Japan is one of the top destinations in the world for Filipino travelers. Osaka, along with Tokyo and Nagoya, is considered one of the three major cities. This large port city and commercial center located in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan is known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and street food.

Because of its mix of traditional and modern attractions and laid-back vibe, Osaka is a great choice for first-time travelers to Japan, and families traveling with kids and seniors. It’s not as fast-paced and overwhelming as Tokyo, it’s easier to navigate the trains here, and there are many family-friendly attractions in and near the city that you can visit on day trips. From Osaka, you can take day trips to other amazing destinations like Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, and even Hiroshima (by bullet train).

I first traveled to Osaka in 2016 and had a chance to revisit the city twice this year, on a week-long summer trip with my family and for a quick work trip last November during the autumn season. Here are some of the highlights that first-time travelers can do in Osaka.

Osaka Castle

The most famous historical landmark within Osaka itself is Osaka Castle. This Japanese Castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. The castle itself has undergone several restorations. The tower is modern inside and features an elevator for easier accessibility. The interior of the tower features a museum about the castle’s history, which tourists can visit for a minimal fee. The ticket price for adults is 600 yen, while children below the age of 15 can enter free of charge. 

Most tourists are content to just walk around the Osaka Castle Park and gardens, which you can visit free of charge. The castle grounds, which cover approximately 61,000 square meters contain thirteen structures denoted as “important cultural assets” by the Japanese government. It’s the largest city park of Osaka with different activities, like boating around the moat, so it’s worth exploring on its own.

The castle grounds are surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees that come in full bloom during the Sakura season (spring). Festivals and events are held year round here, so you might find yourself partaking in one of the many festivities during your visit.

But even without any events happening, the entire Castle Park grounds offer a great place for locals to walk, run, or bike. There are also food stalls and coffee shops around the grounds for tourists and locals to enjoy.

READ MORE: Biking around Osaka, Japan

Dohtonbori

When it comes to eating out and shopping for souvenirs in Osaka, Dohtonbori offers the ultimate hotspot. This riverside strip is filled with towering neon signs, clubs, bars, and restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine and local eats, and a dizzying array of discount chain shops like Don Quijote.

The name “Dotonbori” refers both to the Dotonbori Canal and to Dotonbori Street which runs parallel to the canal’s southern bank. Since this is one of the most colorful areas in Osaka, it’s become a must-visit location when traveling through Kansai region.

Dohtonbori is where where you can find famous billboards, including the Glico running man above Ebisubashi Bridge. The first version of the 20-meter tall advertisement for Glico candy, which shows a man running on a blue track with his arms raised in victory, was installed back in 1935, so the billboard has become a become a landmark in Osaka over the years. Other 3D billboards and signages in the area show massive replicas of Osaka favorites like the giant pufferfish, takoyaki, octopus, and Kani Douraku crab, which add to the theme park-like atmosphere of the street.

Dotonbori is known as a gastronomic wonderland, where you can enjoy a night out at at the riverside grills, restaurants, street side food stalls, and bars. The vibe here is very exciting (and a bit overwhelming), so it can be difficult to choose where to eat. Get your fill of takoyaki, okonimiyaki, yakiniku, kushikatsu, and more in the various restaurants here.

Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market offers a less crowded place to eat and shop for local sweets in Osaka. Kuromon Market is a covered 600-meter long public market with about 150 shops that sell fish, meat and produce, along with traditional sweets and low priced clothes and homeware. The market is said to date back to the Edo Period, so you can feel the old-school vibe as you stroll around and try different street food.

Kuromon Market offers everything from fresh seafood, blow fish, fruits and vegetables, meat, pickled goods, dried food, Japanese sweets and Western cakes.

Aside from serving the needs of locals who buy seafood and produce in bulk for cooking, the shops here sell smaller portions of food that tourists can eat on the spot.

Some stalls can grill seafood like crab legs and oysters, yakitori, sea urchin, sushi, eel, and seafood skewers. You can also buy packs of seasonal fruits like fresh strawberries, matcha soft-serve ice cream, and other sweets and eat them as is. It’s best to pass here in the morning or early afternoon, as the stalls close early.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

If you’re traveling with kids, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is most likely on your itinerary. You’ll need a full day (or more) to try all the rides at the eleven different themed zones of USJ. The newest themed zone, Super Nintendo World opened just last March 2021.

The themed zone is based on Nintendo video game franchises, primarily the Mario and Donkey Kong franchises. Super Nintendo World immerses visitors in the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.

The land features rides and innovative technology inspired by Nintendo’s characters and video games, interactive areas, and themed shopping and dining.

Rides and attractions include Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, and Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. Restaurants include Kinopio’s Cafe and Yoshi’s Snack Island, where you can dine on Mario-themed dishes.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

You can also find The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened back in July 2014, and seasonal anime-themed events within Universal Studios Japan. This magical area reproduces the world from the Harry Potter stories on an overwhelming scale and with amazing attention to detail.

Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the world that you saw in the movies, and experience a truly extraordinary journey.

Umeda Sky Building

Those who want to get a panoramic view of the city can head to the Umeda Sky Building.

This high rise building in the Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda stations is a 173-meter tall building that consists of two towers connected with each other by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor.

The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.

The building’s basement also has a restaurant floor that replicates a town of the early Showa Period, while offices occupy most other floors. Just riding up the escalator is an experience in itself.

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

From the same creative team as teamLab Planets in Tokyo, the teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is an open-air exhibit that transforms a traditional botanical garden into a mesmerizing art space through the use of digital technology and projections.

The Nagai Botanical Garden, a park that’s been around since 1974, opened as a permanent nighttime exhibit and interactive wonderland in Osaka City. teamLab gave the park a major revamp in March 2022. Some of the art installations like the clusters of ovoids or eggs instantly change color and emit a gentle melody when touched or pressed.

Rinku Premium Outlets

In case you have time before your flight back and want to do some serious shopping, you can head to Rinku Premium Outlets, the largest outlet shopping center in western Japan. Rinku Premium Outlets is located just across from Kansai International Airport. The 2-story building in the style of the old American port town Charleston houses over 210 shops, including shoes, outdoor wear, toys, LEGO, and more.

The shopping area has family-friendly features like rental baby buggies and a nursing room. Visitors can hop on the shuttle bus from the Kansai International Airport (one-way trip ￥200 for adult,￥100 for child) which runs everyday.

Best local food specialties in Osaka

• Takoyaki – ball shaped dumplings is a batter or eggs and flour filled with sliced octopus, ginger, spring onions, and tempura crumbs
• Okonomiyaki – savory pancake made from eggs, flour, grated yam and shredded cabbage
• Kushikatsu – deep-fried skewers/ kebabs of meat, seafood, or vegetables
• Yakiniku – Barbecued beef
• Pufferfish hotpot (tecchiri) and sashimi (fugusashi)
• Okonomiyaki
• Box sushi (hakozushi)

Where to stay in Osaka

IP City Hotel Osaka

Located in the center of Osaka, IP City Hotel in Osaka is a good base to visit many tourist destinations. The 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Osaka offers free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. The rooms are compact, but comfortable. Good choice for families.

The hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Dotonbori. There are lots of small, quiet restaurants on the side streets and convenience stores nearby. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: Nagahoribashi Station is 4 minutes and Shinsaibashi Station is 5 minutes away.

Address: 2-12-22 Minamisenba, Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, 542-0081

Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba

For modern business travelers who want more space and room to socialize, Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba is a sophisticated, luxurious urban hotel. Mercure is located close to the main streets Midosuji Boulevard and Dotonbori, among the most popular spots in Osaka.

The whole hotel feels dark and moody, with cutting-edge interior design of the and calming guest rooms. The hotel has a Grab & Go space, where anyone can drop by freely to socialize with others. The hotel puts you right near the most vibrant shopping and dining areas. It’s located a 5-minute walk from either Namba or Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

Address: 2-4 Nishishinsaibashi 2-chome, 542-0086 Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka