FASCINATING SITES AND LANDMARKS
If you are planning to go to the exciting city of Osaka in Japan and want to know what to see, I can help you. On my recent trip I spent 6 days exploring, and I recommend these 8 amazing places to visit in Osaka that I’m certain you will find fascinating, as I did.
Osaka is one of Japan’s biggest cities with a rich history. It evolved as a fishing village in the 5th century to a major port city, and a cultural and economic trading hub of Asia.
Today, it’s a popular tourist destination and should definitely be part of your Japanese itinerary. It is often considered Japan’s friendliest city, more laid back than Tokyo, and the kitchen of Japan for its culinary scene.
First on my list of amazing places to visit in Osaka is the stunningly beautiful Osaka Castle (Osakajo), located in the heart of the city in the Chuo Ward, in the Osaka Castle Park. This is a highlight of the city which stands out on the skyline and is a must-visit, at least to see the outside of the impressive landmark.
The castle is one of the most iconic monuments of Japan, and an historic treasure, originally built in 1583 by a Samurai warlord, and has played an important role in Japan’s unification, leading to the Edo period.
Osaka Castle has been destroyed many times, rebuilt and restored. Made of huge stones and partly of wood, it is embellished with gold-leaf accents.
In traditional Japanese custom, the castle roof is adorned with golden Shachihoko statues which are mythical creatures with the head of a tiger and tail of a fish, believed to protect the castle.
The stone walls and ramparts, and 2 surrounding moats, give a formidable aspect to the castle.
The castle grounds are over 100 hectares of sprawling gardens and are free to explore anytime without a ticket.
Inside Osaka Castle
The interior is now very modern with a museum of 8 floors and includes a lift. There is an observation deck with scenic views of Osaka’s skyline at the top of the museum.
In the museum you can learn about Japan’s feudal history, see displays of the Samurai, artefacts, paintings, armour, helmets, weapons, and the former military HQ.
Visiting Osaka Castle
I suggest you enter via the Otemon Gate at the park’s southwestern corner.
You need a ticket to enter the castle and the museum.
Purchase your ticket to the castle and museum online, to avoid waiting in long lines. Allow at least 2 hours inside. Open at 9am.
Snazzy Tip: Get there early to avoid crowds, especially during cherry-blossom season in Spring.
Check Osaka Castle Website for up to date info.
Umeda Sky Building is a tourist attraction and major landmark of Osaka since 1993, for its open air observatory on the roof of the skyscraper. These two 40 metre high buildings are joined at the top with a circular floating garden with beautiful panoramic views of the city, day and night. The building boasts the world’s highest escalator which spans between the 2 towers.
Beneath the tower, is an underground market, an ode to early 20th century Osaka.
The whole Umeda district is an entertainment destination with shopping malls, restaurants, beer gardens, and the Hep Five Ferris Wheel.
One of the most exciting places in Osaka and a must visit for the street food scene is Dōtonbori in the Minari district. It has long been Osaka’s official entertainment district.
But, it is arguably most famous for its quirky street signs and billboards, which make it look something of an amusement park. I enjoyed spotting all the weird and wonderful creative signs everywhere – a huge octopus, a giant moving crab, a big green dragon and even a gold cow up above, all to catch people’s attention and draw us in.
The district is such a vibrant and colourful part of Osaka with oodles of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, and also renowned for its nightlife.
The Dōtonbori canal flows though the area with several bridges crossing it and cruises down the water.
There is even the world’s first oval shaped ferris wheel, Ebisu Tower, at the Don Quixote shop, along the canal, which provides a fun ride with views of the area.
The Tsūtenkaku Tower, located at the centre of the Shinsekai district of Osaka, is rather retro in design, built in 1955, and was considered futuristic. There is an observation deck and exhibits up top, plus an outside slide ride.
The tower is 108 metres high and houses a golden statue of Billiken, the symbol of good luck.
An iconic landmark in a busy part of the city, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby.
The National Museum of Art is actually located mostly below ground and houses contemporary art of Japanese and International artists.
Outside, the building features a striking steel tube and glass structure inspired by bamboo, which is not only a stunning contemporary art feature on Osaka’s skyline but also serves as the entrance to the museum.
Located on the waterfront of Nakanoshima, next to Osaka Science Museum.
Called Amerikamura by the locals, the area is a popular spot for Japanese youth culture. Featuring retro shops, fashion and entertainment, the area was named for the American gear that was, and still is, found here.
Located near Dotombori, in the Minami district, it has a central plaza with shops and cafes surrounding it. Skateboarders frequent the area as do street performers. Also a hub for nightlife and live music.
Street art is prevalent here, in particular one famous piece called ‘Peace on Earth’. Some pretty colourful street lamps can be seen around American Village also.
A Statue of Liberty also tops one of the buildings in the precinct.
I’m including this unique building in Fukushima in my list of amazing places to visit in Osaka, as it has a road going right through the middle of it Yes, you read that correctly.
The Hanshin Expressway takes up 3 levels of the TKP building, the 5th, 6th and 7th floors, and thus is a permanent tenant.
The road is a suspended tunnel-like structure passing through the Gate Tower building without touching it or disturbing the other tenants.
It’s quite a remarkable sight, one I certainly haven’t seen before on my travels. For the locals however, it’s no big deal.
This Sumiyoshi Taisha Shinto Shrine is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Japan, and one of the most important, dating from the year 211, located in Sumiyoshi ward.
It is the Grand Shrine of over 2,000 other Sumiyoshi Shrines and a major attraction for locals who visit during the New Years’ festival.
A true example of ancient Japanese architecture and a national treasure.
That’s my list of 8 amazing places to visit in Osaka, Japan.
I would suggest allowing 2 days to see them all and to spend enough time exploring the sites and landmarks fully.
For accommodation, tours and car rental, go to Klook.
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13 Comments
This is making me miss Japan and Osaka. Dōtonbori is definitely the best place to try authentic Japanese food.
The shrine and castle top my list of these 8 attractions–love diving into the history of a city.
It’s been years since we spent a month in Japan. I remember Osaka fondly and sure would love to go back. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!
These are all such lovely places to see when visiting Osaka. I would love to visit Dotonbori sometime.
There are so many fantastic places in Osaka! I really like the sky building – it’s such a futuristic looking place to explore.
Osaka seems to have stunning spots to visit. Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences!
Out of all of them, I think I would love to visit the Sky Building! It looks so unique! Japan is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel.
These all sound amazing! Although I have to say that if I ever got to Osaka, I would consider sitting on a bench an amazing place. LOL
Osaka looks like such an amazing place to visit. My son in particular wants to save for a trip to Japan when he is a little older. I can certainly see the appeal – it all looks beautiful.
Osaka is definitely on the top of my must see list…it is such a gorgeous and very interesting place to visit. I can’t can’t wait…
I can’t wait to see ALL these places with my family. My son will love anything that has to do with a wheel, that’s for sure!
Japan has so many beautiful places to visit. Especially the castle, I want to visit Osaka Castle.
Wow! I want to visit Japan because of its culture. Experience and visiting museums there.