https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/osaka/best-things-to-do/100000000693
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Osaka [2025]
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Universal Studios Japan
4.7
/5
30825 reviews
10
From NZD 99.16
Based on 11,256 reviews
Osaka Bay | 7.1 km from downtown
Phone +810664654005
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
A 1:1 recreation of the Super Mario game world
10 themed lands | Asia's first Universal Studios
Saved by 36075 users21948 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It was worth every penny! I had such a memorable time with my friends. The ticket was at a very great price when I booked it. Very convenient and easy!
We had a flexible schedule, entering the park at 9:00 AM. We were thrilled to have won a Nintendo entry ticket. During the visit, my child suddenly felt unwell and took a break to find the emergency center. The staff was very helpful and offered advice (the emergency center didn't have any medication, so we had to buy it ourselves). They also arranged for the child to rest. While there were some minor hiccups throughout the day, overall, the experience was incredibly enjoyable. Aside from the heat and the long lines, Nintendo was a perfect match. I'll definitely go again.
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EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN
4.2
/5
691 reviews
8.9
From NZD 40.46
Osaka Bay | 12.1 km from downtown
Address: 1 Chome-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034, Japan
Highlights:
Participate in a future technology innovation experience
Experience a futuristic flying car
Saved by 2239 users541 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
So much visitor on summer, transportation management very failed. Waste the time to walking to station. Hot weather anyway all are interesting.
I went once in April. Because it was at night and time was limited, I only visited one or two pavilions. This time, I went again in July while taking students on a study tour. It was incredibly hot, and the experience was much worse than in April. The entrance line alone took almost two hours, and even after entering, there were still many lines. Combined with the weather, I was exhausted by the end. However, each pavilion had its own unique charm. I hope to visit again someday.
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
4.7
/5
3453 reviews
8.4
From NZD 31.14
Based on 6,806 reviews
Osaka Bay | 8 km from downtown
Phone +810665765501
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Get up close to whale sharks and dolphins
Japan's largest aquarium | 16 exhibits (10M liters)
Saved by 9445 users2471 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
👍 Osaka Sea Tour is worth a visit. 🌸 I finished playing Universal Studios and stayed nearby for one night. I went to the pier in the morning to buy tickets for the ➕ Hall. The cost is shown in the picture (only cash), and a paper will be given with a QR code on it. The boat will arrive on the other side in ten minutes. It is very convenient to scan the code to enter the museum directly. Note that the ticket office does not directly accept some APP orders, and don't make an appointment on the official website. You have to have a foreign mailbox to make an appointment. You can directly enter by buying a joint ticket directly at the pier. 🌸 content in the museum: mainly around a huge ocean pool to visit in a circle, tourists can enjoy the sea creatures of each water layer at three heights in high school and low school. I like this design. There are regular dolphins and penguins feeding performances in the museum. The animals are very active and in good spirits. The staff checks the animal body every day and makes feeding records. The animals live well. The design of the venue is very exquisite, the details are in place, and the experience is good. Souvenir shops can pay Alipay WeChat. recommend. 🌸 Food: After visiting the restaurant on the first floor, there is a light meal for drinks, and you can pay by Alipay WeChat.
It will be a good place for parent-child paradise. The whole itinerary is well planned. Although the aquarium is not big, the animals of all kinds are very cute.
Although there is a little communication barrier due to language problems, you can still appreciate a lot through the wonderful performances of the keepers.
No.
4
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Osaka Castle Park
4.8
/5
6591 reviews
8.1
Based on 7,026 reviews
Osaka Castle/Kyobashi/Eastern Osaka | 2.3 km from downtown
Phone +81667554146
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1.5-3 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Climb to the top of Tenshu to see a panoramic view of Osaka in autumn
Urban escape | 440-yr-old castle
Saved by 6813 users5959 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I used to live close by, I was running 25k daily, perfect spot for running and having a chill day. There will be a lot of walking if you go by yourself, bring comfortable shoes and tons of water when summer.
Pleasant visit to the castle, 8 floors, nicely signposted and orderly. Nice 360 view from the top floor. Near subway, convenient location.
No.
5
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Tsutenkaku
4.6
/5
1089 reviews
7.9
From NZD 13.81
Based on 1,872 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 4.6 km from downtown
Phone +81666419555
Address: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Asia 100 – Night Attractions
Highlights:
Osaka landmark (338 ft high) | 360° observation deck
Osaka Castle & Lucky God statue
Saved by 4815 users626 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I booked my ticket early in the morning on Ctrip and lined up directly at the mobile ticket check-in machine. The video recording service was a thoughtful touch, so I didn't have to bring my phone. A unique experience in Osaka perfect for kids.
