Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, home to 7% of Japan's population and about 10% of the foreign residents in Japan.
Osaka has long been known as "the nation's kitchen," fostering a unique food culture. Dishes using thick sauces, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, are especially popular. The Osaka area is also home to many famous sake-producing regions, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious sake alongside delicious food.
Furthermore, with its numerous famous tourist spots, Osaka attracts many domestic and international tourists. The city center boasts high-rise buildings like Abeno Harukas and Umeda Sky Building, offering scenic views from upper floors and shopping experiences. Historical spots like Osaka Castle and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine are also famous, allowing visitors to enjoy both modern aspects and traditional Japan in Osaka.
In this article, we'll introduce must-visit places in Osaka by category, showcasing the city's diverse attractions for 2024 and beyond.
Three Must-Visit Places in Osaka: Top Osaka Attractions 2024
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Source:Official website
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a popular theme park in Western Japan where visitors can enjoy the ambiance of various movies and character works.
The charm of USJ lies in its faithfully reproduced, attractive world settings for each work. USJ is divided into areas based on franchises like Mario, Harry Potter, and Jaws. Each area has a completely different atmosphere, making it exciting just to walk around. The level of reproduction within each area is very high, allowing visitors to feel as if they've stepped into the world of that particular work.
While thrilling rides are plentiful, there are also exciting cruises, water shows, and character-themed cafes, making it enjoyable for everyone. USJ is definitely one of the top Osaka attractions for 2024 and beyond.
In Osaka, you'll often see people wearing popular character-themed headbands from USJ or carrying USJ-exclusive shopping bags with character prints. Seeing them always makes me want to visit USJ again!
Location: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka
Access: 6-minute walk from Universal City Station
Opening Hours: Varies by day, please check the official website
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 0570-20-0606
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
Admission: Adults from 7,800 yen per person (Prices vary by day. Various ticket types are available, including 1.5-day passes, Fast Pass options, and annual passes. Please check the official website for details.)
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a lively and vibrant area that embodies the Osaka atmosphere, famous for its giant signboards. The sign of a marathon runner with raised arms, visible from the bridge, is particularly famous, and many people take photos mimicking the pose.
Known as a "food strolling town," Dotonbori offers numerous culinary delights. Takoyaki shops are especially numerous. Each shop has slightly different toppings or unique offerings, like takoyaki sandwiched between shrimp crackers. My recommended topping is green onions.
Moreover, in Dotonbori, you can find various items at prices lower than in surrounding areas. They're advertised with flashy pop signs, so if you're interested in something, you can get it here at a bargain. I always buy souvenirs in Dotonbori too.
<Basic Information>
Access: Directly accessible from Exit 14 of Namba Station on the Midosuji, Yotsubashi, and Sennichimae Lines, Osaka Namba Station on the Hanshin and Kintetsu Lines
Directly accessible from Exit 2 of Nipponbashi Station on the Sakaisuji and Sennichimae Lines
About a 7-minute walk north from the north exit of Namba Station on the Nankai Electric Railway
Opening Hours, Closed Days, Phone Number: Varies by store
To fully enjoy Dotonbori, join the "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba"!
Dotonbori has a vast number of restaurants, befitting its reputation as a food strolling town. While you'll want to eat at famous restaurants when visiting, it can be difficult for tourists to identify them.
That's why I recommend the "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba" tour.
This tour first visits Hozenji Temple, then takes you to three izakayas in Dotonbori. The izakayas selected for this tour are chosen by locals who know Dotonbori well, so they're guaranteed to be delicious.
If you want to taste truly delicious Osaka specialties that aren't in guidebooks, please check the tour details and book from here. It's a great way to experience some of the best Osaka attractions in 2024.
Click here for more details（https://www.magical-trip.com/product/a9a2ebd9-ced6-4793-a0cf-14488d92b03a?ref=city-available-cards）
Osaka Castle & Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous Japanese warlord who achieved national unification. It has undergone repeated damage and restoration due to war and lightning strikes, with the current structure being the third iteration.
Originally a military stronghold, Osaka Castle now serves as a museum-like facility. It displays artifacts related to the Warring States period and Osaka Castle, as well as materials about the life of its first lord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
On the second floor of the main keep, you can try on and take photos wearing replicas of samurai helmets and kimonos for both men and women. It's a recommended experience that makes you feel like you've time-traveled to the Warring States period.
