10 Touristy & 3 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Osaka Japan (2026)

Osaka is one of the main stops on most Japan itineraries, usually right after Tokyo and Kyoto, but it often feels a bit overlooked. From my own experience, it’s a really good in-between city, not as hectic as Tokyo, but not as quiet or traditional as Kyoto either.

There’s so many cool neighborhoods and things to do here. Places like Dotonbori for street food, Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios Japan are of course popular for a reason, and I genuinely enjoyed all of them.

I spent four days in Osaka and tried to do a bit of both: visit the big touristy spots while also leaving room to explore beyond them. Some of my best experiences came from just walking around, eating somewhere unplanned, or ending up in areas that felt more local.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Osaka based on what I actually did while I was there with a mix of well-known attractions and a few less touristy ideas. If you’re looking to see the highlights without spending your entire trip hopping between crowded spots, this should help.

The Best Things to Do in Osaka Japan – My Experience

I spent about four days in Osaka because a few friends told me to stay longer than I had originally planned. They really liked it, and I trusted them and I’m glad I did. It gave me enough time to do all the classic touristy things but also try a few less popular ones, which ended up being just as fun.

I started with the obvious things to do in Osaka. I went to Osaka Castle, which actually ended up being my favorite castle in Japan. I ate an unreasonable amount of food in Dotonbori, and I also spent a full day at Universal Studios Japan, which I loved. It’s busy, it’s intense, but it’s genuinely a lot of fun and I’d definitely recommend it.

Some of the things I did that felt a little less touristy but still busy enough were visiting Katsuo-ji Temple and Minoo Park. I enjoyed both stops and they were especially nice in autumn, since they felt like a great break from the city without having to go far.

Lastly, one of the coolest things I did, and probably the moment where I felt the most out of place (in a good way), was going to a baseball game in Japan. I barely saw any other tourists there, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Osaka.

Overall, I had a really great time in Osaka. I’d say you need at least three full days here to see the main sights and still enjoy yourself, especially if you want to include Universal Studios. If you can take it a little slower here, it’s worth it.

9 Touristy Things to Do in Osaka (That Are Still Worth It)

1. Visit Osaka Castle

I went to Osaka Castle on my very first day in Osaka because it was one of those things I absolutely didn’t want to miss. I got there fairly early using public transport and then walked through Osaka Castle Park toward the main castle, which is what most people do. It’s about a 20-minute walk, unless you want to pay for one of those little carts that take you up.

I actually really enjoyed the walk. The park, the old walls, and the moat are all super scenic, and it already felt like a nice break from the city. A few locals told me it’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, which I can totally imagine.

Once I got to the top, I did what everyone does and took way too many photos. I hadn’t planned on going inside the castle at first, but there was basically no line and the entrance fee was only around $6, so I figured why not. And honestly, I’m glad I did.

Inside, it’s set up like a museum, with exhibitions about the history of the castle and some really cool samurai armor. You can also go all the way to the top, where you get great views over Osaka. A lot of people just take a photo outside and leave, but if you’re already here, you should absolutely go inside. I actually enjoyed learning a bit about the history, and the views alone make it worth it.

Book Here: Osaka Castle Walking Tour

2. Explore Dotonbori

Dotonbori was for sure one of my favorite areas in Osaka, and yes, it’s also the most touristy part of the city. You’ve probably already seen the photos of the Glico Man, the giant Don Quijote Ferris wheel, and the canal lined with neon signs. It’s very much what I imagined Japan to look like in my head before actually arriving.

This was actually my first proper introduction to a really busy pedestrian area in a big Japanese city. Neon signs everywhere, people shoulder to shoulder, restaurants stacked on top of each other.

I loved it here and I loved just wandering around because everything felt so exciting. I ate my way through Dotonbori, trying everything from oysters and sushi to wagyu skewers, and it ended up being one of my favorite places to just wander around with no real plan.

3. Spend the Day at Universal Studios Japan

I absolutely loved Universal Studios Japan. I spent a full day there, from right after opening until the evening, and went all in. I went to Super Nintendo World, to Harry Potter World, I did all the major rides and I even got an Express Pass.

I wouldn’t call myself a huge theme park person, but when I do go, I want it to be done properly. Universal Studios Japan is incredibly well put together, and even though it’s not exactly a “cultural” experience, I still think it’s one of the best things to do in Osaka.

I’ve also put together a few detailed guides on my blog covering everything you need to know before going, including how I bought my tickets, which Express Pass makes sense, and how to avoid the worst crowds. If Universal Studios is on your list, it’s worth doing a bit of prep first.

Book Here: Universal Studios Japan Tickets

Book Here: Universal Studios Japan Express Pass

4. Join a Food Tour

Whenever I arrive in a new city, and this can be anywhere, not just Japan, I love doing a food tour early on, ideally on the first or second day. Osaka was no exception. 

