Located on the island of Honshu is Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka. The city is huge, with a population of over 2.5 million people, and is bustling with plenty of things to see in Osaka. Osaka isn’t always on the traditional Japanese tourist trail like Kyoto and Tokyo, but it is full of life and things to do. Osaka has plenty of great restaurants, shopping, bars, and culturally interesting activities to keep visitors busy for at least a few days. Whether cruising the Dotomborigawa River or visiting the Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple, here are some of our favorite unique things to do in Osaka.
Unique Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
National Bunraku Theater
For centuries, Osaka has been the heart of Japan’s traditional Bunraku puppet theater. Making a visit to the National Bunraku Center is one of the many unique things to do in Osaka that shouldn’t be missed. It has a large hall seating over 700 and a smaller one seating more than 150, but if you think the seats don’t sell out quickly, you’d be wrong. Production of the Japan Arts Council, Bunraku is a performing art form that uses intricate puppets to entertain and tell a story. Though the traditional shows are nearly four hours long, don’t worry if that’s more time than you want to spend here, because tickets to individual acts are also available. The theatre is just a short walk from the subway, and if you happen to end up there on an off day, stop by anyway because they may let you check out the theatre and its famous puppet collection. The Japan Arts Council website has an English translation function, so look there for specific times, dates, and pricing information.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple
Tenjin Matsuri “Festival of the Gods” to us English speakers, Tenjin Matsuri is often referred to as the world’s biggest boat festival by proud Osakans. Though that claim hasn’t been confirmed, there’s no doubt that it’s a big one, and it’s Osaka’s largest festival of the summer season happens every July 24th and 25th. The Japanese have a reputation for being reserved and well-behaved, but Tenjin Matsuri is a time when many of them let their proverbial hair down. Celebrated for over 1,000 years, the festival includes fires lit aboard elaborately adorned riverboats in the evening, rituals, traditional dance, fireworks, and a parade comprised of thousands of revelers dressed in ancient garb. Considered one of the most important festivals in Japan, it’s especially important in Osaka and is held to honor Sugawara no Michizane – the god associated with astuteness and learning.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
If you are traveling with children, one of the most interactive and best things to do in Osaka is visit the aquarium. Due to its geography, the island nation of Japan and its people have been seafarers and seafood lovers since the beginning of time. The sea is an integral part of their culture, hence the popularity of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Considered one of Japan’s best aquariums – and one of the largest in the world – it’s located near Osaka Bay and contains fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and marine mammals from around the world. The massive central tank is so large that it’s able to hold the world’s largest fish – the whale shark – which is closer in size to whales than it is to sharks and dwarfs even the mighty great white. The exhibits are clearly labeled in English, so you’ll be able to read and understand just what it is you’re looking at. Like most things in Osaka, it’s an easy walk from the subway station.
Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple
Finding the best things to do in Osaka isn’t tough, but few of them capture Osaka’s essence better than the Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple. Also referred to as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, Sumiyoshi Taisha Temple is among the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. Built in the 11th year of the 3rd Century, its aesthetic architecture is purely Japanese and free of any foreign influences, which may make it stand out among other Japanese temples to those with a discerning eye. The temple is considered the home of three deities who are purported to protect travelers, sailors, and fishermen. Still an active shrine site for the locals, it’s packed on New Year’s Day, when the Japanese come to present offerings, pay their respects, and ask the divine beings to aid and protect their loved ones. We visited on a weekend and found hardly anyone there.
National Museum of Ethnology
Though you probably didn’t fly halfway around the world to Osaka, Japan to spend your time learning about Swedish and Australian culture, that doesn’t mean a trip to the National Museum of Ethnology doesn’t deserve one of those precious spots on your itinerary. A tour of the National Museum of Ethnology may remind you that centuries ago, distant and unique people from all over the world were trading, fighting, and influencing one another’s cultures. The exhibits are full of fascinating artifacts, icons, and even mundane and quirky items used in everyday life. There’s also a special audio room where you can listen to music from around the world. Located in Senri Expo Park, the museum is an easy walk from the subway.
Tickle your funny bone at the ROR Comedy Club
If going to a comedy club and seeing a routine in a language you don’t understand sounds like a great way to waste an evening, then fear not, because, since 2011, ROR Comedy Club has been Osaka’s only English-speaking stand-up comedy club. Known as Japan’s ‘Comedy Central,’ they’ve won excellence awards from a host of international travel sites, so you know it’ll be fun. On the other hand, since Osakans love a good laugh, why not throw caution to the wind and walk into one of the clubs where the routines are in Japanese? What better way to knock elbows with a few locals, drink yourself into oblivion, and have a great time that you’ll remember for years to come. Remember, just laugh when everyone else does, and you’ll be fine.
Universal Studios Japan
It may seem a bit backward to visit an icon of American culture when vacationing in a unique and exotic country like Japan, but a trip to Universal Studios Japan may help reverse that bout of homesickness. Universal Studios is one of the best places to go in Osaka. Featuring exhibits from such timeless blockbusters as Jaws and Terminator, it’s a place that lovers of movies will appreciate. Much more than a boring exhibit of movie paraphernalia, the site is an amusement park too. The facility has been open since 2011 and was the fastest one in history to rack up 10 million visitors, which it did in its first year. There are special areas for kids full of lovable characters they’ll recognize, but the wait for rides at peak times can be excessive and the tickets aren’t cheap, so in order to get your money’s worth, try to go during non-peak times, weekdays, and days that aren’t bright and sunny.
Osaka Castle
Still wondering what to do in Osaka? You need to hit up the Osaka Castle. One of the greatest places of interest in Osaka is Osaka Castle. Though Japan isn’t a country most people associate with castles, you’ll be surprised at just how many there are. Osaka Castle is one of the country’s largest and has seen its fair share of important historical events since it was built in the 16th Century. Built by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was an integral figure in the country’s unification, the current castle is a reproduction that was completed in the 90s because the original was totally destroyed by Allied bombers in 1945. During World War II, the castle played a central role in Japan’s munitions industry, so it became a high-priority target for aerial bombardment, but don’t worry, you’ll never know it’s not the original. You’ll still be impressed by the stalwart stone walls, moats, turrets, and architecture. There’s a fascinating and educational museum inside that will fill in all those important details too.
Spa World
It seems the more you travel, the more you realize that natural hot springs aren’t that rare. As a geologically active country, Japan is home to hundreds of hot springs – or ‘onsens,’ as they’re called. Spa World in Osaka is one of the largest spa complexes in the world, featuring a variety of hot spring baths, pools, and relaxation areas. The facility is designed to resemble different regions of the world, with themed areas like a Greek-style pool and a Japanese hinoki cypress bath. If you’re looking to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing in Osaka, Spa World is the perfect place to do so. It’s located near Shin-Imamiya Station, making it easy to access from anywhere in the city.
These are just a few of the unique things to do in Osaka that will give you a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and history. Whether you’re interested in traditional Japanese arts, modern entertainment, or just relaxing in a hot spring, Osaka has something for everyone to enjoy.
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