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I just returned from spending a week in Osaka, Japan, and have to tell you everything about it. On my second trip to Osaka, this trip I focused on the best things to do, top places to eat, and discovering its local neighborhoods.
Osaka is a playground for foodies, often called Japan’s kitchen for its vibrant food culture. As Japan’s second-largest city and metropolitan area, Osaka offers a lot to the traveler. From hole-in-the-wall restaurants to exciting nightlife and unique cultural sights, I love that you have a blend of experiences here.
I think a lot of travelers write off Osaka in exchange for more time in Tokyo or Kyoto, but the truth is it’s well worth at least 3-5 days of staying in the city. Two full days in the city of Osaka will give you a taste of the city itself and its popular eats, but also there is so much to see nearby by way of day trips. This is why I spent 4 nights in Osaka this last month.
So let’s dive into the best things to do in Osaka. I spent over 30+ hours researching what Osaka had to offer. I checked Anthony Bourdain’s coveted list, talked to locals, and scoured the internet before making my final Osaka itinerary. I’ve compiled all of that research into this guide, read on to see what Osaka has to offer.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Osaka:
Hotels
The two single best places to stay in Osaka are near Namba Station and Osaka Station (Of the two, I prefer Namba). If I were to pick my top hotels to stay in each location, they would be:
Best Hotels Near Namba Station
- Cross Hotel Osaka, for the best-located, budget-friendly hotel
- Hotel Royal Classic Osaka, for the best modern hotel
- Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, for the best luxury hotel with a view
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka, for the best overall luxury hotel
Best Hotels Near Osaka Station
- Zentis Osaka, for the best boutique design hotel
- Minn Umeda-North, for the best budget-friendly hotel
- Conrad Osaka, for the best luxury hotel
- InterContinental Hotel Osaka, for the best contemporary hotel
Things to Do
- Book a Food Tour in Shinsekai
- Osaka Street Food Tour
- Osaka Backstreet Night Tour
- Tea Ceremony Experience in Dotonbori
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss my Tokyo itinerary, Kyoto itinerary, and guides on where to stay in Tokyo and Kyoto!
Travel Tip: Be sure to get your JR Rail Pass prior to arrival in Japan! For more, my Japan rail guide covers everything you need to know about getting around.
The Ultimate Guide to Osaka, Japan
A Quick Look at Osaka History
Osaka was once the capital of Japan during the 7th and 8th centuries, known as Naniwa, and played a pivotal role in the cultural and political development of the country. The city’s strategic location along the Seto Inland Sea made it a thriving center for trade and commerce, which has remained a key aspect of its identity.
Osaka’s role in Japan’s history expanded during the Edo period (1603-1868), when it became the economic heart of the nation, thanks to its bustling merchant districts and its central position in the transportation network. As Japan modernized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Osaka continued to be a hub of industry and innovation, contributing to the nation’s rapid industrial growth. Today, the city remains a vital economic powerhouse, linking the Kansai region with the rest of Japan through its advanced infrastructure and vibrant business sector.
Osaka Planning Tips Before You Arrive
Best Time to Visit Osaka
The best time to visit Osaka greatly depends on what you want to experience. For peak cherry blossoms, March and April are popular, and then fall foliage in late October through November is also popular. Summers can be hot, winters are notoriously cold. However, winter months like January and February do see fewer crowds which is why I went in early February.
How Much Time is Needed for Osaka
To see the city of Osaka, I recommend a full two days in the city itself. It would be a rather fast-paced itinerary, but you could do it and you’d skip nearby day trips. My recommendation is to go for 4 nights and use the extra time to visit memorable temples and towns nearby.
Getting to Osaka
Getting to Osaka is quite easy. If you’re already in Tokyo or Kyoto, take the train (Tokyo bullet train is 2.5 hours and Kyoto takes around 1 hour 20 minutes) to Osaka Station (Umeda). If you’re flying into Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX Code), there are several direct trains under an hour from the airport to Namba Station or Umeda Station.
Travel Tip: If you’re considering training around Japan, see my comprehensive guide on Japan rail transportation. You may consider buying a JR Pass if you are doing several long-distance trains.
Getting Around Osaka
The two fastest and most convenient ways to get around Osaka are by train/metro and taxi. The metro and trains in Osaka are incredibly convenient and well-connected and don’t cost much to use. Use Google Maps to put in your directions and it will tell you the exact lines to use. When I was in Osaka, I used local taxis a few times and found them cheap and more convenient when the train times were long.
