To be honest, I only added Osaka into my Japan trip so I could visit USJ. But wow, Osaka is so worth it.
Osaka is a city full of culture and amazing food. The city is also much less busy than Tokyo, so (as an introvert) I found myself a bit more comfortable. The trains were easier to understand, and your money goes a bit further. We stayed in a very nice hotel for less than the price of our accommodation in Tokyo which was honestly pretty budget travel core.
Whether you’re visiting for the street food, the shopping, or the chaotic joy of Japanese arcades, Osaka delivers on fun, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
This guide is a mix of must-see attractions, personal favourites, and little gems that made my trip to Osaka so special. And whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for round two, there’s something here that’ll make you fall in love with this city all over again.
What is Osaka best known for?
Osaka is known for its incredible food scene, neon-lit nightlife, and fun, quirky energy. It’s home to iconic spots like Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, and famous local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
How many days do you need in Osaka?
You can hit the major highlights in 2–3 days, but if you want to dive into day trips, explore thrift stores, and eat your way through more neighborhoods, give yourself 4–5 days.
Is Osaka worth visiting if I’m already going to Tokyo?
Absolutely. Osaka has a completely different vibe, it’s more relaxed, less polished, and way more food-focused.
What’s the best area to stay in Osaka?
Try to stay close to the Osaka Loop Train Line. It hits a lot of the hotspots while still being accessible to places like the airport. We stayed at Joytel Hotel Osaka, which was walking distance to the Osaka Loop Line (Shin-Imamiya Station). We really loved our accomodation here, and it was right outside Shinsekai, a vibrant tourist spot for food and games.
Can I visit Nara as a day trip from Osaka?
Yes! Nara is just a 45-minute train ride from central Osaka, and it’s perfect for a half or full-day trip. The deer, the temples, the calm energy, it’s so worth it.
Top 10 Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
1. Explore Shinsekai: Osaka’s Retro “New World”
Shinsekai is a throwback to Osaka’s Showa era. Think neon signs, nostalgic food joints, and old-school charm. Tsutenkaku Tower stands tall in the center, surrounded by kushikatsu restaurants and vintage game arcades. It’s the perfect place to wander with no real plan and soak in the retro vibe.
2. Spend a Day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, a Nintendo lover, or just here for the rides, USJ is one of the best theme parks in Asia. Super Nintendo World is next-level (yes, it lives up to the hype). Pro tip: Go early and stay late, it’s 100% worth the full-day adventure. We found the express passes too expensive and were still able to do everything we wanted. We got there at about 6:30am to line up early and were able to get straight into Super Mario World, but honestly the area was open for everyone later in the afternoon, so I’m not convinced it was worth it. We did go on a bit of a gloomy day though, so take that with a grain of salt.
3. Take a Day Trip to See the Deer in Nara
Honestly, our day trip to Nara felt like such a peaceful dream. We went on a bit of a rainy day so it was quiet, but it honestly felt like an ASMR rain sounds video or something. You can feed the bowing deer at Nara Park, visit Todai-ji Temple with its giant Buddha, and enjoy the slower pace. Pack a snack, wear comfy shoes, and keep an eye on your deer food. Honestly some of the adult male deer could be a bit aggressive, so I kept my distance.
4. Explore Dotonbori
Dotonbori is the absolute must-visit if you’re in Osaka. It’s the city’s main district, full of street food, shopping, and activities. This is also where everyone gets a photo in front of the Glico Running Man sign. But the area is genuinely great, spend the day shopping and trying as much food as you can.
5. Stop by the Cinnamoroll Café
Whether or not you’re a huge Sanrio fan, I think visiting the Cinnamoroll Café in Osaka is a great idea. We just wandered right in without any idea how many people would have this on their bucket list, so we didn’t even need a reservation or anything when we visited. The café was so cute and full of Cinnamoroll themed food. Of course, the store was a bit on the pricey end, so we did stick to drinks and a dessert to share.
6. Try Vintage Shopping or Thrift Shopping
If you love secondhand shopping, Osaka has so much to offer. Japan is a great spot for vintage shopping and thrift shopping, and you can find lots of amazing or even designer pieces for very affordable prices. We started with places like Book Off which is a chain secondhand store across Japan.
7. Go Shopping at Don Quijote (Donki)
If you’re going to Japan, Don Quijote is a must visit. Especially good for souvenirs, beauty, and skincare, Donki is pretty much just a giant everything store. I stocked up on Japanese makeup and skincare, while my partner even bought himself a Seiko watch. Try to find a Mega Donki near you, and expect about five floors of literally anything you could think of. Plus if you’re at the Dontonbori location, they even have a Ferris wheel out the front.
8. Play (or Compete) at Round1 Stadium
Round1 is basically an adult playground. Think bowling, karaoke, sports courts, rollerskating, VR games, arcade games, and an entire go karting zone. You pay for timed entry and can access all of the activities an unlimited amount of times. Oh, and did I mention the mechanical bull riding?
9. Try Conveyor Belt Sushi at Kura Sushi
While Kura Sushi definitely wont be the best quality sushi you can find in Japan, Kura Sushi is a really fun dining experience. The plates are really affordable (around 100-150 yen each) and it’s all on a conveyor belt. Plus you order off a tablet which you can put in English, so everything is very tourist-friendly.
But Kura Sushi is so special because they have a really fun gachapon prize game on each table. You put your empty plates down this chute on the table and every five plates, you could win a gacha toy. You can actually choose at the start if you would like to guarantee your gacha toy, but you have to pay a little bit more for each plate.
10. Let Loose in an Osaka Arcade
Arcades in Japan are on another level. Claw machines, rhythm games, purikura photo booths, you name it. Try your luck at Gigo or Taito Station, or just spend a few hours people-watching and enjoying the vibe. It’s easy to lose track of time in the best way. If you’re anything like me and addicted to claw machines, this is an absolute must-do.
From thrill-seekers to food lovers to vintage shoppers, Osaka invites you to explore at your own pace and have a lot of fun while you’re at it. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in one of Japan’s food and culture hubs.
If you’re heading to Osaka soon, save this list of the best things to do and let yourself get swept up in the city’s wild, welcoming energy.
Let me know your top picks for Osaka, or if you have anything on your bucket list you’re hoping to tick off. Thanks for reading, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter!
