Osaka is only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, but has a very different personality to Japan’s capital city. Hop off the bullet train into an area of exciting nightlife, delicious food and straight-talking, friendly locals. Along with plenty of shopping and modern attractions, Osaka also has a historical side, the highlight of which is Osaka Castle. The castle is a great place to discover more about Japanese history and to wander the beautiful grounds, especially during cherry blossom season in April when the sakura blooms and the weather is often at its best. Here are just some of the many attractions you should make time for on your visit:
- Osaka Castle
The famous 16th century Osaka Castle, situated on grounds which cover 15 acres, is known as one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. The castle was modelled on Azuchi Castle, one of the primary castles of Oda Nobunaga, but went on to become larger and grander. At around the turn of the 17th century construction on the castle was completed, but over the subsequent years a moat elevate towers and new walls were added to strengthen its defense. Today the castle is a reproduction of the original building, while the inside is used as a modern museum. The castle tower features an informative museum which retells its history and has been completely renovated so that it even features an elevator for easy accessibility. Pay a visit to the Nishinomaru Garden which encompasses the former western citadel of the castle and features the former Osaka Guest House, a traditional teahouse, and lawns with 600 cherry trees which are a joy to visit during the cherry blossom season in early April.
Explore Osaka castle and ground on bike by visiting: Osaka Castle
- Dontonbori
One of Osaka’s busiest, brightest and most bustling tourist attractions in Dontonbori neighborhood, running parallel to the Dontonbori canal from the Dotonboribashi Bridge to the Nipponbashi Bridge. Dotonbori is a popular nightlife and entertainment district, made famous by the Gilco confectionary company billboard image of a runner. One of the main reasons to visit Dotonbori is the abundance of restaurants which serve traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Notable eateries include the three restaurants from the Kinryu Ramen Chain with their outdoor seating and 24/7 service, the famous Kani Doraku crab restaurant, the Hariju beef restaurant an eight story culinary experience from cuisine from different areas of Osaka represented on each floor.
Experience Osaka nightlife and culture by taking an: Evening Walking Tour
- Food Culture
Leading on from the Dontonburi, Osaka’s famous food culture or Kuidaore (eat until you drop) resonates all throughout the city. Osaka is the ultimate food destination, and whether it is budget food or the best possible culinary and gourmet dinners you are looking for you’re sure to find them. No matter what your budget you won’t go hungry in this city, and no matter what your taste bud are geared towards you won’t leave disappointed. There are two (Dontonbori and Shinsekai) main restaurant, or dining areas that are both chock-full of different sized places to eat, with the rest of the city sporting quite a fair number of locations. What you really want though are the dishes that the locals have perfected during the centuries that Osaka has served as a economical hub for agricultural products. This also explains why the food is so delicious and the culinary tradition so vast and varied: all kind of ingredients from seafood to vegetables spices and meat, including Kobe beef, are readily available and even quite cheap.
For information on Osaka’s food culture please visit the link below: Half Day foodie Bike Tour or Evening Foodie Tour
The basic street food starts with Takoyaki, these are basically bite sized piece of octopus rolled into a ball with spices and flour, baked in a griddle cast iron pan with hemispherical molds. Best eaten on the spot piping hot and available for cheap almost anywhere. The next bite on the menu is Okonomiyaki (yaki means grilled in Japanese), a pancake like dish that can be made from various ingredients. Kushikatus in turn is a continuation to these easy eat street foods. Its basically battered and deep fried meats and vegetables on skewers. When it comes to meat you must try the different Korean and Japanese barbeque joints, these can be found in a great variety with places that range from a variety of guts to the best of Kobe beef, and from places where the chef prepares the dinner in front of you to places where you get to barbeque it yourself.
Yakitori
Along with sushi and sashimi, one of my favorite things to eat in Osaka are the small plates of delicious food served at Izakaya’s, Japanese pubs. Food is typically served on small plates where the focus is one flavor and quality over quantity, and dishes at Izakaya restaurants can range from slices of tuna belly to grilled skewers of chicken or pork. Yakitori, Japanese grilled skewers of chicken, is one of my favorite Izakaya foods. You won’t just get a skewer of bland chicken. The chicken will likely be some of the juiciest and most flavorful chicken you’ve ever had, always cooked over charcoal. If you’re not too picky, the best way to order yakitori is to just order the amount of skewers you want in your set, and let the chef mix and match the parts of the chicken for you. The two things that stand out most to me about eating yakitori are that the chicken is always grilled over real charcoal (giving it an always natural and delicious smoky flavor), and that the chicken is never overcooked.
- Universal Studios
Similar to the Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan is a theme park located in Osaka which attracts around 8 million visitors each year, and is the fifth most popular amusement or theme park in the world. The park is arranged into ten main areas, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, added in 2014. Areas include New York, themed in the city and featuring attractions such as the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. The Hollywood area features attractions such as Shrek’s 4-D Adventure, Hollywood Dream – the Ride and the night time Magical Starlight Parade. The back to the Future Ride stars in the San Francisco area, while Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster dinosaur trilogy is the feature attraction in the Jurassic area. Super Nintendo world is the latest addition to USJ located behind the Wizarding world of Harry Potter. Relive your childhood Mario kart adventures or engage with your favorite character’s in this highly interactive and colorful world.
