Looking for what to do in Osaka? You’ve come to the right place. We first visited Osaka in 2015 during our Japan debut. This time, on our third visit to the country, we returned with more time and an eagerness to explore the city further. Our trip coincided with the Expo, which added a special touch, but we also reserved days just to rediscover Osaka’s experiences and try new things—and of course, revisit some of our favorite spots.
Osaka is that vibrant, laid-back city full of flavor, where the best plan is to wander aimlessly, letting yourself be carried away by the lights, smells, and unique energy of its streets.
Join us as we explore 10 must-try experiences in Osaka for your next trip!
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How to get to Osaka
Osaka has two airports, but the main one is Kansai International Airport (KIX), located on an artificial island connected to the city by train. The most economical way to reach the center is by taking the local train (we took the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service), which takes about the same time as more expensive options and cost less than 1000 yen.
If you’re coming from another Japanese city like Tokyo, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is super convenient. It arrives at Shin-Osaka Station, which is connected to the city’s metro network—meaning you can quickly get wherever you need to go. For this trip, we booked all our train tickets through Klook, which we found more practical and easier than the official website. After confirmation, you receive a QR code that can be exchanged for a physical ticket at a station machine before boarding.
Where to stay in Osaka
Choosing the right neighborhood makes all the difference in enjoying Osaka’s experiences. We’ve compiled our recommendations in an article about the best areas and hotels to stay in Osaka. Check out our tips on where to stay in Osaka and pick what suits you best.
10 experiences in Osaka
1. Eat croquettes at Shinsekai Market
The Shinsekai area has a unique soul. Among neon lights, old shops, pachinko parlors, and facades decorated with giant figures, you’ll find the famous Niku no Sakamoto. It’s a cult spot to try potato and meat croquettes or a good katsu. There’s usually a line, but it moves quickly—and it’s totally worth it. While there, check out the Tsutenkaku Tower and explore the area, including the massive Don Quijote store.
2. Go up the Umeda Sky Building
This futuristic skyscraper features an observation deck at the top (the Floating Garden Observatory) with panoramic views of Osaka. We went up at night, and the illuminated city was truly breathtaking. It’s located in Kita, near Osaka Station—a modern area full of shopping centers, great restaurants, the unique TSUTAYA BOOKS Umeda Store (a multi-floor bookstore with restaurants), Time Out Market, and much more. Umeda is literally a city within a city.
3. Try Osaka’s original cheesecake
The famous Japanese cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise is light, fluffy, and irresistible. On our second trip to Japan, we only tried it in passing at Shin-Osaka Station, but this time we visited the original shop. Watching it come out of the oven is part of the experience—and the smell is impossible to resist. While there, explore the covered shopping arcades full of stores and restaurants. If you’re into electronics, there’s also a huge Bic Camera where you can take advantage of tax-free shopping with your passport.
4. Watch the sunset in Dotonbori
Dotonbori is the tourist heart of Osaka: bright billboards, music, street food, and a chaotic yet magical atmosphere. Arriving at the canal area in the late afternoon, watching the boats pass by and the billboards light up one by one, is something we’ll never forget. You can even try a boat ride on the canal. Afterward, explore the alleyways like Hozenji Yokocho and pick a spot for dinner—the hard part will be deciding where.
5. See a giant lion head at Namba Yasaka Jinja
Amid Osaka’s hustle and bustle, between modern buildings and busy streets, there’s a shrine that surprises everyone: Namba Yasaka Jinja, with its 12-meter-tall giant lion head! It looks like something out of a movie—and it’s hard to believe such a temple is hidden in the heart of the city. Legend says the lion devours evil spirits and brings luck in studies and business. The Namba area is much more than this, though. By day or night, you’ll find interconnected shopping malls linking to the metro station, creating a multi-level city.
6. Try freshly made Okonomiyaki
This dish has strong origins in Osaka. (Explain what it is). Like ramen, it’s almost impossible to find bad Okonomiyaki in Osaka—just pick a place and go. We ate at the Time Out Market in Umeda and didn’t regret it. Besides the incredible flavor, we loved the market’s atmosphere.
7. Get lost in Nipponbashi Den Den Town
If you love pop culture, anime, gaming, or electronics, you’ll adore Den Den Town. It’s like Osaka’s version of Akihabara, with huge stores, figures, manga, arcades, and themed cafés. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s fascinating to see.
8. Explore America Mura
Before heading to the more touristy Dotonbori, we decided to wander through America Mura—and it was worth it. It’s an eccentric mix of Japanese culture and Western influences, with vintage shops, street fashion, urban art murals, and cafés full of personality. There’s always something unexpected around the corner, and the vibe is very alternative. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a great place to experience Osaka’s creative, youthful side.
9. Visit Osaka Castle
Even if you’ve seen castles in Japan before, Osaka Castle always impresses. The current building is a reconstruction, but it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
10. Explore Kuromon Market
This covered market is perfect for snacking while you stroll. From fresh sushi to cut fruit, grilled skewers, or sea urchin, it’s a feast for the senses. Almost everything can be bought in small portions, so you can try a bit of everything.
Tips for traveling in Osaka
Traveling and experiencing Osaka means diving into a more relaxed Japan, full of street food, neon lights, and a rhythm that makes you feel at home right away. But like in any major Japanese city, there are some things we learned along the way that can make your trip much easier.
- Restaurant queues: In Osaka, queuing is practically a national sport. Outside popular restaurants, it’s normal to wait. Go early, avoid peak hours, or choose places with reservations.
- Public transport with credit cards: In 2025, you no longer need old Pasmo or Suica cards. The metro and many buses accept direct payments with credit cards. If you have a card with no foreign transaction fees, you’ll save time and money.
- Transport passes: If you’ll use public transport a lot, consider buying a pass. There are several options—like the Osaka Amazing Pass or the Kansai Thru Pass—which include metro, trains, and even some attractions.
- Japanese etiquette: No tipping, keep quiet on public transport, and don’t expect to find trash cans on the street. Carry a bag for your trash and dispose of it when you find a bin (usually near convenience stores).
- Best time to visit Osaka: Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful—cherry blossoms or red leaves. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May), as everything gets more crowded and expensive.
- Heymondo travel insurance: Traveling with insurance is essential, especially in Japan where medical costs are high. We use Heymondo for its easy online claims and Portuguese-speaking support.
- Unlimited data internet: We used the eSIM from Holafly for unlimited internet as soon as we landed. It worked great, with no hassle over physical cards or complicated setups.
