Places to visit in Osaka

Visit Amemura, often called Amerikamura or the American Village, is a hamlet of Osaka that is teeming with interesting characters and bright energy. This hip neighbourhood is a mix of fashion, culture, and nightlife that makes it attractive to both locals and tourists.

Here, you can explore the avenues adorned with trendy stores, secondhand bookstores, pubs, and eateries, each providing a distinctive experience. The landmark Triangle Park, which features a Statue of Liberty model, attracts skateboarders and adventure seekers, contributing to the lively ambience of the neighbourhood.

Shitenno-ji Temple is the oldest Buddhist official temple in Japan and was founded by Prince Shotoku Taishi. He played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhist culture to the country and formed the temple in 593. The building was continuously destroyed over the years due to fire. But it has been rebuilt with a few current buildings dating back to the 1970s.

Discover the wonder of Universal Studios Japan, the first Universal Studios location in Asia. It features a colourful assortment of iconic characters, including Spider-Man, Hello Kitty, and Shrek, and its appeal surpasses even Tokyo Disney Resort. Exhilarating rides, immersive movie simulators, and mesmerising parades guarantee nonstop enjoyment for guests of all ages. Thus, enter a world where magic meets science, where surprises await around every corner.

Mino Park is a forested valley located in Osaka, a little far away from the concrete jungle. This is one of the most sought after places in the Kansai region to admire the autumn colours at its best. During autumn, the park comes alive with its fall colours amidst the temples and gardens, especially in the second half of November. 

Ride aboard the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and set out on a journey above the busy streets of Osaka. Constructed in 1997, this recognisable landmark towers over Tempozan Harbour Village. Take a seat in your covered gondola and get ready for an amazing flight through the skies. Admire the expansive views of the city as you rise to a height of 369 feet.

Nakanoshima Park is a waterfront park located between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers. This is a park that resembles an urban oasis and is also the first public park in Osaka. Established in 1891, it also takes pride in being the first beer garden of Osaka. The park comes with a range of recreation activities along with places to just sit and unwind.

If all the activity at Tenjinbashisuji makes you feel overwhelmed, you can stop at the adjacent Osaka Tenmangu Shrine for a moment of relaxation. Discovering a tranquil sanctuary in the middle of the city here in the Kita neighborhood is like discovering an oasis. You could be lucky enough to visit during the Tenjin Matsuri festival, which promises to be an experience you will never forget.

You go on a sensory adventure through a busy tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavours as you stroll along Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in Osaka. This arcade is said to be Japan's longest, stretching an amazing 2.6 kilometres. Wandering through it could easily take a whole morning or more! Hidden gems can be found off the main street on the side roads that are full of artisanal stalls, cute restaurants, and charming shops.

Topping the list of some of the most unique Osaka beautiful places is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. With a structure that resembles giant blocks of Lego, this aquarium is one of the biggest in the world. It is here where you can see several thousand marine and other wildlife species not just from Japan, but also from Antarctica, the Pacific Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef as well as the Monterey Bay.