8 Things to Do in Osaka, Japan for First-Time Visitors

Exploring Dotonbori, a district famous for its iconic street-food, shopping, and neon lights.

Arriving to Osaka by bullet-Train…

As we drifted through Southern Japan’s countryside towards Osaka, I couldn’t help but get excited thinking about the street food I’ve heard so much about. Pulling into Osaka station, I noticed our host, Eriko, ecstatically holding a handmade sign with prominent letters, “Welcome to Osaka!” Visiting Japan in 2017, we were already well acquainted with the incredible hospitality that’s ingrained in Japanese culture, but I couldn’t help but crack a grin as we were greeted with hugs and excitement to show us her beautiful city. If you’re looking to discover the best things to do in Osaka, this city is packed with stunning food, culture, and unique experiences that will make your first visit extremely memorable.

The Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, is one of the best ways to travel through Japan. Unlike any other transportation system on earth, travel from city to city at speeds up to 200mph (320kph). Taking the Shinkansen offers one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to travel and explore Japan, especially when it comes to quick transport to so you have more time to experience the best things to do in Osaka. Whether you’re heading to popular tourist spots or hidden gems, traveling via Shinkansen is the way to go. Buy your Shinkansen tickets for your trip here!

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Opened in 2019, the Royal Classic Osaka brings a touch of luxury in the center of Osaka’s Namba District.

1. Where to Stay: Voco Osaka Central

The Voco Osaka Central is a modern and stylish hotel situated in the heart of Osaka. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a chic restaurant and bar, while the hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions such as Osaka Castle and the bustling Dotonbori district. Just hop on the subway a few minutes walk away, and you can get to nearly anywhere in Osaka! Voco Osaka Central offers the perfect home base for first-time visitors looking to stay close to the best things to do in Osaka while enjoying modern amenities at a prime and walkable location near metro.

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The Royal Classic Osaka

We took a cab to The Royal Classic Osaka – a towering figure in Namba district just a 5-minute walk from Dotonbori, Osaka’s most prominent and well-known district, famous for an abundance of neon signs and delicious street food. Opening in 2019, the modern hotel kept the facade and structure of the old kabuki theater, which really gives it this historically royal look amongst the modern skyscrapers. Rising to the 18th floor, the view took our breath away as we looked out amongst countless buildings for as far as our eyes could see. Staying at The Royal Classic Osaka gives you easy access to both the bustling nightlife of Namba and Dotonbori. In these neighborhoods, there are so many unique things to do in Osaka, combining street-food eats, unbelievable vending machines, modern luxuries, and surprising stores that will blow you away. With floor-to-ceiling windows, we felt as if we could stay there and watch the city for hours. But after getting settled in, our stomachs begged us to venture out, so we decided to start our exploration of the city.

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2. Try Osaka’s Most Popular Street Food

Takoyaki

There are a few culinary treats that are “must-tries” when visiting Osaka. Perhaps the most iconic street food is takoyaki. Small pieces of octopus are fried in savory pancake-balls and topped with sauces. Walking through Dotonbori, you may even see some carrying piles of takoyaki with heaps of green onion or poached egg on top! Whether you’re exploring Dotonbori, Namba, Shinsekai or other popular districts of Osaka, tasting takoyaki is one of the best things to do in Osaka and is an absolute must for food lovers everywhere.

Okonomiyaki

Another favorite is okonomiyaki. Made with flour, eggs, tempura scraps, cabbage, pork belly, and topped with a variety of condiments, okonomiyaki is best enjoyed in restaurants with griddles for the centers of the tables to cook right in front of you, and an Asahi on the side. If you’re searching for fun things to do in Osaka, visiting one of the okonomiyaki restaurants is a fantastic way to get your fill of local culinary culture. Plus, it’s such a memorable experience to see okonomiyaki made in front of you with friends!

