31 Fun Things To Do In Osaka For First Timers (with map)

Be prepared to be drawn in by the neon lights and electric energy of Osaka. A city where amidst the modern metropolis of skyscrapers are many shrines and temples that give Osaka its charm. Located in the Kansai region, Osaka was once Japan’s capital during the 4^th or 5^th century. Today Osaka is the food capital of Japan, affectionally referred to as ‘Japan’s kitchen’. Foodies looking to introduce something new to their tastebuds will not be disappointed.

Along with the energetic city, the central location of Osaka makes it a perfect base for day trips. From Osaka you can explore the ancient temples of Kyoto, feed the majestic bowing deer of Nara, learn about Hiroshima’s history, and taste some of the world’s most high-quality beef in Kobe.

My detailed travel guide is a helpful manual for first-time visitors to this city! Make sure to save this Osaka map and travel guide for your trip later! I will also share how to get around, where to stay, and other useful tips.

Make sure to check out some practical things to know before you visit Japan here.

Best Things To Do In Osaka

1. Wander the serene Osaka Castle

Despite its popularity, Osaka Castle remains a tranquil place with historical significnce, making it a must-visit while in the Kansai region.Surrounded by a large park with cherry and plum blossoms, ponds, and a beautiful view of the city, it deserves its spot as one of the best things to do in Osaka.

Originally built in 1583, it was burned down and rebuilt a few times. The castle is encased in an impressive 20 metre high moat. The stone walls are huge, using up to 1 million large stones.

Osaka castle is 8 storeys high, each floor is a museum with interesting information on the castle’s history, along with original artefacts. The top floor is an outdoor observatory with some of the best views of Osaka.

I strongly advise purchasing tickets online in advance. The queues for the ticket kiosks were very long when I visited in January. With a QR code, we breezed straight past the gates!

You can buy tickets online from Klook.

Insider Tip… for the best photo / view of Osaka Castle head to the Japanese Gardens, where you will find a pond which creates a nice reflection of the castle.

Getting to Osaka Castle: The closest metro stations are Morinomiya Station and ?sakaj?k?en Station.

You might also like: Osaka Digital Nomad Guide

2. Dotonbori

Visiting Dotonbori for the first time was one of my favourite memories of being in Osaka. I am rarely speechless (have pity on my boyfriend) but I was when I first set my eyes on all the tall neon lit buildings that lined the river. A collection of brights lights, coloured billboards, huge 3D signs, restaurants, food stalls, shops, and lots of people!

This area is best experienced at night, after all it is known as Osaka’s entertainment district, there is a great buzz around the area, it is a sensory overload, but in the best sense! Grab some food, walk or sit back and people watch!

To experience Dontonburi from a different perspective hop onboard the distinctive yellow boats of Tombori river cruise. It is a short 20 minute ride, that will take you to the 9 bridges on the river. You can purchase the tickets from the ticket booths on the day you would like to take the cruise. Tickets cost ¥1,200 for adults, and ¥400 for children.

What not to miss in Dotonburi

• Tonburi Wolf – a mysterious wolf in overalls wanders the streets of Dontonburi! He might even say hi.
  
• The Glico Running Man – dating back to 1935 this iconic blue billboard makes for a great photo. The advert is for their caramel bar, said to give you energy to run 300 metres (hence the running man). The best place to take a photo is the second floor of Nanohana cosmetics, follow the yellow stairs!
  
• Get on the big screen – Have your own billboard moment on Dontonburi. There is a small live LCD screen where people like to take photos under. It is located here.
  
• Try the best melon bread fresh from the oven. Paired with ice-cream this is one of the best desserts. Aptly named Melon Bread was the best melon pan I’ve had across all of Japan.

3. Don Qijoute Ferris Wheel (Ebisu Tower)

Located in Dotonbori is the unique Don Qijoute Ferris Wheel, also called the Ebisu Tower. Positioned on top of Japan’s beloved discount chain Don Qijoute (more about this later), you get some cool views of Dotonbori, as well as other landmarks such as the giant kushikatsu man statue, the mascot of the popular restaurant, Kushikatsu Daruma.

