April 13, 2025, 7:23 a.m. | Reading time: 5 minutes
Osaka is loud, colorful and full of surprises - and that's exactly what makes it so unique! Alongside Tokyo and Kyoto, the city is one of the most popular travel destinations on Japan's largest island, Honshu. The metropolis offers famous sights such as the Osaka Castle and the bustling Namba district as well as many other highlights that should not be missed. Sunnytrips author and Japan lover Katharina Kunath reveals her tips for an unforgettable trip to Osaka.
Osaka makes it clear that industrial cities in Japan can also have their charm. In the metropolis with almost 2.7 million inhabitants, countless canals and many of the 808 urban bridges have been spruced up with promenades, cafés and restaurants. Boat tours past old counting houses, parks and brightly lit residential and commercial towers are now attracting more and more visitors. Sunnytrips has six tips for a successful stay.
Street art: discover Osaka's colorful sides
Tsutenkaku Tower: pure nostalgia
Vintage shopping, much better than Tokyo!
Don Quixote Ferris Wheel: Experience Osaka from (almost) at the top
Glico Man: The perfect Osaka photo
Eating octopus balls: A must in Osaka
Street art: discover Osaka's colorful sides
While Tokyo is known for its tiled house facades and creative concrete buildings, in Osaka you can discover colorful street art on many corners. Especially in the Amerikamura (Amemura for short) and Nakazakicho districts, the artistic murals and graffiti extend across many buildings. The best way to discover the large murals is on foot, with your camera always at hand. If that's not enough for you: Semba Mural Park is a kind of indoor graffiti gallery that can be accessed via the centrally located Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station. Over twenty street artists have immortalized themselves here with colorful paintings, creating a unique atmosphere.
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Tsutenkaku Tower: pure nostalgia
The Tsutenkaku Tower is one of Osaka's landmarks - and an absolute must for fans of href="https://retro-games.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retro charm. The 100 meter high steel tower stands in the Shinsekai district, which looks like it has fallen out of time. From the tower's viewing platform you have a great view over the city, and there are countless small restaurants around it that invite you to linger. Overall, depending on the time of day, there is a hustle and bustle fair atmosphere here: lots of young families, couples and teenagers stroll through the streets.
Vintage shopping, much better than Tokyo!
Attention vintage lovers: While Japan's capital is known worldwide for its immense selection of second-hand shops, shopping is even better in Osaka. Maybe because there aren't that many people hunting for bargains here yet? Or because the competition isn't that strong? Especially a little away from the city center, you can find extraordinary clothes and designer items at prices that are sometimes much better than in Tokyo.
My extra tip
"Yes, don't waste time! To this day, I still mourn the odd piece of clothing that I didn't buy on my last trip to Osaka. Especially when you're staying for a limited time, you often don't have the time to visit the shops a second time. And of course, in vintage shops, what's gone is gone. If you take too much time when deciding what to buy, you'll end up empty-handed."
Don Quixote Ferris Wheel: Experience Osaka from (almost) at the top
A Ferris wheel in the middle of the city? No problem in Osaka! The Don Quixote Ferris Wheel, located in the famous Dotonbori shopping district, is popular with locals and tourists alike. At 77 meters, the oval Ferris wheel (also known as Ebisu Tower) offers breathtaking views of the city. A trip is particularly worthwhile in the evening, when everything lights up in colorful lights. And the best thing: a round only costs around 600 yen (approx. 4 euros), so it's comparatively cheap. You should definitely plan some time before or after the ride on the Ferris wheel: the labyrinth-like Don Quijote shopping center that goes with it may be a complete sensory overload at first - but here you can buy wonderful souvenirs such as Japanese cosmetics, matcha cookies or cute key rings.
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Glico Man: The perfect Osaka photo
No trip to Osaka is complete without a photo with the famous Glico Man. The huge, glowing billboard with the running athlete is one of the city's most famous symbols and a real eye-catcher. It's best to come here after dark - that's when the lights of Dotonbori shine in their full glory. The New Yorker's Times Square seems almost pale in comparison.
Eating octopus balls: A must in Osaka
“Takoyaki” are the ultimate street food classic in Osaka. You can find the small golden brown octopus balls on almost every corner. Freshly baked and served with a spicy sauce, they are the perfect refreshment for an extensive city tour. The popular street food is not eaten with chopsticks, but with a long toothpick.
My extra tip
"I can say from experience: Be careful, risk of burns! Even if it seems tempting to put a whole ball in your mouth, the small balls of dough are hot as hell. If you don't want to burn your mouth, be patient and just bite off carefully."
Osaka on the map
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