Osaka is one of my favorite cities in Japan. I used to study Japanese here for a short time so I feel comfortable and always be happy when come back here. Osaka has various attractions and popular local food. If you visit Osaka, these are the things you can do it or join in some activities.
1. Shopping
Shopping seems priority list of tourists. There are big shopping centers and can do shopping until the night. The shopping places are as follows:
Namba and Shinsaibashi -> My Review
These areas are the major shopping arcade in Osaka. You can enjoy the shopping and eating local food. Namba Station has many train lines such as JR, Nankai, Subway and etc., also has many exits. Please make sure that you get off the right exit.
Umeda and Osaka Station -> My Review
Umeda and Osaka Station are one of busy stations in Osaka as you can connect the train to other cities in Japan such as Kyoto, Nagoya. There are underground shopping area, shopping malls and restaurants near the train station.
Expo Park -> Review
EXPOCITY is the large complex in Northern Osaka. It is opposite Expo 70 Commemorative Park and near the monorail line. EXPOCITY gathers the shopping center, museum, cinema, small theme park in this area.
Rinku Premium Outlet -> Review
Rinku Premium Outlet is close to Kansai International Airport. You can go shopping before going to airport. There are many brand name products.
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street -> Review
Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai is long shopping street (more than 2 kms.) in Osaka, Japan.
It is located near Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.
2. Visit the Museum
Osaka has many museums and easy to access by train station.
The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum -> Review
There are 2 branches in Japan which are Yokohama and Osaka. Osaka is free admission. You can enjoy making your own cup noodle but has some extra fee.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living -> Review
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a place where simulate the buildings and street in the past of Osaka. The house shows the way how people lived. Visitors can enjoy the exhibition and experience the yukata in cheap price for 30 minutes.
Osaka Museum of History -> Review
Osaka Museum is not far from Osaka Castle. You can learn the history in different period of Osaka. Although, there are few English description, this museum is worth to visit. You can see the view of Osaka Castle from the top floor.
Osaka Castle Museum
The entrance fee for adult is 600 yen. The visitors can learn the history, see the displays and see the panorama view from the observation deck.
3. Cooking Classes
The travelers can join the various cooking classes of local food with Japanese hosts. Actually, the cooking classes are also available in other cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya, Hokkaido and etc. You can experience cooking popular dishes and eat you own cooking after you have done. Some classes also provide pick up at nearest train station. You can read the reviews of each class on website.
Cooking classes are Sushi Making, Ramen Cooking, Okonomiyaki, Bento Cooking, Gyoza Cooking and etc.
Click here for more cooking classes in Osaka.
4. Theme Park
The most popular theme park in Osaka is Universal Studios Japan. You can buy the online ticket on website Klook / KKDay / JTB or other agencies in your country and no need to queue up. Use the e-voucher to enter the theme park. Click here to see the list of agency. I like buying the ticket from Klook and KKDay because often launch the promotion and easy to get the ticket by email.
5. Anime Street
Nipponbashi Den Den Town or Osaka's Akihabara is located in downtown area of Osaka. There are plenty stores selling toys, figures, manga, games, anime products, electronic products.along both sides. You can walk from Namba or take subway and get off at Ebisucho Station or Nippombashi Station.
6. Winter Illumination
In winter many places in Osaka hold the illumination and events. The highlight illumination in Osaka are Festival of the Lights in Osaka (consists of Midosuji Illumination and OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance), Kaiyukan Illumination, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan.
Namba Hikaritabi -> Review
German Christmas Market -> Review
7. Sightseeing with Loop Bus
Osaka Wonder Loop Bus is Hop-on Hop Off bus with sightseeing in Osaka city. The bus stops at many attractions such as Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi, Abeno Q's Mall, Dotonburi, Nippombashi and etc. The first bus departs at 9:00 a.m. The wonder loop bus pass is valid for 24 hours or 48 hours from the first use. You can buy the online tickets from Klook / Get Your Guide / Tripadvisor and Veltra.
8. Visit the park
There are many parks in Osaka and located near the train station. You can enjoy the seasonal flowers and events.
Expo'70 commemorative Park -> Review
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park -> Review
Nakanoshima Rose Garden -> Review
Nagai Park -> Review
Utsubo Park -> Review
9. Visit the major attractions
Osaka Castle is one of the famous castle in Japan. Apart from the museum, the visitors always visit Osaka Castle Park during Cherry Blossom Festival. Moreover, some events are hold at this park.
Osaka Kaiyukan or Aquarium is one of the largest public aquarium. During the winter, there is illumination.
Umeda Sky Building has Floating Garden Observatory on the top. German Christmas Market always holds around this area with the illumination. Osaka Amazing Pass includes the admission fee.
0 Comments