10 Places Where Locals Love to Go in Osaka
Cool Places in Osaka You Might Not Know
Osaka is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Japan, with good reason. Many foreign tourists tend to hail Osaka as one of their favorite cities. The streets of Osaka are full of energy and history – a must-see is Osaka Castle, built by the shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi, along with fascinating places like Tsutenkaku, Osaka Tenmangū Shrine and Shitennō-ji Temple. We’ll also explore some of the best places locals love to go in Osaka, including Universal Studios Japan, Kaiyukan, Expo’70 Commemorative Park and the National Museum of Ethnology.
1. Shitennoji
An ancient temple with a 5-story pagoda
Good for: History, Budget, Group
Shitennoji Temple dates back to 593, during the first year of Suiko Emperor’s reign by Shotoku Taishi. Known as Japan’s first <em>kanji </em>(state-sponsored Buddhist temple), its layout was greatly influenced by China’s Buddhist temples built between the 6th and 7th centuries.
The temple grounds are based on an architectural style called <em>shitennoji shiki garan</em>, with the <em>nakamon</em> (middle gate), <em>gojyunoto </em>(5-story pagoda), <em>kondo </em>(main hall) and <em>kodo </em>(lecture hall) aligned in a straight line and encircled with corridors. Shitennoji Temple is within a 12-minute walk of Shitennoji Station on the JR and Subway Lines.
Location: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka 543-0051, Japan
Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-6771-0066
2. Tsutenkaku
Spectacular views of the city
Good for: Couples, Group
Tsutenkaku Tower serves as a symbol of Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s busiest downtown areas. Standing at 340 ft above the ground, the observation deck of Tsutenkaku offers panoramic views of the city. A must-see is Biliken-san, the God of Happiness, which sits on Tsutenkaku’s Golden Observation Deck on the 5th floor. Legend has it that rubbing the soles of his feet will bring you good luck.
You’ll find the Light Observation Deck on the 4th floor of Tsutenkaku. Tenbo Paradise, at the top of the building, is a space you can rent for special occasions, including wedding proposals.
Location: 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-6641-9555
3. Osaka City Central Public Hall
Impressive architectural masterpiece in the heart of Osaka
Good for: Couples, History, Budget
Osaka City Central Public Hall is in Nakanoshima, an area that’s popular for having many western-style buildings built between the Meiji and early Showa periods. It occupies a restored redbrick building by Tatsuno Kingo, an architect who also worked on the Tokyo Station Building and Nara Hotel.
Merging neo-renaissance with baroque-style design, the building was designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property in 2002. Only Osaka City Central Public Hall’s exhibition room (1st basement floor) and the Free Visit Area are open to the public. There are also regular guided tours, but you’ll need to book in advance. Between Dojima River and Tosabori River, Osaka City Central Public Hall is just a short walk from Yodobashi Subway Station.
Location: 1-1-27 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0005, Japan
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 9.30 pm (closed every 4th Tuesday of the month)
Phone: +81 (0)6-6208-2002
4. Kuchu Teien Observatory Deck
The city lights sparkle down below
Good for: Couples, Group
Kuchu Teien Observatory, or Floating Garden Observatory, is on the 40th floor of Umeda Sky Building in Osaka. Take the elevator from the Floating Garden gate on the 3rd floor up to the 35th floor, then transfer to the mid-air escalator, which takes you to the 39th floor. Buy tickets here before heading to the observatory on the 40th floor.
The north and south sides have glass walls, offering uninterrupted views of Osaka. Take your time and enjoy the view even on windy days. Check out the Sky Walk to enjoy the sights from even higher. This is an amazing place to view Osaka at night, its lights sparkling like jewels.
Location: Umeda Sky Building, 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka 531-0076, Japan
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-6440-3855
5. Osaka Castle
Iconic castle and grounds with history galore
Good for: Couples, History, Budget
Osaka Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark. It was constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 to unify Japan. Within the 260-acre grounds you’ll find many architectural remains designated as Nationally Important Cultural Properties including the Tenshukaku castle tower, Kinzo Storehouse, Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine and Otemon entrance gate.
