Travel
Osaka Travel Guide
Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. Discover the best of Osaka’s different areas to decide where you want to explore. There’s no end to great food in Osaka, Japan’s “Capital Of Cuisine” !
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is an entertainment district along the southern bank of the Dotonbori River in Osaka, the largest city in western Japan.
This 20-minute mini cruise is a delightful “stroll” along the waterway that’s easy to work into your schedule. Sail away all your worries and let your breath be taken away by picturesque scene of Dotonbori, packed with some of Naniwa’s most well-known sights. The boat departs from the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock.
The calm Dotonbori River at night reflects the neon lights, creating a unique atmosphere.
Numerous restaurants line the river and visitors may indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of Osaka and enjoy its many delicacies.
Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi is one of the most popular areas in Osaka, with countless stores from high-end retailers to the familiar high street shops.
It is a popular shopping district in Osaka which has a long history as a regional center of commerce.
Beautiful street arts can be spotted almost everywhere in the streets of Japan!
Ichiran Ramen
You get to customise your bowl of ramen according to your personal preference. In Ichiran, you will be seated in your personal little booth so that you’ll only focus on slurping your noodles without any distractions!
Silky smooth classic pork-based tonkotsu soup. Ichiran’s original red pepper sauce comprises of 3 types of spices. The sliced pork was really tender and flavorful! Indeed one of the best ramen that could be found in Japan.
Gelato Pique Cafe CreperieRich and creamy gelato with a slight buttery flavour.
Tsukigesho
A variety of Japanese sweets, snacks, souvenirs could also be found here!
Caution: extremely smooth, milky, and addictive. Not to mention, the matcha flavour was absolutely spot on!
Fresh Assorted Sashimi are available throughout Osaka!
Kani Doraku
A famous Japan’s iconic crab restaurant which could be found in several locations around Japan. This restaurant is well known for its huge range of delicious crab dishes.
Everywhere you go in Japan, the street stalls cooking takoyaki are an attraction for the passersby.
Komeda’s Coffee
Cozy and comfortable shop decorated with authentic wood and brick. Komeda Blend Coffee displays their unique domestic processing methods using selected beans from all over the world, an affordable variety of menus with a warm, homey feeling.
Tenkano Daido Koro Daiki Suisan
Located at Namba, serving authentic Japanese cuisines that will not burn a hole in your wallet but still leave you satisfied at the end of your meal.
Fresh and huge shrimp coated with airy, crispy tempura batter, deep fried to golden brown.
Fresh Assorted Sushi Platter
Katsudon Yoshibei @ Nambasennichimae
Affordable and superb rice bowl that you must try!
Pork Cutlet Don
Unexpectedly satisfying! The pork fillet has a perfect meat to fat ratio making every bite so juicy! Loving the crunchy breaded layer which does not even taste oily!
Curry Katsu Don
Niwatori
Located down a side alley off one of the busier pedestrian lanes near to Dotonburi. A family run yakitori restaurant that is always crowded and frequented by many locals.
Hanamaruken Ramen
Happiness Ramen Bowl
The signature Tonkotsu Ramen with slow-braised pork ribs which truly lived up to the hype.
Sanpomen Sennichimae
This rich and savoury fish-based dipped noodles is a must try! Something different from the usual Tonkotsu Soup Ramen.
Ikinari Steak
Ikinari Steak is a certified Angus beef restaurant. Being a “stand-up” eatery, this restaurant attracts their guests by offering high-quality steaks at a reasonable price.
Perfectly cooked Angus Steak that is extremely fragrant thanks to layer of onions underneath the steak and the added crunch and flavour from the crispy garlic chips on top. Comes with corn on the side and is good value for money.
Bar Country @ Soemoncho
Entering Bar Country is like walking into an Aladdin’s cave of delights with whiskey bottles crammed into every corner.
Bar Soiree
A hidden bar located in Nambanaka. A cute hidden gem with a friendly bartender! Japanese whiskey is always a must!
Uranamba
An area on the eastern side of Namba Station, filled with a wide range of restaurants and bars. The surrounding streets are alive with the smoky smell of grilled food and the sounds of glasses clinking and customers chatting away.
