Osaka is packed with history—Osaka Castle, endless shrines, and temples that make it onto just about every travel guide. And look, if it’s your first time in Japan, those are definitely worth seeing.
But after a few trips to Japan, you start craving something different. At some point, sightseeing the same temples over and over just isn’t as exciting as actually experiencing the city.
Papu and I stopped visiting castles and shrines years ago. These days, we’re all about eating our way through all the new Japanese cities/villages we visit, checking out local markets, soaking in onsens, hitting up theme parks, finding cool bars, and catching unique shows—basically, doing what the locals do instead of running through the usual tourist checklist.
And don’t worry, I’m sure you already know about the likes of Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan, so I’m not going to waste your time recommending those.
If you’re looking for fun, offbeat things to do in Osaka that don’t involve shrines or castles, here’s where you should be spending your time.
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Table of Contents
1. Take a free walking tour of Osaka
A free walking tour is a no-brainer! Not only do you get to explore the city’s top sights and hidden gems, but you also gain insider tips from local guides who know Kyoto like the back of their hand.
On FREETOUR, you can easily browse and compare a variety of free walking tours all in one place—whether you’re into history, food, or off-the-beaten-path adventures. FYI, if you do go for the free tours, you’ll still want to tip your guide!
2. Mochi Pounding Experience
Mochi needs no introduction—but if you’ve never had it, you’re in for a chewy, sweet, and ridiculously addictive treat (I myself have been obsessed with all things mochi/rice cakey since I was a toddler).
This hands-on mochi pounding experience in Osaka is one part foodie fun, one part cultural lesson, and perfect for all ages. At just under $25 per person, it’s a wallet-friendly way to learn how mochi is traditionally made—from steaming the rice to pounding it with a giant mallet—and taste your creations with classic toppings.
You can choose from two options: the Adult Experience (ages 13+), tailored for those seeking a deeper cultural dive, or the Family Experience (all ages), designed to engage and educate both children and adults!
3. Kuromon Ichiba Market
Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” this market offers over 150 stalls of fresh seafood, fruits, and local delicacies, perfect for food lovers and culinary explorers. Not only is it a place to see the locals living their lives, but it’s also a cultural experience that won’t cost you a dime to explore.
As you wander through the arcade, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Japanese delicacies.
Don’t make the same mistake we did–show up before lunch, not after! All we could fit in our bellies were a small bottle of local soy milk and a couple of mini donuts.
4. Catch the Osaka Night Fusion variety show
If you’re looking for something in Osaka that’s off the beaten path yet totally unforgettable, Osaka Night Fusion fits the bill to a T.
Held at Tempo Harbor Theater, this high-energy show fuses traditional Japanese culture with modern dance music, creating an experience that’s part concert, part theatrical performance, and part interactive fun.
Expect performances with traditional Japanese instruments (like taiko drums!), dramatic stage effects, and an energy that’s best described as both electric and immersive.
FYI, this isn’t just a sit-back-and-watch kind of show—you’ll have chances to participate and interact with the performers too!
If you’re on the fence about this one… just do it. Reviews consistently rave about the passion, energy, and sheer fun of the show, and honestly, there’s nothing else quite like it in Osaka. Level up the experience by snagging a front-row seat for an up-close view of the action.
5. Exploring all the shopping arcades
Carving out time to stroll through all the shopping arcades in Osaka offers a fun, budget-friendly experience–all of them are free to roam!
Here are some shopping arcades to get you started:
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street: Known for housing all sorts of shops, from high-end boutiques to wacky gift shops to trendy fashion outlets.
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street: One of the longest shopping streets in Japan, featuring a mix of traditional Japanese items, souvenirs, and local snacks.
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street: Specializes in kitchenware and cooking utensils, making it a haven for food enthusiasts and home cooks.
6. Visit the Cup Noodles Museum
The Cup Noodles Museum is a fun little spot dedicated to the history of instant ramen, located where the world’s first instant noodles were invented.
If you’ve ever eaten a cup of instant ramen (which, let’s be honest, most of us have), this place gives you a cool look at how it all started and how it’s evolved over the years.
One of the most interesting parts is the ramen tunnel, where you can see around 800 different instant ramen packages from past to present—basically a visual timeline of how instant noodles have changed.
