Things to Do in Osaka
The city's headline attractions, plus what to actually expect from each one — timing, tickets and whether it's worth a full day.
Osaka Castle
How to visit Osaka Castle — its history under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the 1931 reconstruction, the museum inside, and the best time to see the park.
T-02Universal Studios Japan
Planning a visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka — Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and how to plan your day.
T-03Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
A guide to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at Tempozan Harbor Village — its Pacific Ring of Fire concept, whale sharks, and how to combine it with the harbour area.
T-04Umeda Sky Building
Visiting the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory — what to expect, when to go, and how it compares to Osaka's other viewpoints.
T-05Shitennoji Temple
Visiting Shitennoji Temple in Tennoji — among the oldest officially administered Buddhist temples in Japan, founded by Prince Shotoku in the 6th century.
T-06Nakanoshima's Art Museums
Visiting Nakanoshima's art museums in Osaka — the National Museum of Art, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, and how to plan a half-day around them.
T-07Spa World
A guide to Spa World in Shinsekai — Osaka's themed bathhouse complex with alternating Europe and Asia zones, pools and waterslides.
T-08Tsutenkaku Tower
A guide to Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai — its history, the Billiken lucky statue inside, and the observation deck views over Osaka.
T-09Sumiyoshi Taisha
A visitor's guide to Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines — its distinctive architecture, the arched Sorihashi bridge, and how to get there.
T-10Autumn Foliage in Osaka
Where to see autumn leaves (koyo) in and around Osaka, including Osaka Castle Park, Minoh Park's waterfall, and Nakanoshima's riverside.
T-11Rainy Day Osaka
What to do in Osaka when it rains — indoor options including Kaiyukan Aquarium, Nakanoshima's museums, Spa World, and Umeda's underground malls.
T-12Osaka's Best Photo Spots
Where to get the best photos in Osaka — Dotonbori's neon canal, Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, Shinsekai and Sumiyoshi Taisha's arched bridge.
T-13Cup Noodles Museum, Ikeda
Visiting the Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda, Osaka — where Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen, and how to make your own chicken ramen or custom cup noodle.
T-14Visiting Koshien Stadium
How to visit Koshien Stadium near Osaka and catch a Hanshin Tigers game — tickets, getting there, and what to expect from the atmosphere.
T-15Tickets for Namba Grand Kagetsu
How to buy tickets for Namba Grand Kagetsu in Osaka — show schedules, seat types, and whether to book online or at the box office.
T-16Osaka at Night
What to do in Osaka at night — the best nightlife districts, bar types from tachinomi to craft beer, and how Osaka's night scene differs from Tokyo.
New things to do guides are added every week. See the update log →