Osaka Castle Park spreads out just below Osaka Castle. This green park serves as an "urban oasis" and a relaxation spot for citizens. My recommended way to spend time here is to relax with family or friends while admiring the majestic Osaka Castle and the surrounding nature. It's also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access: Various stations nearby, including Tanimachi 4-chome Station, Morinomiya Station, and Osakajo-koen Station
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Closed: December 28 - January 1
Phone: 06-6941-3044
Official Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/
Admission: Adults 600 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
Can't Miss These Either! Three Spots to Fully Enjoy Osaka's Cuisine and Sake
Shinsekai
Shinsekai is a retro-style Japanese neighborhood with Tsutenkaku Tower as its landmark. It's also known as a gourmet town, being a dense area of restaurants.
The most famous dish in Shinsekai is "kushikatsu." Kushikatsu is a dish where meat and vegetables are skewered, battered, and deep-fried, then dipped in a thick sauce similar to oyster sauce. There are over 20 kushikatsu shops in Shinsekai, each with their own twist on the batter and sauce. It's fun to try a few skewers at different shops and compare the differences.
Besides kushikatsu, there are various other eateries serving oden, horumon (offal), sushi, takoyaki, and more. Many of the dishes you can eat in Shinsekai have strong flavors that pair well with alcohol. So, it's recommended to enjoy food-hopping while drinking.
<Basic Information>
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Shin-Imamiya Station
7-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station or Imamiya-Ebisu Station on the Nankai Main Line
1-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line
2-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji Subway Line
1-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line
Official Website: https://shinsekaiofficial.com/
To enjoy both Dotonbori and Shinsekai, the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" is recommended
For those who want to deeply enjoy both Dotonbori and Shinsekai, I recommend the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" tour.
On this tour, you can eat Osaka specialties like kushikatsu, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki at local hidden gems known only to residents.
You can also learn about the history of the historic landscapes remaining in Dotonbori and Shinsekai while admiring them, with explanations from the guide. The guides speak English, so you can participate with peace of mind. Please check the tour details here.
Click here for more details（https://www.magical-trip.com/product/763e12a9-ef93-4ae4-8e17-cf86eda92b3f）
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho is a small alley about 80 meters long, lined on both sides with long-established Japanese restaurants, bars, okonomiyaki shops, and other eateries.
The charm of Hozenji Yokocho lies in its atmospheric ambiance. Originally developed from a temple precinct, it still retains a nostalgic atmosphere with stone pavements. It's especially beautiful at night, with orange lanterns gently illuminating the surroundings, creating a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The sake you drink under these lights is exceptional.
While all the local famous restaurants gathered in Hozenji Yokocho are delicious, I especially recommend a shop called "Meoto Zenzai." Zenzai is a traditional Japanese sweet made by simmering azuki beans with sugar. At this shop, one serving of zenzai is divided into two bowls, and it's said that couples who eat it together will have a harmonious relationship.
<Basic Information>
Location: Near 1 Chome Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Namba Station on the Midosuji Line, Sennichimae Line, Kintetsu Line, or Nankai Line
Opening Hours, Closed Days, Phone Number: Varies by store
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market, known as "Osaka's kitchen," was once a market where fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits were sold, catering to professional chefs. While still retaining this aspect, it's now also loved by many tourists and locals as an excellent food-strolling spot.
The grilled seafood skewers from fish shops, fresh juices from fruit shops, and matcha soft serve from tea shops are all exquisite, each leveraging the shop's strengths. I often visit Kuromon Market intending to have a light meal, but everything looks so delicious that I always end up eating until I'm full.
The specialties of Kuromon Market are said to be conger eel in summer and fugu (pufferfish) in winter. The dishes made with fresh, seasonal conger eel or fugu are rare delicacies, so please try them if you can.
<Basic Information>
Location: 2-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 10 of Nipponbashi Station on the Osaka Metro
Opening Hours, Closed Days: Varies by store
Phone: 06-6631-0007
Official Website: https://kuromon.com/jp/
The "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka" tour is also recommended to enjoy Kuromon Market with locals
To fully enjoy the intricate Kuromon Market, I also recommend the "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka" tour, where you can explore the market with locals. You'll tour Kuromon Market, eating small portions of local-recommended light meals from among the more than 130 shops.
