There are so many places to visit in Japan but one of the cities that you should definitely visit is Osaka, which used to be the nation’s capital back in the olden days. It also served as “The Nation’s Kitchen” back then and today, Osaka is well-known as Japan’s best place to eat, drink and party.
Source: Travel Japan
Source: Time Out
Of course, there is so much more for you to discover in this city that is chock-full of character and is still a major economic hub for the country! We understand that planning a trip to Japan isn’t easy but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Since we had the pleasure of visiting Osaka with Klook not long ago, these are some of the places that we recommend you to definitely check out if you want to have the best time of your life!
Plus, since we used the Klook app to plan our travels, it was super easy and we got to skip all those pesky queues at the ticketing counter. And if you are a person who has been struck by wanderlust, then you will be glad to know that purchasing activities from Klook will help you earn credits that can be used for your next holiday! Save money, mou?
1. Osaka Castle
Source: Navitime Travel
Source: Jtrip
Arguably one of the most famous landmarks in the country, it’s easy to see why everyone who visits Osaka takes a tour to this iconic structure that has a museum and a viewing platform for some gorgeous sights. The castle has a long history, as it was built in between 1583 and 1585 but it has suffered through many damages and wars to finally be the beautiful building that you see today. The gold leaf decorations are really pretty!
We explored inside the castle, which has actually been turned into a museum showcasing the castle’s history and the displays are really awesome, as they are actually moving illustrations! Even if you don’t want to enter the castle, you can visit Osaka Castle Park and have a picnic there on the grassy lawns and under some shady trees.
Source: WOB
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm (Last entry at 4.30pm)
Closed: December 28th to the January 1st
Entrance fee: Adults: 600 yen (RM22); Children (under 15): free
Pro tip: You can visit Osaka Castle for FREE with the Osaka Amazing Pass which includes entry into other top attractions and sights in Osaka as well as unlimited use on the subway and buses!
2. Nifrel Interactive Aquazoo
Source: Osaka Yanen
You may be thinking, “Meh, another boring museum,” but we beg to differ! The Nifrel’s concept is really special as it’s a “living” museum that is designed to allow visitors to experience the exhibits differently. This huge indoor museum houses art and various creatures from different realms and there are seven zones for you to see. They are all so interesting, though!
There are about 2,000 animals of 150 types in the museum and in one of the zones, they are actually roaming around freely! PS: Remember to keep an eye out for the magnificent white tiger!
Some of the cutest jellyfishes ever! | Source: WOB
Source: Klook
Source: WOB
Address: 565-0826 EXPOCITY Nifrel, 2-1 Senribampakukoen, Suita-shi, Osaka
Opening hours: 10.00am to 10.00pm (Last entry at 7.00pm )
Entrance fee: Adults: 1,900 yen (RM70); Children (under 15): 1,000 yen (RM36); Children (above 3 years old): 600 yen (RM22)
You can also buy the tickets online here so you don’t have to queue!
3. Osaka Wonder Loop Bus
Source: WOB
As Osaka is Japan’s second biggest city, it can be quite difficult to cover on foot, so why not take a hop-on hop-off bus to see the sights? The Osaka Wonder Loop bus will allow you to enjoy the city as it has 14 different stops which feature all the major places of interest.
If the weather is good, you can consider taking the open top bus to see the city and feel the wind in your hair. Plus, you can also experience a fun river cruise that stops at various places so you can truly see all the different aspects of this vibrant city.
Source: Hotel New Otani Osaka
Source: Jalan
Address: View the bus schedule and stops here.
Entrance fee: Adults: 3,000 yen (RM112); Children below 5: Free
Buy your tickets here.
4. Harukas 300 Observatory
Source: WOB
Looking at gorgeous views of the city is certainly a breathtaking sight that one must experience and there is no better place to do this than in the Harukas 300 Observatory. This observation deck is located on the tallest building in Osaka, known as Abenos Harukas and you can get panoramic views of the city and its surroundings on the 58th, 59th and 60th floors.
Before you head up to the observation deck, keep a lookout in the fast-moving elevator that has a cool light show as it is whisking you all the way to the top. There are plenty of other activities you can do once you are at the top so you know you won’t be bored! We definitely had a lot of fun!