The best part, though? You can make your own custom Cup Noodles at the paid experience corner. You get to choose your ingredients and design your cup, making it a fun (and edible) souvenir. If you’re visiting, it’s definitely worth doing.
And before you leave, check out the museum shop—it’s packed with unique ramen-related souvenirs!
7. Buy quirky souvenirs at Nakaza Cuidaore Building
The Nakaza Cuidaore Building is an entertainment complex with a super quirky atmosphere–featuring a mechanical drummer named Kuidaore Taro!
The shop right next to the mechanical drummer is a highlight — you can pick up all your Osaka-themed souvenirs and food items here. You can also explore the building’s various floors featuring themed restaurants, shops, and even live performances.
8. Take a ramen + gyoza cooking class
If I didn’t already know how to make ramen and gyoza, I’d absolutely sign myself up for this! There’s something ridiculously satisfying about kneading your own wheat noodles, cutting them with a noodle machine, and crafting perfectly crispy gyoza from scratch.
In this 3-hour hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of making ramen—from prepping the broth with chicken bones and dried sardines to rolling and slicing your own noodles. You’ll also get to make your own gyoza (dumplings) using minced chicken and customize your dish with toppings. The class teaches classic soy sauce ramen, but you can tweak it with miso for an extra depth of flavor.
If you love ramen but have never actually made it yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to learn.
9. Get a sumo experience (with kimono + hot pot)
Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich sumo tradition with this culturally-enriching sumo experience that combines hands-on fun, a show, food, and dressing up–a quadruple whammy!
Watch a 40-minute sumo show, followed by a personal sumo experience where you step into the ring for a brief encounter (5-10 minutes). You’ll also get a photo op with the sumo wrestlers to capture the moment.
Want to go full cultural immersion? Opt for the kimono experience, where you can wear a traditional Haori (Japanese formal coat) and even purchase your own kimono. After the show, dive into the ultimate comfort food—Chanko nabe, a hearty hot pot served in the traditional sumo wrestler style.
10. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
If you’ve been to Tokyo before, you’ll be no stranger to the teamLab brand. teamLab has taken Japan by storm with its undeniably interactive digital art exhibits that have expanded globally over the years.
At teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, nature and technology come together in a super unique way. The botanical garden transforms into a dynamic art space at night, where flowers, plants, and other vegetation become part of the artwork. Elements like wind, rain, and movement influence the displays, creating a constantly evolving, living masterpiece.
If you need a break from all the high-energy stimuli that Osaka is known for, this is a great way to spend a couple of hours in the city.
11. Hike to Minoh Falls
You wouldn’t expect to find a lush forest trail and a 33-meter waterfall so close to the concrete sprawl of Osaka, but that’s exactly what Minoh Falls delivers.
Just a 30-minute train ride from the city center, Minoh Park immediately greets you with a quiet, shaded path lined with maple and cedar trees, the steady sound of the river running alongside you.
The walk itself is half the fun, but the main draw is the waterfall—recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn fiery red, but even in spring/summer, it’s a welcome break from the heat.
Along the way, you’ll pass food stalls selling momiji no tempura—crispy, sweet fried maple leaves you won’t find just anywhere. We tried them and were genuinely surprised by how tasty they were!
If you’ve got extra time, stop for lunch at Isoyoshi Kawadoko, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes while sitting on a riverside platform, or chill out with iced coffee and cake at Yamamoto Coffee-kan. The old-school interior is a vibe—elegant, retro, and a perfect spot to take a break.
Want to extend your nature trip? Nearby Katsuo-ji Temple, known as the “Temple of Winner’s Luck,” is famous for its sea of Daruma dolls and seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and maple trees.
12. Namba Yasaka Jinja
Yes, I know we said no shrines, but this one’s too fun to leave out! If you’re already near Namba Station, take a quick 7-minute stroll to one of Osaka’s most bizarrely delightful hidden gems: Namba Yasaka Jinja.
You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot a massive lion head building with its mouth wide open — that’s the “Shishi-den,” and yes, it’s real. The open mouth doubles as a stage, making it one of the most Instagrammed spots in the area.
Locals and travelers alike come here to pray for everything from good relationships and protection from illness to job-hunting luck and safe childbirth. According to legend, the lion’s mouth actually inhales bad luck. Whether or not you believe it, it’s worth the stop for a fun and offbeat experience.
Don’t miss: The Koi Koi Omikuji, which are love fortunes shaped like pink and red koi fish. “Koi” means both “carp” and “love” in Japanese, and “koi koi” sounds like an invitation — perfect if you’re hoping to meet someone or are in a relationship!
13. Ride the oval Ferris wheel at Ebisu Tower
Smack in the middle of Dōtonbori’s chaos, the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel stands tall and proud–you can’t miss it. Built into the side of the Don Quijote building, this oddly-shaped, oval Ferris wheel gives you a unique bird’s-eye view of Osaka’s liveliest district.
This isn’t a ride locals often take (which somehow makes it more fun as a visitor). Each gondola seats four people side-by-side, and the whole ride is a smooth glide around a vertical loop — it feels more futuristic monorail than old-school Ferris wheel.
Entry costs 1,000 yen. The ride usually gets crowded towards the end of the day, so we recommend visiting early.
Don’t forget to pop into Don Quijote for some souvenir shopping before you move on!
Pro tip: Get 100 yen off the ride by showing your Osaka Amazing Pass.
14. Explore KITTE Osaka
Directly connected to JR Osaka Station’s west exit, KITTE Osaka is a brand-new shopping and dining complex housed inside JP Tower Osaka, which sits on the historic site of Japan’s first Osaka Station and the old Central Post Office.
While the top floors are all about gourmet dining and local eats, the real magic for travelers lies on floors 2, 3, and 4!
2F: “Feel JAPAN Journey”
This floor is basically a mini road trip through Japan. It’s packed with shops from across the country, from Kochi’s TOSATOSA (don’t skip the salt-grilled bonito!) to Miyazakikan KONNE, known for its sunny orange branding and Southern Japanese charm. You’ll also find different stores housing edible goods representing Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Kumamoto, and more.
If you love discovering regional specialties throughout Japan, it’s the perfect place to grab authentic regional souvenirs without leaving Osaka.
3F: Made-in-Japan Lifestyle Goods
Need a practical souvenir or gift that’s not tacky? The third floor features high-quality, often handmade goods like Imabari towels, Toyooka Kaban bags (super durable, minimalist Japanese leather), and Amano Pearl jewelry from Ise-Shima. Everything here is well-designed, useful, and has that refined Japanese craftsmanship vibe.
4F: Osaka Comfort Food & Regional Eats
This is the floor you come to hungry. Get your fill of food made by some of the city’s best restaurants! There is self-serve takoyaki at Takonotetsu, crunchy fried skewers (kushikatsu), or rich katsuo tataki from Kochi.
There’s also Nihonbashi 3daime Taimeiken, a legendary Tokyo-style Western restaurant, and Kyushu Sake Bar Tsukushi, which serves sake from across the southern islands.
👉 Pro Tip: Right across the street from KITTE Osaka, you’ll find Time Out Market Osaka — the brand’s first-ever location in Asia. This curated food hall features a lineup of local chef-driven eats and cultural experiences selected by the editors of Time Out. You can find a list of the restaurants here.
15. Go bar-hopping at Misono Universe
At first look, Misono Universe looks like a random retro-modern venue from the Showa era where concerts are held from time to time. But that’s not what we’re here for. We’re here for the collection of bars!
If you’ve got free time at night, spend it bar hopping at Misono Universe, housing a variety of small, themed bars on the second floor of the building.
You can enjoy a drink or two while exploring the different atmospheres, each offering its own unique charm and a glimpse into Osaka’s eclectic nightlife. You’ll find some weird establishments but very interesting indeed!
Many are open until the early hours of the morning, making it a great place to experience multiple drinking holes without having to walk very far from bar to bar.
16. Hirakata Park (Hira-Par)
If you’re looking for a laid-back day out at a theme park, the Hirakata Park theme park (or Hira-Par for short) is a great alternative to the ever-crowded Universal Studios Japan. This cute amusement park is great for families, especially ones that don’t have the patience to wait in massively long lines.
In the summer, the park has water attractions, while in the winter, the park lights up with festive illuminations.
17. Arashiyama Train & Hozugawa River Rafting Day Trip
One of my all-time favorite experiences near Kyoto is the Hozugawa River rafting excursion. On this 10-hour combo day trip, you’ll get to experience Kansai’s scenic beauty through not one–but TWO–different modes of transportation.
The river rafting boat trip is such a breath of fresh air compared to the massive crowds you’ll often find in Kyoto! Located just east of the Arashiyama area of Kyoto, you’ll float through gorgeous scenery and encounter a few gentle rapids to keep things exciting.
The train is a 25-minute vintage train ride with open-sided cars that’s equally as scenic!
Afterward, explore the charming Arashiyama area (known for its cute pedestrian bridge, cherry blossoms along the river, and lots of matcha desserts) before heading back to Osaka for the night!
18. Go to a Hanshin Tigers baseball game
If you’ve never been to a baseball game in Japan (or Korea, for that matter), buckle up. This is not your typical Western ballgame experience. We went to a Hanshin Tigers vs. Yomiuri Giants game — basically Japan’s version of SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers — and it was wild in the best way possible!
When it’s your team’s turn to bat, the stadium explodes with coordinated chants, songs, and drum beats. Every player has their own cheer song, and fans go hard from the first pitch to the last out.
And don’t worry — the chants are super easy to pick up since they’re super repetitive (in a good way). You’ll be singing along by the second inning without even realizing it!
And the food? Miles better than overpriced nachos in the USA. We grabbed Japanese curry, crispy chicken karaage, and even strawberry crepes between innings.
Even if you don’t follow baseball, this is a cultural experience you don’t want to skip!
Pro tip: Hanshin Tigers play at Koshien Stadium just outside Osaka, and it’s one of the most legendary stadiums in Japan. Book ahead if they’re playing the Giants — those tickets go fast. (We bought resale tickets on TicketJam.)
19. Take a food tour of the Shinsekai district
Taste your way through Osaka’s retro district like a local on this guided food tour through the energetic (and a little bit overwhelming) streets of Shinsekai.
Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll taste up to 13 different dishes at five local eateries, covering everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers done the local way).
Along the way, you’ll stroll through one of Osaka’s most famous and historic neighborhoods, and discover hidden gems known only to locals.
20. Explore Hiroshima and Miyajima’s UNESCO Sites
Hiroshima and Miyajima are home to some of Japan’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. This full-day UNESCO sites tour is a mix of historical reflection and nature, all wrapped up in one memorable day.
Hiroshima, famously known as the site of the first atomic bombing in 1945, is a symbol of peace and resilience. A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum offers a powerful look at the devastation and the city’s dedication to promoting peace.
Miyajima Island, just a short ferry ride away, is famous for Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic “floating” torii gate that appears to rise out of the sea at high tide. The island is such a peaceful getaway with tons of scenic views, temples, and plenty of history.
Finish off your tour with a peaceful visit to Daishoin Temple, and enjoy some free time to shop and explore Omotesando Street on Miyajima.
21. Kendo Experience: Learn the way of the samurai
If you’ve ever wanted to step into the shoes of a samurai—minus the battlefield—this immersive Kendo experience is as close as it gets.
You’ll suit up in traditional Kendo armor, including the mask, arm guards, and bamboo sword (Shinai), before learning the fundamentals of this disciplined martial art. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll practice striking techniques, footwork, and even take part in a match to test your skills.
For adults, this is a rare chance to engage with the Bushido spirit firsthand, understanding the philosophy behind Kendo while physically participating in the sport.
If you’re visiting with kids, they won’t be left out! While younger children (ages 3-5) won’t do full-on sparring, they’ll still get to dress up in Kendo armor, take part in basic movements, and snap fun photos in full gear. Plus, everyone gets a free Japanese hand towel as a souvenir.
Need Help Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Osaka
- 4 Days Of Fun In Osaka: The Ultimate Itinerary For An Epic Trip
- 20 Fun And Free Things To Do In Kyoto and Osaka, Japan
- Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide
- Minoh Falls: The Perfect Escape From Osaka’s Cityscape
Kyoto
- 2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
- 25 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucketlist
- 7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed
