30 UNIQUE Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

Positioned on the island of Honshu is Japan’s third-largest metropolis, Osaka. Town is large, with a inhabitants of over 2.5 million individuals, and is bustling with loads of issues to see in Osaka.

Osaka isn’t all the time on the normal Japanese vacationer path like Kyoto and Tokyo, nevertheless it is stuffed with life and issues to do. Osaka has loads of nice eating places, procuring, bars, and culturally fascinating actions to maintain guests busy for at the least just a few days.  Whether or not cruising the Dotomborigawa River or visiting the Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple, listed here are a few of our favourite distinctive issues to do in Osaka.

Distinctive Issues to Do in Osaka, Japan

Nationwide Bunraku Theater

For hundreds of years, Osaka has been the guts of Japan’s conventional Bunraku puppet theater. Making a go to to the Nationwide Bunraku Middle is without doubt one of the many distinctive issues to do in Osaka that shouldn’t be missed.

It has a big corridor seating over 700 and a smaller one seating greater than 150, however if you happen to assume the seats don’t promote out shortly, you’d be mistaken. Manufacturing of the Japan Arts Council, Bunraku is a performing artwork kind that makes use of intricate puppets to entertain and inform a narrative.

Although the normal exhibits are practically 4 hours lengthy, don’t fear if that’s extra time than you need to spend right here, as a result of tickets to particular person acts are additionally obtainable. The theatre is only a quick stroll from the subway, and if you happen to occur to finish up there on an off day, cease by anyway as a result of they might allow you to try the theatre and its well-known puppet assortment.

The Japan Arts Council web site has an English translation operate, so look there for particular occasions, dates, and pricing data. Whether or not visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple

Tenjin Matsuri

“Competition of the Gods” to us English audio system, Tenjin Matsuri is sometimes called the world’s largest boat competition by proud Osakans. Although that declare hasn’t been confirmed, there’s little doubt that it’s an enormous one, and it’s

Osaka’s largest competition of the summer season season occurs each July twenty fourth and twenty fifth. The Japanese have a fame for being reserved and well-behaved, however Tenjin Matsuri is a time when lots of them let their proverbial hair down.

Celebrated for over 1,000 years, the competition consists of fires lit aboard elaborately adorned riverboats within the night, rituals, conventional dance, fireworks, and a parade comprised of 1000’s of revelers wearing historic garb.

Thought of one of the vital necessary festivals in Japan, it’s particularly necessary in Osaka and is held to honor Sugawara no Michizane – the god related to astuteness and studying.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

If you’re touring with youngsters, one of the vital interactive and finest issues to do in Osaka is go to the aquarium. On account of its geography, the island nation of Japan and its individuals have been seafarers and seafood lovers because the starting of time.

The ocean is an integral a part of their tradition, therefore the recognition of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Thought of one among Japan’s finest aquariums – and one of many largest on the earth – it’s positioned close to Osaka Bay and incorporates fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine mammals from world wide.

The huge central tank is so giant that it’s capable of maintain the world’s largest fish – the whale shark – which is nearer in dimension to whales than it’s to sharks and dwarfs even the mighty nice white. The reveals are clearly labeled in English, so that you’ll be capable of learn and perceive simply what it’s you’re . Like most issues in Osaka, it’s a simple stroll from the subway station.

Go to Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple

Discovering the most effective issues to do in Osaka isn’t powerful, however few of them seize Osaka’s essence higher than the Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple. Additionally known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple is among the many oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Constructed within the eleventh 12 months of the third Century, its aesthetic structure is solely Japanese and freed from any overseas influences, which can make it stand out amongst different Japanese temples to these with a discerning eye.

The temple is taken into account the house of three deities who’re purported to guard vacationers, sailors, and fishermen. Nonetheless an lively shrine web site for the locals, it’s packed on New Yr’s Day, when the Japanese come to current choices, pay their respects, and ask the divine beings to assist and defend their family members. We visited on a weekend and located hardly anybody there.

