Osaka in Japan. Photo By Mc681 –

Top 10 Walks to Take in Osaka 


 

Osaka, which means a “large hill” or “large slope”,  is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo. With a population of 2.7 million people, it is the third most populated after Tokyo and Yokohama.

Located on the island of Honshu, Osaka is a major financial center and is recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in Japan. 

The city has a rich cultural heritage and friendly locals. The best way to know a city is by walking. Take a deep dive into Japanese culture and experience Osaka like a local by visiting the popular attractions.

Here are the top 10 walks to take in Osaka. 

1. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was first built in 1583. Photo By 663highland –

Take this family-friendly walk to Osaka Castle. It is a popular tourist attraction that contrasts history and modern culture. There is a lot to see here both inside the castle and outside.

The castle was originally built in 1583 but has been destroyed several times over the years, including during world war II. The last major restoration of the castle was completed in 1997 with a modern interior complete with elevators and a functioning museum.

Accessing the castle grounds is free. It is a very interesting place with two moats that surround it, an inner and an outer moat among other features.

Entry into the museum is charged but it is worthwhile. You will find a variety of artwork and cultural displays on all the floors. An observation deck on the 8th floor of the castle allows one to get a panoramic view of the adjacent park and wider Osaka city.  

2. Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai

This is a walk through a shopping street. A Shotengai is a typical form of a Japanese street market closed to car traffic. It consists of a mix of small shops and large retailers selling anything from clothes to household items to foodstuff.

Tenjinbashisuji is the longest shopping street in Osaka covering about 3 km. It would take you about 40 minutes to walk non-stop through the entire street, more if you are buying.

Some notable attractions along Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai include Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Ogimachi Park, Tengyu Bookstore Tenjinbashi, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, and Ibuki Coffee shop among others. 

 3. Dotonbori Shopping Street

Ebisu Bridge at Dotonbori Photo By Type specimen –

This is another window shopping walk through Dotonbori, a famous tourist destination found in the Namba district. It lies along the canal of the Umezu River (Dotonbori-gawa Canal).

There is a lot to see in Dotonbori. Here you will find amazing restaurants, street food, boutiques, and souvenir shops.

Other points of interest include theatres that play traditional puppet shows and other popular entertainment, movie theaters, Ebisu Bridge among others.

At night Dotonbori comes alive with amazing neon signs and brightly lit billboards. Take a selfie with Glico Man one of the most famous billboards in Osaka, installed in 1935 by the candy company Glico. 

4. Visit Osaka Aquarium

This is a family-friendly walk. Commonly known as Kaiyukan, Osaka Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums. There are over 15 tanks in this 8 Storey structure each recreating a specific region of the Pacific Rim.

Here, the children will learn new things. The Aquarium will provide a deeply rewarding experience after encountering 30,000 creatures including 620 species.

Some mentionable attractions are otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, whale sharks, rays, and jellyfish among many others. 

5. Minoo Park

This is a romantic walk through Minoo Park, a forested park with a waterfall on the outskirts of Osaka. The park has paved hiking trails, the main trail cuts through a valley along the Minoo river.

There is a waterfall which is the main attraction providing a tranquil atmosphere away from the bustling city.

The park is a popular getaway for couples and family outings. At the park, you can have a taste of deep-fried maple leaves available at the several small stands between the train station and the waterfall. 

6. Osaka Expo ‘70 Park

Expo Commemoration Park in Osaka. Photo By 663highland –

Nature lovers will enjoy this walk. This spacious ground hosted the Japan World Exposition in 1970. The grounds were later converted into the Expo Commemorative Park and opened to the public.

The gardens and wide lawns are lined with flowering plants and trees. Overlooking the park’s main entrance is the 70-meter Tower of the Sun.

The tower has three faces, two at the front and one at the back. Inside the tower, an artwork named ‘Tree of life is displayed. The artwork represented the evolution of creatures. 

7. Osaka Station City

This walk is interesting because Osaka Station City is one of Japan’s most attractive railway stations located in Osaka’s Umeda district.

The railway station has a wide bridge connecting the north and the south sides of the building.  Travelers are treated to a wide array of shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation opportunities.

The bridge passes above the railway tracks allowing travelers access from one side of the building to the other and also a place to relax and watch the trains below. 

8. Shitennoji Temple

You can walk to Shitennoji Temple which is one of Japan’s oldest temples founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 AD.

The original structure was destroyed during world war II. Nowadays the structures around are reconstructions inspired by 7th-century architecture and modern architectural designs. 

9. Tsutenkaku Tower

Tsūtenkaku Tower in Osaka at night. Photo By そらみみ –

This one is a fun walk to the Tsutenkaku Tower which was constructed in 1912 and was modeled after Paris’ Eiffel Tower. 

The tower was destroyed during the second world war and rebuilt in 1956. You can have a view of Osaka’s beauty atop the 103-meter-high tower. 

Apart from climbing, there are fun things to do including touching the good luck statue on the 5th floor, shopping for a souvenir, and learning the history of the tower.

10. Universal CityWalk Osaka

Universal CityWalk Osaka is a large entertainment and shopping complex located outside Universal Studios Japan. The complex host’s several American chain restaurants and a few local ones.

The nearby Osaka Takoyaki Museum offers a collection of Takoyaki vendors all gathered in one place allowing you to sample one after the other. Universal CityWalk Osaka has a mix of western and Japanese cultures.

The colorful neon signs light up the streets and shops making the place a must-visit at night. Universal CityWalk Osaka is a wonderful place to bond with friends or family, you can also buy amazing souvenirs from the many shops around.

Universal CityWalk Osaka can be accessed by any visitor without having to pay entrance fees. 

 

 

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Dz’-Բ travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 –

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –

We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.