14 Things To Do In Osaka
You should consider making your list of things to do in Osaka as soon as possible because it’s a lot! Osaka is known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. It is one of the main cities for tourist destination. The well develop city live in harmony with long and authentic culture is always interesting to explore. Osaka is always beautiful in any seasons. You may combine your list of things to do in Osaka in winter with several indoor and outdoor activities. Sit nicely and start writes your destination list in Osaka Japan!
1. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle was constructed in 1583. This beautiful castle has hundreds of years of history to be discovered behind its high walls and heavy wooden doors. You can have a picnic in Nishinomaru Garden after visiting the castle. The best time to visit Osaka Castle and Japan in general is actually in spring, around April-May.
You will experience the beauty of pink sakura and Hanabi, a flower watching festival during spring. Try the famous Kimono on and walk around the castle. You will feel like jumping to the 18th century. The entrance ticket is ¥600 and you can rent the Kimono online. If you like cultural tour, you should make a list of things to do in Kyoto and make a stop in Kyoto while traveling to Japan.
2. Aquarium Kaiyukan Osaka
Aquarium Kaiyukan Osaka is the biggest aquarium in Osaka and probably the biggest public aquarium in the world. Take a walk through aquarium and see the displays of marine life in 27 tanks. The habitats of the marine life are from the Ring of Fire area of the Pacific Ocean. Aquarium Kaiyukan Osaha has many varieties of fishes including manta rays and 2 whale sharks.
3. Akiba Kart Osaka
Do you look for an unique things to do in Osaka? Drive the Akiba Kart Osaka! Take a red kart and drive around the city! To give the maximum experience in driving the Akiba Kart Osaka, you can rent certain costume as well such as Power Rangers, Mario bros, and many more. You can choose to rent the kart in the day or at night. Akiba Kart Osaka open in the morning until 8pm.
4. Onsen
You must be tired after exploring Osaka. Before fly back to your homeland, it would be better for you to indulge yourself in a Japanese style of hot spring. You can find several onsens in Osaka such as Arima Onsen, Okumizuma Onsen, Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu, Mino Onsen Spa Garden, Rurikei Onsen, Amami Onsen Nanten-en, Osaka Sansuikan, Kakimotoya, Yumoto Hounoya, and many more.
5. Pokemon Center
What is your favorite Pokemon character? Mine is Pikachu. Pokemon Center is the main destination for all of the Pokemon lovers! You will find many cute Pokemon character in Pokemon Center. Prepare some little extra money for shopping in Pokemon Center.
6. Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki
Other Japanese foods that have to be on your list are Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Takoyaki is a fried round dough filled with seafood, usually squid or octopus. Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake filled with many vegetables. Both Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki is usually served with mayonnaise and fish sauce or soy sauce. Best to eat while still hot. Takoyaki is counted as snack while okonomiyaki is rather can make you full, especially the big portion.
7. Sushi
The best place to enjoy Sushi is at its home! Eating sushi should be on your top list of things to do in Osaka. If you have enough time, you can take a short course on how to make sushi. This would be a good start to open a sushi restaurant in your home country.
8. Strawberry
Why eating strawberry should be on your bucket list when in Japan? Because Japanese Strawberry is the best strawberry in this planet!
9. Dōtonbori
Dōtonbori is absolutely a food paradise for Japanese food lover. This place is often selected as a scene in the Japanese and foreign movies as the symbol of Osaka. Dōtonbori is famous with its shopping street. Many restaurants can be found in the Dōtonbori gawa River. Going on the north side of the river, where Geisha used to entertain their customers ages ago, now full of small bars and restaurants that serve good food. The southern side of the river is the center of theater district.
10. Universal Studio Japan
Pump your adrenaline with many theme games based on high-technology in Universal Studio Japan in Osaka! Meet and play as your favorite Hollywood superheroes and movie character.
11. Bunraku National Theater
Buranku National Theater is the best place to watch Japanese puppet show. This theater has English programs and earphones are available. Performances are usually held in three week in January, April, June, July, August and November.
12. Abeno Harukas
Enjoy Osaka from Top at Abeno Harukas and witness the 360 degree view of Osaka City! The observatory deck is on 60th floor and you can buy the ticket online. So, no need to wait in a long queue. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing view beneath your feet. The top tower is made from all glasses. It allows you to see literally the whole city.
13. Minoo Park
Minoo park is a forested valley in Osaka. Minoo Park is the closest spot to the busy metropolis of Osaka to relax in nature. In Minoo park you can find waterfall and many trees. This nature park is the best place to enjoy the autumn. Some of the leaves will turn into orange or red. Take a slow walk in the oldest park in Osaka and relax your mind from the super busy metropolitan city.
14. Sumiyoshi Taisha
Sumiyoshi Taisha is the main and most famous shrines across Japan. Sumiyoshi shrines enshrine the kami (Shinto gods) who protect travelers, fishermen and sailors at sea since senturies. Sumiyoshi taisha was founded in the 3rd century before the introduction of Buddhism. This ancient sites displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, that is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese i.e. Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha.
