If you are interested, I also did a post on places to go in Kyoto.
1. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is an Osaka must. It is distinctly noticeable on maps as it's an area in Namba district that follows the Dotonbori canal. Dotonbori is part of downtown Osaka. If you are looking for Osaka food, this is the place to hang out. From food stalls to restaurants, you can find all kinds of different dishes to try. The most popular dishes in Osaka are Okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pizza/pancake), Takoyaki (octopus balls), Yakisoda (stir-fry noodles) and Kushi-Katsu (various fried foods). Dotonbori has a very famous restaurant called Kani Doraku. It specializes in dishes using crabs, but prepared for a long wait-time. You'll be able to spot it from miles away, just look for the giant, moving red crab. Going to Dotonbori at night is a great option for seeing all the city lights reflected on the water.
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| Dotonbori kind of looks like an Osaka Times Square to me. |
2. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most unique castles in Japan. Not for how it looks but more for how it has been destroyed throughout Japanese history. Osaka Castle has been rebuilt about three times in history. The current castle standing today was built in 1931. In the past, the castle has been destroyed by war and fire from lightening strike. This castle has not had any luck in history, but it is still quite a sight to see in person. The castle grounds are surrounded by blooming cherry blossom trees during the spring season in Japan (early April). Osaka Castle is modernized with a small museum inside and an elevator. After exploring the inside of the castle, the courtyard usually is very active with people and food stalls.
3. Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is the second most visited theme park in Japan, behind Tokyo Disneyland. Don't think that just because you've been to the Universal Studios in Florida, USA that you've experienced it all. You haven't. Universal Studios Japan caters towards the Japanese audience, so the park is more focused on cartoon characters rather than superheros. There are a few exceptions such as the Hogwarts, Jurassic Park and Spider-man attractions. It has reasonably cheap admission and is easy to locate as it has its own train station. If you see online about different anime attractions at Universal please keep in mind that those attractions are not permanent. Universal Studios Japan switches out anime attractions every so often, so keep that in mind when planning a visit.
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| Hello Kitty shop in Universal Studios Japan. |
4. Umeda Sky Building
Located near Umeda Station in Osaka, Umeda Sky Building gives visitors a great view of the city from high up. With a cheap admission, you can go up the high rise building to the open observatory deck on the 39th floor (hope you're not scared of heights). Umeda Sky Building also has many things to offer on the inside, that I feel would be a perfect date for a couple. The Umeda Sky Building is famously known as the "Floating Garden Observatory," but there's no actual garden. The garden they are referring to is the city of Osaka.
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| Umeda Sky Building is 173 meters tall. |
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| The view from the open observatory deck at the very top. |
5. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. The layout of the aquarium is very unique. Visitors begin on the 8th floor and work their way down in a spiral motion, the path centering around the main tank. The main tank houses many different species but the most famous is the giant Whale Shark. The Osaka Aquarium is a great place to visit for aquatic lovers. It will only take a few hours of your day to visit.
6. HEP Five Ferris Wheel
I discovered this one by chance. The Ferris Wheel is attached to the roof of HEP shopping mall. HEP is an abbreviation for "Hankyu Entertainment Park." The mall is positioned very close to Umeda Station. Going up the escalators, you'll see a lot of stores and restaurants. The mall has a total of 170 shops inside. The HEP Five Ferris Wheel is huge, as it looks like to consumes the whole side of the mall. Both day and night views of the city are great to see from the Ferris Wheel. Once again, if you are scared of heights I don't suggest this one for you.
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| HEP shopping mall. |
7. Osaka Museum of History
The Osaka Museum of History is an easy walk across the street from Osaka Castle. If you are a fan of Japanese history, then you'll want to visit Osaka Museum of History. The museum is very engaging with the visitors with large and interactive exhibits. Just like the aquarium, visitors are directed to the top floor and work their way down to the bottom. Visitors will start with the early history Osaka and will walk down to the most recent, modern part of Osaka history. This is a great, cheap option while you are in Osaka.
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| The Osaka Museum of History is next to the NHK Building. This was taken from the observatory deck of Osaka Castle. |
I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and that it was helpful in planning your trip to Osaka. I really do recommend these places to everyone. I find Osaka is a good two to three day visit. This was ordered from favorite to least favorite. Osaka is a great city to visit, with its own different vibe from Tokyo. The two cities can't be compared.