Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan, is a fascinating blend of old and new. Its thriving metropolis offers everything from world-class nightlife to hearty street food.
Osaka’s main shopping artery, Dotonbori, is lined with restaurants and bars. At night, the road gets a bit frantic as the crowd swoops in for a beer and a takoyaki.
Osaka Museum of History
Located across from Osaka Castle, the Osaka Museum of History is an entertaining way to learn about the city's long history. It's housed in a modernistic building that also serves as an NHK Broadcast Centre.
The museum is split into different floors, starting with the ancient era and going back to the Edo period. Each floor contains displays, models and photos that graphically tell the story of Osaka's development over more than 1,350 years.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Located in Tenjinbashisuji shopping street, this museum provides visitors a chance to experience life in Japan in the Edo period. It features re-created buildings and streets to show how people lived back then.
It is a popular museum for both locals and foreigners. It also has interactive exhibits and cultural events that make it a fun and engaging experience.
National Museum of Ethnology
The National Museum of Ethnology (, Minpaku) is the world's largest ethnology museum. Its collections contain nearly 12,000 displayed materials and 800 video shorts that focus on everyday life.
The museum focuses on a variety of cultures from around the world and is divided into nine geographical regions. Each region starts in Oceania and heads eastward around the globe.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
The Okawa River runs through Kema Sakuranomiya Park, which is famous for its cherry blossoms. During spring, it’s a popular destination for locals who want to enjoy a picnic or simply relax by the river.
The park is open for daytime and nighttime hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) during the season. It also hosts a nightly illumination event, with the tower of the sun and illuminated trees as a backdrop.
Daisen Park
Located in Sakai, Daisen Park is filled with trees, pond and a Japanese Zen garden. This is one of the best spots for relaxing and enjoying a cup of tea.
The park is also famous for its kofun, megalithic tombs with a keyhole shape. The biggest of them is the tomb of Emperor Nintoku.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, or "Osaka-jo" in Japanese, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan and is an important cultural attraction. The castle combines traditional Japanese architecture with contemporary elements to create an architectural masterpiece.
The main castle building was built on top of a stone foundation and is surrounded by a moat to prevent intruders from entering the castle grounds. It is home to 13 buildings and structures, many of which have been designated as valuable cultural assets by the Japanese government.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is one of the most crowded places in Osaka, where a lot of fun is had by both locals and tourists alike. It is home to a number of different attractions, including some great restaurants and bars.
The area is also known for its neon lights, which reflect off the water of the canal. This makes Dotonbori one of the best places to see in Osaka at night.
Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s largest shopping district and offers a great variety of stores. Whether you’re looking for high-end brand-name products, trendy boutiques, or a variety of affordable idea goods, there is something here to suit everyone!
There are also dozens of cute cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Popular spots include Doutour coffee, Ujikoen - a green tea and tea cafe - and Boba T – a bubble tea shop.
Oike Lake
Osaka is a large city on the eastern end of the Inland Sea and on the lower Yodo River delta. It is one of the largest and busiest cities in Japan, a major port, and an important industrial centre. It is home to a wide range of industries, including metal fabrication, electric machinery, chemicals, textiles, and food processing. It is also a major transport hub, with a dense network of railways, including national Shinkansen bullet trains.
