Is Osaka Worth Visiting in Japan? Why You Should Go

Guest contributor Tiffany Cu has visited Japan at least 10 times; she’d visit Japan over Paris in a heartbeat! Here, she shares what she loves about Osaka.

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So you’re planning a trip to Asia… Specifically Japan.

Why do you want to visit Japan?

To see bustling Tokyo? Or romantic Kyoto, heart of Japan’s geisha culture?

What about Osaka? Is Osaka worth visiting? 

Well, don’t overlook the city.

There are plenty of good reasons to visit Osaka!

Is Osaka worth visiting?

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan (population 2.7 million) behind Tokyo and Yokohama.

It has a rich history dating back some 1,500 years.

Popular for its nightlife, food and shopping, Osaka should definitely be on your list when planning your Japan itinerary.

Things to do in Osaka

There are too many things to do in Osaka to cover everything in a short trip. But you can certainly get a good taste of the city in a few days.

Here are some of the best things to see in Osaka (and do) – and why you must visit Osaka on your next trip to Japan…

Known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” the city lives up to its reputation with restaurants and food guaranteed to tickle the tastebuds of even the most discerning of foodies.

There are so many Osaka restaurants, you could eat out once a day for three years – and still never hit the same place twice!

And don’t miss trying takoyaki.

One of Osaka’s most famous food dishes, takoyaki (octopus fritters) is a fried ball-shaped Japanese snack with diced or minced octopus inside.

Restaurants in Osaka

Some of the best places to eat in Osaka include the following:

Mizuno

It’s the oldest known Japanese pancake restaurant, and its signature dish, yamaimo-yaki (pancake stuffed with pork, scallops, vegetables and the like) is a Japanese soul food that lures in the crowds.

The dough is made with yam instead of flour, making it crispy on the outside but soft and slightly sweet inside.

Soba Takama

Check out the affordable Michelin-starred restaurant’s cold soba (buckwheat noodles dipped in a sweet sauce), served on a bamboo plate and topped with seasonal veggies.

Fujiya 1935

This restaurant’s signature dish is spaghettini made with locally caught crab, beans and mimoretto. Seriously delicious…

Places to see in Osaka

National Bunraku Theater

Osaka’s downtown area, or Kita, is the business area.

But Minami, uptown, is Osaka’s famous entertainment district – and where you want to be.

Osaka is the birthplace of Bunraku, traditional Japanese puppet theater.

The National Bunraku Theater in Minami is a good place to watch the creative performances of the “little humans” set against a backdrop of music and storytelling.

You’ll definitely want to put catching a show here high on your list of things to see in Osaka!

Each puppet for a major character is manipulated by three puppeteers.

One puppeteer controls the head movements (sometimes opening and closing of the eyes and mouth too) and movements of the right hand. Two assistants maneuver other parts of the puppet.

You even see the Bunraku puppets as you walk down the streets.

While in North America, puppetry is mainly geared to children, in Japan, the historical or romantic plays performed by the eerily lifelike Bunraku puppets appeal to adult sensibilities.

Kaiyukan Aquarium

Over at the Kaiyukan Aquarium, gape at some 30,000 sea creatures – from Pacific dolphins, manta rays, penguins and jelly fish to giant whale sharks.

One of the biggest public aquariums in the world, it’s noted for how it recreates the natural environment of the various species.

It’s a real crowd pleaser – also consistently rated one of the best things to do in Osaka.

If traveling as a family, visiting the aquarium is one of the best activities to do in Osaka with kids.

Universal Studios Japan

And don’t forget Universal Studios Japan.

One of four such theme parks in the world, its attractions include the hit “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”

Enter Hogwarts, then fly on a broomstick as you’re strapped to a bench in a floating candle-lit room.

The state-of-the-art 4K3D technology makes it a magical ride for muggles of all ages.

Umeda Sky Building

That striking high-rise structure of glass and steel you see rising in the north part of the city – actually two 40 story-high skyscrapers joined at the top – is the Umeda Sky Building.

Many of the floors are designated as office space, but you can take in splendid views of the city from its rooftop observatory.

To get there, you take a high-speed elevator up to near the top, then a glass-enclosed escalator which stretches diagonally across the wide open space to the observatory.

Not for those with a fear of heights…

Things to do in Osaka at night

The nightlife in Osaka is busy, fun and bright.

Many bars, clubs and restaurants stay open late – whether hip-hop or swing, you can dance the night away. Club Joule is wildly popular.

For karaoke, head to the Moonshine Bar Osaka, which mixes Southern American and Japanese-style karaoke.

For a belly full of laughs, check out a comedy show.

Osaka is renowned for its comedy clubs.

ROR Comedy Club offers English-language weekly standup shows; it’s about a five-minute walk from the main tourist area of Dotonbori (famous for its flashy neon lights, restaurants and bars).

Osaka shopping

Your credit card’s going to get a workout if you love to shop.

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Said to be the longest street in Japan, the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is a covered arcade stretching for over a mile-and-a-half.

More than 600 stalls and shops tempt you with their colorful wares – everything from fresh produce and kitchen utensils to books and tourist knick-knacks.

Department stores

Fashion boutiques are concentrated in department stores like the Hanshin Department Store and Hankyu Men’s Osaka.

The Hankyu Department store focuses on luxury goods.

Popular souvenir to take home?

Bâton d’or – a chocolate-covered pretzel. Be forewarned: It’s highly addictive!

Cultural places to visit in Osaka

Museum of Housing and Living

Travel back in time to the Edo Period at the Museum of Housing and Living in Kita.

The Edo Period between 1603 and 1868 is when Japanese society was organized around castle towns ruled by shoguns.

Rent a kimono at the museum and wander through recreated buildings and alleys – public bathhouses too – showing everyday life at the time.

The museum is one of the best places to visit in Osaka if you’re interested in Japanese culture and history.

Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses

Another interesting museum on the history of Osaka and Japan is the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses.

Here you find 11 old farmhouses with displays showing how the farmers lived; you can learn about silk worm farming and see cooking demonstrations.

Check the event schedule to see when there’s a tea ceremony or story-telling session.

Osaka Castle

One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by a powerful warlord who ruled the country at the time.

Inside is a museum, where you can see samurai costumes and other historical artifacts.

Outside, the castle’s extensive gardens bloom with over 600 cherry trees in springtime.

People in Osaka: Friendly locals

You’d think that with Osaka being so crowded, the locals would be cranky and annoyed. Wrong.

They are not only helpful to tourists, but are friendly, open and have a great sense of humor. They’re interested in where you come from and what you think of their city.

They truly hope everyone who visits has a good time and they go out of their way to make sure your experience is memorable.

The people enjoy life in their city – and they want you to love it too!

Best hotels in Osaka

Wondering where to stay in Osaka?

5-star hotels in Osaka

Luxury hotel options include the St. Regis Osaka (its outdoor rooftop garden terrace is very Zen and a tranquil spot to look out over the city) and the Ritz-Carlton.

So, why go to Osaka?

Are you convinced now that Osaka is worth visiting?

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Photo credits: 7, 9 Tiffany Cu

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