20 Best Things to Do in Osaka 2025: From Popular to Unusual

Our Tip: Spend at least 2 Days in Osaka! So Much to Do and See

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, offering a wide range of attractions, from one of the best amusement parks to delicious food and significant historical sites.

If you only have two or three days in Osaka, we recommend blending popular activities with unique experiences to create unforgettable memories.

In 2025, Osaka will host the World Expo, a celebration of innovation and international cooperation, making the city more exciting than ever!

Don't forget to take advantage of the cost-efficient Osaka Amazing Pass, which provides unlimited subway rides while you explore the city and grants admission to some of the attractions listed below.

Top 10 Things to Do in Osaka

1. Universal Studios Japan: Have Fun at Popular Attractions

Universal Studios Japan is a theme park featuring attractions and rides based on iconic Hollywood movies.

In recent years, it has expanded to include some of Japan's most beloved entertainment. Popular franchises like Mario Kart, Doraemon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and even Godzilla have been part of its special lineup.

Notable permanent attractions include Jaws, Jurassic Park: The Ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Minion Park. Additionally, Universal Studios Japan hosts seasonal events, such as the Universal Surprise Halloween.

We suggest saving a whole day for Universal Studios Japan, and using their time-efficient Express Pass so that you don't have to stand in line to popular rides.

2. Osaka Castle: Visit a Historical Site!

Osaka Castle stands majestically over the city of Osaka and is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Most Famous Castles.

Built in 1583 by Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), the castle faced destruction due to fire and underwent numerous repairs over the years. Its present form dates back to 1931 when it was reconstructed.

At night, it is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Surrounding the castle is a park that features approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom beautifully in the spring.

3. Umeda Sky Building Observatory: Enjoy the Amazing City Views

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The Umeda Sky Building was recognized by THE TIMES magazine as one of the Top 20 Buildings Around the World. Its unique triumphal arch-like shape is sure to catch your eye.

The Kuchu-Teien Observatory is located on the 40th floor, the highest level of the building. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a 173-meter above-ground 360-degree panorama of the city.

If you visit in the evening, you will be treated to a stunning night view that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Night Views of Japan.

4. Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi: Taste the Best Street Food in Osaka

Dotonbori is one of the most famous destinations in Osaka, renowned for its impressive array of large billboards displayed in rows, from the iconic Glico sign featuring a runner with both arms raised to a giant, animated crab. These signs are uniquely designed and the district looks even more spectacular when illuminated at night.

The approximately 580-meter-long shopping street connects Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori and is lined with a variety of restaurants and apparel stores.

The best way to enjoy Dotonbori is by tasting local food like takoyaki, kushikatsu (skewered deep-fried treats), and okonomiyaki.

5. Yumeshima: Marvel at the Osaka Expo 2025

Expo 2025 Osaka is an international exhibition that will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. It will feature state-of-the-art technology, cultural exhibits, and innovative advancements.

Key attractions include national pavilions, interactive displays, and the impressive Grand Ring, a large wooden structure offering panoramic views, situated on Osaka's Yumeshima Island.

If you're visiting Osaka in 2025, checking out some of the exhibits at the World Expo is a must!

6. Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai: Explore Osaka's Retro Area

Tsutenkaku Tower, a 103-meter tall observation tower, is often regarded as the symbol of Osaka. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city's skyline.

The Billiken statue, located on the fifth floor, is believed to bring happiness when you rub the soles of its feet, resulting in continuous lines of people eager to partake in this tradition.

Surrounding Tsutenkaku Tower is the Shinsekai area, filled with souvenir shops and restaurants. Here, you can experience shopping and dining amidst vibrant signboards and a lively atmosphere.

This popular destination features a retro landscape and showcases some of the best local cuisine Osaka has to offer.

7. Abeno Harukas: Enjoy the Views from Japan's Tallest Building!

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Abeno Harukas is Japan’s tallest structure that is not a tower. Its height is an amazing 300 meters! The shopping floors extend up to the eleventh floor, featuring a variety of clothing shops, general goods, and more.

The twelfth to fourteenth floors are dedicated to dining, offering a wide range of cuisines. From traditional Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura (fried foods), and unagi (eel) to Italian and French fare, there’s something for everyone.

After enjoying Osaka's specialties, make your way further up the building. The sixteenth floor is home to the Abeno Harukas Art Museum, which features artworks from around the globe.

The 58th to 60th floors comprise the HARUKAS 300 Observatory, offering various ways to enjoy the experience. You can truly have an enjoyable time all within this one building!

8. Kuromon Market: Try Local Food

Kuromon Market is the most famous marketplace in Osaka featuring approximately 180 shops offering fresh fish, high-quality meat, and fruits, along with numerous restaurants.

At Kuromon Market, you can try dishes made with fresh seafood and fish, but also wagyu beef, okonomiyaki, and luxurious fruit desserts. This market is also a great place to find edible souvenirs with local flavors.

