Osaka is an important city in Japan located on the island of Honshu. It is second only to Tokyo. It is more modern than traditional but it is still a very popular tourist spot.
If you are planning to go there or maybe already there then you must check out some of the best spots out there.
We have created this article to help you understand what you have to look for. They say that Osaka is one of the most laid back areas in Japan. It has a great food scene too.
13 Best Things to Do in Osaka
Here are the 13 best things that you can do in Osaka Japan. The list begins now. Be sure to try all of them out. The fact that we have included 13 places means that you will not run out of options.
1. Visit Osaka-jo
In 1583 the castle was first built. It took around 100,000 people to build it back then but you must know already that Osaka castle like many other castle in Japan had been destroyed and had to be re built.
The current structure that is present here today was built in 1931. It is not the original but the current castle structure is very spectacular.
It is located in the middle of the leafy park which makes this building look even more beautiful.
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2. Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
If you want to know more about traditional art in Japan then you must visit this museum. It is well known for its art style. The ukiyoe is a kind of print that is done using wooden blocks.
This museum has everything that you need to know about ukiyoe and its history. Anyone who likes art must visit this place. The culture and history accumulated here is mind blowing.
3. Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine
Yes, this is a must visit if you are in Osaka. Does not matter if you are spiritual or not. This is one of the oldest shrine in Osaka as well as in Japan. It was build over 1800 years ago.
This Shinto shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and design. The surrounding atmosphere of this shrine is so calm and peaceful that you will think you have come to a separate realm.
4. Ascend the Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda sky building is the biggest building in Osaka and it is known as a landmark all over the city.
It can be seen from a lot of distance too. It rises up to 173 metres in height. It has a beautiful hanging garden on its 39th floor.
If you don’t know yet then let us tell you that Japan is quite famous for its hanging gardens. So you get to see a specimen here filled with flowers and plants from the local area.
5. Go Out in Dotonbori
This is kind of like a market but not so much. The area is famous as a hang out spot for people in Osaka.
It is an area filled with shops, café and restaurants. You can come out here in the evening and just roam around to experience the life of the people.
It is a good way to spend time. The restaurants might have roof sitting where you can go to eat good food, listen to some music and look at the twinkling lights of Osaka in the evening. Sounds like a dream.
6. Try the Local Food
Well, the best way to know a place and experience them intimately is to try the local food. Osaka is kind of like a food hub too so if you like food then you have come to the right place.
It has battera which is a kind of sushi and okonomiyaki which is a pancake make up of shredded cabbage and have a variety of toppings.
You should also try kushikatsu which is actually different items on skewers. It can be meat or vegetables that are rolled in bread crumbs and then deep fried.
7. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Well this is an iconic thing to do when you are in Osaka. This Tempozan Ferris wheel is located in the scenic place of Osaka Bay. Not only is the experience beautiful but the sight is other wordly too.
At one point it was the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan. It gives a different kind of experience to the user.
If you are not afraid of heights then this can be a great experience for you. Include this in your to-do list when you are in Osaka Japan.
8. Check out Shitennoji Temple
This temple was built in the 6th century by emperor Suiko. But this place was destroyed after the second world war.
This happened to many places in Japan and unfortunately this temple was not spared either.
The temple has obviously been reconstructed. There are several other structures added to the surrounding area. Some of them are modern in style while some are like in the 7th century.
It is a mixture of cultures in Japan. If you like peaceful places then you will love this place too. Make sure you visit this place.
9. Relax at Spa World
As the name suggests it is an area Where you can experience spas and saunas. This place is open 24 hours so you can visit any time you fancy. It is said that the experience at the onsen is a very good one.
We love the open air baths. You can stay full night to experience a full package too. They offer a number of treatments for visitors so you can take your pick.
However, one thing you should know that Japan has a strict policy of tattoos so if you have any visible tattoos then you might not be allowed.
10. Watch a Sumo Spring Grand Tournament
If you are a fan of Japanese sumo wrestling then you must visit the spring grand tournament. It is held every spring and can be said as the hot spot for many sumo wrestling lovers.
It is located in the Osaka gymnasium. It is usually held in the month of March. You can watch some of the most famous sumo wrestling stars battle it out in the ring.
11. Admire the Tower of the Sun
This tower is 70 meters high and it is an unusually attractive tourist spot for many people. It is a great place which was designed by Okamoto Taro. He is a famous Japanese artist.
The tower is in the form of a creature that has 3 faces that are facing three different directions.
The tower was built in 1970. It was built in honor of the World Expo that was held in Osaka. You can include this site on the places to visit in Osaka too.
12. Explore the National Museum of Ethnology
This is a great museum. It is not only for the Japanese history or their people. It has the cultural history of different people from different parts of the world.
This museum shows that how different cultures can come together. If you are interested in this kind of stuff then you simply must visit the National Museum of Ethnology.
It has ceramics, masks, costumes and several other stuff from different regions of the world. This museum has galleries dedicated to India, Africa, South east Asia and many other regions.
13. Check out Tenjin Matsuri
Tenjin Matsuri is an important festival in Japan and there is no other way to experience this than in Osaka, Japan. It takes place in the month of July and last for about 2 days.
You can see the mikoshi on the second day. They are actually shrines that are hoisted through the streets of Osaka and then taken to O-kawa Where they are loaded on to boats. There are also fireworks display.
The overall experience that you will have at this festival will be beautiful. So please do try to visit Osaka during the time of this festival.
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Conclusion
We hope that this article has been useful to you and that you have had a great time looking for the sites that we have mentioned.
It is a great thing to travel but always knowing the best sites is not something that comes in first.
You need to understand that there are spots that are more popular are some which are hidden gems.
You need to do your research before you fixate on some of them. Research is very important.
Thank you so much for reading this article. Do recommend this to others too. Have a good day.
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