Guidebook for Miyakojima Ward, Osaka
Food Scene
Head downstairs to this spirited, friendly izakaya for standards such as skewered meats, seafood, vegies fresh off the grill and giant pieces of tori no karaage (fried chicken). The best seats are at half-round counters, where your chef will serve you using a loooong paddle. Most dishes are ¥324. It's on the street along the west side of Hankyū Umeda Station, to the left of the signage featuring a guy wearing a headband.
96 locals recommend
Isaribi
1-chōme-5-12 ShibataHead downstairs to this spirited, friendly izakaya for standards such as skewered meats, seafood, vegies fresh off the grill and giant pieces of tori no karaage (fried chicken). The best seats are at half-round counters, where your chef will serve you using a loooong paddle. Most dishes are ¥324. It's on the street along the west side of Hankyū Umeda Station, to the left of the signage featuring a guy wearing a headband.
“Friendly and trendy, near the western edge of Ame-Mura, Absinthe serves fantastic cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and juices and a rare (for Japan) Mediterranean menu (falafel, hummus and babaganoush, plus pastas and pizzas). It's a tad pricey, but you're paying for quality ingredients, stylish surrounds and laid-back atmosphere; sliding doors create a sidewalk cafe vibe, weather permitting. And, yes, it does serve absinthe
189 locals recommend
Cafe ABSINTHE
1-chōme-2-27 Kitahorie“Friendly and trendy, near the western edge of Ame-Mura, Absinthe serves fantastic cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and juices and a rare (for Japan) Mediterranean menu (falafel, hummus and babaganoush, plus pastas and pizzas). It's a tad pricey, but you're paying for quality ingredients, stylish surrounds and laid-back atmosphere; sliding doors create a sidewalk cafe vibe, weather permitting. And, yes, it does serve absinthe
“There's a cheery bustle inside this hard-working kaiten-sushi restaurant in a prime Dōtombori location. Over 50 seats zigzag around counters where plates rotate, colour-coded by price and thoughtfully labelled in multiple languages. Non-sushi-eaters can get cooked foods including tori no karaage (fried chicken) and fried tuna. English-speaking staff help make sense of it all.”
163 locals recommend
Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi Dotombori
“There's a cheery bustle inside this hard-working kaiten-sushi restaurant in a prime Dōtombori location. Over 50 seats zigzag around counters where plates rotate, colour-coded by price and thoughtfully labelled in multiple languages. Non-sushi-eaters can get cooked foods including tori no karaage (fried chicken) and fried tuna. English-speaking staff help make sense of it all.”
“On Hōzen-ji Yokochō, the minimalist atmosphere of this graceful shop lets you feast your eyes on kappō-ryōri : a multi-course chef-driven extravaganza artfully presented in gorgeous pottery that might come topped with a colourful leaf or water-misted for just the right sheen. Since peak seasonal ingredients change virtually daily, you may never have the same dish twice here.”
113 locals recommend
正弁丹吾亭
1-chōme-7-12 Dōtonbori
“On Hōzen-ji Yokochō, the minimalist atmosphere of this graceful shop lets you feast your eyes on kappō-ryōri : a multi-course chef-driven extravaganza artfully presented in gorgeous pottery that might come topped with a colourful leaf or water-misted for just the right sheen. Since peak seasonal ingredients change virtually daily, you may never have the same dish twice here.”
