Things to do in Osaka
Stroll beside the canal in Dotonbori, where the signs and the food stalls run the length of the water: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. Osaka Castle Park offers stone walls, a moat, and views of the main tower, while Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan brings you close to marine life. Shinsaibashi is for shopping, Nakanoshima for museums and river walks, and Shinsekai – where kushikatsu began – for Tsutenkaku and the alleys under it.
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan
There are thrilling rides themed around Hollywood's superstar movies, fantastic performances by popular cartoon characters, and more, so everyone can have fun! Featuring the world's first Nintendo theme park, experience the world of Super Mario in an immersive way! Festive limited parades and float tours! Everyone is a protagonist in this enthusiastic parade where everyone is full of passion and vigor! Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) in Osaka is one of the world's five Universal Studios theme parks, which opened for business in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. It is similar in design to Universal Studios Orlando in the U.S., with popular parks such as Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Waterworld, and more than 60 fun-filled attractions. With these attractions, you can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan is also home to popular themed IP parks such as “Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)”, “Minion Park” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Whether it's interacting with the minions, riding on Mario Kart, or traveling through the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, it's an unforgettable experience that is full of excitement. △“Super Nintendo World” is the world's first Nintendo theme park built by Nintendo in cooperation with Universal Studios Japan. With the globally popular Super Mario as the protagonist, the game's Kuba Castle, Princess Brigitte's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom are reproduced 1:1 in a super-realistic way, providing immersive experiences of the world of Super Mario! △The “Freeze Ray Sliders” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” will get you involved in a huge farce and heat wave with the minions! The Minions have finally fulfilled their ambitions! All of humanity will be a part of the mayhem at the Minion Park! △Embracing a variety of areas with unique characteristics, wonderment and surprise, Universal Studios Japan covers a whole spectrum of world-class entertainment through thrilling rides and shows themed on blockbuster Hollywood movies, as well as seasonal events for all ages to enjoy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will reproduce the world from the Harry Potter™ stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale at Universal Studios Japan.Osaka · 7.1km from downtown
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is located in the center of Osaka. The iconic view in the park is Osaka Castle tower, along with Nishinomaru Garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and Osaka Castle Plum Grove. It also has well-equipped public facilities such as a softball field, outdoor music hall, and rugby/soccer field. Osaka Castle Park is lush with vegetation, and during the flower season, groups of visitors come to enjoy the scenery. Scenery varies with the seasons Osaka Castle Park is surrounded by various vegetation and planted with numerous trees. Cherry blossoms are everywhere in Nishinomaru Garden, and you can also enjoy night cherry blossoms in spring. The plum grove has thousands of plum trees with many varieties. There is also the peach garden in the north and the stunning red leaves of the memorial forest. Its ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons captivates countless travelers. Stone walls and moats The massive stone walls built with huge rocks are a symbol of the impregnable Osaka Castle of the Tokugawa shogunate. The moat is 70-90 m wide, with towering stone walls on both sides, often exceeding 20 m in height. Travelers visiting the site are all amazed by the grandeur of the architecture. Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum) The Osaka Castle Main Tower standing in the park is very famous. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top floor of Osaka Castle Main Tower. Other facilities Osaka Castle outdoor music hall and Osaka Castle gymnasium often host concerts. In addition, there are sports facilities such as an archery range and a dojo.Osaka · 2.3km from downtown
