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That’s a shame, they don’t know what they’re missing. I loved my visit of Osaka. It’s not a *city-museum* like [Kyoto](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/3-days-in-kyoto/), there are probably less things to do in Osaka, but **I loved the vibe, the atmosphere of Osaka during my stay there.** Still, there are a few places to visit in Osaka.  Table of Contents Toggle - [Description of Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Description_of_Osaka) - [Things to do in Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Things_to_do_in_Osaka) - [Osaka castle](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Osaka_castle) - [Shi Tenno-Ji](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Shi_Tenno-Ji) - [Sumiyoshi-taisha](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Sumiyoshi-taisha) - [Shinsekai](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Shinsekai) - [Dotonbori](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Dotonbori) - [Mino Falls](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Mino_Falls) - [Other things to do in Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Other_things_to_do_in_Osaka) - [Activities in Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Activities_in_Osaka) - [How to get to Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#How_to_get_to_Osaka) - [How to get around in Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#How_to_get_around_in_Osaka) - [How many days to visit Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#How_many_days_to_visit_Osaka) - [Where to stay in Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Where_to_stay_in_Osaka) - [Osaka travel tips](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Osaka_travel_tips) - [Related Posts](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#Related_Posts) ## Description of Osaka Before talking about the places to visit in Osaka, let me describe the city quickly! **Japanese are usually relatively discreet, a bit self-effacing and withdrawn. In Osaka, the locals are a lot more relaxed than anywhere else in the country.** Really, they’re cool, warm and funny, which contrasts with the Japanese of the other cities. Inhabitants of Osaka are really different! It’s possible to start a conversation easily with them, they smile more there, you can even see some of them crossing the street when the light is red for the pedestrians! Crazy! Even at the bar, I was able to exchange ideas with the locals, which is something definitely not easy to do in the other cities. Therefore I was in good mood during my visit to Osaka.  **Osaka is the third biggest city in Japan** (after [Tokyo](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/tokyo-districts/) and Yokohama). It was the capital of the country from 645 to 655, and again briefly in 744 and 745. Osaka is also home to the oldest Buddhist temple of Japan! Osaka was severely damaged during World War II, and the reconstruction was a lot longer and less organized there than in other cities like [Hiroshima](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/visit-hiroshima-miyajima-japan/) or [Kobe](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/things-to-do-in-kobe/).  Sumiyoshi-taisha canal **In Osaka, you’ll see almost everywhere a drawing of a tall athlete running, hands in the air** (he’s probably finishing his run!). I wondered several times “Who the hell is this?”, we see him all over the place, sometimes drawn on a red background, sometimes on a blue one. After a little bit of research, I found out he’s the mascot of the city. It’s actually the mascot of Ezaki Glico, a Japanese food company manufacturing confectionery products such as chocolate, ice cream… It was first the mascot of this company, but over time it became the mascot of the city.  The running man, the mascot of Osaka Unlike Kyoto where the city falls asleep right after the sun sets, there’s an important nightlife in Osaka. It’s possible to rediscover the city nighttime, but also have a drink at the bar, party ’til the break of dawn… By the way, **that’s what Osaka is known for, the place to be for the party animals.** While we’re at it, even though Osaka is the third biggest city in Japan, the cost of living is a bit lower than elsewhere, especially regarding accommodation. Therefore it’s more interesting financially to stay there if you plan to do day trips to the neighboring cities ([Kobe, Nara](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/things-to-do-in-kobe/), [Kyoto](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/3-days-in-kyoto/)). Anyway, let’s see what to do in Osaka.  ## Things to do in Osaka ### Osaka castle **One of the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka castle.** It was built in 1583, and it played a major role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. It was destroyed during World War II, but they were able to rebuild it. Inside the castle, you’ll find a museum relating the history of Osaka, Japanese works of art are exhibited, and you have a view of the city on top of the castle. To be honest, visiting the museum is not necessary… It’s 600 yens (5 euros) to get in. I noticed the Japanese knock the entrance door of the castle before getting in. I don’t know why… If you decide not to get in the museum, it’s still possible to have a walk in the park surrounding the castle, it’s big and very beautiful. If you’re into castles, don’t miss the Himeji castle, it’s not far from Osaka! Here’s more info if you consider doing a [Himeji castle day trip](https://gretastravels.com/himeji-castle-day-trip/)\!  Osaka castle ### Shi Tenno-Ji I talked about it earlier, **Shi Tenno-Ji is the oldest Buddhist temple of Japan, it was built in 593…** by Korean guys! It’s quite big inside, in fact there are four or five entrances to get in there. A nice temple! It’s possible to relax in the surroundings, you’ll see several locals just chilling there, but few tourists. It’s 300 yens (2.50€) to get in the temple. A little bit further, there’s also Tennoji park, which is not bad 🙂  Shi Tenno-ji ### Sumiyoshi-taisha **Sumiyoshi-Taisha is a complex of several shinto shrines located in the south of the city.** It’s dedicated to the three shinto gods, the *sumiyoshi sanjin*. You’ll notice there’s a finial on the roof of the shrines, which looks like a fork. It’s really nice to have a walk there, it’s not in the city center, so there are less people and it’s quieter. When you get there, you’re immediately amazed by the canal and its bridge. Supposedly, Sumiyoshi-taisha dates back to the 3rd century, which would make it the oldest shrine in Japan! A lot of locals go there for the New Year. It’s free to get in.  Sumiyoshi-taisha ### Shinsekai Shinsekai is a lively neighborhood of Osaka. Shinsekai means “New World” (I know that thanks to One Piece!). This neighborhood was built in the early 20th century. In fact, **the main goal was to mimic the atmosphere of the big Western cities like [New York City](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/visit-new-york-first-time/), [London](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/2-days-in-london/), [Paris](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/weekend-in-paris/)…** The result is quite… special 😀 I invite you to go see Shinsekai but the atmosphere there is a bit quirky, rather eccentric. Shinsekai is the place to be if you’re into shopping. In Shinsekai, you’ll also see Tsutenkaku, a 103-meters (337 ft.) high tower. It’s possible to get on top of the tower if you want to, but I didn’t do it. It’s 700 yens (almost 6 euros).  Shinsekai and its tower Tsutenkaku ### Dotonbori Dotonbori is a street you cannot miss in Osaka. **It’s probably the most famous street in Osaka, and this is where everything happens from nightfall : malls, restaurants, clubs, karaoke, fluorescent lights…** The restaurants there are a bit expensive but if you go to the adjacent streets, it’s a lot better regarding the prices. Dotonbori is located in a neighborhood called Namba, and it’s really the ideal area to go party. In this neighborhood, don’t miss the Kuromon Ichiba market, a big indoor market where you can taste the region’s specialties, mostly the *takoyaki* (those are ball-shaped Japanese snack filled with octopus).  Even daytime, Dotonbori is crowded ### Mino Falls About 15 kilometers (ten miles) away north of Osaka, it’s possible to admire the Mino Falls. You have to go to the Minoo subway station, and from there **start a 2.5 kilometers (1.5 mile) hike to see the falls.** It’s a good way [to stay in shape](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/how-to-stay-in-shape-while-traveling/)! Frankly the hike is easy, you’ll see numerous couples there but also old people, locals going jogging… During the hike, you’ll see temples, cafés, shops… There’s even an insect museum for those who are interested (it’s 270 yens to get in, 2.25€). We finally make it to the fall, beautiful 🙂  Mino Falls ### Other things to do in Osaka There are even more things to do in Osaka. I’m especially thinking about **the Universal Studios theme park**. I saw the price and decided I wouldn’t go! It’s about 7000 yens (60€). Next to Universal Studios, you have **the Kaiyukan aquarium** and **the Tempozan ferris wheel.** Those are activities you can do if you’re traveling with your partner or your family, a bit less when you’re traveling solo. In Osaka, there’s also **the Umeda Sky Building**, a 150-meters (500 ft.) high skyscraper. It’s possible to get on top. There’s a museum I wanted to see, **the Cupnoodles Museum.** It explains the history of ramen, exhibits ramen bowls… I arrived there at 4pm, the museum had just closed… ### Activities in Osaka You can visit the non-touristic areas of Osaka with a local guide. [Click here for more info](https://www.getyourguide.com/osaka-l1204/osaka-deep-backstreets-exploration-t365285/?partner_id=PYKRCTI&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=roobens%40beenaroundtheglobe.com&placement=content-end). You can also go on a day trip to Kyoto and Nara. [Click here for more info](https://www.getyourguide.com/kyoto-l96826/osakakyoto-tour-to-kinkakuji-fushimi-inari-taisha-and-nara-t179654/?partner_id=PYKRCTI&utm_medium=online_publisher&utm_source=roobens%40beenaroundtheglobe.com&placement=content-end). I really liked my visit to Osaka. It was probably my favorite place, less for the beauty of the city than the mentality of the locals there, so different from the Japanese in other cities. I really had a good time. If I had to pick place where to settle in Japan, it would be Tokyo or Osaka! Don’t skip Osaka if you go to Japan\! ## How to get to Osaka The easiest way from anywhere in Japan is by shinkansen (Japanese fast train). It’s free with the Japan Rail Pass. From Kyoto, it’s a 30 minutes ride. From Tokyo, it’s a two hours and a half ride. [Click here to buy it](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/recommends/japan-rail-pass-usd/ "Japan Rail Pass USD"). There’s also an airport in Osaka. [Click here](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/recommends/skyscanner-us/ "Skyscanner US") to check the latest flight prices. ## How to get around in Osaka By subway, it’s the easiest way\! ## How many days to visit Osaka I think three days are enough. If you go to Universal Studios and/or the aquarium, then four days is better. ## Where to stay in Osaka Here’s a complete guide to find out [where to stay in Osaka](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/where-to-stay-in-osaka/). If you’re traveling on a budget, the Picnic Hostel Osaka is a good hostel. [Click here to book your stay](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/picnic-hostel-osaka.en.html?aid=1519934&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2). If you’re looking for a mid-range place, the Tomiya is a nice condo hotel. [Click here to book your stay](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/traveler-39-s-inn-tomiya.en.html?aid=1519934&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2). If you’re into luxury hotels, you can stay at the Osaka Marriott. [Click here to book your stay](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/osaka-marriott-miyako.en.html?aid=1519934&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2). Otherwise [click here](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?city=-240905&aid=1519934&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2) to check what are the hotels available in Osaka. Finally, if you prefer to stay in an apartment, [click here](https://www.airbnb.com/associates/34329?s=67&c=.pi115.pk0_6&a4ptk=6450_0_6_34329&af=115) to check the apartments available on Airbnb. ## Osaka travel tips - **Traveling soon?** Check out my [travel resources](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/travel-resources/) page! This [list of travel accessories](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/best-travel-gifts/) can also be useful\! - **Wanna go to Japan?** Check the visa policy [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Japan). Most Western countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free. - Check my [Japan travel guide](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/japan-travel-tips-things-to-know/) : all the things to know before you go. - **Don’t go to Japan without a [travel insurance](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/recommends/world-nomads/ "SafetyWing")\!** Here’s [why buy travel insurance](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/why-buy-travel-insurance/)\! - **Want a tailor-made trip to Japan?** [Get a free quote here](https://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=276456&a=3034758&g=23741610)\! - **Always use a VPN when traveling.** I use [ExpressVPN](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/recommends/expressvpn/ "ExpressVPN") and I love it! Here’s [why use a VPN when traveling](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/use-vpn-travel/). [](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/black-travel-book/) ### Related Posts - [3 days in Kyoto itinerary: places to visit](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/3-days-in-kyoto/) - [10 best things to do in Kobe](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/things-to-do-in-kobe/) - [Sexual frustration in Japan](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/sexual-frustration-japan/) [Share](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beenaroundtheglobe.com%2Fplaces-to-visit-in-osaka%2F) [Tweet](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=10+best+places+to+visit+in+Osaka&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beenaroundtheglobe.com%2Fplaces-to-visit-in-osaka%2F&via=beenaroundglobe) [Pin3K](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beenaroundtheglobe.com%2Fplaces-to-visit-in-osaka%2F) 3K Shares Filed Under: [Japan](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/category/destinations/asia/northeast-asia/japan/) ## Reader Interactions ### Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/places-to-visit-in-osaka/#respond) ## Primary Sidebar ### I wrote a book [](https://www.beenaroundtheglobe.com/black-travel-book/) ### About Me  #### Blogger & Traveller Hi! 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