[Budget Traveling to Japan] What to do in Osaka (Video included)

Jun 16, 2018
3 min read

People asked me which city was my fave, I said It's Tokyo. But which place I love most, should be Dotonbori, which is the soul of Osaka city. Compared to Tokyo, Osaka actually has fewer tourist attractions, but it does not mean that you should overlook this city. I spent 3 days in Osaka and I think that should be a decent amount of time. So shall we begin with the list of my recommended places to go in Osaka?

1. Osaka Castle

This is the biggest and most astonishing attraction in Osaka. And in fact, it is one of Japan's most famous historical landmarks which was built in 1597. After a few times being demolished then repaired then demolished again, then reconstructed again, Osaka castle today becomes the most renowned complex with a historical museum inside. Since the place has attracted an enormous number of tourists every year, they now even organise some spectacular events in the evenings regularly like light shows and super illumination. The Castle should really sit on the top of your sightseeing list in Osaka.

2. Cup Noodle Museum

I really wanted to go to this museum because it's always on the top visited list in Osaka. Unfortunately it was closed for NYE while I was in Osaka... But if you have time I highly recommend this place! Open your eyes in front of thousands of Japanese cup noodle displays, immerse yourself into interacting activities like making your own cup noodle?! It would be a once-in-a-life-time experience!

Image credit: https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka_ikeda/

3. Dotonbori

It's the most crowded entertainment area in Osaka! Endless eating, shopping, taking typical tourist photos... they are all here! I found myself spent everyday in Osaka at Dotonbori because I just couldn't helped myself! I felt like I was on a mission to discover as much of Japanese street food here as possible. The most famous Takoyaki shop also resides here, make sure you check it out!

Looks familiar?

This is the famous Takoyaki shop. Make sure you try the cheese type <3

4. Kuromon market

THIS IS THE BEST THING IN OSAKA!!! It's like I had the chance to explore Tsukiji Fish Market for the second time! I could not say which one I prefer between them two; Tsukiji definitely offers wider range of fresh seafood, some extraordinary ones like king snow crab, sea urchin, raw oyster raw tuna raw octopus,...while I felt like Kuromon focuses more on cooked seafood and other types of Japanese delish. And also Kuromon is less crowded, and it's an in-house market which I would be a bit more comfortable for sitting in and enjoy the food for longer.

Can I just live here?

5. Universal Studio

I guess this is the biggest reason why people come to Osaka. I didn't have the time to go but I'm sure you all know how famous it is, especially among Harry Potter's fan.

Image credit: Timeout

6. Day trip to Nara

This was actually what I chose to do instead of going to Universal Studio. Most people come to Nara for one reason - the Nara Deer Park. I felt like stepping into a typical Australian wildlife park, but instead of kangaroos, you got the first-hand encounter with the deers! And also adjacent to the park is the famous Todai-ji temple - the iconic Buddha Temple in Japan. The Hall of the Great Buddha is the largest wooden building in the world FYI.

7. Day trip to Kyoto

From Nara I actually went straight to Kyoto and stayed there for a few days. But if you are in a time constraint, you could also take a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka. Kyoto offers various unique cultural experiences that you do not want to miss if you ever come to Japan. My next blog post will give you a detail guide on what to do in Kyoto, so look out for it ;)

Also, check out my video on my Japan trip here and see the full list of what I have enjoyed doing and eating in the country of blossom flower (even though I didn't get to see any at all LOL).

If you missed the first part of this Budget Traveling to Japan series (What to do in Tokyo), then click here get the ideas and plan your trip ahead!

That's it for today's post! I'm working on a series about Japanese cuisine and budget accommodation as well, so if you would love to see more exciting content please subscribe to my website so you'll be notified first when something is uploaded! Also don't forget to connect with me on Instagram @veronicaphm and my youtube channel at the link above!

See you in my next post! <3

#travel #Travel #Japan #Osaka #budgettravel #stepsitake