Source: WOB
Source: WOB
For even more awesome views, try Edge The Harukas! Source: Sora News 24
Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-6016 Japan
Opening hours: 9.00am – 10.00pm (Last entry at 9.30pm)
Entrance fee: Adults: 1,500 yen (RM55); Children aged 12 – 17: 1,200 yen (RM44); Children aged 6 – 11: 700 yen (RM26); Children aged 4 – 5: 500 yen (RM18)
Buy your tickets from Klook here, for a cheaper fee compared to getting them at the ticketing counter.
5. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Source: Akippa
This amazing place is certainly impressive as it is one of the largest public aquariums in the world with a diverse display of marine life. They have creatures from various oceans around the world on display so that you can immerse yourself in the underwater world. There are 27 large tanks where over 30,000 creatures encompassing 620 species as you make your way down to the ocean floor to see all the weird and wonderful animals.
Before you go inside the aquarium, keep an eye out for the large, rainbow-coloured Ferris wheel and the mosaic backdrop of sea creatures which will make awesome backgrounds for your #OOTDs!
Source: Destination Traveled
Source: Mystays
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City 552-0022 Japan
Opening hours: 10.00 a.m – 8.00 p.m (Last entry 7.00pm)
Entrance fee: Adults above 60: 2,000 yen (RM74); Adults: 2,300 yen (RM85); Children aged 7 – 15: 1,200 yen (RM44); Children aged 4 – 6: 600 yen (RM22); Children below 3: Free
Buy your tickets online here.
6. Universal Studios Japan
Source: Stevejobko
Source: Way to Go
This is Japan’s second-largest theme park, which doesn’t need any introduction and when we were there, we felt like a kid again with all the familiar cartoons and characters. For Potterheads, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be one of the highlights of the visit and here’s where you can get to try the famed Butterbeer as well! It tastes amazing and exactly like how you would imagine Butterbeer to be!
The place is so large that you probably need the whole day (or more) to explore and sit on all the rides you want. If you are the impatient type and want to skip the long queues, you can opt to buy the Express Pass to save time!
Source: WOB
Source: WOB
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan
Opening hours: 8.30am – 10.00pm (Hours may change depending on circumstances)
Entrance fee: Adults: 7,900 yen (RM294); Children aged 4 – 11: 5,400 yen (RM201); Adults aged 65 or older: 7,100 yen (RM264)
Buy your tickets here.
7. Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori
Source: Duhocnhat
After all the sight-seeing and exploring, it’s time to get some retail therapy and a headstart on your souvenir shopping. There’s no better place to do this than in Shinsaibashi, which is Osaka’s main shopping area that houses Shinsaibashisuji shopping arcade. This arcade has major brand names in the area!
Source: Tan Taik Wee
Source: Tokyo Narita
If you want to take a break from shopping, head over to the colourful and lively Dotonbori, which has eye-catching neon lights for plenty of photo ops, especially the iconic Glico running man. After that, sample the enormous variety of restaurant and bars to satiate your hungry tummy.
8. Akiba Kart Osaka
Source: Klook
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You may have seen this before on your friends’ social media and now is your chance to try them out when you are in Osaka. Zoom through the streets of the bustling city in a go-kart and dressed in a quirky costume of your choice. You can drive around to visit popular sightseeing areas and be ready to bask in all the attention as everyone you meet will surely want to take a photo with you!
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Address: 3-3-9, Nippombashi, Naniwa-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka, 556-0005, Japan
Opening hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Entrance fee: 9,000 yen (RM334)
It will only cost RM245 if you buy your tickets online here!
As you can tell by now, prices are much cheaper when you purchase them online via the links we provided. In fact, you can also search for other fun and exciting activities on Klook and enjoy discounted prices on your favourite attractions!
And since you’ve read all the way this far, here’s an exclusive promo code for your first booking with NO minimum spend: KLOOKAWAY20
The voucher code expires on January 30, 2019. You can download the app on iOS or Android.
Remember to put these places on your itinerary if you want to have the most awesome time in Osaka!
Also read: 9 Amazing Things to See and Do in Hua Hin That Cost Less Than RM50 Each
