Things to do in Osaka Prefecture

More about Osaka Prefecture

Is Japan your next destination? Great! You have to consider Osaka as a city you would visit. It’s the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, as well as the third-most populous city in Japan. Osaka is the central business hub in western Japan and has been the heart of the country’s cultural and economical development. Hence, as you set your foot in this city, you’d really feel the history of Japan.

However, you might be wrong if you think that Osaka is only about cultural significance; it’s also a charming and relaxed city renowned for its food, fun, and nightlife. With only a short trip by shinkansen from Tokyo, you can already arrive in Osaka’s vibrant shopping, culinary, and entertainment centers with a glimpse of historical and cultural elements. Therefore, visiting Osaka means creating outstanding vacations. Below are some other things to do in Osaka as your guides.

Best Things to Do in Osaka

While in Osaka, you can have as many jollies as possible. Here are several best things to do all over the city:

Hyogo Day Tour from Osaka

Hyogo Day Tour from Osaka is a tour package that would travel you to explore the beauty of Hyogo Prefecture. You would discover the masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture in Himeji Castle, stroll along the beautifully manicured gardens at Karoyashikiato Park, soak yourself up in the oldest hot spring of Japan, Arima Onsen; and experience the lush landscapes of Mount Rokko–what a compact Japan’s trip!

Osaka Market Food Tour

Preferring a tour, but not a nature one? Osaka Market Food Tour is the solution. Instead of natural explorations, this tour allows you explore Kuromon Market to learn about the country’s past stories and taste the most famous street foods in Osaka. Then, you’d go to Sennichimae Doguyasuji, a “kitchen town” where you can explore the cooking tools and equipment crucial to the city’s restaurants.

Osaka Umeda HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

Feeling playful? Head to Osaka Umeda HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel. This Japan’s largest ferris wheel would bring you to heights up to 100 meters. In its air-conditioned cabin, you’d enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the urban landscapes and witness Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi Bridge from up above.

Osaka Castle

You really can’t leave this attraction behind while in Osaka. It’s because this is the most popular tourist destination in the city. Guess what? Osaka Castle! Delve into the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and diverse Japanese history, walk in the museum featuring armors, weaponries, and artifacts belonging to the clan, and take a walk in the gardens surrounding the castle.

Universal Studios Japan

If you take your kids with you during the Osaka’s trips, Universal Studios Japan should be your next stop. This world-class theme park of all ages provides a wide range of attractions and rides spread across 11 different areas. With the Universal Studio movie themes, the park features sections, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion and Jurassic Park, Super Nintendo World, etc.

Osaka Transportations

When you think about getting around Osaka, you don’t have to worry because the city is very well-connected. Here are several popular public transports in Osaka:

Trains and Subways

Trains and subways are the best way to travel around Osaka. The 2 lines: the red Midosuji Line and the green Chuo Line, would get you almost everywhere. The most useful line is the Osaka Loop Line. For the hassle-free payment, prepare the Icoca card. However, the estimated base fare for subway is RM 5,42 to RM 7,22 for a single journey, RM 4,82 to 24,08 for JR Trains, and RM 42,74 to RM 85,78 for Shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto, as well as RM 436,43 to RM 466,53 from Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

Buses

To reach areas not served by trains and subways, you can consider buses. Most buses operating in the city center charge a flat fee of RM 6,38 for adults and RM 3,34 for children between 6 and 11 years old.

Trams

Hankai Tramway or Line is the most popular tram service in Osaka, owning 2 tramway lines in the cities of Osaka and Sakai. It serves southern Osaka, providing a nostalgic and scenic way to travel within the city. The flat fare of the Hankai Tramway is around RM 6,32 for adults and RM 3,31 for children, regardless of the distance.

Taxis

Taxis in Osaka aren’t as expensive as you think. It charges around RM 20,05 for the first 2 km and RM 2,43 for each additional 296 meters. You can easily flag taxis on any street in the city. Most taxi drivers in Osaka are honest and safe.

E-hailing Services

Several ride-hailing services have started in Osaka. It can be hailed through apps, yet only in specific areas and at certain times. The prices of this service also remain similar to the traditional taxis, around RM 9,03 to RM 18,06.

Recommended Osaka Food

Since Osaka is a food lover’s dream, there are a myriad of restaurants scattered all over the town. You really can’t let go some of them below:

Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan

Address: 2 Chome-10-25 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan

Operational hours: 11 am to 10 pm daily

Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan is the most famous and highly-rated in its genre. By visiting here, you can get Osaka’s tastiest takoyaki at economical prices. People said their octopus balls are the most delicious ones around. One of the secret recipes of this takoyaki is the ingredients of the batter.

Resshi Shoyu Menkobo Sanku

Address: 2 Chome-6-5 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0003, Japan

Operational hours: 11.39 am to 3 pm, reopen at 6.39 to 11 pm (Wednesday to Monday)

You can spend 2 weeks straight in Osaka eating ramen and still can’t get enough of it. If ramen now is in your mind, you can head to a budget ramen restaurant, Resshi Shoyu Menkobo Sanku. Their signature menu, sardine ramen, would satiate your appetite with its viscous deep brown flavorful broth.

Sushi Hayata

Address: 2 Chome-6-4 Fushimi Machi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0044, Japan

Operational hours: 11.15 am to 2 pm, reopen at 5 to 11 pm (Monday to Friday)

Who doesn’t like sushi? Of course, you can find this world’s famous dish in Osaka. Hayata is a decent small sushi restaurant serving mainly nigiri-style sushi, the style most familiar to overseas customers. Limited English foods are also available in the menu, so you can order numerous kinds of courses.

Shopping in Osaka

Osaka is a shopping enthusiast’s playground. You could easily spend days hopping from one shopping district to the next, such as:

Whity Umeda Underground Mall

Close to JR Osaka Station and Hankyu Umeda Station, Whity Umeda is the largest underground shopping mall in Japan. More than 190 shops and restaurants here would greet you eagerly. Whether you look for medicine, shoes, or any kinds of souvenirs, you’re sure to find it in shops somewhere in Whity.

Midosuji Avenue

Midosuji Avenue is really a retail therapy paradise. Running north-south through the heart of Minami, this broad street is lined with major luxury brand outlets. The surrounding environment of this area would be greater during the fall season, as the road is covered with leaves turning into golden-yellow. This could be the epitome of luxury shopping in the city.

Doguyasuji Kitchen Street

Address: Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075, Japan

As the name implies, Doguyasuji Kitchen Street is a 150-meter long shopping street lined with specialty stores of various cooking utensils. Osaka has been called the “kitchen of the world” because numerous skillful chefs come from this city, so checking out this shopping street is a must; you can explore various finest kitchen utensils contributing to the city’s excellent culinary scenes.

Best Time to Visit Osaka

You can actually travel to Osaka at any time, since this city experiences temperate weather. However, the best time to visit Osaka is the fall season during October or November, and spring from March to May. If you prefer visiting during the city’s festival, you can come in January to watch the Toka Ebisu Festival. You’d find many people go to Imamiya Ebisu-jinja Shrine and get the bamboo branches and lucky baubles to pray for a good and financially-successful year.