First Time in Osaka? Here Are the Must-See Places You Can’t Miss

Osaka is loud, vibrant, delicious and totally unforgettable.
If it’s your first time in Japan’s kitchen capital, here’s your essential list of what to see, eat, and explore in this dynamic city.

Whether you're here for neon lights, ancient shrines, or mouthwatering food, this guide helps you hit all the best spots.

🌟 1. Dotonbori – Street Food Heaven

This is Osaka’s beating heart: giant neon signs, wild crowds, and legendary eats like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
📸 Don’t miss the Glico running man sign and a boat ride along the canal at night.

🏙️ 2. Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku – Retro Osaka

Step into Showa-era vibes with old-school arcades, standing bars, and Osaka soul food like kushikatsu.
Climb the Tsutenkaku Tower for a nostalgic skyline view.

🌇 3. Umeda Sky Building – For the Sunset Lovers

Ride the elevator up to the Floating Garden Observatory and enjoy stunning panoramic views over Osaka.
Best time to go? Just before sunset. Magic guaranteed.

🏯 4. Osaka Castle – Culture & Cherry Blossoms

A symbol of Osaka’s history, this reconstructed castle is surrounded by a massive park, perfect in sakura season.
Inside, a museum shares the story of feudal Japan.

🦁 5. Namba Yasaka Shrine – For Something Unique

You’ve never seen a shrine like this one: a giant lion head guards the entrance!
Hidden just a few minutes from Dotonbori, it’s a quick, quirky stop that’ll surprise you.

🍣 6. Kuromon Ichiba Market – Eat Everything

Nicknamed Osaka’s Kitchen, this street market is a food lover’s dream:

Fresh sushi
Wagyu skewers
Flame-grilled crab
Sweet mochi and fresh fruit

Go hungry and sample it all.

🐧 7. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Family-Friendly Wonder

One of the world’s largest aquariums, housing everything from penguins to whale sharks.
Great for a rainy day, couples or kids and beautifully designed.

🎮 8. Universal Studios Japan – Pure Fun

With areas themed around Nintendo, Harry Potter, Jujutsu Kaisen and more, USJ is a must if you love theme parks.
🎢 Pro tip: Book tickets and Express Passes early.

⛩️ 9. Sumiyoshi Taisha – Peaceful & Historic

This shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and most serene.
Its distinctive arched red bridge and ancient trees offer a peaceful break from the city buzz.

🌿 10. Minoo Park – Nature + Snacks

Just outside the city, Minoo offers a calm hike through the forest, ending at a waterfall.
🍁 Bonus: In autumn, try the local specialty fried maple leaves!

🏵️ 11. Expo ’70 Park & Tower of the Sun

A huge park with art museums, tranquil gardens, and the surreal Tower of the Sun sculpture.
Perfect for a half-day escape if you're staying in northern Osaka.

✨ Your Osaka Itinerary Starts Here

Osaka is big, bold, and full of surprises.
Whether you're exploring side streets or eating your way through Kuromon Market, it’s a city that leaves a mark.

📍Planning a trip? My Japan Complete Itinerary includes all these spots (and many other ones too), maps, transport tips, and more to help you make the most of your adventure.

💼 Why Choose My Ready-to-Go Itineraries?

Planning a Japan trip can get overwhelming. I lived in Japan and built the kind of guide I wish I had at the beginning. Here’s what you get:

✅ Clear day-by-day routes 100% customizable

✅ Local spots, not just the touristy ones

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💌 Get Your Japan Itinerary Now Travel Japan with clarity. No stress. No chaos. Just the adventure, made easy.

Marie creator behind @Tabimawari

Hi, I’m Marie.

French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.

I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.

I created these guides after spending months planning, testing, and fine-tuning every detail so you don’t have to. Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Interactive maps
✅ Step-by-step directions
✅ Local spots + travel tips
✅ Offline use

Each guide is made with care, based on real-life travel, not generic blog advice.

This is what I wish I had on my first trip to Japan and now it’s yours.

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