Things to do in Osaka: Travel Guide

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city after Tokyo and Yokohama. It has a vibrant atmosphere and a raw, energetic feel. Here you’ll find a mix of rich history and modern, lively neighborhoods filled with shops, neon lights, and a buzzing nightlife. Osaka is also a paradise for food lovers: it’s known as Japan’s culinary capital, where you can try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki almost everywhere.

How to get to Osaka?

From Amsterdam and Brussels, you can fly to Japan either directly or with a layover. We chose an Etihad flight from Brussels to Osaka, with a transfer in Abu Dhabi. Since our round trip ended in Tokyo, we flew back home from there instead of Osaka.

For our tickets, two adults and a baby paid €1,750 return. Total travel time was around 18 hours.

If you’re flying with a baby like we did, ask the airline whether it’s possible to reserve a (free) bassinet. This way your baby can sleep comfortably, and you’ll have your hands free. Very convenient.

Tip: You can easily compare and book flights via Skyscanner.

Where to stay in Osaka?

Good neighborhoods to stay in include Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda. Namba is known for its lively atmosphere, street food, and neon-lit streets. Shinsaibashi is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment district in central Osaka and Umeda has a more modern, business-oriented feel.

We stayed for four nights in 谷町君ホテル　難波80, an apartment near Namba with a private bathroom and kitchen, within walking distance of many attractions. There are also plenty of convenience stores and eateries nearby.

Tip: Most accommodations in Japan don’t provide baby cribs. We brought a compact pop-up travel tent from Deryan, which is lightweight and easy to carry.

Public transport in Osaka

Besides being very walkable, Osaka has an excellent public transport system. It makes exploring the city easy, even with a baby. Stations are clearly signposted and almost always equipped with elevators, which is very helpful with a stroller.

If you’re traveling through multiple cities in Japan, it’s best to use a rechargeable transit card to avoid buying individual tickets. Two well-known options are Suica and ICOCA. Suica is mainly used in Tokyo, while ICOCA is based in Osaka, but both work almost everywhere in Japan.

Suica card

We personally used the Suica card. On iPhone, you can easily add it to your Wallet, where you can top it up instantly and use it at the ticket gates. This way, you no longer have to queue at ticket machines and can travel smoothly from place to place.

Things to do in Osaka

Visit Shinsekai

A visit to Shinsekai is something you really shouldn’t skip when exploring Osaka. This neighborhood feels like stepping into a slightly retro version of Japan, where old and new blend together in a very unique way. The streets are filled with colorful facades, glowing neon signs, and small local eateries that give the area a lively, slightly nostalgic atmosphere.

What really stands out is the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, which rises above the district and can be seen from almost anywhere in the neighborhood. It gives Shinsekai its unmistakable skyline and acts as a kind of landmark that ties the whole area together. Especially in the evening, when the lights switch on and the streets fill with people, Shinsekai really comes to life.

Explore Dōtonbori

Dōtonbori is the lively nightlife and entertainment district around the Dōtonbori Canal. It’s filled with large, bright neon signs and moving billboards that give the area its energetic atmosphere. Along the waterfront and in the surrounding streets, you’ll find countless restaurants and iconic signs, such as the Glico Running Man. Especially in the evening, this area truly comes alive and is one of the best places to experience the energy of Osaka.

Try Japanese dishes at the Kuromon Ichiba Market

For food lovers, Kuromon Ichiba Market is a must-visit. This covered market is also known as “Osaka’s kitchen,” and you’ll find countless stalls selling fresh fish, street food, and local specialties. It’s the perfect place to try a wide variety of Japanese dishes.

Visit Osaka Castle & Nishinomaru Garden

Those who want to learn more about the culture and history of the city can visit Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden. The castle is one of Osaka’s most famous landmarks and offers a glimpse into Japan’s history. The garden around it is especially beautiful in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Visit temples and shrines

Scattered throughout Osaka and its surroundings, you’ll find various temples and shrines, where the sense of calm forms a beautiful contrast with the bustle of the modern city. In the city center, you can visit the beautiful Shitennō-ji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, as well as the unique Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its enormous lion-head stage.

Another highly recommended visit is Katsuō-ji Temple. This temple is located just outside the city but is easily reachable by public transport in about 50 minutes. It is famous for its many daruma dolls (traditional Japanese good luck and wish-granting figures) which can be seen all across the temple grounds.

Admire Osaka from the Umeda Sky Building

For a beautiful view over the city, a visit to the Umeda Sky Building is highly recommended. From the Floating Garden Observatory, you’ll get a panoramic view of Osaka’s skyline.

Make sure to reserve a time slot. Ideally around sunset, when the sky slowly changes color and the city starts to light up. Even at night, the view is impressive, with thousands of lights giving Osaka an almost magical atmosphere.

Osaka Aquarium

For families with children, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is highly recommended. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, where you can get up close to a huge variety of marine life. Here you’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish and graceful rays to dolphins and even massive whale sharks. The aquarium is divided into different zones, each representing a different part of the Pacific Ocean.

The aquarium is located in the Tempozan area, where you can also take a relaxing walk along Osaka Bay or enjoy a ride on the giant Ferris wheel for a great view over the waterfront.

Catch Your Own Dinner at Zauo Fishing Restaurant in Namba

Looking for a truly unique dining experience in Osaka? Then a visit to Zauo Fishing Restaurant Namba is definitely worth it.

Right in the middle of the restaurant, there’s a large indoor fishing pond filled with different types of fish. As a guest, you can choose the kind of fish you want to catch yourself, and once you’ve caught it, it’s prepared fresh for you in your preferred style. You can even decide how it’s cooked, which makes the whole experience feel very interactive and personal.

Even if you don’t feel like fishing yourself, it’s still a great place to eat. The atmosphere is lively and unique, and every time someone catches a fish, a staff member celebrates by striking a large gong. The interior adds to the experience as well. You can sit on a large wooden boat in the center of the restaurant or choose one of the smaller private seating areas right by the water, overlooking the pond where the fish are swimming.

It’s especially fun for families with children, turning dinner into an experience rather than just a meal.

Play a Game at Kasuga Gorakujo Arcade

In Shinsekai, you’ll find the nostalgic Kasuga Gorakujo Arcade. This classic arcade is packed with old-school arcade machines, claw games, and retro Japanese video games. It’s a fun spot to step inside for a while and try out a few traditional games while exploring the neighborhood.

Food and drinks in Osaka

Besides all the street food, which is definitely worth trying, you’ll also find plenty of great restaurants in Osaka. Below are some of our favorites:

• Sankei Club Shinsekai: Kushikatsu en Okonomiyaki
• Zauo Fishing Restaurant Namba: Catch your own dinner from the water
• Kobe Beef Wanomiya Dotonbori: Kobe beef
• Rikuro’s Namba: Japanese cheesecake