“In this country where seafood is sometimes eaten so fresh it's still moving, Zauo has tables on long 'fishing boats' over tanks where patrons fish for their own dinner. If you're lucky enough to hook something, there's celebratory drumming and your fish is whisked away to be prepared how you like (priced according to the type of fish). Alternatively, try an eight-piece sushi omakase nigiri , or a very tasty shio-yaki (salt-grilled) fish set from the menu. ¥300-per-person table charge. Reserve for a 'boat' table
340 locals recommend
Zauo Fishing Restaurant
1-chōme-1-13 Nipponbashi“In this country where seafood is sometimes eaten so fresh it's still moving, Zauo has tables on long 'fishing boats' over tanks where patrons fish for their own dinner. If you're lucky enough to hook something, there's celebratory drumming and your fish is whisked away to be prepared how you like (priced according to the type of fish). Alternatively, try an eight-piece sushi omakase nigiri , or a very tasty shio-yaki (salt-grilled) fish set from the menu. ¥300-per-person table charge. Reserve for a 'boat' table
“Two storeys undergroud and three decades old, this shop is cramped and workmanlike, but locals queue for udon noodles made before your eyes. Cold noodles are the specialty; try refreshing namajoyu (with ground daikon radish and sudachi lime; ¥600) or tenzaru (with tempura; ¥1100). Order from the picture menu, and get hand-gesture eating instructions from the owner. Avoid weekdays between noon and 1pm, when the office-worker lunch crowd descends
135 locals recommend
Umeda Hagakure
“Two storeys undergroud and three decades old, this shop is cramped and workmanlike, but locals queue for udon noodles made before your eyes. Cold noodles are the specialty; try refreshing namajoyu (with ground daikon radish and sudachi lime; ¥600) or tenzaru (with tempura; ¥1100). Order from the picture menu, and get hand-gesture eating instructions from the owner. Avoid weekdays between noon and 1pm, when the office-worker lunch crowd descends
“This popular restaurant in the Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade serves up that great Osaka favourite, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), cooked on a griddle before you. There are lots to choose from the picture menu, including veg options, but the tokusen mikkusu yaki (mixed okonomiyaki with fried pork, shrimp and squid; ¥1080) is a classic. Look for red and white signage out front.”
150 locals recommend
Yukari Sonezaki honten
2-chōme-14-13 Sonezaki
“This popular restaurant in the Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade serves up that great Osaka favourite, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), cooked on a griddle before you. There are lots to choose from the picture menu, including veg options, but the tokusen mikkusu yaki (mixed okonomiyaki with fried pork, shrimp and squid; ¥1080) is a classic. Look for red and white signage out front.”
“At this adorable, all-vegan, mostly organic restaurant, lunch might be Indian curry or brown rice risotto, while dinner gets more Japanese-fusion with dishes like hijiki (sea green) samosas, shiitake mushroom cutlets, and pasta with dried tofu, shiitake , onion, shiso leaves and walnut and garlic sauce. From the cafe menu, try smoothies, coffees and tofu cheesecake
26 locals recommend
Le Coccole
3-chōme-4-1 Kitakyūhōjimachi“At this adorable, all-vegan, mostly organic restaurant, lunch might be Indian curry or brown rice risotto, while dinner gets more Japanese-fusion with dishes like hijiki (sea green) samosas, shiitake mushroom cutlets, and pasta with dried tofu, shiitake , onion, shiso leaves and walnut and garlic sauce. From the cafe menu, try smoothies, coffees and tofu cheesecake
“A peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Shinsaibashi, this welcoming Osaka landmark serves udon noodles, hearty nabe (cast-iron pot) dishes, and shabu-shabu (thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked in a broth and dipped in sauce) for reasonable prices. Look for the traditional three-storey wooden building with sliding-door entrance, just north of the corner
129 locals recommend
Nishiya Honten
Higashishinsaibashi-1 Chome-18 Chuo Ward“A peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Shinsaibashi, this welcoming Osaka landmark serves udon noodles, hearty nabe (cast-iron pot) dishes, and shabu-shabu (thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked in a broth and dipped in sauce) for reasonable prices. Look for the traditional three-storey wooden building with sliding-door entrance, just north of the corner
“The name means 'chicken nobility', but prices at this popular Osaka-based yakitori chain are decidedly for regular folk. Look for the yellow and red sign and the number 280 (the price of all the generously portioned grilled skewers, plus tax), then climb the narrow stairs to the dining room with booths separated by untreated wood slats, and streaming J-pop hits.”
104 locals recommend
Torikizoku America-mura
1-chōme-8-15 Nishishinsaibashi
“The name means 'chicken nobility', but prices at this popular Osaka-based yakitori chain are decidedly for regular folk. Look for the yellow and red sign and the number 280 (the price of all the generously portioned grilled skewers, plus tax), then climb the narrow stairs to the dining room with booths separated by untreated wood slats, and streaming J-pop hits.”
“This large, comfortable hipster cafe in Ame-Mura serves good coffee, drinks and eclectic light meals: pastas, sandwiches, salads, soy-milk-based French toast, sausage and cabbage burrito, and tuna & avocado rice bowls. It's all amid modernist decor with big windows for people watching and a few iPads for guest use. Downside: can be a bit smoky.”
