7 Fun things to DO in Osaka

I went to visit my good friend Andrew, who has moved here from Tokyo to work as an English professor at the beautiful Kwansei University. After touring his new school (definitely an upgrade from the language center we both worked for), we went around town to do some sight-seeing, eating, and of course partying!

What to DO and SEE?

Watashi wa O-susume  (My Recommendations)

       

1. The Glico man – take a photo at this institution amongst the dizzying neon-lit billboards that pollute the area.

2. Dotonbori Arcade – it’s like a market hodge-podge of department and fashion stores, hotels, game arcades, pubs, fruit and vegetable stores, and restaurants in a casual atmosphere. The whole area is not romantic in any way but more for fun, excitement, and treats.

3. We had some really good Osaka-style Okonomiyake or grilled pancake at a restaurant. They say the original and best ones are from Hiroshima but this one’s delicious too.

4. Osaka-Jo (Osaka Castle) – go in and learn some of Osakas fascinating history as well as admire its beautiful 16^th century architecture.

5. Osaka-Jo-Koen (Osaka Castle Park) – a massive urban park attached to the castle in the center of the city where the Osaka Castle Hall, several athletic fields, an open air music theatre and concert hall are located. A lot of people hang out here especially on the weekends from tourists to runners to street artists and musicians or those simply on a stroll. In the spring fun ‘hanami’ parties (sakura celebrations) are held here. 

6. Eat Takoyaki! One things Osaka is gastronomically famous for. They’re sumptuous and in smaller pieces than usual with an ample smattering of the delicious takoyaki sauce and complimentary kastsuboshi flakes! 

The Osaka Takoyaki is so famous that they even have a museum for it.

7. For you party animals, congratulations as Osaka is not lacking. Party your hearts or livers out in Dotombori, Umeda, and Namba areas to name a few. Just make sure you don’t miss your last train or you’ll have to take a pricey cab ride or wait for the ‘shihatsu densha’ or the first morning train, usually at 5am. 

Quite a long and uncomfortable wait especially when you’re buzzed and have to sleep on the pavement.

There are lots of party information available online, like this: WHY NOT?

But, if you have children with you or simply want to have some more wholesome fun, there is also:

Universal Studios Osaka

Osaka Aquarium

Osaka Science Museum

For more info on Osaka, check this link out from Japan Guide 

How to get around?

Walk – this is something people do a lot in Japan.

Taxi – an expensive option.

Train – can be used to move from one station stop to the next. But, why not just walk? Osaka is a smaller city compared to Kyoto.

Where to stay?

I stayed with my friend so I can’t give a feedback on how the hostels / guesthouses are here but surely they’re pretty standard. There are loads of them in Osaka, searchable online with prices ranging from Y2,500 - 4,000 ($25 - 40) / night.

If you want more privacy and have money to spare then hotels are available and so are the ‘ryokan’ (traditional Japanese inn) to experience authentic Japanese lodging.

How to get to Osaka?

If coming from Tokyo, the famous ‘Shinkansen’ Bullet Train operated by JR Line is the way to go. It’s a bit pricey but you’ll get here on time and not tired like if you took the overnight bus or regular train.

JR RAIL

Japan Guide on Shinkansen

From within the Kinki Chiho (Kansai Region), TRAINS are the way to go.  Apart from being the quicker way, it is more affordable too.

Kansa Railwway (Train) Route

Osaka to Kyoto

by Bus: not ideal unless you have a lot of time as it takes 7-8 hours from Kyoto. Online reservation may not be possible and it’s not necessarily a cheaper option either.

Hi-way Buses Information

Willer Express Company
  

If you are just to breeze through the different places in the Kansai Region, there are passes available to help you save money from buying different train tickets.

JR WEST KANSAI PASSES