Everything in Osaka: Top Eats, Sights, and Secrets
Shitenno-ji
Shitenno-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan founded in 593 AD. When entering the temple you are free to roam the outside but if you want a closer look inside near the pagoda you have to pay an entrance fee. You can clearly see the top of the pagoda, and all of the main gates from the outside. Although the cost to enter was only ¥300.
We opted to go inside the temple and get a closer look at some of the exhibits, statues, and artifacts. You can also climb to the top of the pagoda, but be mindful that inside you can not take pictures of the artifacts or any interiors. It’s a very lovely temple, and you can easily spend an hour here, especially if you want to learn about the history.
Wargo Kimono Rental Osaka
We’ve visited Japan several times, but there was still something left on our bucket list, a kimono experience. I chose Wargo Kimono Rental Osaka because their site is easy to navigate and has a lot of custom options for your perfect kimono look. It is not required to reserve online, but you will get a discount if you do.
We reserved the “High-End Kimono Plan for Couples”. Based on your package there are various options for styles and plenty of add-ons. The staff was very friendly and helped us put on our kimonos. No worries because they will help you put it on and take it off. We were happy to choose Wargo Osaka as it is near the subway stop which takes you quickly to the major hot spots of Osaka. However, if you’re planning on visiting the castle like we did, we recommend wearing your own shoes because the sandals were quite uncomfortable by the end.
Osaka Castle
This is the highlight of the city. Osaka Castle is considered one of the three great castles of Japan. It is eight stories tall, on a large stone platform nestled between massive walls, giving it an incredible view and huge appearance. We arrived from the subway and walked over several moats with stunning scenery overlooking the water and the surrounding city. The park is spacious and it takes about 10 minutes just to get to the castle, and there are convenience stores and shrines on the way. Osaka Castle looms over the entire park, meaning we got some incredible pictures in our kimonos.
When you arrive at the castle, you can join the ticket queue. It took about 20 minutes to get a ticket, but they strongly encourage you to book ahead online to avoid the line. There is another line to take the elevator most of the way up, or you can take the stairs inside. Since we didn’t have time, we took the stairs which also let us see the many museum exhibits inside. Osaka Castle is one of the most important historical buildings in Japan where many important events, sieges, and more took place, so there is a lot to learn about.
The top of the castle offers a 360 view of the park and surrounding city. It’s usually very beautiful, but in the fall it was extra stunning, with gold and red leaves dotting the landscape, cut through by the moats and cobble paths. As amazing as this view is, because of over-tourism it is a very cramped place, so we only stayed at the top for a brief moment. But it’s safe to say that if there is one single thing you should do in Osaka, the castle should be it.
Pauhana Coffee
Tucked away in a shipping container behind a parking lot is Pauhana Coffee. We didn’t expect it, but this little shop offers some of the best coffee in Japan. As soon as you walk in you’re greeted with the friendliest smile, and just from the smell we knew this was legit. They only sell small batch, single origin coffee, and only a few non-coffee drinks. I just got orange juice, but just being there was enough to make me happy!
Michaels Thoughts:
I’m a huge coffee guy, and let’s be honest Japan isn’t known for good coffee. It’s hard to find delicious specialty coffee even in Tokyo, especially compared to nearby countries like South Korea. But somehow, some way this was my FAVORITE coffee of all of 2024! Who knew it would be Japan of all places? If you’re a coffee lover and want to have a great experience, I can’t recommend anywhere else.
America-mura
America-mura is an American-inspired street that offers shopping, entertainment, and street food. There are so many vintage clothing shops everywhere, and the styles are mostly from 90’s America. It’s a great place to check out with lots to do and a “hip” culture.
Kogaryu Takoyaki Osaka Enak
Osaka is famous for takoyaki and it’s definitely a must-try when you visit. This shop has been open for over 40 years and was a Michelin Guide recommended shop in Kyoto, Osaka from 2016-2018. They offer a variety of flavors like black pepper salt mayonnaise, green onion and citrus flavored soy sauce, and more. We tried the green onion and citrus soy. The flavors were all there, a slight spiciness and onion-y flavor from the green onions, and sweet and sour from the citrus. The taste was great for me but the texture was slightly mushy compared to what I’m used to in Korea.