140 locals recommend
Planet37
2-2-道頓堀 中央区
“This large, comfortable hipster cafe in Ame-Mura serves good coffee, drinks and eclectic light meals: pastas, sandwiches, salads, soy-milk-based French toast, sausage and cabbage burrito, and tuna & avocado rice bowls. It's all amid modernist decor with big windows for people watching and a few iPads for guest use. Downside: can be a bit smoky.”
“Beneath the massive green dragon, this indoor-outdoor spot offers house-made noodles and a front-row seat to the Dōtombori scene. Purchase a ticket from a machine, sit at a low table on a tatami platform, top your noodle soup with kimchi , garlic or marinated green onion, and slurp away. Don't linger too long, as there always seems to be a queue
237 locals recommend
Kinryu Ramen Dotombori
1-chōme-7-26 Dōtonbori“Beneath the massive green dragon, this indoor-outdoor spot offers house-made noodles and a front-row seat to the Dōtombori scene. Purchase a ticket from a machine, sit at a low table on a tatami platform, top your noodle soup with kimchi , garlic or marinated green onion, and slurp away. Don't linger too long, as there always seems to be a queue
“If you've never tried Japanese-style curry rice, this restaurant on a quiet Ame-Mura sidestreet is a good place to get acquainted with its warm, saucy charms. Choose from tomato-, beef- or chicken-based curries and a variety of toppings (¥50 to ¥330), amid simple but modern decor. You can even get yours with genmai (brown rice).”
101 locals recommend
心斎橋マドラス５
“If you've never tried Japanese-style curry rice, this restaurant on a quiet Ame-Mura sidestreet is a good place to get acquainted with its warm, saucy charms. Choose from tomato-, beef- or chicken-based curries and a variety of toppings (¥50 to ¥330), amid simple but modern decor. You can even get yours with genmai (brown rice).”
“This lively local chain sets the standard for kushikatsu (¥100-250), alongside izakaya faves like sashimi, sushi and grilled dishes. Yokozuna couldn't be easier to find, behind giant placards painted with sumo wrestlers. If this location is full, two others with the same menu are steps away (2-4-11 Ebisu-higashi and 2-5-9 Ebisu-higashi).”
124 locals recommend
Yokozuna Tsutenkaku shop
3-chōme-6-1 Ebisuhigashi
“This lively local chain sets the standard for kushikatsu (¥100-250), alongside izakaya faves like sashimi, sushi and grilled dishes. Yokozuna couldn't be easier to find, behind giant placards painted with sumo wrestlers. If this location is full, two others with the same menu are steps away (2-4-11 Ebisu-higashi and 2-5-9 Ebisu-higashi).”
“This organic all-you-can-eat restaurant serves mostly Japanese cuisine with a focus on seasonal foods and vegetable dishes. The 'drink bar' is an additional ¥214, and there's a discount for children. If you go at lunchtime, be prepared to sit in line.”
85 locals recommend
SAIJIKI
“This organic all-you-can-eat restaurant serves mostly Japanese cuisine with a focus on seasonal foods and vegetable dishes. The 'drink bar' is an additional ¥214, and there's a discount for children. If you go at lunchtime, be prepared to sit in line.”
Drinks & Nightlife
“With city lights spread beneath you like a twinkling carpet, views are extraordinary from this chichi bar-restaurant. Drinks start at ¥1150, and there are Italian dishes like the namesake pizza with mascarpone, prawns, mushroom and black truffle (¥2850). Enter the hotel from above Nankai Namba Station
111 locals recommend
TAVOLA36
5-chōme-1-60 Nanba“With city lights spread beneath you like a twinkling carpet, views are extraordinary from this chichi bar-restaurant. Drinks start at ¥1150, and there are Italian dishes like the namesake pizza with mascarpone, prawns, mushroom and black truffle (¥2850). Enter the hotel from above Nankai Namba Station
“This is one of the oldest Irish-style pubs in Japan, and a good place to rub shoulders with expats and Japanese, enjoy free live music, catch sports matches, and, of course, have a pint. It's on the 6th floor of a futuristic building with what looks like a rocket on the front.
117 locals recommend
Murphys Bar
Shinsaibashisuji-1-chōme-5 Chuo Ward“This is one of the oldest Irish-style pubs in Japan, and a good place to rub shoulders with expats and Japanese, enjoy free live music, catch sports matches, and, of course, have a pint. It's on the 6th floor of a futuristic building with what looks like a rocket on the front.
