[2025 Edition] Osaka is all about this! A complete guide to sightseeing, food, and souvenirs
![[2025 Edition] Osaka is all about this! A complete guide to sightseeing, food, and souvenirs](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/oosakatoieba_thumb.jpg)
you"
Osaka
When you hear the word "japanese," what kind of thing or place do you imagine?
Is it a famous tourist spot, food, or a souvenir that you've seen before?
This time, Speaking of Osaka "The theme is Recommended spots, food, shopping, and activities Featured all at once!
Things you should know before traveling to Osaka 10 things to see and do in Osaka Be sure to check it out.
table of contents
- 1 5 famous sightseeing spots in Osaka
- 2 3 famous gourmet foods that are synonymous with Osaka
- 3 Two souvenirs and local specialties that are synonymous with Osaka
- 4 Top 5 Osaka Activities
- 5 Travel to Osaka and learn about its famous sightseeing spots and foods
- 6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
5 famous sightseeing spots in Osaka
In the following, " Speaking of Osaka " When I hear this, what immediately comes to mind Famous tourist spots We will introduce you to!
1. Universal Studios Japan
" Osaka tourist destinations " The first thing that comes to mind is, A theme park that is popular nationwide is!
There are areas and attractions in collaboration with world-famous works and characters, as well as attractions for small children. Full of things to see and do .
Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
In addition, around Universal Studios Japan, An experience tour where you can see the city of Osaka from the sky or take a leisurely cruise is being carried out.
In the following,
Recommended Plans
Now posted!
Before or after enjoying a large theme park,
Osaka
Why not try exploring the area in a slightly different way?
No.1 in popularity! A course that takes you around recommended spots! A very satisfying course. The tour goes from Maishima/Yumeshima Bay Area to Nanko Yumeshima to Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan, to Kyocera Dome, Osaka city, Midosuji Namba, and above Universal Studios. Airworthiness is approximately 10 minutes. The flight will start after sunset, so please check the sunset time on the day. Night view flight
A helicopter charter cruise takes you around Osaka's Maishima Bayside area, Yumeshima, and over Universal Studios. Airworthiness is approximately 7 minutes. This night cruise will run after sunset, so please check the sunset time on the day of your flight. Experience a dynamic world that can only be experienced on a helicopter flight, and have a memorable experience.
This is a direct cruise taxi between Universal City Port and Dotonbori! It is a one-way cruise between Universal City Port and Dotonbori! Enjoy sightseeing on the boat! This is a course where you can enjoy Osaka from the river while relaxing on a lounge sofa type boat. *From October 16, 2024 to March 2025
2. Osaka Castle
Located firmly in the center of Osaka city Historical spots is!
The magnificent castle tower is a sight you'll want to take pictures of.
The third one built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi
.
The combination of the magnificent moat, stone walls, and castle tower with Osaka's skyscrapers is a must-see!
In Osaka Castle Park,
Many valuable buildings built during the Edo period remain.
Also, important points to check
.
Inside the castle, valuable items related to Osaka Castle are on display. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are also special exhibitions, so you can enjoy one of Osaka's most historic spots to your heart's content.
Address: 1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
If you're visiting Osaka Castle, why not try on some traditional Japanese clothing while you're there?
Available for a few hours
Kimono rental plan
We recommend that you use it!
For a more authentic look, try wearing a kimono with a historical spot in the background.
This plan is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy Osaka for a whole day. Our 1-day plan allows you to return the kimono at 9pm, so you can enjoy Osaka at night as well. Our shop is conveniently located within a 15-minute taxi ride from the popular Osaka Castle and Namba Yasaka Shrine! Kyoto and Nara are also easily accessible, so you can go on long trips. We also have a large selection of kimonos for men and children.
Kimono rental, dressing, and free hair styling are all included in the package, so you can come empty-handed ♪ Why not take a stroll in a kimono? There are over 1,000 types of kimono designs! Please choose your favorite kimono at the store.
3. Dotonbori
Osaka
Speaking of which, it's the town of "Kuidare"!
If you're going to try Osaka gourmet food, this is the place to go.
Dotonbori
(Doutonbori) is a must-have
.
Many people visit Dotonbori in search of Osaka-esque scenery, such as shining neon lights and huge, colorful, three-dimensional billboards.
In the downtown area around Dotonbori River, you can enjoy not only gourmet food, Amusement facilities, shopping spots, theaters where you can enjoy rakugo and manzai, etc. etc.
There's plenty of fun that's typical of Osaka!
Address: Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
In the surrounding area, you can make souvenirs for your trip to Osaka. Manufacturing experience or, Cruise on the Dotonbori River is being carried out.
In the following, Highly recommended plan Now posted!
If there's an experience that interests you before or after your stroll through the downtown area, which is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Osaka, be sure to try it out.
This plan does not support English.
・This is an experience where you can make a shiny brass bangle from scratch with your own hands. ・You can choose from four bangle widths: "square (2mm)", "square (3mm)", "flat (6mm)" and "flat (10mm)". ・You can take your creation home on the day. Recommended as a pair of accessories for couples or as a gift. ・Shinsaibashi
This plan does not support English.
・ Experience making candles that do not require lighting and are scented with aromatic oils. ・ You can freely design your candles using your favorite materials, such as dried flowers, dried fruits, and preserved flowers. ・ You can choose from 13 types of frames, including rectangular, oval, and wreath-shaped. ・ You can take your finished work home on the day. Decorate it in your entrance, closet, bedroom, etc. and enjoy it with flowers.
[Dotonbori, Osaka] Very popular! Famous cruise! Easy-going 20-minute course
Very popular!! The main course for sightseeing in Dotonbori! This is Osaka!! An elegant cruise down the Dotonbori River! This is a 20-minute course where you can see the Glico sign and the downtown area from the river. You are free to bring in your own food and drinks, so you can enjoy it in a cafe atmosphere!
4. Tsutenkaku
Speaking of classic landmarks of Osaka,
Tsutenkaku
"!
An observation tower towering over the popular shopping district, Shinsekai
is.
If you take a picture from the arcade, Take a commemorative photo that instantly identifies Osaka can.
Located at the top of the tower
Special outdoor observation deck
"
Tembo Paradise
"
is a popular photo spot.
!
From the observation deck, which is surrounded by wire mesh and has a great view, you can get a panoramic view all the way from downtown Osaka to Osaka Bay.
Attached
Pop-out observation deck
"
TIP THE TSUTENKAKU
"
From here, you can take thrilling commemorative photos looking down at the city through the see-through floor!
Use a selfie stick to adjust the angle.
More dynamic
"
Tsutenkaku Tower
"
It would be interesting to try that.
.
Address: 1-18-6 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
In the following, Recommended experience plans available near Tsutenkaku Now posted!
Take a short break at a slightly unusual cafe spot Or kimono Sightseeing at Tsutenkaku Tower We have picked out some unique Osaka sightseeing plans.
[Osaka, Namba] Try Maidreamin! "One Drink Plan"
The shop is a 1-minute walk from Namba Station on the Nankai Main Line. There are many tourist spots nearby, including Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku, Namba Grand Kagetsu, and Kuromon Market. It's the perfect place to take a break between sightseeing. The cute maids will greet you with a great smile! After relaxing, you can head out to see more of Osaka! This plan is a 1-hour experience plan that includes entry fees and one drink.
[Osaka・Shinsekai] 1-day kimono/yukata rental, hair styling included, last return possible until 10pm
Kimono rental in Shinsekai, Osaka [Kimono Botan]. 5 minutes walk from Osaka Tsutenkaku. Why not go out in a kimono to the colorful city that is unique to Osaka? The location is also convenient for accessing Namba, Nihonbashi, and other event venues. Please choose the return time as 6pm or up to 10pm. The final return is possible up to 10pm. You can take your time enjoying events that start in the evening!
5. Abeno Harukas
Recent
Osaka
Landmark!
It consists of a department store, art museum, office floors, a hotel, and an observation floor.
The tallest complex in western Japan
is.
