Travel / Tourism Spots in Osaka Area

  • Osaka Castle
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    4.0
    7958 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 1-1
    Osaka Castle was built by the Imperial Regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1583 and 1598. The castle was built on a magnificent scale, but was destroyed just 17 years later after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the destruction of the Toyotomi clan in the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Thereafter, the castle was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate under the command of Todo Takatora but was once again lost due to a fire caused by a lightning strike. The current castle tower is the third generation to stand here and was completed in 1931 through donations from local citizens. The interior of the castle is a history museum and visitors can enjoy information about the history of Osaka Castle and dioramas. The castle was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 1997.

    Beautiful is the first thing you feel when you stand at the base of this castle. Perfection in construction when you walk around it and inside it. A couple hours minimum to see everything.

  • Kuromon Ichiba Market
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    4.0
    3256 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Nippombashi 2-4-1
    Kuromon Ichiba Market, located not far off from Namba, helps keep Osaka, “the Kitchen of the Nation” functioning. The market where professionals from a number of famous restaurants do their shopping, shops here stock the highest quality seafoods as well as the freshest vegetables. In recent years, the market has also come to be a popular tourist destination, and one can frequently catch sight of visitors sampling the various wares on offer. Come here when you’re looking for “honmamon” (the genuine article).

    The live seafood stalls. There were quite a few of these stalls selling live seafood. You can select your choice and they will cook for you. There were also a variety of beef to select from

  • Umeda Sky Building Kuchu-Teien Observatory
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    4.0
    3025 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Oyodonaka 1-1-88 Umeda Sky Building
    An observatory facility located at the top of the 173 meter high Umeda Sky Building skyscraper located in Osaka City’s Kita Ward. Visitors can enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the streets of Osaka from the open air Sky Walk circular gallery, and many tourists both Japanese and international alike come to this famous spot to view the setting sun and Osaka’s nightscape. At night, the area is lit up by small, foot-level lights, creating a magical atmosphere. There is a fence at the site where lovers can attach a heart-shaped padlock to vow their love for one another, a popular destination for couples on dates. There is also a café on the 40th floor where you can take a break while enjoying the view.

    A very interesting structure and the view from the top is fantastic. There are a few shops and a cafe at the top and a lot of interesting information on how the building was constructed.

  • Tsutenkaku
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    3.5
    1839 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Ebisuhigashi 1-18-6
    A viewing tower located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City and a famous Osaka landmark. Originally erected in 1912 and modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the current 108 meter tower is actually the second Tsutenkaku. The fourth and fifth floors are a viewing floor overlooking Osaka. There are figures of the Seven Gods of Fortune on the fifth floor as well as a statue of Billiken which is said to bring good luck when the soles of its feet are rubbed. The tower is filled with other interesting things to see and do, including the Kinnikuman Museum; a café produced by Mother Farm; and showroom shops by Morinaga, Glico, and Nisshin.

    I suspect by modern standards the tower is not high enough, glitzy enough, not extreme. There is no glass floor or really scary experience but for someone a bit nervous of heights this place is...

  • Dotonbori
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Doutombori
    Dotonbori’s famous Glico sign seems to be peering into the Dotonbori River; meanwhile, a giant crab sign moves in a perpetual dance. Crowded with restaurants and lined with giant signs, Dotonbori is a bustling entertainment district where visitors can truly experience Osaka—the city of kuidaore (extravagant eating). Have a bite at a shop selling kushiage (fried vegetable and meat skewers) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes filled with meat and vegetables), Osaka specialties. Or spend a day visiting the various takoyaki (octopus dumplings) or butaman (steamed pork bun) restaurants. Day and night, this lively thoroughfare is frequented by great numbers of tourists.
  • Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)
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    4.5
    869 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Sumiyoshi-ku Sumiyoshi 2-9-89
    Known affectionately as “Sumiyossan,” the Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is a Shinto Shrine located in the Sumiyoshi Ward of Osaka City, in Osaka Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, of which there are around 2,300 in total. The Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most popular shrines in the Kinki region for the Hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine in the New Year), and it is thronged with worshippers every January. The founding of the Sumiyoshi Taisha is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”), which notes that the Empress Jingu ordered the construction of the shrine to worship Sumiyoshi no Ohkami. Sumiyoshi no Ohkami (which is actually three Shinto deities in one) is renowned as the god of the sea and the god of exorcism. The four halls that make up the Hon-den (main hall) of the Sumiyoshi Taisha are built in the architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri; all four have been designated as National Treasures.