Cash and Credit Cards in Osaka
Japan is one of the few modern countries that still heavily relies on cash payment. I recommend having about USD 100 on you at all times as several restaurants and cafes will be cash only — use the ATMs at 7-Elevens for a reliable cash withdrawal. Major credit cards are accepted at businesses that do credit card transactions. For tax-free purchases, you will need your physical passport.
Get a Prepaid SIM Card + Download Google Maps Offline
You will absolutely need data while exploring Japan. A few options to consider are getting an eSIM card from a company like Holafly (cheapest), renting a portable Wi-Fi (kind of convenient), or using your own international data plan (most expensive and most convenient). Be sure to download Google Maps offline as well!
Other Helpful Tips
- Tipping is not part of Japanese culture
- Be quiet on the train, loud noises or voices are considered rude
- Carry cash at all times
- Trash cans are limited, so bring a small bag with you and don’t eat on the go
- You’ll walk on the right side vs the left like in other Japanese cities like Tokyo
Where to Stay in Osaka
I did countless hours researching where to stay in Osaka and came across the conclusion before the trip and confirmed once there that the two single best places to stay in Osaka are near Namba Station and Osaka Station. So I did exactly that — stayed two nights near Namba and two nights near Osaka Station. My preference? The Namba Station location.
Best Hotels Near Namba Station
- Top Choice: Cross Hotel Osaka ($) — Set just over from Dotonburi Street, the Cross Hotel is about a 10-minute walk to Namba Station. I spent two nights in this city hotel as a base to explore. It was so wonderfully based, lots within walking distance and close to the main stations. The hotel is a no-frills hotel, but clean and super affordable for the area.
- Hotel Royal Classic Osaka ($$) — Hotel Royal Classic Osaka is a luxurious, modern hotel located a 2-minute walk from Osaka Station, offering modern rooms.
- Centara Grand Hotel Osaka ($$) — Set on the back side of Namba Station, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is another 5-star Hotel to consider booking known for its amazing views from top-floor rooms and club-level amenities with free snacks and breakfast.
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka ($$$) — Set at the base of Namba Station, this is the most luxurious hotel in this neighborhood. You really can’t beat the location here, set with all the amenities you’ll want for a stay in Osaka.
Best Hotels Near Osaka Station
- Top Choice: Zentis Osaka ($$) — There are not many boutique design hotels outside of the corporate luxury brands, and Zentis was the only one. This was a lovely boutique hotel with incredible design, stunning rooms, and about a 10-minute walk to Osaka Station. It’s very convenient and set on a quiet street outside of the main drags which I appreciated come nighttime.
- Minn Umeda-North ($) — When it comes to clean-budget hotels in the Osaka Station area, the Minn Umeda-North location is our first choice. Well-located, good reviews and minimal rooms are great for a comfortable stay.
- Conrad Osaka ($$$) — Conrad Osaka is a luxurious, contemporary hotel located in the city’s Nakanoshima district, offering stunning views of the Osaka skyline and the Osaka River. It’s one of the best luxury hotels and within walking distance of several metro stops.
- InterContinental Hotel Osaka ($$$) — Set on the backside of Osaka Station, I’d look at the rates at the InterContinental as well. The IHG brand is well known for its service and concierge team that goes above and beyond for its guests.
The Best Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
Explore Dotombori
Dotombori — or Dotonburi, as often referred to — is the beating heart of all things food, shopping, and life in Osaka. It’s the heart of the city, and there is quite a bit to unpack here. Dotonburi Street is where you’ll find several street foods like takoyaki and restaurants like Chibo serving okonomiyaki.
A few gems in this area include Hozenji Yokocho, a quiet alley off of Dotonuburi Street that is full of great restaurants (many listed below). It leads to the quiet Hozen-ji Temple, tucked in a corner where you can get a goshuin stamp as well if you’re collecting.
The Tombori Riverwalk that lines the Tombori River is perfect for a great stroll. You’ll be able to see the famous Glico running man sign, an icon of Osaka and quite popular for photos.
See Namba Yasaka Jinja Shinto Shrine
Further into Namba, my favorite shrine visited was the Namba Yasaka Jinja, a Shinto shrine known for its massive lion-head-shaped stage. The open mouth is the centerpiece for the shrine which is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The shrine itself is dedicated to the deities Amaterasu (the sun goddess) and Susanoo (the storm god), who are central figures in Japanese mythology. It is said that the shrine has a long history, dating back to the 8th century, though it was rebuilt in its current form in 1704.
