Delicious Foods and Amazing Views! 10 Places To Visit in Osaka

Osaka is one of the major cities in Japan, visited by people from all around Japan and the world. Visitors enjoy Osaka's authentic gourmet dishes, which are all a bit different from the ones in Tokyo, as well as the vibrant atmosphere of the streets. From the many attractions in this city, we have selected 10 places you must visit in Osaka.

Read also: Osaka Special Feature

1. Osaka Castle

Take a Walk Around the Magnificent Osaka Castle in the Evening

Osaka Castle is located in the middle of the city. The castle is bustling with visitors during the daytime, but if you visit there at night, you will find something different.

Osaka Castle is lit up after sunset and shines in the dark, looking totally different from its appearance during day. In addition, you can enjoy taking a walk in Osaka Castle Park, which surrounds the castle. You will find various seasonal plants and other historical buildings there.

Read also: Take a Walk Around the Magnificent Osaka Castle in the Evening

2. Mount Iimori

Mount Iimori is located in the Daitō area of Osaka. It is a great place for hiking as it its full of beautiful nature. If you want to add some cultural and historical element to your trip, you can follow the Mt. Iimori hiking trail. You will start from Nozaki Kannon Temple, which is 10 minutes away from the JR Nozaki station, and stop by cultural places such as Shijōnawate Shrine during the hike.

3. Abeno Harukas

The 300 m high Abeno Harukas is the tallest building in Japan. It opened in 2014 and has a viewing deck, hotels, shops, and a museum.

4. Tsutenkaku Tower

103 meters tower “Tsu-ten-kaku”(English)

Tsutenkaku Tower, the famous landmark of Osaka, is a 103 m high observation tower. You can enjoy overlooking the city of Osaka from the observation floor or you may want to rest at the cafe within it. You can eat Tsutenkaku Parfait only at the cafe in Tsutenkaku Tower.

5. Shinsekai

Shinsekai, literally meaning "New World", is a neighboring area of Tsutenkaku Tower. The streets are vibrant with restaurants and bars with flashy signs. This is where you can enjoy the taste of Osaka in a nostalgic atmosphere.

You will find many unique and exotic signs, as well as authentic Osaka dishes such as kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables).

6. Expo’70 Commemorative Park

“Tower of the Sun” – A Symbol of Japanese Art in the Expo Park, Osaka

The Expo’70 Commemorative Park, where the Japan World Exposition took place in 1970, has natural gardens full of flowers and plants, barbecue facilities, a Japanese garden, sport facilities, and even a hot spring. You shouldn’t miss this place if you visit Osaka.

In this picture you can see the "Tower of the Sun" by Taro Okamoto, one of the internationally acknowledged Japanese artists. This symbol of the Expo’79 Commemorative Park is absolutely worth seeing.

Read also: “Tower of the Sun” – A Symbol of Japanese Art in the Expo Park, Osaka

7. EXPO CITY

Expocity: Experience Unknown Thrills At Osaka’s Largest Shopping Center

EXPOCITY is composed of a large entertainment complex and "Lalaport EXPOCITY", which is a shopping park with 305 shops. You can enjoy leisure and shopping at the same time.

There are a lot of facilities for kids such as "Pokemon EXPO Gym".

Read also: Expocity: Experience Unknown Thrills At Osaka’s Largest Shopping Center

8. Dōtonbori

For Osaka Newbies – How To Enjoy Dōtonbori, Osaka’s Downtown

Dōtonbori is such a famous destination that everyone in Japan has heard about the place. It is a downtown area where you can taste authentic Osaka gourmet dishes at thousands of unique restaurants.

Read also: For Osaka Newbies – How To Enjoy Dōtonbori, Osaka’s Downtown

9. Floating Garden Observatory

Osaka From Above: Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory

Umeda Sky Building is a world-famous building that was chosen as one of the “Top 20 Buildings in the World” by the British paper "THE TIMES". At the top floor of this building there is the Floating Garden Observatory. You can enjoy the breathtaking landscape with skyscrapers around the Umeda area in Osaka.

Unlike other skyscrapers, Umeda Sky Building offers access to an outdoor viewing deck.

Read also:

Osaka From Above: Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory

How to Reach the Umeda Sky Building from Osaka Station

10. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel For a Sky-High View of Osaka

Tempozan Ferris Wheel at the Tempozan Harbor Village, a large leisure complex in Osaka, is one of the largest Ferris wheels in Japan. It is 112.5 meters in height and 100 meters in diameter and you will get 17 minutes to enjoy your time in the sky while the Ferris wheel goes around.

What you will see from the Ferris wheel is not only the landscape of Osaka but also the vast ocean, which is another attraction of Tempozan Ferris Wheel.

Read also: Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel For a Sky-High View of Osaka

What do you think of these ten must-visit places? Have fun there when you are in Osaka!