Best Attractions & Activities in Osaka

With all of the things to do and see in a city, deciding how to spend your time can be quite an agonizing decision. 10best has narrowed all of the available attractions in Osaka to a list of the most appealing and reputable, to aide in your decision making. You can rest easy knowing that any choice you make from our list is sure to please.

OSAKA MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF FINE ART

Home to over 8000 works, this museum is a must-see for lovers of fine art. The gracefully appointed collections comprise 12th-14th century classical Japanese arts, modern Japanese art and lacquer ware. In addition to Japanese works, the museum is also home to a magnificent collection of Chinese paintings, artifacts and calligraphic works. Numbers of the pieces have been classified as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

AME-MURA

Ame-Mura, or American Town, is the place to go if you want to catch a glimpse of hip, contemporary urban youth. Originally receiving its name from the first stores here that sold inexpensive American clothing and accessories, it has exploded into an immensely popular shopping locale for trendy fashion seekers with over 3000 shops to visit. Coffee shops, bars and restaurants abound. The name may be Ame-Mura, but the experience is uniquely Japanese.

OSAKA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Located on the outskirts of the Osaka Castle grounds, this museum brings to life the city's 1400-year history. Each floor details a different period of Osaka's history beginning with the most recent and moving upward to ancient exhibits on the museum's uppermost floors, culminating with a full-size, partial recreation of the regal Naniwanomiya Palace on the highest level. Prepare to be captivated by reconstructions, life size exhibits, intriguing photographs, movies and scale representations of Osaka's past.

HEP FIVE FERRIS WHEEL

Conveniently located beside Osaka Station, this large Ferris wheel with diameter greater than the height of some buildings, affords riders outstanding views of the city in addition to being just plain fun. It sits aloft a large shopping mall which houses both Western and uniquely Japanese shops as well as a large entertainment arcade. You will find the wheel's gondolas to be air-conditioned and quite comfortable during the 15-minute ride.

MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CERAMICS

Located in Naka-no-shima, Osaka's oldest park, this museum maintains a prestigious collection of fine ceramics that has been rated one of the most distinguished in the world. Korean celadon, Chinese ceramics from the Song and Ming dynasties and Arita from the Japanese Edo Period are expertly shown under natural and computerized natural light simulation. Allow between 30 minutes to an hour to take in the splendid array of skillfully crafted pieces.

UMEDA SKY BUILDING, FLOATING GARDEN OBSERVATORY

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the 39th floor of this innovative observatory in one of the city's most modern architectural structures. Visitors take a fast moving glass elevator to the building's top floor where they then ride on a glass enclosed escalator to deposit them 167 meters from the ground in the floating observatory between two towers which comprise the Sky Building. The observatory is both a day and nighttime favorite among locals and guests alike.

SHITENNOJI TEMPLE

The Shitennoji Temple site is the oldest in Japan, with the original temple being constructed in 593. In addition to the Main Golden Hall, visitors will find a five-story pagoda, turtle sanctuary and aged stone gate dating as far back as 1294. Surrounding the temple are lush grounds including a serene Japanese landscape garden replete with manicured shrubbery, streams and waterfalls. Making the perfect historical and cultural stop, the temple is a site worth seeing.