    We visited this famous shrine by taking a local train from Osaka. The entrance to the shrine features a steeply curved bridge that spans a rushing creek. Inside there are interesting buildings to...

  • CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
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    4.5
    682 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25
    This museum in Ikeda City, Osaka, first opened in 1999 at the birthplace of instant ramen. With a variety of displays and hands-on exhibits you can learn all about the history and development of instant ramen by Nissin Foods' founder, Ando Momofuku. Don't miss the display which shows off almost 800 different products from throughout Nissin Foods' history. The Chicken Ramen Factory where you can make your own chicken ramen (fee and reservation required) and the My CupNoodle Factory where you can make your own personal CupNoodle blend (fee required) are both very popular. Admission is free.

    We came on our last day, when we have time and didn’t know where to burn. We took the train, followed google map. At the entrance we were welcomed by the security guard, otherwise we might have just...

  • The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
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    4.0
    838 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 6-4-20 Housing Information Center Building 8F
    The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which opened in 2001, is located in Tenjinbashi in the Kita Ward of Osaka City. The Museum is focused on the cultural and historical aspects of how people in Osaka lived during the period from the latter part of the Edo period through to the Showa period. The ninth floor of the Museum building features a row of life-size replica buildings facing onto a “main road,” including Machiya shop-houses, stores, a firewatching tower, etc.; visitors can enjoy strolling around this recreation of an Osaka street scene from days gone by. The eighth floor has dioramas and other exhibits showing Osaka’s streets looked like at different times between the Meiji period and Showa period. The Museum also holds seasonal special exhibitions.

    Cannot recommend enough. Appears like an outside museum but it is indoor and perfect to do on a rainy day.xa0 Located inside a building so take an elevator to the 8th Floor where you can purchase your...

  • Osaka Museum of History
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    4.0
    604 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Otemae 4-1-32
    This museum northwest of Naniwanomiyaato Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City opened in 2001. A permanent exhibit entitled ''Toshi Osaka no Ayumi'' covering the history of Osaka from ancient times to today takes up the 7th to 10th floors. The top floor features a recreation of the council hall of the Nara-period Naniwa Palace complete with 70 cm-thick vermillion-lacquered pillars and life-sized figures of government officials. Each floor presents the history and culture of Osaka through recreations of buildings, miniature models, videos, and abundant artifacts. The remains of Naniwa Palace are preserved in the museum's basement. Tours are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

    This is very interesting to learn about Osaka and its history. Located by the Castle and you can easily combine the two. Easy to navigate and well laid out. Highly recommend if you want to learn...

  • Osaka Temmangu Shrine
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    4.0
    377 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 2-1-8
    Nicknamed “Tenman no Tenjin-san,” this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of scholarship, and accordingly bustles with hordes of students during entrance examination season. Together with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Kanda Festival in Tokyo, the Tenjin Festival, held each year in July, is one of Japan’s three largest festivals. Throngs of tourists press close to watch the boats fireworks as well as the boats traveling to and fro on the river carrying sacred objects.

    Osaka Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine located in the Kita ward of Osaka. It is one of the most popular shrines in Osaka and the site of Japans biggest festivals, Tenjin Matsuri which features a lively...

