Osaka is one of the funkiest cities I’ve ever visited. My first experience here was strolling down Dōtonbori and, honestly, it felt like being in a fever dream. Each side of the street was filled with restaurants and bars where vendors called out to try their takoyaki (octopus balls) and giant animatronic creatures hung from the buildings. Nestled between were arcades glowing with bright lights and blasting music and kawaii sound effects as people played attempting to win a prize. It really was an attack on the senses. But it was exciting!
How to get to Osaka
Getting to Osaka by train
If you’re taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from another major city, you’ll arrive at Osaka-Umeda station. It’s a huge station with many shops and restaurants inside and it can feel like quite a maze! From here, take the Osaka metro to get to your final destination. If you’re travelling from Kyoto, I highly recommend taking the Kyo-Train Garaku. You can tap your Suica card so it’s only 410 yen each way (approx £2.20) and takes 45 minutes. The carriages are each designed after a different season and some of the seats face the windows making it a lovely sightseeing train.
Note: we booked an Uber to collect us, as we had quite a few suitcases but it was actually more hassle than it was worth. We found it difficult to locate lifts and the only place the Uber could stop meant we ended up walking quite far (and up/down stairs) so I would avoid this option if you can!
Getting to Osaka by plane
If you’re arriving by plane, you’re likely to land at Kansai International Airport (KIX). If you’re staying around Dōtonbori, then you’ll need to take The Airport Express / Nankai Line from Kansai Airport Station to Namba Station. The one-way fare is around 970 yen (approx. £4.80) for an adult ticket. You do not need to pre-book The Airport Express train – I simply turned up to the airport and tapped my Suica card in. The journey takes around 44 minutes and it’s important to note, there is no designated area for luggage.
Note: there is a line called the Nankai Limited Express Rap:it train. This is not to be confused with The Airport Express Nankai Line. I know… very easy to get them mixed up. The Nankai Limited Express Rap:it train is a rapid, airport specific train (with luggage space) and has less stops than the Nankai Line but you’re not able to use your Suica card and will need to purchase a separate ticket.
How to get around Osaka
The Osaka Metro and JR lines are the best ways to travel around the city. The metro is incredibly well-connected to all the major parts of the city you need to get to. Using Google Maps is super helpful, as it will advise you on which exit is the best, as well as which carriage number is closest to the exit.
To get around, use a Suica or Pasmo card. These are easily downloaded on your phone and added to your wallet. You simply top them up and you’re good to go! Some vendors may only take Suica/Pasmo payments, plus you can use them at vending machines too.
Another way to get around is the Osaka Amazing Pass, which allows for unlimited transport on certain lines and free entry to attractions. You can read more about the Osaka Amazing pass here.
How many days should I spend in Osaka?
Three days is ideal to explore the best attractions that Osaka has to offer. However, consider extending your trip by two days to give yourself time to explore Nara and Kobe.
Best things to do in Osaka
Let’s get down to it. Here are some of the best things to do in Osaka, from exploring the quirky streets of Dōtonbori to the modern architecture of Umeda. I strongly recommend getting the Osaka Amazing pass, as it not only provides free access to some of the main sites and activities, but you can enjoy free travel too. I’ve highlighted which of these activities is free with the pass.
Osaka Castle (free with pass)
A trip to Osaka Castle has to be at the top of your list. Built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a political and military center after unifying Japan, it now serves as a museum. There are 8 floors dedicated to sharing the rich history and culture of Osaka and it’s super interesting to get a glimpse into it all. There’s so much information to take in so make sure to give yourself a few hours here if you’re a history buff. The top floor has a viewing platform across the whole perimeter of the castle, so you can get gorgeous sweeping views of the city.
Top tip: make sure to get the Osaka Amazing pass. Even if you don’t use it for anything else, being able to skip the queue made it worth every penny! Sometimes the queues can take over an hour and if you’re in the heat, it can be unbearable!
Osaka Castle Gozabune boat (free with pass)
Take a short ride in a Gozabune boat in the moat that surrounds Osaka Castle. It’s a quaint little trip that takes you around the castle offering a different angle. You’ll also have someone on-board offering a bit of insight into the moat and the protective wall around it.
Looking at the Gozabune boat outside Osaka Castle
Drinks at Bluebird Rooftop
The Landmark Square is situated just two minutes away from Osaka Castle and on the top floor is the Bluebird Rooftop. You can’t book ahead for drinks so make sure to turn up early (when I visited, they opened at 5pm but make sure to double check the opening hours during your time of visit). There are two sections to Bluebird – one half serves as their BBQ restaurant and this is the side with the better/closer view to the castle. The reviews weren’t great, so instead we just enjoyed some drinks. The vibe up here is great, from the music to the iconic view of the castle. And the sunset here? Incredible!
Note: their cocktails weren’t great. Stick to bottled beer/wine or soju to avoid disappointment.
Enjoying drinks at Bluebird Rooftop during sunset
Dōtonbori Street
Explore the energetic streets of the Dōtonbori area. Marvel at the giant animals protruding out of buildings, get souvenirs from the gachapon capsule toy machines, win plushies of your favourite characters at the many arcades, go trainer shopping (trainers are much cheaper here than in the UK! I got a pair of New Balance’s for around £55!), and of course, indulge in the food!
