Best Places to Visit in Osaka

Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is an important stop on most Kansai travel routes. The bustling downtown area has quite a desirable cityscape, from bristly tall buildings to design-filled neighborhoods, as well as developed businesses and attractive night views. These, combined with the Japanese traditions maintained in Osaka, create a unique Japanese urban identity.

Here is the list of the Best Places to Visit in Osaka

• Osaka Castle Park
• Dotonbori
• Umeda Sky Building
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
• Tsutenkaku
• Shitennoji Temple

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle Park is a large urban garden located in the center of Osaka city. At the center of Osaka Castle stands the Tengaku Pavilion, an irreplaceable symbol of Osaka.

Osaka Castle Tenshou Pavilion, known as one of the "three famous cities in Japan", was founded in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a very famous Japanese figure with a history spanning more than 400 years. The original version was destroyed by war or natural disasters. When you visit Osaka, you can climb the castle and look at the scenery of Osaka. There are exhibitions in the castle, telling the history and stories of the castle.

In the spring, sakura blossoms are in full bloom at Osaka Castle Park, and the park's Nishinomaru Garden is the perfect place to see the blossoms.

Opening hours

►Daily, 9:00–17:00; 16:30 is the last admission.
►The opening hours will be extended during the summer and cherry blossom seasons.
►Closed from December 28 to January 1 of each year

Recommended travel time

2 hours, or half a day

Dotonbori

Located in the heart of Osaka, Dotonbori is a lively, rich, and Kansai-style strip that perfectly encapsulates Osaka's local cuisine. Here, visitors can see the fairly representative Glico billboards.

There is one of the most famous local crab restaurants, Kanidouraku (かに道楽) with its large red crab signature, just like the food court business card. The local restaurants snack bar popularity is quite high, and the queue is also difficult to avoid. However, it is always the best place to feel the liveliness of Osaka. It is also the best place to taste the delicious taste of Osaka.

Famous local crab restaurant - Kanidouraku

Tips

►Dotonbori refers to the canal in downtown Osaka, and if you go to Dotonbori Food Market, you can easily find the river running parallel to the food market. There are sightseeing boats on the river. It is recommended to take them after nightfall. The night view will not disappoint.

►If you want to eat at Kanidouraku, you are advised to make an appointment or go to the queue at around 4:30 PM.

Umeda Sky Building

Built in 1993, the Umeda Sky Building has a very unique shape: the east and west towers are connected by a circular observatory. Because of its height and shape, the building is still considered a symbol of Osaka, which is very modern. The tower itself is used as a corporate office, and the circular observatory, which is open year-round, offers views of much of the city and is known as a romantic dating spot in Osaka.

Opening hours:

►From 9:30 to 22:30 on weekdays, 22:00 is the last admission time.  Opening hours will be extended on important holidays such as New Year's Day.

Time reference:
1-3 hours

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Osaka Aquarium is the perfect destination for a family trip and offers a glimpse into the secrets of the ocean for any curious traveler. The pavilion has more than 15 huge water tanks throughout the year, divided by different sea areas, allowing visitors to take a journey around the Pacific. The "treasure of the pavilion" here is the giant whale shark, which is viewed through the tank to create a wonderful and shocking view of the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to seeing the amazing sea creatures through the window, feeding shows are held at 10 pavilions in 3 sessions each day to show the details of the lives of these sea creatures in a more comprehensive way. The somatosensory area offers the chance to see and even touch aquatic animals up close, including seals, penguins, and the smooth skin of sharks.

The aquarium not only brings visitors the pleasure of exploring the deep sea but also expresses the environmental concept of human coexistence with the ocean.

Opening hours

►10:00–20:00, different seasons will change. Please refer to the official website for the closing date. The last entry time is 1 hour before closing.

Time reference
more than 3 hours

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is currently the highest Ferris wheel in Japan, and the car is divided into ordinary and transparent two kinds. For a more than 110 meters high Ferris wheel, the challenge of transparent car is also a "brave game". A ride on the Ferris Wheel offers views of Osaka's busy waterfront, a wide view during the day and a unique night view of Osaka at night.

Another red Ferris wheel in Umeda, Osaka, is the Hep Five, which has a better view of the city, and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, which has a better view of the sea.

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Opening hours

►10:00-22:00 (Last entry time: 21:30)

Time reference
1-2 hours

Tsutenkaku

The Totenkaku is a very historic tower observation deck in Osaka and one of the most traditional landmarks. The design is said to reference the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing to the viewing platform of the Totenkaku, you can get a panoramic view of Osaka. For city travelers, the scenery here, especially the night view, will definitely meet the expectations of a bustling city.

To visit Totenkaku, you can first enter the observation deck on the fourth floor. The night view is more attractive than the day view. Walk to the Hello Kitty-themed world on the third floor and Pocky Kingdom on the second floor. Totenkaku is also known for being the setting for the third theatrical version of Detective Conan, which has attracted many Conan fans.

Night view of Tsutenkaku and Shinsegae

Shinsegae is the neighborhood at the foot of the Totenkaku that is considered the most representative of Osakas style. It is full of exaggerated and colorful shop signs and food shops. The aerial photo of the Fugu shop sign and the Totenkaku can be regarded as the iconic scenery of the area.

Recommended travel time
3 hours to a half day (Totenkaku and Shinsegae)

Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest architectural communities in Japan. It is said that it was built by Prince Setokko, who introduced Buddhism to Japan. Today, it retains its original layout and some architectural structures. The Five-fold Pagoda is the landmark building of the temple. If you travel to the bustling city of Osaka, you can choose such a simple and elegant temple and feel the profound historical charm hidden in the modern city.

Opening hours

►08:30–16:30 (peak season) (April 1st–September 30th, Monday–Sunday)
►08:30–16:00 (off season) (October 1st–March 31st, Monday–Sunday)

Time reference
1-3 hours