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a large aquarium themed around the Pacific Ocean, with a visiting route designed as a journey "from land to the ocean depths": visitors first pass through the tunnel-shaped "Aqua Gate" tank, watching tropical fish swim overhead; then take a long escalator directly to the top floor, starting from the "Japanese forest" tank bathed in sunlight, where stream creatures can be found amid waterfall sounds and lush greenery; then descend floor by floor along a spiral ramp, circling the central "Pacific Ocean" tank and passing through exhibits of the Tasman Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Japan Trench and other marine areas. The same tank reappears at different floors, offering distinct perspectives from above, at eye level and below—the entire walk feels like diving around the Pacific. The aquarium houses over 600 species and tens of thousands of marine creatures. Its centerpiece is the "Pacific Ocean" tank, approx. nine meters deep with over 5,000 tons of water, where iconic whale sharks glide gracefully alongside large rays flapping their "wings" and swirling schools of silver fish. The "Tasman Sea" tank showcases agile spotted dolphins with dynamic swimming postures. The "Arctic Circle" exhibit recreates both ice surface and subglacial seawater across two levels, with ringed seals darting near the ice edges. In the dimly lit "Moon Jelly Galaxy," pulsating jellyfish resemble floating star clusters, making it a popular photo spot. Plan at least half a day for your visit, as crowds mainly gather around the central large tank. When walking down the ramp, pay attention to the medium and small tanks on both sides - exhibits like penguins and sea lions are scattered along the route and can be easily missed if hurried. The aquarium also features a touch pool where you can feel the skin of sharks and rays, a particularly worthwhile experience for families with children. △ [Gate of water] is like a transparent underwater tunnel, unveiling a blue world before you. △ [Tasman Sea] The white-sided dolphins are swimming dynamically in this pool. △ [Pacific Ocean] This aquarium is home to many creatures, including confidently swimming whale sharks and gracefully flapping manta rays.Osaka · 8km from downtown
Umeda Sky Building
•Unfind with the sky •A building connected by the Kuchu Teien Observatory •Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird's-eye view from the 360-degree open air rooftop The Umeda Sky Building is located in the Umeda district of north Osaka. A rather uniquely designed building, it consists of two towers that are connected at with a rooftop observatory deck, from which visitors can view the dazzling streets below. The building has become a landmark in Osaka, with visitors coming to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. △ Space filled with excitement on the way to the sky △ A 360-degree open air rooftop observation floor for changing views at any time △ Stand at the 173-meter-high Sky Garden Observation Deck and enjoy the dynamic night view of Osaka CityOsaka · 1.7km from downtown
Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory
The iconic building, which combines three squares, is the distinctive appearance of Abeno Harukas, and at the same time represents a "vertical city" where various facilities such as department stores, hotels, offices, art museums, and observation decks coexist. The design is not only symbolic of the distinctive features of Abeno Harukas, but also familiar to many people. The colors are "akane-iro" (red madder) and "sumi-iro" (black ink), which have been used since ancient times in Japan. Akane is a plant that is used to make red dye, and in waka poetry it is also used as a pillow word for "sun" (sun) and "shine". It is a warm color that is fitting for Abeno Harukas, which is "the first to shine in the morning sun and the longest to be dyed in the evening sun" in Osaka. Abeno Harukas, a 300m-tall skyscraper complex, is directly connected to Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and JR and Osaka Metro Tennoji Station. There are a variety of shops, including one of Japan's largest department stores, an observation deck, an art museum, and a hotel, so you can enjoy yourself all day long. There is also a wide selection of delicious gourmet food, including lunches and sweets that can be enjoyed along with Osaka's most spectacular views.Osaka · 5.4km from downtown
Osaka Castle Museum
The Osaka Castle Museum is the core structure of Osaka Castle. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi began construction of the castle here, earning it the nickname "Hideyoshi's castle." The current museum, seen today, is a reinforced concrete reconstruction completed in 1931 based on the design from the Toyotomi era. Its interior has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle. Standing atop a tall stone foundation, the building features white walls adorned with green roof tiles. Its upturned eaves are decorated with gold-leaf tigers and golden shachihoko (mythical creatures with tiger heads and fish bodies), making it an instantly recognizable landmark of Osaka. Visiting the tower and viewing exhibitions are the main activities here: the small theater on the first floor loops several short films about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle, with Chinese subtitles; the second floor introduces basic knowledge about Osaka Castle and Japanese castles, where visitors can try on restored Sengoku-period helmets and jinbaori for photos, with optional women's kosode available, and also see full-scale replicas of the golden shachihoko and crouching tiger roof ornaments; the third and fourth floors display historical materials about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Sengoku period, which are rotated approximately every two months, with the third floor also featuring a restored model of the golden tea room and Osaka Castle models from both the Toyotomi and Tokugawa periods—note that photography is prohibited on these two floors; the fifth floor recreates the fierce battle scenes from the "Summer Siege of Osaka" folding screens using miniature figurines and projections; the seventh floor's "Mechanized Taikoki" uses dynamic miniature dioramas to depict Hideyoshi's life from humble origins to unifying the nation; the eighth floor is an observation deck approximately 50 m above ground, offering panoramic views of Osaka Castle Park and the cityscape. The elevator inside the building only goes up to the fifth floor directly, and the remaining floors require stairs, so visitors with elderly or young children should plan accordingly. The surrounding scenery offers seasonal highlights: cherry blossoms bloom in clusters along the moat and in the park during spring, while fall foliage contrasts with stone walls and white walls, making it another photogenic season beyond the castle tower.Osaka · 2.3km from downtown
Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku is located in the northern part of Shinsekai, Osaka, with a total height of 103 m. Although it is not as charming and dreamy as Tokyo Tower, both were designed by architect Tachu Naito. In the Conan movie "The last wizard of the century," the "sky pavilion" referred to by the phantom thief Kid in the riddle is Tsutenkaku. Standing at the foot of Tsutenkaku and looking up, you'll notice an 8-sided weather forecast light at the top of the tower. Though inconspicuous during the day, it transforms into magical colors at night to indicate tomorrow's weather. White represents sunny weather, orange means cloudy, blue indicates rain, and pink signifies snow, which is quite interesting. If you see half white and half orange, it means the weather will change from sunny to cloudy. Tsutenkaku has 5 floors, and the large observation deck at the top offers a beautiful view of Osaka. There are 2 entrances next to the base of the tower, one is the observation deck entrance and the other is the underground shopping street entrance. The ticket office of Tsutenkaku is located underground, so you need to go down to the B1 floor to buy tickets. There are also many specialty shops here. Muscle man museum on the second floor After purchasing tickets, take the elevator to the second floor and pass through a corridor to reach the exhibition level of Tsutenkaku. The second floor features a muscle man museum (Kinnikuman museum) with various interesting exhibits related to muscle man, and no additional ticket is required. You can also see a retro model of the Hankai tram on the second floor. Observation deck on the fifth floor On the 2nd floor, you need to transfer to the elevator that goes directly to the 5th-floor observation deck. When you reach the observation deck on the top 5th floor, you can overlook the entire cityscape of Osaka, such as the Osaka Castle tower in the distance and the nearby zoo. There are also 8 adorable statues of the Seven Lucky Gods, with the most popular being the pointy-headed Billiken. It is said that rubbing the soles of Billiken's feet brings good luck, especially for academics and love, which is why one foot has been rubbed to a shine. You can spend 300 yen to buy a Goshuincho (stamp book) of the Eight Lucky Gods and then stamp the commemorative seals representing each god in the booklet. Observation deck on the fourth floor Go down to the fourth floor, where there is also an observation deck. At night, this space displays dreamy cosmic patterns. Reference room on the third floor The 3rd floor houses an archive where you can see many miniature models and videos showcasing the appearance of the New World 100 years ago. This floor also features two Glico models, and it's great fun to take photos by crawling into the box.Osaka · 4.6km from downtown
Hot Springs in Osaka
Japan · Osaka
Shinsekai
Shinsekai is a famous old district in Osaka, including Tsutenkaku Tower and many historic shops. It's an iconic scene showcasing Osaka's unique character, filled with the charm of a traditional downtown area. Its distinctive neon signs and various 3D billboards are its visual landmarks, and it has appeared in many films and television shows. The northern part of Shinsekai was modeled after Paris, while the southern part was modeled after Coney Island in New York. Tsutenkaku Tower, one of Osaka's landmarks, is located in the northern part of Shinsekai. Although this iron tower reaching into the sky looks somewhat simple and dilapidated, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Osaka residents. Shinsekai has many nostalgic alleyways, one of which is Takumi-Yokado in the southeast. It is said to have gotten its name from the "takumi" sound made when geisha played the taisho koto (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument). Its official name now is Nanyo-dori Shopping Street.During Osaka's post-World War II reconstruction period, Takumiyoko Alley was a popular shopping and dining street for locals, and it still retains its original appearance. Lined with izakayas (Japanese pubs), yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants, general stores, and chess rooms filled with middle-aged men, it's a lively area. Another must-try food in Shinsekai is kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), one of Osaka's most famous snacks. This delicacy comes in a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, pumpkin, asparagus, banana, and ice cream desserts. Kushikatsu shops are almost everywhere in Shinsekai, and they become incredibly crowded after nightfall.Osaka · 4.7km from downtown
Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower
We offer a variety of baths and saunas, including an open-air hot spring bath with flowing source water, a garden-view bath overlooking the vast garden, carbonated springs, and rotating baths, as well as body scrubbing. A place to heal your daily fatigue and recharge your energy for tomorrow, Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower. Step back in time to the Azuchi-Momoyama period! This unique space blends traditional Japanese charm with modern elegance, offering an unprecedented experience. Enjoy natural open-air hot springs, foot baths, stone saunas, relaxation areas, Japanese cuisine, wagashi sweets, and a rooftop Japanese garden—all while wearing yukata robes to immerse yourself in the ambiance of ancient times for a truly special moment. Hot spring Soraniwa Onsen boasts garden-view baths overlooking a vast Japanese garden, along with nine types of baths including open-air baths fed by natural hot springs (hypotonic, weakly alkaline, and high-temperature) drawn from 1,000 meters underground. These baths are expected to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, sprains, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, fatigue recovery, and overall health improvement. Private open-air bath We offer 10 completely private rooms with open-air hot spring baths fed by flowing source water and small gardens. There are 2 special rooms recommended for 4-6 guests, 7 private rooms for up to 4 guests, and 1 private room with a tent sauna. Enjoy the natural hot spring "beauty skin water" with flowing source water in your private space. Ganbanyoku (stone spa) The seven types of stone baths at Nekkaze Yokocho warm your body from the core with far-infrared rays, promoting health, beauty, and relaxation through deep sweating effects. Meal Enjoy a variety of food, from seasonal delicacies to photogenic sweets! Enjoy a colorful menu featuring festival-style food stalls, dining spots that delight both the eyes and the palate, and tea houses proud of their Instagram-worthy sweets. Access About 10 minutes by train from Osaka Station (Umeda Station)! JR/Osaka Metro Bentencho Station is right there. , Route from JR Bentencho Stationhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/GoFE3G4CNT4?rel=0&autoplay=1&mute=1 Route from Osaka Metro Bentencho Stationhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/3VB--bjnJfI?rel=0&autoplay=1&mute=1Osaka · 4.7km from downtown
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Osaka Castle Park
Osaka · 2.3km from downtownUmeda Sky Building
Osaka · 1.7km from downtownShinsekai
Osaka · 4.7km from downtown
Umeda
Osaka · 959m from downtown
Osaka Castle
Osaka · 2.3km from downtown
Dotonbori
Osaka · 2.8km from downtown
Namba
Osaka · 3.1km from downtown
Shinsaibashisuji
Osaka · 2.4km from downtown
Tennoji Park
Osaka · 4.8km from downtown
What travellers say about Osaka
Ganbileg040923 October 2026
5.0
Had a great time with my family it was way better than disney land
Universal Studios Japan
Crendellee20 October 2026
5.0
The castle is must a visit. Purchasing tickets from Trip ahead made the visit very convenient. We don't need to queue and we entered the castle immediately.
Osaka Castle Park
StarryTrips7 October 2026
5.0
Huge aquarium with helpful staff and is easy to navigate. The ticket prices were fair, and the array of creatures featured here was diverse; the whale sharks stole the show. The aquarium does get quite crowded around weekends and the holidays, so definitely plan in advance. This place should take about 2-3 hours to walk through. Overall the scenery was beautiful and the area it’s in is excellent for food and walking around.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Aleksandr Petikov8 October 2026
4.0
Довольно неплохая смотровая площадка с интересной архитектурой. Будьте готовы к очередям в предзакатное/ закатное время и к тому, что выход из здания занимает даже больше времени, чем вход в эти часы. В целом довольны посещением.
Umeda Sky Building
Timoo22 October 2026
5.0
What an amazing view from the top from the Abeno Harukas 300.
Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory
_TI***fr12 October 2026
5.0
It’s showed the related historycal knowledge in a very intresting manner. It gives a lot of information and you don’t need to wait for the tickets office, where always has big line.
Osaka Castle Museum
卡拉布里亚卫子夫13 October 2026
4.0
Fellow travelers, I had a terrible experience at Tsutenkaku Tower today! The queues were endless, the views from the top floor and the night view were just average. The only surprise was the slide, which was incredibly fun, but even then, the queue was still super long… Overall, it was just okay, the kind of attraction you only need to visit once.
Summary: Two hours queuing, half an hour of actual playtime. The slide was the MVP, the scenery and night view were so-so, and it was so crowded you had to squeeze through the whole time. But since we were there, we considered it a completed visit.
Tsutenkaku
_TI***dv5 October 2026
4.0
Osaka Shinseka is a must do if you are in Osaka. It was amazing to take a stroll as there are lots of shops, great restaurants, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Shinsekai
Anonymous user5 October 2026
5.0
Visited it during rainy day, feel refreshed after tryig their bath, beware of kids behave inappropriately as they treythe hot spring as pool and never tied up their hair
Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower
