10 Things to Do in Osaka City
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10 Things to Do in Osaka City |
Osaka (大阪市) is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Osaka City was once called Naniwa during the Asuka and Nara Periods and was the capital of the country for some time. The current territory of the city was defined in 1889 and the land was designated as a city in 1956. The kanji used for its name o (大) means large. While the kanji saka (阪) means hill.
For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Osaka City:
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Osaka City manhole covers |
1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Osaka. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The one with the Osaka Castle design is common around the city and the colored version of it are usually installed around popular tourist areas. The newly installed EXPO 2025 manhole covers are installed in touristy areas as well.
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Osaka Station |
2. Explore Osaka Station (大阪駅). This is one of the major train stations of the Kansai region which is the best place to go if you want to ride the train going to different parts of the region. Aside from that, the station itself has numerous shops and restaurants worth checking. Don't forget the station near the ticket booth area if you collect eki-stamps.
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Osaka International Peace Center |
3. Visit the Osaka International Peace Center (ピースおおさか 大阪国際平和センター) and learn about the horrors of war and how it affected the city. It is the equivalent of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum albeit smaller.
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Namba Yasaka Shrine |
4. Visit the Namba Yasaka Shrine (難波八阪神社). Aside from the usual prayers and goshuin, you might also want to have a picture taken with its performance stage that has a unique lion shape. Heads up, there are two Namba Yasaka Shrines, this one is located in the Naniwa Ward.
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Shinsaibashi |
5. Go shopping or food-tripping at Shinsaibashi (心斎橋). There are plenty of restaurants and shops worth checking out. It’s also nice to visit this place at night to see how it transforms after the shops turn on the façade lights.
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Glicoman of Dotonbori |
6. Take a picture doing the Glicoman pose at Ebisubashi in Dotonbori (道頓堀) before going shopping or food tripping at the numerous shops and restaurants in the district.
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Umeda Sky Building |
7. Head to the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル) and watch the beautiful sunset there. You also get to see the picturesque view of the city. Aside from that, there is also a rooftop garden here worth checking, and if you get hungry head to the basement area and eat at one of the restaurants in Takimi Koji (滝見小路).
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Tennoji Zoo |
8. Visit Tennoji Zoo (天王寺動物園). There are numerous animals on display here. There is also a petting zoo where you can interact with numerous cute animals. It’s one of the best places to visit if you have children.
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Shinsekai |
9. Visit Shinsekai (新世界). This bustling district is popular for its very affordable food and of course the iconic Tsutenkaku (通天閣). Don’t miss the opportunity to head up its observatory and enjoy the sights.
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Osaka Castle |
10. Your visit to Osaka City won’t be complete without visiting its symbol and most popular tourist spot – Osaka Castle (大阪城). You may choose to explore its vast grounds or go inside the keep. There are plenty of things to see and do in and around the castle grounds.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Osaka City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this super popular city in Osaka Prefecture.
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