Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo. Currently, 7% of Japan's total population resides in Osaka, and about 10% of foreigners living in Japan are concentrated in Osaka.
In the past, Japan's capital was in Kyoto. Osaka, being the nearest port city to Kyoto, has long flourished as a commercial city with active logistics. As high-quality food, centered on rice, fish, and vegetables, gathered in Osaka from all over Japan, it came to be called "The Nation's Kitchen" (Tenka no Daidokoro) around 1700.
Osaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, overflowing with popular spots such as "Universal Studios Japan" and "Dotonbori." There are many photogenic spots and tourist attractions with impactful appearances unique to Osaka.
In this article, we'll introduce Osaka photo spots 2024 that are popular among tourists and where you can feel the essence of Osaka.
5 Must-Visit Photo Spots in Osaka That Scream "Osaka"!
Dotonbori Glico Sign
Source: Glico
The symbol of Dotonbori is undoubtedly the "Dotonbori Glico Sign." This massive billboard, 20m high and 10m wide, is one of Japan's famous tourist spots. It has been a beloved Dotonbori landmark since its first installation in 1935.
The image of a man running with his left leg bent and both arms raised is iconic. A popular way to enjoy it is by mimicking the Glico sign man's pose for photos.
The current Glico sign, installed in 2014, is the 6th generation and the first to use LED technology. The use of LEDs has enabled a variety of video displays, making the space even more vibrant.
After sunset, it's illuminated and can be enjoyed until midnight.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6755-4146
- URL: https://www.glico.com/jp/health/contents/glicosign
- Admission: Free
Osaka Castle
"Osaka Castle Park" is a nature-rich park spread out in the middle of the big city.
The symbol of Osaka Castle Park is undoubtedly the "Osaka Castle Keep." You can enter the interior of this magnificent castle, which is also highly photogenic. Inside is a museum displaying materials about "Toyotomi Hideyoshi," the castle's builder, and the Azuchi-Momoyama period around 1580 when they lived.
Osaka Castle Park is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. The scenery of Osaka Castle Keep, reflected with the changing seasons of nature, is very beautiful and popular as a photogenic space.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6755-4146
- URL: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/articles/?lang=en&category[]=outline
- Admission: Free for park strolling, Osaka Castle Keep: 600 yen
If you want to efficiently tour photo spots, a bicycle tour is recommended
If you think, "I want to efficiently tour photo spots!" then a bicycle tour is recommended. Bicycles are very popular in Japan. With a bicycle that can maneuver easily, you can tour tourist spots while effectively using your time.
The "4-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch" covers about 11 kilometers in 4 hours. Along with a local guide, you'll tour Osaka Castle, which we introduced earlier, as well as shrines and shopping streets. It's a content-rich tour that includes lunch with Osaka's soul food, okonomiyaki, and a break at a green tea cafe.
Please enjoy the atmosphere of Osaka while feeling the breeze!
Tsutenkaku in Shinsekai
Tsutenkaku is a 108m tall tower built in 1956. It has long been loved as a symbol of Shinsekai, a popular tourist area.
Shinsekai, centered around Tsutenkaku, has a retro and colorful atmosphere. You can take pictures with the Tsutenkaku tower in the background of the flavorful townscape.
You can also enter the Tsutenkaku tower. The observation deck with a panoramic view of Osaka city is popular, and at a height of 92.5m, there's an observation deck called "TIP THE TSUTENKAKU" that juts out from Tsutenkaku. The floor is transparent, so it's thrilling. You can take powerful photos that will surprise everyone.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6641-9555
- URL: https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/index.html
- Admission: General observation deck 1000 yen
"TOWER SLIDER" 1000 yen
"Dive&Walk" 3000 yen
Umeda Sky Building
On the north side of JR Osaka Station, there's a building that stands out even among Umeda's skyscrapers. That's the "Umeda Sky Building," a 175-meter-tall skyscraper. The Umeda Sky Building, characterized by its unique silhouette of two buildings connected at the rooftop, is also famous as the world's first connected high-rise building.
While the exterior is photogenic, the observation area from the 38th to 40th floors is also attractive and recommended as a photogenic space. The round hole on the observation floor is called the "Sky Crater" and was created to imagine the trace of a spaceship's departure.
The interior also has a spaceship-like atmosphere, which excites even a sci-fi fan like me. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck. The view from the rooftop Sky Garden is also open and exhilarating.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: 9:30 - 22:30
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6440-3855
- URL: https://www.skybldg.co.jp/
- Admission: Observation deck 2000 yen
Abeno Harukas
Abeno Harukas, standing at 300 meters tall, is famous as the second tallest building in Japan.
It's a complex facility with a department store, restaurants, and a hotel. The 58th to 60th floors are open as the observation deck "Harukas 300."
From the Sky Walk on the 60th floor, you can enjoy 360-degree views from anywhere, and on clear days, you can see the cities of Kyoto and Kobe. The observation deck, with nothing obstructing the view, is full of openness, and you can take vivid photos.
My recommendation is the observation deck at night. The night view surrounded by starry skies is very romantic and perfect for photos. It's open until 10 PM, so please visit to wrap up your day.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: 9:00 - 22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6621-0300
- URL: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/observatory/index.html
- Admission: Observation deck 2000 yen
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Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji is a historic Buddhist temple first established in 593. It primarily enshrines four gods who protect the four cardinal directions: "Jikokuten," "Zochoten," "Komokuten," and "Tamonten." These are gods who extend a helping hand to those who believe in Buddhism.
