20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN OSAKA

Osaka, the third largest city in Japan, does not usually appear as one of the essential stops on a trip to the country of the rising sun. And we don't understand the reason: we found it a very interesting city, both day and night, and full of attractions. It is also one of the gastronomic capitals of Japan. Not by chance many expats prefer it even ahead of Tokyo to live. We would not hesitate: spend a couple of days at least to visit Osaka on your trip through Japan. Next we will suggest the 20 best things to see and do in Osaka:

1. Did you know that the district ofShinsekai In the past, was it one of the most dodgy neighborhoods in Japan? Today it is an area full of restaurants that prepare kushikatsu, some fried skewers of meat, fish, vegetables ... Walking around here at night is a whole gastronomic experience. The skewers are delicious, be careful because they are not very cheap.

2. The biggest protagonist of the Shinsekai district and one of the city's icons is the Tsutenkaku tower. It was the entrance to an old amusement park, although it had to be dismantled to manufacture weapons with its steel during the IIGM. In the middle of the s. XX was rebuilt with a new design and greater height (103 meters), as we see it today. You can upload to lookout from the top floor and enjoy the spectacular views over Osaka (¥ 700, about € 5.5).

3. Although if you want to see a spectacular sunset, go to Umeda Sky Building. The peculiar structure is formed by two towers connected at the top by a floating platform, where the observatory is located with the incredible views at 170 meters high. Of course, before arriving you will have to encourage yourself to ride on its famous escalators, which seem to be suspended above the void. Admission costs ¥ 1,500, about € 12.

4. The former is not, by far, one of the tallest buildings in Osaka. The Abeno Harukas tower It is not only the roof of Osaka, but of all Japan, with its 300 meters high. The “Harukas 300” viewpoint stands out at the top, which completes the list of the best observatories in Osala. Uploading costs ¥ 1,500, about € 12.

5. From a symbol of progress we turn to an example of the tradition and history of Japan as is the Osaka Castle. Its construction is due to the Toyotomi Hideyoshi daimyo back in the 16th century and was a fundamental place in the struggles for the unification of Japan. Although it has been restored almost completely and does not maintain many original elements, it is an essential visit in Osaka (admission costs ¥ 600, about € 4). In addition the surrounding park is always lively.

6. The Gate Tower Building It is one of the most curious buildings in Osaka. And it is that it is crossed by an elevated highway!

7. If Tokyo has Akihabara, Osaka hasNipponbashi (Den Den Town), a paradise for lovers of manga, anime and video games. It is certainly one of the best things What to see and do in Osaka.

8. If you travel with children, in addition to the previous one, an ideal plan will be to climb the ferris wheelTempozan Ferris Wheel, which is about 112 meters high. The full lap takes 15 minutes, during which you can have a great view of Osaka Bay. It costs ¥ 800 (about € 6.5). Curiosity: there is another ferris wheel in Osaka, in the mall Help Five. It costs ¥ 600.

9. Kick yourselfDotonbori, the most famous and characteristic neighborhood of Osaka, which when night falls becomes a sea of ​​neons, street food and cool atmosphere. Although there are thousands of luminous signs, one has become the symbol of this neighborhood: the Glico-man, a neon of the Glico candy brand in which you can see an athlete with his arms raised. We did not think much, everything is said, but not visiting it is almost crime hehe.

10. Or return it by boat. There is mini cruises they navigate the Dotombori canal and cross the 9 bridges that form it, a different way of contemplating the lights and neons of the lively neighborhood. There is also the option to ride a panoramic boat on the Okawa River.

11. To the north of the Dotombori canal is the Shinsaibashi-suji, a pedestrian gallery where you can find products of all kinds: from cosmetics to video games or souvenirs. There are also lots of restaurants for all tastes (sushi is not lacking).

12. Have you fallen short and want to continue shopping? You can a round for Nanba, it is the most lively commercial area of ​​Osaka, where the most varied shopping centers and stores are not lacking.

13. If you are tired of crowds, the Spa World It is the best place to relax. Admission costs ¥ 1,200 (about € 10) and includes access to the onsen and the pool and towel area. Eye, there are two bathing areas: European and Asian:

• Europeans (Roman hot springs, blue grotto, Greek baths, Finnish sauna) women can access in even months and men in odd ones.
• To Asians (Turkish baths, Japanese onsen, Balinese pool ...) women have access in odd months and men in even months. The entrance includes access to the pool and bath and towel areas.

14. We did not go, but after visiting the one in Los Angeles we are looking forward to returning to Osaka to go to Universal Studios! An indispensable visit if we are traveling with the smallest of the house (and why not, give us a whim). You can book your ticket here.

15. Taste and fall in love with takoyakis, some balls of dough stuffed with octopus that are the end of the world. For us it is the best thing to do in Osaka xd It is the typical street food here and you will find them virtually anywhere. But if you want to try them on an original site, go to Takonotetsu: here you prepare them yourself (and don't think it's so easy, eh!). In this post we tell you what are the 5 dishes to eat in Osaka yes or yes.

16. The Kuromon Ichiba Market It is a very photogenic food market. It is best to travel with your eyes and nose wide open until you find the food stand that attracts us most. Take advantage because here you can find the freshest and cheapest seafood in Osaka.

17. One night go to dinner at the restaurantFukutarowhere they say the best are prepared okonomiyaki from Osaka. If you don't want to wait in line, go to strange times 🙂

18. If you have time, come to know the Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine, famous for retaining hundreds of stone lamps and for being one of the oldest in Japan. Another temple worth visiting in Osaka is the Hozenji temple.

19. Two original plans what to see and do in Osaka are to visit the Instant Ramen Museum (yes, you read well hehe). It is a museum where you can review the history of one of the most consumed Japanese foods in the world and from which you will take a unique souvenir: an instant ramen personalized to your liking. YLegoland, the geek paradise of this game.

20. If you travel in autumn we suggest you approach the Minoo Park, a park located about 30 minutes from Osaka and that is a haven of peace and beauty. It is one of the best sites for live the momiji (redness of the leaves of the trees). Look at the forecasts of the momiji era.

These are, for us, the best 20 things to see and do in Osaka. You have been? What are your favorites?

Video: 50 Things to do in JAPAN, OSAKA. Osaka Travel Guide (April 2024).