Kushikatsu

Lastly, kushikatsu is Osaka’s traditional fried food. A variety of meats, vegetables, and fish are individually skewered, coated with panko, and deep-fried for enjoyment. You can find a delicious assortment of kushikatsu at restaurants all around Osaka and street vendors alike. I can atttest that trying kushikatsu is among the top 10 things to do in Osaka, you honestly can’t leave the city without trying it! There’s a huge variety of kushikatsu, but no matter what meat, vegetable, or dessert you’re frying, every kushikatsu is a delicious morsel offering a taste of Osaka’s deep-fried tradition.

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3. Get the Osaka E-Pass to See Osaka’s Top Sights

Waking up for our first full day in the city, we set up our itinerary using the Osaka e-pass so we could get free and easy entry into Osaka’s top attractions. To put our navigation skills to the test, we descended from the Royal Classic Osaka to the underground city in Namba Station. Taking the train 20 minutes north, we made our way to our first stop, The Umeda Sky Building. With the Osaka E-pass, you can unlock amazing deals to visit and get exclusive access to enjoy the top things to do in Osaka and make the most of your trip.

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4. See Osaka From the Sky at The Umeda Sky Building

This architectural wonder comprises of two 40-story towers that connect at their uppermost parts. With bridges and escalators crossing its wide central atrium, it’s unlike any skyscraper I’ve ever seen. It truly looks like a vision from a futuristic film. The glass elevator shot us upward to the top circular viewing floors that held panoramic views of the entire city. A visit to the Umeda Sky Building is one of the must-see places in Osaka for those who want to experience the city from above.

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After filling our camera rolls with the view, we descended underground to walk between city blocks through the malls. September in Japan is hot and humid, so making our way through the underground city was not only fascinating, but saved us from the heat.

Weather and Climate in Osaka by Season

The best times to visit are in the Spring and Fall. The temperature is mild and the rainfall light from March through May, and October through November. The best time to visit Osaka is during Spring and Fall when the city offers pleasant weather (not too humid, not too chilly) and the attractions are at their most vibrant.

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5. Visit the Top Temples in Osaka

Taking the subway south, we arrived at one of the most beautiful temples in the city, Shitenno-ji. The temple offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings make it a must-visit.  For visitors exploring Osaka's top things to do, Shitenno-ji Temple provides an incredible cultural experience. Not only is a visit educational over Osaka’s history, but a visit to the temple grounds also provides atranquil environment and all kinds of stunning architecture. Though Shitenno-ji was a nice stop, we were extremely excited to explore the district just adjacent, Shinsekai.

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6. Take a Journey to Osaka’s Past in Shinsekai

Reminiscent of early-20th century Japan, Shinsekai was originally intended to become a showcase of the Japanese industrial revolution and an attraction for tourists from all over the world. Now, divided into North and South, the district is an eclectic mix – half modeled after Paris, and the other half modeled after Coney Island. Shinsekai’s nostalgic charm definitely makes a tour or visit through the iconic neighborhood one of the top things to do in Osaka. You’ll instantly notice a blend of old-school and yet historic architecture mixed with newly opened or renovated attractions. Walking through the neighborhood felt like walking through an old county fair, and to me, this was the most surprising and unexpected area to experience. Along Shinsekai’s main street, the Jumbo-Tsuribune Tsurikichi Restaurant attracts visitors by allowing them to fish for their food. With an enormous pool area full of live fish, customers are given fishing poles and nets to catch their own, and their prize catch is freshly prepared. For those searching for unique things to do in Osaka, this interactive dining experience is a one-of-a-kind activity. We couldn’t help but give it a try ourselves! Determined as we were, we came up empty after 45 minutes of attempting to fish, and settled for a delicious platter of takoyaki from the regular menu. Regardless, I’ll never forget the experience.

Walking through the neighborhood felt like walking through an old county fair, and to me this was the most surprising and unexpected area to experience. Along Shinsekai’s main street, the Jumbo-Tsuribune Tsurikichi Restaurant attracts visitors by allowing them to fish for their own food. With an enormous pool area full of live fish, customers are given fishing poles and nets to catch their own, and their prize catch is freshly prepared. For those searching for unique things to do in Osaka, this interactive dining experience is a one-of-a-kind activity. We couldn’t help but to give it a try ourselves! Determined as we were, we came up empty after 45 minutes of attempting to fish, and settled for a delicious platter of takoyaki from the regular menu. Regardless, I’ll never forget the experience.

Tsutenkaku Tower

At the center of Shinsekai is its main attraction, Tsutenkaku Tower. This metal structure is modeled after the Eiffel Tower, except here you can ride down a 60-meter slide that gives you views of the district as you descend. The Tsutenkaku Tower is one of the most iconic places to visit in Osaka, where you can catch amazing panoramic views of the city as well as a unique thrill down the Tsutenkaku Slider!

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7. Enjoy Futuristic Cocktails 147 meters high at Swissotel Nankai

Customary cocktails made from freshly farmed ingredients from the Swissotel’s very own hydroponic sky-garden.

We heard that the Swissotel Nankai has a sky-farm 147 meters above ground. The bartenders and chefs use the produce from their fully sustainable hydroponic-system to create versatile dishes and drinks. Swissotel Nankai is the perfect hotel and destination for those seeking a unique wine or cocktail experience during their visit in Osaka. The sky-high bar features cocktails made from fresh ingredients grown in their very own hydroponic farm, along with a stunning view of the city. We had to give it a try, so we made our way to yet another incredible view of the city, Swissotel Nankai’s top-floor bar, Bar36. The cocktails were among the best we’ve tried in Japan during our two week visit.

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8. Explore Osaka’s Most Popular Sights and Attractions

If you find yourself with more time to see the city, we highly recommend the following locations. Not only for admiring the architectural wonders here, but to get an even finer picture of Osaka’s rich culture.

Osaka Castle

Visiting Osaka Castle is like a journey back in time. The majestic castle, with its intricate exterior and grand interior, showcases Japan's rich history. The observation deck offers breathtaking views of Osaka, while the serene gardens provide an escape from the city. For those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s history, Osaka Castle is one of the must-see places in Osaka. Osaka Castle is a must-visit landmark for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, immersing visitors in Japan's cultural heritage.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, Japan, is renowned for its history and cultural significance. With its ancient architecture and serene atmosphere, visitors can explore the various buildings and partake in traditional rituals. This shrine stands as a testament to Japan's rich traditions and draws in both locals and tourists. Visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine should be at the top of your list as one of the things to do in Osaka, as it provides a glimpse into the spiritual side of the city, and doubles as an incredibly peaceful and beautiful park. This provides a nice contrast to the bustling city surroundings.

TeamLab Botanical Garden

One of the biggest surprises of the week was our visit to teamLab Botanical Garden. I didn’t know what to expect, as I stood in line to collect my ticket at the entrance. I questioned why I would want to tour a garden at night. But upon entering the grounds, I realized that this was a garden like none I’d ever seen before. teamLab creates incredible visual and audio experiences through interactive art pieces. In the botanical gardens, we were immersed into a forest full of other-worldly light displays, music and sound from every direction, and statues that modify the area when you touch them. If you're wondering about things to do in Osaka, this place provides a unique experience that’s hard to forget. TeamLab Botanical Garden isboth visually stunning and incredibly interactive. Wandering through the natural scenery and exhibits, I felt completely at peace.

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Why You Should Include Osaka on Your Trip to Japan

Osaka is simply full of surprises. We often hear a lot about traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto, but what I discovered while visiting Japan’s second largest city, is that it has more to offer than I could experience in a single trip… Tiny alleyways interweave amongst skyscrapers, neon lights illuminate paths lined with gyoza and yakitori eateries. Bars big enough for only five to ten people are even stacked one atop another in 14-story buildings, a nightlife scene like no other. Osaka is a hidden gem. There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Osaka, from its vibrant nightlife to its serene temples, to it’s huge variety of delicious streetfood. I visited for a total of 5 days, yet I felt like I barely scratched the surface. So, in order to calm the itch, I’ve promised myself to make a trip back next year.

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Osaka Japan

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Osaka Japan 〰️

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