The information center within the marketplace provides support in multiple languages. Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, currency exchange machines, and baggage rooms (available for a fee) to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience.

9. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Meet Amazing Sea Creatures

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is that it features the world's largest aquarium tank, with a capacity of 5,400 tons. Watching the majestic whale sharks swim gracefully amidst sharks and rays is truly an incredible experience.

The aquarium, along with the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel, is a popular dating spot among locals in Osaka.

10. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and Tower of the Sun: Explore a Famous Art Piece

Photo courtesy of Osaka Japan Expo Commemorative Park Office

The Expo Commemorative Park is located on the former site of the World Exposition held in 1970 and has since been transformed into a beautiful park.

The park’s symbol is the Tower of the Sun, designed by artist Taro Okamoto, which stands approximately 70 meters tall.

Visitors can refresh themselves in the green-filled Natural and Cultural Gardens, take a stroll through the Japanese gardens, or explore exhibitions on ethnic groups from around the world at the National Museum of Ethnology.

Expocity, a shopping center that opened in 2015 right next to the park, offers a full day of family fun. For details on the map of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and information on how to access it, please visit the official website.

Unusual Things to Do for Families

11. Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum: VR Art Experiences

Picture courtesy of Klook

Visit the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum for a delightful experience featuring vibrant artworks and stunning views of the Osaka skyline. Located within the Umeda Sky Building, it’s an easy addition to your Umeda itinerary.

The museum showcases an eclectic mix of large-scale artworks enhanced by cutting-edge VR and 3D technology. Koji Kinutani's pieces feature captivating depictions of traditional Japanese mythical figures alongside modern themes.

After exploring the museum and browsing the unique merchandise in the gift shop, unwind at the Tenku Cafe, which offers breathtaking views of the Osaka skyline—one of the best from any museum coffee shop.

12. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

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Located in the Kita ward of Osaka, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living offers a near time-traveling experience into the city’s past. Visitors start on the 10th floor, where they can view the evolution of Osaka through the centuries.

This museum goes beyond traditional exhibits; it allows you to walk through different historical eras while immersing yourself in the experience by wearing traditional clothing.

Explore a life-sized recreation of an Edo period (1603-1868) street and visit various shops and amenities from that time, helping you connect with Japan's rich cultural history.

13. Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Photo courtesy of NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

Embark on a delicious journey at one of Kansai's most unique attractions, the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda! Located just outside of Osaka in Ikeda City, this museum is the original birthplace of cup noodles.

The legendary creator of chicken noodle instant ramen, Ando Momofuku, developed his iconic creation while experimenting with noodles in his shed in Ikeda.

At the museum, you can test your instant ramen knowledge in a quiz contest, sample various flavors in the tasting room, or create your own instant ramen by mixing your favorite ingredients. With a variety of interactive exhibits, the museum offers a fun and engaging experience for visitors.

Unusual Things to Do for Couples

14. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel, situated within the Tempozan Harbor Village near Kaiyukan, is a major leisure destination in Osaka. Standing at 112.5 meters tall and 100 meters wide, it is Japan's largest Ferris wheel. Each ride takes fifteen minutes, allowing you to leisurely ascend into the sky.

One of the highlights of the Ferris wheel is the breathtaking view of Osaka, as well as the expansive ocean below. The nighttime scenery is particularly renowned for its romantic ambiance.

15. Tsuyuten Jinja Shrine (Ohatsu Tenjin): Popular for Couples

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Located near the Ohatsu-Tenjindori Shotengai, the historic Tsuyuten Jinja (Ohatsu Tenjin) has a legacy that spans 1,300 years, attracting couples and those in search of love with its poignant link to the tragic story behind the famous kabuki production, "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki."

The shrine tells the tale of Tokubei, a soy sauce merchant, and Ohatsu, a courtesan, whose lives are marked by betrayal and adversity.

Visitors can immerse themselves in this moving narrative by exploring the shrine's exhibitions and heartfelt tributes. Additionally, the sanctuary offers protective talismans and a shrine dedicated to safe childbirth, preserving the enduring themes of love and sacrifice.

16. Solaniwa Onsen: Enjoy Hot Springs and Wearing a Yukata

Solaniwa Onsen is a hot spring theme park that offers a variety of bathing options, including open-air baths (rotemburo), bedrock bathing (ganbanyoku), saunas, and foot baths (ashi-yu), making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy soothing waters.

Inside, the building features a recreated Edo Period townscape, transporting visitors back in time and creating a unique atmosphere. This charming setting allows couples to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in comfort.

Unusual Things to Do for Young Adults

17. Samurai Cafe: Dress up as a Samurai

Just a short distance from Umeda, the SAMURAI CAFE offers an exciting atmosphere filled with entertainment. Visitors can look forward to an evening of laughter as they enjoy comedic samurai performances featuring fights, dances, and more.