You can also purchase cooking utensils, tableware, and kitchen items at Kuromon Market. These are all high-quality items used by professional chefs, making them perfect souvenirs for cooking enthusiasts.
After fully enjoying Kuromon Market, you'll go to Dotonbori to enjoy more Osaka specialties. Please check the tour details here.
Click here for more details（https://www.magical-trip.com/product/7ed36da2-ba55-4267-8e8b-7f885ee6d901)
Night Views Are Also Recommended! Three Facilities Offering Panoramic Views of Osaka
Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
source:Jalan
The Umeda Sky Building, selected as one of the world's TOP 20 buildings, is an ultra-high-rise connected building also called the "Arc de Triomphe of the Future" for its beautiful appearance. Not only is the exterior attractive, but the Floating Garden Observatory on the rooftop of this 40-story building is also a must-see.
To reach the Floating Garden Observatory, you take an elevator to the 35th floor and then an escalator to the 39th floor. Both are transparent, allowing you to enjoy the view of the city gradually becoming smaller.
On the 40th floor, you can enjoy the majestic view through large windows, and on the rooftop, you can feel the pleasant breeze along with the panoramic view. Although it's called a "garden" observatory, there's actually no garden inside; the name implies that the cityscape and sky of Osaka look like a garden. As you look at the endless urban buildings and the Yodo River flowing gently between them, you'll naturally understand the meaning of this name.
At night, the scenery transforms, becoming a night view spot. The panorama of colorful neon lights spreading as far as the eye can see is a spectacular sight, so I highly recommend visiting once. It's one of the most impressive Osaka attractions for 2024.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka, Umeda Sky Building
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station
9-minute walk from Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station
9-minute walk from Osaka Metro Umeda Station
Opening Hours: 9:30-22:30 (Last entry 22:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 06-6440-3855
Official Website: https://www.skybldg.co.jp/
Admission: Adults 2000 yen, Children (4 years old - elementary school) 500 yen
Abeno Harukas Harukas 300 (Observatory)
source:Official website
Abeno Harukas is Japan's tallest building with 60 floors above ground, exceeding 300 meters in height. It's a complex facility housing a department store, offices, an art museum, and a hotel, but the highlight of this building is the observatory "Harukas 300" located on the 59th and 60th floors.
To reach Harukas 300, you can purchase tickets on the 16th floor and then take a direct elevator to the 60th floor. The observatory is entirely glass-walled on all 360 degrees, offering a spectacular view as soon as you exit the elevator.
The height of 300 meters above ground is higher than most people imagine, feeling closer to the clouds than to the cityscape below. The view of the city from Harukas 300 looks like a diorama, allowing you to see the expanse of Osaka stretching as far as the eye can see.
The night view is also beautiful, with the straight, large roads and the lights of the buildings on both sides providing a stunning spectacle. It's certainly one of the most breathtaking Osaka attractions for 2024.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka
Access: Directly accessible from Osaka-Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu) Abeno exit
About 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Tennoji-ekimae Station
Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00 (Last entry 21:30)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 06-6621-0300
Official Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/observatory/index.html
Admission: 18 years and older 2000 yen, 12-17 years old 1200 yen, 6-11 years old 700 yen, 4-5 years old 500 yen
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
source:Official website
The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, one of the world's largest, boasts a diameter of 100 meters, a height of 112.5 meters, and a 15-minute rotation time. From this Ferris wheel, you can enjoy views not only of Osaka City but also of Kansai International Airport, Universal Studios Japan, and even the natural landscapes of neighboring prefectures.
At night, you can experience Osaka's sparkling nightscape, and the Ferris wheel itself is beautifully illuminated. After enjoying the view from the sky, be sure to admire the Ferris wheel's radiant lights from the ground.
For those who crave more excitement, the see-through gondolas are a must-try. These gondolas, made entirely of transparent materials, offer an exhilarating and thrilling experience as you float through the air with an unobstructed view of the surroundings.
