15 Best Things to Do in Osaka

1. 1
   

   Osaka Castle

   Landmark

   Osaka Castle stands as a symbol of Osaka's rich history, originally built in the 16th century.

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2. 2
   

   Osaka Castle Park

   Park & nature

   Osaka Castle Park is a sprawling green space in the heart of Osaka, centered around the historic Osaka Castle.

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3. 3
   

   Kuchu Teien Observatory

   Landmark

   The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka's most striking modern landmarks, twin 40-storey towers joined at the top by the 'Floating Garden Observatory' (Kuchu Teien), a ring-shaped rooftop deck 170…

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4. 4
   

   Tsutenkaku

   Landmark

   Tsutenkaku is Osaka's beloved retro tower, a 103-metre landmark from 1956 that presides over the wonderfully old-school Shinsekai ('New World') district.

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5. 5
   

   Abeno Harukas

   Landmark

   Abeno Harukas, standing 300 meters tall, is Japan's highest skyscraper and a modern landmark in Osaka.

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6. 6
   

   Shinsekai

   LandmarkFree entry

   Shinsekai ('New World') is one of Osaka's most atmospheric and nostalgic districts, a wonderfully retro, gaudy, working-class quarter of neon signs, cheap eats, and old-school Osaka charm, frozen in…

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7. 7
   

   Osaka Free Walking Tour

   LandmarkFree entry

   The Osaka Free Walking Tour is a popular, donation-based guided walk that offers an excellent introduction to Osaka's history, culture, and highlights.

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8. 8
   

   Umeda Sky Building

   Landmark

   The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka's most iconic modern landmarks, located in the Kita district.

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9. 9
   

   Shitennō-ji

   Religious site

   Shitennō-ji, founded in 593 AD by Prince Shōtoku, is one of Japan's most ancient Buddhist temples and a serene escape in Osaka.

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10. 10
    

    Tennōji Zoo

    Park & nature

    Tennōji Zoo, opened in 1915, is a classic city zoo set within Tennōji Park. It houses over 1,000 animals representing about 200 species, with notable residents including polar bears, koalas, and a popular hippopotamus.

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11. 11
    

    Nanba Grand Kagetsu

    Entertainment

    Nanba Grand Kagetsu is the flagship venue of Yoshimoto Kogyo, Japan's most famous entertainment conglomerate, located in the heart of Osaka's Namba district.

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12. 12
    

    Mint Museum

    MuseumFree entry

    The Mint Museum, located in the Kita district of Osaka, is a hidden gem for lovers of decorative arts.

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13. 13
    

    Amerikamura

    Neighborhood

    Amerikamura, or 'American Village,' is a compact neighborhood in Osaka that pulses with youth energy.

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14. 14
    

    Osaka Station City

    MarketFree entry

    Osaka Station City is a sprawling multi-purpose complex that serves as the gateway to Osaka and a destination in itself.

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15. 15
    

    Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

    LandmarkFree entry

    Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is a vibrant, covered arcade in Osaka's Namba district, renowned as the go-to destination for professional chefs and home cooks alike.

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Beyond the big names, the categories below cover everything else we track here.