Osaka Travel Guide: Top Tourist Spots in Osaka + Tips!

Photo credit: Umeda Sky Building

Arguably the most famous landmark in Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building treats you to stunning overlooking views of the city. This unique, futuristic building consists of two 40-story towers connected by an atrium-like centre called the Kuch Teine Observatory. Apart from being the ultimate spot for sights of the Osaka skyline, it also houses various spaces which tourists can explore.

Check out the retro resto Takimi Koji for eats like okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). For art lovers, you can find intricate paintings and sculptures at Kinutani Tenku Art Museum. To cap off your visit, sit back and catch a film at Cine Libre Umeda.

Tip: Umeda Sky Building is just a 15-minute walk away from Osaka Station and Umeda Station. While you’re in the area, pay a visit to Dontonbori, the city’s food and entertainment hub. 

Can’t get enough of Japan’s scenic cityscapes? For the best sunset views, step into Harukas 300, the tallest skyscraper in Osaka. Not only does it treat you to panoramic views of the city, but it also lets you in on sights of Kyoto and Kobe, as well as the impressive ranges of Mount Rokko. Standing at 300-metres, the complex comprises a wide array of facilities and amenities: Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel, Abeno Harukas Urban Art Museum, and Kintetsu Department Store with over 44 eateries.

Tip: Conveniently situated, Harukas 300 connects directly to a major terminal in Osaka linked to several subway lines. Ideal for tourists staying in the area, this terminal is also a direct 30-minute train ride from the Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport.

For travellers who are down to experience Japan’s melting pot of cultures and traditions, seek the laidback city of Kyoto. Alternatively, for those who ought to see more cosmopolitan wonders, Osaka is your best bet. Want to experience the best of both worlds? Get a Kyoto-Osaka sightseeing pass and spot top tourist attractions via the Keihan Railway and Otokoyama Cable Line. An unlimited-travel pass like this one lets you explore Kyoto and Osaka landmarks like the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, and Osaka Castle.

Tip: You can also opt for the Osaka metro tourist pass that lets you experience unlimited travel via Osaka Metro lines and most City Bus routes in the region.

Bring back memories from your childhood over at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, an indoor theme park where you’ll be surrounded by over three million LEGO bricks. A perfect place for those travelling with family in Osaka, LEGOLAND lets you explore creativity and enjoy building mini figurines. Colourful blocks aside, this playground of fun also houses exciting rides, interactive games, a 4-D cinema, and a miniature-sized diorama recreating famous spots in Osaka.

Tip: Travelling with kids? Children under three years old can get a free pass to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.

Image credit: Alexis Banaag

Of course, this Osaka travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the iconic Universal Studios Japan. Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Potterheads can escape to Hogwarts Castle, snag merch over at Hogsmead Village, and have a blast among its in-house rides. Feeling a bit famished? You can enjoy eats at Three Broomsticks or grab a butterbeer at Hog’s Head.

Tip: If you want to ditch the crowds, it’s best to arrive at least an hour before the park opens. Upon entry, go for the attractions that typically have long waiting lines, so you’ll have more time to shop for merch, dine, and explore the rest of the park.

Image credit: Mask Saks (Canva Pro) 

While Osaka is best known for its modern gems, the city is scattered with tons of refreshing spots where flora and fauna abound. For travellers looking for a relaxing spot in the heart of the city, Enter Tennoji Park and Zoo. It features expansive lawns, a botanical garden, and a wildlife park home to over 180 species of animals. Bringing you closer to nature, this nature spot right in the heart of Osaka is perfect for leisure and playtime. 

Other must-visit parks in Osaka include the Minoh Falls located in north Osaka, the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, and the sprawling city park of Kema Sakuranomiya Park.

Tip: If you want to catch sight of pretty pink hues, plan your trip between mid-March to early May, just in time for sakura season.

Last but most definitely not least on this Osaka travel guide: Food crawls. Regarded as the culinary capital of Japan, Osaka boasts tons of foodie spots from Michelin-starred restaurants and cafes to late-night food bazaars. Don’t know where to start? Kickstart your gastronomic adventure over at its local markets. 

Learn about Osaka’s culinary traditions and its humble beginnings at the bustling Kuroman Market. Here, you can find popular Japanese street food and delicacies like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, perfectly charred yakitori, the freshest seafood dishes, and more. Now, that sounds like a lot of gourmet goodness right there!

Tip: For home cooks and cooking aficionados, visit the nearby Sennichimae Doguyasuji, Osaka’s “Kitchen Town”. Here, you can find an array of kitchenware and crockery for a good deal.