Osaka is known as the foodie capital of Japan and Dōtonbori is a great place to start for great cuisine! Some of my recommended spots are:
- Chibo Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki for flat gyoza and okonomiyaki
- Men-ni-hikari-wo for duck ramen
- Katsudon Chiyomatsu for pork katsu cutlets
- Wagyu Itaden for £12 wagyu beef bowls
Want to find more places to eat in Osaka? Read my ‘where to eat in Osaka’ blog post.
Duck ramen at Men-ni-hikari-wo
Dōtonbori is so fun. There are a few bars by the river which are a great place to stop and enjoy a drink (I recommend trying a plum wine and soda!) to escape the chaos. You can even try wagyu skewers at these bars for around 200 yen (£1). And don’t forget to visit the iconic Don Quijote store! You’ll find it with ease thanks to the giant ferris wheel attached to the store. If you don’t know about Don Quijote – it’s your one stop shop for anything. Find food, confectionary and drink options including sake (I brought home an incredible ramen packet), skincare, clothes, toys… and even adult toys. Honestly, it has everything!
Tombori river cruise (free with pass)
There’s not a huge amount to see that you won’t have already seen on foot but you can still try a river cruise for a different way to enjoy Dōtonbori. Cruise down the river and lap up all of the huge neon signs and see the Glico Man – the unofficial mascot for the brand behind Pocky. It’s a little bit cheesy but when it’s free, it’s a good way to pass some time.
Try Takoyaki
You’ll find takoyaki everywhere in Osaka! Walking down Dōtonbori alone you’ll find an overwhelming number of vendors selling them. If you don’t know what they are, takoyaki are fried octopus balls. Not octopus balls, but dough balls filled with octopus pieces. We stopped at Takoyaki Wanaka and I really enjoyed them! The inside of the dough had a creaminess to it, the bounce of the octopus gave it texture and the outside was perfectly crunchy. Note that Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) which are dried and fermented fish flakes are usually scattered on top – these are such a strong flavour so specify if you don’t want them.
Trying the speciality at Takoyaki Wanaka
Explore Shinsekai
The Shinsekai district is an area of Osaka that was developed before the war as a social neighbourhood with an amusement park but it was abandoned and neglected for decades afterwards. Half the neighbourhood was designed after Paris, explaining the Tsutenkaku Tower, and the other half imitates New York’s Coney Island.
It was then revamped in more recent years but what’s interesting about walking through here is how it feels like you’re stepping back in time! The arcades are all super old school with games like Street Fighter and bow and arrow shooting games. It’s not like the modern arcades you’ll find in Dōtonbori! A specialty of the area is kashi-katsu – deep fried meat, fish and veg that are deep fried so make sure to try these. We saw loads of queues for kashi-katsu restaurants so it seems worth a try!
One of the arcades in Shinsekai
Tsutenkaku Tower (free with pass)
In Shinsekai you’ll find the Tsutenkaku Tower – modelled after the Eiffel Tower. Originally built as a symbol of this entertainment district, you can now visit the top of the tower to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. Entering the observatory deck is free with the Osaka Amazing pass.
Seeing Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai
Cup Noodle Museum
Not into art or history? Try the Cup Noodle Museum instead. This one is for the foodies! You can get an insight into the way they make their chicken noodles, learn the story of instant noodles, and enjoy exhibitions dedicated to the wonderful Cup Noodle. Plus, one of the biggest highlights is that you can create your very own Cup Noodle to take home! You design the cup, pick your flavour as well as toppings! Such a fun souvenir! Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time! They’re only 500 yen (approx £2.60).
Cup Noodle Museum | Photo from Shutterstock
Umeda Sky Building (free with pass before 3pm)
If you’re looking for another viewpoint, head to the Umeda Sky Building. Offering a completely different view of Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building features two 4-story skyscrapers that are connected at the top. The unique design of the building makes the viewing experience pretty interesting.
Note: with the Osaka Amazing pass, you can only enter for free before 3pm.
Umeda Sky Building Observatory | Photo taken from the Sky Building website
Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum (free with pass)
Pair your trip to the observatory deck with a visit to the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum. Located on the 27th floor, this is one of the most unique museum’s I’ve heard of. I didn’t get a chance to go but I wish I did because the artwork is displayed through the use of 3D visuals in addition to paintings and sculptures, which I think is so playful!
Photo from Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum website
Karaoke at Sakura Namba
I just had to feature this karaoke spot I visited. It’s the best one I’ve ever visited. You’ll see a lot of karaoke rooms advertised on the streets but this one is a standout. Where the others I visited were simply a room with a screen and microphones, this one was a full on experience. It’s on the 6th floor of a shady looking building but the staff are so friendly and the rooms are incredible. They are pimped out with colourful lighting, a huge table in the middle, plenty of seating, our own toilet, and something I like the most is that there was space to dance too. The drinks choice was great and the selection of music was insane!
Street Go-Karting
Hit the roads of Osaka in a go kart and glide through the streets of Namba, Dōtonbori and Shinsaibashi. It’s such a special way of exploring the city. You can rent onesies and other costumes, as well as camera equipment to record yourself whizzing through Osaka. You just need an International Driver’s Permit and you’re good to go!
Book Go-Karting in Osaka:
Osaka was such a fun city to explore and after my five days here, these are some of the best things to do in Osaka! I just loved trying all the food options (I had some of the best ramen!) and loved the energetic buzz that the city had. Each district felt so unique – Umeda was modern with a business feel to it, the area around Osaka Castle was serene, Tsutekaku was funky, and Dōtonbori is so eccentric. There are some really great day trips to take out of the city too, which I highly recommend doing. See the deer in Nara and try the iconic marbled beef in Kobe, both just a train ride away.