“In Umeda's Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade, have a Guinness or two and relax in the friendly atmosphere of this Irish-style pub, well liked among local expats and Japanese for after-work drinks and the free live music on weekends. There's a sign at street level.
183 locals recommend
The Blarney Stone
2-chōme-10-15 Sonezaki“In Umeda's Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade, have a Guinness or two and relax in the friendly atmosphere of this Irish-style pub, well liked among local expats and Japanese for after-work drinks and the free live music on weekends. There's a sign at street level.
“Zerro has a good range of drinks and food, energetic bilingual bartenders, and a street-level location ideal for a spot of people-watching. Come early for relaxed drinks and conversation; come late on the weekend for DJs, dancing and a lively crowd.
143 locals recommend
Zerro
2-chōme-3-2 Shinsaibashisuji“Zerro has a good range of drinks and food, energetic bilingual bartenders, and a street-level location ideal for a spot of people-watching. Come early for relaxed drinks and conversation; come late on the weekend for DJs, dancing and a lively crowd.
“In the warren of tiny bars of the Dōyama-chō, east of Osaka Station, gay men have been coming to this subtly stylish spot since 1993. There's no cover, reasonably priced drinks, and a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike.”
107 locals recommend
G Physique Osaka
8-23 Dōyamachō
“In the warren of tiny bars of the Dōyama-chō, east of Osaka Station, gay men have been coming to this subtly stylish spot since 1993. There's no cover, reasonably priced drinks, and a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike.”
“Pop in for a drink at this cosy, mellow bar with tropical island decor, Southeast Asian munchies and a big window for bang-on views of the Tsūten-kaku tower. It's just inside the Osaka Shin-Sekai arcade, on the right
95 locals recommend
Bar NOCOSAREJIMA
1-chōme-17-7 Ebisuhigashi“Pop in for a drink at this cosy, mellow bar with tropical island decor, Southeast Asian munchies and a big window for bang-on views of the Tsūten-kaku tower. It's just inside the Osaka Shin-Sekai arcade, on the right
Everything Else
“In Umeda's Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade, have a Guinness or two and relax in the friendly atmosphere of this Irish-style pub, well liked among local expats and Japanese for after-work drinks and the free live music on weekends. There's a sign at street level.
183 locals recommend
The Blarney Stone
2-chōme-10-15 Sonezaki“In Umeda's Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade, have a Guinness or two and relax in the friendly atmosphere of this Irish-style pub, well liked among local expats and Japanese for after-work drinks and the free live music on weekends. There's a sign at street level.
Sightseeing
“In the park Ryokuchi-kōen, this fine open-air museum features a collection of traditional Japanese country houses, transported here and painstakingly reconstructed. Most striking is the giant gasshō-zukuri (steeply slanting thatch-roofed) farmhouse from Gifu Prefecture, and a thatched-wall farmhouse from Nagano, which looks to be wearing a shaggy coat. The whole place comes alive with fiery red maple leaves during November. Take the Kita-Osaka Kyūko line (an extension north from the Midō-suji subway line, ¥90 surcharge) to Ryokuchi-kōen Station. From the west exit, go straight (past McDonald's), follow the road down to Hattori Ryokuchi Park (服部緑地公園), and walk through the park to the museum
6 locals recommend
Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
1-2 Hattoriryokuchi“In the park Ryokuchi-kōen, this fine open-air museum features a collection of traditional Japanese country houses, transported here and painstakingly reconstructed. Most striking is the giant gasshō-zukuri (steeply slanting thatch-roofed) farmhouse from Gifu Prefecture, and a thatched-wall farmhouse from Nagano, which looks to be wearing a shaggy coat. The whole place comes alive with fiery red maple leaves during November. Take the Kita-Osaka Kyūko line (an extension north from the Midō-suji subway line, ¥90 surcharge) to Ryokuchi-kōen Station. From the west exit, go straight (past McDonald's), follow the road down to Hattori Ryokuchi Park (服部緑地公園), and walk through the park to the museum
“Located within the expansive Osaka World Expo Park (Banpaku-kōen), this fabulous museum brims with interesting and colourful objects for a whirlwind tour through many of the world's cultures. Exhibits range from Bollywood movie posters to Ainu textiles, Ghanaian barbershop signboards to Bhutanese mandalas and Japanese festival floats, even a Filipino jeepney. Note: there's limited English signage so it's best to get an audio guide. From the station, cross the bridge to the park and follow the signs to the museum. From Kyoto, take the Hankyū line to Minami Ibaraki Station and change to the Osaka Monorail.“Located within the expansive Osaka World Expo Park (Banpaku-kōen), this fabulous museum
120 locals recommend
National Museum of Ethnology
10-1 Senribanpakukōen“Located within the expansive Osaka World Expo Park (Banpaku-kōen), this fabulous museum brims with interesting and colourful objects for a whirlwind tour through many of the world's cultures. Exhibits range from Bollywood movie posters to Ainu textiles, Ghanaian barbershop signboards to Bhutanese mandalas and Japanese festival floats, even a Filipino jeepney. Note: there's limited English signage so it's best to get an audio guide. From the station, cross the bridge to the park and follow the signs to the museum. From Kyoto, take the Hankyū line to Minami Ibaraki Station and change to the Osaka Monorail.“Located within the expansive Osaka World Expo Park (Banpaku-kōen), this fabulous museum
“Opened in 1993 and named one of the world's top 20 buildings, the Sky Building resembles a 40-storey, space-age Arc de Triomphe. Twin towers are connected at the top by a 'floating garden' (really a garden-free observation deck) with breathtaking 360-degree city views day or night. Getting there is half the fun – an escalator in a see-through tube takes you up the last five storeys, between the towers (not for vertigo sufferers). The architect, Hara Hiroshi, also designed Kyoto Station . The building is reached via an underground passage, a short walk north of Osaka and Umeda stations.
1337 locals recommend
Umeda Sky Building
1-chōme-1-88 Ōyodonaka“Opened in 1993 and named one of the world's top 20 buildings, the Sky Building resembles a 40-storey, space-age Arc de Triomphe. Twin towers are connected at the top by a 'floating garden' (really a garden-free observation deck) with breathtaking 360-degree city views day or night. Getting there is half the fun – an escalator in a see-through tube takes you up the last five storeys, between the towers (not for vertigo sufferers). The architect, Hara Hiroshi, also designed Kyoto Station . The building is reached via an underground passage, a short walk north of Osaka and Umeda stations.
“Kaiyūkan is easily one of the world's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins, coral-reef butterflyfish, unreasonably cute Arctic otters, Monterey Bay seals and unearthly jellyfish. Most impressive is the ginormous central tank, housing a whale shark, manta and thousands of other fish and rays. There are good English descriptions, but the audioguide (¥500) gives more detail. Expect lots of families and school groups. ”
151 locals recommend
Kaiyukan [ Tenpozan Bus Stop station
Chikkō-3-chōme-2 Minato Ward“Kaiyūkan is easily one of the world's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins, coral-reef butterflyfish, unreasonably cute Arctic otters, Monterey Bay seals and unearthly jellyfish. Most impressive is the ginormous central tank, housing a whale shark, manta and thousands of other fish and rays. There are good English descriptions, but the audioguide (¥500) gives more detail. Expect lots of families and school groups. ”
“Modeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man . Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese. Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride). To shorten waits, USJ offers
4440 locals recommend
Universal Studios Japan
Sakurajima“Modeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man . Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese. Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride). To shorten waits, USJ offers
“After unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction (refurbished 1997), it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park and moat. Inside is an excellent collection of art, armour, and day-to-day implements related to the castle, Hideyoshi and Osaka. An 8th-floor observation deck has 360-degree views. Hideyoshi's original granite structure was said to be impregnable, yet it was destroyed in 1614 by the armies of Tokugawa Ieyasu , rebuilt 15 years later, then razed again when anoth
1376 locals recommend
Osakajo
Osakajo Chuo Ward“After unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction (refurbished 1997), it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park and moat. Inside is an excellent collection of art, armour, and day-to-day implements related to the castle, Hideyoshi and Osaka. An 8th-floor observation deck has 360-degree views. Hideyoshi's original granite structure was said to be impregnable, yet it was destroyed in 1614 by the armies of Tokugawa Ieyasu , rebuilt 15 years later, then razed again when anoth
“Two subway stops from Umeda, this museum contains a life-sized reproduction of an 1830s Osaka neighbourhood: shophouses, drug stores, an old-style sentō (public bath) and more. Enhancing the Edo Period mood, lighting shifts between day and night, shops sell traditional toys and unique souvenirs, and for ¥200 visitors can rent kimono for photo-opps. Invest ¥100 in the English audio guide, since English signage is limited. The building is right behind as you exit the station. Just outside is lively Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, which claims to be Japan's longest shopping street at 3km. Pick up an English-language guide at the museum or along the route.