Note: This shrine offers goshuin stamp.
Shop Your Way Through the City
Osaka is a shopping-lover’s paradise. There are dozens of 12-story malls, shopping streets, and food markets. It’s a never-ending list of places to shop, so I’ve curated a few of my favorites that offer something unique:
- Sennichimae Doguyasuji Street — It is particularly well-known for being the city’s go-to shopping district for kitchenware, restaurant supplies, and everything related to food preparation. The street spans about 600 meters and is lined with numerous shops that sell a wide range of goods, from high-quality knives and cooking utensils to tableware, bento boxes, and specialized ingredients.
- Kuromon Ichiba Market — One of Osaka’s most famous and lively food markets, located in the Namba district. It’s one long-covered street full of food stalls, restaurants, and culinary shops.
- Nakazakicho Street (for Vintage Shopping) — Nakazakicho is a charming and vibrant neighborhood in Osaka, known for its retro, vintage atmosphere and its blend of old and new. I loved all of the antique and vintage stores like Aura and MeiZ Store.
- America-mura — A trendy and vibrant district in Osaka, known for its fashion-forward shops, and a mix of Western-inspired culture combined with Japanese influences.
- Hands Shinsaibashi Store — The Hands Shinsaibashi Store is one of the flagship locations of Loft, a popular Japanese retail chain that specializes in a wide range of lifestyle products, including stationery, home goods, beauty items, gadgets, and more.
Go for a Stroll Through Osaka Castle
I debated on including Osaka Castle as this was my least favorite activity done in Osaka. It’s out of the way of places you’re likely visiting and takes quite a of bit walking to see (unless you hop on the golf cart for a few hundred yen like us!). The history of the castle dates back to 1583 but unfortunately had to be rebuilt in 1931. The grounds and temples near Osaka Castle itself were my favorite part of walking around. You can access the Osaka Castle Museum to learn more and soak in the cherry blossom season in the adjacent Osaka Castle Park.
Try Traditional Matcha at wad
Hands down the best tea experience this Japan trip was at the wabi-sabi teahouse called wad in Osaka. It’s a no-reservation, popular spot so I suggest arriving at the open as there are limited seats. You can order traditional tea, where you choose your ceramic cup and it is made by hand. There are traditional Japanese sweets and bites, like the shaved ice topped with condensed milk.
Book a Food Tour in Shinsekai
Shinsekai is an up-and-coming neighborhood that was often known for its tougher past. Today, it’s a modern, eclectic entertainment district popular for several izakayas and restaurants. It’s home to the Tsutenkaku Tower which a lot of visitors like to go to the top of. I’ll say the neighborhood has this vintage feel to it, and worth coming down more at night when everything is open.
I’d eat your way through, try places like Kushikatsu Yamatoya for pressed sushi, Nishinari Takoyakiya for takoyaki, and stroll the Jan-Jan Yokocho alley for food stalls. Or better yet, book this super popular food tour to eat your way through Shinsekai with a local.
See the City from Harukas 300 or the Umeda Sky Building
Osaka has two towers, both of which offer views over Osaka. I didn’t quite have time for this trip, but both are rather popular and require reservations. Harukas 300 is the observation deck located on the top floors of Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest building, standing at 300 meters tall. The Umeda Sky Building is a landmark located in the Umeda district, one of Osaka’s busiest and most commercial areas. It stands at 173 meters and is known for its distinctive Floating Garden Observatory.
Visit the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka (NAKKA)
One of the highlights was a visit to NAKKA for their current exhibit of Shizuko Yoshikawa and Josef Müller-Brockman. The exhibits rotate often, but the space of the building itself is an architectural masterpiece. I’d look at what is on offer, and don’t forget to stop by the HAY Store on the bottom floor.
Spend time in Shitennoji Temple and Tennoji Park
Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺) is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Japan, located in the heart of Osaka. Founded in 593 AD by Prince Shōtoku, who is considered one of Japan’s greatest statesmen and advocates of Buddhism, Shitennoji is well worth going to — I’d pair it with nearby Tennoji Park as well. The park has quiet ponds and feels like a lovely retreat in the city.
Note: This temple offers goshuin stamp.
The Best Restaurants in Osaka, Japan
Kawafuku Honten
A very local udon restaurant, Kawafuku Honten was my favorite noodle stop of the trip. It’s very homey, bar seating downstairs right in front of the kitchen. It’s very much a local spot!