Nationwide Museum of Ethnology

Although you in all probability didn’t fly midway world wide to Osaka, Japan to spend your time studying about Swedish and Australian tradition, that doesn’t imply a visit to the Nationwide Museum of Ethnology doesn’t deserve a type of valuable spots in your itinerary. A tour of the Nationwide Museum of Ethnology could remind you that centuries in the past, distant and distinctive individuals from all around the world have been buying and selling, combating, and influencing each other’s cultures.

The reveals are filled with fascinating artifacts, icons, and even mundane and quirky gadgets utilized in on a regular basis life. There’s additionally a particular audio room the place you possibly can take heed to music from world wide. Positioned in Senri Expo Park, the museum is a simple stroll from the subway.

Tickle your humorous bone on the ROR Comedy Membership

If going to a comedy membership and seeing a routine in a language you don’t perceive seems like an effective way to waste a night, then worry not, as a result of, since 2011, ROR Comedy Membership has been Osaka’s solely English-speaking stand-up comedy membership.

Often called Japan’s ‘Comedy Central,’ they’ve received excellence awards from a bunch of worldwide journey websites, so it’ll be enjoyable. Alternatively, since Osakans love an excellent snort, why not throw warning to the wind and stroll into one of many golf equipment the place the routines are in Japanese?

What higher option to knock elbows with just a few locals, drink your self into oblivion, and have a good time that you simply’ll bear in mind for years to come back. Bear in mind, simply snort when everybody else does, and also you’ll be advantageous.

Common Studios Japan

It could appear a bit backward to go to an icon of American tradition when vacationing in a singular and unique nation like Japan, however a visit to Common Studios Japan could assist reverse that bout of homesickness. Common Studios is without doubt one of the finest locations to go in Osaka.

That includes reveals from such timeless blockbusters as Jaws and Terminator, it’s a spot that lovers of flicks will recognize. Far more than a boring exhibit of film paraphernalia, the location is an amusement park too.

The ability has been open since 2011 and was the quickest one in historical past to rack up 10 million guests, which it did in its first 12 months. There are particular areas for teenagers filled with lovable characters they’ll acknowledge, however the watch for rides at peak occasions may be extreme and the tickets aren’t low cost, so so as to get your cash’s value, attempt to go throughout non-peak occasions, weekdays, and days that aren’t vibrant and sunny.

Osaka Fortress

Nonetheless questioning what to do in Osaka? It is advisable hit up the Osaka Fortress. One of many biggest locations of curiosity in Osaka is Osaka Fortress. Although Japan isn’t a rustic most individuals affiliate with castles, you’ll be shocked at simply what number of there are.

Osaka Fortress is without doubt one of the nation’s largest and has seen its fair proportion of necessary historic occasions because it was constructed within the sixteenth Century. Constructed by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was an integral determine within the nation’s unification, the present fort is a replica that was accomplished within the 90s as a result of the unique was completely destroyed by Allied bombers in 1945.

Throughout World Warfare II, the fort performed a central function in Japan’s munitions business, so it turned a high-priority goal for aerial bombardment, however don’t fear, you’ll by no means realize it’s not the unique. You’ll nonetheless be impressed by the stalwart stone partitions, moats, turrets, and structure. There’s an enchanting and academic museum inside that may fill in all these necessary particulars too.

Spa World

It appears the extra you journey, the extra you notice that pure sizzling springs aren’t that uncommon. As a geologically lively nation, Japan is house to lots of of sizzling springs – or ‘onsens,’ as they’re recognized in Japanese. Spa World is without doubt one of the world’s largest sizzling spring services and is split into two flooring – one for males and the opposite for girls.

The areas are embellished with themes from totally different international locations and areas, together with Asia, the Center East, Africa, and Greece. Many spas in Japan – together with Spa World – are open across the clock, to accommodate and cater to these with totally different schedules.

There’s a gymnasium, restaurant, and water park on-site, and massages if the nice and cozy, therapeutic waters didn’t fairly do the trick. Many of the indicators are written in English along with Japanese, so be sure that to learn them, as a result of they’ll let you know about correct onsen etiquette.

