As you wind through the streets of Osaka, you’ll probably be a little overwhelmed… in the best possible way!
As the third-largest city in Japan, this thriving metropolis manages to blend the energetic, the stately, the old, and the new into an intoxicating collection of unforgettable travel experiences.
You can go the historical route and take a step back in time at the many temples, castles, and museums that line the streets. Or you can indulge in some more traditional big-city thrills, enjoying a movable feast of world-class nightlife, fine dining, theme parks, and sports.
1. Join a unique Osaka food tour
Joining a food tour in Osaka is a no-brainer activity for visitors to this eclectic city.
The two best places to go on a food tour in Osaka are the Shinsekai and Dottonbori neighborhoods, with each one having its own personality.
Shinsekai is known for retaining its retro charm, so trying different foods here is like a blast from the past. Expect classic Japanese street foods here as they have been enjoyed for centuries. Dottonbori is a more contemporary street food street in Osaka. Try unique street foods here as well as Osaka staples like takoyaki, skewered meats, and more.
2. Make your own takoyaki
If there’s one street food that’s the most iconic in Osaka, it’s takoyaki. What better way to celebrate your time in Osaka than to have a takoyaki party and make your own takoyaki?
Takoyaki are balls of dough which are filled with pieces of tako, or octopus, cooked to perfection, and topped with things like sauce, mayonnaise, and katsuo dried fish shavings. Cooked on the outside and fluffy on the inside, takoyaki is an Osaka street food staple.
3. Visit a Themed Café
Japan has created an entire sub-culture around themed cafes, and while it’s popular to visit these weird attractions in Tokyo, Osaka also comes to the table with great themed café options.
Themed cafés in Japan provide unique, immersive experiences with decor, food and drinks all designed around specific fandoms or pop culture elements.
4. Go on a Pub Crawl
No visit to Osaka is complete with a taste of the nightlife here. Going out for a pub crawl in Osaka is the perfect way to enjoy the city’s vibrant and fun-loving spirit, and experience the city’s dynamic nightlife.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, a local pub crawl is a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and boisterous locals, while discovering hidden gems that you wouldn’t find on your own. Who knows, you might even end up at a karaoke joint at the end of the evening! Check out these pub crawls in Namba/Shinsaibashi and Uranamba.
5. Visit an (ethical) animal cafe
Visiting an (ethical!) animal cafe is a cool and unique Osaka experience. Sipping on drinks while patting and enjoying the company of furry friends has been a growing trend in Japan. Animals featured in popular animal cafes include dogs, mini pigs, otters, hedgehogs, and even meerkats!
In order to make your visit to an animal cafe an ethical one, I recommend doing some research
6. Eat Michelin takoyaki
Yes, this is another unique Osaka activity that includes takoyaki, the most iconic street food of Osaka. This is because takoyaki has been featured in the Michelin Guide for Kyoto and Osaka!
A number of takoyaki stores in Osaka have been granted the Bib Gourmand rating for high quality and good value food by Michelin. If you want to have your mind blown by some of the best takoyaki in Osaka (and the world), check out these takoyaki restaurants which have received mentions in the Michelin guide over the years:
7. Make your own fake food
Fake food, or plastic food, is a common sight in Japan, especially showcased outside of restaurants. These extremely life-like replicas show guests exactly what kind of meals to expect inside the store! The replicas aren’t always life-sized either, and many are made into miniature versions for decorating and celebrating everyone’s favorite foods.
In Osaka, visitors can make their own plastic food keychain or magnet – a perfect souvenir from Japan! Make your own takoyaki or favorite sushi as part of this fake food class in Osaka. A weird and unique experience only available in Japan.
