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Popular Experiences

14 classic spots to visit in Osaka

Jun 13, 20247 min read

Along with Kyoto, Osaka is a very popular tourist area in western Japan. In recent years, the number of tourists has increased even more, and the area is bustling with activity on a daily basis.


Gourmet food and amusement are the highlights of sightseeing in Osaka. With gourmet “powdered” foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, flashy billboards that create a glittering city, and the ever-evolving and very popular theme park “Universal Studios Japan,” there is no shortage of things to do. There are also many large complexes around Osaka’s train stations, offering a wide variety of shopping options.


In this issue, we will introduce you to many such tourist attractions in Osaka!


Standard tourist attractions in the Umeda area


Osaka’s Umeda area is the commercial center of the northern part of Osaka City, where visitors can experience the city’s urban charm at its best. The district offers an abundance of high-rise buildings, spacious shopping malls, a variety of restaurants, and entertainment venues to keep visitors entertained. The area is also characterized by its extremely convenient transportation system, centered on Umeda Station, which makes it easy to get around Osaka and beyond.


Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル)



The Umeda Sky Building is a well-known landmark of Umeda. The rooftop garden observatory is a popular spot that should not be missed when sightseeing in Osaka, as it offers a panoramic view of the Osaka cityscape. Inside the building, you will also find a movie theater, art museum, and a restaurant district with an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere.



HEP FIVE



HEP FIVE is a commercial facility marked by the bright red Ferris wheel at the top of the building. The nine-story building houses many fashion brands popular among young people, and the 7th floor is home to TAMLO, a pop-up food area offering the latest in trendy food and sweets.



If you want to know more about sightseeing in the Umeda area, click here↓.12 classic sightseeing spots in the Umeda area


Standard sightseeing spots in Dotonbori area


The Dotonbori area of Osaka is characterized by its lively streets and riverside scenery. It is known for its famous Glico and Kuidaore Taro billboards, which are famous as photo spots, and is home to a wide variety of gourmet spots that can be described as a paradise of delicious food. At night, the scenery is decorated with neon lights, and there is plenty of shopping and entertainment.


The Shopping District of Dodonbori (道頓堀商店会)



Dotonbori Shotengai, one of Osaka’s most popular tourist spots, is a spot where restaurants with flamboyant signboards typical of Osaka line the Dotonbori River. Many stores selling takoyaki (octopus dumplings), okonomiyaki (okonomiyaki), and kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets), all of which are well-known Osaka delicacies, line the street, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Osaka’s culinary delights.



Dotonbori Glico sign (道頓堀グリコサイン)



The Dotonbori Glico sign is a famous classic photo spot in Osaka. There are many people posing for the same photo in front of the Glico sign, but the classic spot to take this photo is on Ebisu Bridge. We also recommend taking pictures from the sidewalk one step down from the Ebisu Bridge or from the Tombori Walk on the other side of the river for a different atmosphere.



If you want to know more about sightseeing in Dotonbori area, click here↓.11 classic sightseeing spots in the Dotonbori area


Standard tourist attractions in the Nakanoshima area


Osaka’s Nakanoshima area is located in the heart of the city, yet is an area where culture and lush greenery and tranquility coexist. The district is home to a collection of historical buildings, museums, public libraries, and other cultural facilities that are ideal for strolling. In addition, parks facing beautiful rivers allow residents to relax amidst seasonal flowers and greenery. It is the perfect place to spend some relaxing time away from the urban commotion of Osaka.


Nakanoshima Park (中之島公園)



Nakanoshima Park was the first park established in Osaka City in 1891. The park is home to the Nakanoshima Rose Garden, which has approximately 3,700 roses of 310 varieties, and the Nakanoshima Greenway, which extends from the park along the river, is home to a variety of plants.



Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka (大阪中之島美術館)



Opened in February 2022, the Nakanoshima Art Museum Osaka is a relatively new museum. The museum houses a collection of over 6,000 works, mostly representative of Japanese and foreign works from the late 19th century to the present day.