  • Mino Falls
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    4.5
    406 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Minoshi Minokouen
    This 33-meter-tall waterfall was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful waterfalls. It is located inside Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. Known as a popular fall foliage spot, many visitors come during the autumn season. There is a “waterfall walkway” approximately 2.8 kilometers long that starts in front of Minoh Station and offers wonderful views of the natural forests of Osaka. The fall foliage is best from mid-November through the beginning of December. In the middle of the walkway is the Mino Park Museum of Insects, another popular spot.

    Ive read most reviews saying that the hike up to the waterfall is an easy one, with gentle uphill slope. However, personal experience is that some parts of the hike isnt that easy, and it could...

  • Nanba Yasaka-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    280 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Motomachi 2-9-19
    This historic shrine in Naniwa is a six-minute walk from Namba Station or a seven-minute walk from Daikokuchou Station. It was known as an old shrine even during the era of Emperor Go-Sanjou (who reigned 1068-1072). Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his wife Kushinadahime are enshrined here, protecting people from evil, helping businesses prosper, and aiding in happy marriages. Three large festivals happen every spring, summer and fall. The summer festival happens every 13th and 14th of July with various events being performed. Also, every third Sunday of January a Shinto rope pulling ceremony is held, which was designated as Osaka's first Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2001. There are also a variety of other shrines on the premises.

    Compared to the other shrines this one is the most outstanding one! Definitely worth a visit. You can also collect a stamp here. The shrine is usually pretty busy with many tourists taking pictures.

  • Kids Plaza Osaka
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    4.5
    373 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Ougimachi 2-1-7
    Japan’s first hands-on learning museum for children, Kids Plaza Osaka is dedicated to helping children experience new things and emotions through play and to extend the possibilities and individuality of children. The Kids Town, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a maze-like area made up entirely of curved lines. The museum is overflowing with exhibits where children can learn about world cultures, nature, chemistry, and society while playing. The museum also conducts events where children and parents can join in together and the facilities are complete with a nursing room and dining tables. The museum is also popular with families with young children. Ogimachi Station is the closest station to the museum.

    When we were planning our trip to Osaka, Kids Plaza Osaka was a place which we wanted to get a look at and which we wanted our 6 year old to visit. It is situated in an office building with the...

  • Yamazaki Whisky Museum
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    4.5
    492 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Mishimagunshimamotochou Yamazaki 5-2-1
    The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is located a 10-minute walk from JR Yamazaki Station. Japan's first malt whisky distillery, it was built in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii and went into operation that same year. Visitors who make reservations can take a tour of the Yamazaki Whisky Museum, where they learn about the history of Suntory Whisky and learn about the care that Suntory takes in the distillation process by viewing a miniature scale model and other exhibits. At the paid tasting counter, visitors can sample any of several dozen varieties of whisky and even taste pure unmodified whisky from the keg, an experience available only at a distillery.

    Amazing experience! Its super hard to get the reservation, but it is worthwhile. You will be amazed with the museum and history of suntory Whiskey. The tasting selection is great at a very...

  • Umeda Sky Building
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Oyodonaka 1-1-88
    Forming part of the “Shin Umeda City” development project in the Kita Ward of Osaka City, the Umeda Sky Building is a skyscraper that is 173 meters high. With its unique design, consisting of twin towers that are linked at roof-level by the Floating Garden Observatory, it has become a prominent landmark in Osaka’s Umeda district. From the Floating Garden Observatory, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Osaka cityscape while feeling the wind on their faces; the Observatory is very popular with foreign tourists and couples.
  • Hozen-ji Temple
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    4.0
    434 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Namba 1-2-16
    Hozen-ji Temple is a Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhist temple in Osaka City that is famous for the moss-covered statue of the deity Fudo that worshippers pour water over. The Temple is said to have originally been located in Kitayama Village, Uji District, before being moved to its present site in 1637. Within the Temple, there is a statue of Nishimuki Fudo-son (Aryacanalatha) and a hall dedicated to Konpira (Kumbhira, the guardian deity of seafarers); the Temple is often filled with the scent of the incense sticks offered by worshippers. It is believed that pouring water over the moss-covered statue of Nishimuki Fudo-son can bring a wide range of benefits for the worshippers, including success in business or in love, and as a result the Temple is visited by many local shopkeepers, and by many tourists.

    Had I not been with a local, I would never have found this. Located in a back alley around the Dotonbori area. We went early in the day, when it was quiet. Small and peaceful. You need maybe 5...

  • Osaka City Central Public Hall
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    4.0
    387 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 1-1-27
    A symbol of the knowledge, culture, and history of Osaka, construction on Osaka City Central Public Hall began in 1911 with a one million yen donation in building funds from Einosuke Iwamoto, with the hall opening in 1918. Brick reinforced with steel beams in construction, with three floors above ground and one basement level, the architecture of this extravagant building applies the Neo-Renaissance style as its basic tone while also presenting majestic baroque touches. In addition to concerts by celebrated orchestras from around the world, the hall has also played host to lectures by historical figures such as Helen Keller. The building was registered a national Important Cultural Property in 2002.

    This Central Hall is a place where you can take beautiful photo and selfie. The architecture design is really awesome.

  • Katsuo-ji Temple
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    4.0
    219 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Katsuoji Temple in Minoo City, Osaka
    This temple in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture is devoted to Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, and is said to have been founded by Fujihara no Munetada’s sons Zenchu and Zensan when they built thatched huts here in 727. It is famous as the “temple of luck” and the “temple of the darumas of victory.” Many people travel here from all over the country to pray for luck, and those whose prayers are granted donate daruma dolls, which line shelves and various spots throughout the temple. The large site is famous for its cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and fall foliage. Many visitors come during hydrangea season (from the beginning of June until mid-July) and fall foliage season.

    Easily one of my favorite temples in Japan. If you have a spare day in Osaka and you would like to escape from crowds, have a nice walk around the Temple located in the mountains - Katsuo-ji is...

  • The National Museum of Art, Osaka
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    3.5
    201 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-55
    This art museum is located in Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City. Founded in 1977, it relocated to its current location in 2004. It is notable for being one of the only underground art museums in the world. The museum primarily collects and exhibits works of modern art from the post-war era to now. In addition to exhibiting its collection, the museum also holds exhibitions and seminars about a range of art genres with a focus on contemporary art. Other events organized by the museum include workshops for children.

    Visited in March 2023 to see a great temp exhibition of Picasso, Matisse, Klee and Giacometti. Absolutely wonderful and saw some incredible pieces. However this is only the temporary art, and the...

  • Tsuyu no Tenjinsha (Ohaatsu Tenjin) Shrine
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    4.0
    292 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Sonezaki 2-5-4
    The Tsuyu no Tenjinsha Shrine, which is located in the middle of a bustling area of Kita Ward, Osaka City, is reputed to have been built around the year 700. The Bunraku puppet drama “Sonezaki Shinju” was written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon about a tragic double suicide that occurred within the Shrine in 1703; as the name of the heroine of this drama was Ohatsu, the Shrine is now commonly referred to as the “Ohatsu Tenjin.” The Shrine is believed to be a good place to pray for success in business, safe journeys, or a good marriage, and as result it receives a large number of worshippers every day, particularly local shopkeepers and women. A flea market is held here on the first Friday of every month, and the Shrine is famous for its annual festival held in July each year.

    Tsuyuten shrine (Ohatsu-Tenjin) is a hidden spot located between buildings and built 1,300 years ago. It’s a historical and typical architecture of Japanese shrine. We were there without any plan...

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While Osaka prefecture is the country's second smallest prefecture, its capital, Osaka City, is the country’s third-largest and arguably one of the most popular in the Kansai region thanks to its vibrant nightlife, the Osaka people’s openness, and its much-loved cuisine, which has earned it the nickname "the nation’s kitchen."

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