Osaka Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

One of the biggest cities in Japan, Osaka is the perfect place to explore Japanese culture. Less touristed than Tokyo and Kyoto, it's worth visiting for its laid-back vibe and famous hospitality. Some people argue that Osaka has the best food scene in the entire country, including Tokyo. So that might be reason enough to visit by itself. But you'll also find plenty of museums, historic sites, and other amusements to keep you busy in this underrated town. And just outside the city, there's lots more to explore, including the picturesque islands around Honshu. Drop off your bags at an Osaka luggage storage service and see a different side to Japan. With everything Osaka has to offer, you won't run out of things to see and do.

7 Best Ways to Experience Osaka in 2024

Combining tradition with cutting-edge modernity, Osaka is a city like no other. But it can be hard to know where to start in getting to grips with this fascinating place. Often, a guided tour with a knowledgeable local can be the highlight of your trip, letting you see places you otherwise never would. To make things easier on yourself, you can drop off your unneeded bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Osaka so you can concentrate on enjoying yourself. Some of the best experiences in Osaka await.

Best offbeat walking tour — Backstreet Osaka Tours

If you want to see a side to the city most visitors never do, this is the company for you. Taking place at night, this tour takes you to former underground gambling dens and other notorious locations. As a complement to a tour of the better-known attractions, it’s unbeatable. You’ll hear the thrilling stories from Osaka’s past and learn the history of the city, warts and all. The company also offers a one hour all-you-can-eat dinner which is well worth exploring. Contact them at admarsden1980@yahoo.com.au or 818070122238.

Best Old Town walking tour — Walkabout Osaka

These walking tours are limited to a maximum of six people, meaning you’ll get more personalized attention from your guide. As well as touring around Osaka’s impressive Old Town, the company can also take you to the city’s main shopping streets, and you’ll get food samples throughout the tour that will keep things interesting — and delicious. You can book a tour online or by contacting them at walkabout.osaka@gmail.com.

Best hiking tour from Osaka — Spirits of Japan

Osaka is a great city to explore on foot. But sometimes, you want to see more of what the region around the city has to offer, and that’s where Spirits of Japan comes in. This company will take you outside the bustling city to visit an unforgettable waterfall. Tours are limited to a maximum of six participants, and you’ll get to enjoy some drinks while you soak up the natural beauty. If you’re looking to stretch your legs and get out in nature during your vacation, this is one of the best ways to do it. Contact them at japanesehungryspirits@gmail.com or 818040165288.

Best cooking class — Eat Osaka

Japanese cuisine is enjoyed around the world, and Osaka is a great place to learn more about it. Eat Osaka is dedicated to helping you plunge into Japanese cuisine. They offer both a street food tour and cooking classes where you learn to make local delicacies. There’s no better souvenir to bring home from a trip than a new skill, so these cooking classes are a great way to have some fun while learning. Contact them to book at eatosaka@gmail.com or 8180-5325-8975.

Best highlights walking tour — All Star Osaka Walk

In Osaka, as with any city, there are certain iconic sites you can’t miss. If you’re pressed for time or simply want to make things easier on yourself, take a walking tour of Osaka’s highlights to make sure you don’t miss anything. Not only will you get to see unforgettable locations such as Osaka Castle, but you’ll learn more about them from knowledgeable guides. To book this tour, contact All Star Osaka Walk at info@allstarosaka.com or 819093038537.

Best food tour — Taste Osaka

Food is central to any culture, and that’s as true Japan as it is of anywhere else. On a walking tour of Osaka with Taste Osaka, will not only get to try some of the city’s best food, but you’ll learn more about the history and culture of the city. And if you’re in the mood for something livelier, the company also offers a backstreet nightlife tour where you can visit some of the top bars and enjoy a few drinks with your group. Contact them at 81 80-5325-8975 or book online using the contact form.

Best bike tour — Cycle Osaka

Traveling by bike is a great way to get around the busy streets of Osaka, and it’s one many locals use extensively. Cycle Osaka will take you on a bike tour around the city and help you see some of its most impressive spots. They offer a half-day tour through North Osaka where you can explore the artistic culture of the town or a full-day tour that starts in the Fukushima neighborhood. Either way, you’ll get a deep insight into the city while burning plenty of calories. Contact them at info@cycleosaka.com or 81 90 9165 7168.

A weekend in Osaka

A weekend in Osaka isn't nearly enough to exhaust the city's potential, but it may be enough to let you see some of the essential sites. In Osaka, ancient Japanese history meets the cutting edge of modernity, so no matter what you're into, you can probably find it here.

• Enjoy the view at the Umeda Sky Building. One of the city's chief landmarks, this 567-foot tall skyscraper has an observation platform on the 39th floor and even a floating garden.
• Explore history at Osaka Castle. Although the castle dates back to 1583, the current structure was built in 1931 to replicate the former castle's look. While not completely authentic, it is a great place to learn more about the history of the region.
• See one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan at Sumiyoshi. The shrine dates back over 1800 years, and the gorgeous gardens exude tranquility and beauty.

Osaka lockers

Like all Japan's major cities, Osaka is a big and bustling place. With so much to see and do, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. You can make things easier on yourself by dropping off any unneeded bags at a suitcase storage in Osaka. The lighter you travel, the more fun you'll have on your Japanese trip.

Off the beaten path in Osaka

Osaka is a city that doesn't shy away from the quirky. Away from the main attractions, you'll soon find some unique things to do in this appealing town. Leave your bags behind at an Osaka luggage storage locker and delve into the weirder side of the city.

• A pottery museum may not sound like everyone's idea of a good time. What sets Maishima Pottery Museum apart is its interactive nature. As well as learning more about Osaka's ceramic art, you can make your own pottery here and fire it in the kiln. It's the perfect souvenir of your trip to the city.
• Peace Osaka is a unique monument to peace. This moving tribute to those who have died in conflicts around the world is a sobering place to visit, but it points to a brighter future without violence.
• Instant Ramen noodles are one of Japan's most famous exports. Explore this popular food at the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum. See a giant replica of a cup of noodles, sample different flavors, and even make your own noodles in an interactive workshop at this unique attraction.

What to do alone in Osaka

Like all of Japan, Osaka is an incredibly safe city. Plus, its reputation for a more laid-back and friendly atmosphere than you'll find in Tokyo makes it the ideal city to visit on a solo trip. Drop off your unneeded bags at an Osaka bag storage and enjoy some of these attractions.

• Spoil yourself at Spa World. This giant complex is home to a range of spas and pools where you can swim, get a massage, or pamper yourself with all kinds of beauty treatments. It's the perfect place to unwind on your trip.
• See the longest shopping street in Japan at Tenjinbashi-suji. You can find just about anything on this street that stretches for over a mile, making it the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.
• Osaka is known for its food scene, and a food tour is the perfect way to explore what the city has to offer. Join a tour with other travelers and share the incredible food of the city, such as battera sushi, okonomiyaki pancakes, and other mouthwatering treats.

The best souvenirs in Osaka

Baton d’Or is one of Osaka's most famous sweet treats. These narrow sticks of sweet dough come in a variety of flavors. Similar to the better-known Pocky, Baton d'Or are unique to Osaka and make the perfect take- away treat. For another tasty memento, visit Hyogetsudo and pick up one of their petite banana cakes. This confection of custard cream and bananas melts in your mouth. Or if you want to replicate one of Osaka's most popular street foods yourself at home, get a takoyaki maker. These octopus-flavored dough balls are ubiquitous in the city, and will make a truly unique appetizer at your next dinner party.