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URLhttps://www.timeout.com/osaka/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-osaka
Last Crawled2026-04-09 14:05:02 (2 days ago)
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HTTP Status Code200
Meta Title11 Best Things To Do In Osaka Right Now
Meta DescriptionFrom the pretty Osaka castle to feisty Dotonbori – and many eats in-between – these are the best things to do in Osaka.
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Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock One of the best things to do in Osaka is ‘kuidaore’ or ‘to eat yourself broke’. Need we say more? Thursday 6 March 2025 Share You've done Tokyo, but have you done Osaka? Though this city  can sometimes get overlooked for its more famous neighbours, it's well worth a week on its own;  this city is louder, brasher and often more merry than Tokyo – making the best things to do in Osaka some of the top activities in Japan, period.  The locals here also like to eat, so much so that they have a word for it: kuidaore , or ‘to eat yourself broke’ in the local Osakan dialect. Leaving this city hungry (or with a full wallet) is a no-go. It's a relatively small, compact city, but it packs a punch. From Osaka Castle to flashy Dotonbori, here are the best things to do in Osaka right now.  RECOMMENDED: đŸ‡ŻđŸ‡” The most underrated destinations in Japan ⛩ How to do two weeks in Japan 💼 Is it insane to go to Japan for a week? Time Out Market Osaka The first of its kind in Asia, Time Out Market Osaka brings together the best of the city under one roof, all curated by Time Out editors. This food and cultural hub features the city’s award-winning chefs, beloved local institutions and rising culinary stars to offer a sampling of Osaka and the Kansai region’s vibrant dining scene. Find out what’s on at the Market right here . Top things to do in Osaka 1.  Osaka Castle What is it? A beautifully renovated castle, and one of Japan’s most famous to boot. Why go? Unlike neighbouring Kyoto or Nara, Osaka doesn’t have a whole lot of traditional architecture left, but the castle is a sight to behold. The top floors have some pretty interesting exhibits, and the entire area turns pink during cherry blossom season, making it a very popular picnic spot. Beautiful as it may be, go in winter to avoid the extreme crowds. 2.  Dotonbori What is it? Osaka’s premier entertainment district, chock-full of bars, restaurants, shops and more, all set along a small canal. If you’ve ever seen a photo of Osaka that’s not of the castle, it was probably taken here. Why go? Dotonbori is what Osaka is all about: food, drink, and good company. It’s touristy, yes, but don’t let that deter you: there’s so much crammed into this space that you’ll find something to your liking. Walk, eat, shop, repeat. Plus, have you really been to Osaka if you haven’t snapped a selfie with the neon Glico Running Man sign? 3.  Shinsekai restaurants What is it? One of Osaka’s local specialties is kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers of your favourite meats, vegetables and occasionally unidentifiable ingredients. The restaurants around Shinsekai do it best. Why go? Legend has it that kushikatsu was born in the backstreets of Shinsekai. True or not, it would explain the excessive amounts of restaurants dedicated to the skewers. Kushikatsu Daruma is the most famous joint, but if you want a fun DIY experience, try Kushikatsu Baikingu Daitoryo, where you can fry your own skewers. The only rule? No double-dipping. 4.  Osaka Comedy Club What is it? Osaka’s premier English-language comedy club. Why go? Sure, Asia may not be a continent that's famed for its comedic outputs, but the Osaka Comedy Club is a popular venue that's well worth a snoop around. Erupting vibrantly onto the comedy scene in 2011, the spot is now a celebrated venue that hosts both local talent and award-winning international acts that any comedy fan would recognise. You can expect open mic nights as well as bookable sets. Worried about the language barrier? Well, if you're not blessed with suitable Japanese linguistic skills, then don't fret – OCC has shows in English, too. 5.  Tower of the Sun What is it? A tower built by artist Taro Okamoto, re-opened to the public in 2018. Why go? Built for the 1970 World Expo, this three-faced structure (the faces representing past, present and future) was closed to the public for a good 50 years. After getting some much-needed renovation love, it reopened in March 2018. The exterior is interesting in itself, but the vibrant ‘Tree of Life’ interior design is more than worth the effort of getting a ticket. Enter email address By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! 6.  Kuromon Market What is it? A covered market full of street eats and local specialties. Why go? Kuromon Market is one of the better places in the city to snack yourself through. Grab some of the many seafood skewers, plonk yourself down in any of the sushi restaurants (try some oshizushi, a local version of sushi), or just pick up a bag of pickles – it’s bound to taste good. 7.  Gate Tower Building What is it? A highway that runs straight through a building. No, really. Why go? It’s a land dispute-meets-architectural-quirk that is certainly memorable. The government planned a highway, the landowners planned a building – the compromise was a highway that runs through floors five to seven, and an elevator that skips from the fourth to the eighth floor. Ingenious, and a seriously cool photo opp. 8.  Okonomiyaki Fukutaro What is it? An old-school restaurant serving one of Japan’s favourite soul foods: okonomiyaki, a type of savoury pancake. Why go? Osaka is the birthplace of this glorious snack. Part of the wider ‘B-Gourmet’ culture, they’re usually cheap, filling, and damn well tasty. That doesn’t mean quality is skimped on, however: the okonomiyaki (go for the butatama , minced pork) at the old-school Okonomiyaki Fukutaro is cooked to order and made with freshest ingredients. 9.  Sakai knife workshops What is it? Sakai is a port town just south of Osaka, known for its blacksmiths and knife makers. Why go? Any chef, professional or not, will wax lyrical about Japanese knives – and Sakai is where they’re from. You’ll find knife workshops dotted around the old town, but for a crash course, the Hamono Museum  is the place to be. Its souvenir shop, full of knives, is more than worth a browse too, and they have some hands-on experiences too. Just keep an eye on what you're doing, ok? 10.  Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street What is it? A street full of anything you’d ever need in a kitchen. Why go? After all that eating, you might just want to try your hand at making some of that goodness yourself. Or perhaps you’re just a sucker for nice tableware? This covered shopping street, a local favourite, will definitely be able to sort you out, whether you’re after a takoyaki pan or a pretty rice bowl. 11.  Amerikamura What is it? ‘ Ame-mura ’ (short for ‘Amerikamura’ or ‘America village’) is a small, funky district of import stores and internationally minded bars. Why go? There’s even a Statue of Liberty. The statue itself isn’t particularly impressive, but it does highlight the quirkiness of the surrounding neighbourhood. You’ll find plenty of secondhand ’90s sportswear and Americana memorabilia here. To people-watch, just hang out in Sankaku-koen (Triangle Park). If it all gets a bit too much, escape to Shinsaibashi’s Standard Bookstore down the road, which has a nice cafĂ© in the basement. Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Sign up to our newsletter to enjoy Time Out without spending a thing (as well as options when you're feeling flush). By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
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Need we say more? Thursday 6 March 2025 Share Copy Link [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.timeout.com/osaka/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-osaka) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet/?text=The%2011%20best%20things%20to%20do%20in%20Osaka&url=https://www.timeout.com/osaka/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-osaka) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.timeout.com/osaka/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-osaka) [Email](<mailto:?subject=The%2011%20best%20things%20to%20do%20in%20Osaka&body=The%2011%20best%20things%20to%20do%20in%20Osaka https://www.timeout.com/osaka/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-osaka.>) [WhatsApp](https://web.whatsapp.com/send?text=$text$%20$url$) Written by [Kirsty Bouwers](https://www.timeout.com/profile/kirsty-bouwers) Advertising You've done Tokyo, but have you done Osaka? Though this city can sometimes get overlooked for its more famous neighbours, it's well worth a week on its own; this city is louder, brasher and often more merry than Tokyo – making the best things to do in Osaka some of the top activities in Japan, period. The locals here also like to eat, so much so that they have a word for it: *kuidaore*, or ‘to eat yourself broke’ in the local Osakan dialect. Leaving this city hungry (or with a full wallet) is a no-go. It's a relatively small, compact city, but it packs a punch. From Osaka Castle to flashy Dotonbori, here are the best things to do in Osaka right now. **RECOMMENDED: đŸ‡ŻđŸ‡” The most [underrated destinations in Japan](https://www.timeout.com/japan/travel/underrated-destinations-japan) ⛩ How to do [two weeks in Japan](https://www.timeout.com/japan/travel/japan-two-week-train-itinerary) 💼 Is it insane to [go to Japan for a week?](https://www.timeout.com/japan/travel/week-in-japan-itinerary)** *[Kirsty Bouwers](https://www.timeout.com/profile/kirsty-bouwers) is a staff writer for Time Out Tokyo. At Time Out, all of our* [*travel guides*](https://www.timeout.com/travel/travel-guides) *are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our* [*editorial guidelines*](https://www.timeout.com/about/editorial-guidelines)*.* Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Sign up to our newsletter to enjoy Time Out without spending a thing (as well as options when you're feeling flush). By entering your email address you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.timeout.com/terms-of-use) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.timeout.com/privacy-notice) and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed\! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon\! ![Time Out Market Osaka](https://www.timeout.com/static/images/tom/tom_logo_neg_jp-osaka.png) [Time Out Market Osaka](https://www.timeout.com/osaka/restaurants/time-out-market-osaka) - Osaka [![Time Out Market Osaka](https://media.timeout.com/images/106251813/750/562/image.jpg)Time Out Market Osaka](https://www.timeout.com/osaka/restaurants/time-out-market-osaka) The first of its kind in Asia, Time Out Market Osaka brings together the best of the city under one roof, all curated by Time Out editors. This food and cultural hub features the city’s award-winning chefs, beloved local institutions and rising culinary stars to offer a sampling of Osaka and the Kansai region’s vibrant dining scene. [Find out what’s on at the Market right here](https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-osaka). ## Top things to do in Osaka ### 1\. Osaka Castle ![Osaka Castle](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263310/750/422/image.jpg) ![Osaka Castle](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263310/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** A beautifully renovated castle, and one of Japan’s most famous to boot. **Why go?** Unlike neighbouring Kyoto or Nara, Osaka doesn’t have a whole lot of traditional architecture left, but the castle is a sight to behold. The top floors have some pretty interesting exhibits, and the entire area turns pink during cherry blossom season, making it a very popular picnic spot. Beautiful as it may be, go in winter to avoid the extreme crowds. [Book now](http://attractions.timeout.com/en/11312/tours/Osaka/Ninja-Walking-Plan-near-Osaka-Castle/d333-51978P195) Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Sign up to our newsletter to enjoy Time Out without spending a thing (as well as options when you're feeling flush). By entering your email address you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.timeout.com/terms-of-use) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.timeout.com/privacy-notice) and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed\! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon\! ### 2\. Dotonbori ![Dotonbori](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263311/750/422/image.jpg) ![Dotonbori](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263311/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** Osaka’s premier entertainment district, chock-full of bars, restaurants, shops and more, all set along a small canal. If you’ve ever seen a photo of Osaka that’s not of the castle, it was probably taken here. **Why go?** Dotonbori is what Osaka is all about: food, drink, and good company. It’s touristy, yes, but don’t let that deter you: there’s so much crammed into this space that you’ll find something to your liking. Walk, eat, shop, repeat. Plus, have you really been to Osaka if you haven’t snapped a selfie with the neon Glico Running Man sign? [Book now](https://www.getyourguide.com/dotonbori-l96745/) Advertising ### 3\. Shinsekai restaurants ![Shinsekai restaurants](https://media.timeout.com/images/106262021/750/422/image.jpg) ![Shinsekai restaurants](https://media.timeout.com/images/106262021/750/562/image.jpg) Photo: 30gorkor/Dreamstime **What is it?** One of Osaka’s local specialties is kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers of your favourite meats, vegetables and occasionally unidentifiable ingredients. The restaurants around Shinsekai do it best. **Why go?** Legend has it that kushikatsu was born in the backstreets of Shinsekai. True or not, it would explain the excessive amounts of restaurants dedicated to the skewers. Kushikatsu Daruma is the most famous joint, but if you want a fun DIY experience, try Kushikatsu Baikingu Daitoryo, where you can fry your own skewers. The only rule? No double-dipping. [Book now](http://attractions.timeout.com/en/11312/tours/Osaka/Osaka-Foodies-Group-tour/d333-22288P3) ### 4\. Osaka Comedy Club ![Osaka Comedy Club](https://media.timeout.com/images/106366934/750/422/image.jpg) ![Osaka Comedy Club](https://media.timeout.com/images/106366934/750/562/image.jpg) Photo: Osaka Comedy Club **What is it?