https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/osaka/best-things-to-do/100000000693
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Osaka [2025]
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Universal Studios Japan
4.7
/5
29845 reviews
10
From AU$ 91.60
Based on 11,230 reviews
Osaka Bay | 7.1 km from downtown
Phone +81 570-200-606
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
A 1:1 recreation of the Super Mario game world
10 themed lands | Asia's first Universal Studios
Saved by 35069 users21404 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
So many people!!!
It was fun, but the line was so unbearable! They basically told us how long it would take, so we were fully prepared.
The staff were so helpful, and the emotional value was incredible!!!
The service at Universal Studios Japan is indeed very good. Although there are some language barriers and I can't understand a lot, the emotional value is full, the service staff always have a smile on their faces, and the experience is superb.
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
4.7
/5
3426 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 9.46
Based on 6,799 reviews
Osaka Bay | 8 km from downtown
Phone +81 06-65765501
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Get up close to whale sharks and dolphins
Japan's largest aquarium | 16 exhibits (10M liters)
Saved by 9016 users2493 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
It will be a good place for parent-child paradise. The whole itinerary is well planned. Although the aquarium is not big, the animals of all kinds are very cute.
Although there is a little communication barrier due to language problems, you can still appreciate a lot through the wonderful performances of the keepers.
Totally enjoyed my visit to the osaka aquarium. I got to finally see a mola mola in real life and whale sharks and a fringed shark from Australia. Plus penguins and the fish with a sucker at it's belly. So amazing. 100% fun 100% educational
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Osaka Castle Park
4.8
/5
6581 reviews
8.1
Based on 7,021 reviews
Osaka Castle/Kyobashi/Eastern Osaka | 2.3 km from downtown
Phone +81-6-6755-4146
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-3 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Climb to the top of Tenshu to see a panoramic view of Osaka in autumn
Urban escape | 440-yr-old castle
Saved by 6563 users5954 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Osaka Castle Park is located at 3-11 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Japan, with a total area of 105.6 hectares. It is surrounded by five subway stations. Not far away are the Keihan Main Line's Tenmabashi and Kyobashi stations, as well as JR's Osaka Castle Park Station. It has convenient transportation and is well connected. In the center of Osaka Castle Park stands the castle tower, which is a historical museum with a five-story exterior and an eight-story interior structure. The park not only has thirteen important cultural heritage sites, but also historical relics and cultural heritage sites that witness history.
Osaka Castle Park has a total area of 105.6 hectares, with the castle tower standing in the center. In the park not only has thirteen important cultural heritage sites, but also historical relics and cultural heritage sites that witness history.
The main attractions include: the castle tower, Honmaru, Ninomaru, Higashigai moat, Nishinomaru Garden, Toyoshoan, Tamon Gyor (observatory), Senkan Gyor (observatory), dry yor and time capsule, etc.
While the castle itself may seem overrated, the surrounding and the park is absolutely a treat. I would definitely recommend to take the inter park train, walk around the castle and check out their merch shop.
No.
4
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Tsutenkaku
4.6
/5
1050 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 12.61
Based on 1,869 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 4.6 km from downtown
Phone +81-6-66419555
Address: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 – Night Attractions
Highlights:
Osaka landmark (338 ft high) | 360° observation deck
Osaka Castle & Lucky God statue
Saved by 4648 users587 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Amazing scenery of Osaka. The queue can be overwhelming so ensure you purchase tickets pre booked as it makes the experience efficient. You can also purchase tickets there at ticketing. Other than that, what an amazing experience . You have to see it to believe it . Perfect entertainment for kids with slides and other adventure packages available. Simple, very welcoming and the atmosphere is next to none.
The view is stunning! I suggest you go for sunset. There are a lot of souvenirs and other cool stuff to buy for memories and gifts. Just be prepared to wait in lines, at least four times.
No.
5
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Shinsaibashisuji
4.7
/5
4065 reviews
7.8
Based on 23 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 2.4 km from downtown
Address: Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.7 of Night Attractions in Osaka
Highlights:
Osaka landmark | Giant billboard | Neon nights
Historic Shinsaibashi landmark sign
Saved by 6876 users1269 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
🌟Must-see photo spots (with best times)
1. Glico Sign
- 👉Camera locations: Middle of Ebisu Bridge (front view for panoramic shots), Riverside under the bridge (upward view with street view), 3rd floor of the drugstore across the street (close-up shots to avoid crowds)
- ⏰Time: No one's around before 9:00 AM! The atmosphere is even more dramatic at night when the lights are on (brightest from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM).
