HomeAsiaEast AsiaJapanOsaka 11 Places to Visit in Osaka + Things To Do By Marcos Detourista. Updated on March 26, 2020. Where to go in Osaka? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Osaka tourist spots, attractions & more. A modern metropolis, Osaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. This city is famous for its exciting shopping districts, cultural sites and is widely known among Japanese people as the “nation’s kitchen” Here are the top places that I was able to visit on a quick trip to Osaka. If you are spending one to two days in the city and you want to check out the main sites, this list is the perfect starter guide. 1. Universal Studios Japan Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan. Save on Google Maps. Get my first taste of Butterbeer and see Hogwarts Castle — this was at the very top of my bucketlist in Osaka! A must-visit for Potterheads. Universal Studios Japan is one of the few amusement parks in the world with a dedicated themed area based on the Harry Potter series! If that’s not enough there are 9 other themed areas hosting over 60+ attractions inspired by blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Shrek, Spider-Man, Jaws and more! Universal Studios Japan Admission Ticket See discounts Butter Beer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Japan, in Okasa, Japan Universal Studios Japan in Osaka Universal Studios Japan in Osaka Butter Beer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Japan, in Okasa, Japan Universal Studios Japan in Osaka Osaka Travel Essentials: Where to stay in Osaka (click below to see rates and book online)Cheapest Rates | Best Reviews | Home Rentals/Airbnb Osaka Tours & Discounts Japan WIFI/SIM Card See also: Best Places to Visit in Japan | Best Places to Visit in Tokyo | Japan Itinerary. More travel tips coming up! In the meantine, enjoy this quick list of attractions and tourist spots in Osaka. To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Use Instagram’s save feature for quick access to your travel/feed goals. Follow me on Instagram 2. Osaka Castle Osaka Castle, in Osaka, Japan Autumn Season in Osaka Castle, Japan Osaka Castle, in Osaka, Japan Osaka Castle view in Osaka, Japan Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan. Save on Google Maps. Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. Roam around the park to see stunning views of the 55-meter high structure and surrounding gardens. Inside the castle, there’s a museum with varied exhibits about the history of the city. A viewing platform awaits at the top floor from which visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka. Osaka Castle Ticket See discounts 3. Dotonbori Glico Sign, Dotombori Glico Man Sign in Osaka, Japan Location: 1 Chome-10-2 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan. Save on Google Maps. The Dotonbori Glico Sign is one of the cherished symbols of Osaka. This famed giant billboard features the Glico running man, and is found along the Dotonbori River. Nearby Ebisu Bridge offers a great photo spot to show that you have visited Osaka. 4. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade in Osaka, Japan Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade in Osaka, Japan Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade in Osaka, Japan Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade in Osaka, Japan Location: 2 Chome-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan. Save on Google Maps. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street near Dotonbori is the main shopping area in Osaka. You’ll find all sorts of shops selling high-end big label brands to everyday items. Even if you do not plan on buying anything, take a walk at Shinsaibashi to absorb the energetic city vibe. Go at night for a dazzling view with all the neon signs. 5. Tombori River Cruise, Dotonbori Tombori River Cruise in Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan Location: Tombori River, Dotonbori, Osaka. Save on Google Maps. 6. Dotonbori Food District Dotonbori food district in Osaka, Japan Dotonbori food district in Osaka, Japan Dotonbori food district in Osaka, Japan Location: 1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan. Save on Google Maps. Renowned as the ‘Kitchen of Japan’, Osaka offers some of the very best street food in the entire country. If it’s your first time in Dotonbori, you should never leave without going on a culinary adventure. Must-try local delicacies include Takoyaki (Octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancacke), Ramen (noodle dish), Grilled crab legs, Gyoza (Japanese dumplings), Yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) & a cone of green tea soft serve icecream. 7. Dotonbori Gate Location: 2-chōme-1 Dōtonbori, Chūō-ku, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan. Save on Google Maps. We stumbled upon this cool neon sign that reads “Dotonbori” while walking from Shinsaibashi to the Osaka-Namba train station. I found out later that this sign is known as the “Dotonbori Gate.” If you think this is a cool spot for a photo-op, you can find it along Midosuji Street, near Yoshinoya (one block away from the Dotonbori Canal). 