Osaka Guide trip: What to see and Things to Do
Osaka is known for being the third-largest city in Japan, as well as for its vibrant nightlife, diverse gastronomy, and the Universal Studios theme park dedicated to cinema. It is a port city located on the island of Honshu, right in the heart of Japan.
With two or three days in Osaka, you’ll have more than enough time to explore the most famous neighborhoods and renowned landmarks. However, if you’re short on time, one day should be enough to see at least a few key attractions, which I’ll showcase here. That said, you won’t have time to visit the Universal Studios theme park. Let’s begin with our Osaka Travel Guide:
How to get to Namba from Kansai Airport?
Osaka airport is called Kansai International Airport. If you arrive in Osaka from the airport, it is very easy to get to the Namba area. The Nankai trains have their last stop at Namba station so have to buy your ticket at the airport and just get into the Nankai train tracks (orange entrance). You will arrive at Namba Station in about 40 minutes. The ticket costs 920 yen.
Where to stay in Osaka?
The most central and famous neighborhoods of the city are Namba and Dotonbori. In both you will find hundreds of restaurants, hotels, subway stops to move around the city and bars where you can have a sake, the famous Japanese drink.
Specifically, I stayed at the Wasabi Hostel (Osaka Bed with Library) located in Namba. I found it in Booking and it is one of the best valued value for money. Both the bedrooms and bathrooms are impeccably clean. The workers are very polite and help you as much as they can. There is a common area that is a great bookstore full of comics that will enchant all those who like the manga world.
How to find your way around Osaka?
What I liked most about this hostel was its location. Right on the edge where Namba ends and Dotondori begins. Ideal to move to anywhere, on foot or by subway.
If you head south you’ll find Den Den town (an area of video game freaks and all kinds of manga) and the Shinsekai district where the famous Tsutenkaku Tower is located. Not far away, a 10-minute walk away, you can visit Isshin-ji Temple, a beautiful Japanese temple enclosure that includes a small, well-kept cemetery.
On the other hand, from Namba, if you go north, you will first find the Dotonbori district, the river area and all its restaurants. If you keep climbing you’ll pass Shinsaibashi, a popular shopping district. A little further northwest is Osaka Castle, which, although not one of the best in Japan, is certainly worth a visit.
¿What to see in Osaka?
1. Shopping and Bar-hopping in the Namba Quarter
The most popular neighborhood in Osaka is the social hub of the city. It’s packed with restaurants where you can sample Osaka’s delicacies, typical Japanese bars, electronics stores, and arcades. It’s also well-known for its vibrant nightlife.
Within the Namba District, you’ll find many traditional Izakayas: small Japanese taverns where you can enjoy local dishes like yakitori, sashimi, and Osaka specialties such as okonomiyaki or takoyaki, accompanied by sake or beer. Many of these places have a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, perfect for socializing.
Additionally, there’s no shortage of cocktail bars, where expert bartenders craft unique drinks with a Japanese twist. Lastly, you’ll also come across bars with quirky themes, from retro decor to immersive experiences featuring karaoke or live music.
2. Eating/Dining in the Dotonbori Quarter
Right next to the Namba District is the Dotonbori District, divided by the canal of a river. This area is characterized by its historic neon signs in Osaka, such as the famous Glico athlete advertisement, and its street food stalls offering takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, ramen, and more. Additionally, it’s one of the best areas for bars and nightclubs in Osaka.
You can walk along the banks of the Dotonbori Canal or take a boat ride (Tonbori River Cruise) to enjoy the nighttime views of the district, as well as its bustling and vibrant atmosphere, with a mix of tourists and locals soaking in the unique energy of the place.
3. Visit Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most famous castles in Japan. It is located within a public park where people go for walks or runs and is surrounded by walls and a moat, much like the castles we often see in movies. Construction began in 1583, was completed in 1598, and after several modifications, expansions, fires, and many restorations, the latest restoration was finished in 1997.
The Osaka Castle is made up of eight floors that combine traditional architecture and modern technology. The first floors house a museum with exhibitions about the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Sengoku period, and the history of the castle. From the terrace on the top floor, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Osaka.
Additionally, within the complex, you can also visit the beautiful Nishinomaru Gardens, a garden filled with over 600 cherry trees, perfect for visiting during hanami season (cherry blossom viewing). It is generally open from 9:00 to 17:00 (with the last entry at 16:30). Entry to the grounds is free, but if you wish to enter the castle, it will cost around ¥600.
4. Strolling through the Shinsekai district and the Tsutenkaku Tower
The Tsutenkaku Tower rises above the Shinsekai district of Osaka. It is 103 meters high and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It has become a symbol of Japan’s progress after World War II.
The name “Shinsekai” means “New World”, and the neighborhood was created in 1912 as a center of entertainment and modernity inspired by two of the great cities of the time: Paris and New York. Although Shinsekai is not as luxurious as other neighborhoods, it has a nostalgic and authentic atmosphere that is worth witnessing firsthand.
5. Shopping in Den Den Town
The “geek” district of Osaka, perfect for fans of manga, anime, and video games. It is located next to the Shinsekai district, not far from Namba. It’s Osaka’s little Akihabara (Tokyo).
To give you an idea, as you walk through its streets, you’ll come across a life-size Spider-Man figure hanging from a wall and huge manga and anime posters on the buildings. If you’re a fan of digital entertainment and technology, Den Den Town will be a paradise for you.
6. Visit the Isshin-ji Temple
Isshin-ji Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Osaka and also one of the quietest places. It is located near the Shinsekai district, next to a beautiful park and a zoo. Inside the temple there is also a typical Japanese cemetery from where you can see the Tsutenkaku Tower in the distance.
It is known for being a place where many families, from 1854 began to deposit in the temple the urns with the remains of their deceased. Due to lack of space, in 1887 several statues of Buddha were commissioned, mixing the ashes of the deceased with resin to preserve the remains. Since then, every 10 years a new statue is built with the ashes of 150,000 people each. There are currently 14 statues.
7. Have fun like a kid at Universal Studios Theme Park.
Universal Studios Theme Park is an amusement park dedicated to movies and Hollywood. It has been open since 2001 and is one of the most visited places in Osaka. The area dedicated to Harry Potter fans is one of the most famous of the whole park, but not the only one as we also find simulators about Spiderman or Back to the Future.
The entrance fee is 7200 yen (60 euros) for children over 12, 4980 yen (41 euros) for children from 4 to 11 and 6570 yen (55 euros) for those over 65.
8. Sizzle on Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s specialties
Osaka’s most famous dish is undoubtedly the Takoyaki, a fried ball made of wheat flour stuffed with octopus and topped with ginger and chopped seaweed. Takoyaki is originally from Osaka so you can find it almost anywhere. Prices are around 400-500 yen (3-4 euros) for 6 Takoyaki balls. (Here is a link to a video explaining how to make Takoyaki).
Another famous dish in Osaka is Okonomiyaki, which consists of a flour dough cooked on a griddle with the ingredients of your choice (vegetables, meat, fish). It is a kind of Japanese omelette. (Here is a link to a video explaining how to make Okonomiyaki).
First impression on Japan
So far Japan has surprised me with its small details. Everything is meticulously cared for and everything seems to have its beauty. It’s also surprising how many engine rooms you find and how big they are. In the mornings, before opening, there are people sneaking in to play.
And of course, manga culture is present almost everywhere. You’ll find streets full of manga-only shops dedicated to comics, sculptures and stickers. There are even cafés where the waitresses are dressed as maids. Japan is undoubtedly a world apart and a world worth seeing.
Next Destination: From Osaka to Nara
Nara is right next to Osaka and is one of those destinations that everyone recommends. If you don’t have a Jr Pass (Japan Rail Pass), you can take the Kintetsu train line from Namba Station.
To get to the Kintetsu line you have to go down to the second floor and from there walk to the end of the corridor. Tickets are purchased right at the entrance to the tracks. The ticket to Nara costs a total of 560 yen and takes only 40 minutes to arrive. In Nara you can enjoy the deer park, where hundreds of deer walk at will.
Try to make your words better than silence.
– Japanese proverb –
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