- ✨Tips: Wear light-colored clothing; the neon background is incredibly vibrant!
2. Dotonbori Canal
- 👉Camera locations: Walk along the riverside promenade, using the giant Crab Doraku sign or takoyaki model as your backdrop.
- ✨Tips: Have a friend take a photo from the other side, capturing the canal, lanterns, and you in the frame for a truly Japanese movie-inspired look! 3. American Village Graffiti Wall
- 👉Address: West side of Shinsaibashi (near Tanimachi 4-chome Subway Station)
- A variety of street-style graffiti and colorful shipping containers. Styling in trendy, cool clothes will make you look like you're in a magazine shoot!
4. European Village Cobblestone Street
- 👉Suochosuji Street, with its British-style streetlights and brick buildings. Strolling in a short skirt and snapping a few photos will instantly transform you into the streets of London~
👗Outfit Tips
- Japanese-Sweet Girl: Light-colored JK skirt/floral dress with white sneakers and a canvas bag.
- Street Style: Loose T-shirt, overalls, and sneakers. A baseball cap is even more striking.
- Retro Style: High-waisted jeans and a crop top. The retro poster wall at the entrance of Shinsaibashi PARCO is a perfect spot for photos!
📌 Tips
- Many drugstores have cartoon figures in front of them (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi's Kumamon), offering free photos with them—super cute!
- The cherry blossom season (March-April) and Christmas decorations (November-December) in front of Daimaru Department Store are great hidden photo spots.
- Go in the evening to take photos against the light—your hair will glow! Remember to use live mode to capture some moments!
Food and Prices
- Mizuno Okonomiyaki: Located at 1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, this okonomiyaki restaurant has been recognized by Michelin Guide for eight consecutive years. Both the yamanomiyaki and yakisoba okonomiyaki are highly recommended. The ingredients are plentiful and the portions are generous. The price per person is around 1,500 yen (approximately RMB 75).
- Shabucho: Located at 1-15-25 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, the sukiyaki here is tender and the vegetables are well-seasoned. The lunch hour is a great value, with prices around 3,000 yen (approximately 150 RMB) per person.
- Kibitaki: Located on the 3rd floor of Samboa Bldg, 2-1-10 Shinsaibashisuji, this is a highly rated yakitori restaurant in Shinsaibashi. The yakitori is cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Prices are around 2,000 yen (approximately 100 RMB) per person.
- Daiki Suisan Conveyor Belt Sushi: Located on the 10th floor of Daimaru Department Store, the sushi is fresh, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 RMB per plate, or around 80 RMB per person.
- Yoshinoya: Across from Shinsaibashi-gu, they offer tempura, oden, udon, and more, with prices ranging from 35 to 60 RMB per person.
A must-visit place in Osaka
Citywalk is a place for checking in, taking photos and shopping
No need to worry about voice problems or rain problems, the street design has solved them for you
The steamed buns and snacks in Figure 4 are worth lining up, and the Jinlong Ramen in Figure 6 comes with free rice and side dishes, which is definitely the king of cost-effectiveness.
This is also a paradise for purchasing agents, with discounts and tax refunds, but a bunch of live-streaming purchasing agents in drugstores should be managed.
Overall, it is worth spending a day here!
No.
6
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Shinsekai
4.6
/5
315 reviews
7.8
Based on 1,563 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 4.7 km from downtown
Phone +81-6-66436322
Address: 2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.6 of Night Attractions in Osaka
Highlights:
Tsutenkaku Tower views | Vintage streets | Nightlife
Nostalgic alleys & WWII history
Saved by 3199 users116 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
It is a shopping street with a long history.
It is an excellent place to explore the common people’s culture in Osaka, Japan.
The small shops on both sides are full of nostalgic style of the times.
A dazzling array of products and various specialty shops,
There are also very exaggerated signboards, which can take many good photos.
It is also a concentrated place for fried skewers.
You can feel the local people’s eating and party habits.
came here because of the slide, it’s popular so it took quite a long time to queue for the slide, but it was fun, just took seconds from top to bottom. there were also some shops around, you could find some to eat and some to buy for souvenir, worth spending a day there to have fun.
No.