** Osaka’s premier English-language comedy club. **Why go?** Sure, Asia may not be a continent that's famed for its comedic outputs, but the [Osaka Comedy Club](https://www.osakacomedyclub.com/) is a popular venue that's well worth a snoop around. Erupting vibrantly onto the comedy scene in 2011, the spot is now a celebrated venue that hosts both local talent and award-winning international acts that any comedy fan would recognise. You can expect open mic nights as well as bookable sets. Worried about the language barrier? Well, if you're not blessed with suitable Japanese linguistic skills, then don't fret – OCC has shows in English, too. Advertising ### 5\. Tower of the Sun ![Tower of the Sun](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263319/750/422/image.jpg) ![Tower of the Sun](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263319/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** A tower built by artist Taro Okamoto, re-opened to the public in 2018. **Why go?** Built for the 1970 World Expo, this three-faced structure (the faces representing past, present and future) was closed to the public for a good 50 years. After getting some much-needed renovation love, it reopened in March 2018. The exterior is interesting in itself, but the vibrant ‘Tree of Life’ interior design is more than worth the effort of getting a ticket. ### 6\. Kuromon Market ![Kuromon Market](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263320/750/422/image.jpg) ![Kuromon Market](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263320/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** A covered market full of street eats and local specialties. **Why go?** Kuromon Market is one of the better places in the city to snack yourself through. Grab some of the many seafood skewers, plonk yourself down in any of the sushi restaurants (try some oshizushi, a local version of sushi), or just pick up a bag of pickles – it’s bound to taste good. [Book now](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=kuromon+market&searchSource=3) Advertising ### 7\. Gate Tower Building ![Gate Tower Building](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263322/750/422/image.jpg) ![Gate Tower Building](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263322/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** A highway that runs straight through a building. No, really. **Why go?** It’s a land dispute-meets-architectural-quirk that is certainly memorable. The government planned a highway, the landowners planned a building – the compromise was a highway that runs through floors five to seven, and an elevator that skips from the fourth to the eighth floor. Ingenious, and a seriously cool photo opp. ### 8\. Okonomiyaki Fukutaro ![Okonomiyaki Fukutaro](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263394/750/422/image.jpg) ![Okonomiyaki Fukutaro](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263394/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** An old-school restaurant serving one of Japan’s favourite soul foods: okonomiyaki, a type of savoury pancake. **Why go?** Osaka is the birthplace of this glorious snack. Part of the wider ‘B-Gourmet’ culture, they’re usually cheap, filling, and damn well tasty. That doesn’t mean quality is skimped on, however: the okonomiyaki (go for the *butatama*, minced pork) at the old-school [Okonomiyaki Fukutaro](http://2951.jp/en/) is cooked to order and made with freshest ingredients. Advertising ### 9\. Sakai knife workshops ![Sakai knife workshops](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263326/750/422/image.jpg) ![Sakai knife workshops](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263326/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** Sakai is a port town just south of Osaka, known for its blacksmiths and knife makers. **Why go?** Any chef, professional or not, will wax lyrical about Japanese knives – and Sakai is where they’re from. You’ll find knife workshops dotted around the old town, but for a crash course, the [Hamono Museum](https://www.hamonoyasan.com/) is the place to be. Its souvenir shop, full of knives, is more than worth a browse too, and they have some hands-on experiences too. Just keep an eye on what you're doing, ok? ### 10\. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street ![Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263395/750/422/image.jpg) ![Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263395/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** A street full of anything you’d ever need in a kitchen. **Why go?** After all that eating, you might just want to try your hand at making some of that goodness yourself. Or perhaps you’re just a sucker for nice tableware? This covered shopping street, a local favourite, will definitely be able to sort you out, whether you’re after a takoyaki pan or a pretty rice bowl. Advertising ### 11\. Amerikamura ![Amerikamura](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263397/750/422/image.jpg) ![Amerikamura](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263397/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock **What is it?** ‘[Ame-mura](http://americamura.jp/en/)’ (short for ‘Amerikamura’ or ‘America village’) is a small, funky district of import stores and internationally minded bars. **Why go?** There’s even a Statue of Liberty. The statue itself isn’t particularly impressive, but it does highlight the quirkiness of the surrounding neighbourhood. You’ll find plenty of secondhand ’90s sportswear and Americana memorabilia here. To people-watch, just hang out in Sankaku-koen (Triangle Park). If it all gets a bit too much, escape to Shinsaibashi’s Standard Bookstore down the road, which has a nice cafĂ© in the basement. Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Sign up to our newsletter to enjoy Time Out without spending a thing (as well as options when you're feeling flush). By entering your email address you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.timeout.com/terms-of-use) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.timeout.com/privacy-notice) and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed\! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon\! 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![Kuromon market](https://media.timeout.com/images/105263320/750/562/image.jpg) Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock Photograph: Courtesy Shutterstock One of the best things to do in Osaka is ‘kuidaore’ or ‘to eat yourself broke’. Need we say more? Thursday 6 March 2025 Share You've done Tokyo, but have you done Osaka? Though this city can sometimes get overlooked for its more famous neighbours, it's well worth a week on its own; this city is louder, brasher and often more merry than Tokyo – making the best things to do in Osaka some of the top activities in Japan, period. The locals here also like to eat, so much so that they have a word for it: *kuidaore*, or ‘to eat yourself broke’ in the local Osakan dialect. Leaving this city hungry (or with a full wallet) is a no-go. It's a relatively small, compact city, but it packs a punch. From Osaka Castle to flashy Dotonbori, here are the best things to do in Osaka right now. **RECOMMENDED: đŸ‡ŻđŸ‡” The most [underrated destinations in Japan](https://www.timeout.com/japan/travel/underrated-destinations-japan) ⛩ How to do [two weeks in Japan](https://www.timeout.com/japan/travel/japan-two-week-train-itinerary) 💼 Is it insane to [go to Japan for a week?](https://www.timeout.com/japan/travel/week-in-japan-itinerary)** ![Time Out Market Osaka](https://www.timeout.com/static/images/tom/tom_logo_neg_jp-osaka.png) [Time Out Market Osaka](https://www.timeout.com/osaka/restaurants/time-out-market-osaka) The first of its kind in Asia, Time Out Market Osaka brings together the best of the city under one roof, all curated by Time Out editors. This food and cultural hub features the city’s award-winning chefs, beloved local institutions and rising culinary stars to offer a sampling of Osaka and the Kansai region’s vibrant dining scene. [Find out what’s on at the Market right here](https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-osaka). ## Top things to do in Osaka 1\. Osaka Castle **What is it?** A beautifully renovated castle, and one of Japan’s most famous to boot. **Why go?** Unlike neighbouring Kyoto or Nara, Osaka doesn’t have a whole lot of traditional architecture left, but the castle is a sight to behold. The top floors have some pretty interesting exhibits, and the entire area turns pink during cherry blossom season, making it a very popular picnic spot. Beautiful as it may be, go in winter to avoid the extreme crowds. 2\. Dotonbori **What is it?** Osaka’s premier entertainment district, chock-full of bars, restaurants, shops and more, all set along a small canal. If you’ve ever seen a photo of Osaka that’s not of the castle, it was probably taken here. **Why go?** Dotonbori is what Osaka is all about: food, drink, and good company. It’s touristy, yes, but don’t let that deter you: there’s so much crammed into this space that you’ll find something to your liking. Walk, eat, shop, repeat. Plus, have you really been to Osaka if you haven’t snapped a selfie with the neon Glico Running Man sign? 3\. Shinsekai restaurants **What is it?** One of Osaka’s local specialties is kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers of your favourite meats, vegetables and occasionally unidentifiable ingredients. The restaurants around Shinsekai do it best. **Why go?