Osaka Station Metropolis

Osaka Station Metropolis is a unbelievable factor to see in Osaka. Bustling with vacationers, commuters, and harried individuals of all stripes, Osaka Station Metropolis is a busy practice station comprised of many alternative buildings. Extra than simply one other ho-hum practice station although, Osaka Station Metropolis consists of leisure, retail, and eating areas, all of that are housed in a powerful, up to date, glass-topped constructing mentioned to be the most important of its form in Japan.

It’s additionally one among Osaka’s busiest and trendiest procuring districts, corresponding to even these present in Tokyo, in accordance with many Japanese. For an amazing photogenic vista, head to the elevated bridge above the platform, which supplies a fowl’s eye view of the trains and tracks beneath.

The station reportedly handles greater than 1,000,000 passengers a day and there are public areas on the rooftop if you should calm down whereas ready to catch your connecting practice.

Den-Den City

I can’t write an Osaka journey weblog and never advocate this space. Additionally referred to as Nipponbashi, Den-Den City is a procuring district in Osaka that’s well-known for electronics and otaku – which is an often-derogatory time period used to explain individuals whose pursuits in anime and different fetishes are borderline neurotic. The identify turned mainstream after one among Japan’s most notorious psychopaths and serial killers was dubbed the otaku assassin.

The time period is changing into much less damaging, although, and the district has a fame for eclectic nerdiness, which most discover endearing. Because of the competitors between electronics distributors, it’s okay and even anticipated that you simply’ll haggle over the value if you happen to determine to purchase one thing to take again with you.

Stroll Round Dotonbori

Dotonbori is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Osaka. It’s a energetic space that’s as loopy because it seems to be. If you need vibrant lights, crowds, eating places, meals stalls, and loads of procuring, journey to Dotombori.

That is simply the most effective issues to do in Osaka. Dozens of eating places line the Dotomborigawa River, and whilst you’re having fun with dinner, you possibly can admire the quite a few billboards. Afterward, a well-liked factor to do in Osaka is a night cruise on the river. It’s all the time busy, however at evening is when it actually comes alive.

Take an Night Cruise on the Dotomborigawa River

As talked about above, one of the vital well-liked issues to do in Osaka is to cruise on the Dotomborigawa River. Whereas sitting within the consolation of your boat, you’ll be capable of gaze up on the vibrant lights and billboards!

Soar to New Heights

There isn’t any manner you possibly can miss the intense yellow Ferris wheel that towers over Dotonbori. Most individuals simply have a look at it, however for ¥600 you possibly can really trip it.

This Ferris wheel was really out of fee for 9 years earlier than opening up once more in 2018, so it’s well worth the cash to trip up on it now!

The entire trip takes quarter-hour to go full circle, and as soon as on the prime of the 77-meter construction, you get wonderful views at evening. Be forewarned, it’s a tad bit scary if you’re afraid of heights.

Attempt The Greatest Udon

As you allow Dotonbori, be sure that to cease at Tsurutontan Soemoncho for a chunk of scrumptious Udon. Udon is a sort of thick wheat flour noodle used incessantly in Japanese delicacies, it’s served sizzling or chilly and may be discovered all through the nation.

Nonetheless, we had our easiest Udon meal at this store for under ¥1000 whereas overlooking the Dotomborigawa River.

Nationwide Museum of Artwork Osaka

Positioned on Nakanoshima Island between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers in central Osaka, the Nationwide Museum of Artwork is an underground facility is also called NMAO or Nationwide Museum of Artwork Osaka. Although it’s a nationwide museum, it has a decidedly worldwide aptitude, partly as a result of it was initially constructed to deal with a world artwork expo in 1970.

The identify of the well-known Japanese architect who designed the museum in all probability received’t imply something to you, however you’ll doubtless discover his work spectacular. Nearly all of the museum’s collections and reveals are from the post-war period, and there are some exemplary works from world-renowned masters like Cezanne and Picasso as nicely.

Amerika-Mura

Japanese for “American Village,” America-Mura is an elegant pocket of hipster-ridden espresso bars, outlets, tattoo parlors, golf equipment, and inns that cater to trysts between younger lovers.