Well, how should I put it, Tsutenkaku is about the same as the Oriental Pearl Tower, but not as high as the Oriental Pearl Tower. You have to queue all the way, queue to take the elevator, and queue to take pictures. If you want a photo, it costs 1,500 yen, and you will be given an electronic version, so it counts as a visit.
No.
6
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Shinsekai
4.6
/5
315 reviews
7.8
Based on 1,563 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 4.7 km from downtown
Phone +81666436322
Address: 2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Tsutenkaku Tower views | Vintage streets | Nightlife
Nostalgic alleys & WWII history
Saved by 3363 users116 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It is a shopping street with a long history.
It is an excellent place to explore the common people’s culture in Osaka, Japan.
The small shops on both sides are full of nostalgic style of the times.
A dazzling array of products and various specialty shops,
There are also very exaggerated signboards, which can take many good photos.
It is also a concentrated place for fried skewers.
You can feel the local people’s eating and party habits.
came here because of the slide, it’s popular so it took quite a long time to queue for the slide, but it was fun, just took seconds from top to bottom. there were also some shops around, you could find some to eat and some to buy for souvenir, worth spending a day there to have fun.
No.
7
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Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory
4.8
/5
687 reviews
7.8
From NZD 17.76
Based on 308 reviews
Uehommachi/Tennoji/Southern Osaka | 5.4 km from downtown
Phone +81666210300
Address: 1-chōme-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-0052, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Osaka Night Views (984ft high)
Savor delicacies & enjoy Osaka views
Saved by 3772 users640 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The observation deck is worth visiting. There is a shopping mall downstairs. I got a coupon for foreigners with a 5% discount. If you spend more than 5,500, you can go to the 3rd floor for tax-free shopping. You can go shopping for a whole day. It is a very good shopping mall. Children in the observation deck are half price. It is recommended that children buy tickets on site for cheaper prices. The 16th floor and below are free. After buying or exchanging tickets on the 16th floor, take the elevator to the 60th floor observation deck. When you look up from the elevator, you can see star-like lights. You can take videos. It feels like traveling through time. It is a very good experience.
I've seen many observatories similar to this, so it was not very spectacular or breathtaking, but overall views are very nice and comfortable surroundings. You can grab a lunch or dinner there or just a cup of coffee and wait for the sunset. There are signs of how to get there for your ticket exchange.
No.
8
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Shinsaibashisuji
4.7
/5
4066 reviews
7.6
Based on 23 reviews
Shinsaibashi/Namba/Yotsubashi | 2.4 km from downtown
Address: Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Osaka landmark | Giant billboard | Neon nights
Historic Shinsaibashi landmark sign
Saved by 7078 users1248 positive reviews
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🌟Must-see photo spots (with best times)
1. Glico Sign
- 👉Camera locations: Middle of Ebisu Bridge (front view for panoramic shots), Riverside under the bridge (upward view with street view), 3rd floor of the drugstore across the street (close-up shots to avoid crowds)
- ⏰Time: No one's around before 9:00 AM! The atmosphere is even more dramatic at night when the lights are on (brightest from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM).
- ✨Tips: Wear light-colored clothing; the neon background is incredibly vibrant!
2. Dotonbori Canal
- 👉Camera locations: Walk along the riverside promenade, using the giant Crab Doraku sign or takoyaki model as your backdrop.
- ✨Tips: Have a friend take a photo from the other side, capturing the canal, lanterns, and you in the frame for a truly Japanese movie-inspired look! 3. American Village Graffiti Wall
- 👉Address: West side of Shinsaibashi (near Tanimachi 4-chome Subway Station)
- A variety of street-style graffiti and colorful shipping containers. Styling in trendy, cool clothes will make you look like you're in a magazine shoot!
4. European Village Cobblestone Street
- 👉Suochosuji Street, with its British-style streetlights and brick buildings. Strolling in a short skirt and snapping a few photos will instantly transform you into the streets of London~
👗Outfit Tips
- Japanese-Sweet Girl: Light-colored JK skirt/floral dress with white sneakers and a canvas bag.
- Street Style: Loose T-shirt, overalls, and sneakers. A baseball cap is even more striking.
- Retro Style: High-waisted jeans and a crop top. The retro poster wall at the entrance of Shinsaibashi PARCO is a perfect spot for photos!
