Japan is a country with an incredible history. Its culture is vast and varied. Its food has been shared around the world. And its fashion is unique and elegant in equal measure.
There is no bad time of the year to visit Japan. The north is nearly always a snow-dusted fantasy land, while the islands in the far south are absolutely perfect for those looking to get away from the troubles associated with day-to-day life, and seeking to instead embrace sunbathing and sublime cocktails.
However, if you are looking for a strong mix of culture, nightlife, history, and glorious food, you’ll undoubtedly want to visit a city. And, though the obvious choice would be to head to Tokyo or Kyoto, you could do far worse than taking a trip to the famous port city of Osaka.
In fact, we think you’d be missing out should you choose not to visit. Here’s why…
1. Osaka Castle
Arguably one of the entire country’s most recognizable buildings, Osaka Castle is not only a stunning location, but it will forever be regarded as the place that kick-started the unification of Japan.
The castle grounds cover approximately 15 acres and contain thirteen very distinct structures, including an ancient storehouse, a gunpowder house, and the castle’s original well. Completed in 1583 and in use until 1845, it is one of the most beloved and visited places in all of Japan. If you come to Osaka, you have to come here.
2. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
This museum is dedicated to Japanese woodblocks, and it’s so much better than it sounds. It contains work from numerous eras, with a particular focus on Bunka and Bunsei. It is open every day, apart from Monday.
It is the only museum in the entire world that has a permanent exhibition dedicated to this artistic discipline. So if you want a real taste of Osaka culture, this museum needs to be on your list.
Read more: 8 Cool Things To Do in Tokyo
3. Sumiyoshi Shrine
This is arguably Osaka’s most famous shrine, and it is located in an incredibly pretty part of the city. So it is worth a trip even if temples and shrines aren’t your thing.
Sumiyoshi Shrine is important to the Japanese people that it’s appeared in numerous works of art. It was used as a backdrop in numerous novels written by Yasunari Kawabata, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968.
4. The Umeda Sky Building
Japan is home to some of the world’s most forward-thinking designers, architects and creative minds, so it should come as no surprise that it contains an array of stunning modern buildings. The Umeda Sky Building, which contains restaurants, bars, and a wonderful observation floor, is one such structure.
While the building is spectacular enough on its own, the thing that truly makes it worth visiting is the Shōwa Retro Shopping Street. This street is designed to look like the Shōwa period, meaning everything looks like it has been lifted straight out of 1930. However, despite its retro feel – which includes an old fashioned barber and dry cleaner – the food on offer is incredibly modern, classy, and delicious.
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Thanks for the info, I was planning a trip next month. I will just keep a bookmark of this blog or probably take a note of the places so I don’t miss out much.
Historical places look so fantastic. Japan is a nice place to visit.
Osaka is on the top of my travel List. The shrine and the castle are some of my absolute must sees once I get there
Japan is on my list of travels. I will make a note of all of these places.
JAPAN! My ultimate travel destination. Reading your post only made my wish stronger. Hopefully soon!
I have been to Osaka many times as it is only about 3 hours from Nagoya, but there are some places I haven’t been on this list. I will be sure to visit them!
I have been to this place once. Osaka castle is so beautiful. It reminds me of my trip to Japan.
Japan, I’ve never thought about traveling to this country.. But you make it so tempting! My grandfather used to tell me stories about his trips to Japan and how he was amazed by the culture and architecture.
These places looks so amazing and It’s my main dream is to visit Japan. I will consider reading this before planning the trip because its going to be soon.
Osaka castle looks so beautiful. I alwazs wanted to travel to Japan, but till now did not find yet a chance to actually visit. Hopefully, 2020 will be the year I can visit and check out those places you write about.
All your trips always look so amazing. Makes me want to pack my bag and go. Thanks for sharing and please keep it up!!
Japan is on our list and I can’t wait to visit it! We’re waiting a few years though, because our kiddos are still too little.
Osaka Castle looks like it belong in a fairy tale! I would love to see it! She shrine looks pretty impressive as well.
My wife won a trip on the price is right to Osaka, but we turned it down because of the taxes we had to pay for winning the trip. But now reading this post, I kinda wished we took the trip. Thanks for sharing.
I love historical places. That castle looks incredible. I need to save this for if I ever make it to Japan. My close friend travels there every summer as her husband is Japanese. I’ll have to talk about these places with her!
We have a student who is helping with EmpowerAndHelp Global Awareness Challenge 2020 at and they just visited Osaka and we were talking about it !!
The shrine is my favorite on this list! It’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL! My second favorite would have to be the castle — completed in the 16th century? The architecture is just stunning. Thanks for sharing!
They all look like fascinating places to visit but I’d love to see Osaka Castle, how amazing!