13 Things To Do In Osaka To Have A Great Time At The Japanese Port City

23 Mar 2023

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Osaka is the second largest city in Japan after the capital city of Tokyo. A rich, wealthy, and historically important city, this place is considered a must visit when on a trip to Japan. An important cultural center, sometimes even referred to as the cultural capital of Japan, there are numerous interesting things to do in Osaka. We’ve listed some of the best things to do in Osaka in the article below. We hope that the article helps you plan your trip better and leaves you with amazing experiences.

Best Things To Do In Osaka

We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Osaka here. It is an overall guide to the best activities to do and engage in and around Osaka. So here’s the ultimate guide to Osaka, read on.

1. Watch the traditional Japanese Puppet Theatre

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What would a visit to Japan even mean if you haven’t witnessed the close-knit society and culture of the country? Witness the ever so popular Japanese Puppet Theatre come alive in front of your own eyes. Visit the National Bunraku Theatre to visit the best puppet theatre in Japan. Bunraku features huge life-size puppets operated by no less than three operators and is unlike any other puppet show you have ever seen. Rated amongst the best things to do in Osaka with kids, this is a must-have experience especially if you have kids.

Must Read: 25 Unbeatably Fun Things To Do In Japan That All Travelers Must Try In 2022

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2. Enjoy the nightlife in the Dotonbori area of Osaka

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Regarded as one of the best cities in Asia for nightlife, Osaka itself is famous for its Dotonbori area. Lined up here are a huge number of cafes, bars, and clubs for the youngsters to enjoy. The place is the liveliest at night and remains so until the early morning. You might even get the feeling of the best-planned nightlife area in the eastern part of the globe. Enjoying nightlife in Dotonbori is amongst the best things to do in Osaka at night.

3. Experience adventure rides at Universal Studio Japan

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Which tourist in the world doesn’t know about the well famed Universal Studio Theme Parks? You have one present in Osaka itself! To have the best experience of adrenaline gushing thrill and adventure, visit the Universal Studio Theme Park of Osaka, also known as Universal Studios Japan. Experience the thrill of zombie rides, water battle with your favorite characters, and experience some adrenaline run through your bodies with the epic roller coaster rides. Counted amongst the best things to do in Osaka with kids, this is a must visit place especially if you are visiting Japan with your family.

4. Shop at the Shinsaibashi district

According to the local tourist guides as well popular tourist itineraries, the Shinsaibashi District of Osaka is the best place to shop while you are in the city of Osaka. You can find anything and everything from souvenirs to clothes at this huge market which is covered and is even open during rains and storms. You can even include it in the things to do in Osaka in winters if you ever happen to visit Osaka during winters during heavy snowfalls.

5. Watch the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament

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What will you tell your peers if you don’t watch some great Sumo wrestling while in Japan? Sumo wrestling is an important part of the traditions and culture for the Japanese people and you can witness one of the biggest Sumo tournaments in Japan, that to here in Osaka itself. If you visit the city of Osaka during the spring month of March, don’t forget to miss the epic Sumo battles which happen as a part of the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament that happens in Osaka each year during the springtime.

6. Hike to Minoh Falls

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Hike in the mountains nearby Osaka to the majestic and beautiful Minoh falls to experience the beauty of nature. The best time to experience this place is during the autumn months when you can see the colorful leaf patterns around the waterfalls. Take a 30 minutes train ride and then hike for about an hour following a clear water stream to reach the waterfall which is consistently named amongst the best waterfalls in Japan.

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7. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

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Tempozan Ferris Wheel is especially recommended for couples to have a private romantic time. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the majestic city of Osaka and enjoy your romantic time amidst the love angels in the sky as one revolution takes about 15 minutes to complete. The wheel is also illuminated at night so if possible come during the night to witness the signature view of Osaka from up, above numerous meters high in the sky.

