OsakaTravel Guide

The neon canal district is the greatest outdoor food court in Japan — takoyaki (octopus balls, ¥500–700 for 6), okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and crab legs at the shop under the giant mechanical crab. Do this at night when the neon reflects in the canal.

Osaka's 200-year-old covered market — 170 vendors selling premium Japanese seafood, A5 wagyu skewers, sea urchin on rice, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) eaten standing. Morning is best (8–11am) for the freshest selection.

The great castle of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, completed in 1583 and rebuilt in 1931 with a modern interior museum — the 8th floor observation deck overlooks cherry blossom or autumn foliage depending on season. The castle park is one of Japan's finest urban parks.

A 45-minute train from Osaka — over 1,000 free-roaming sika deer in the park before Todai-ji Temple (housing Japan's largest bronze Buddha). Buy shika-senbei rice crackers to feed the deer. One of Japan's most charming day trips.

The 1920s retro Shinsekai district with Tsutenkaku Tower is the home of kushikatsu — deep-fried meat, vegetable, and seafood skewers dipped in a communal sauce (double-dipping is a cardinal sin). Order 15–20 skewers for ¥1,500–2,000.

Two towers connected by a floating garden observatory 173m above the city — a retro-futurist 1993 masterpiece with glass escalators rising through open air. The Showa-era underground market (Takimi-koji) below recreates a 1920s Osaka alley.

Home to the immersive Super Nintendo World and a Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Osaka's theme park is consistently rated among the best Universal parks worldwide. Buy timed-entry tickets for popular attractions in advance.

One of the world's largest aquariums, built around a central tank housing whale sharks and manta rays — visitors descend through replica habitats representing the Pacific Rim, from Antarctica to the Aleutian Islands.

Founded in 593 AD, one of Japan's oldest officially administered temples — a five-storey pagoda, a turtle pond, and a flea market on the 21st and 22nd of each month.

A multi-floor bathhouse complex in Shinsekai with themed baths from around the world — European and Asian zones with rotating seasonal pools, plus saunas and a rooftop pool. A great way to relax after a day of walking.