Trying to find unique things to do in Osaka? Jump on a train and take a quick 30-minute ride out of the city to discover Minoo National Park. Full of lush, green trees, quaint waterfalls and Japan’s signature wooden red bridges, a trip to this natural oasis is a much-needed escape from bustling Osaka. Take a day to explore this serene part of the world. If you’re arriving by train, the main path leading out from Minoo Station towards the park will take you through beautiful paths lined with traditional buildings and temples along the scenic river. Be sure to try the park’s staple dish: fried maple leaves. Sold by small vendors on the side of the road, this crunchy Autumn snack is a unique way to end your day.
OSAKA
TRAVEL IN OSAKA
Beautiful temples, amazing food, and its very own Pokémon Centre: Osaka is the Japanese adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
As the former capital of Japan, this ancient city is jam-packed with historical attractions. Discover some of the people and events that made Osaka what it is at some of the city’s best museums. Learn about the Edo and Showa periods of Japanese history at the Osaka Museum of History, before uncovering more about its ancient civilisation at the National Museum of Ethnology. Feel like you’ve walked back in time – or at least, onto a film set – as you explore the recreation of Osaka’s ancient streets at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.
As a city that’s still very much in touch with its ancient spiritualties, visit some of Osaka’s most significant religious sites. At Shitennoji Temple, Japan’s first-ever Buddhist Temple, you’ll notice the Chinese influence in its architecture. Contrast this style with that of the Osaka Castle, whose triangular façade and cherry blossom-filled grounds are quintessentially Japanese.
Try to align your visit to Osaka with one of the city’s colourful festivals. One of the highlights of the Osakan calendar is the Tenjin Matsuri summer festival, where you can catch eclectic floats during this massive parade. Also, check out the Sumiyoshi purification Festival, where you can jump through grass hoops to cleanse yourself like the locals.
Soak up some of Osaka’s natural beauty at the Minoo National Park, where you can sample one of the city’s favourite Autumn snacks: deep-fried maple leaves. If you’re after more substantial Japanese food, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Osaka’s culinary scene. Home to some of the best meat dishes in the country, experience traditional yakiniku-style barbeque or chow down on plates of yakitori skewers. If seafood is more your jam, you’ll be impressed with the quality of Kuromon Ichiba Market, where the fish is practically scooped out of the water and onto your plate.
With culture, food and fun, bite off more than you can chew in amazing Osaka Japan.
FAST FACTS
Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen
Electricity: 100V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Japan.
Dialing Code: +81
Time Zone: (GMT +09:00)ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN OSAKA
Eat a fried maple leaf in Minoo National Park
Check out the first Buddhist temple in Japan
Even though the country’s littered with amazing temples, this one is a must-see. Built in 593 AD, Shitennoji is historically considered to be Japan’s first-ever Buddhist temple. Brought to Japan by the Chinese, Buddhism is one of the country’s largest religions, second only to Shintoism. As one of its most important monuments, make some time to explore the Shitennoji Temple. After almost two millennia, Shitennoji’s architecture and landscape design are still very similar to its original construction. Marvel at its beautiful, Chinese-inspired architecture before walking around its lush grounds. While Shitennoji is a must-see any time of year, try going on the 14th day of the month. This coincides with its flea markets, where beautiful kimonos, pottery and antiques bring the temple grounds to life.
Eat the freshest seafood at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Even though the country’s littered with amazing temples, this one is a must-see. Built in 593 AD, Shitennoji is historically considered to be Japan’s first-ever Buddhist temple. Brought to Japan by the Chinese, Buddhism is one of the country’s largest religions, second only to Shintoism. As one of its most important monuments, make some time to explore the Shitennoji Temple. After almost two millennia, Shitennoji’s architecture and landscape design are still very similar to its original construction. Marvel at its beautiful, Chinese-inspired architecture before walking around its lush grounds. While Shitennoji is a must-see any time of year, try going on the 14th day of the month. This coincides with its flea markets, where beautiful kimonos, pottery and antiques bring the temple grounds to life.
Feel like a Samurai at Osaka Castle
History buffs, this one’s for you. As one of the most historically-significant sites in Japan, a visit to the Osaka castle is an absolute must for every visitor. Originally constructed in the late 1500s, the Osaka Castle was the site of the famous Battle of Sekigahara. Stroll around the castle grounds and to get a sense of what it was like for samurai to fight in this historic battle. While much of the castle has been destroyed over the years, the castle still maintains some of its original features, such as the Otemon gate and triangular façade. Full of royal antiquities and surrounded by cherry blossoms, marvel at the beauty that is Osaka Castle.
Catch ‘em all or Buy ‘em all at the Pokemon Centre
If you grew up in the ‘90s or beyond, this famous building needs no introduction. What is a fantasy-come-true, explore one of your favourite digital playgrounds in real life. Designed like the Pokémon Centres from the original game, these stores sell a variety of Pokémon merchandise and memorabilia. While Japan has Pokémon Centres dotted all over the country, you can find the Osaka store on the 13th floor of the Daimaru Umeda department store. Pick up some original Pokémon trading cards, plush Pikachus, Pokémon-themed candy and cookies at this awesome store.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN OSAKA
As one of the oldest cities in Japan, Osaka’s roots run deep. Discover what makes the local culture so unique at one of the city’s many festivals. Here are five festivals that you should experience when you visit Osaka.