8. Learn pottery at the Maishim Pottery Museum

Enjoy a pottery session at the Maishim Pottery Museum which is located on a manmade island especially built for the same purpose. The museum was specifically built to use the marine clay lying in the ocean water near Osaka. It also hosts a huge gallery which consists of huge artful pieces of pottery made from the same clay that you’ll be using. Another good thing about the museum is that you have the option of shipping your masterpiece to your home once its complete and is glazed in the fire. The museum provides a facility to deliver it to your doorstep which of course charges some extra money.

9. Play at the arcade

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It is to be noted that the arcade culture in this city as well as all over Japan is no joke. The country has some serious arcade culture, which you can experience and be a part of the same too. You just need to visit the arcade centers in the city to be a part of the culture. You might need to wait for your turn because everyone is crazy to play at the parlors in Osaka.

10. Eat the best strawberries in the world

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The well-hyped and famed strawberries of Japan always seem to live up to their fame as well as popularity. You might have heard about them even before stepping foot on the plane to Japan. If so, don’t waste any time in experiencing the heavenly and legendary taste of those juicy and plumpy strawberries that are on offer at any big or small store. Get a box for yourself and enjoy the fruit!

11. Create your own noodles at the Noodles Museum Osaka

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A fun fact, the instant cup noodles were invented in the city of Osaka and are considered amongst the greatest inventions coming out of the city. The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda gives you an opportunity to create your own noodles starting from the most basic ingredients such as oil and the type of noodles. You can create any type and taste of noodles that your heart wishes to create and then eat and enjoy it later. A popular activity amongst the local Japanese families, it is slowly becoming a trend amongst the international tourists as well.

12. Shop for your favorite Pokemon souvenirs

It is unimaginable that you visit Japan and don’t take any Pokemon souvenirs with you. This country has a nationwide madness for Pokemon and stuff related to it. So what are you waiting for? Head to a Pokemon center nearby and search for your favorite Pokemon souvenirs for your family and friends. Hurry up! The much famed Pikachu souvenirs are the most popular and disappear from the racks in an instant. Get transported to your childhood surrounded by your favorite pokemon.

13. Shop for Japanese food ingredients at the Kuromon market

Japan, especially the city of Osaka is considered a heaven for all the food lovers and the Kuromon Market is the main reason for that. Shop for things like oysters, tunas, seafood bowls, the much famed Wagyu beef, and some of the exotic fruits at this market. Experience a premium shopping experience of the food of Japan unlike any other place in the country.

Further Read: Getting A Japan Visa Will Now Be Easier Than Buying A Movie Ticket!

This unique city which is also the cultural capital of Japan, has a lot to offer to its visitors. Book your trip with TravelTriangle and experience all the fun things to do in Osaka. Share it with your friends to let them know too. Know of more things to do in Osaka? Write to us below!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Osaka

What is Osaka best known for?

Osaka is a city in Japan and is famous for its delicious food. It is known as the Nation’s kitchen’. Some of the dishes that people love are takoyaki and okonomiyaki. If you are a foodie, you will love Osaka.

What is there to do in Osaka?

Osaka is filled with interesting places to visit. Some of the best things to do in Osaka are exploring the museums and learning about its history, savoring lip-smacking dishes in Dotonbori, watching a show at the theater and more.

What should I not miss in Osaka?

Osaka is home to beautiful places that should not be missed. Some of those amazing places are Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, National Bunraku Theater, and more.

Where can I go at night in Osaka?

There are many things to do in Osaka at night, for example, you can visit the Kuchu Teien Observatory, explore the streets of Namba, eat gourmet with your loved ones and more.

What can I buy in Osaka?

Any holiday is incomplete without going shopping. Some of the best things to buy in Osaka are Madame Shinko Brulee (sweet), cheesecake, roll cake and more.

How many days are enough for Osaka?

2 days are enough for visiting Osaka. In 2 days, you can explore the famous attractions and have soul-stirring experiences without any hassle.

Is it safe to go to Osaka?

The crime rate of Osaka is very low, so yes, it is safe to visit Osaka. It is one of the safest cities in Japan.

Does it snow in Osaka?

Yes, it does snow in Osaka but not that much. The city witnesses a little snow in the month of January.