5 Cool Places in Osaka
Osaka Top 5:
2023 must-see places in Osaka for a great time
Hi, I’m back! It’s been years since my last post, and completely by chance, I’ve had this Osaka-Top-5 post sitting in my drafts since 2018. The first draft was written through the eyes of post-grad, big eyed Emilia. It’s pretty wild how much changes in 5 years - I definitely feel it in my bones too, lol.
In the words of the original draft, “this post is way overdue and I honestly wanted to post it earlier, but a spontaneous Japan trip came up and figured it’d be best to get my ‘initial places’ down on paper first, then make another list of reccs after.” Those thoughts and spontaneous trip hold true - I just got back from 3 weeks in Osaka and very much so think this post is overdue. Anyway!
Osaka is my absolute favorite place in Japan. There’s bias since my family is there, but everything from the chatty Osaka personalities to delicious foods is incredible.
Things to note:
Osaka is small depending what you’re after. If you are from a big city like NYC, you will feel the size.
Most people do a day trip to Osaka. You’ll get the gist of it - but you need to spend a few days here (after Tokyo) to really feel the cultural differences.
Everything here is delicious. Absolutely 0 misses.
People stand on the right side of the escalator, opposite of Tokyo but same as America :)
5. Hirakata
Shopping (4) | English (2) | Location (2) | $$
Hirakata. A cute hideaway spot a lil detached from central Osaka where the famous "T SITE" is. A beautiful Tsutaya and really cozy cafe/restaurant with an outside terrace. If you're traveling solo, this is definitely a spot you can spend hours at without noticing.
Hirakata Park (Hirapa), a cute mini amusement/water park is pretty close as well. The rides are geared for more a younger audience, but the waterpark is great! Lots of huge slides and a fun lazy river.
A little out of the way, but might be worth to make a stop if you have the time.
📷 kiyoka_tokyo, fukuda_5555, hirairo.hirakata, osakadotcom
4. Amemura
Shopping (3) | Drinking (3) | Food (3) | English (4) | Location (3) | $$$
Amemura/Shinsaibashi. America-mura, Amemura, is a pretty unique pocket of Osaka where the Japanese have packaged “American culture” into a handful of shops and bars. Be warned that a lot of their “American culture” portrayal is 90’s streetwear silhouettes with hilarious hip hop, weed, and Looney Toons graphics.
There are definitely shops that carry some rare vintage tees from the 80’s in pristine condition. Lots of American heritage brands.
It’s a fun area worth walking through if you’re close to Shinsaibashi.
3. Tennoji
Shopping (4) | Drinking (3) | Food (4) | English (4) | Location (4)
Tennoji. A fun area close to Namba where the famous Tennoji Zoo is. It’s a fun part of Osaka where you can spend a few days doing all the activities they have to offer.
Spa World - a massive, multi floor bath house (and hotel?) where there’s everything from a waterpark to specialized skin-cleansing baths.
Tennoji Park - similar to central park, an expansive park where they regularly hold seasonal events for the public. Food stands, games, and other fun festivities. There are cute shops and restaurants as well.
2. Umeda
Shopping (5) | Drinking (5) | Food (5) | English (4) | Location (5) | $$$
Umeda. If not Namba, Umeda is the place where everyone gathers to shop, eat, and hang out on the weekend. It’s the busiest transit hub: JR line, subway, and Hankyu all run through here.
I always find there’s significantly less western tourists here. There are a ton of department stores, restaurants, arcades, bars, clubs, etc. It’s very built out with a lot to do.
My favorite department shops, LUCUA and LUCUA 1100, are connected to the JR building. You can find a ton of Japanese brands and great dining. LUCUA carries youthful, trendier options while 1100 has a wider variety. 1100 also has the massive cosme makeup store and Tsutaya bookshop.
📷 steezy_panda, nightphotography2022 , cafetyo , storefronts.japan
1. Fukushima
Drinking (5) | Food (5) | English (2) | Location (3) | $$
Fukushima. Just one stop away from Osaka Station on the JR Loop Line, this area has really grown into an amazing spot to spend your nights at. Right around the train station (and directly under!) are a ton of restaurants and bars. Lots of Italian, French, and Spanish tapas style wine bars. There are so many places you can drink that I’d recommend checking out multiple locations.
Right under the train station is an intimate, tucked away bar called Blackstock British Bar that serves Japan’s best mojito. The owner is fluent in English and makes incredible food and drinks. Go alone or with friends, but you will have one of the best nights in Osaka if you bring the right energy :)
(I am also biased because I worked there!)
Overall, Osaka feels small to the metropolitan giant Tokyo. There’s infinity-and-one things to do in Tokyo, but the magic of Osaka is that you can really feel like you’re living in Japan. You’re eating with locals (or expats that chose the better city! lol) and the lifestyle is much steadier. I personally spend the most time around Umeda - for the shopping - but know there’s still so much more to explore. Hope you enjoy!!