Best Okonomiyaki: Houzenji Sanpei and Chibo
Okonomiyaki may be the symbol food of Osaka and there are dozens of restaurants that do it. My two favorites were the more local Houzenji Sanpei right off of the Hozenji Yokocho, where there were limited seats and a range of styles of okonomiyaki. My favorite commercial restaurant was the chain Chibo, which has several locations across the city.
Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae
Set in Namba, this was the favorite takoyaki of the trip. Made fresh on the spot, you can have it classic or with green onions.
Dotombori Akaoni
Another great takoyaki spot if you don’t want to venture far off of Dotonbori Street.
Tsurutontan Kitashinchi Kinshoro
One night near Osaka Station I stumbled across this udon restaurant. The team was absolutely lovely and a wide-ranging menu of udon noodles. I still prefer Kawafuku Honten but this is a good one if you’re on this side of town.
Sumiyaki-shoten Yo Ohatsutenjin
I had one traditional kaiseki dinner while in Osaka, and it was at Sumiyaki. I called in and was told no reservations were available, but then had the hotel concierge call, and they were able to get a reservation immediately, so keep this in mind. It’s a very traditional style of cuisine, maybe adventurous for some, but worth the experience. The staff was a blast, made the whole experience so much more fun, and helped us translate the dishes.
Yakiniku Kitan
The famous Wagyu yakiniku-style restaurant is incredibly popular on social for its $12 Wagyu lunch set. The truth is, the lines are unbearably long and to get a reservation, you need to reserve one of their prix-fixe lunch menus which is more like $30-45 a person. It’s still worth it and includes several courses set in a private room upstairs of the machiya. I recommend it for a group for lunch, it’s a fun experience getting to cook your own meat and veg.
Hozenji Kamofuku
For all things fresh soba, head here. Noodles are made on the spot, and served traditionally with wasabi, dipping sauces, and tempura.
Neel Cafe
My favorite lunch cafe was Neel and it was quite popular. The design is beautiful, and they serve katsu sandwiches and a variety of matcha and coffee.
Bear Paw Cafe
The famous bear paw cafe called Kuma no Te, also known as the Bear Paw Cafe, has a great mission. It was created by the Mental Support Academy to support people suffering from various mental health conditions by providing a low-stress working environment.By helping those with social anxiety or other mental health conditions by eliminating face-to-face contact, the staff gains meaningful work opportunities, a chance to build confidence, and find a pathway to future employment.
graf
A sweet little cafe with a small lunch menu and sweets set inside a beautiful home design store. It’s close to the NAAK Museum, so I recommend coupling it together.
CANELÉ du JAPON Nagahori-shop
One of my favorite treats was the mini caneles with a variety of flavors like yuzu, matcha, and chocolate.
Kajitsu no hana Shinsaibashi
The best mochi with fresh fruit inside, well worth seeking this one out.
Where to Get Coffee in Osaka
There are so many coffee shops in Osaka, some of my favorites were:
Where to Take a Day Trip From Osaka
Nara
A quick 45-minute train gets you to the countryside town of Nara, most known for its deer park. You can feed the deer with crackers which you buy at the stalls and the deer will bow for it. There is a lot to see here, from temples, gardens, the historic old town, and many trails into the mountains. See my full Nara day trip itinerary here. (coming soon)
Kutsuo-ji Temple
My favorite day trip was an early morning at Kutsui-ji Temple, home to the daruma dolls. It’s so beautiful and up in the mountains with hundreds of the red dolls over the grounds. You can also collect a 6-stamp postcard while there, it’s given to you as part of your entrance. Take the Midosuji Line to Minoh-Kayano Station from Namba, Shin-Osaka, or Osaka Station). Hop on the local Hankyu bus to Katuso-ji or take a taxi (3000 yen) to the temple.
Kyoto
Kyoto is quite close by train so if you don’t have plans to overnight there, consider taking a day trip from Osaka. There is a lot to do in Kyoto, check out this guide to the city, this Kyoto itinerary, and the best temples to visit in Kyoto.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle (姫路城), often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” because of its elegant white exterior, is one of Japan’s most iconic and well-preserved castles. Located in the city of Himeji, in Hyogo Prefecture, it is widely regarded as the finest example of Japanese castle architecture and has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s about 30 minutes from Osaka by train.
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I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
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Xx,
Jessica