The current castle tower is the 3rd reconstruction, as the original burnt down during the Siege of Osaka. After the tower was rebuilt, it was struck by lightning and lost in a fire during the Tokugawa period. Inside Osaka Castle, there’s a museum exhibiting materials concerning the age of provincial wars and the castle’s history. The observatory on the 8th floor offers panoramic views of the Osaka streetscape.
Location: 1-1 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0002, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-6941-3044
6. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Awe-inspiring parades and spectacles
Good for: History, Budget, Group
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, also called Tenma-no-Tenjinsan, is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the deity of learning. During exam season in Osaka, the Shinto shrine is often packed with students praying for success. Many people come for <em>torinuke sanpai</em> (passing through prayer) at the Toryuumon gates to the east and west of <em>honden </em>(the main sanctuary).
Opening days are limited, so check before you visit. Tenjin Matsuri Festival takes place on 24th and 25th July, bringing a lively atmosphere to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Must-sees include <em>funatogyo</em>, where 100 ships advance in every direction, <em>rikutogyo</em>, a parade of around 3,000 men wearing ancient costumes, fireworks, and<em> dal mikoshi </em>(the women’s float). Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is 5 minutes’ walk from Minamimorimachi Subway Station.
Location: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0041, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-6353-0025
7. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Lush gardens and fascinating museums
Good for: History, Budget, Single, Group
Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park was built on the site of the 1970 World Fair. Highlights include the <em>Tower of the Sun</em> art installation and symbol of the park, as well as lush Japanese gardens, museums, and hot springs. Start by taking a stroll around the Natural and Cultural Gardens, where you can see various trees and flowers.
Admission to the Natural and Cultural Gardens includes access to the Japanese Garden, Nature Observational Learning Museum, and Modern Art Forest, as well as the Tree of Yattane and Adventure Plaza at Exciting Pond, meaning you get a lot for the price.
Location: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Phone: +81 (0)6-6877-7387
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
8. Abeno Harukas
The tallest building in Osaka
Good for: Couples, Group
Abeno Harukas is a modern skyscraper spanning 980 ft in height. This Osaka landmark functions as kind of a large-scale 3D city in its own right. Inside, you’ll find the Kintetsu Department Store, a museum, an observation deck (Harukas 300), a hotel, offices, and a heliport.
You’ll need to buy a ticket to access the ceiling corridor on the 60th floor, but you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the garden on the 16th floor for free. SKY GARDEN 300, a restaurant on the 58th floor, is a popular spot for taking in the beautiful night views. The nearest station to Abeno Harukas is Osaka Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line.
Location: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka 545-0052, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
9. Universal Studios Japan
Adventures in your favorite fictional worlds
Good for: Adventure, Families, Group
Universal Studios Japan is a fun place for families, especially for the little ones. One of the most popular attractions is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ where you can enjoy the magical world at Hogwart’s™ Castle, which is an exact replica of the one used in the movies.
You can also set out on a thrilling adventure tour of Jurassic Park or watch the exciting Water World Show. USJ is a theme park full of fun for the whole family. Expect to queue about 30 minutes per attraction, and longer for the more popular rides. Get the Universal Express Pass for reduced waiting times at select attractions.
Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Open: Daily (hours vary)
Phone: +81 (0)570-200-606
Universal Studios Japan
10. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
Good for: Shoppers, Budget
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai is a shopping street that has many shops selling cooking utensils and kitchen supplies used by professionals. Located in Chuo Ward, you’ll find many quality items, including a wide range of kitchen knives, tableware of different materials, colors and shapes, as well as hyperrealistic models of food.
Even if you don’t work in the food industry, you’ll have an interesting experience just strolling around this food-mad shopping street. There are also shops where you can experience food model making, chalk art, and lantern painting. If you get tired, you can take a break at one of many restaurants serving Osaka dishes. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai is like a living museum where you can experience everything related to food.
Location: 14-5 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075, Japan
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
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