Things to do in Osaka
The modern city of Osaka is Japan’s third largest city. Established as a major industrial and cultural centre in 1889, it is also home to one of Japan’s most famous castles, Osaka Castle, which was originally built in 1593.
Osaka has excellent shopping areas such as Hankyu Sambangai, Den-Den town and the exciting nightlife of Umeda underground arcade. Osaka is known for its food and you should not miss the opportunity to try the okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Dotonbori is the main destination for food travel in Osaka. It’s also famous for its bright neon signs and is a must see spot at night.
Day tours in and around Osaka
Osaka Afternoon Walking Tour
See the famous sightseeing spots of Osaka on this afternoon walking tour. Discover its history and explore the modern city by foot and by boat.
Visit the newly renovated Osaka Castle, the intended capital of Japan, and learn from the exhibits detailing life in old Osaka. Then board the Aqua Liner for an hour-long cruise around Nakanoshima, providing a great view of the city from the water.
1-Day Osaka Walking Tour
See the famous sightseeing spots of Osaka on this afternoon walking tour. Discover its history and explore the modern city by foot and by boat.
Visit the newly renovated Osaka Castle, the intended capital of Japan, and learn from the exhibits detailing life in old Osaka. Then board the Aqua Liner for an hour-long cruise around Nakanoshima, providing a great view of the city from the water.
Himeji Castle & Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
This full-day walking tour visits Himeji Castle, then enjoy a Japanese and Western buffet lunch.
Next, continue to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge—the longest suspension bridge in the world. Walk along Maiko Marine Promenade, a passageway underneath the bridge’s roadway on the Kobe side. Experience an in-depth introduction to these Japanese treasures .
Mt Koya Tour – 2 Days
Mt Koya is one of the most sacred mountains in Japan, located in a 900 metre high valley in Wakayama.
This network of 117 temples along the streets of Koyasan began in 816 and is home to Okunoin Temple, the mausoleum of Koyasan’s founder, Kobo Daishi. Danjo Garan is a temple complex at the heartland of Koyasan. Close by, Kongobuji Temple is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.
Experience the culture
Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to develop a truly unique traditional culture.
Ninja Experience
Experience training like a ninja at the Ninja-Do.
Learn how to walk like a ninja, take a sword lesson and throw shuriken – ninja stars.
In addition, you can take lots of pictures in ninja costumes.
Samurai Experience
You can be photographed wearing samurai armor outside with a stunning view of the Osaka castle!
Learn all about a history of Samurai and their honorable culture through fun & unique activities.
Learn a basic knowledge of Japanese swordsmanship and some cool moves.
Draw your choice of Kanji using a 1.2m (4ft) brush on the 1.5m (5ft) square washi paper.
Kimono Experience
If you would like to see how you look in traditional Japanese attire, the heritage house is the place to visit. This is a wonderful and memorable opportunity for you and your whole family. Come and find out what it’s like to dress up in a traditional Japanese kimono!
Learn all about the different types of kimonos and accessories and how to style your hair. It’s a hands-on experience that’ll teach you about Japanese culture, and also give you plenty of photo opportunities too.
Private Tea Ceremoney at Jiko-in Zen Temple
Zen meditation, or zazen, is an ancient practice that helps us connect with our deepest being and find balance in our lives. By spending a few moments each day meditating, we can cultivate calm, focus, and greater mental clarity.
Create a private space to disconnect from external noise and reconnect with yourself in an environment of support and serenity, accompanied by the wisdom of a Monk, who will answer questions and guide you. along the path of tranquility.
Japanese food
Osaka is the centre of Japanese food tourism and there are so many things to choose from!
Sushi Cooking Class
Learn to roll sushi like a pro during this 2.5-hour, small-group sushi-making class in Osaka that includes dinner. Get a hands-on introduction to the art of sushi from a professional instructor, then sit down to dinner as you enjoy your creations with the group.
Afterward, test your hand at making taiyaki (a Japanese, fish-shaped cake) for dessert. This personalized sushi course, limited to just eight participants, also offers upgrade options including the chance to wear a yukuta (casual kimono) or try out a sampling of Japanese sake and beer.
Shinsekai Street Food Tour
The Shinsekai district is a unique neighborhood dating back to the early 1900’s. The area is still very much a locals spot- with many shops, restaurants and gaming parlors catering to the everyday labourers who live nearby.
This retro-district is full of inexpensive local dining and entertainment options. Take a stroll with our local expert who will show you the hidden gems and explain the colourful past history of Shinsekai through the years. You will get to try 6 different local dishes at 5 different shops. Each item has a long history in the Osaka area.
Osaka Food Markets
Start at one of Osaka’s oldest vibrant neighborhoods where the market has every ingredient for Japanese cuisine that you could possibly imagine.
Visit Korea Town, then walk through an amazing labyrinth of an urban landscape, one that has seemingly defied time, then head to Namba, which takes you to the Kuromon Ichiba, arguably the most popular marketplace among visitors from abroad. Stroll through the backstreets to get to the cooking equipment district, where you can also pickup everything from ceramics to knives to wax food models.
Japanese In-Home Cooking Lesson and Meal
Roll up your sleeves and learn to cook an authentic Japanese meal with Yoko! Before you get started with your cooking class, Yoko will introduce you to Japanese cooking techniques, the five different tastes and the key ingredients you’ll use throughout the cooking process.
You’ll prepare 5 different dishes in your 1.5 hour cooking class! Yoko will explain everything thoroughly throughout the entire process. Feel free to ask her more about Japanese cooking styles and don’t leave without learning about her secret cooking tips.
Only in Japan....
There’s so many things in Japan that you just won’t find anywhere else!
Anime Shopping Tour
Explore Japanese culture and get goods: Anime, Figures, Gundam, Kawaii culture, Gachapon, and traditional Japanese tools like knives and dishes. Plus, enjoy street foods!
Walk through Otaku Road to explore specialised stores and stroll through the renowned electric street, Den-Den Town.
Visit a Maid Cafe!
Osaka Go Kart Tour with Costume Rental
Discover Osaka’s highlights in this quirky Go Kart tour. You’ll be photo-ready, as there are plenty of funny character costumes to choose from.
Visit popular neighborhoods such as Namba and Dotonbori on this hassle-free tour as Go Kart rental, costume rental, insurance, and fuel are included. See lots of Osaka’s top sites like Tsutenkaku Tower, and Kitashinchi area, and you won’t have to worry about losing your group, as it’s a small-group tour.
Cosplay Photo Experience
Get lost in the world of cosplay while in Osaka. At this photo studio, you can experience a photo shoot dressed in either cosplay or a Kimono. Pick a costume from more than 30 kinds of selections including Japanese anime character costumes and Kimonos. There are nine different booths, all with different backgrounds, to have your photo taken! When it is all over, have the photos printed out or sent to you.
This is the ultimate experience for any anime fan.
Learn The Katana 'Sword' Technique of Samurai and Ninja
Discover the ways of a true Japanese warrior during this 90-minute lesson covering sword skills, poses and Shuriken (star) throwing.
Watch a performance by three Samurai and a ninja, then suit up in a traditional kimono, ninja costume or samurai armor as you learn the sword cutting technique combining a balance of posture and mental focus. Finish your day by performing a ninja scene and try throwing a rubber version of the Shuriken.
Looking for activities in other areas of Japan?
Check out some of the other ideas we’ve located to ensure your trip to Japan is an unforgettable experience.