Part of it is curiosity, but if I’m being honest, part of it is also self-awareness. I know myself well enough to admit that I can be a bit of a wimp when it comes to ordering unfamiliar food on my own.

Food tours always solve that problem for me perfectly. I get a local guide who knows exactly what’s worth trying, what to skip, and how things actually work. I ended up trying a bunch of things I probably wouldn’t have ordered by myself, and after that, I felt way more confident walking into random places and ordering food later in the trip. If you’re even slightly hesitant about trying new dishes, this is one of the easiest ways to ease into Osaka’s food scene.

Book Here: Osaka Food Tour

5. Explore Shinsekai

Shinsekai is the other big, well-known area in Osaka after Dotonbori, but the vibe couldn’t be more different. While Dotonbori feels flashy and modern, Shinsekai feels old-school, a bit scruffy, and proudly retro. The neon signs are still there, they’re just older, slightly worn, and somehow cooler because of it.

I honestly loved this area. It felt like stepping back in time, and having Tsutenkaku Tower right in the middle of it all only adds to that feeling.  I was there at night, when everything was lit up, the whole neighborhood felt super fun and having Tsutenkaku Tower in the background looked pretty cool as well if I’m being honest.

I didn’t spend a full day here, but I stopped by for a few cold beers, some street food, and a lot of people-watching. It definitely should be on your Osaka itinerary.

6. Eat Ramen at Ichiran

I know this isn’t specifically an Osaka thing, but my very first bowl of Ichiran ramen was in Osaka, so it earns its spot here. Fair is fair.

If you don’t know Ichiran yet, it’s one of the most famous ramen chains in Japan, with locations all over the country. Plenty of locals will tell you it’s not the best ramen in Japan, and they’re probably right, but I still loved it. Someone once described it to me as the In-N-Out Burger of ramen, and that comparison actually makes a lot of sense. It’s a chain, but it’s consistently very very good and I love it.

I stumbled into Ichiran almost by accident, which probably says a lot about how “planned” my early days in Japan were. I waited around 45 minutes in line, sat down in one of those solo booths, and absolutely demolished my bowl. The whole setup and vibe is part of the fun, and the ramen itself was genuinely great. I’d happily go again, and I think it’s a solid first ramen experience in Japan.

7. Day Trip to Nara (One of the best things to do in Osaka with family)

I absolutely loved my day trip to Nara. I actually went from Kyoto rather than Osaka, but it really doesn’t matter since Nara sits nicely in between and works just as well from either city.

Nara is best known for the deer roaming freely around town, and yes, they’re just as cute as everyone says. I spent a full day there, and of course the deer were a highlight, but they weren’t the only reason I liked it so much. The Giant Buddha Hall was amazing and super impressive too and I definitely recommend checking it out.

It rained pretty much all day when I visited, which wasn’t ideal, but the upside was fewer crowds. Overall, Nara felt like the perfect escape from the city , way calmer, greener, and a really nice change of pace. Easily one of my favorite day trips in the Osaka area.

8. Day Trip to Minoo Park & Minoo Falls

Minoo Park and Minoo Falls make for a really nice half-day trip from Osaka, especially if you want a break from concrete, crowds, and neon signs for a few hours.

That said, I’ll be honest: if you’re short on time, this wouldn’t be at the very top of my list. If you only have two days in Osaka, I’d focus on the city itself. Minoo Park is lovely, but at the end of the day, it’s a forested park with a waterfall.

Where it really shines is during autumn. I visited in fall, and with the foliage starting to turn, it was genuinely beautiful and felt well worth the trip in my opinion. If you’re in Osaka around that time and have a bit of flexibility, I’d definitely consider it.

9. Visit Katsuo-ji Temple (One of the most unique things to do in Osaka)

Katsuo-ji was one of the most unique temples I visited in Japan, and that’s saying something. It’s located close to Minoo Park, so I combined both in one trip, Minoo first, then Katsuo-ji, which is only about a 15-minute ride away.

The temple is famous for its countless Daruma dolls scattered all over the grounds, and they give the place a completely different and unique feel from most temples. It’s colorful, a little quirky, and it was actually really fun to walk around.

If I had to pick just one temple or shrine to visit in Osaka itself, this would honestly be it.

10. Enjoy the Views from Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building has one of the more popular observation decks in Osaka, and yes, the views are very nice. I went up there myself and I have to admit the views were stunning.

But if I’m being completely honest, it’s not really one of the must do things in Osaka. I’d already had great views from Osaka Castle, and compared to observation decks in cities like Tokyo, this one didn’t completely blow me away. It’s good, just not unforgettable.

If you enjoy city views and have some extra time, it’s worth checking out.

