**Welcome to /r/JapanTravel’s Tourism by Prefecture series!**
This is a series of monthly megathreads grouped by city/prefecture where users can submit their recommendations for things to see and do in that area.
**We have rebooted this series by focusing on Cities in Japan, and this month we are headed to Osaka!** Please leave the recommendations that you would suggest others take the time to see when they get the chance to travel again. At the end of the month, we will post a new thread with a new city to recommend! [You can view past Tourism by Prefecture megathreads here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/search?q=tourism+by+prefecture)
**Please use the template below to format your reply:**
>Name:
>Description:
>Google Maps Link/Access Info:
>Cost (¥):
>About:
>I would recommend this to:
**At this time we are only encouraging discussion on this topic, any questions that are off-topic will be removed.**
15 comments
Name: Oretachino-curry Ramen Koji Labo Osaka-namba
Description: Curry shop
Google Maps Link/Access Info: [link](https://g.page/oretachi-curry?share)
Cost (¥): 1000 ish
About: Unfussy counter spot, really awesome bowls of curry and ramen. The curry-ramen was the best bowl I had in Osaka, and one of the best of my last trip.
I would recommend this to: Any ramen or curry lover, or anyone wandering Osaka after having a couple drinks.
Name: TOMBORI River Jazz Boat Cruise
Description: A night-time cruise down the Tombori, which runs along Dotonbori in Osaka.
Google Maps Link/Access Info: [Tombori River Cruise Pamphlet](http://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/assets/pdf/jazzboat-2018.pdf)
Cost (¥): 1,800 for adults, 500 for children.
About: When you board the boat, you are given an option of a chu-hai (canned cocktail) and an instrument to play (maracas, tambourine, small drum) to join in the fun. You are accompanied by a live Jazz band as the boat is guided alomng the canal around sunset. The full cruise is about 40 minutes long, and is a nice way to cap off an evening in the area. Make sure you get to the booth early enough to get tickets, either paying in cash or by using the [Osaka Amazing Pass,](https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/) (can only book 2 people at a time with this) as this cruise is very popular and books up very quickly.
I would recommend this to: anyone who is looking for a new experience from the usual Dotonbori visit. Audience participation is a must, so don’t be shy and join in!
Name: Umeda Sky Observatory
Description: The top floor Observation platform of the Umeda Sky Building – not for the faint of heart, this uses a glass walled elevator and 2 glass enclosed escalators to reach the top floor! If you have issues with heights, you may want to skip this, or keep your eyes closed until you reach the roof!
Google Maps Link/Access Info: [Umeda Sky Observatory Main Page.](https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/umeda-sky-building)
Cost (¥): 1,500 for adults, 700 for ages 4-12. 4 and under are free, as are those carrying the [Osaka Amazing Pass](https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/facility/detail?id=7) who enter before 6pm.
About: The observation platform of this observatory is a bridge connecting the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building, whose roof features a doughnut shape that provides an unobstructed 360-degree view. While enjoying the breathtaking sights you can also directly feel the wind―which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. From this observatory you can not only see all of Osaka but as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s. At night, there is a great view overlooking the city of Osaka from all areas of the roof.
I would recommend this to: Night photographers, cityscape enthusiasts, anyone without a fear of heights.
Name: HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
Description: “A Ferris wheel at HEP FIVE where there are about 170 shops such as boutiques and restaurants. During the 15-minute ride you will feel as if you are walking in the air.”
Google Maps Link/Access Info: [HEP FIVE Official Website.](https://www.hepfive.jp/ferriswheel/)
Cost (¥): 660 per person, free under 5 or with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
About: The Ferris Wheel is on top of the HEP FIVE building by Osaka Station in Umeda, and provides an incredible view of the area surrounding the station. Very popular at night, the ferris wheel seats 4, for a 15 minute, fully air-conditioned ride into the sky.
I would recommend this to: anyone with strong nerves and an interest in the view. It was neat to see how big Osaka Station truly is, and again at night all lit up presents a very different view of this busy station area.
Name: National Museum Of Art Osaka
Description: Located in Kita-ku, just south of Umeda, this museum offers exhibits from around the world.
Google Maps Link/Access Info: [NMAO Official Website.](https://www.nmao.go.jp/en/index.html)
Cost (¥): 430 for adults. 18 and younger are granted free admission. The Osaka Amazing Pass grants entry to the permanent exhibition, other exhibits are an extra charge.
About: Rotating art exhibits, a good way to spend a few hours, especially if the weather turns and you cannot spend your time roaming outside.
I would recommend this to: anyone with an interest in art. Information about exhibits goes up a few months in advance.
Name: Shinsekai
Description: Rustic shopping district
[Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/iTLmicgwUKyDW7wu8); Access info: Dobutsuen-mae station exit 5, or Ebisucho station exit 3
Cost (¥): 0 – 5,000
About: A more ‘nitty gritty’ side of town where you can check out various shops, hobby and game stalls (locals playing go, shageki games, etc), beer food (birthplace of kushikatsu, Osakan specialty), and **Spa World** nearby (indoor onsen with various facilities)
I would recommend this to: A more authentic insight into local experience, a lot of older Japanese hang around here in the day, younger ones come for drinks and kushikatsu at night. Has a ‘seedy’ reputation to some, and if you get lost, you might stumble into Osaka’s red light district.
Name: Osaka Kaiyukan
Description: Aquarium
[Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/LoR17eE8WQexUk6m9)
Cost (¥): 2,400 for adults, 1,200 for kids
About: One of the largest aquariums in the world, and one of few that have Whale Sharks and Sunfish. You start at the top and slowly the ground tilts downwards as you circle around the main tank (with other sections to the side).
I would recommend this to: Anyone who enjoys aquariums in general. Kaiyukan never ceases to be amazing to visit (in one year I visit maybe 5x). Diving enthusiasts will enjoy laughing at how dumb Sunfish are.
Name: Miyazakikan
Description: Teppanyaki Steak Restaurant
[Google Maps](https://g.page/miyachiku?share); Access Info: Just off the side of Shinsaibashi-suji street, past Dotonbori bridge
Cost (¥): 6,000 – 30,000
About: My go-to restaurant for Miyazaki wagyu beef. Very good price for the quality (you pay based on the weight and cut you choose). Some chefs have worked overseas and may be able to help as their English menu is quite limited.
I would recommend this to: Foodies, those that want to experience authentic wagyu from professional chefs and proper teppanyaki outside of tourist traps.
Name: Gokakuya
Description: Kushikatsu (fried skewers) restaurant
[Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/haVhyAmcSufJFJYS7); Access Info: Just before Dotonbori bridge, easily overlooked (refer to front door image to find it)
Cost (¥): Average ¥99 per stick
About: *Very* local kushikatsu ‘shop’ that seats only about 10 people. There are no english menus, and the menu is in ‘written’ font so not easily translatable by camera apps. You write your own order (a notepad is given to you). Authentic costs and menu items (including whale lol)
I would recommend this to: Foodies, adventurous people who are willing to try their hand in reading/talking/writing Japanese (but please practice beforehand, you don’t want to frustrate the shopkeepers either), those who want the “Osaka” experience (Kushikatsu is an Osakan specialty)
Name: Kuromon Market
Description: Food market
[Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/z56wZWHvmjyiJLJc6); Access Info: you can walk from Dotonbori, underground through Namba Walk, or through Kintetsu-Nippombashi station (Kintetsu line)
Cost (¥): 100 – 5,000
About: Fresh food market with various food and sweets stalls. Plenty of delicious things to try as you walk and explore, or even buy some fruits to take back to your accommodation.
I would recommend this to: Everyone, foodies, people who like looking at various stalls/shops.
My tip: long lines does not necessarily mean it’s good. Gauge the prices and look at the food to discern between tourist traps and authentic shops. One of the best sashimi shops locals frequent has never had lines, and one of the sashimi shops that always has lines I’ve tried and some of their chefs don’t cut the sashimi correctly and mislabel cuts (very common).
Name: Ajinoya
Description: Okonomiyaki shop (Japanese savoury pancake)
[Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/Z6QfVBtkWtR4JYkY6); Access Info: on a side-street before Dotonbori bridge.
Cost (¥):1,500 – 5,000
About: Michelin-starred Okonomiyaki shop offering both Osaka and Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. Great value for money (~¥1,500 per Okonomiyaki which can be shared between 2 people, or 1 hungry person). Lengthy menu, also available in English and Mandarin.
I would recommend this to: Those who have never tried Okonomiyaki (or Osaka style), foodies, people willing to try unique Japanese dishes.