The see-through gondolas are only 8 out of the 60 available, so there might be a wait, but the thrilling experience is well worth it.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Metro Chuo Line's Osaka Port Station, immediate access from Osaka City Bus "Tempozan Harbor Village," Nankai Bus "Kaiyukan (Tempozan)," Kansai International Airport Limousine Bus "Tempozan (Kaiyukan)," and the Captain Line Shuttle Boat "Kaiyukan Nishi Hato"
Hours: Varies by day, check the official website for details
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 06-6576-6222
Official Website: http://tempozan-kanransya.com/
Admission: ¥900 for ages 3 and up, free for children under 3
Experience Japan’s Tradition! Explore Three Historic Shrines and Temples in Osaka
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Source:Official website
Sumiyoshi Taisha is a venerable shrine with a history spanning over 1,800 years, often considered one of Japan's oldest shrines. It enshrines deities associated with maritime safety and voyage protection.
During Japan's early interactions with China, it is said that people would pray at Sumiyoshi Taisha before setting sail from the nearby sea. You can even find a monument depicting the ships as they departed, so be sure to check it out.
My favorite spot within Sumiyoshi Taisha is the "Sorihashi" Bridge, also known as the "Taiko Bridge." When viewed from the side, the red railings of the bridge reflect on the water, creating a circular shape reminiscent of a drum. It’s a truly mystical and beautiful sight. Additionally, there’s a legend that simply crossing the bridge will dispel any evil spirits clinging to your body.
However, be careful as the bridge has a steep slope with a maximum incline of 48°, so watch your step while crossing.
<Basic Information>
Location: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access:
A short walk from Sumiyoshi Torii-mae Station on the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line.
3-minute walk east from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line.
5-minute walk west from Sumiyoshi-Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line.
Hours:
April to September: 06:00 - 17:00
October to March: 06:30 - 17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 06-6672-0753
Official Website: https://sumiyoshitaisha.jp/about/
Admission: Free
Shitennoji Temple
Source:Official website
Shitennoji is a historic temple built over 1,600 years ago. Although it has been repeatedly destroyed by disasters and wars, it has been faithfully reconstructed each time, preserving the original architectural style to this day.
The expansive grounds of Shitennoji are home to many historical buildings. The scenery evokes a sense of stepping back in time, making even a simple walk through the temple grounds a delightful experience.
Within Shitennoji, my recommendation is the Five-Story Pagoda. This structure, with its five-tiered roof, is strikingly beautiful when viewed against the blue sky, with the contrast of the red roofs being particularly stunning. You can even enter the pagoda and climb to the upper levels.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access:
12-minute walk north from Tennoji Station on the Osaka Loop Line.
12-minute walk north from Tennoji Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Tanimachi Line.
5-minute walk south from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line.
14-minute walk north from Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line.
Hours:
April to September: 08:30 - 16:30
October to March: 08:30 - 16:00
*Note: Operating hours may vary on certain days, so please check the official website for details.
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 06-6771-0066
Official Website: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/admission.html
Admission: Adults: 300 yen, High School & University Students: 200 yen, Elementary & Middle School Students: Free
Osaka Tenmangu
Source: Official website
Osaka Tenmangu is a shrine founded over 1,000 years ago. Despite its location in the bustling center of Osaka near the main station, once you step onto the shrine grounds, you are greeted with a serene and peaceful atmosphere, distinct from the city's noise.
The grounds of Osaka Tenmangu house around 20 small and large shrines. The main shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the "God of Learning." It is famous for bringing blessings for academic success and exam passing, attracting visitors from afar, especially during exam season. Be sure to pray for academic success during your visit.
Within Osaka Tenmangu, my recommendation is the "Hoshiai-Hashi" Bridge. This spot is known as a romantic power spot, where it is said that couples who meet here are destined to be together. It’s a charming place, so be sure to visit.
<Basic Information>
Location: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access:
5-minute walk from Minami-Morimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Sakaisuji Line.
5-minute walk from Osaka Tenmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line.
Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 06-6353-0025
Official Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/about
Admission: Free
Popular with Foreign Visitors! Top 3 Family-Friendly Entertainment Spots in Osaka
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Source:Rurubu
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring around 30,000 marine creatures from approximately 620 species. Since its opening in 1990, it has remained a beloved attraction for both locals and visitors from around the globe.