For ticket prices and pass options please visit the link: Universal Studios Japan
- Osaka Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan showcases the aquatic creatures of the Pacific Rim in an excellent recreation of the their natural habitats. The aquarium is home to 15 large tanks which represent different areas of the region , including a Japanese Forest, home to sea otters, sea lions and seals, as well as the Antarctica where you will meet the majestic King Penguin up front.
One of the main attractions of the aquarium is the 9 meter deep tank known as the Pacific Ocean which is home to the huge whale sharks, known as the largest fish species. You will also see interesting fish such as the scalloped hammerhead and Japanese jack fish species. The rockhopper penguins are housed in the Falkland Islands exhibition where you can see them swimming or hopping around on the rocks. The aquarium is highly interactive, and visitors are able to touch and feel the life of marine species in the exhibition known as the Maldives.
- Umeda Sky Building
Located between the two towers which make up Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building, the Floating Garden Observatory (also known as the Sky Garden) provides visitors with one of the best views in the city. The observatory is essentially a platform which serves as a bridge between the towers of this 173 meter tall building and provides an unobstructed view of Osaka and further on until Awaji Island. Many plan their trips so that they can visit the Floating Garden Observatory at sunset, when the views are particularly magnificent, while nighttime visits are also popular. Enter the building via the Fun Plaza entrance, and then take an elevator to the 39th floor. This ride is an experience in itself as you are actually travelling around four stories in a suspended tunnel.
- Tenjin Matsuri Festival
The Tenjin Festival of Osaka is ranked as one of Japan’s top three festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri of Kyoto and the Kanda Matsuri of Tokyo. The festival started in the 10th century and today takes place on July 24 and 25 every year. The main celebrations are held on the festival’s second, July 25 including a land procession and a river procession with fireworks.
Tenjin Matsuri is the festival of the Tenmangu Shrine and honors its principle deity Sugawara Michizane, the deity of scholarship. The festival begins by ceremonially inviting the deity out of the shrine and parading him through the city, carrying out various exuberant festivities to entertain him, before taking him back to the shrine. For the people the lively festivities manifest in a wonderful occasion to enjoy the hot summer day, filled with traditional costumes, spectacular processions and a celebratory atmosphere.
On the morning of the first day the festival kicks off with a ritual at Tenmangu Shrine followed by prayers at the river for peace and the safety and prosperity of Osaka. In the afternoon, drums are sounded by men in tall red hats to inform everyone that preparations for the festival are complete. The highlights of the festival start at 15:30 of the second day when the red hatted drummers lead the land procession from Tenmangu Shrine through the streets of Osaka.
The long procession features costumed characters including Sarutahiko a long nosed goblin riding a horse, a ceremonial float accompanied by festival music, lion dancers, umbrella dancers and other attractions. The river procession celebrations go on into the night and culminates at about 19:30 when fireworks start to go off, continuing until about 21:00. The fireworks of Tenjin Matsuri combined with the illuminated boats and their reflections off the river make for a truly unique spectacle.
- Shitennoji Temple
One of oldest temples in Japan, Shitennoji was built in 593 by Prince Shotoku who was in favor of introducing Buddhism to the country. The original 6th century design and architecture has been lovingly preserved, and at time reconstructed over the years since the temples buildings have burned down a number of times. Many Japanese pay a visit to this shrine which is fondly called the Buddhist altar of Osaka. A visit to the temple begins with the exterior temple grounds which are beautiful in themselves, but nothing compared to the inner quarters, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house. The inner courtyard is home to a five story pagoda, which visitors are able to enter. The glorious Gokuraku-jodo Gardens design was based on the Amida Buddha’s description of paradise and built in the early Edo period. Visit Paradise Lake which has a unique blue pagoda within the gardens.
- Abeno Harukus
Abeno Harukas is the 300 m tall skyscraper which forms part of the Abenobashi Terminal Building and is currently the tallest building in Japan. The name of the building is derived from the ancient Japanese word ‘harukasu’ which means to ‘clear up’ or to ‘ brighten’. Abeno Harukas has 62 floors, with 58 to 60 taken up by the Harukas 300 observatory. The 58th floor is an open air outdoor plaza in a three story atrium structure with a wooden deck, café, souvenir store and restrooms. The top floor or 60th is a 360 degrees glass enclosed observation deck which commands an exceptional view of Osaka and surrounding areas. From the basement until the 14th floor you will be able to enjoy a retail paradise, offered by the Kintetsu Department Store, sprawled across 100,000 square meters. Scores of restaurants cover three of these floors.
For admission please visit the link: Abeno Harukus
- Sumiyoshi Taisha
The ancient Shinto shrine of Sumiyoshi Taisha was founded in 211 and is considered the main shrine of all Sumiyoshi shrines in the country – of which there are about 200. The shrine was built before the introduction of Buddhism to Japan and is built in an architectural style known as Simiyoshi-zukuri with its straight roofs and an entrance under a gable surrounded by a fence. Its distinct red lead and gold metal fittings of black and white coloring make this a very eye-catching structure, and the shrine has been designated a National Japanese Treasure. Sumiyoshi Taisha features four main halls with an interesting alignment of the rooms not seen in any other shrine of this kind, The Sorihashi Bridge leads to the entrance of the main shrine rounds, taking you in a perfect arch over the pond, and is known as the shrines official symbol.
- Minoo Park
Minoo Park is located in the northern part of Osaka and is a popular weekend excursion destination for locals. The main attraction is the 1886 Takimichi paved walking trail which leads to the majestic Minoo Taki (Minoo Falls). A walk up to the falls is not too steep and makes for an easy 2.7 km climb from the Hankyu Minoo Station. A pleasant diversion from this station (before, but preferably after your climb to the falls) is the Momiji hot spring footpath. Walking to the Takimichi trail is a delight, especially during the spring months when the cherry blossoms start to bloom. Autumn is another must-see month with the brilliant fall foliage in its full glory. Rest houses and benches along the path invite trekkers to pause for a moment and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Butterfly fans may want to stop off at the Minoo insect Pavilion further down the path which features a butterfly park.
- Kuromon iciba Market
Located in Chuo Ward, Osaka, Korumon Ichiba Market is the place to go if you are looking for some of the freshest and best quality food in the city. The market’s history spans back nearly 200 years when it was originally called Emmeiji Market due to its proximity to the nearby Emmeiji Temple. Later, its name was changed to its current one, meaning Black gate that was placed near the temple. There are around 170 different shops located in the 600 m area, most of which sell vegetables, eggs, meat and spices. To cater for the increase in visitors several restaurants have sprung up in the market which serve a range of meals at lunchtime, from sushi and ocean-fresh sea food to the highest quality meat served over rice. Despite the growing number of tourists, the market still manages to preserve its quiet charm and neighborhood feel.
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Built in 1997 the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a popular attraction in Osaka. It is conveniently located next to one of the largest aquariums in the world the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at Tempozan Harbor Village. The ferris wheel takes visitors on a 17 minute ride where they can enjoy stunning views of Osaka Bay and surrounding areas such as Mount Ikoma, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai International Airport and the Rokko Mountains.
At night the Tempozan Ferris Wheel lights up and becomes a magical location, making it a popular spot for romantics. A quirky feature is that the coloured lights provide the weather forecast for the following day. If the lights are blue you know that it will rain the next day, green lights mean clouds and orange lights indicate a sunny forecast.
- Shinsaibashi
Considered the best area to shop in Osaka, Shinsaibashi attracts tourists and locals from morning to night. The area lends its name from the landmark Shinsaibashi Bridge that was built in 1622, and rebuilt and improved on over the centuries. The area is well known for its boutiques and specialty shops, most centered around the 600 meter arcaded Shinsaibashi Shopping Street which runs east to Mido Suiji Avenue. The latter is also known as the Champs- Elysees of the East and boasts countless luxury brand stores. Here you will find a medley of brand name stores, chain stores, chain stores, second hand shops and restaurants, all covered from the elements and limited to pedestrian traffic only. The entire area is around eight blocks long which stretch from before Shinsaibashi Street to the bridge over the Dotonbori River.
- Nakanoshima
Dividing the Kyu Yodo River into the Tosabori River and the Dojima River is a 3km long sandbank known as Nakanoshima (Island in the Centre”) This Unique 50 hectares narrow strip of land holds a number of important Osaka landmarks, including the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, the National Museum of Art, the Science Museum, City Hall, the Osaka branch of the bank of Japan and the Central Public Hall.
Nakanoshima Park is also located on this sand bank, and was the first public ever built in Osaka, dating back to 1891. The beauty and serenity of the park provide a quiet green oasis among the bustle of the city. The park’s rose garden displays a collection of roses, numbering 3700 roses from over 300 species from all over the world. Rose blossoms are at their peak between May and October each year. The beauty of this landscape has earned Nakanoshima Park the title as one of the 100 most scenic green spots in the city.
- Namba Parks
Namba Parks is a huge shopping and office compound in the heart of Osaka, built by Jon Jerde of the Jerde Partnership. The idea of the park was to bring nature to the otherwise densely populated urban landscape, and the main feature of the project is a rooftop park which spans across multiple blocks as it ascends eight levels. This design enables pedestrians from the street to make their way up the different levels as they pass through trees, rock clusters, cliffs, waterfalls and outdoor terraces.
The eight floors of Namba Parks consist of a carnival mall on the floor, with shops occupying the second to fifth floor. You will find many branded stores, as well as smaller boutiques for a truly all-encompassing shopping experience. Hungry visitors can visit the sixth floor for a wide variety of excellent dining options, with cuisines from all over the world represented here. The upper floor, the ninth, boasts a landscape garden, an amphitheater and green space for growing personal vegetable gardens.
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