My tip: either arrive 30-mins before opening time, *or* between 3-4pm, as these have the quickest entry times. Arriving at peak lunch/dinner hour can result in up to 2hour waits.
**Name:** EXPOCITY and Expo ’70 commemorative park.
**Description:** Big shopping center/amusement complex located next to the Expo ’70 commemorative park.
**Google Maps Link/Access Info:** Next to Bampakukinenkoen Station on the Osaka Monorail.
[https://www.expocity-mf.com/expo/en/](https://www.expocity-mf.com/expo/en/)
[https://www.expo70-park.jp/languages/english/](https://www.expo70-park.jp/languages/english/)
**Cost (¥):** Depend on activity.
**About:** EXPOCITY is a big shopping center with 300+ stores, [Nifrel](https://www.nifrel.jp/en/) Aquarium, Redhorse Osaka Wheel, tallest Ferris wheel in Japan (120m high), cinema and other amusement. Expo ’70 commemorative park include a Japanese garden, Rose garden, Expo’70 Commemorative Hall, The Japan Folk Crafts Museum, National Museum Ethnology. So a lot of things to do and see around the area.
**I would recommend this to:** People who want to have a ferris wheel, aquarium, park, shopping center and museums all next to a single monorail station, all that while not going in the center of Osaka. Also close to Haneda airport if you happen to fly in or out from there. Bonus you can see the Tower of the Sun.
​
*Edit : I just realized that his is not within Osaka city, it’s in Suita, that is in Osaka prefecture.*
Name: Cup Noodles Museum – Osaka Ikeda
Description: Museum dedicated to the history of instant noodles with interactive activities – Exhibits are in Japanese only
[Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cup+Noodles+Museum+Osaka+Ikeda/@34.8095766,135.414515,13.29z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1scup+noodles+museum!3m4!1s0x6000f0c60f096aa7:0xe581ef01f49dbaa!8m2!3d34.8180487!4d135.4266758)
Cost (¥): Admission is free, interactive noodle making seminar is ¥500 for kids / ¥800 for adults
About: A fairly small museum with displays related to the history and production of instant ramen. Interactive activities involve either making a package of chicken ramen from scratch with the help of a staff member or creating a custom flavour of noodles. A small dining area has vending machines full of instant noodles and the gift shop offers a bunch of souvenirs.
I would recommend this to: Anyone who enjoys cheesy, interactive fun.
>Name: **Best** **Western** **Plus Hotel Fino** **Osaka** **Kitahama**
>
>Description: Accommodation. Really nice room at a shockingly low price with a great breakfast. Hotel felt brand new when we visited in February 2020. Kitahama Station is literally across the street.
>
>Google Maps Link/Access Info: [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Best+Western+Plus+Hotel+Fino+Osaka+Kitahama/@34.6901854,135.5047244,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!3m7!1s0x6000e6de1810dd3d:0x6a4cb2cdfb18a62c!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d34.6901854!4d135.5069131](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Best+Western+Plus+Hotel+Fino+Osaka+Kitahama/@34.6901854,135.5047244,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!3m7!1s0x6000e6de1810dd3d:0x6a4cb2cdfb18a62c!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d34.6901854!4d135.5069131)
>
>Cost (¥): We paid 5,000 a night pre-pandemic. Looks like rates are really, really low now at 1,400 yen per night.
>
>About: A really cheap, nice place to stay across the street from a train station. It’s a 3-star hotel and my wife and I were both really happy we stayed here instead of going for more expensive options. We were really leery about the Best Western brand because of how bad they are in the USA, but in Japan, much different story. The high reviews you’ll find online are for real.
>
>I would recommend this to: Anyone traveling to Osaka, Japan on a budget.
Name: Tsukemen Suzume
Description: food (tsukemen or dipping noodles)
[Google maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hpWGDYnTMXq9bGf49)
Cost (¥): 800 – 1200
About: Really good tsukemen place in amemura. Huge portions (as all tsukemen places do) and the juiciest pork belly strips. 10-15 min walk from dotonbori.
Pretty much only businessmen and locals here. I woke up the day after arriving, and was so happy to have found this place.
I would recommend this to: Tsukemen lovers and first timers alike. I believe that is all they have.
Probably 2 person groups as it really is a classic ramen place (wait, eat quietly, leave) with not too much space.
I think there may have not been any english on the vending machine, but this was 2 years ago.