The Don Quijote Ferris Wheel is no ordinary ferris wheel. At 74.5 meters (254.2 feet) tall, it breaks the mold with its unique oval shape and small round pods, departing from the usual circular design.

Due to its shape, the ride takes you up and down vertically, with a straight section at the top. The pod also rotates, which might feel unusual at first, but you’ll quickly get accustomed to the gentle motion. It is a surprisingly long ride, taking a total of 15 minutes to go around.

Tickets cost ¥600 per person, each cabin seats 4 people. Tickets can only be purchased on the same floor as the Don Quijote Ferris Wheel, inside the Don Quijote store itself.

4. Umeda Sky Building

I wasn’t expecting much from Umeda Sky Building; sky towers tend to bore me. However, Umeda turned out to be one of the most unique buildings I’ve ever visited, a far cry from boring.

Umeda Sky Building consists of two 40-storey towers, connected by two glass bridges and escalators that lead to the 360 sky deck, also known as Kuchu Teien Observatory. The sky deck is an open air panoramic platform on the 40th floor, 133 metres (436 feet) above ground.

You can also: purchase a love lock to hang on rails on the sky deck, grab a coffee and cake inside, browse souvenirs on the 39th floor, and visit the museum in the west tower.

Tickets cost ¥1500 for adults and ¥700. Book tickets online here.

If you have the Osaka amazing pass, you can get 30% of the admission between 4pm and 10pm.

Getting to Umeda Sky Building: the closest metro station is Umeda Station, from there it is an 11 minute walk. Check directions here.

5. Nibble On Octopus Balls… Takoyaki

Yes Octopus balls, not the kind you’re thinking though. This is takoyaki, a popular street food that you can find all over Osaka.

These little balls are made of a batter with small pieces of octopus in it, it is then topped with a sticky sauce, bonita flakes or chives. The inside is surprisingly mushy and gooey, I was expecting a bread-like consistency, more similar to a doughnut, but this soft texture is absolutely delicious!

You will see many of these takoyaki vendors across the city. The chefs use long cast iron pans with multiple rows of small half-spherical molds, masterfully flipping the tiny balls of batter with skewers until cooked.

Some places I recommend tasting these delicious snacks are Shinsekai Kankan, Takotako King and Fumichan.

You can also make your own takoyaki with a local, paired with some sake of course.

6. Shinshabashisuji Shopping Street

One of the many things I love about Japan is its shopping streets. Long covered streets bustling with a wide range of different shops. In the space of a few metres you could find a 100 yen store, games arcade, karaoke bar, Shake Shack and an Izakaya all beside each other. One shopping street you absolutely have to visit in Osaka is the mammoth 600 metre Shinshabashisuji Shopping Street. One of the best things to do in Osaka is wander around and get lost in this shopping haven.

What not to miss in Shinshabashisuji

• Try the viral cheesecake from Rikuro Daimaru
• Visit the Ghibli Store
• Pokemon themed food at the Pokemon cafe
• Delicious cheese tarts from Pablo Shinsaibashi, the creme brulee one is ah-mazing

7. Play Games at Round One Stadium

Unleash your inner child at Round One, a 7 storey amusement centre where time and money will disappear.

On the first floor are many coin machines, with prizes that include cuddly teddy bears, quirky toys, sugary snacks, and drinks.  Be warned, the claw machines are known for their gentle grip, so winning a prize might take a few tries. But that’s all part of the fun! Beyond the video games (including favourites like Mario Kart and Monster Hunter for gamers), the lower floors offer a variety of activities such as golf simulations, go-karting, rollerblading, baseball, photo booths and even karaoke.

Game packages or pay-per-play options are available. Most games cost ¥100. We got caught up in the excitement trying to win Pocky (hey, who can resist?), but ended up with eight boxes thanks to a near miss with the claw!

While Round One offers a safe and fun environment, a friendly reminder: unattended bags are vulnerable to theft in any arcade setting, not just in Japan. Keep your belongings close by while you play! Make sure not to put your bags on the floor while playing.

8. Gacha Gacha Games

 While not quite a traditional arcade, Gacha Gacha stores are a beloved pastime in Japan.

Gacha Gacha is a Japanese capsule game. Each machine has a theme with different toys that are based on Japanese culture, you then put your money in, turn the dial, and receive one of the toys advertised on the machine.

Themes widely vary – from Pokémon, anime, and Harry Potter to Doritos and even kitchen utensils. You’ll find a wide variety of toys available, from light-up figurines and dolls to keychains and jewelry. Interestingly, these capsule stores seem to attract mostly adults!

The name ‘gacha gacha’ comes from the sound the dial makes when you turn it for the toy to come out. It is all just a bit of fun and is one of the more quirkiest things to do in Osaka, and Japan!

9. Keep It Cool In Amerika Mura

A stone’s throw from Dotonbori lies Amerika-mura, also known as American Village. You will know you are there by the statue of liberty on top of the New America Plaza. If you’re a fan of vintage fashion, you’re in for a treat! Amerika-mura is renowned for its collection of vintage shops. It was like every fashionable and cool person was dropped here, it was definitely humbling for me because I am neither!

Aside from the effortlessly cool people there is lots to check out here…

What not to miss in Amerika Mura

• Indoor skatepark inside the Big Step store, on level B2.
  
• Triangular Park is a lively park in the midst of Amerika Mura. It comes alive at night with people just hanging out and drinking.
  
• Play retro games and meet other travellers at PC and Retro Bar Space Station. The selection of consoles is impressive with a Megadrive, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, and playstation. You can play for free, you just need to buy a drink.
  
• Cool down with an ice cream hotdog at Ice Dog. The buns are fried and served warm, this combined with the cold ice cream is so tasty.
  
• Tsukemen Suzume serves delicious spicy ramen, you can choose between 3 levels of spice, the pork is also so tender and juicy. I promise this is a meal to remember.

Getting there: the closest metro stations are Yotsubashi station and Shinsaibashi station. Get directions here.

10. Shin Sekai “New World”

Shinsekai is one of Osakas best areas, it has a turbulent and interesting history. Built in 1912 as the ‘New World’, it was expected to be a major tourist attraction. The north was inspired by Paris with Ts?tenkaku Tower resembling the Eiffel Tower, whereas the south was inspired by Coney Island with Luna Park, a large amusement park featuring rides, a music venue and hot spring spa. It was designed to attract plenty of tourists, Japan’s first ever skytrain was even built here.  

Unfortunately, tourist numbers declined, leading to the closure of Luna Park in 1923. World War II further damaged the area, transforming it into one of Osaka’s most impoverished districts with high crime rates. Only in the 90’s did it see a revival thanks to it being the setting for many manga and anime series.

Today, visiting Shinsekai is like stepping back to the 80’s, you know in American films when a couple goes to a funfair before the guy goes off to war? THIS is what Shinsekai felt like to me. Although Luna Park is long gone the carnival atmosphere remains. Along with the atmosphere, Shinsekai is a burst of colour with eclectic 3D shop fronts bursting out of the wall, fun arcades, cozy Izakayas, and lots of street food. It is no mystery why exploring this side of the city is one of the best things to do in Osaka.

It’s no wonder that exploring Shinsekai is a must-do in Osaka. The area comes alive at night, so I recommend a late afternoon visit. Grab some food before sunset (queues get long!), then wander around after dark to avoid dinner lines. This will give you more time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

One of the best things to do in Shinsekai is visiting the Ts?tenkaku Tower…this brings us to number 11!

Getting there: the closest metro station is Ebisucho Station. Get directions here.

11. Ts?tenkaku Tower

Modelled on the Eiffel Tower, Ts?tenkaku tower is a 103 metre tall landmark that can be seen across Shinsekai. It’s especially beautiful at night, illuminated in shades of blue and purple.

Visitors can climb the tower, reaching an indoor observation deck at 88 meters. For an even more exhilarating view, Tenbo Paradise, the outdoor observation deck, is accessible for an additional fee

Aside from views, Ts?tenkaku tower is home to one of Osakas most fun activities, the Ts?tenkaku Tower Slider! This helter skelter style slide will take you from the 3rd floor, 22 metres down to the basement, in just 10 seconds. The slide has a transparent roof so you can take in the views on the way, if you are brave enough to keep your eyes open that is!

Don’t forget to look upwards at the top of the tower. The coloured lights there hold a secret – they forecast the weather for the next day! White signifies sunshine, orange indicates clouds, and blue means rain. In my photos above, you can see the forecast for a cloudy morning and rainy afternoon.

It is advisable to book tickets online in advance.

12. Janjan-Yokocho

Janjan-Yokocho, also known as Nanyo-dori Shopping Street, is a retro shopping street popular with locals. This little alleyway is full of sake bars, sushi and kushikatsu restaurants, along with Go and Sh?gi clubs, archery and retro arcades.

A kushikatsu restaurant I recommend you try here is Osho Club, kushikatsu is deep fried skewers of meat and vegetable.

13. Universal Japan

No ‘best things to do in Osaka’ travel guide is complete without Universal Japan, it is so iconic and super fun! Your inner child will be well and truly awakened, mine certainly was.

We started the day at Super Nintendo World, which was super trippy, it is designed to look like you are in the game, so the structures look pixelated and move as they do in the game. Top things to do here are Yoshis ride and the Mario Cafe.

From there, we journeyed to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, my personal favourite. Stepping into Diagon Alley was like stepping onto the movie set! The air crackled with magic, and the intricate details – from shopfronts overflowing with magical supplies to the cobblestone streets – transported me straight into the world of Harry Potter. You can purchase a wand (there are actually interactive game you can play with this wand), sip on butter beer, eat magic beans, and ride on the thrilling flight of the Hippogriff.

Other areas that should not be missed are Minions, and Jurassic Park. I also found the water show to be incredible, although it was in Japanese it was easy to follow along, it was action packed and very interactive. My jaw was wide open at some of the stunts and effects, which kept me on the edge of my seat!

The most thrilling rides in the park are Hollywood Dream, The Flying Dinosaur and The Flight Of The Hippogriff.

Tips for Universal Japan

• arrive early! the worst kept secret is that the park actually opens 1 hour early. Arriving at 7am will get you a good place in the queue.
• download the official app for timed entry, map, and live queue times
• feel free to dress up or wear a hat/headband of your favourite character. You can also purchase outfits inside Universal.
• calories don’t count here…eat all the silly food!
• lastly, manage expectations, it is so busy here that you will not be able to go on every ride you want to, due to the long queues. So pick 3 or 4 rides you don’t want to miss, and anymore is a bonus!

Getting there: the closest station is Universal City. Get directions here.

14. Cat / Dog Cafe

You will notice there are a lot of exotic animal cafes, please don’t go to these. As tempting and fun as they may seem, they just aren’t kind to the animals. You can read about my miPig cafe experience here, and why I will never visit an exotic animal cafe. The good news is that Osaka also has a selection of ethical animal cafes that prioritise animal well-being. Consider checking those out instead!

Cafe Neu is a cat shelter for rescue cats who need some love. The cafe serves highly rated coffee and vegan treats. Other ethical cafes include Save Cat Cafe and Hogoken Cafe with both cats and dogs.

15. Okonomiyaki DIY

Okonomiyaki is a popular street food native to Osaka. It is a savoury pancake typically filled with cabbage, scallions, and meat, Fillings, however, vary depending on the restaurant and location within the Kansai region. The pancake is then usually drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce (similar to worcester sauce), mayonaise, and smoked bonito flakes.

It is not hard to find a vendor / restaurant in Osaka serving up this popular snack, but there is a place that allows you to make it yourself, sounds fun doesn’t it?

At Sennichimae Hatsuse you are given your own small private room, you order the type of okonomiyaki you would like to make, ingredients are brought to you along with instructions (english available) so you can make this on your grill. You can also order extras via a phone in the room.

It was a lot of fun and offered excellent value for money. My okonomiyaki was not going to win any awards for taste but making it yourself is one of the most fun and interactive things to do in Osaka.

Getting there: the closest station is Namba Station, from there it is a 5 minute walk. Get directions here.

16. Pokemon Centre

Like many kids, I dreamt of becoming a Pokemon Master, convinced I could catch ’em all! While reality had other plans, I did get to fulfil a childhood fantasy by stepping into a miniature Pokemon universe. The Pokemon Centre in Umeda is overflowing full of Pokemon toys, gadgets, and collectables. Come here for a nice dose of nostalgia and fun!

You can also trade pokemon cards here, the area where this happens appeared quite intense, with strategic players.

Any Pokemon fans should also check out the Pokemon Cafe in Shinshaibaishi, reservations are recommended.

17. Kuromon Ichiba Market

Calling all foodies, Kuromon Ichiba Market is a must visit during your time in Osaka. Come here and sample all the tastiest bites that Japanese cuisine offers. Known as Osaka’s kitchen due to many chefs buying their produce here. There is so much variety in this market, a food tour with a local can help you navigate this new cuisine.

The seafood is fresh and a real highlight of this market, you think of the fish and Kuromon Market will likely have it, it’s one of the best places to sample different types of sashimi along with succulent unagi (eel) and melt in your mouth blue fin tuna. I also recommend tasting the Wagu or Kobe beef skewers, renowned for their marbling, although pricey they are insanely delicious, the beef literally dissolves in your mouth.

A unexpected highlight of the market for me was the 100 year old tofu stall; Takahashi-shokuhin that is famous for its high quality homemade soy milk. Smooth and surprisingly sweet, it is absolutely delicious.

Other stalls I recommend are pane pane for melon bread and Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka for grilled scallops.

Due to its immense popularity, Kuromon Market can get crowded, so be prepared for bustling crowds. Keep in mind that most vendors here are cash-only, so come prepared. There are approximately 150 shops and stalls so give yourself about 2 hours here to explore and sample all the best foods!

Getting there: the closest station to Kuromon Ichiba Market is Nippombashi Station. Get directions here.

18. Nerd Out At Den Den Town

A haven for anime and manga lovers, Den Den Town is all about nerding out! An almost 1 km stretch of street, selling a treasure trove of anime, electronics, and video games – from retro classics to the latest releases. There are also a large number of maid cafes in this area.

Many shops also sell second hand electronics so you might just snag a great deal! If you aren’t into anime or the nerdy stuff, it is still worth checking out the culture and the cool vintage goods.

Getting there: the closest station is Namba Station, from there it is a 10 minute walk. Get directions here.

19. Namba Yasaka Shrine

Tucked away down the quiet street close to Namba Parks you will find one of the most unique shrines in Japan. Believed to be build in the 4^th century, it has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times.

The shrine is a 12 metre tall lion head with its mouth wide open and gold teeth bared. Don’t be scared of the lion mouth, it leaves you with good luck, the open mouth is said to swallow any evil spirits that may be plaguing you

Although the shrine is small it is worth a visit due to its unique design, if you do visit I recommend stopping by Namba Parks shopping centre and checking out their rooftop gardens.

Getting there: the closest station is Namba Station, from there it is a 7 minute walk. Get directions here.

20. Instant Noodle Museum

Make your own packet of cup noodles at this quirky museum. Choose everything from the soup flavour, and toppings, to the design of the cup. The noodles remain fresh for up to 90 days, it’s a fun thing to do in Osaka if you are searching for a souvenir for yourself or someone at home.

Not only can you make your own noodles, there’s also plenty of information about the beloved cup noodles and their evolution to a household staple snack.

Entrance to the museum is free, but creating your own cup of noodles costs ¥500.

Getting there: the closest station is Ikeda Station, from there it is a 4 minute walk to the Cup Noodle Museum. Get directions here.

21. Suntory Yamazaki Distillery + Museum

A powerhouse on the Japanese alcohol scene, Suntory specializes in premium Japanese whiskey. It’s also one of the oldest alcohol companies in Japan.

The tour is fascinating, it takes visitors through the whiskey making process from grain to glass. The highlight is the tasting session which includes high end whiskeys that have been aged for decades and typically priced in the thousands!

Be aware that booking must be made through their official website and involves a lottery system, so securing a spot on the tour (and coveted tasting session) can be competitive.

Getting there: it takes 30 minutes to reach Suntory Yamazaki Distillery from Osaka Station. The closest station is Yamazaki Station, from there it is a 10 minute walk. Get directions here.

22. Make A Splash At Hozenji Temple

Nestled in the heart of Osaka down a quaint and unassuming alley is Hozenji Temple. The temple features a statue of Fudo Myo-o, who represents discipline and moral character, its covered in moss.

There is a cool story behind this Fudo statue, legend has it that 80 years ago a lady made a wish while splashing the statue with water, her wish came true, so now everybody who visits splashes the statue with water while making a wish. All this splashing caused lush green moss to grow.

So try it for yourself, make a wish and splash the statue!

While in the area make sure to stop by Hozen-jo Yokocho Alley, a narrow alley filled with izakayas, the alley has an old time charm about it. It goes back to the Edo period (1603 – 1868), many people would come to the many teahouses that were once here to take a break from worshipping. Today, in place of these teahouses are well establishes restaurants and bars.

23. Take a Japanese Cooking Class

Give yourself the best souvenir, the lifetime knowledge of learning how to cook ramen and gyoza’s like a local! Where better to learn than in Osaka, the undisputed kitchen of Japan?

This hands on interactive class will show you how make wheat noodles from scratch, along with the broth and toppings. Making sure that when you make this dish at home, you will be transported back to Japan. Money well spent I think!

24. Go Strawberry Mad At Strawberry Mania

Japan is renowned for its strawberries, particularly the plump, juicy Amaou variety. These incredibly sweet berries are so prized that they often find their way into some of the country’s most decadent desserts.

You can get strawberry desserts everywhere in Japan, 7-11 even has some super tasty ones, but if you want to try a selection of different strawberry desserts I recommend Strawberry Mania. It is a chain, so you will find them in a few locations in Osaka, but I found everything so delicious!

I loved the custard daifuku and the candied strawberries!

25. Bear Paw Cafe

This is the cutest concept with the most wholesome story of why this cafe was set up. Bear Paw cafe was created to help people with social anxiety. All orders are placed through a machine, when your order is ready a bear paw pops out of a hole in the wall and hands you your drink.

Along with drinks they sell parfaits, the matcha one is delicious!

Getting there: the closest station to the Bear Paw Cafe is Tanimachi Station. Get directions here.

26. Nara Day Trip

Have you ever dreamt of feeding majestic, bowing deer? Visiting the deers of Nara is an incredible experience, and is a must do Japan experience. Where else in the world can you experience this! The good news is that Nara Park is only a 40 minute train ride from Osaka making it easy to fit into your trip.

There is a lot to see in Nara Park, but of course the deer are the main attraction. There are thousands of deer that call this park home, the deer have learned that bowing earns them a cracker. Some can be a bit cheeky about it and will nip at your coat pockets. You can buy these crackers across the park, they cost 200 yen for 10 biscuits, then witness their adorable three bow routine. We ended up buying many packets, as we just loved the experience.

To make the deer bow when feeding them all you need to do is hold the cracker up high, they will bow 3 times, you will then place the cracker into their mouth. The sheer number of deer might seem overwhelming at first, but rest assured, they’re generally calm and content to graze or interact as they please.

The park is massive with many places to see, I recommend spending a few hours exploring all the paths. Places you should not miss out on in Nara Park are T?dai-ji temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Mount Wakakusa.

27. Minoh Park

While often mistaken for just a city, Osaka is actually a prefecture with lots of fun things to do outside the city centre. One of these is Minoh Park, located just 30 minutes from Umeda station. Minoh Park is not on many travellers radar. The highlight of the park is Minoh falls, a 33 metre tranquil waterfall. To reach this waterfall you need to do a short hike/walk, that is accessible for all fitness levels.

Minoh is famous for their unique maple leaf tempura, this is maple leaves that have been deep fried in a sweet and crunchy batter. Strangely delicious!

If you are looking to see the nature that Kansai has to offer, then a trip to Minoh Park will not disappoint.

I recently visited Minoh Park, you can read about the best things to do at Minoh here.

28. Statues Of Dontonbori Hotel

Wandering along Dotonburi I found myself giggling at an entrance of a hotel that featured four giant heads, complete with legs, feet, and a big bum! They certainly grab attention.

Why did the hotel choose this strange design? They simply wanted to attract more customers. Each pillar is representative of physical features of people from Europe, Middle East, East Asia, and Africa. This unique choice has certainly paid off, as the hotel is now a popular landmark and sought-after place to stay in Osaka.

29. Abeno Harukas

At 300 metres, Abeno Harukas stands tall as Japan’s largest skyscraper. The Harukas 300 observation deck on 51st floor offers unparalleled views of the city. I suggest coming here at sunset, this will give you the chance to see the skyline during both the day and night, and of course the incredible Japanese sunset.

Abeno Harukas is much more than an observatory; the basement is a metro station, above this is a 14 floor department store, there is also an art museum, offices and hotel.

Purchase tickets online here.

30. Don Qijoute

If you have already been to Japan then Don Qijoute is no news to you, it is a bit of an institution for tourists. This is for a very good reason, It has everything you could need, want, and think of! People often take a spare empty suitcase with them to Japan so they can stock up on Don Qijoute essentials!

I felt like I died and went to retail therapy heaven while I was browsing the extensive range of beauty products in Don Qijoute. Retinol face masks, collagen creams, body lotions that make your skin feel like silk, luxurious hair treatments, the products are of high quality and inexpensive! Another reason to love Don Qijoute is their range of Japanese snacks such as baked cheesecake sweets, kit kats, Ghana chocolate, buldak noodles, and mochi. Other items sold in Don Qijoute include clothing, footwear, designer items, kitchen utensils, and toys.

You can buy items tax free, the only catch is that they will be sealed and you will not be allowed to use them until you are in your home country.

31. Sweets Love Hotel

This last one is a bit silly, and I only recommend visiting here if you are in the area. Sweets Hotel is a love hotel, previously called Little Chapel, it was the most impressive love hotel I have seen in Osaka. The exterior is adjourned with candy canes, ice cream cones, biscuits, and just all things sweet!

I didn’t stay here but their rooms are also sweet themed, it might be a fun place to stay for a night with your friends before a night out!

Where To Stay In Osaka (with map)

This short guide will help you pick the most suitable area to stay in Osaka for your needs.

1. Shinshiabaishi and Namba (red) 2. Umeda (purple) 3. Honmachi + Nakanoshima (blue) 4. Tennoji (yellow)

1. Shinshiabaishi and Namba (Minami area)

The area of Minami is the best place to stay for first timers to Osaka, you are in the heart of the city with easy access to Shinshiabaishi and Dontonburi. There are plenty of fun bars and restaurants, and shops. It is the entertainment district of Osaka

What’s here: Dontonburi, Amerika-mura, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Honzen-ji temple, Shinshiabaishi shopping street, Namba Parks.

Recommended Hotels

Budget: Feel Osaka Yu Mid-range: Hotel Nikko Luxury: Dotonbori Hotel

2. Umeda (Kita Area)

Umeda is a major commercial and business district with lots of skyscrapers. If you plan to do a few day trips then Umeda is the best place to stay due to its proximity to Umeda rail station.

What’s here? Umeda sky building, Hep 5 ferris wheel, Pokemon centre,

Recommended Hotels

Budget: Apartment Hotel 11 Mid-range: Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Luxury: Nest

3. Honmachi + Nakanoshima

Honmachi and Nakanoshima are technically 2 different areas, but due to their small size and proximity I put them together in order to not over complicate things. Nakanoshima is a trendy area whereas Honmachi is much quieter and residential. Both are well connected to the subway offering an excellent base for exploring.

