Top 5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Osaka

Life is not all about working and saving. Once in a while, it’s good to have fun with our loved ones off our daily routine. One of the best places you can visit for a vacation is Osaka in Japan. Once you get to Osaka, your mind will be blown away by the numerous attractions and entertainment you’ll find there. 

From friendly locals to the fascinating modern & historical structures to the best of the local Japanese foods, you’ll love it. Speaking of places to visit, here are the top places you can’t afford to miss in Osaka. 

  • Umeda Sky Building 

This fascinating structure was designed by Hiroshi Hara. It features two separate towers that are connected by an observation deck (doughnut-shaped). Umeda Sky is actually considered as a major landmark in Osaka thanks to its soaring height of 173m. 

For anyone looking to explore the city in one place, Umeda Sky is the place to be – it offers a 360-degree view of the entire city. Furthermore, it’s home to numerous malls, restaurants, and cafes, among others. 

  • Osaka Castle 

For historical fanatics, Osaka is a Must-Visit destination worth considering for a vacation. Osaka Castle (dates back to the 16th century) is one of the most famous historical sites with both tourists and locals. The castle was built under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583. While the castle may have been destroyed multiple times, it was later rebuilt between 1931 and 1995.

  • Osaka Local Food 

For food fanatics, Osaka is a great place to taste the best of the local Japanese foods. There are hundreds of food scenes with affordable and delicious cultural dishes at your disposal. Tokayaki, Ikayaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushi Katsu are some of the local Japanese delicacies you can’t afford not to taste. Shinsekai is one of the best places to visit if you are a Japanese food lover. 

  • Entertainment and shopping 

For shoppers and entertainment seekers, Dotonbori should be your No.1 place to visit when you get to Osaka. With numerous shopping arcades, amusement facilities, photogenic billboards, and fascinating flashy neon lights, you’ll fall in love with Dotonbori – especially at night when everything is illuminated. 

It’s no wonder that Dotonbori is considered as one of the best sceneries for movies and other entertainment shows. Don’t forget to visit the neighborhood – Ichiran and Ippudo also feature fascinating attractions. Amerikamura is also a great site to visit for the best of Japanese fashion and vintage clothes. Besides, there are numerous eateries where you can enjoy lunch when shopping. 

  • Osaka Aquarium Kaivukan 

Last on our list is the Osaka Aquarium Kaivukan. This aquarium is located in Temozan Harbor Village and houses more than 500 types of marine life. This is the best place to see whale sharks, sea lions, penguins, and dolphins. 

Conclusion 

Frankly, we can’t exhaust the beautiful and endless tourist attractions you’ll find in Osaka. If you have more time, make sure to check out other attractions such as the Namba Yasaka Shrine, Abeno Haruka, Shinsekai, and Universal Studio Osaka. If you’re looking for fun, Osaka hosts numerous amusement parks.