Key Attractions & Things to Do in Osaka
Osaka Castle – A Slice of Samurai History
Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous historical sites, beautifully restored and surrounded by leafy parklands. Climb to the top for sweeping city views and take time to explore the museum inside, it’s rich with stories from feudal Japan and interactive displays perfect for travellers of all ages.
Dotonbori – Lights, Eats, and Big Vibes
Dotonbori is where Osaka really turns it on. Stroll alongside the canal, snap a selfie with the Glico Running Man, and taste your way through local favourites like okonomiyaki and takoyaki. The atmosphere is buzzing day and night, equal parts food paradise and pop-culture hotspot.
Kuromon Market – Osaka on a Plate
Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” Kuromon Ichiba Market is a foodie’s dream. You’ll find everything from wagyu beef skewers to sea urchin, and it’s all made fresh in front of you. It’s the ideal place to try a little bit of everything without the restaurant price tag.
Shinsekai – Retro Streets and Comfort Food
Step into a different era in Shinsekai, a neighbourhood that feels like time stood still. Grab a beer and try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in a casual eatery, then take in the views from the retro Tsutenkaku Tower. It’s laid-back, character-filled, and a favourite among locals.
Umeda Sky Building – For Skyline Chasers
Want the best city view without the crowd? The Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory offers 360° views across Osaka. Come for golden hour, stay for the lights, it’s a peaceful way to take in the scale and rhythm of the city.
Amerikamura – The Youth Culture District
This cool, creative hub is known for edgy fashion, second-hand stores, local art, and quirky cafés. Think Melbourne’s laneways meet Harajuku, but with Osaka’s distinct flair. It’s a great place to people-watch and pick up something unique.
Getting to Osaka
Flying from Australia to Osaka is easy, with direct and connecting routes via major airlines. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is your gateway to Japan’s Kansai region. Find cheap flights to Osaka, including Sydney to Osaka flights and more. Book cheap flights to Osaka with Mix & Match and kickstart your Japanese adventure with just a few clicks.
Flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth connect via Tokyo, Singapore, or Seoul for convenient entry.