Pokemon Center @ Daimaru Umeda
Fans of Pokemon wouldn’t want to miss this mecca of Pokemon merchandise, homeware, fashion items, toys, and more. There is also a game center with an arcade and machines that dispense capsule toys.
Tsukiji Sushisay @ Daimaru Umeda
Quality of the sushi was up to standard. The wasabi was freshly grated on the individual pieces.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park that is full of charm in every season.
In spring, visitors can enjoy the beauty of plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and cherry blossoms alongside the impressive architecture of the castle.
Unfortunately, Osaka Castle had to be rebuilt several times. In its tumultuous history, it has even burned down twice.
The castle as you see it today was rebuilt and reinforced with concrete in 1930 in an attempt to preserve this important landmark for eternity.
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is a strikingly unique and very shiny high-rise structure of glass and steel which stands tall and aloof in an open area to the north of Osaka Station.
Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the Japanese architect who also designed Kyoto Station, and completed in 1993, the 173 meter tall building consists of two separate towers which are joined at the top by a ring-like observation deck.
The Sky Building is a familiar sight on the Umeda skyline and also a popular recreation spot with gardens, restaurants, a cinema, and of course the observation deck from which you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.
Takimi Koji Underground
Takimi Koji is a gourmet selection of restaurants hidden beneath Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building just walking distance from Osaka Station and Umeda Station. This is one of those places that’s conveniently hidden for you to discover. What makes Takimi Koji a great place to dine is the array of choices.
Found this hidden gem at the Takimi Koji Underground that offers omakase yakitori. A great place to get your yakitori fix.
Tsutenkaku
A symbol of Naniwa, also known as the Eiffel Tower of Osaka. The name “Tsutenkaku” can be translated as “Sky Route Tower” and at 64 meters high it was the 2nd biggest structure in Asia at the time.
It became a symbol of pride for Osaka and people flocked to see it. Visitors were also able to take cable-car rides on an aerial ropeway that linked the tower with the Luna Park fairground.
Shinsekai
Shinsekai is a colorful area to the west of Tennoji Park packed with many affordable shops and eateries and is best known for its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
The Tsutenkaku Observatory where visitors can see the entire Osaka city.
A view from the 88-meter high observatory deck.
You can see all of Osaka fit into the palm of your hand.
Coca-Cola Plus®,the first Coca-Cola approved by the Japanese government. The beverage was introduced as a no-calorie, premium-priced drink.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Kuromon Ichiba Market is one of the main food markets in Osaka, Japan, right in the Namba area. A massive food market that is quickly gaining popularity among tourists.
Sunset Owl Cafe
An intimate environment to get up close and personal with the owls. Spend your time here holding and patting these magnificent owls. If you like owls, you’re in for a treat!
There’s a great array of owls here, from the small and cute to the large and ominous.
1500 yen per pax. Sip on your choice of beverage while spending time with the owls, which is already included in the fees. The cafe keeps a number of beautiful owls .
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Located next to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The wheel has a height of 112.5 metres and diameter of 100 metres.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in the Tempozan Harbour Village Of Osaka’s Bay Area and is one of Japan’s most spectacular aquariums.
You’ll see not only fish, manta rays and whale sharks, but also amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals representing the beautiful and diverse natural environments of the Pacific Rim region.
The entrance ticket for this large aquarium is only 2,300 Yen.
Visitors start their tour of the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly spiral down floor by floor around the central tank. Some of the tanks stretch over several floors, making it possible to observe the animals from different depths and perspectives.
Say hello to the cute seal.
The largest species of rodents that can grow up to 130cm! Fun fact: They have two sharp teeth respectively above and below the mouth. Since their teeth does not stop growing during their lifetime, they adjust the length of their teeth by gnawing at rocks and woods by grinding down.
If you have the time, catch all 12 species of marine animals and mammals’ feeding show, which allows you to understand the animals and their appetite better.
Visit the seals at the world’s largest dome-shaped ceiling tank in the Arctic zone.
One of the most renowned collections of jellyfish in the world!
Feel as if you’re floating along with magical beings as you follow their ethereal motions throughout the exhibition.
Touch and feel the sharks and rays in the Maldives zone.
The rough texture of sharks and slimy rays will be a great experience for some!Osaka is definitely one of my favourite city in Japan!