8. Don Quijote Dotonbori Ferris Wheel Don Quijote Dotonbori Ferris Wheel in Dotonburi, Osaka, Japan Location: 7-13 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka. Save on Google Maps. 9. Kuromon Market Kuromon Market in Osaka, Japan Kuromon Market in Osaka, Japan Kuromon Market in Osaka, Japan Location: 2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan. Save on Google Maps. Located within an easy walk from Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, this spacious market is a must-visit for foodies. Kuromon Market is packed with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs. It’s one of the best places to eat local food in Osaka. 10. Umeda Sky Building Umeda Sky Building in Osaka, Japan Location: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan. Save on Google Maps. The Umeda Sky Building is one of Japan’s unique high-rise buildings. The striking conjoined skyscrapers feature a garden rooftop observation area, restaurant & cocktail lounge. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. 11. American Village American Village in Osaka, Japan Location: 542-0086 Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−9−16, Osaka. Save on Google Maps. Where to go near Osaka Kyoto Location: Kansai Region. 56km northeast of Osaka. Save on Google Maps. Kyoto is the best day trip you could do from Osaka. Travel time by high-speed train between these two cities only takes around 30 minutes. If you’re already in Osaka, then visiting Kyoto is a MUST! This ancient capital of Japan is one of the country’s most beautiful cities. It is famed for its scenic temples, shrines, gardens, and historic structures, which includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Where to stayTours + discounts Top discounts JR Pass for Whole Japan Kyoto SKYBUS Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass (Open-Top) Bus Transfers between Osaka or Kyoto and Kansai International Airport (KIX) See more 14 Places To Visit in Kyoto Kyoto Itinerary + Travel Guide Nara Nara Park deer herd, in Nara, Napan Location: Kansai Region. 32km east of Osaka. Save on Google Maps. Nara is another UNESCO World Heritage site that you can easily visit on a day trip from Osaka. This place famous for its deer park, exquisite temples, and the large bronze statue of the Great Buddha. Himeji Castle Himeji Castle Location: 68 Honmachi, Himeji. Save on Google Maps. Visit Himeji to see the largest castle in Japan. The Himeji Castle is often called the “White Heron Castle” because of its white exterior walls, which locals claim resemble the outspread wings of a white heron. Travel time by train from Osaka Station is around 1 hour. Kobe Kobe, Japan Location: Hyogo Prefecture. Save on Google Maps. If you want to taste the most famous Japanese cattle (Wagyu). There’s no other place to go but Kobe. Travel time by train from Osaka Station is 20 minutes. What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Osaka that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in Osaka Osaka tourist spots, things to do in Osaka, where to go in Osaka & more. 1. Universal Studios Japan 2. Osaka Castle 3. Dotonbori Glico Sign, Dotombori 4. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street 5. Tombori River Cruise, Dotonbori 6. Dotonbori Food District 7. Dotonbori Gate 8. Don Quijote Dotonbori Ferris Wheel 9. Kuromon Market 10. Umeda Sky Building 11. American Village Kyoto Nara Himeji Castle Kobe Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Where to Stay in Osaka Click below & search recommended Osaka hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings. AgodaAirbnbBooking.com Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons. Osaka Essentials & Top Discounts Japan Mobile Data SIM card/Pocket WIFI Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location: Japan SIM cardPocket WIFISee all discounts JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 Days) – Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe & more See discounts ICOCA IC Card See discounts Nankai Airport Express Train Tickets See discounts Kansai Thru Pass See discounts Click below to see more on: Klook Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: Osaka Itinerary + Travel Guide 14 Places To Visit in Kyoto 14 Places To Visit in Tokyo 16 Places To Visit in Japan Kyoto Itinerary + Travel Guide Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 9 Places to Visit in Japan + Things To Do14 Places to Visit in Kyoto + Things To Do9 Places to Visit in Shirakawa-go and Gifu + Things To Do14 Places to Visit in Tokyo + Things To Do Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Osaka JapanEast AsiaAsia See all places Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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