Osaka was the first place we ever visited in Japan and it amazed us with its electric atmosphere. We flew directly from Thailand (where Kat’s from) to visit one of Cam’s best friends who calls this city home. He was keen to show us the best of Osaka, which meant bar-hopping at the tiny “hole in the wall” joints and gorging on delicious food. It’s safe to say, after a few days, we were hooked and have returned to Japan multiple times since.
Beyond food and nightlife, Osaka also boasts some stunning temples and serves as the ultimate base for day trips to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. In our opinion, Osaka is even better than Tokyo. We know that’s a big claim, but its more compact size and more bohemian character gives it the edge for us. There are so many awesome things to do here - from exploring hipster neighborhoods like America-Mura to getting your fortune told at Katsuoji.
20 Best Things To Do in Osaka
1. Soak Up the Neon Lights of Dotonbori
We’ll never forget our first time in Dotonbori. We were staying with Cam’s friend out in the leafy suburbs and had a rather peaceful introduction to Osaka. Although, as soon as we jumped on the train to the buzzing heart of Dotonbori, things changed. We were greeted by flashing billboards, a sea of people, and the chance to finally eat Takoyaki - a street food snack that Kat was dying to try. It was chaotic, even during the middle of the day.
Of course, visiting at night takes the energy up a notch. The neon lights are in full color, the crowds are massive, and there are endless side alleys to get lost in. We prefer the streets that run parallel to the canal, where you can stumble upon more relaxing dinner spots. Dotonbori is an exhilarating place to spend a few hours but we don’t recommend staying here. Instead, find a hotel in a quieter part of Namba or in other districts like Nishi Ward.
Dotonbori
2. Snap a Photo of the Glico Running Man
While in Dotonbori, striking a pose next to the Running Man is a rite of passage for travelers. This LED billboard overlooking the canal belongs to Glico - a confectionery company based in Osaka. Most people capture photos from the bridge, though joining a Dotonbori River Cruise gives you a more front-on view. Just note, the sign will be undergoing a redesign and will be permanently dark from November 30, 2026 until spring 2027.
Glico Running Man
3. Explore the Scenic Grounds of Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: a beautiful 16th-century white and gold castle surrounded by greenery, stone walls and scenic moats. The park is lovely to walk around, especially during cherry blossom season, and there are plenty of different vantage points to take photos. Inside, you’ll find a museum filled with samurai exhibits and an observation deck on the 8th floor with sweeping views of the city.
Osaka Castle
4. See Thousands of Daruma Dolls at Katsuoji Temple
The entire experience at Katsuoji is a quirky adventure. Firstly, you catch the train to Minoh-Kayano Station, followed by a bus ride up the winding, green hills just north of Osaka. Then you complete a loop of the temple grounds with a blank souvenir postcard in hand. The idea is to collect six different stamps which eventually form an illustration. Throughout the route are scattered thousands of Daruma dolls, some orange, some red.
At the end, you can buy yourself a ceramic Daruma doll that contains a fortune slip inside. It’s written in Japanese, so the translation probably isn’t perfect, with Kat’s one reading something like: “The more experience you have, the easier it will be to find the best answer. Realize the importance of where you are now and what you do every day.” She took this advice on board and left her doll at one of the shrines as a token of good luck.
Katsuoji Temple
Katsuoji Temple
5. Eat Takoyaki, Osaka’s Famous Octopus Balls
No trip to Osaka is complete without burning your tongue on some sizzling Takoyaki. Cam didn’t realize how hot these balls of goodness were until he burnt the roof of his mouth and spent the next few hours recovering. He also didn’t know how tasty octopus could be. That said, with Takoyaki, the chunks of octopus are pretty small and are covered by a delicious batter. Osaka is considered the birthplace of this street food snack and you’ll come across it all over the city, from markets to tiny takeaway shops.
Takoyaki
6. Revel in Osaka’s Nightlife Scene
The nightlife in Osaka is intoxicating, and you don’t have to drink much to enjoy it. We love the little standing bars where it’s easy to rub shoulders with the locals and nibble on Tempura, in between a few Highballs or Asahis. The bars surrounding the train stations can also be cool drinking holes, as that’s where the “salarymen” go to unwind after a day’s work. Just head down the lantern-lit alleys and you’ll be guaranteed a great night out.
