Location: Osaka
Top Things to do in Osaka
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Osaka That You Shouldn't Miss
Home to nearly nine million and powering an economy that exceeds both Hong Kong's and Thailand's, Osaka packs quite a punch. The confident, stylish city is a shopping hub, with fabulous restaurants and nightlife. It's an ideal base for exploring the Kansai region; Kyoto's World Heritage Sites, Nara's temple and Koya-san's eerie graves are within 90 minutes by train. Top city attractions include the aquarium, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan and the futuristic Floating Garden Observatory.
Restaurants in Osaka
1. Cycle Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 769 reviews
Cycle Osaka provides small-group guided bike tours of Osaka in English. We think that this city is a bike city, so instead of missing out on all the fun while squished onto packed commuter trains; we make sure that our guests get to experience the beauty, energy and atmosphere of Osaka in the best possible way, on two wheels.
2. Inside Osaka Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
"Inside Osaka" offers private walking tours that visit less touristic local areas of Osaka city. Strolling through small alleyways and visiting shops and eataries that loved by locals, our guests can gain insights on how ordinary Japanese people live their daily lives. Osaka is famous for its friendly and talkative residents, so visiting local areas is the best way to enjoy the city!!
3. Akiba Kart Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 748 reviews
Akiba Kart Osaka is a go-karting service that offers you to explore Osaka by driving go-kart on the public road with different kinds of costumes!
4. Osaka Free Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 752 reviews
Join the official Osaka Free Walking Tour! Explore Japan's foodie capital with us & find out why Osaka is called the “Kitchen of Japan”. You will learn about the unique Otaku culture and will travel back in time to the beginning of the 20th century visiting the old New World of Osaka.
5. Taste Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
Drink Osaka provides small group night walks in Osaka, Japan. Our experiences lead visitors through the backstreets of the Namba and Nippombashi areas of South Osaka, introducing guests to hidden bars and eateries, and giving people a unique and delicious glimpse into the nightlife of this amazing city.
6. Kama Sutra Karaoke Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
A small, cozy karaoke bar in higashi-shinsaibashi. Experience the feeling of a traditional Japanese "snack" bar but with friendly foreign staff and English speaking Japanese staff! Also, at a fraction of the cost!!Come down by yourself or as a group, practice your English or Japanese!! You'll be sure to make new friends!5 min walk from subway Shinsaiashi stn. Exit 6.Head South on Shinsaibashi-suji, and turn left (East) on the 3rd block. (1 block after Krispy Kream). Head East on Hachiman-suji(八幡筋). Kama Sutra is between 4th and 5th blocks on the left side. right after "TURUYA Drug store" (5th floor of Osaka-ya Jumbo Bldg).No Charge, open everyday from 9-morning!!
Reviewed By KevinS895
This karaoke bar has been around for over a decade in Osaka and is a wonderful place to mix and mingle with both foreigners and local Japanese. You’ll meet every kind of person, all friendly and ready to sing and party probably till dawn!
7. ROR Comedy Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 245 reviews
EVERY TUESDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 9PM! ROR Comedy is Japan's only dedicated English-language stand up comedy club, and has consistently been rated Osaka's number one entertainment choice. Boasting an international line-up of award-winning comedians, ROR Comedy Club has been serving comedic slice of Japanese life to visitors and expats alike since 2011.
Reviewed By LucasF5228
Open mic night was amazing, the guys' acts were hilarious despite this night being somewhat of a testing ground for new jokes. At ¥500 a head this is more than worth it. Highly highly recommend for English speakers looking for an hour and a bit of great laughs in a wonderful environment.
8. Tower Knives Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Tower Knives Osaka is a unique knife gallery / knife shop, located near Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai, Osaka. We proudly carry a large range of selected knives crafted in Sakai, Osaka, and also from other Japanese regions. Come by to just view and learn more about Japanese knives, or select the knife that matches your needs, preferred design, and budget.
Reviewed By Martino_Mouse - San Diego, United States
Prior to my trip to Osaka, I knew I wanted to buy a Japanese knife. The tour director had contacted me if there was anything I was looking for on the free day in Osaka and I mentioned going knife shopping. She reached out to several knife shops and gave me a list of three options, but only Tower Knives had asked additional questions regarding what I was looking for and there was several emails with them, this put them at the top of the list! When I arrived, they asked what the intended purpose was, and proceeded to talk about the different types of knives, showed me the different cases, and which would probably be best for what I wanted. I browsed the cases without interruption, except when I had questions, and was interested in three knives; two with Japanese styled handles and the third with a western style handle. She allowed me to try them on carrots and apples. All of them sliced transparent thin carrots, but I felt I needed to go with one of the traditional Japanese handle knives and even bought a paring knife. The craftsman who made the knives was onsite, so he came out to meet me and take a picture. Another person then came out to show me how to properly care for and sharpen the knives. My one regret is that I didn't have my name engraved on the knives! I absolutely love the knives for their intended purpose.
9. Eat Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 594 reviews
Eat Osaka provides English language cooking experiences for visitors to Japan's culinary capital! Each session lasts 2 - 3 hours (starting at 11am and 6pm daily) in which guests learn about Osaka's food culture and make a full Japanese meal under the guidance of experienced local chefs. We will also provide you with enough information to recreate everything on our menu after you return home!
Reviewed By Elza07
Just great! Comfortable and wonderful teacher. Enough attention is paid to every participant and also some background information was given on the dishes. Must do!
10. Bar Nayuta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 118 reviews
A cozy little shelter, "Bar Nayuta", is located at, just in front of America Mura (Shinsaibashi)'s most famous spot, Triangle Park (Sankaku Koen). Come and spend a night in Osaka with us. We're looking forward to drinking with you.
Reviewed By omajumder - New York, United States
I cannot begin to describe how amazing this bar is. I came here in January of 2019 and have thought about my experience at least every other day. The memory is a source of great comfort. If I had one reason to return to Osaka, it would be to have drinks here. I’ve been fascinated with the speakeasy concept for some time and have visited quite a few in New York and Long Island. The entrance to this speakeasy is unmarked except for a symbol in the elevator. When I first went with my wife, we couldn’t find the door until we had more time to reflect ????. The bar is beautifully designed and has a distinct gothic aesthetic. The lights are low, with most seats at the long bar with a few tables and chairs along the back. The first draw to this bar is the promise of custom cocktails, and it delivers. I was able to try 6-8 creations, some being classic or obscure cocktails with liquor more to my taste. All were different and offered a new experience. My bartender was extremely attentive to all the guests and is probably the best cocktail “shaker” I’ve seen. We made time in our full schedule to go back to the bar two times or three times. Our last time, our bartender had a shot of Fernet Branca with us to thank us for our patronage and gave me his business card which I still have today. If your main reason for visiting Japan is to make unforgettable cherished memories, you must make time for this. We did not even take photos at the bar in order to fully experience the moment. This bar does cater almost exclusively to foreigners meaning the staff speak English very well and are very accommodating. Most guests were well-behaved and the bartender was genuinely curious about other cultures or what tourists saw and ate that day. Some of the guests did become a bit rowdy, but nothing too bad. Regardless, this bar was the first of our trip that highlighted Japan’s exquisite bartenders and bar scene.