On the top 58th to 60th floors there is an observation deck. Harukas 300 " and from a height of 300m above the ground, Not only from downtown Osaka, but also from the Osaka plains Kyoto ・ Kobe You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. !
Harukas 300 is open from 9am to 10pm.
It's nice during the day when it's bright and you can see far into the distance,
Enjoy the crimson-hued Osaka in the evening, and the glittering night view makes for a romantic evening.
The way you enjoy it varies depending on the time.
If you're stopping by during your Osaka sightseeing trip, be sure to decide in advance what sights you'd like to see and what time of day you'd like to visit!
If the weather on the day was bad, It's also fun to enjoy everything from dining to shopping to art experiences at the facilities downstairs. is.
At Activity Japan,
Harukas 300 admission ticket plan
You can make a reservation!
Be sure to check the terms of use carefully and enjoy the spectacular view from the highest point in Osaka at a great price.
Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
In the following, Recommended experience tours around Abeno Harukas Manufacturing experience Also being published.
Find a plan that interests you and try participating in one before or after your visit to Abeno Harukas!
This plan does not support English.
Just a 3-minute walk from Tennoji Station! This is an experience class at Horikoshi Pottery Studio. Why not try making beautiful pottery on an electric potter's wheel? *This plan is only available to those who live in Japan. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, please make a reservation for the plan for foreign visitors to Japan or the deluxe plan.
World Heritage Helicopter Tour Emperor Nintoku's Tomb Helicopter Cruising 12 minutes
A great value flight to visit the Daisenryo Tomb, a World Heritage Site in Sakai City, Osaka, where Emperor Nintoku rests. Because it is a helicopter, you can enjoy a full view of the tomb from the sky. Also noteworthy are Osaka landmarks such as Nanko Cosmo Tower and Abeno Harukas. Recommended for sightseeing in the Kansai region or for independent research.
3 famous gourmet foods that are synonymous with Osaka
In the following, " Speaking of Osaka " Famous gourmet foods that come to mind Introducing!
Be sure to check it out when you go food-hunting in Osaka!
1. Takoyaki
When it comes to Osaka cuisine, "
Takoyaki
"!
The harmony of the octopus wrapped in crispy dough, sauce and mayonnaise is a taste of Osaka.
is!
If you come across sizzling takoyaki being grilled on a hot plate while out eating your way through Osaka, you won't be able to resist stopping to take a bite.
Nowadays
Activity tour and takoyaki set plan
or,
A plan to try making takoyaki yourself
is popular!
You can learn the tips of how to cook takoyaki from a professional,
Even inexperienced and beginners can participate with confidence
Yes you can.
Check out the activities and locations and book the plan that's right for you!
[Departing from Dotonbori, Osaka] Takoyaki Cruise
The Takoyaki Cruise, which was featured on TV and radio, is a new project where you can enjoy a cruise on the Dotonbori River, a famous spot in Osaka, while making your own takoyaki! A professional will teach you how to make delicious takoyaki from scratch! The takoyaki experience on board a boat in the middle of the downtown area is sure to be a big hit! It's a long course of 50 minutes, so the first half
Local staff will give you a lecture in English on how to make takoyaki, one of Osaka's home-style dishes. After taking a commemorative photo, enjoy the taste of Osaka's specialty by eating the takoyaki you made yourself. In addition, you will receive a Japanese souvenir full of culture and tradition as a memento of your visit. The venue is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Tennoji Station. Tennoji Station is located in the center of Osaka City.
2. Okonomiyaki
When it comes to Osaka teppan cuisine,
Okonomiyaki
"!
Like takoyaki, it is a representative flour dish of Osaka.
is.
Osaka okonomiyaki is made by mixing the ingredients in advance
"
Mixed grill
"
Style is mainstream
.
It has a fluffy texture and is served with cabbage and your favorite ingredients.
The best part of okonomiyaki is being able to cook it together with your family, friends, or partner on a hot plate. That's right!
3. Kushikatsu
Speaking of Osaka, the birthplace of Shinsekai,
Kushikatsu
"!
Not limited to meat, vegetables and seafood are also served on skewers and fried.