7
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Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory
4.8
/5
660 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 16.17
Based on 308 reviews
Uehommachi/Tennoji/Southern Osaka | 5.4 km from downtown
Phone +81 6-6621-0300
Address: 1-chōme-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-0052, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Osaka Night Views (984ft high)
Savor delicacies & enjoy Osaka views
Saved by 3542 users616 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The observation deck is worth visiting. There is a shopping mall downstairs. I got a coupon for foreigners with a 5% discount. If you spend more than 5,500, you can go to the 3rd floor for tax-free shopping. You can go shopping for a whole day. It is a very good shopping mall. Children in the observation deck are half price. It is recommended that children buy tickets on site for cheaper prices. The 16th floor and below are free. After buying or exchanging tickets on the 16th floor, take the elevator to the 60th floor observation deck. When you look up from the elevator, you can see star-like lights. You can take videos. It feels like traveling through time. It is a very good experience.
I've seen many observatories similar to this, so it was not very spectacular or breathtaking, but overall views are very nice and comfortable surroundings. You can grab a lunch or dinner there or just a cup of coffee and wait for the sunset. There are signs of how to get there for your ticket exchange.
No.
8
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Umeda Sky Building
4.7
/5
1124 reviews
7.5
From AU$ 13.66
Based on 1,227 reviews
Osaka Station/Umeda/Yodoyabashi/Hommachi | 1.7 km from downtown
Phone +81 06-64403899
Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2024 Global 100 - Night Attractions
Highlights:
Panoramic views of Osaka (567ft)
Osaka's 40-story twin towers
Saved by 4324 users671 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Not many people, convenient transportation, right next to Osaka Station.
The circular elevator leading to the platform is full of technology.
The circular platform on the roof offers a panoramic view of Osaka City.
It is said that there is a starry sky trail for night viewing. If you don’t want to queue up at Tsutenkaku, I recommend coming here (2,000 yen per person).
I have been to Abeno for many years. I think Umeda Sky Park is more worthwhile. Abeno is too high and the buildings are like ants. Umeda Sky Park is more suitable for distance and the design is very technological. It may be due to the clear weather. The view of Osaka Bay is unobstructed. It is great.
No.
9
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Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower
4.6
/5
391 reviews
7.5
From AU$ 24.27
Osaka Bay | 4.7 km from downtown
Phone +81 6-6567-9016
Address: 1-chōme-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0007, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Hot Springs Attractions
Highlights:
Kansai hot spring theme park
Instagram hotspot & private hot springs
Saved by 4361 users363 positive reviews
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This is the most surprising place in Osaka. Soraniwa Onsen is very comfortable and cozy.
It has hot springs, restaurants, games and entertainment, libraries, massage SPA, etc. It is very clean and quiet. The garden foot bath is in a huge Japanese garden with an area of about 1,000 square meters. You can wear a fashionable yukata to soak in the foot bath and enjoy the flowers and trees of each season! In addition, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious food.
Solaniwa Onsen at Osaka Bay Tower is an absolute gem for anyone seeking relaxation and a touch of traditional Japan. From the moment you step in, you're transported to a serene Edo-period atmosphere with beautiful lanterns, tranquil gardens, and the calming sound of flowing water. The open-air baths are pure bliss, especially under the night sky. Slip into a colorful yukata, stroll through the beautifully designed corridors, and treat yourself to authentic Japanese cuisine or a soothing massage.
No.
10
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Dotombori
4.7
/5
2676 reviews
7.4
Based on 12,669 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 2.8 km from downtown
Phone +81-6-62114542
Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 – Night Attractions
Highlights:
Osaka landmark | Giant billboard | Neon nights
Osaka's culinary culture hub
Saved by 7381 users1331 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Walking all the way from Namba, the road is very prosperous, with commercial streets on both sides, various restaurants, supermarkets, game halls, and drug stores. The prices are similar. It is better to buy things in Osaka. It is indeed cheaper than Tokyo. But be careful of Chinese shopping guides. They are really good at deceiving people and only recommend buying expensive things. You must stick to yourself and don't buy what you don't want. Get your passport ready for tax-free use.
Conan camera position in Dotonbori. Dotonbori is probably the most crowded place in Osaka, right? I went there for a walk and a meal at night. Whether I was walking and taking pictures or going to the restaurant, it was crowded. However, the various neon lights were still pretty. I wanted to buy something at Don Quixote, but the line to pay was scary, so I twisted a few capsules and left quickly.
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