I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in Osaka. Not being a ‘city girl’, I did find it very overwhelming. It took me a few days to get my groove on and feel comfortable walking around these unique streets and districts. With so much to keep me occupied, here are my top 5 free things to do in Osaka Japan that were the most wonderful for me.
Dotonbori Street
Okay I know, everyone is telling you to go here. Well, that is for a reason. For me, being a small-town gal for the past 25 years, it was completely overwhelming, chaotic and marvellous!
I adore advertising, especially signs, and this is the most vivid and prolific area I have ever visited for signage. Of course, you will want a photo in front of the famous ‘Glico man’ but keep your eyes peeled high, for you won’t believe what you see. So many cute things, animated 3D figures, fonts and fun.
Don’t forget to visit again at night, its an entirely different vibe and you won’t be disappointed.
Rinku Marble Beach
A beach in Osaka? Yes, there are actually quite a few! Rinku Marble Beach is huge, and right next to the Rinku Premium Outlet Shopping Centre and one of the big eye ferris wheels that you will see from all over town.
The beach is made from round white marble stones in varying sizes, not the easiest for walking on. I was there on an overcast day and there were many young people and small family groups having picnics along the shoreline.
Right across from the beach is the airport. Yes indeed, connected by Sky Gate Bridge, is the manufactured island that the KIX airport is built upon. Fun fact: it is slowly sinking.
Up from the beach is a wide esplanade and behind that a long trail through a gardenscape that parallels the beach. You could easily spend all day here, its not only beautiful and scenic but a perfect spot to unwind.
Osaka Castle Grounds
The castle itself is a concrete reconstruction of the original, and static museum that you pay to enter and walk around inside. However, the grounds and gardens surrounding the castle? Amazing! First see the vast moat system, both inner and outer.
Walk through the Plum Grove and trail system that is the larger garden area. Climb the ramparts to the top of the walls and have a look at the interesting turrets. Walk through the massive iron doorway at one side and marvel at how that was ever built. The rivets are as large as my palm!
See the Octopus stone or Takoishi, the largest stone in the Osaka Castle wall, weighing an estimated 108 tonnes! I am here to tell you, there is nothing short of an endless list of things to see at the Osaka Castle. The complex is so well signed, with information placards everywhere, providing an education as well as direction.
Amerika-mura
The youth and culture district of the city, full of thrift stores, boutique shops and eateries. What you want to see though are all of the decorative features. From the tall stick men lamp posts that are each covered with unique murals, to the street art and signs.
Amerika-mura is a bustling hive of activity, a perfect place for people watching and fun to wander up and down the streets, looking for hidden gems. In the summer visitors will find musicians, buskers and street performers at the public area in the centre.
Tennoji Park
I love when cities incorporate green spaces. Here in Osaka, that is just the case with Tennoji Park. A large green space, filled with a botanical garden, huge walkways, usually a fair or craft market of some description happening and the zoo.
From the park, visitors will have magnificent views of the Abeno Harukas building which up until 2023, was the tallest skyscraper in all of Japan!
The Tennoji Park area is a vast space filled with restaurants, café’s, gardens, huge expanses of lawn with vibrant green grass, a football park, dog parks and so much more. I walked around for just about an entire day and didn’t once find myself getting bored.
I hope this gives you some ideas for your next visit to Osaka. There is so much to see and do here, I could probably write several of these posts and still have things to list. My preferred way to explore any city is on foot, and the things I find and see while doing this, are the best parts of my travel experience.
