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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hike to Minoo Falls
Minoo Falls (or Minoh Falls) offers a shockingly tranquil escape from the city life, given that it’s so close to Osaka. Starting around Minoo Station, this scenic hiking trail is filled with lush greenery and ultimately leads to Minoo Falls.
For those of you who like immersing yourself in the serene beauty of forests, this is the chance you’ve been waiting for to enjoy the Japanese art of forest bathing!
During the fall months, the area becomes even more enchanting as the colorful autumn foliage adorns the landscape, attracting hikers and photographers alike to witness the changing colors.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
