A retro district with a "shitamachi" (old downtown) feel, designed in the early 1900s to evoke the streets of Paris and New York.

An iconic, multi-story discount megastore situated right on the Dotonbori canal, easily identified by its massive yellow "Ebisu Tower" Ferris wheel.

A legendary 600-meter-long covered shopping arcade that has served as Osaka’s primary retail artery for centuries.

A themed bar-club located in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, fully decorated in pink. Known for its ultra-Instagrammable aesthetic, pop/EDM music, and colorful cocktails. The atmosphere is light and festive—perfect for girls’ nights out or grabbing a drink in a kitschy, fun setting. 💴 Entrance fee: Free 🍹 Cocktails: Around ¥800–1,200 👥 Tourist level: Fairly touristy – very popular with young people, influencers, and international visitors looking for a visual and playful experience.

A trendy district often called Osaka’s answer to Harajuku, known for its alternative fashion, street art, and vintage shops. The vibe is young, creative, and a bit chaotic. You’ll also find cafés, thrift stores, clubs, and galleries. It’s the perfect spot to see Osaka’s youth culture in full swing. 👥 Tourist level: Very touristy – popular with young locals, influencers, and travelers curious about Japanese urban culture.

A unique shrine featuring a giant lion head.

Centuries-old Shinto shrine with red torii gates. 📌 Optional ideas: Visit & Explore and walk the Horishiki temple and Tennoji Park.

Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most impressive historical landmarks. The castle is surrounded by a vast park filled with cherry blossoms in spring. Don't forget to check out the Time Capsule Expo '70, an interesting relic from the 1970 World Expo buried within the grounds. 💰 Entrance Fee: 600 JPY (Castle Museum) | Free (Garden) ⏳ Visit Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

🏔️ Mount Rokko Viewpoint 🌄 Enjoy a scenic view from Mount Rokko, offering a panoramic perspective over Kobe and Osaka Bay. 💰 Cable Car Cost: 1,200 JPY round trip

Tucked away from the neon chaos of Umeda, Nakazakicho is a charming district where time seems to slow down. This area, known for its retro streets, indie boutiques, and cozy cafes, is perfect for winding down at the end of the day with a relaxed café-hopping experience. 🚶 Strolling Through Nakazakicho’s Retro Alleys As the sun sets, wander through narrow streets lined with preserved old houses, transformed into vintage stores, art spaces, and artisan shops. The area’s nostalgic atmosphere contrasts beautifully with Osaka’s modern skyline, making it a great place to explore after a day of sightseeing. ☕ Café Hopping in Nakazakicho Nakazakicho is a paradise for café lovers, offering a mix of cozy hidden spots and stylish modern coffee houses. 🪴 What to Expect: Independent cafés, art galleries, craft shops, and vintage boutiques Old machiya-style houses converted into cozy coffee shops or retro stores A peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time

Visit the Tower of the Sun, an iconic structure from the 1970 World Expo, designed by artist Taro Okamoto. The tower represents the past, present, and future of humanity and features an artistic and historical exhibition inside. 💰 Entrance Fee inside the tower : 700 JPY (reservation required) A reservation must be made in advance 🌳 Expo ‘70 Park Entrance: 260 JPY

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, famous for its traditional architecture and iconic red arched bridge. 💰 Entrance: Free ⏳ Visit duration: 30 min - 1h

Head to Umeda Sky Building, a futuristic skyscraper with an observation deck that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Osaka. 💰 Entrance fee: 1,500 JPY ⏳ Visit duration: 45 min - 1h

Small Osaka tea house and gallery for carefully brewed Japanese teas and seasonal sweets like kakigori. Quiet second-floor hideout.

Restaurant near Nipponbashi with a U-shaped counter surrounding the kitchen and a tatami room. Fresh ingredients and fair value for dinner. It has a stylish interior while retaining the atmosphere of a sushi restaurant.

Small matcha spot for lattes with oat milk, hojicha, and lemonades. Vegan friendly options. The interior and the bonsais are so beautiful.

Anime and electronics area that has lots of arcades which are so much fun and designed for adults more than kids.

Great sushi restaurant, has a tablet to order dishes and a conveyor belt that delivers the sushi when it's ready!