LiLo Coffee Roasters
We were getting a bit tired and Michael wanted some coffee, and America-mura is no stranger to good coffee shops. This late in the day, the only one on our list that was open was Lilo. They are famous for having an insane amount of different roasts. Usually, that means that the coffee will be low quality, but we were both surprised. Michael’s espresso tonic was smooth and fruity, and my chai latte was very solid. The night vibes were a bit lacking, but the staff was nice as well.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is the most popular district in Osaka as it has great food, buildings, nightlife, and attractions. This is the Shibuya or Shinagawa of Osaka. Here you will find mega stores and famous street food for several blocks.
Dotonbori Bridge
This bridge is a tourist attraction but it’s nothing more than a bridge. It just gets you to the other side of the river. The main draw is the view over the canals with buildings coated with screens and lights. The bridge connects the two neighborhoods Shinsaibashi and Namba together, meaning you can walk straight from America-mura to Dotonbori. It’s a great spot to grab a picture that really matches the stereotypical “Japanese city at night” vibe.
Glico Sign
If you google Osaka, you’ll probably see this iconic image first. The Glico Running Man is a gigantic 10-story sign that was originally a candy advertisement for Glico, a Japanese food processing company. Japan loves nostalgia, and many brands from the mid-century are very sentimental. You know you are in the right spot when everyone around you has two hands in the air and one knee up. This pose is contagious so give it a try!
Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is the pathway that connects all the areas together in Dotonbori. As you walk down the canal you can stop at stands and take a boat tour that goes down the canal. It’s a great option to see the scenic sights and bright lights that surround you. We suggest visiting at night to fully take in the lights.
Hozen-ji
This little shrine is nestled behind the back streets of Dotonbori. There’s nothing specific that makes this place unique, but it was a lovely rest from the bustling streets, with soft lights and the smell of incense replacing the smell of fried food. Best of all, the fattest cats I’ve ever seen blessed us with a visit. I’m sure there’s no lack of food for them in these streets! Because of that, Hozen-ji gets a 10/10 from us.
Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
You can’t visit Japan without going to Don Quijote. This is a Japanese discount store chain that has everything you could possibly imagine. The Dotonbori Don Quijote is very special because it has the world’s first oval Ferris wheel. The ride is about 15 minutes long and the staff will take a photo for you using your phone. It’s a great memory and you can see an amazing view of Osaka comfortably. I personally recommend going at night as the city’s views are stunning, although I’m a bit scared of heights it wasn’t too bad. It gets a lot higher than it looks from the ground.
teamLab Osaka
To end the night we went to teamLab Osaka which opens in the evening. It is an art exhibit that focuses on interactive outdoor experiences utilizing your senses and surroundings. I recommend reserving your tickets in advance as it just makes the experience a bit easier.
There are about 14 exhibits and there is no set route for what exhibits you visit. The park is covered in “ovoids” that react and change color to your touch. As well as walks through the forest with lasers and screens. You could easily spend two hours there. Remember to not be loud as it’s a peaceful experience.
Okonomiyaki Sakaba O
Okonomiyaki is one of the famous foods that you must try in Osaka. It is a savory pancake dish with cabbage and other additions like meat, seafood, and sauce on top. We decided to go to Okonomiyaki Sakaba O. It had great reviews but be aware there will be a wait as it only has 13 seats. I recommend that if you visit, only have four people or less in your group as it is quite small. If you don’t arrive at least 30 minutes before they open you could wait up to two hours outside to get a seat. We ordered gyoza, okonomiyaki, and pork ae yaki. This was top-tier food, with tons of flavor and crunch. We enjoyed everything we ate, but for a two hour wait it might not have been quite worth it. There are many delicious okonomiyaki places in Osaka so don’t worry if you don’t end up eating here.
Final Thoughts
Osaka definitely exceeded our expectations. Although it’s not the most famous or largest city in Japan, we think it’s one of the best places to start out your travels. The subway system is very easy to use, and everything is very walkable. We found it very comfortable and not too crowded or overwhelming, especially compared to nearby megacities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. If you’re looking to visit Japan and don’t know where to start, Osaka should be at the top of your list thanks to it’s great location, attractions, and atmosphere.
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