📌 Tips
- Many drugstores have cartoon figures in front of them (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi's Kumamon), offering free photos with them—super cute!
- The cherry blossom season (March-April) and Christmas decorations (November-December) in front of Daimaru Department Store are great hidden photo spots.
- Go in the evening to take photos against the light—your hair will glow! Remember to use live mode to capture some moments!
Food and Prices
- Mizuno Okonomiyaki: Located at 1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, this okonomiyaki restaurant has been recognized by Michelin Guide for eight consecutive years. Both the yamanomiyaki and yakisoba okonomiyaki are highly recommended. The ingredients are plentiful and the portions are generous. The price per person is around 1,500 yen (approximately RMB 75).
- Shabucho: Located at 1-15-25 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, the sukiyaki here is tender and the vegetables are well-seasoned. The lunch hour is a great value, with prices around 3,000 yen (approximately 150 RMB) per person.
- Kibitaki: Located on the 3rd floor of Samboa Bldg, 2-1-10 Shinsaibashisuji, this is a highly rated yakitori restaurant in Shinsaibashi. The yakitori is cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Prices are around 2,000 yen (approximately 100 RMB) per person.
- Daiki Suisan Conveyor Belt Sushi: Located on the 10th floor of Daimaru Department Store, the sushi is fresh, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 RMB per plate, or around 80 RMB per person.
- Yoshinoya: Across from Shinsaibashi-gu, they offer tempura, oden, udon, and more, with prices ranging from 35 to 60 RMB per person.
A must-visit place in Osaka
Citywalk is a place for checking in, taking photos and shopping
No need to worry about voice problems or rain problems, the street design has solved them for you
The steamed buns and snacks in Figure 4 are worth lining up, and the Jinlong Ramen in Figure 6 comes with free rice and side dishes, which is definitely the king of cost-effectiveness.
This is also a paradise for purchasing agents, with discounts and tax refunds, but a bunch of live-streaming purchasing agents in drugstores should be managed.
Overall, it is worth spending a day here!
No.
9
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Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower
4.6
/5
400 reviews
7.5
From NZD 26.64
Osaka Bay | 4.7 km from downtown
Phone +81676705126
Address: 1-chōme-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0007, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Hot Springs Attractions
Highlights:
Kansai hot spring theme park
Instagram hotspot & private hot springs
Saved by 4585 users371 positive reviews
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This is the most surprising place in Osaka. Soraniwa Onsen is very comfortable and cozy.
It has hot springs, restaurants, games and entertainment, libraries, massage SPA, etc. It is very clean and quiet. The garden foot bath is in a huge Japanese garden with an area of about 1,000 square meters. You can wear a fashionable yukata to soak in the foot bath and enjoy the flowers and trees of each season! In addition, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious food.
Solaniwa Onsen at Osaka Bay Tower is an absolute gem for anyone seeking relaxation and a touch of traditional Japan. From the moment you step in, you're transported to a serene Edo-period atmosphere with beautiful lanterns, tranquil gardens, and the calming sound of flowing water. The open-air baths are pure bliss, especially under the night sky. Slip into a colorful yukata, stroll through the beautifully designed corridors, and treat yourself to authentic Japanese cuisine or a soothing massage.
No.
10
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Umeda Sky Building
4.7
/5
1139 reviews
7.5
From NZD 15.00
Based on 1,235 reviews
Osaka Station/Umeda/Yodoyabashi/Hommachi | 1.7 km from downtown
Phone +810664403899
Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2024 Global 100 - Night Attractions
Highlights:
Panoramic views of Osaka (567ft)
Osaka's 40-story twin towers
Saved by 4507 users679 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Umeda sky building is particularly impressive if you go late afternoon towards sun set. It about 18 minutes walk from the nearest metro stop but definitely worth visiting. Unfortunately the art museum was closed for the day, didn’t realise is shut so early, nevertheless, if you walk to the top floor, then up the stairs to the outside section, you’ll have spectacular 360 views! You can also eat/drink or just watch if you can get a stool at the large window area. Theres also lots of restaurants and shopping nearby.
Not many people, convenient transportation, right next to Osaka Station.
The circular elevator leading to the platform is full of technology.
The circular platform on the roof offers a panoramic view of Osaka City.
It is said that there is a starry sky trail for night viewing. If you don’t want to queue up at Tsutenkaku, I recommend coming here (2,000 yen per person).
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