Location: Osaka
Top Things to do in Osaka
Top 10 Things to do in Osaka, Kinki
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. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,658 reviews
See the wide range of habitats that make up the Pacific Rim on a tour of this fascinating aquarium, which takes you from one environment to another and lets you feel as though you’re underwater.
Reviewed By jajavalB - Lampang, Thailand
We visited this attraction on weekends of 3rd November(long holidays in Japan).its admission line to buy tickets are organized to specific period of time for entry , we already bought osaka 1 day pass (combined with admission fee to this aquarium) so it's quick, not too long wait in line. The journey begin on the top floor of the building,8th floor, with wildlife on the beach or surface water, then step dowm floor by floor with spectacular animal from japan and all over the world. The outstanding star is Giant whale shark within big tank of waters with transparent high pressure proof acrylic panes where we can observe its natural lifes with amazing grace with other marine lifes. There are many interesting exhibitions about deep sea and antarctica marine lifes, sharks,stingrays,penguins, jellyfish and kingcrabs.
2. National Bunraku Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
One of the few places where bunraku, traditional Japanese pupper theater, can be enjoyed, this theater combines the latest in theater technology with architectural elements from the Edo period in Japan.
3. Osaka Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7,901 reviews
Once the largest castle in Japan when originally built in the 1580s, this castle has an observation platform with city views and a history museum that uses holograms, 3D pictures and other technologies to describe the history of the castle and the period during which it was built.
Reviewed By coldplaybunny - Osaka, Japan
A beautiful castle and magnificent testimony of history about the great city of Osaka. The castle is easily accessible with public transportation and covers a large area which includes a park around the castle with several amenities. The observatory on the top floor provides a beautiful view of the city and each floor shows you a moment of history and the role of the castle going back 300 years ago in Osaka. The castle takes you back in time and you will be able to see several exhibitions and when you stop on the second floor take a moment to wear a helmet and vest for a pictures as a samurai warrior. This is one visit you will remember forever so make sure to bring your camera and take pictures to share back home.
4. Universal Studios Japan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10,677 reviews
This extremely popular theme park is equivalent to the Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, and features shows, rides and restaurants based on famous movie themes, like Jaws, Back to the Future and Terminator.
Reviewed By Damienofkent
If I was rating just the park I would of given a 4 star but due to the staff all being fantastic it’s gone up to a 5 The actual park is not the biggest and several rides are very dated now and need changing eg .... Back draft ride ... I’m 40 and even I don’t remember when that film came out or what’s it was about .... apart from fire lol Terminator 2 ride was very slow and dragged , jaws classic ride can’t fault it , Spider-Man great , The pterodactyl ride in Jurassic Park was amazing and Harry Potter world didn’t disappoint The late night parade was good and great effects We went on Feb on a week day and the Qs were only half hr max so no issues there Would recommend for a day out lots of fun and the staff were all fantastic
5. Minami (Namba)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,031 reviews
Reviewed By diesel5656 - Samut Prakan, Thailand
Minami Namba Shinsaibashi is an amazing place for shopping and dining. Shopping : Cheap price, a lot of goods, modern, no tax and etc. Dining : Awesome foods and prices. I really like this place.
6. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,910 reviews
Reviewed By abahusada - Jakarta, Indonesia
Many Stores in Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street are ABC Mart (Sneakers for Men & Women), Gu (fashion and clothes for Men, women and children), Disney, H & M, Tommy Hilfiger , GAP and etc
7. Osaka Castle Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6,926 reviews
Formally the home of the wife of 16th-century Japanese ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the 15-acre Nishinomaru Garden is one of Osaka's most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots, with the Osaka Castle Tower enhancing the backdrop.
Reviewed By 363shain - Luzon, Philippines
Went during sakura season and the park was beautifully filled with beautiful cherry trees that were in bloom. Plenty of seating and grounds to have picnics on.
8. Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,676 reviews
Reviewed By AmandaW894 - Seattle, United States
The Ferris wheel is tall, and I mean tall. It's about a 15 minute ride to make a complete circuit. But the views are amazing. You can choose between a regular capsule or a clear bottom for the same price, so the choice is yours. You can look into Universal Studios and see Hogwarts from the ride. You can also see most of Osaka as well from the ride, and being right on the waterfront at sunset makes the ride all the more romantic.
9. Kuromon Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,225 reviews
Reviewed By kirtudb - Manila, Philippines
Kuromon market is a series of streets and alleys filled with vendors for anything you can think of - fruit, vegetables, pickles, eggs, chicken, wagyu beef and of course, seafood. We went here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and it was a pleasant experience. Everything is kept clean and the vendors are accustomed to tourists. The food on sale are relatively cheap compared to other places and the sushi and sashimi are fresh and delicious. We had that for breakfast. We were also able to pick up some souvenirs and small things to bring home to our family in one of the shops. Kuromon is a must visit when in Osaka.
10. Umeda Sky Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,143 reviews
Reviewed By ChristianHongKong - Oslo, Norway
The Umeda Sky building is a great activity to do for several reasons if you are living nearby. Firstly you can pay a visit and get a great impression of the view without buying tickets for the top viewing platform. We went there twice, one daytime and bought tickets at nighttime at the end of our Japan trip. Another reason to visit the building is the restaurants in the basement. At first these restaurants may seems a bit gimmicky but they are in fact of very high quality. The restaurant selling okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake omelette) number 11, is in fact famous for being the best place in Osaka. Another awesome place is the sushi restaurant own by a very nice old couple, number 15. The platform has the best 360 degree view in Osaka and some amazing architecture with the two escalators connecting the buildings together. It will be smart to buy the Osaka pass in the beginning of your stay to go to all these tourist attractions (we didn’t have that and bought regular tickets).
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