Although you could not assume it has a lot in frequent with any city in America you’ve ever visited, it acquired its identify after World Warfare II, when the devastated nation started the gradual means of rebuilding; this space was the place to go to get American items like t-shirts, razors, and cigarettes.

Sitting starkly in the course of the village is a park constructed of concrete referred to as Triangle Park, which is called a rallying level previous an evening within the city (it’s additionally the dirtiest spot we’ve present in Japan – tons of litter).

There are additionally many daring murals – a few of which have been painted by well-known, up to date Japanese artists – and there’s even a pint-size Statue of Liberty if you happen to’re feeling homesick or simply desire a quirky picture to indicate your jealous mates again house. Although the world is enjoyable and energetic, it’s not an amazing place for households after the solar goes down.

Play a Few Video games of Pinball!

In Amerika Mura, you might have the prospect to enter an old-school pinball arcade and apply your pinball expertise. There should be at the least 100 pinball machines inside The Silver Ball Planet, costing between ¥25 to ¥100. Heading right here is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Osaka if you happen to’re trying to kill an hour or two.

There’s a machine inside to interrupt your change and a few glass bottles of Coke to really feel refreshed after you sweat it on the tables.

Get Your self Some Ice Cream!

Additionally in Amerika-Mura is Lengthy Comfortable cream, which is precisely because it sounds – lengthy delicate ice cream. It’s right here you could get your arms on 40 cm tall ice cream for ¥400, and so they declare it to be the longest ice cream cone in Japan. Lengthy Comfortable Cream is an establishment within the space.

Additionally, subsequent door is Shiroichi, which serves increased high quality cream ice, and in addition a cotton sweet store the place you will get your Instagram photographs with an enormous rainbow mess of cotton sweet!

Attempt Considered one of Osaka’s First Native Specialty Espresso Retailers

Don’t depart Amerika-Mura simply but! Lilo’s Espresso Roasters is the primary specialty espresso store to open up in Osaka. It’s a small store, however the espresso is scrumptious! It’s right here you will get pour-over espresso, chilly brew, or a GOOD latte from beans all around the world.

Generally good espresso that doesn’t come out of a merchandising machine may be arduous to come back by in Japan so I all the time recognize hip espresso outlets after I see them. Right here, every espresso can be accompanied by a card that particulars the espresso origins and tasting notes.

Attempt Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a sort of Japanese savory pancake stuffed with cabbage and plenty of different toppings. It’s a staple meals to strive whereas in Japan and may be discovered across the nation. Okonomi means “as you prefer it” and yaki means “grilled,” so it’s a meal catering to your individual private preferences.

Okonomiyaki is claimed to originate from Osaka, so to have it within the metropolis is a must-do. We scoured Dotonbori for the most effective Okonomiyaki in Osaka and landed on Creo-Ru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki. Relying on the kind of Okonomiyaki you order you possibly can anticipate to pay between ¥700-¥1300 for one pancake. Nonetheless, we discovered one was greater than sufficient for 2!

Attempt Takoyaki

Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack that’s made out of wheat flour-based batter. It’s sometimes topped with tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and inexperienced onion after which brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise.

It’s a candy and savory snack that’s positive to fill you up at the least a bit of bit. It turned well-liked in Osaka within the mid-Thirties, and these days, you will note road distributors promoting Takoyaki down Dotonbori Avenue. Essentially the most well-known place to strive Takoyaki is Aizuya, really useful within the Michelin guidebooks.

Attempt Jiggly Cheesecake

One other well-known meals to strive in Osaka is a Japanese Jiggly Cheesecake. Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is a small store that sells sizzling and recent cheesecakes all day! You may solely purchase a complete cheesecake, not by the slice right here, so include mates.

You’ll doubtless have to attend in line to purchase a cheesecake recent out of the oven, however if you happen to want to not wait, you too can go into the store and purchase one which was made earlier within the day.

We acquired fortunate and solely needed to wait 5 minutes or so within the line, however we have been informed it will get a lot busier relying on the day. A Jiggly cheesecake will set you again all of ¥1000 and it’s greater than value it! Plus, they maintain nicely when you have a fridge in your resort room.