One of the highlights of Kaiyukan is the "Pacific Ocean" tank. This massive tank spans from the 4th to the 6th floor, cutting through the center of the 8-story aquarium. The fascinating part is that even though it’s the same tank, the species of fish you see vary greatly depending on whether you’re viewing from the 4th floor near the ocean floor or the 6th floor closer to the surface. The star of this tank is the whale shark, a majestic creature over 5 meters long that swims gracefully through the enormous tank—a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Another great attraction is the interactive touch pool, which is a hit with children. Here, you can touch rays and small sharks, offering a unique and exciting tactile experience. The soft, rubbery texture is something you won’t find elsewhere, making it a must-try for families.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access:
Train: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Port Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.
Bus:
Osaka City Bus: Get off at "Tempozan Harbor Village."
Nankai Bus: Get off at "Kaiyukan (Tempozan)."
Kansai International Airport Limousine Bus: Get off at "Tempozan (Kaiyukan)."
Shuttle Boat: Get off at "Kaiyukan West Wharf" on the Captain Line.
Hours: Varies by day, please check the official website for details.
Closed: January 8th (Wed) and 9th (Thu), 2025
Phone: 06-6576-5501
Official Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/
Admission: Adults: From 2,700 yen, Children: From 1,400 yen, Infants: From 700 yen (Prices vary by day, please check the official website for details.)
Legoland Discovery Center Osaka
Source: Official website
Legoland Discovery Center is an indoor theme park where you can enjoy various attractions and experiences related to Lego bricks. Since it is an indoor facility, you can have fun regardless of the weather.
Inside Legoland, many creations are made from Lego bricks, including large models that you wouldn’t be able to build yourself. My favorite is the diorama of Osaka. It meticulously recreates popular Osaka attractions such as Tsutenkaku and Osaka Castle, making it fun to spot the places you’ve visited. The diorama even transitions between day and night, allowing you to enjoy the glowing nighttime scenery.
Additionally, there are several areas where you can build with Lego bricks yourself. I particularly recommend the car corner, where you can build your own car and then race it down a sloped track. Watching your creation speed down the track is a thrilling experience.
A theme park dedicated to a toy your child plays with regularly is sure to be a memorable experience. You can explore everything in about three hours, so be sure to visit.
<Basic Information>
Location: 3rd Floor, Tempozan Marketplace, 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access:
Osaka Metro: 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station.
JR Yumesaki Line: Get off at Universal City Station, then take a shuttle boat for about 10 minutes.
Osaka City Bus: Get off at "Tempozan Harbor Village."
Hours: Varies by day, please check the official website for details.
Closed: Irregular holidays (based on Tempozan Marketplace’s closure days)
Phone: None (Email: osaka@legolanddiscoverycenter.com)
Official Website: https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/osaka/
Admission: From 2,800 yen (Advance reservations recommended; prices vary depending on the day.)
Jankara Karaoke
Source:Wikipedia
Jankara is an extremely affordable karaoke venue offering all-you-can-drink beverages. You can sing globally famous J-pop songs, anime songs, as well as international music including Western hits and K-pop.
I always use the “Scoring” mode, which calculates your singing score based on pitch and intonation. Striving for a high score keeps me coming back to karaoke frequently.
Karaoke is enjoyable for everyone, from adults to kids, making it a great option for families. The private rooms provide a relaxing space, making it an ideal spot to take a break during your travels.
Jankara is popular among Japanese people as well, so it’s not uncommon to find all the rooms fully booked. If you definitely want to enjoy karaoke, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. While some places require a phone reservation, Jankara has a convenient feature called "Sugu Kara" on their app, allowing you to easily reserve your preferred time and duration.
If your desired time is not available, they can even recommend nearby locations, making the process simple and convenient.
<Basic Information>
Location: 1-4-1 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 4 minutes' walk from Chayamachi Exit, Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station
Hours: Open 24 hours
Holidays: Open year-round
Phone Number: 080-6239-6103
Official Website: https://jankara.ne.jp/shop/199/
Admission: Varies depending on time, duration, and date of use. Please check the official website for details.
Conclusion
Key Points of the Article:
Osaka offers a wide variety of local gourmet delights.
The city is home to numerous tourist attractions.
Osaka is a metropolis that still retains places where you can experience traditional Japanese culture.
In this article, we’ve summarized different types of attractions in Osaka. Did you find places you’d like to visit? I've traveled to Osaka many times, and each visit reveals new spots I want to explore, making it a city rich in depth.
Osaka is also an addictive city where you’ll always find yourself wanting to return. Be sure to find the places you want to visit and enjoy a fulfilling time in Osaka in 2024!