3 Must-Visit Spots in Osaka: Add These to Your Japan Trip



3 Must-Visit Spots in Osaka: Add These to Your Japan Trip 🇯🇵⬇️

SEO Meta Description: Discover Osaka’s hidden gems with the iconic Tower of the Sun, the lucky Katsuoji Temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Experience the best of Osaka’s art, history, and spirituality!


1️⃣ Tower of the Sun 🌞

The Tower of the Sun is an iconic symbol of Osaka’s creativity and avant-garde spirit. Created by artist Taro Okamoto, this striking sculpture is located in the Expo '70 Commemorative Park and continues to captivate visitors with its unique design and deep symbolism.

Why Visit the Tower of the Sun?

  • Art and Innovation: The Tower represents life’s energy with its three faces symbolizing the past, present, and future.
  • Expo '70 Park: The park offers flower gardens, walking paths, and museums, making it ideal for a relaxing day out.
  • Immersive Experience: Visitors can enter the tower to explore interactive exhibits that tell the story of the sculpture’s creation and cultural impact.

Tips for Your Visit:

  • Hours: The Expo '70 Park is open year-round, but be sure to check hours for specific exhibits within the tower.
  • Getting There: Take the Osaka Monorail to Banpaku-kinen-koen Station.


2️⃣ Katsuoji Temple – The Temple of Good Luck and Winning 🏯

Nestled in the Minoh mountains, Katsuoji Temple is famous for bringing luck and victory to its visitors. Known for its daruma dolls, which symbolize perseverance and success, Katsuoji Temple attracts those seeking fortune in academics, work, and life.

Why Visit Katsuoji Temple?

  • Daruma Temple: The temple grounds are dotted with daruma dolls, each representing a person’s goal for perseverance or triumph.
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush nature, the temple is especially beautiful in autumn when the surrounding maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
  • Symbol of Victory: Katsuoji Temple is ideal for those looking to set new goals or seek good fortune for future success.

Tips for Your Visit:

  • Best Season: Autumn is particularly popular due to the spectacular fall foliage.
  • Getting There: From Osaka Station, take the Hankyu Line to Minoh Station, then continue by bus or taxi.


3️⃣ Sumiyoshi Taisha – One of Japan’s Oldest Shrines ⛩️

Founded in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi Taisha is a revered Shinto shrine celebrated for its history and beauty. Unlike most Japanese shrines influenced by Chinese architecture, Sumiyoshi Taisha features a purely Japanese design known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri, showcasing a unique and ancient style.

Why Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha?

  • Unique Architecture: The shrine is a rare example of the Sumiyoshi-zukuri style, noted for its straight roof and simple lines.
  • Taiko-bashi Bridge: This bright red arched bridge is iconic of the shrine and offers a beautiful backdrop for photos.
  • Spiritual Significance: Historically known for protecting fishermen and sailors, the shrine is still a place of worship with numerous traditional ceremonies.

Tips for Your Visit:

  • Festivals: Visit in July for the Sumiyoshi Matsuri, a vibrant traditional festival.
  • Getting There: Take the Nankai Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station, followed by a short walk to the shrine.


Osaka is filled with cultural and historical treasures. The Tower of the Sun, Katsuoji Temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha each offer a unique experience that blends art, luck, and tradition. Visiting these spots will add a special dimension to your Osaka trip, making your journey to Japan even more unforgettable.


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Tabimawari

🌍 Adventurer | 🗾 Japan Enthusiast | 🌺 Island Soul


I'm a travel enthusiast hailing from a French island. With a heart full of wanderlust, I embarked on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, where I immersed myself in the captivating culture of Japan for a year. From savoring delectable sushi to chasing cherry blossoms, I'm here to inspire your own Japanese odyssey. Japan is my favorite country I've ever visited. My itinerary guides represent months of planning and research. They include one or many interactive maps, directions, and many tips. They are online version and PDf with all links, and maps that you can add to Google Maps so you can use it in real-time during your trip.


I've taken all of my experiences from my gap year in Japan and my recent trip to Japan and compiled them into these guides, including the lessons learned and what I wish I had known.


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