My Osaka Bucket List: Best Things to Do, Hidden Gems and Travel Tips
Osaka (大阪) is a city with a vibrant energy and lots to see and do. I've been to Osaka several times, for stays of up to a week, which has given me the opportunity to explore much of this bustling city, while keeping a bucket list with many other places I'd like to explore one day.
In this article, I summarize both must-see attractions and lesser-known places I've visited or would like to discover, as well as experience ideas. I hope you'll find it useful if you're planning to spend some time in Osaka and are looking for inspiration for things to see and do.
1. Enjoy Dotonbori's Atmosphere Day and Night
The lively, vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori (道頓堀) is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Osaka. In a nutshell, Dotonbori is a paradise for photographers, food and cityscape lovers. Each time I visit, I remain fascinated by the neon lights, the huge and eccentric restaurant signs and decorations, the street performers and the lively streets at night. It's simply fun to wander around, discovering Dotonbori's most famous spots, such as the Glico sign, the Ebisubashi Bridge (戎橋) and the Don Quijote shop. But what I also love is exploring smaller alleyways and discovering hidden spots like the Hozen-ji temple (法善寺).
It’s also the perfect place to try some of Osaka’s specialties like kushikatsu or takoyaki, and you’ll find countless restaurant options to choose from (one of my personal favorites is Rikimaru, a great place for all-you-can-eat barbecue).
If you have the time, I'd also recommend visiting during the day, for a different, less crowded atmosphere.
Looking for Experience Ideas in Dotonbori?
2. Explore Osaka Castle and its Park
A long walk through the vast castle grounds of Osaka castle (大阪城) to admire one of Japan's most iconic castles is one of my favourite things to do in Osaka. And what I particularly love is that each season brings a different atmosphere, with plum and sakura blossoms in the spring, lush greenery surrounding the castle in summer, autumn foliage and winter illuminations. I always plan at least a couple of hours to freely wander around the castle park.
While the visit of the castle park is free, you can also pay an entrance fee to get inside, explore its museum and enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the top. You can buy your Osaka Castle tickets online at Klook in advance to avoid queuing at the ticket office.
✨TRAVELY TIP: My favourite view of Osaka Castle is from the Japanese Garden where you can see the reflection of the castle on a pond (you can search for the exact location on Google maps).
3. Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Kaiyukan (海遊館) is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and in my opinion a must-visit spot in Osaka. The walk through the aquarium is fun and original, as it’s a vertical walkway going around the main tank that gives the impression of diving under the sea. My favorite parts is admiring the two majestic whale sharks (their names are Kai (male) and Yuu (female)), the energetic penguins and the adorable ringed seals. I’d highly recommend to book your Kaiyukan ticket online in advance to skip the line (you can book your ticket on the official website or on Klook).
✨TRAVELY TIP: Afterward, explore the adjacent Tempozan mall for a lunch at a food court and souvenir shopping.
➡️ If you’re interested in a one-day itinerary that combines these 3 first spots, you can read my article “One Day in Osaka: My Favorite Itinerary for a First-Time Visit”.
4. Discover Namba and Shinsaibashi areas
With Shinsaibashi to the north and Namba to the south of Dotonbori, these busy areas are ideal for shopping, izakaya hopping, and photography. In Shinsaibashi, don’t miss a walk along Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street (心斎橋筋商店街), where you can for instance visit one of Osaka’s Pokemon stores and shop in one of the malls (it's also a great place to buy second-hand clothes). In Namba area, I’d also recommend to check Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street (千日前道具屋筋商店街) for Japanese cookware and kitchenware.
5. Marvel at Namba Yasaka Jinja
A small but striking shrine not to miss in Namba if you’re exploring the area is Namba Yasaka Jinja (難波八阪神社). This little shrine tucked in the middle of the city features a giant lion head. If you’re a shrine lover looking for unique shrines in Japan, then I’d say it’s a must stop!
6. Wander around Osaka Electric Town
Nipponbashi Denden Town (でんでんタウン 日本橋筋商店街) is Osaka’s version of Akihabara in Tokyo. If you love Japanese anime, manga, video games and character figures, then a walk in the area is a great addition to your itinerary. I particularly liked Super Potato Retrokan, located on Ota road, for its impressive selection of retro games!
7. Go Food Hopping at Kuromon Ichiba Market
If you’re a food lover, then you’ll most likely be interested in a visit to the popular Kuromon Ichiba Market (黒門市場), just a 15-minute stroll from Dotonbori. There’s a great variety of food, from fresh seafood to skewers and local snacks, and much more! Though it can get quite crowded and has become more catered to tourists rather than locals, I think it can still be a nice experience if you want to try local delicacies or immerse yourself in Japanese market culture in a lively atmosphere. I’d recommend visiting in the morning when the selection is freshest and the crowds are more manageable.
8. Visit One of Japan’s Oldest Temples: Shitenno-ji
Founded in 593, Shitennō-ji (四天王寺) is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples and a peaceful stop in the city. Entry to the temple's outer precincts is free, but an entrance fee must be paid for access to the central temple, the garden and the treasure hall. It's a beautiful temple, and it wasn't crowded at all when I went, so I'd recommend it if you love temples like I do. It’s a great addition if you’re planning to explore Shinsekai and Tennoji areas.
9. Explore Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku
Shinsekai (新世界) is an old district of Osaka with a retro charm, colourful signs and bustling streets full of local restaurants and izakaya. It’s an amazing place for photography, and you can look around for Billiken statues, gold statues of a chubby smiling character, a symbol of good fortune that is kind of the unofficial mascot of Osaka. You can also admire or visit for a small fee the Tsutenkaku Tower (通天閣), a 100-meter steel tower that is the local landmark of Shinsekai district and is illuminated at night. Like Dotonbori, it’s an area worth visiting both during daytime and nighttime to experience the difference of atmosphere. I very much like this area and usually stay at a hotel near Shinsekai, called Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi.
Looking for Experience Ideas in Shinsekai?
10. Relax at Tennoji Park
If you’d like to slow down, Tennoji Park (天王寺公園) offers a peaceful place to recharge after visiting busier areas of Osaka. I enjoyed taking a stroll around the serene Kawazokoike Pond (河底池), looking at families of turtles swimming around from the vivid red Wake Bridge (和気橋).
Within the park, you’ll also find the compact but charming Tennoji Zoo (天王寺動物園) and the small Keitakuen Garden (慶沢園). Nearby, you can explore historical sites like Horikoshi Jinja (堀越神社) and Isshin-ji Temple (一心寺).
11. Enjoy the Vibe of America Mura
America Mura (アメリカ村) is an area of Osaka with trendy boutiques, retro shops, quirky cafes and street art. If you like vintage clothes and thrifting, this is the place to go. This area is also very accessible from Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi. It wasn't this that drew me to this area of Osaka, but my desire for Japanese fluffy pancakes at the café Happy Pancake (幸せのパンケーキ 心斎橋店), which has a shop in the area.
12. Spend a Day at Osaka Universal Studios
Although I haven’t had the chance to go yet, spending a day at Osaka Universal Studios is high on my bucket list as a big Harry Potter and cinema fan more generally. This theme park is one of the most popular attractions in Osaka, featuring exciting rides, themed zones like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and seasonal events. Be sure to book your ticket in advance.
13. Admire Sumiyoshi Taisha’s Impressive Bridge
Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社) is one of Osaka's most important shrines, easily accessible via the Nankai Line. It’s one of Japan’s oldest shrines and was founded in the 3rd century. The shape and size of Sorihashi Bridge (反橋), which is one of the most famous parts of the shrine, is truly impressive, and the reflection in the pond is just lovely. You can easily spend a hour exploring the shrine and enjoying its peaceful atmosphere, with different buildings to see, ponds where you can admire koi fish and turtles, and cats relaxing on the ground. I visited the shrine on a weekday and it wasn't crowded at all. You can find more information about the shrine and a map of the precincts on Sumiyoshi taisha’s official website.
The midsummer Sumiyoshi Matsuri which takes place this year from July 30 to August 01 2025, is one of Osaka’s biggest festivals.
It has become one of my favourite places in Osaka, where you can spend a slow morning or afternoon, combining your visit with a walk in the nearby Sumiyoshi Park (住吉公園) and a break in one of the little cafés in the area.
14. Relax at One of Osaka’s Super Onsens
If you’re into onsen like I am and want to add a touch of relaxation into your Osaka stay, what about spending some time in one of Osaka’s onsen? Though I haven’t been yet, I’d love to try Spa World, a massive urban-style hot spring facility, where you can enjoy 17 types of baths from 12 countries around the world. Note that some of the bath areas are closed due to renovation as of June 2025, so make sure to check on the Spa World website the latest information.
There are several other large onsen facilities options in Osaka, like Solaniwa Onsen (空庭温泉), Tennen Onsen Naniwanoyu (天然温泉 なにわの湯), or Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu (上方温泉 一休) located near Universal Studios.
15. Admire Osaka’s Seasonal Colours
What I love about discovering Japan, including Osaka, is that each season brings its own colours and atmosphere. Osaka Castle is the perfect example, as mentioned above, but there are many other places that can be added to your itinerary depending on the time of year you visit. In autumn, for example, the walk to the Minoh Falls (箕面大滝), easily accessible from Osaka, is considered one of the best autumn foliage spots in the region (it's definitely on my Japan bucket list and I hope to write an article about it one day). So I can't recommend enough that you research seasonal events when you're planning to go to Osaka. There are lots of resources online, and I want to add more detailed recommendations in the future (don’t hesitate to subscribe to my monthly newsletter if you’d like to receive my latest articles).
16. Enjoy Osaka Festivals and Events
Similarly to seasonal colors, make sure to check for cultural events taking place in Osaka at the time of your visit. This year, you could for instance want to attend a once in a lifetime event: the Osaka World Expo 2025, currently being held on Yumeshima from April 13 to October 13, 2025 (you can buy your tickets on Klook here).