3 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Osaka Japan

Visit Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

One of the more random but genuinely cool things I did near Osaka was visiting the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, where Japanese whisky is made. A big part of my Japan trip revolved around food and drinks anyway, so this felt very on brand for me.

If you’re even mildly into whisky, this is worth it. The location is beautiful, the tour is actually interesting (not one of those rushed “look but don’t touch” situations), and the tasting at the end is excellent. It also didn’t feel overly touristy, which I really appreciated.

Getting there is easy. There’s a direct train to Yamazaki Station and from there it’s about a 10-minute walk. Just don’t show up without a reservation, you need to book the tour and tasting online in advance.

Watch a Baseball Game

Before coming to Japan, I had no idea that baseball is the sport here. Turns out, going to a Japanese baseball game was one of the most fun things I did during my entire trip. Definitely one of the coolest things to do in Osaka.

I’m not a massive baseball fan and I still loved it. The crowd is loud, everyone is fully committed, there’s chanting, singing, coordinated cheering, it’s way more entertaining than I expected. I went at the very end of October and just managed to catch a game before the season wrapped up.

If you’re in Japan during baseball season, I’d honestly try to fit this in. Check the schedule and get tickets in advance. It’s one of those experiences that felt super local without trying too hard.

Visit Namba Yasaka Shrine

Namba Yasaka Shrine is basically a giant green lion head in the middle of the city, and yes, it looks exactly as strange as that sounds.

I stayed in Namba, so it was an easy walk for me. I stopped by, had a look, took a few photos, and moved on.

But if you’re already in the area, it’s a fun, quick stop and definitely different from the dozens of other shrines you’ll see in Japan. For me, that alone made it worth it.

FAQs About The Best Osaka Activities

When is cherry blossom season in Osaka?

Cherry blossom season in Osaka is usually around late March to early April, but it does shift a bit every year depending on the weather. From what I’ve heard and seen, Osaka Castle Park is one of the best spots in the city if you’re there at the right time.

Is Kuromon Ichiba Market worth visiting?

I did visit Kuromon Ichiba Market and I enjoyed it, but I’ll be honest, I liked the food markets in Kyoto and Kanazawa more. If Osaka is your main stop, it’s still worth a walk through. If you’re visiting multiple cities, I wouldn’t stress if you skip it.

Is Osaka street food really that good?

Yes. Very much yes. From wagyu skewers to oysters, dumplings, and random grilled things on sticks, paired with a cold beer, it’s hard to go wrong. Osaka definitely lives up to its food reputation.

What are the best free things to do in Osaka?

Walking through Osaka Castle Park is completely free and honestly worth it on its own. You only pay if you want to go inside the castle, but even just wandering around the grounds and taking photos is a solid experience.

What are the best things to do in Osaka with kids?

Universal Studios Japan, without a doubt. I had an amazing time there myself, so I’m pretty sure kids would absolutely lose their minds.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Osaka

Overall, I think Osaka is a bit underrated. With everything on this list, I could easily fill four or five days here without getting bored. That said, even with just two or three days, you can still have a really great time if you plan it well.

One of my personal highlights was Universal Studios Japan. Yes, I know it’s not exactly a cultural experience, but I had such an amazing time and I don’t regret it for a second. At the same time, I loved visiting Osaka Castle and eating my way through Dotonbori and Shinsekai, so it still felt like a good mix of classic sights and everyday Osaka.

I’ve also put together a few other Osaka itineraries and guides on the blog if you want to dig a little deeper. Scroll down and have a look. Hopefully this helped, and maybe even convinced you to spend a bit more time in Osaka. Happy travels.

Check Out My Other Osaka Guides

The Best Time to Visit Osaka Japan: My Osaka Season Guide

Is Osaka Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

1 Day in Osaka Itinerary: How I Spent 24 Hours in Osaka

Best Cafes in Osaka: My Favorite Cafes & Coffee Shops

4 Day Osaka Itinerary: How I Spent 96 Hours in Osaka

The Best Food in Osaka: My Top Osaka Restaurants

How Many Days in Osaka: My Day by Day Guide

2 Days in Osaka Itinerary: How I Spent 48 Hours in Osaka

Is Universal Studios Japan Worth it? My Honest Review

My Top Universal Studios Japan Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Is Universal Studio Japan Express Pass Worth it? My Honest Review

Things to Do in Osaka Japan: My Top Activities

Where to Stay in Osaka Japan: The Best Areas & Hotels in Osaka

Mini Guide on Osaka Castle: Is Osaka Castle Worth Visiting

Check Out My Other Japan Travel Guides

Japan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan

Best eSIM for Japan: My Honest Comparison

Is Japan Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Is Japan Expensive to Visit? Japan Budget Guide

7 Days in Japan Itinerary: How I Spent 1 Week in Japan