518 locals recommend
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
6-chōme-4-20 Tenjinbashi“Two subway stops from Umeda, this museum contains a life-sized reproduction of an 1830s Osaka neighbourhood: shophouses, drug stores, an old-style sentō (public bath) and more. Enhancing the Edo Period mood, lighting shifts between day and night, shops sell traditional toys and unique souvenirs, and for ¥200 visitors can rent kimono for photo-opps. Invest ¥100 in the English audio guide, since English signage is limited. The building is right behind as you exit the station. Just outside is lively Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, which claims to be Japan's longest shopping street at 3km. Pick up an English-language guide at the museum or along the route.
“Built above the ruins of Naniwa Palace (c 650), visible through the basement floor, this museum houses dramatically illuminated recreations of the old city and life-sized figures in the former palace court. There are also interesting early-20th-century displays, and great views of Osaka-jō. English explanations are pretty sparse, so rent an English-language audio guide (¥200). The museum is just southwest of the castle park, in a sail-shaped building adjoining the NHK Broadcast Center
979 locals recommend
Osaka Museum of History
4-chōme-1-32 Ōtemae“Built above the ruins of Naniwa Palace (c 650), visible through the basement floor, this museum houses dramatically illuminated recreations of the old city and life-sized figures in the former palace court. There are also interesting early-20th-century displays, and great views of Osaka-jō. English explanations are pretty sparse, so rent an English-language audio guide (¥200). The museum is just southwest of the castle park, in a sail-shaped building adjoining the NHK Broadcast Center
“This impressive museum houses regularly changing exhibitions of modern (post-1945) Japanese and international art. Also arresting is its underground construction by architect Cesar Pelli; it's like a submarine with walls over 3m thick with light that filters down through skylights above the lobby. The entrance is marked by a large sculpture of steel tubes above ground, said to resemble a butterfly. It's towards the western end of Naka-no-shima
701 locals recommend
The National Museum of Art, Osaka
4-chōme-2-55 Nakanoshima“This impressive museum houses regularly changing exhibitions of modern (post-1945) Japanese and international art. Also arresting is its underground construction by architect Cesar Pelli; it's like a submarine with walls over 3m thick with light that filters down through skylights above the lobby. The entrance is marked by a large sculpture of steel tubes above ground, said to resemble a butterfly. It's towards the western end of Naka-no-shima
Shopping
“A great starting point for fun, nontraditional, pop- and street-inspired mementos of your time in Japan. Village Vanguard bills itself as an 'exciting' bookstore, but there's much more to the story: between the cluttered book and magazine racks are offbeat gifts, from animal-shaped coat hooks to design-led T-shirts, mobile-phone cases, kitchen devices, hip-hop hats, shoulder bags, homewares and more
130 locals recommend
Village Vanguard America Mura
1-chōme-10-28 Nishishinsaibashi“A great starting point for fun, nontraditional, pop- and street-inspired mementos of your time in Japan. Village Vanguard bills itself as an 'exciting' bookstore, but there's much more to the story: between the cluttered book and magazine racks are offbeat gifts, from animal-shaped coat hooks to design-led T-shirts, mobile-phone cases, kitchen devices, hip-hop hats, shoulder bags, homewares and more
“Nominally a DIY and houseware chain, Tokyu Hands is Japan's favourite place to browse for items you probably didn't need but will end up loving. It's stacked floor upon floor with everything from obscure tools to design-forward lighting, clocks, curios and craft supplies, just for starters. There's a smaller branch in Umeda
406 locals recommend
東急ハンズ Tokyu Hands
1-chōme-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji“Nominally a DIY and houseware chain, Tokyu Hands is Japan's favourite place to browse for items you probably didn't need but will end up loving. It's stacked floor upon floor with everything from obscure tools to design-forward lighting, clocks, curios and craft supplies, just for starters. There's a smaller branch in Umeda
“A landmark market in a covered arcade is where the locals shop for fresh fish, meat, vegetables, pickles and more. In addition to fresh and prepared foods, some shops sell bentō and have lunch counters. It's one block east of Sakai-suji, about 10 minutes' walk from central Namba
2932 locals recommend
Kuromon Market
Nipponbashi-1-chōme-16 Chuo Ward“A landmark market in a covered arcade is where the locals shop for fresh fish, meat, vegetables, pickles and more. In addition to fresh and prepared foods, some shops sell bentō and have lunch counters. It's one block east of Sakai-suji, about 10 minutes' walk from central Namba
“There are six floors of fashion, accessories, homewares and more, plus numerous restaurants and cafes. They call it 'Namba Parks' because of the trees in flower pots around the upper levels of this shopping complex. ”
2406 locals recommend
Namba Parks
2-chōme-10-70 Nanbanaka“There are six floors of fashion, accessories, homewares and more, plus numerous restaurants and cafes. They call it 'Namba Parks' because of the trees in flower pots around the upper levels of this shopping complex. ”
“East of Midō-suji, Shinsaibashi is one of Japan's great shopping zones, most notably in this eight-block-long, covered Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade between Nagahori-dōri and Dōtombori.
1409 locals recommend
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
2-chōme-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji“East of Midō-suji, Shinsaibashi is one of Japan's great shopping zones, most notably in this eight-block-long, covered Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade between Nagahori-dōri and Dōtombori.
“Anchor of the namesake train line, this 13-storey department store also has two excellent food floors below ground.
797 locals recommend
Hankyu Umeda Honten
8-7 Kakudachō“Anchor of the namesake train line, this 13-storey department store also has two excellent food floors below ground.
“At 15 storeys above ground and two below, this massive department store anchors Osaka Station's southern side
319 locals recommend
Daimaru Museum Umeda
3-chōme-1-1 Umeda“At 15 storeys above ground and two below, this massive department store anchors Osaka Station's southern side
“Youth-oriented, fashion-forward shopping and entertainment centre, topped with a bright red Ferris wheel
703 locals recommend
Hep Five
5-15 Kakudachō“Youth-oriented, fashion-forward shopping and entertainment centre, topped with a bright red Ferris wheel
“In addition to men's and women's fashions, look for musical instruments and a large Tower Records store
372 locals recommend
NU Chayamachi
10-12 Chayamachi“In addition to men's and women's fashions, look for musical instruments and a large Tower Records store
“This vast store sells everything related to cameras, electronics and computers at competitive prices
858 locals recommend
BIC CAMERA Namba Outlet Store SAURUS2
2-chōme-10-1 Sennichimae“This vast store sells everything related to cameras, electronics and computers at competitive prices
“Japanese and international brands for chichi shopping on the north side of JR Osaka Station. ”
149 locals recommend
LUCUA Osaka
3-chōme-1-3 Umeda“Japanese and international brands for chichi shopping on the north side of JR Osaka Station. ”
ナルコッペ 高島屋大阪店
5-chōme-1-5 Nanba“Department store. ”
Daimaru Shinsaibashi
1-chōme-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji“Large department store. ”
Entertainment & Activities
“Japan's best venue for the mesmerising art of bunraku , puppet theatre closely associated with Osaka. Performances can last all day, with two multiple-act parts up to 4½ hours each (acts are often unrelated). Too long? Nonreserved, same-day single-act tickets are sold at the venue from 9.45am, priced accordingly. Rent the English-language audio guide (full program/single act ¥700/300) for detailed explanations. ”
1339 locals recommend
National Bunraku Theater
1-chōme-12-10 Nipponbashi“Japan's best venue for the mesmerising art of bunraku , puppet theatre closely associated with Osaka. Performances can last all day, with two multiple-act parts up to 4½ hours each (acts are often unrelated). Too long? Nonreserved, same-day single-act tickets are sold at the venue from 9.45am, priced accordingly. Rent the English-language audio guide (full program/single act ¥700/300) for detailed explanations. ”
Imagine a storeroom crammed with old records, CDs, worn-out knick-knacks and random ornaments. Then imagine a bar in the middle of it. That's kind of what to expect at this tiny, quirky place, where you'll be heartily welcomed by the long-haired owner as he spins folk-rock tunes on the record player and serves drinks and snacks. There's an English sign out front.
109 locals recommend
Folk Rock Bar "Phoe～be"
Nishishinsaibashi-2-chōme-7 Chuo WardImagine a storeroom crammed with old records, CDs, worn-out knick-knacks and random ornaments. Then imagine a bar in the middle of it. That's kind of what to expect at this tiny, quirky place, where you'll be heartily welcomed by the long-haired owner as he spins folk-rock tunes on the record player and serves drinks and snacks. There's an English sign out front.