Umeda Sky constructing

Google ‘Umeda Sky Constructing’ and try the photographs, you then’ll positively need to make it the most effective issues to do in Osaka. Comprised of two towers related with an enormous remark span, it’s an amazing place to get vistas of the town that you simply received’t discover elsewhere. Although not tall by trendy skyscraper requirements, the constructing’s magnificent structure greater than makes up for what it lacks in top.

The constructing can be a magnet for Japanese {couples}, who’ve their names engraved on heart-shaped locks, then depart them on the prime overlooking the town as an emblem of their love and dedication. Within the constructing’s basement, there’s a restaurant designed to appear to be a typical road in Osaka about 100 years in the past.

Namba Yasaka Jinja

Namba Yaska Jinja shrine is without doubt one of the most well-known in Osaka, primarily due to the monster head on the entrance. Due to this Namba Yasaka, Jinja receives visits from all around the world, and it’s a really photogenic spot to see in Osaka.

Nakanoshima Park

For those who’re in search of free issues to do in Osaka, then head to the park! Because you’ll already be on this lovely island visiting the Nationwide Museum of Artwork, why not cool these sizzling heels and stick round a bit, as a result of there’s loads to see on this lengthy, slim island – like its historic authorities buildings, museums, and the promenade that runs alongside the riverfront.

Like most issues Japanese, they did a wonderful job combining the pure and human-made worlds into a pleasing and soothing atmosphere. It’s an amazing place to take a soothing stroll and have a look at the magnificent views of the town throughout the river too.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market is 580 meters of Japanese meals! It is a coated market within the coronary heart of Osaka’s Chuo Ward, the place locals and vacationers come day-after-day. You may get recent fish, sushi, fruits, Japanese treats, or just about something you need right here. Come hungry, as a result of there’s a lot to strive.

As with most fish markets, it’s finest to get right here earlier within the day, although if you happen to arrive round 5 pm distributors will begin slashing costs to do away with their meals for the day. It is a extremely popular factor to do in Osaka, so anticipate crowds and better than-normal costs.

Take Images in Shinsekai

Shinsekai is an previous neighborhood in downtown Osaka. It’s mentioned to be one of the vital harmful and most impoverished areas of Osaka, however we traveled right here at evening to seize just a few photographs and didn’t discover a factor.

Most vacationers journey to Shinsekai to seize a photograph with the Tsūtenkaku tower within the background, however there are additionally just a few locations to eat and drink round right here as nicely.

Follow Your Samurai Expertise

Have you ever ever wished to be a Samurai? In Osaka, you possibly can take classes on the right way to be one. You’ll start by altering your garments into an iaigi, the clothes worn by samurai. Then you definately’ll enter the dojo, which is a conventional Japanese coaching room the place you’ll be taught your samurai etiquette and ritual! It’s an thrilling factor to do in Osaka!

Put on Kimono

One of the well-liked issues to do in Osaka and Kyoto is to apply sporting conventional Kimono. Who doesn’t need to look lovely and take photographs in a kimono whereas in Japan?You don’t simply get to strive Kimono, however you possibly can really enterprise round Osaka in it too!

Getting Round Japan

Transportation in Japan might be your primary expense, relying on how a lot you propose to bop across the nation. Rail journey in Japan is just costly. The quicker the practice, the upper the ticket value, particularly if you happen to’re touring on the well-known Shinkansen (bullet practice).

You may decrease your price considerably by shopping for a Japan Rail Move – solely provided to guests to Japan. The JR Move is one thing you’ll sometimes need to take into consideration buying earlier than your journey, and you may choose it up when you arrive at a JR station. From there (relying in your sort of move) you possibly can journey to Japan freely on JR trains. They’ve various kinds of passes in accordance with the place you’ll be and the size of your journey.

The primary time I visited Japan I wished to see as a lot as I may so I purchased a 14-day JR Move for lower than $400 and traveled each two-three days round Japan. The second time I visited I used to be solely in Hokkaido doing minimal journey because it was a ski journey so I made a decision to only pay for my practice journey outright.

The third time I visited, I additionally declined a JR Move as I used to be doing minimal journey, however after spending ¥12000 on one round-trip practice journey from Osaka-Shingu, I believe I might have been higher off with a chosen rail move. When planning your journey to Japan, you must contemplate the place you’re visiting and the distances you’ll cowl. Lengthy distances could require high-speed trains and can typically price greater than a brief one-hour journey.

If you’re touring to 1 area of Japan, it could or is probably not value it so that you can buy a rail move earlier than. If you need some spontaneity in your Japan travels a rail move is the way in which to go.

We’ve additionally discovered that MOST (however not all) buses and subway rides in Japan cost you by distance coated. It isn’t a flat fare. Most significantly, all the time, ALWAYS maintain your bus, practice, or subway ticket on you all through your total journey. You will want it to exit the station.

Just a few examples of our prices:

Cash-Saving Suggestions for Japan

Take public transport

You could assume that the trains in Japan are costly, however they’re nothing in comparison with the value of taxis in Japan. For those who step right into a taxi, you need to be ready for a expensive fare.

No – the Japanese aren’t attempting to tear you off, that’s simply the fare for touring by way of taxi in Japan. It’s additionally necessary to notice that in most cities public transport stops round midnight even in Tokyo, so in case your flight lands late have a plan for a way you’re attending to your lodging.

Keep in Guesthouses

For those who don’t need to keep in a hostel the following neatest thing is a Japanese-run guesthouse. I discovered them to be extraordinarily higher worth than inns in Japan and nearly all the time busy. Sure, most inns in Japan have loopy small rooms. We e-book a number of our lodging on Airbnb.

Cook dinner Your Personal Meals

In case your lodging has a kitchen then it’s finest to utilize it. We saved a ton of cash this manner within the costly resort city of Niseko and made our personal meals each evening. The grocery retailer offers nice worth, particularly on Japanese meals like noodles, rice, and greens. You may even discover meals to prepare dinner with on the comfort shops.

Try the ¥100 outlets

A ¥100 store is equal to an American greenback retailer. You could find nearly something at them so it’s all the time value it to scope some out!

Eat your recent vegetables and fruit earlier than you get to Japan

Contemporary fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and even oranges are fairly costly in Japan, so attempt to keep away from them if you happen to’re on a funds. I discovered a number of greens moreover mushrooms and some leafy greens to be increased than common as nicely.

Frequent Comfort Shops

You may get nearly something you need at Lawsons, 7-11, and Household Mart. They’re open across the clock and have issues like pastries, espresso, pre-made meals, toiletries, and sake.

How A lot Does it Price to Journey in Japan?

So how a lot Japan spending cash per day ought to you might have? Moreover the pre-trip bills like airfare, baggage, and any Japan packing listing gadgets you’ll need to purchase, I imagine you will get by in Japan for ¥7000-10,000 a day.

Truly, to show this I tracked all our bills for someday out in Osaka. We weren’t frugal, however not lavish in our spending both. We ate what we wished to eat, did what we wished to do, and had a unbelievable time!

Now you positively may do it loads cheaper than this or for far more. Many issues on the above listing are superfluous, however I like espresso, ice cream, a beer with my meal, and the occasional procuring spree.

Once I first traveled to Japan for the primary time, I used to be on a backpacker funds. I visited there in February (off season), spent my nights in hostels, ate primary meals from 7-11, and solely indulged in just a few low cost excursions – however for essentially the most half, caught to the free temples and simply walked round and loved the view. I had a unbelievable time on lower than the ¥6000 a day.

You may journey cheaply via Japan if you’re decided. On the similar time, if it’s your one massive journey to Japan, I don’t assume you need to be afraid to spend cash on meals and experiences you possibly can’t get again house.

What to Pack for Japan?

Questioning what to put on in Japan? You aren’t alone. Japan generally is a very difficult nation to pack for as there are such a lot of types you possibly can go together with, and naturally, each season is totally different.

We’ve traveled to Japan throughout all their 4 seasons. Most of Japan is a four-season nation and winter journey is vastly totally different than summer season. Listed here are the important Japan packing listing gadgets to convey with you, relying on the season you go to!