Everyone knows about Japan’s famous capital, but could Osaka be the better city to visit? Tokyo versus Osaka is a classic rivalry, and the cultural megalopolis of Tokyo often overshadows its western neighbor. But Osaka has lots to offer, with its laid-back feel, outgoing locals, and casual food scene. Here are a few reasons to visit Osaka on your trip to Japan!
Dotonbori’s epic nightlife
Dotonbori is Osaka’s most famous nightlife area, and with good reason. The lively district is centered on a canal lined with dozens of illuminated billboards. Street food abounds, from the famous takoyaki, round balls of dough stuffed with octopus, to more recent inventions like a stuffed pancake shaped like a 10 yen coin.
One of my favorite things to do in Dotonbori was ride the Don Quijote Ferris wheel. Why is there a Ferris wheel attached to a huge discount store with a penguin mascot? I don’t know; things in Japan don’t always make sense.
If the Ferris wheel sounds too adventurous for you, there are countless karaoke places and bars to entertain you late into the night.
Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Check out my 10-day itinerary here.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is a world-class theme park that’s just a short train ride from downtown Osaka. The most popular area of the park is Super Nintendo World, where you literally step into the world of Mario and friends. Collect coins and head for Bowser’s castle, where an augmented reality ride puts you int the driver seat of a Mario Kart race!
The park is also home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can stroll through Hogsmeade village and drink a butterbeer (I like the frozen one better).
There’s lots more to the park, including the classic Jaws ride. Ticket prices may surprise you: they’re about $60 USD, half the cost of Universal Orlando.
Osaka Castle
Japan’s most accessible castle is located in the heart of Osaka. The mighty Osaka Castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times, so today’s modern reconstruction offers visitors a hybrid experience. On the outside, you see the main keep as it looked during the Tokugawa shogunate. The ornate roof is guarded by mythical fish figures and golden tigers.
Inside, it’s a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the rulers who lived there. You’ll find historical armor, art pieces, and even a replica of the shogun’s golden tea room. When you reach the top floor, the views of the city are excellent.
Osaka’s top-notch local food
While Tokyo is famous for its fine restaurants, Osaka reigns when it comes to casual eats and tasty snacks. You’ll often see lines outside of restaurants, as customers wait for the good stuff. A few highlights to look for:
- Takoyaki – batter formed into balls with pieces of cooked octopus in the center, resulting in a sort of fried dumpling that’s covered in sauce and other toppings
- Okonomiyaki – a savory pancake made with cabbage and other ingredients like meat or seafood, also with toppings
- Kushikatsu – skewers of meat or vegetables battered and deep fried. I feel like that’s enough information to go on.
Shinsekai’s nostalgic neon
If Dontonbori wasn’t enough nightlife for you, check out the retro vibes of Shinsekai. It’s a wonderland of neon signs and casual eateries, with the Tsutenkaku Tower shining high above the glowing streets. Shinsekai used to be a seedy area, and the neighborhood still has a rough-but-nostalgic feel.
In terms of food, you can find lots of places serving kushikatsu and other aforementioned Osaka classics. I went on a food tour in Shinsekai and it was one of the best things I did on my whole trip! I highly recommend it.
Check out my Japan trip report to read about everything I did on my trip!
Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
Osaka Aquarium (aka Kaiyukan) is one of the largest and best aquariums in the world. The aquarium is built around a massive three-story tank that’s home to dozens of Pacific Ocean species including whale sharks! Osaka is one of only a handful of places where you can see these huge creatures in captivity.
Osaka Aquarium has many other habitats represented too, from the Amazon River to the Great Barrier Reef. I particularly enjoyed seeing the ringed seals. These adorable creatures come from the Arctic region, where they bob in the freezing cold water and lounge on sea ice.
Osaka’s easy transportation
Osaka has an extensive train and subway system that’s pretty straightforward compared to Tokyo. That’s partially because Osaka’s major sights aren’t as spread out and partially because of the layout.
Osaka’s subway lines essentially form a grid in the city center, with the useful Midosuji Line running though the middle. The Midosuji Line links all the transport hubs of Osaka: the station with the shinkansen bullet train (Shin Osaka), the main train station in downtown (Osaka Umeda Station), the station near Dotonbori (Namba Station), and Tennoji Station towards the south.
Beyond the subway, there’s a JR Loop Line train that circles the city. At Nishikujo Station you can transfer to a short branch line that takes you to Universal Studios.
Amazing day trips from Osaka
After you’ve explored the city, another reason to visit Osaka is that you can easily reach other places in the Kansai region. (By train, obviously.) A few excellent day trip options:
- Kyoto – Japan’s center of traditional culture, Kyoto is home to more than a thousand temples and shrines. Kyoto’s Higashiyama district has lots of traditional architecture, and Downtown Kyoto has an impressive food scene. You could easily spend more than a day here, but it’s only 30 minutes from Osaka.
- Himeji – Home to the best preserved feudal castle in all of Japan, Himeji is a picturesque place to explore. The castle is a treasure that survives with its original wooden structure from the 17th century. Around the castle are extensive gardens, and the city has several temples and museums worthy of a visit.
- Kobe – The port city of Kobe is famous as the home of sake breweries and the outrageously high quality Kobe Beef. Above the city you can explore the wooded slopes of Mount Rokko. Most travelers skip Kobe, so you’ll have a more local experience if you visit.
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