Stuff to Do in Osaka When You Run Out of Ideas

Known as “The Nation’s Kitchen,” Osaka charms with its laid-back vibe and perfect mix of city life, history, and culture. It’s brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered!

If you’ve already had a sensory overload at Dotonburi, had your taste of okonomiyaki and takoyaki, shopped ‘til you dropped in Shinsaibashi, taken in the view from Umeda Sky Building, seen the iconic Namba Yasaka Shrine, and explored the grand Osaka Castle, this guide is for you. We’ve listed some ✨underrated stuff to do ✨in Osaka that you should add to your itinerary, it’ll make your trip one for the books!

Japanese cafes are one of a kind. They’re more than your usual coffee and conversation spot as they cater to different niche interests. Here, you can participate in unique activities, watch special shows, and even interact with cute animals!

In Osaka, you can attend a ninja training class and learn to handle weapons like the shuriken (ninja star) and katana (sword) - all while dressed like a real ninja! Since it’s a cafe, they also serve ninja-themed drinks and dishes like shuriken-shaped curry and flaming chocolate fondant.

You can also visit a samurai cafe where you can watch professional actors, dressed as samurai, perform comedic acts and traditional dances. This show is also an immersive experience, so audience participation is a must! History buffs would love this show.

Or stop by a micro pig cafe to cuddle with tiny piglets and take selfies! 🐷 These babies will happily climb onto your lap as you enjoy free drinks and snacks that come with your entrance ticket. 

We know that Osaka is known as “The Nation’s Kitchen,” so it just makes sense to take advantage of that. Why not attend a cooking class? Learn the basics, history, and culture that come with each dish.

For matcha lovers, attending a tea ceremony is a must! 🍵

There are a variety of museums around Osaka, from historical to contemporary. We’ve narrowed down some interesting stuff to do in Osaka museums that you might not see anywhere else.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living allows you to get a glimpse of how Osaka looked in the Edo period and its progression to a modern society. You can even dress up in a kimono as you walk around! 👘

For those who fancy underwater life, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan would be worth a visit. It features massive tanks with all sorts of species, both big and small.

The Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum is not your ordinary art museum. Some exhibits are 3D! It’s an immersive experience that features vibrant Japanese art from a different perspective.

If you enjoy Osaka during the day, you should see it come alive at night. It’s an entirely different vibe! There’s just as much stuff to do in Osaka after dark as there is during the day. 🌃

Although there are a few teamLab branches throughout Japan, Osaka is home to teamLab Botanical. This attraction is best visited at night when the garden comes alive with art installations that use surrounding natural elements to create mesmerizing displays of light. 🤩

Embrace the night as a local would. Savor a tasty pairing of street food with sake, sing your heart out at a karaoke bar, and bask in the city lights after hours.

Every 5 years, the World Expo takes place. And this year, it’s in Osaka! Get to experience over 150 countries through their unique pavilions, where they showcase their cultural heritage and technological advancements. The Expo 2025 takes place in a massive venue, it’s like a whole theme park in itself! It ends in October, so don’t miss out on the chance.

The Pokémon Center Osaka is a must-visit for fans. Here, there are interactive displays that bring the magic of Pokémon to life. Of course, no visit would be complete without picking up merch - from an extensive array of your favorite Pokémon plushies, to more practical Pokémon-themed items like stationery and clothing.

A Nara day trip from Osaka only takes 40 minutes and is a must for animal lovers, with more than a thousand sika deer roaming around the main park. These deer are regarded as divine messengers of the kami (Gods) of Kasugataisha Shrine. There are special cookies that you can purchase around the area to give to these deer. 🦌

Afterwards, head to Kyoto to experience Zen through nature and history. 🍃 Immerse yourself in the peace and calm of Kyoto parks and pay your respects at beautifully designed temples and shrines.

Osaka is a laid-back city famous for its street food, vibrant city life, and a touch of historical and cultural sites. It’s also near other famous cities like Kyoto and Nara.

Try different street food, go shopping, see the city views, check out different shrines and temples, enjoy local cafes, learn to cook local dishes, explore museums, and experience the night life. The possibilities are endless, there’s just so much stuff to do in Osaka! 😁

Absolutely! There are a ton of tourist-friendly attractions that are easily accessible to foreigners. Most locals in Osaka also speak English, so it’s easy to ask around!

Osaka is famous for its street food, especially takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Takoyaki are golden, octopus-filled batter balls, while okonomiyaki is a savory cabbage-packed grilled Japanese pancake, layered with your choice of meat, seafood, and sauces.