The shows are presented by guides in both Japanese and English and do not follow a specific storyline, ensuring each performance is a unique experience.

The samurai engage directly with the audience, involving them in the spirited acts for a personalized and interactive experience. You can also dress up as a samurai and join the show!

18. Hirakuza Sumo Hall: Stand up to a Sumo Wrestler!

Picture courtesy of GetYourGuide

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka is a sumo-themed entertainment venue in NAMBA Parks.

At this facility, visitors can enjoy thrilling sumo matches featuring former wrestlers who perform on the elevated dohyo (sumo stage), captivating all attendees. It is traditional to savor a luxurious bento meal while watching the matches.

Picture courtesy of GetYourGuide

Alongside a selection of delicious Japanese cuisine in bento sets, guests at the Sumo Hall Hirakuza can participate in photo shoots with the sumo wrestlers and even don a sumo suit for an interactive experience on the dohyo!

The Sumo Hall Hirakuza promises an unforgettable experience in a truly unique setting.

19. Hozenji Yokocho: Have a Drink with the Locals

Hozenji Yokocho, situated near Dotonbori, is a charming alleyway filled with cozy bars and izakaya of various styles. Due to its compact size, most establishments offer counter seating only, making it an ideal spot for small groups of friends.

At night, the narrow paths and lanterns outside the shops create a nearly magical atmosphere. This alleyway is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious drinks and the opportunity to mingle with locals.

20. Nakazakicho: Explore Trift Shops and Galleries

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Just on the outskirts of Umeda is the Nakazakicho district, a charming area with a retro ambiance featuring alleyways lined with local shops and cafes.

A wonderful place to unwind, Nakazakicho is filled with both classic and modern cafes, as well as vibrant street art, making it a popular destination for Instagrammers. Known as Osaka's trendy district, Nakazakicho offers an eclectic mix of thrift and branded stores, showcasing a diverse selection of fashion and home goods.

Things to Do in Osaka at Night

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Osaka boasts a vibrant nightlife with many attractions staying open until late at night. We recommend visiting places like the teamLab garden Osaka, Spa World, the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel, or the Umeda Sky Building Observatory featured above.

The Nagai Botanical Garden is home to over 1,200 species of plants, providing a beautiful experience during the daytime. In the evening, the garden transforms into a stunning digital art space through the creativity of the art collective teamLab.

As a hybrid garden and art venue, visitors can stroll through the grounds filled with diverse plant life and then enjoy the interactive art installations that come to life at night. TeamLab's immersive displays demonstrate how digital technology, such as light projections, can transform nature into art without causing harm.

Spa World is a hotel located near Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai, featuring an onsen facility with 17 types of hot spring baths from 12 different countries. The hot spring facility offers late-night access and provides a 24-hour free resting area, allowing guests to stay overnight comfortably.

The Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel is attached to the facade of the Don Quijote Dotonbori store. 77.4 meters high, it is the world's first oval-shaped Ferris wheel that can rotate 180 degrees, taking about 15 minutes to complete one round. The ride fare is 600 yen per person.

The entrance to the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel is on the third floor of the Don Quijote Dotonbori Store, which stays open until 4:00 AM.

The store has six floors where you'll find a wide variety of inexpensive products that make great souvenirs from Japan, from tasty snacks to cosmetics, gadgets, toys, and interior goods. The range of goods available for purchase is truly extensive at this store!

Things to Do in Osaka by Season

Things to Do in Osaka in Spring

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If you visit Osaka in early April, enjoy the scenery of cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle Park, Japan Mint, and Okawa River.

Around mid-April, the nemophila bloom in Osaka Maishima Seaside Park filling the area with their soft blue color.

Early May is a time of Golden Week events such as the Nakanoshima Festival, which combines food, a film festival, and a flea market.

Things to Do in Osaka in Summer

The highlight of summer in Osaka is the Tenjin Festival on July 24 - 25, which offers fireworks displays and many exciting events.

Because it's a hot season, we recommend enjoying walks in lush green areas like the Minoo Waterfall. The nearby Katsuoji Temple hosts a beautiful summer light-up.

Things to Do in Osaka in Autumn

Autumn is the season of beautiful foliage and harvest festivals. We recommend visiting places like Midosuji Avenue, Osaka Castle Park, and Minoo Park for their splendid autumn scenery.

Things to Do in Osaka in Winter

Winter is one of the most exciting times of the year to visit Osaka due to the abundance of illuminations, Christmas Markets, and events.

Enjoy the Osaka Midosuji Winter Illumination or the Osaka Hikari Renaissance and enjoy local treats at the Christmas Market in Osaka. The Umeda Sky Building has special decorations in its observatory so it's a great time to visit.

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