Osaka nightlife
Neon lights of Osaka
7. Play Games at BeeRUSH MINAMI
On a recent visit to Osaka, our friends took us to BeeRUSH MINAMI - an arcade-style bar with darts, ping pong tables, and pub games. Kat got invited to play a rock, paper, scissors competition and almost won. We also played a few rounds of “cosmic” ping pong. It was a lot of fun and the views from the 12th floor of the AMZA1000 Building were amazing. If you’re looking for something unique to do in Osaka at night, this is a fantastic option.
BeeRUSH MINAMI
8. Wander Around the Backstreets of Namba
To experience the true magic of Osaka at night, you should skip the main roads and slip into the moody backstreets of Namba. Our favorite alleys are the ones illuminated by glowing orb streetlights hanging down from the lampposts and shop signs. Seeing rows of these lights down long, narrow laneways is a majestic sight. You can walk for hours and never get bored, popping into whichever Izakaya (Japanese pub) catches your eye.
Namba
9. Hang a Wishing Plaque at Namba Yasaka Jinja
Namba Yasaka Jinja is another must-visit in Osaka, known for its massive lion head. Locals believe the lion’s open mouth swallows evil spirits, and leaves visitors with success and prosperity. Not only does it make for a great photo stop, but you can also write your hopes on the back of a wishing plaque (ema) and hang it on the rack. Reading some of the wishes is quite moving, especially when they revolve around personal or health issues.
Namba Yasaka Jinja
10. Go Shopping Down Shinsaibashi-Suji
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street does exactly what it says on the tin, offering about 200 shops down a 600-meter covered pedestrian avenue. Wander on down, weaving between the crowds, and you’ll discover fashion brands, vintage stores, cosmetic shops and more. Breaking up your shopping with a Katsu sandwich or Matcha ice cream is always a good idea too. It’s an ideal rainy day activity or starting point for Dotonbori.
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
11. Treat Yourself to Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku)
You can’t leave Osaka without trying Yakiniku. This dining experience puts you in charge of grilling, while the chef prepares the fresh cuts of beef. In Japan, they use every part of the cow, from the tongue to organs (offal). We thought this was strange at first, then developed a liking for beef tongue. Despite beef being quite expensive in Japan, there are still many cheaper BBQ joints to hit up. When paired with the sauces and cold beer, there’s simply no better way to relax after doing your 10,000 steps across Osaka.
Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku)
12. Experience the Retro World of Shinsekai
Shinsekai is a retro entertainment district in Osaka with a very nostalgic vibe, almost reminiscent of Paris or New York in the 1950s (in its own Japanese way). Walk the streets and you’ll be immersed in a world of neon signs, pufferfish lanterns and arcade halls. The centrepiece is Tsutenkaku, a tower offering sprawling views of the city from its observation deck. Be sure to try Kushikatsu - Osaka’s legendary deep-fried meat and veggie skewers.
13. Check Out the America-Mura Neighborhood
If thrift shopping is on your Japanese to-do list, you won’t find a better neighborhood than America-Mura. Everything centers around Triangle Park, a small concrete plaza perfect for people watching and eating Sushi in the shade. From here, the streets shoot off in every direction, lined with indie cafes, skate shops and vinyl record stores. It’s a wonderfully bohemian part of Osaka with lots of youth culture, fashion and attitude on display.
America-Mura
14. Dive into Endless Bowls of Ramen
Many foodies come to Japan for one thing and that’s Ramen. We don’t need to give you a list of restaurants in Osaka as that defeats the purpose of travel in many ways. As a rule of thumb: if you see a restaurant full of locals, go there. We experienced this at IEKEI OSAKA Gadoya, a Ramen hotspot with long queues and those iconic red counter seats. The Ramen was spectacular with huge slices of pork, fresh seaweed and a hearty broth. However, we were charged double the price because we used the English menu, something that we later learned has sparked backlash online.
Ramen at IEKEI OSAKA Gadoya
15. Skip Kuromon Market for Osaka Kizu Fish Market
Seafood is a way of life in Japan and the fish markets are the best places to experience this culture up close. Instead of contending with the chaos and crowds of Kuromon Market, head to Osaka Kizu Wholesale Fish Market. As the name suggests, this is a working fish market where local chefs, rather than tourists, buy their ingredients. You can wander around the wide aisles in peace, marvel at the gigantic seafood displays, and sample some of the highest quality Sashimi in Osaka (normally at much lower prices).
16. Chill Out at Nakanoshima Park
Nakanoshima Park was Osaka’s very first public park to be established back in 1891. This little oasis of greenery sits right by the water and can easily be combined with a nice river walk. It contrasts beautifully with the modern skyscrapers in the background, particularly in mid-spring and autumn when the rose gardens bloom. Whenever you need a break from the neon lights, come here with a takeaway Matcha and chill out.
Nakanoshima Park
17. Share a Shabu-Shabu Meal with Friends
We’ve had a couple of memorable moments at Shabu-Shabu restaurants over the years, most notably when we celebrated Kat’s birthday on our inaugural trip to Osaka. It was the first time we were greeted with that rambunctious “Irasshaimase” which set the mood for the night. For those who don’t know: Shabu-Shabu is a hot pot dish where slices of meat and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth. It’s a fantastic meal to share with friends and family for whatever celebration you deem worthy.
Shabu-Shabu in Osaka
18. Take a Day Trip to Kyoto (or Stay for a Few Nights)
Osaka and Kyoto are the Yin and Yang of Japan travel. One offers pulsating nightlife, and the other serene temples and charming, lantern-lit streets. Kyoto is only a 30-minute train ride away and can easily be achieved as a day trip (if you’re short on time). A full day would give you enough time to see the orange Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, get lost in the historic Gion district and enjoy dinner along the river. But we do suggest staying for a few nights - it’s unlike any other place we’ve visited in the world.
Read more: 20 Best Things To Do in Kyoto: Eat, Drink & Wander
Train to Kyoto
Torii gates
Kyoto nights
19. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe Itself
Although this beef is advertised right throughout Osaka, you’ll need to head to Kobe itself to get the real deal. We took the short train journey here with one goal in mind: to try Kobe Beef where the chef cooks in front of you. Of course, any type of Teppanyaki is going to be expensive, so we weren’t shocked by the bill. Overall, we found the beef to be incredible. Yet the high price makes it more of a one-off bucket list experience.
Kobe Beef
20. Discover the Cultural Treasures of Nara
Nara is one of the most captivating destinations in Japan, again easily reached from Osaka by train. You can board the special purple train and get there in less than 40 minutes. When you arrive, spend a few hours with the bowing deer of Nara Park and then stroll up to Todai-ji, a UNESCO Buddhist temple that blows you away with its size and design. Finish up at the Naramachi District to explore Edo-era houses, craft shops and Sake breweries.
Todai-ji
Nara Park
FAQs About Visiting Osaka
How many days do you need in Osaka?
The amount of time you need depends on how you want to approach this region of Japan. For a purely Osaka focused visit, we would recommend at least three days. But if you’re planning a few day trips, such as Kyoto and Nara, then you’d need a further two days. Don’t be afraid to dedicate more of your itinerary for Osaka over Tokyo. From our experience, Japan’s third-largest city can easily match the capital for food, culture and nightlife.
What are the best areas to base yourself in?
As a first-time visitor, your best bet would be to stay in the Kita (North), Namba (South) or Honmachi (Central) areas of Osaka. The most important consideration is staying close to a major train station, making your journey home at the end of the day effortless. Places near Hommachi Station, like the ultra-modern and luxurious W Osaka or the atmospheric Osaka Ukiyoe Ryokan, would be spectacular choices if you’ve got the budget for it.
Which season should you choose for Osaka?
We’ve visited Osaka in both spring and summer, and definitely prefer the cooler season. Summer can get sweltering in Osaka, to the point where you try to wear a nice pair of jeans out at night and just end up in a pool of sweat. It was so humid in September once that we were given cold towels to wrap around our necks at a BBQ joint. Spring, autumn and even winter are better options - a rule that can be applied to many Japanese cities.
