There are a lot of amazing spots to see in Japan, making it a very great country to explore. Having said that, Japan also offers a diverse range of beautiful cities that you should plan to visit. For this reason, on your upcoming trip to Japan, I’d like to recommend some of the top activities in Osaka. 

Kyoto, the country’s second-biggest city, offers a wealth of amazing historical and cultural sites as well as expansive neighborhoods for exploration. That’s what, after all, makes Osaka so unique.

For example, you can explore some of the ancient histories in a moment and then visit the Umeda Sky Building to get a close-up look at Osaka’s new side.

Osaka has an abundance of sights to see and top-notch activities, leaving you spoiled for choice. 

With that in mind, take a look at some of the very best things to do in Osaka on your next adventure. Have the best time! 

Best Things To Do In Osaka

1.) Explore to the Osaka Castle in Chuo-ku

One of the most recognizable locations and top historical activities in Osaka is visiting Osaka Castle. In addition, if you’ve traveled all the way to Japan, this is a location you really shouldn’t skip. 

Now, this seemingly temple-like 16th-century building was actually a castle and hillfort that dates back to the time when Japan’s warring states were attempting to unite under one nation. Even though it can get crowded, it is quite lovely to view and has a ton of history. 

While you’re there, don’t miss seeing the stunning (and close by) Jp Umeda Hōkoku Shrine, Nishinomaru Gardens, and the adjacent Osaka Museum of History.

If you manage to get here in March and April you’ll see it during cherry blossom season and it is hands down the most beautiful, iconic Japanese thing you’ll see. 

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2.) Go back in time at Hozenji Tokocho

Despite its seemingly insignificant appearance, Hozenji Tokocho is home to some of the best-preserved common antiquities from the Imperial Era. By alone, this ranks it among the top activities in Osaka, particularly for learning about the city’s past. 

For example, you could be in the Edo era one moment and on the main street the next. In addition, locate the Fudomyoo statue and apply some water to it to cure your ailments.

A mouthful in name and cuisine, Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M Houzenji Hanare is the place to go if you’ve built up an appetite. The best advice is to show there famished and prepared for a feast.

Try some of their renowned Matsusaka Beef Set while you’re here. Indeed, it can be somewhat costly, but the experience is well worth it.

Additionally, the Hotel New Otani Osaka, which is stunning and close to Castle Park, is a terrific place to stay. 

3.) Learn to drum at the Taiko Lab

Another great interactive vacation option – learn to drum! Traditional drumming is called Taiko and the Taiko Lab offers you hour-long sessions in the instrument as well as the culture behind it.

It’s a really fun way to spend an afternoon, with the added bonus of exercising those arm muscles. It’s totally fun and one of the best things to do in Osaka if you wanna leave with a skill. 

Plus, who needs the gym when you’ve got Taiko drumming! 

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4.) Cook then Eat with Eat Osaka

Now, it’s said that lots of traditional Japanese cuisine derive from Osaka, so this alone is a good excuse to gobble up everything. If you want a hands-on meal whilst in the city,  Eat Osaka is easily one of the best things to do in Osaka itself. 

They’ll walk you through the easy, traditional dishes before you get to feast on it yourself! It’s a great way to actually have a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city or the best places to go.

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5.) Ride the Ferris Wheel

This enormous wheel is situated atop the contemporary side of the city, which twinkles at night.

Hep offers plenty of shopping options, but the main attraction—in my opinion—is the enormous Ferris wheel with its stunning view of the city. That makes sense as a popular date location. 

Yakumido is a pleasant and welcoming area in Osaka that is also delicious and practically hidden. It’s nothing special, but the company and cuisine are excellent. 

6.) Catch the views from the Umeda Sky Building

Known as “the triumphal arch of the future,” this tower features “floating gardens” and a few outdoor pathways and observation decks where you can take in city vistas. It’s a contemporary, very Japanese structure that’s great fun to explore for a short while.

When the weather is clear, it’s one of the greatest things to do in Osaka because of the breathtaking vistas.

Additionally, for a unique treat, have dinner at Hokuto Gems Namba. In all of Osaka, they produce the best sukiyaki! 

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7.) Cycle across the city

Less of a single thing you must see and more of an everything you must see (if that makes any sense?!?).

Once in Osaka, you can hitch a bike ride with the company Cycle Osaka and visit by bike many of the unique place like; Namba and the downtown areas as well that are too good to miss.

Most of the routes are short and easy, especially as Osaka is mostly flat, so no need for any mad biking skills here. It’s one of the best things to do in Osaka, though you might wanna give this a miss if it’s wet or rainy. 

8.) Make your own Instant Ramen

If you’re looking for one of the quirkiest museums in Japan, Osaka has it! At the Instant Ramen Museum, you can see the illustrious history of a now international food that is now my guilty pleasure when at home!

If you’re a real ramen buff, the museum will even let you make your own with all your own handpicked flavours and trimmings! 

9.) Go to the Sumiyoshi-Taisha Shrine

Like most places in Asia Osaka is brimming with incredible shrines and best things to do in Osaka.

Now, even though I don’t have favourites, if you’re only able to visit one, I’d choose this. The Sumiyoshi-Taisha Shrine is quite special in Osaka: it actually predates Buddhism in Japan and is instead dedicated to the Shinto religion, which is actually indigenous to this beautiful island nation.

The shrine is so beautiful and still an iconic part of Osaka. You’ve got to see it.

10.) Take a cruise on the Osaka River

 This peaceful river-ride will go all the way from the sea up the river itself and over to Osaka Castle.

There are day trips and also night services for the Twilight Boat, which gives you a totally different experience as the city lights up along the banks. It’s a really relaxing day and one of the best things to do in Osaka if you’re feeling a little sluggish. 

11.) Stroll through Dotonbori

After the sun sets, Dōtonbori is a great place for a stroll as it is situated directly beside the Dōtonbori canal. This region is lit up by enormous neon lights and structures, and it resembles the one in Tokyo.

Additionally, be sure to keep an eye out for Kuidaore Taro, one of the well-known locals. He’s a mechanical clown who’s become somewhat of a local celebrity in this area.

See Fudo Myoo’s wrath at the Hozenji Temple if you’re in the mood for something a little more subdued. It is claimed to safeguard both the city and its visitors.