If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to check out Osaka’s lively festivals and fireworks displays. This includes among others:
the Tenjin Festival, or Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭), ranked as one of Japan's top three festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri of Kyoto and the Kanda Matsuri of Tokyo. It takes place on July 24 and 25 every year.
the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, one of Japan’s most thrilling and high-energy festivals, just a short train ride from central Osaka, taking place every year in September.
17. Go on Day Trips
Osaka is also an excellent base for exploring the Kansai region and other neighbouring prefectures. Here are some of my detailed guides on possible day trips (or weekend trips) from Osaka such as:
Kobe, a stylish port city known for its scenic harbor views and world-famous Kobe beef (and plenty more).
Himeji, home to Japan’s most spectacular and well-preserved feudal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wakayama, a quieter coastal gem with fresh seafood, a beautiful castle and historic temples.
Koyasan, a sacred mountain with over 110 Buddhist temples, an ancient cemetery and stunning autumn foliage.
Other day trips I’d love to do in the future from Osaka are visiting Tondabayashi (富田林), with its beautiful historical district and the Great Peace Tower, and Sakai (堺), with its ancient tombs and traditional tea and knives industries.
18. Try Traditional Experiences
To truly immerse yourself in Japan, you can consider including to your travel plans authentic cultural experiences, and you can do so in and around Osaka!
To look for such activities, you can check for each location you’re planning to go to activities available in Osaka on platforms like:
Wabunka — specializes in traditional Japanese cultural experiences with Japanese craftmen and experts of their art accompanied by a interpreter, offering unique activities like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and kimono rentals (and much more) for a more immersive journey.
Legendary knife crafting at Wada Shouten (Images courtesy of Wabunka)
AirKitchen — offers a variety of authentic cooking classes in Japanese homes.
GetYourGuide — provides curated tours and activities in Japan, allowing travelers to explore top destinations and hidden gems with local guides.
19. Marvel at Osaka’s City Views
I love going to observatories in Japan to admire the breathtaking views, especially at sunset or at night.
There are several observatories where you can go to admire Osaka’s cityscape, such as Umeda Sky Building in Umeda area or Abeno Harukas’ HARUKAS 300 Observatory closer to Tsutenkaku. I've admired both buildings from the ground, but never had the opportunity to visit their observatory. It’s in my Osaka bucket list so I'll update this article in the future to let you know which one I like best after I go.
20. Get Lost in Umeda Area
If you have the time, it's nice to stroll through the lively Umeda area (梅田), which is packed with department stores, shopping arcades, local restaurants and more. It's quite of a labyrinth with overhead walkways and underground shopping malls, which can be a bit overwhelming, but for those who like the lively atmosphere, skyscrapers and big malls, you're likely to enjoy exploring this area. For pokemon and ghibli fans, I highly recommend a stop at the PARCO shopping center, where you'll find a Donguri store and a pokemon center.
21. Spend an Afternoon at Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park
Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園) is a huge park located 30 min north of Osaka city center. Its iconic Tower of the Sun is the symbol of this area. It looks like a place where you can spend a whole afternoon, whether enjoying the outdoors by exploring the park, which includes a large Japanese landscape garden, or discover one of the museums located in the area, including the National Museum of Ethnology (国立民族学博物館) and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum (日本民藝館). There is also a large shopping mall nearby called Expocity, located next to a 123m-high ferris wheel, the tallest in Japan, and the Nifrel aquarium. It’s definitely an area of Osaka I’d like to check out in the future!
Essential Travel Tips For Your Osaka Visit
How to Get Around
Osaka is a huge city, but what’s great is that its subways and train system allows you to get around very easily. If you don't yet have a Suica or Pasmo card if you’re coming from Tokyo, you can easily buy an Icoca card at any JR station in Osaka and top it up to explore Osaka in total freedom.
Depending on how long you’re planning to spend in Osaka and what you’re planning to explore, you might also be interested in the Osaka Metro Pass or the Osaka Amazing Pass (which includes entrance to a number of Osaka attractions on top of unlimited transport on Osaka Metro) to save money.
How Many Days to Spend in Osaka
Although you can visit Osaka's main attractions in 1-2 days, you can easily spend more days exploring Osaka by traveling more slowly, according to your interests and to better appreciate all this city has to offer. You could even stay longer if you decide to use Osaka as a base for day trips to discover the region. It’s what I did once when I spent a week in Osaka
Where to Stay
For first-time visitors, the best areas to stay are Namba, Umeda, or Tennoji. They are well connected and close to many attractions.
I personally recommend Hot Spring Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi located near Shinsekai, my favorite hotel in Osaka where I’ve stayed at three times. In my opinion, this is one of the best value for money hotels I've stayed at in Japan. As well as comfortable rooms, it offers public baths and a communal lounge where complimentary drinks and ice cream are always served, as well as ramen in the evening (free) and more...
I liked this hotel so much that I wrote a detailed review in my article '“Where to Stay in Osaka: Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi Review”.
➡️ For more accommodation ideas in Osaka, you can check Agoda or Booking to find the best deals and locations that suit your travel plans.
To Conclude
Osaka is a city full of surprises, with so much to see and do. I hope this list helps you plan a fun, well-rounded trip to Osaka with a mix of must-sees and hidden gems. Let me know your favorites, or what you'd add to the list!
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