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Osaka

Home > Destinations > Osaka

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. It is not especially touristy like Kyoto or Tokyo, but it is fun to stroll the streets, go shopping, and try the local foods.

The city is centrally located, so it is an easy base for visiting Himeji Castle, Kobe, Koyasan, Kyoto, and Nara.

5 Top Attractions in Osaka, Japan for Travel

Dotonbori – Osaka, Japan

Dotonbori - Osaka, Japan

1. Dotonbori

Dotonbori is the most famous tourist attraction in Osaka, Japan. Travel to this area at night and it is a spectacular sight with bright, neon signs and lights.

Dotonbori Canal – Osaka, Japan

Dotonbori Canal - Osaka, Japan

Dotonbori runs along the Dotonbori canal and offers shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade – Osaka, Japan

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade - Osaka, Japan

Off Dotonbori is the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, running about 600 meters long from Namba station to Shinsaibashi station, with lots and lots of shopping.

Umeda Business District – Osaka, Japan

Umeda Business District - Osaka, Japan

2. Umeda

Umeda is the business district near JR Osaka Station. There are hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls with large department stores (i.e., Mitsukoshi, Daimaru, Hankyu, Hanshin).

Grand Front Osaka – Osaka, Japan

Grand Front Osaka - Osaka, Japan

Osaka Station City and Grand Front Osaka are two new shopping malls in the area.

Fly and Stay Cheap

Osaka Castle – Osaka, Japan

Osaka Castle - Osaka, Japan

3. Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle dates back to 1583 and is surrounded by a large garden, stone walls, and moats. The tower is open 9:00 am-5:00 pm and costs 600 yen to enter. The Nishinomaru Garden area costs 200 yen and is closed on Mondays.

Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms

The Castle Park is a beautiful place to go for a walk and is especially scenic in the spring when the 600 cherry trees start to bloom.

Whale Shark

Whale Shark

4. Aquarium

The Osaka Aquarium, or Kaiyukan, offers a look at creatures that live along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The main attraction is the whale shark.

The aquarium is open from 10:00 am-8:00 pm and costs 2,400 yen.

Universal Studios Japan – Osaka, Japan

Universal Studios Japan

5. Universal Studios

Universal Studios Japan, or USJ, opened in 2001 and has roller coasters, rides, parades, and shows based on Hollywood movies. It is open from 9:00 am-7:00 pm and costs 8,400 yen for general admission.

Universal Citywalk Osaka – Osaka, Japan

Universal Citywalk Osaka - Osaka, Japan

Outside the amusement park is Universal Citywalk, an open area with many international restaurants and shops, such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Red Lobster, and Hard Rock Cafe.

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Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

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