Official website: https://nakka-art.jp/en/


If you want to know more about sightseeing in the Nakanoshima area, click here↓.12 classic sightseeing spots in the Nakanoshima area


Standard sightseeing spots in Tenma, Kyobashi and Osaka Castle area


Tenma, Kyobashi, and Osaka Castle area are located in the center of Osaka. In particular, the Osaka Castle area is a representative tourist spot where visitors can experience Osaka’s history. It is full of cultural, historical, and culinary delights, offering a diverse experience for all who visit.


Osaka Castle (大阪城)



Osaka Castle was built in 1853 by a Japanese warlord named Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The current Osaka Castle is the third generation, and inside is a museum about Osaka Castle and Osaka’s history. The eighth floor of the castle is an observatory, from which visitors can view Osaka from inside the castle. The entire castle is maintained as Osaka Castle Park, and there are many commercial and other facilities to enjoy in the surrounding area.



Standard sightseeing spots in Namba/Shinsaibashi area


The Namba/Shinsaibashi area is a busy shopping district located in the southern part of Osaka and is known as a center for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area is lined with fashionable boutiques, extensive department stores, and specialty stores, attracting a wide range of customers from young to old.


Kuromon Market (黒門市場)



Kuromon Market is approximately 580 meters long. The market is lined with approximately 150 stores selling fresh fish, produce, fruit, food, and clothing, and is always crowded with many tourists.


There are also plenty of food items to choose from, such as fresh juice from the fruit shop, green tea soft serve from the tea shop, and seafood skewers from the fresh fish shop. The delicious smells will make you stop and take a look.


Official website: https://kuromon.com/en/


Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street (心斎橋筋商店街)



Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Arcade is an arcade with department stores, clothing and accessories stores, and souvenir stores. It is approximately 600 meters long and is crowded with tourists and locals alike. It starts across from the Glico sign, a major tourist attraction, and features the latest in food. The arcade makes for a comfortable walk even on rainy days.



If you want to know more about sightseeing in Namba/Shinsaibashi area, click here↓.10 classic sightseeing spots in the Namba/Shinsaibashi area


Standard sightseeing spots in Tennoji/Shinsekai area


The Tennoji/Shinsekai area is located in the southern part of Osaka. Tennoji offers an abundance of family-friendly spots, while Shinsekai is one of Osaka’s oldest entertainment districts. The area combines the old and new aspects of Osaka with new attractions, and is loved by many tourists.


Abeno Harukas (あべのハルカス)



Abeno Harukas is a high-rise building that had its grand opening in the spring of 2014 and consists of 16 floors, from the second basement to the 14th floor above ground. The lower floors house department stores and museums, while the upper floors house a hotel and an observation deck. The observation deck in particular is a busy spot with a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka.



Tsutenkaku Tower (通天閣)



Tsutenkaku Tower, one of the symbols of Osaka, is a historical tower that has been watching over Osaka for over 60 years. The inside of the tower is also uniquely designed, and from the observation deck, you can see the whole city of Shinsekai, Osaka. The “Billiken Statue,” a god who brings good luck if you stroke the sole of his foot, is a must-see tourist attraction that attracts more than one million visitors a year. At “Wakuwaku Land” on the first basement level, which is open to visitors free of charge, visitors can purchase Osaka souvenirs, and there are also antenna stores for Morinaga, Glico, and Nissin.



Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine (住吉大社)



Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of the most popular power spots with more than 2 million first-time visitors each year. In the precincts of the shrine, there are buildings and cultural assets that have been carefully preserved as national treasures and important cultural properties. The “Waribashi Bridge,” selected as one of the 100 best night views in Kansai, is a must-see.



Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (万博記念公園)



Commemorating the success of the 1970 Japan World Exposition, a Japanese garden, nature and culture garden, and cultural, sports, leisure, and lodging facilities were built on the former site of the Expo, covering a total area of about 260 hectares. The park is designed around the symbol “Tower of the Sun” by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, with images of forests and plains, and hosts a variety of events.



Universal Studios Japan (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン)



This theme park is full of attractions where you can experience the world of Hollywood movies. Especially popular are “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” which recreates the world of Harry Potter with fans around the world on an overwhelming scale, and “Super Nintendo World,” where you can enter the world of Mario. In addition to the screaming attractions, there is also a full lineup of shows and parades. Both adults and children can enjoy the unrealistic and open space all day long.



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