Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Osaka with our comprehensive guide to the city’s 15 best attractions. Experience Osaka’s various offerings and distinct character by exploring its iconic sites, lively neighborhoods, and hidden gems.
The order/number on the list does not indicate rating or ranking; all are equivalently ranked as must-visit attraction in Osaka, Japan.
15 Best Attraction in Osaka, Japan
- 1. Shitenno-ji Temple
- 2. Dotonbori
- 3. Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo)
- 4. Tsutenkaku Tower
- 5. Nara Park (Nara Koen)
- 6. Kuromon Ichiba Market
- 7. Shinsaibashi Shopping District
- 8. Universal Studios Japan
- 9. Den Den Town (Nipponbashi)
- 10. Hozenji Yokocho
- 11. Minami District
- 12. Abeno Harukas (Osaka Harukas)
- 13. Sumiyoshi-taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)
- 14. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
- 15. Nakanoshima District
1. Shitenno-ji Temple
Credit : google maps
Built in the 6th century by Prince Shotoku—a cultural hero who helped to bring Buddhism to the country—Shitenno-ji is one of Japan’s oldest temples. The complex includes a multi-tiered tower, pagoda, lecture hall, and gate. Though most of the current structures are from the 1963 rebuilding, they still reflect the 6th century design.
Address: 1 Chome-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan
Operating Hours: 8:30 am to 4 pm daily
2. Dotonbori
Credit : google maps
Vibrant and bustling, Dotonbori is Osaka’s most iconic entertainment district, renowned for its dazzling neon signs, bustling streets, and mouthwatering street food. Visitors can stroll along the canal, lined with a plethora of restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and street food stalls offering local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). The area comes alive at night with vibrant energy, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing Osaka’s lively nightlife.
Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Operating Hours: 24 hours
3. Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo)
Credit : google maps
A symbol of Osaka’s rich history, Osaka Castle is a majestic fortress that dates back to the 16th century. Set amidst expansive parkland and surrounded by towering stone walls, the castle’s main tower offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior museum, which showcases artifacts, armor, and exhibits detailing the castle’s significance in Japanese history, particularly during the feudal era.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
4. Tsutenkaku Tower
Credit : google maps
Kitschy and cute Tsutenkaku, Osaka’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, rises 338 feet (103 meters) above the streets of Shin Sekai. The neon-outlined building was the tallest in town when it was first built in 1912. An observation deck offers stellar nighttime views and the chance to see beloved Billiken, god of “things as they ought to be.”
Address: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Operating Hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily
5. Nara Park (Nara Koen)
Credit : google maps
Located in the heart of Nara City, Nara Park (Nara Koen) is famous for the more than 1,000 semi-wild sika deer that roam its grounds. Spanning 1,631 acres (660 hectares), the scenic public park is also home to several popular attractions, including the Todai-ji Temple, the Isuien Garden, and the Nara National Museum.
Address: Nara, Japan
Operating Hours: 24 hours
6. Kuromon Ichiba Market
Credit : google maps
A large covered market selling fresh and cooked food, Kuromon Ichiba Market is nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen,” because many chefs and home cooks come here for supplies. It has since branched out from purely seafood options, and is typically bustling with locals and visitors hoping to get an inside look at local ingredients and cuisine.
Address: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Operating Hours: 24 hours
7. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
Credit : google maps
Shopaholics rejoice at Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, one of Osaka’s premier retail destinations. Stretching for over 600 meters, this bustling pedestrian street is lined with a diverse mix of department stores, boutiques, fashion retailers, and specialty shops offering everything from high-end fashion to quirky souvenirs. Visitors can also sample local street food and snacks as they explore this vibrant shopping district, which epitomizes Osaka’s dynamic and fashionable spirit.
Address: 2 Chome-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
Operating Hours: 11 am to 8 pm daily
8. Universal Studios Japan
Credit : google maps
A world of thrills and excitement awaits at Universal Studios Japan, one of Osaka’s premier theme parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of Hollywood blockbusters and beloved characters, with attractions based on popular franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Spider-Man. From thrilling rides and live shows to immersive experiences and character meet-and-greets, Universal Studios Japan offers endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Operating Hours: not stated
9. Den Den Town (Nipponbashi)
Credit : google maps
The narrow, neon-lit streets of Den Den Town (Nipponbashi are a magnet for shoppers on the hunt for electronics and comics. Multitudes of shops selling anime, manga, video games, action figures, tools, electronic equipment, and even furniture compete for business among young Osakans and visitors alike.
Address: Nipponbashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0005, Japan
Operating Hours: 11 am to 7 pm
10. Hozenji Yokocho
Credit : google maps
The narrow alleys, paper lanterns, and traditional tea houses of Hozenji Yokocho are a far cry from the neon lights and pulsing atmosphere of Dotonbori. The historic alley’s most famous attraction is the 17th-century Hozenji Temple, where devotees come to splash water over a moss-covered statue of the Buddha.
Address: 1 Chome-1-6 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Operating Hours: 24 hours
11. Minami District
Credit : google maps
Minami, which translates as south, is the go-to Osaka district for a taste of the city’s entertainment scene. With shopping, dining, and nightlife venues stretching from Semba to Namba Station, Minami is ever-popular with visitors and locals.
Address: Namba, Japan
Operating Hours: 24 hours
12. Abeno Harukas (Osaka Harukas)
Credit : google maps
At 984 feet (300 meters) tall, Abeno Harukas (Osaka Harukas) takes the coveted superlative of Japan’s highest skyscraper, narrowly rising above the former title holder, the Yokohama Landmark Tower. Part of the sprawling Abenobashi Terminal Building, it stands atop the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and houses a department store, art museum, five-star hotel, and observation deck.
Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan
Operating Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
13. Sumiyoshi-taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)
Credit : google maps
Built to protect fisherman and sailors, the 3rd-century Sumiyoshi-taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is Osaka’s most famous shrine. Renowned for its classic Japanese architecture and vivid red-and-white colour, the shrine. mmerse yourself in the serenity of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines and a designated National Treasure. Known for its distinctive architectural style characterized by curved roofs and vermilion lacquer, the shrine is dedicated to the kami (deities) associated with sea travel, fishing, and protection. Visitors can explore the sacred grounds, cross the iconic Taiko-bashi bridge, and participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies, experiencing the spiritual essence of Japanese culture.
Address: 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045, Japan
Operating Hours: 6:30 am to 5 pm
14. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Credit : google maps
Visiting the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is like stepping back in time to the streets of mid-19th-century Osaka to see how they might have looked during the Edo Period. The museum is laid out in a series of recreated houses—each depicting an element of daily life—including merchant houses, a bathhouse, and a town hall.
Address: Japan, 〒530-0041 Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenjinbashi, 6 Chome−4−20 住まい情報センタービル 8階
Operating Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (except Tuesday)
15. Nakanoshima District
Credit : google maps
In the heart of Osaka’s business district, Nakanoshima is home to some of the city’s most historic buildings, including City Hall, Nakanoshima Festival Tower, and the first branch of the Bank of Japan. This 1.8-mile- (2.9-kilometer- long island between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers is also home to the urban oasis of Nakanoshima Park.
Address: 1 Chome-1-27 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Operating Hours: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm daily