Tenjin Matsuri – Culture
Held at Osaka’s Tenmangu Shrine, Tenjin Matsuri is one of the best festivals in Japan. Featuring street and boat parades, which see figures of gods paraded around the city, this colourful three-day summer festival is celebrated with street parties and fireworks. Catch Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka at the end of July each year.
Summer Sonic – Music
Held every summer in Osaka, Summer Sonic is a three-day indie music festival. Featuring a star-studded line up of the best of Japanese and international rock, Summer Sonic has hosted the likes of Interpol, Arrested Development, and the queen, Beyonce. Grab tickets to this awesome festival if you’re in Osaka in mid-August.
Sumiyoshi Festival – Culture
The final of Osaka’s three big summer festivals, Sumiyoshi Festival is a Shinto purification festival that cleanses the entire region. Held on July 31 each year, Osakan women and children wear medieval Muromachi Period costumes and perform a dance called chinowa kuguri, which involves going through a large hoop made of kaya grass. Join in the festivities and pass through the grass hoop yourself!
Fuji Rock – Music
Japan is famous for its ski fields, but in summertime when there’s no snow on the mountain, the Naeba Ski Resort plays host to one of the biggest music festivals in Japan: Fuji Rock Festival. Held over three days in late July, this music festival has played host to the likes of Coldplay, Bloc Party and the Strokes.
Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori – Culture
Every August, the Osaka Tenmangu Shire hosts the Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori – the festival of the Awa Odori dance. Get down to this corner of Osaka to see locals dressed up in traditional clothing performing this historic dance. With more than one million people coming to see these festivities, make sure you’re one of them!
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN OSAKA
With a history that’s thousands of years deep, there’s so much to see and do in Osaka. One of the best ways to get a grip on the city’s history and culture is to visit some of its incredible museums. Here are five museums that house some awesome Osaka attractions.
Osaka Museum of History
With an aim to promote the history and culture of Osaka, the Osaka Museum of History is the place to uncover the story of this incredible city. Beginning in ancient times when Osaka served as the first capital of Japan, right through to the bustling arcades of the Showa period, walk through the history of Japan at this colourful museum.
National Museum of Art
With its huge iron sail-like structures, you can’t miss the National Museum of Art. Located in the middle of Osaka in the Nakanoshima district, the façade of this building looks like an artwork in-and-of itself. With an extensive collection of European Impressionists, as well as pop art favourites like Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama, art lovers will geek out at this awesome museum.
National Museum of Ethnology
With exhibits exploring different ethnic and cultural groups from across the globe, Osaka’s National Museum of Ethnology is the largest of its kind in the world. Showcasing Asian, European, African and Islander artefacts, the museum explores language, music and the traditional cultures of some of the world’s most fascinating civilisations.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
One of the quirkiest museums in the city, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living looks more like a film set than a place of learning. Recreating the streets of Osaka to represent what they used to look like in the past, walk through a piece of living history at this immersive museum.
Mint Museum
From ancient times to the Edo period and beyond, the Osaka Mint Museum showcases the evolution of money in Japan. With a collection of thousands of ancient and modern coins, check out these awesome artefacts and learn about the role of the Japanese Mint Bureau throughout the country’s history.
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FOOD IN OSAKA
Takoyaki
What is perhaps the most famous dish in Osaka, you’ve got to try takoyaki. These deep-fried balls are stuffed with octopus and doused in different sauces and toppings. Made on a griddle with hundreds of takoyaki-sized holes, watching the chefs expertly make these crispy dumplings are almost as good as eating them.
Best eaten at - Dotonbori Akaoni, Japan, 542-0076 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Nanba, 1 Chome−2−3
Okonomiyaki
Another staple of the city, are savoury Japanese pancakes. Make using eggs, flour and shredded cabbage, you can add almost anything to these delicious snacks. From bits of octopus to fried pork and noodles, make ‘em as you like ‘em at Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki in Osaka.
Best eaten at - Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki, 542-0071 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−6−4
Best eaten at - Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki, 542-0071 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−6−4
Kushikatsu
If you’re a fan of snacks-on-a-stick, get ready to fall in love with kushikatsu. Simple skewers that are made using a variety of deep-fried vegetables and meats, the real MVP of this dish is the accompanying ponzu sauce. Something like a citrusy type of Worcestershire sauce, smother your kushikatsu with this tangy condiment.
Best eaten at - Kushikatsu, 542-0071 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−6−4
Yakitori
Representing the casual dining scene, yakitori are Japanese pub snacks. Another snack-on-a-stick - which is something of a standard in Osakan - choose between marinated sticks of chicken, pork and beef to accompany your beer. Another major bonus: most places will let you choose which cut of the meat you’d like for your yakitori.
Best eaten at Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten, 2-6-10, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Best eaten at Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten, 2-6-10, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Yakiniku
While seafood seems to be the standard in Japanese dining, Osaka is known as the place to go for mouth-watering Japanese meat. For carnivores, a yakiniku experience is nothing short of life-changing. This Japanese barbecue sees diners cook their own meat over a charcoal grill at their tables. Our suggestion? Order the wagyu cuts. They’re pricy but worth every penny.
Best eaten at Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten, 2-6-10, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Best eaten at Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten, 2-6-10, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
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