Osaka
After Tokyo, Osaka is the most popular city to fly into or out of for international tourists who come to Japan. This means that many foreign travelers will at least have a few hours to discover the city that is also called the ‘kitchen of Japan’. If you only have little time in Osaka, Dotonbori should be one of the places you will visit to eat. This travel guide will help you decide what else to do in Osaka if you have more time.
Families and kids at heart will love Universal Studios near Osaka. Osaka Castle is also a popular destination, with a nice park around it. And if you want to see a gritty cityscape, Shinsekai and Namba are great places to check out.
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6 Recommended Places in Osaka
To help you decide where to go in Osaka if you are short on time, we compiled a list of the 5 best places to visit in this bustling city.
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Universal Studios Japan (USJ), Osaka | A unique experience that can only be had here
Universal Studio Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of Japan’s biggest and best theme parks. Read this article to get some tips and tricks on how to best enjoy a visit to USJ!
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Osaka Station | Kansai Activities Start Here
Many tourists will pass through Osaka Station when they travel through Japan. It would be a shame just to pass through, as there are many things to do and see inside the large station.
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Shinsekai, Osaka | Travel back in time to the retro Showa era
If Osaka is on your itinerary, Shinsekai is a very interesting neighborhood to explore. The atmosphere is somewhat retro-feeling, making you feel like you have returned to Japan at the height of the Showa period (1926-1989).
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Namba | Osaka’s culture and charm are concentrated in this city
Namba is a known entertainment district in Osaka full of colors, restaurants, neon screens, shops, and other places to enjoy yourself, and it becomes especially fun at night.
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Dotonbori, Osaka | Lots of cheap and tasty restaurants!
The lively entertainment area of Dotonbori is the most famous tourist destination in Osaka and famous for its striking neon lights, its extravagant signage, and huge variety of restaurants and bars.
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Danjiri Kaikan Museum, Osaka | Experience a beautiful festival
The Danjiri Kaikan is an interactive and fun museum located in Osaka near Kishiwada Castle. It provides information and activities on the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, which is very famous in Japan.
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Church of the Light | Osaka Travel Guide
If you are interested in Japanese architecture, Tadao Ando might ring a bell for you. He designed the Church of the Light in Osaka, an interesting work of contemporary architecture in Japan.
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Sumiyoshi Taisha | Beautiful architecture and the strongest power spot in Osaka
Shinto shrine “Sumiyoshi Taisha” was founded in 211, making it one of the oldest shrines in all of Japan. It is worth visiting for its picturesque bridge and interesting architecture.
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Imamiya Ebisu Shrine | Very popular in Osaka for its good fortune for prosperous business
This tranquil shrine is located near tourist hot spots but is not often visited by tourists. That makes the Imamiya Ebisu shrine a nice place to get away from the crowds for a bit!
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Umeda Sky Building, Osaka | Fusion of architectural beauty and cutting-edge technology
The Umeda Sky Building in Osaka is located near Osaka station and well-worth a short visit. The view from the observation deck is amazing, and the building itself is an architectural masterpiece.
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Osaka Castle | One of the three most beautiful castles in Japan
Read about the history of the iconic Osaka Castle, and what you can see there today!