Osaka: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
You can enjoy the incredible views of Osaka from The Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The Ferris wheel has two types of carts, the normal one, and the one with a glass bottom that will pump your adrenaline. Enjoy the view from 122 meters high in here. This is a must-visit when coming to Osaka.
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel
DOWNTOWN
Tsutenkaku is one of the landmarks of Osaka and also known as the Eiffel Tower of Osaka. The tower provides an observation deck that is open to the public.
Tsutenkaku
SHOPPING
Shinsekai is one of the most popular shopping districts in Osaka that was built in 1912. There are many food and souvenir vendors here. Shinsaibashi Suji Shopping Street is a 600 meters shopping street with many cosmetics, apparel, and even duty-free shops.
Shinsekai
FOOD & DRINK
Okonomiyaki is a popular traditional Japanese pancake, and Osaka is said to be the origin of it. Osaka-style okonomiyaki is the most popular version, and it is made of flour, grated nagaimo, dashi, eggs, shredded cabbage, and meat or seafood, then topped with savory okonomiyaki sauce. Another of Osaka's famous delicacy is Kushikatsu. Kushikatsu is a deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. You can find Kushikatsu easily because it is also a popular street food in Osaka.
CULTURE
Osaka is famous for its beautiful and historical architecture as well as the rich cultural heritage. The people of Osaka maintain these historical sites pretty well that it feels like you're going back to the past. The city also has several traditional festivals, and one of them is the Danjiri Festivals.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Peak season: The best time to visit Osaka is in the spring, or between March and May. You can see the cherry blossom in the last week of March until mid-April. The weather from March to May is also perfect since it's mostly warm and bright.
HOTEL
Kaneyoshi Ryokan is located on the riverside of Dotonbori. The ryokan, or traditional Japanese Inn, offers a great view of the canal and Dotonbori area. The rooms that they provide are also spacious. You can also have a good time enjoying the onsen on the top floor of the ryokan. Dotonbori Hotel is located near the main attractions of Osaka. The unique statutes that adore the front of the hotel will surely grab your attention. The hotel also provides some freebies such as free bicycle rents, free alcohol, and free ramen.
Kaneyoshi Ryokan
Dotonbori Hotel
RESTAURANT
Okonomiyaki Mizuno is a famous family-owned restaurant. You can see the popularity of this restaurant from the people lining up in front of the restaurant to taste the savory okonomiyaki. The size of the restaurant is quite small but the menu that they offer is big. You can choose Okonomiyaki with different toppings, sauces, and fillings. Yaekatsu is a kushikatsu restaurant that has been operating for more than 50 years. There are only bar seats inside this restaurant and it can be quite crowded. You can choose and order more than 30 types of kushikatsu ingredients at Yaekatsu.
Okonomiyaki Mizuno
Yaekatsu
CAFE
At Wad Omotenashi Cafe, you can experience a Japanese tea ceremony. They serve various teas in a stunning glass cup made by Japanese ceramics artists whose works are exhibited at Wad's gallery space.
Wad Omotenashi Cafe
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Club Piccadilly is a big nightclub that has a great atmosphere and music. The night club is perfect for you to spend a fun night while in Osaka. Here, you can dance the night away with amazing music played by the DJs.
Club Piccadilly
INTERESTING PLACE
Shitennoji Temple was founded in 593 AD made it the oldest official temple in Japan. The temple is famous for its symmetrical design. Around the temple, you can find vendors selling foods and souvenirs. Dotonbori is one of the most iconic areas in Osaka, it's also famous among tourists from around the world. It's where the famous running Glico Man sign, which is the symbol of Osaka located. Dotonburi is characterized by its lively atmosphere and signboards.
Shitennoji Temple
Dotonbori
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Osaka Castle is one of the most touristy spots in Osaka. Inside the beautiful site, there's an eight-floor museum that displays the castle history. Around the castle is a park filled with lawns and cherry blossoms trees. Umeda Sky Building is a spectacular building located in the Kita district of Osaka. You can see the 360-degree view of Osaka from the building's rooftop observatory, and admission to this building is free until 6 p.m.
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building