What’s here? Nakanoshima park, national museum of Art, Osaka science museum, Utsubo Park

Recommended Hotels

Budget: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Mid-range: Royal Park Iconic Luxury: Conrad

4. Tennoji

Tennoji is the old part of Osaka, this is where Shinsekai is, it is very lively with many bars and restaurants. Although there are many tourists close to the Shinsekai side, parts of Tennoji feel very local, especially Janjan-Yokocho shopping street which also has many small karaoke bars where you wil spot locals blasting tunes at all areas of the day

What’s here? Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku tower, denden town, Abeno Harukas, Janjan-Yokocho

Recommended Hotels

Budget: Joytel Mid-range: OMO7 Luxury: Marriott Miyako Hotel

Know Before You Go – Osaka

Easiest Way To Get Around Osaka

Getting around Osaka is super easy, the subway system is fast, efficient, and reliable with reasonable fares. The trains are clean and comfortable, and the signs are also in English.

Google maps works great here to help navigate the subway stations, even telling you which carriage to get on for fast exit, and what exit to leave the subway station.

The easiest way to pay for your fare is by getting your hands on an IC Card. These cards can be used on all transport networks across Japan. There are 2 types of IC card:

1. Physical IC Card: these can be purchased in the station from the machines pictured above, you load money onto them and just tap on and tap off at the gates or;
   
2. Virtual IC Card: add a SUICA card to your apple wallet, and top it up from there. This is so easy, just go to the wallet app, add new travel card, select SUICA card. You then add money to this card from your phone, and use the virtual card to tap on and tap off at the gates.

You can also use these cards to make purchases on vending machines and some shops (including 7-11).

Best Time To Visit Osaka

The best times to visit Osaka are in spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (October and November). These seasons offer the best weather for travelling. Along with optimal temperatures, it is also when Japans beautiful scenery flourishes. Come springtime, Osaka’s delicate cherry blossoms paint the city in pastel pink, making it picture-perfect. Similarly, autumn offers a burning palette of reds and oranges, creating a stunning when visiting shrines and temples.

Osaka has cooler weather than Tokyo, January is the coldest month with temperatures dipping to 6°C. Whereas Summer can become very humid and wet, with the highest temperatures occurring in August reaching 29°C. June is the wettest with 9 inches of rain.

How many days do you need in Osaka

Osaka is a fun city, full of surprises, energy and delicious food. It’s location makes it a fabulous base for day trip to Nara and even Kyoto. I would recommend spending a minimum of 3 days to explore all that Osaka has to offer. If you plan to do any day trips then i would suggest staying longer, and not cutting your time in Osaka short.

How far is Osaka from Tokyo

It takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to travel between Osaka and Tokyo on their high speed bullet trains called Shinkansen. This journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, for about 20 minutes you have incredible views of Mt. Fuji.

You can book tickets on the official website here.

Which is better – Osaka or Tokyo

Tokyo

Tokyo, a gigantic concrete jungle twice the size of Osaka, boasts towering skyscrapers that pierce the clouds. Yet, amongst the sprawling metropolis are areas that offer a glimpse into the past, like the bustling Omoide Yokocho (affectionally named “piss alley). If the city ever gets overwhelming, there are many parks to relax in. Tokyo has so much to discover, I feel a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to uncover it all.

Osaka

In comparison to Tokyo, Osaka offers a friendlier, more laid-back, and less formal atmosphere. True to its title as the culinary capital, you’ll find incredible restaurants here, but be prepared to queue. I found the lines for restaurants much longer in Osaka, with waits of up to 2 hours not uncommon. Although shopping streets are disappearing across Japan, Osaka’s vibrant shopping culture thrives in bustling arcades like Shinsaibashi and Nanyo-dori Shopping Street. In terms of cost, Osaka is more affordable for accommodation, but no major differences in eating out or buying groceries.

Overall…

My advice is to visit both cities if you can. However, I know this isn’t always possible. If you have only 5 days in Japan and are deciding which city to choose, I recommend spending those days experiencing Tokyo. Save Osaka for your next trip. Don’t rush through both cities; you’ll miss out on so much great stuff.

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