Do & See

Osaka

Do & See in Osaka

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Do & SeeGuide was updated: August 27, 2024

There is plenty of diversity in Osaka and lots to do and see for everyone with an interest in Japanese history, modern technology and eccentric, up-and-coming trends. Shinsaibashi is the most popular shopping area, Soemoncho is the entertainment district and Dotombori is packed with theatres and restaurants. In the Uehommachi district, you will come across the Shin-Kabukiza Theatre and the famous National Bunra-ku Puppet Theatre. Further south is the Shinsekai ward, where you cannot miss the 103-metre Tsutenka-ku Tower, a recognised landmark of Osaka.

The National Museum of Art

The National Museum of Art

This museum is not only impressive for its modern design on the outside, it also offers visitors other interesting things on the inside. It exhibits Japanese, as well as contemporary art from various artists from all over the world. Most of the exhibits are from the post-war era.

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Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is the city's most famous landmark. It was originally built in 1583 by the order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi but suffered several destructions throughout history. Rebuilt in 1931 with the external appearance created by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the Japanese Government designated the main tower as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property years later, in 1997.

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Osaka Museum of History

Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History lies just outside Osaka Castle Park. It aims to bring the city's history to life and features a multi-dimensional experience of the 1,400-year history of Osaka, with life-size reconstructions, scale models, and key photographs and movies. An entertaining and fun experience for young and old.

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Shin-umeda City Floating Garden

Shin-umeda City Floating Garden

Shin Umeda City was completed in 1993 and has become one of Osaka's main points of orientation in the city. You can enjoy a great view over the city at the observatory on the 39th floor.

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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the biggest aquariums in the world, and has a great variety of fish, and even a few whale sharks. The Japanese word Kaiyukan, literally means "Playing in the Sea Pavilion".

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The National Bunraku

The National Bunraku

In this theatre you can view the fascinating and unusual art form "bunraku", which is a Japanese puppet drama derived from the 17th-century. There are also English programs available and earphones for translations.

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Osaka Municipal Museum of Art

Osaka Municipal Museum of Art

The Osaka Municipal Museum of Art offers artwork from the country's finest contemporary artists. The museum has sculptures, paintings and calligraphy from both known established artists and skilled newcomers.

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Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

The Samiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines and it is registered as a National Treasure. Many events are staged at this historical location. Every year on New Year's day, a large crowd gathers at the shrine to celebrate.

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The Museum of Oriental Ceramics

The Museum of Oriental Ceramics

This museum is specialized in ceramics and almost three thousand items from China and Korea are displayed here. The stylish museum has a world-class collection of oriental ceramics.

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Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan. The temple was built by Prince Shotoku and had an important status in the city's trade history due to its location on the Bay. Throughout history, the temple has been reconstructed several times.

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Video Game Bar Space Station

Video Game Bar Space Station

This is a great place to go if you like playing video games while drinking since these two pleasures are combined at the Video Game Bar Space Station. You can choose from game machines like Xbox, Super Nintendo, Genesis and many more.

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Dotonbori

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is one of Osaka's most popular areas. You can find almost everything here; theatres, bars, nightclubs, cafés, restaurants, you name it. All day and night, entertainment guaranteed!

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Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi

Another popular area is Shinsaibashi. This area features not only some of the best fashion stores in the world but also a great nightlife and local food.

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Nanba Grand Kagetsu

Nanba Grand Kagetsu

If you're looking for some fun, the Nanba Grand neighborhood is your place to go. There is a multitude of entertainment centers, theaters, shops and you are guaranteed a fantastic vibe at this busy place.

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Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan

The Universal Studios Japan is the Hollywood equivalent theme park with attraction from your favourite movies. This is a great place for a whole day of family fun with numerous restaurants, rides and shows.

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Osaka Science Museum

Osaka Science Museum

This museum offers fun and education for the whole family. You can easily spend hours wandering through its exhibitions and permanent collections. If you’re interested in life, the universe and everything in between you can learn more about our solar system in the planetarium hall or join the science show.

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Osaka International Peace Center

Osaka International Peace Center

This museum aims to promote peace and gives information about Osaka in World War II. Historical documents and video installations depict aerial assaults, attacks on Japan as well as the horrors of the atom bomb. Learn more about Osaka’s recent past by visiting these exhibitions.

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Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

In Japan the cherry blossom or Sakura is celebrated for its beauty and symbolizes renewal, life as well as ephemerality. In this park along the Okawa River you can watch the spectacle of about 5000 cherry trees blooming in early spring. The best time for picnics amongst the magnificent white and pink trees is late March or early April.

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Tsutenkaku

Tsutenkaku

Originally constructed in 1912 and rebuilt after WWII in 1956, the Tsūtenkaku Tower stands 103 meters tall and gives you an outstanding view of all of Osaka. When on top you can venture to step on the platform with a guide and safety belt to experience some exciting vertigo.

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Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

Have you ever wondered where this delicious and easy to make Ramen comes from? Then visit this Cup Noodle Museum and learn more about the inventor and the history of the popular dish. As well as free audio guides, the place offers ramen workshops for the whole family.

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Yamamoto Noh Theater

Yamamoto Noh Theater

Experience one of the world's oldest theatrical forms – Noh – at the oldest operational theatre of its kind in Osaka. Opt for the "Kamigata Night” programme to acquaint yourself with all of Kansai Region's traditional performing arts, such as the famed Kabuki, Bunraku Puppet Theatre, Rakugo, and, of course, Noh. The stylish theatre hosts shows in both English and Japanese (the latter are often accompanied by explanatory materials in English, Chinese and Korean), and offers visitors a unique opportunity to attend workshops conducted by professional artists.

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Museum of Housing and Living

Museum of Housing and Living

The exquisite museum offers visitors an immersive experience into Osaka's Edo (9th floor), Meiji (8th floor) and recent Showa periods. Life-size recreations of Osaka's ancient streets and scale models are complete with multiple original artifacts dating back to the respective eras. One of the museum's main attractions is the opportunity to try on and be photographed in a traditional kimono against the backdrop of a historic Japanese street.

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Shinsekai

Shinsekai

Crowned by the looming Tsutenkaku tower, the district of Shinsekai is one of the city's premier entertainment districts, with a slew of dining, drinking and shopping options. It is also the best place int he city to try kushikatsu, a regional delicacy consisting of skewered and deep-fried meat and vegetables.

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Hozenji Temple

Hozenji Temple

Tucked away behind a busy street, just a few blocks away from Dotonbori canal, lies the tiny and quaint 17th century Buddhist temple, Hozenji. It is a rare space of peace and tranquility in one of the city's busiest districts, and should not be missed.

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