You can enjoy one for just a few hundred yen, Another appealing point is that it is more affordable than regular fried food. is.
The source to share is:
No double dipping
" is the golden rule.
!
When adding sauce, follow the restaurant's rules.
Two souvenirs and local specialties that are synonymous with Osaka
In the following, " Speaking of Osaka " What souvenirs and local specialties come to mind when you hear Introducing!
Please use this as a reference when choosing souvenirs from Osaka.
1. Pork bun (551)
The extremely popular pork bun sells an average of over 150,000 units a day is!
There are stores in various places in Osaka. 551 Horai (Horai)" can be purchased.
The rich flavor created by the diced pork and onions is one of a kind.
Since they are sold in packs of 2 to 10,
Of course, you can buy a few as souvenirs, but you can also buy a few for yourself.
That's right.
If you want to give it as a souvenir, We recommend the chilled type, which keeps well. That's right!
2. Freshly Baked Cheesecake (Uncle Rikuro's Shop)
A moderate size of No. 6 (diameter 18 cm), with a " Uncle Rikuro A cheesecake featuring an illustration of is!
The rich flavor of carefully selected ingredients and the accent of raisins will become addictive.
One of its characteristics is that it has a moist texture when chilled, and a fluffy texture like freshly baked bread when heated.
is.
At stores throughout Osaka,
Choose to buy freshly baked or pre-baked
can.
If you want to buy freshly baked goods,
Be sure to check your sightseeing schedule for the day and the return train or flight times so that you arrive at the store with plenty of time to spare.
!
Top 5 Osaka Activities
- 4.7
- (54 reviews and experiences)
㊗️ Speaking of the World Heritage site, Emperor Nintoku's Mausoleum, it's... haniwa. Full of a handmade feel! Enjoy making a haniwa with the feeling of playing with clay. The work is finished with a "yakishime" technique that preserves the earthy feel. The body of the haniwa is made by wrapping clay around the body mold. Then, you can make the hands and other parts as you like, and make holes for the eyes and mouth. Using fine clay,
- 4.5
- (15 reviews and experiences)
・This is an experience where you can make a plant interior by planting small and cute mini cacti that fit in a glass. ・You can choose 3 cacti for the base fee. ・You can take the finished work home on the day. ・About 3 minutes walk from Shinsaibashi Station. It is within walking distance of Dotonbori Glico and is recommended as a souvenir of Osaka sightseeing. ・After the experience, you can visit the shop full of dried flowers.
- 5.0
- (3 reviews/experiences)
At An, a Japanese culture experience center located on the 3rd floor of Suemasa Building in Nishi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, anyone can enjoy experiencing Japanese culture. Why not take your first step into Japanese culture at An? We have prepared a variety of fun and educational experience programs for you! Nerikiri is a type of high-grade fresh confectionery. Using colorful bean paste, we create a variety of confections with seasonal flowers, fruits, etc.
- 4.7
- (15 reviews and experiences)
・This is an experience where you can make a shiny brass bangle from scratch with your own hands. ・You can choose from four bangle widths: "square (2mm)", "square (3mm)", "flat (6mm)" and "flat (10mm)". ・You can take your creation home on the day. Recommended as a pair of accessories for couples or as a gift. ・Shinsaibashi
[Osaka, Tamatsukuri] Fun for kids too! Glass cloisonné accessory making experience
- 4.9
- (18 reviews and experiences)
You can make two pieces of glass cloisonné accessories in 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will experience making one-of-a-kind accessories that make the most of your individual design (pattern and color) and advice on toppings. 1. Look at the sample and decide what two pieces you want to make. 2. Use colored pencils to imagine the design (pattern and color). 3. Place the cloisonné on the glass plate.
Travel to Osaka and learn about its famous sightseeing spots and foods
This time, Speaking of Osaka "The theme is Osaka's sightseeing spots, food and souvenirs We featured it here!
There are a wide variety of attractive plans for the spots, gourmet food, and activities introduced here.
Be sure to use this special feature as a reference and enjoy your sightseeing while picking up on the topics that come to mind when you think of Osaka!
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
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