It is a must that you put Japan's second largest city on your list of places to visit. Osaka is one of the most popular locations in Japan. Here resides Universal Studios of Japan (USJ), the birthplace of Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, and numerous bars and restaurants.
That is definitely not the end of the list of what you can find in Osaka. Even though I lived in Osaka for three, I still have not been able to scratch the surface of all the places to go and activities to enjoy here. Osaka is filled with a great mixture of new buildings and attractions, but also many old traditional temples and shrines.
Below are some recommended places you can visit while in Osaka. The subway and train system is vast and wide, similar to New York City. So don't be overwhelmed. If you plan your trip in Osaka accordingly, you'll be fine!
Nakazakicho
Nakazakicho is a small neighborhood located in Kita Ward, Osaka; a quiet and charming area that is popular among locals, but unfamiliar to tourists. Known for its trendy cafes, vintage shops, and traditional Japanese architecture, Nakazakicho is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a unique side of Osaka.
One of the main attractions of Nakazakicho is its many cafes and restaurants. From cozy coffee shops to stylish bars, there is something for everyone here. The area is particularly well known for its specialty coffee, with several cafes serving up delicious brews made from high-quality beans. Some of the most popular spots include Cafe Sign, a cozy cafe with a vintage feel, and Arabica Coffee, a modern cafe that roasts its own beans in-house.
Another draw of Nakazakicho is its vintage shops. The area is home to a number of stores selling secondhand clothing, accessories, and other goods. One of the most well-known shops is Keshiki, which specializes in vintage clothing and accessories from the 1920s to the 1970s. Other popular spots include the Nakazakicho flea market, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month, and Pansy Vintage, a charming shop selling vintage clothing and home decor.
Nakazakicho is also home to some stunning examples of traditional Japanese architecture. The area is known for its machiya, traditional wooden townhouses that were once common throughout Japan. Many of these machiya have been beautifully preserved, and visitors can take a stroll through the quiet streets to admire their intricate designs and historic charm.
The local people in the area are very warm and inviting. During my time in Japan I visited Nakazakicho twice: once with my host mom and sister to Cafe Muni (now permanently closed) and another time to explore more of the area. In my Osaka vlog, you can hear me striking up a conversation with a Japanese elderman as we were both intrigued by a cat in a window. It's not too common for Japanese to have small talk with strangers, so it was a special moment I was happy to capture.
Access to the town:
Tanimachi Line to Nakazakicho Station
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
This is the first aquarium in years I have gone to and definitely was not disappointed. I took my friend’s sister along, who was visiting Japan for the first time. We bought the 1 Day Osaka Kaiyu Ticket, specifically for the entrance into the aquarium and unlimited access on the Osaka subway and Hankyu train lines (I primarily use Hankyu train lines). You can click here for more information about Train Tickets & Day Passes.
kaiyukan.com/language/eng/kaiyu.html
Once you get inside the aquarium building you are directed to up the escalator to the top floor. The layout of the aquarium wraps around and down to the ground floor. The setup of the aquarium allows you to view the fish at all angles. On the ground level there are souvenir shops and there is a small area where you can buy and eat food.
The only negative thing about the trip is how crowded the aquarium was. It’s definitely expected when it’s a weekend/Sunday. Usually these types of attractions are always crowded, therefore it’s hard to get a good picture of some of the fish.
The area where the aquarium is located is called Tempozan Harbor Village. In addition to the aquarium, there is also a ferris wheel, LegoLand Discovery Center, Naniwa Kuishinbo, Yokocho (food theme park), and Tempozan Marketplace all in the same area. You can literally spend all day there. The two of us only went to the aquarium, so I definitely plan to go back. If you plan to visit the aquarium make sure you come in the morning and plan to stay a full day because there is a lot to do and see.
Access to the aquarium:
Chuo Line to Osakako Station
Osaka Expo City / Bampaku-kinen Koen (park)
Take a ride on the Osaka Monorail and spend a day at the Expo City and Commemoration park across the way. Expo City is filled with amusement attractions for children, a movie theater, and a large American-style mall. There are also many delicious restaurants. Find out more about this location by visiting Expo City's website.
Bampaku-kinen koen is a large park most renowned for the park's symbol, the Tower of the Sun (Taiyo no to), its beautiful flowers in the spring and summer, and various events held on their open fields. Many people enjoy "hanami" or flower viewing of the sakura tree (cherry blossom) peak bloom period. You can also see fields of bright, bold colored tulips and chrysanthemums.
Access to the mall and park:
Saito Line to Bampakukinenkoen station
Entrance Fee: 250 yen
Visit Bampaku-kinen park's website for a list of events and more information about the park.
Osaka Castle
Very similar to the Nagoya Castle. The outside has been kept up to remain the same as it was when it was originally built. But the inside has been transformed into a museum. I've heard criticism from other tourists wishing they could see how the inside was originally. Or at least duplicate the inside back to its original plan.
I went on a sunny October day and the weather was still very beautiful and warm in Osaka. Shorts and a T-shirt is what I wore that day. It was crowded in the park the castle is located in because it was a public holiday in Osaka Castle.
Who would have thought Osaka would have warm 70 degree weather in October and I would be wearing shorts and a T-shirt? Not me, but I definitely took advantage of the holiday and went with a couple friends to Osaka Castle. After living in Osaka for over two years. I couldn’t believe I had not yet visited Osaka Castle. Prior to this outing, I went to Nagoya castle in the Spring. Honestly the two castles look the same to me, but it was still nice to say I visited this one.
Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Similar to all other castles in Japan, it is surrounded by a moat because the samurai leaders were paranoid of intruders and attackers.
On the path leading to the castle there is a beautiful park and many vendors selling foods, flowers, and various other handmade goods. There are a couple restaurants and cafes on sight as well.
Access to the castle:
JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajo Koen Station
Castle Fee: Adults 600 yen/ 15 years & younger: free
Universal Studios of Japan - USJ
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a theme park located in Osaka, Japan, that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite movies and TV shows. The park boasts a wide range of attractions, including thrill rides, shows, and interactive experiences, all designed to give guests an unforgettable day of fun and adventure. They usually end the night with their night-light parade and fireworks.
USJ is particularly renowned for its Harry Potter-themed section, which includes a replica of Hogwarts Castle, the thrilling Forbidden Journey ride, and the chance to explore the streets of Hogsmeade Village. Other popular sections of the park include the Jurassic Park area, where visitors can come face-to-face with life-size animatronic dinosaurs, and the Minion Park, which is home to a variety of rides and attractions inspired by the lovable yellow creatures from the Despicable Me movies.
In addition to its rides and attractions, USJ is also known for its spectacular shows, which range from high-energy dance performances to jaw-dropping stunt shows. With something for visitors of all ages, Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a day of thrills, adventure, and pure entertainment.
Access to the park:
JR Yumesaki Line to Sakurajima Station
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