In the 110,000 square meter grounds of Shitennoji, you can view the "Prayer Hall," "Five-storied Pagoda," and numerous small temples and Buddha statues. The Japanese garden known as the "Garden of Paradise" is a quiet and calm space that's hard to believe is in the middle of the city.
It's one of the few spots where you can take Japanese-style photos without going to Kyoto or Nara.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: April to September 8:30 - 16:30 / October to March 8:30 - 16:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6771-0066
- URL: https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
- Fees: Central Temple 300 yen
Garden 300 yen
Treasure Hall (museum) 500 yen
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Expo Commemorative Park
Source: Osaka info
"Tsurumi Ryokuchi Expo Commemorative Park" is a large park with an area of about 120 hectares.
In 1990, it was chosen as the venue for the "International Garden and Greenery Exposition." Even now, you can observe plants from all over the world. Especially on the Windmill Hill, different plants like cosmos, sunflowers, and tulips bloom in full glory depending on the season, creating a vibrant and photogenic space.
Among the many attractions in the park, my recommendation is the greenhouse "Sakuya Konohana Kan." In this greenhouse with a tropical atmosphere, about 5,500 species of plants from around the world are exhibited. You can also enjoy taking photos as if you're exploring a jungle.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-163 Ryokuchi Koen, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: 24-hour entry possible (except for some areas)
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6911-8787
- URL: https://www.tsurumi-ryokuchi.jp/
- Admission: Free / Sakuya Konohana Kan 500 yen
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Sumiyoshi Taisha is the head shrine of the 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines said to exist throughout Japan. It's said to bring various benefits, from matchmaking to family safety, business prosperity, and warding off evil, and is considered Osaka's strongest power spot.
The shrine is also popular for weddings, and there are many photogenic spots within the precincts that make for great pictures.
The four main halls built in 1810 in the "Sumiyoshi-zukuri" style are Japan's oldest shrine architectural structures and are designated as national treasures. The red arched "Sorihashi" bridge, which is said to have a purifying effect just by crossing it, is also very impressive.
Please capture the essence of Japan in your wonderful photos.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: April to September 6:00 - 16:00 / October to March 6:30 - 16:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6672-0753
- URL: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/
- Viewing fee: Free
Kuromon Market
Source: Official website
This is an arcade shopping street located on the south side of "Kintetsu Nipponbashi Station." It's a market deeply rooted in the local community, serving as Osaka's kitchen, which has been called "The Nation's Kitchen" since ancient times.
The market is particularly famous for pike conger in summer and pufferfish in winter, and many fresh fish shops dealing with these are a characteristic of Kuromon Market.
More than 150 shops are gathered along the 580-meter-long shopping street, offering not only fresh fish but also a wide range of food, clothing, and daily necessities.
Recently, cafes and street food restaurants have also become more plentiful, attracting many tourists. The shopping street, full of vibrant products, is also perfect for photos. When you want to take pictures of shops, make sure to ask for permission from the shop owners first.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Nipponbashi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Phone: 06-6631-0007 (Kuromon Market Office)
- URL: https://kuromon.com/jp/
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Namba Yasaka Shrine
Source: Osaka City Official website
Namba Yasaka Shrine is a local shrine located on the south side of JR Namba Station.
The 12-meter-high stage in the shape of a lion dance head is distinctive and popular among both foreigners and Japanese. The lion dance is believed to ward off evil things like famine and disease, and is modeled after a lion.
Nowadays, the widely open mouth of the lion dance is said to bring good luck in competitions and business, attracting visitors seeking benefits for exams and business. It's gaining attention as a photogenic spot along with being a power spot, known for its impressive photos.
It's also conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from JR "Namba Station" or Kintetsu "Osaka-Namba Station." Please make sure to stop by when you visit Namba.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 06-6641-1149
- URL: https://nambayasaka.jp/
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Source: RETRIP
Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest aquariums. It's an aquarium that displays tanks themed after sea areas from around the world such as the Great Barrier Reef, Panama Bay, and Antarctica. In addition to fish, you can also encounter marine mammals like penguins, seals, and dolphins.
Among the photogenic tanks, my top recommendation is the "Aqua Gate." The tunnel at the bottom of the tank, like an undersea tunnel, allows you to take photos as if you're walking under the sea. Also, the "Jellyfish Galaxy" where jellyfish are displayed is one of my favorite spaces. You can take fantastical photos as if you're in outer space.
The Tempozan area where Kaiyukan is located also has a Ferris wheel with views of Osaka city and a shopping center, making it a recommended spot where you can enjoy a full day out.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: Varies by day, check HP. Average hours 10:30 - 20:00
- Closed: Irregular, check HP
- Phone: 06-6576-5501
- URL: https://www.kaiyukan.com/
- Fees: Adults 2700 yen and up
Elementary/Junior High School Students 1400 yen and up
3 years old and above 700 yen and up
Osaka Museum of Natural History
Source: nagaipark.com
The "Osaka Museum of Natural History" is a museum where you can learn about nature through four themes: "Familiar Nature," "History of Earth and Life," "Evolution of Life," and "Living Creatures' Lives."
The highlight is the reconstructed model of a Naumann elephant that greets you as you enter. The Naumann elephant, which looks as if it's alive, is a powerful photo spot.
Also popular are the skeleton specimens of three whales, including a mammoth, dinosaurs, and a fin whale. The life-size models and specimens are very impressive and perfect for photos.
Real dinosaur fossils, including Tyrannosaurus, are also on display. If you want to feel the romance of ancient times, please visit.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-23 Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- Hours: March to October 9:30 - 17:00 / November to February 9:30 - 16:30
- Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), December 28 to January 4
- Phone: 06-6697-6221
- URL: https://omnh.jp/