market and Nipponbashi Denden Town..
looking forward to your suggestion..
thanks sooooo much
Hey Rosalind, the one way cost to get from Tokyo is already $140 one way on the bullet train (shinkansen), so it’s definitely worth it to get the 5 days Unlimited JR even if just for the Osaka-Tokyo and then back. Just make sure the JR pass is still active for your shinkansen journey. You can buy the Unlimited JR Pass here
Hi Mel,
Planning to self drive in kansai & gifu prefectures and will be staying 2 nights in osaka.
It is difficult to drive around and for car parking in osaka?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Keong ( singapore )
Hey Keong, driving in Osaka is pretty similar to Singapore – it’s a big city so if you’re used to Singapore you should be fine. Parking is a little expensive in Japan but it depends where you are. If you are in the town area then it will get pretty expensive but if you’re in the outskirts then it might be free.
Hi
Can share the day itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto ?
Can’t figure out where to start from day trip in Kyoto
Also can’t plan the Osaka day trip
Thanks for sharing
Dear Melissa.
I love what you have written. Mostly travel writers focus on putting up good pictures. I found your photos honest, true and look a lot of fun. Of course, the writing is also witty. Kudos 🙂
Thanks Sahana!
hi Melissa,
From Singapore to Osaka, if my flight land at 9:35pm. it is ok? will there be train to city? what the train operation timing?
i plan to stay 10 days in Osaka/stay in Osaka and move around. i need the wide area(5 days ) or jr-west kansai pass(4days)? what the different?
thanks.
Hey John, the trains generally stop around midnight in Japan.
Dear Melissa,
I came across your blog by accident. You are very informative and insightful. My husband and I (in our 50s) are planning to visit Osaka in October 2023. Would greatly appreciate if you could help with planning our itinerary. We will fly into and out from Osaka. We have about 8-10 days of holiday. Osaka and Kyoto are the main places of interest at the moment for us. Please advise and revert. Thank you.
Dear Melissa
My friend and i are planning a 1 week trip from 12 Dec- 19Dec.to Western Japan with Osaka and Kyoto in mind as the places to go among others. This is our 1st time traveling to Japan. We will be flying in at about 3pm and out Kansai Airport at around 6pm flights.
Any suggested itinerary?
12 Dec Kansai Airport to Kyoto via train JR pass
12 Dec – 15 Dec * Kyoto (book stay)
13 Dec Take the train from Kyoto to Hiroshima for a day trip. 1 day stay (Miyajima Island/Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Park) ** or any other suggestions for places or city instead of Hiroshima
14 Dec Take train back to Kyoto (Day trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest)
16 Dec Leave Kyoto via train to Osaka
16 Dec – 19 Dec Osaka (book stay)
(Osaka Castle, Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi (Shisaibushi-Suji), Tempozan (Ferris wheel, Osaka
Aquarium), Universal Studios Japan), Shinsekai, Food Art Gallery(JTRRD Cafe), Pokemon Cafe
19 Dec Checkout/to Kansai Airport for evening flight
How about trains/transportation..should we just get the JR pass. Can we use the JR pass to take the Shinkansen)? Would love to experience the bullet train. 🙂
Any recommendation for accommodation which is cost saving? My colleague said that despite the places to stay is cheaper away from central Osaka, it is far from the train station and the train fares are expensive.
Do you think the suggested itinerary is ok or ambitious. Do you have any suggestion. We are unsure. Would really appreciate your help and advice.
Looking forward to hear from you the soonest possible so that we can plan and make the necessary bookings/reservations.
Hi
Which area in Osaka would you recommend for small kids?
Thanks!
Hi Melissa!
I’ll be visiting and staying in Osaka during early Oct 2020 for 5 days and want to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe! Should I get both the JR Kansai wide pass as well as the Haruka + ICOCA card? Or will the Haruka + ICOCA card be enough for me to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe?
Thank you,
Ricky
Hey Ricky, if you are ok with taking local trains (usually slightly slower and no booked seats) then you’re fine with just the Haruka + ICOCA card. You can use ICOCA card to do the local travels. Whether it would be cheaper or not depends on how often you’ll be taking JR trains during the day, since the JR pass can also be used on local JR trains.
Dear Melissa,
I am thinking to doing Tokyo and Osaka (2 of us). In terms of time and costs, what will be your recommendation: fly into Tokyo and fly out from Osaka or the other way round? of should I just fly in/out from Tokyo?
thank you,
Tham
i think depends on whether you are getting a JR pass and whether the Osaka – Tokyo train portion is covered or not. Also depends on the price difference between flying out of Tokyo vs Osaka. I personally would just fly out of Osaka to be more efficient!