** Legend has it that kushikatsu was born in the backstreets of Shinsekai. True or not, it would explain the excessive amounts of restaurants dedicated to the skewers. Kushikatsu Daruma is the most famous joint, but if you want a fun DIY experience, try Kushikatsu Baikingu Daitoryo, where you can fry your own skewers. The only rule? No double-dipping. 4\. Osaka Comedy Club **What is it?** Osaka’s premier English-language comedy club. **Why go?** Sure, Asia may not be a continent that's famed for its comedic outputs, but the [Osaka Comedy Club](https://www.osakacomedyclub.com/) is a popular venue that's well worth a snoop around. Erupting vibrantly onto the comedy scene in 2011, the spot is now a celebrated venue that hosts both local talent and award-winning international acts that any comedy fan would recognise. You can expect open mic nights as well as bookable sets. Worried about the language barrier? Well, if you're not blessed with suitable Japanese linguistic skills, then don't fret – OCC has shows in English, too. 5\. Tower of the Sun **What is it?** A tower built by artist Taro Okamoto, re-opened to the public in 2018. **Why go?** Built for the 1970 World Expo, this three-faced structure (the faces representing past, present and future) was closed to the public for a good 50 years. After getting some much-needed renovation love, it reopened in March 2018. The exterior is interesting in itself, but the vibrant ‘Tree of Life’ interior design is more than worth the effort of getting a ticket. 6\. Kuromon Market **What is it?** A covered market full of street eats and local specialties. **Why go?** Kuromon Market is one of the better places in the city to snack yourself through. Grab some of the many seafood skewers, plonk yourself down in any of the sushi restaurants (try some oshizushi, a local version of sushi), or just pick up a bag of pickles – it’s bound to taste good. 7\. Gate Tower Building **What is it?** A highway that runs straight through a building. No, really. **Why go?** It’s a land dispute-meets-architectural-quirk that is certainly memorable. The government planned a highway, the landowners planned a building – the compromise was a highway that runs through floors five to seven, and an elevator that skips from the fourth to the eighth floor. Ingenious, and a seriously cool photo opp. 8\. Okonomiyaki Fukutaro **What is it?** An old-school restaurant serving one of Japan’s favourite soul foods: okonomiyaki, a type of savoury pancake. **Why go?** Osaka is the birthplace of this glorious snack. Part of the wider ‘B-Gourmet’ culture, they’re usually cheap, filling, and damn well tasty. That doesn’t mean quality is skimped on, however: the okonomiyaki (go for the *butatama*, minced pork) at the old-school [Okonomiyaki Fukutaro](http://2951.jp/en/) is cooked to order and made with freshest ingredients. 9\. Sakai knife workshops **What is it?** Sakai is a port town just south of Osaka, known for its blacksmiths and knife makers. **Why go?** Any chef, professional or not, will wax lyrical about Japanese knives – and Sakai is where they’re from. You’ll find knife workshops dotted around the old town, but for a crash course, the [Hamono Museum](https://www.hamonoyasan.com/) is the place to be. Its souvenir shop, full of knives, is more than worth a browse too, and they have some hands-on experiences too. Just keep an eye on what you're doing, ok? 10\. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street **What is it?** A street full of anything you’d ever need in a kitchen. **Why go?** After all that eating, you might just want to try your hand at making some of that goodness yourself. Or perhaps you’re just a sucker for nice tableware? This covered shopping street, a local favourite, will definitely be able to sort you out, whether you’re after a takoyaki pan or a pretty rice bowl. 11\. Amerikamura **What is it?** ‘[Ame-mura](http://americamura.jp/en/)’ (short for ‘Amerikamura’ or ‘America village’) is a small, funky district of import stores and internationally minded bars. **Why go?** There’s even a Statue of Liberty. The statue itself isn’t particularly impressive, but it does highlight the quirkiness of the surrounding neighbourhood. You’ll find plenty of secondhand ’90s sportswear and Americana memorabilia here. To people-watch, just hang out in Sankaku-koen (Triangle Park). If it all gets a bit too much, escape to Shinsaibashi’s Standard Bookstore down the road, which has a nice cafĂ© in the basement. Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Sign up to our newsletter to enjoy Time Out without spending a thing (as well as options when you're feeling flush). By entering your email address you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.timeout.com/terms-of-use) and [Privacy Policy](https://www.timeout.com/privacy-notice) and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed\! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon\!
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