Japan Bucket List: The 10 Best Things to Do in Osaka

Here’s a fun fact for ya: Osaka, Japan is the 10th biggest city in the world. That’s right, it boasts a population of 19.2 million people and ranks one spot ahead of New York City (you may have heard of it). And you know what that means? It means that Osaka has a whooole lot to offer its visitors.

Interested in ancient temples and shrines? Osaka’s got ’em. Wanna eat your way through street markets? You’re in luck. Obsessed with pop culture? You’ve come to the right place—because we’ve got multiple trips to Osaka at prices fit for every budget. This is one of the liveliest, most unique cities we’ve ever visited, and these are the 10 best things to do in Osaka.

Originally constructed in 1583 (translation: it’s v old), Osaka Castle is one of the more iconic symbols of Japanese history. Head to the observation deck at the top of the castle tower to learn a bit about the castle’s past (it’s burned down before eeek) and snap some photos of the Osaka skyline. Outside the castle you’ll find some beautiful gardens and a large courtyard to take photos with the castle as a backdrop. We also always snag some matcha soft serve at the gift shop because why not?

Dotonbori is a street in the Minami neighborhood of Osaka—and perhaps the city’s most iconic destination. Popular for shopping, food, and entertainment, Dotonbori is always buzzing. Think Times Square, but with a river running through it. We recommend checking it out at night, when the entire area is lit up in neon lights—you might recognize the Glico running man and Kani Doraku crab.

If you like city views, you’ll love a visit to the Umeda Sky Building. Standing tall at 568 feet, the building consists of two towers connected by an observatory on the 39th floor. Here, you’ll find amazing views of the Osaka skyline—both through the windows and on an open-air deck. Snap a trippy pick on the steeeeeeep elevator heading up to the observatory before heading down to the ground floor for a bite at one of tons of restaurants.

Just a few short blocks from Dotonbori, you’ll find the Kuromon Ichiba, aka the Kuromon Market. The market dates back to the 1800s, and consists of over 150 shops that sell…well, they kinda have everything—fish, meats, produce, sweet treats, clothes, souvenirs, and more. If you’re hungry, visiting the Kuromon Market might be the best thing to do in Osaka, because many of the shops sell freshly-prepared bites that you can eat then and there. Yum.

Speaking of ancient religious structures, The Shitennojii Temple was built in 593 (sixth century) and is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Japan. On the tranquil grounds of the temple, you’ll see and explore an iconic six-story pagoda, serene gardens, and a kondo (main hall). Make sure to stop by the treasure house to check out paintings and other artifacts belonging to the temple.

Much like Dotonbori, Shinsekai is a distinct, vibrant and neon-speckled district of Osaka. And it needs your immediate attention. Perhaps best known for the Tsutenkaku Tower (with an open-air observatory at about 300 feet up), Shinsekai is a tremendous spot to snap photos, people watch, and grab a bite to eat. Head to a traditional Japanese pub (an izakaya), or try some kushikatsu—which is basically any food you can imagine, fried, and on a stick.

Speaking of ancient religious structures, The Shitennojii Temple was built in 593 (sixth century) and is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Japan. On the tranquil grounds of the temple, you’ll see and explore an iconic six-story pagoda, serene gardens, and a kondo (main hall). Make sure to stop by the treasure house to check out paintings and other artifacts belonging to the temple.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen a whale shark. No hands? Didn’t think so. You know where you can see a whale shark? Yeah, it’s obviously the Osaka Aquarium. Trust us when we say that if you like animals, you’ll love this place. Each tank of the Osaka Aquarium represents a different region of the Pacific Rim, so you’ll learn about what animals share the water, and where. Oh, and did we mention the whale shark?

Want to get away from the hustle and/or bustle of the city? One of the most fun things to do in Osaka is visiting Universal Studios, one of Japan’s most popular theme parks. Enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and attractions based on beloved movies and characters. We have a soft spot for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (obviously) and Super Nintendo World, but there’s really something for everyone.

The past comes to life at the Osaka Museum of History. From ancient times, when Osaka was Japan’s capital city, all the way to today, you’ll be immersed in the history of this incredible city. With tons of large-scale models and exhibits, you’ll never get bored. Bonus points: the museum is located right across the street from Osaka Castle.

Alright, friends, there you have it—the 10 best things to do in Osaka, Japan. From theme parks to bustling city streets to peaceful temples and shrines, there’s always something to do in Osaka. And now that you have an Osaka bucket list, there’s only one thing left to do: get yourself to Japan!