10 Things to Do in Osaka, Japan for First-Timers

Despite Tokyo being a hub for practically everything cultural and historical, other places in Japan are just as exciting — one of which is the world renowned Osaka.

If you are visiting Osaka for the first time, it’s important to note that it’s located on an entirely different island that you can only access via plane or bullet train – but it’s well worth the effort.

So what exactly should you expect when you get to Osaka?

Party at Dotonbori

(Image Credit: Japan Rail Pass)

Dotonbori is the place to go to enjoy the best of upscale city living. This part of Osaka is the centre for bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also renowned for its neon lights, extravagant signage, and live music. Whether planned or not, Dotonbori is a must-see when you get the chance to travel to the Kansai region.

Pray at the Shitennoji Temple

(Image Credit: Osaka Info)

The Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan — and the first nation-sponsored Buddhist temple — founded by Prince Shotoku all the way back in the year 593. While buildings, structures, and artifacts have been lost throughout the ages, the three main areas — the treasure house, inner temple complex, and Gokuraku Jodo Garden — were fully restored in 1963. Local legend has it that older women can come here to pray for plentiful years of motherhood, but it is also an extremely popular place to wish for good luck.

Spend the afternoon at Osaka Castle

(Image Credit: Nippon)

Osaka Castle is an important historic monument that represents the great history of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and is one of the most iconic symbols of the city. It was built in 1583 by the order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi , who is one of the most famous unifying warlords in Japanese history. It is also one of the most popular places to observe the country’s cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Take a selfie at Shinsekai

(Image Credit: Inside Osaka)

This old downtown district is the ideal place to fully experience the more “authentic” vibe of the city. Its streets are filled to the brim with colourful stalls, retro shop displays, and unique Japanese pop-culture art, which makes Shinsekai one of the most coveted photo spots in Osaka, according to Japan Wireless. If it’s your first time in the city, we highly recommend climbing the Tsutenkaku Tower — the ultimate symbol of Shinsekai — to fully appreciate the amazing view Osaka has to offer.

Try the food along Kuromon Market

(Image Credit: 2 Aussie Travellers)

The Kuromon Ichiba market is a really long street, stretching over 580 metres in Osaka’s Chuo Ward. In the past, the Kuromon Market only sold their goods to businesses and professional chefs. But today, not only are their goods available for the mass market, most vendors even serve their products fresh off the grill.

Climb the Umeda Sky Building

(Image Credit: MATCHA)

The Umeda Sky Building is a 173-metre infrastructure built in the busiest part of the Kita district, near Osaka and Umeda Station. Offering another unparalleled view of the city, its two towers are connected by the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor.

Try your hand at gaming

(Image Credit: 123RF)

Osaka is every gamer’s paradise, with its video game bars, cafes, and even the upcoming e-ZONe Denno Kukan esports hotel. When visiting, it’s worth trying out these games for yourself to immerse yourself in the local culture. Although Japan laws don’t permit land-based casinos, games like bingo are played around the country, mainly online, and have a huge community of players. FoxyBingo states that 75-ball bingo is the most popular format in the United States, thanks to its timeless simplicity. Fortunately, the popularity has caught on in Japan and local bingo providers now tailor to both 75-ball and 90-ball bingo. Additionally, Japan is also home to Pachinko machines, which you’ll see a lot of around Osaka, in the thousands of arcades that populate the city.

Go on a foot tour

(Image Credit: Culture Trip)

Bus tours aren’t going to cut it in a small, quaint city like Osaka. Plus, there’s much more to experience if you explore the streets via foot (or bike, if you’d like to rent one). This is the only way you’re going to be able to spot well-hidden shrines in between establishments, travel via trams to the more “provincial” parts of the area, as well as getting to taste some of the best local street eats Osaka has to offer.

Explore Universal Studios

(Image Credit: Agoda)

While there are various Universal Studios branches around the world, Osaka’s brings to life magic, movies, and manga — in ways you could never imagine. It’s a must-visit especially for Harry Potter fans, as it has its own area dedicated to the franchise. Just be warned: going to Universal Studios Japan is much like visiting Tokyo Disney Resorts. It requires perfecting the art of timing. This means avoiding seasons like summer vacations and winter breaks, as they tend to be extra packed with tourists and locals alike.

Relax at Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

(Image Credit: Wander & Blossom)

After the International Garden and Greenery Exposition back in 1990, Tsurumi Ryokuchi has since been turned into a memorial park. Until today, the place holds some of the loveliest flowers the region has to offer. It also has a tea ceremony house in Hanamizuki Hall, as well as a few playgrounds, campsites, and an all-season swimming pool — the perfect place to relax after a busy week travelling.