Tower of the Sun! 20 More Things to Do in Osaka!

Osaka’s charm lies in blending excitement with relaxation, creating an exquisite balance. This vibrant city is full of countless interesting things to discover. Continuing from the previous part, let’s explore more amazing places worth experiencing in Osaka, starting with the Tower of the Sun!

Tower of the Sun

The Tower of the Sun, standing 70 meters (229.7 feet) tall, is a quirky and fascinating sculpture in the Expo Commemoration Park in Suita. Created by the brilliant artist Tarō Okamoto for the Osaka Expo ’70, this tower was designed to represent “progress and harmony for mankind.” Originally built as a temporary part of the expo’s Theme Pavilion, its charm and significance made it a lasting icon of its legacy.

With three unique faces, the Tower of the Sun tells a story of time: the Golden Mask at the top represents the future, the Face of the Sun on the front symbolizes the present, and the mysterious Black Sun on the back reflects the past. Inside the tower, visitors can marvel at the “Tree of Life,” a stunning installation showcasing the evolution of life over four billion years.

Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas is a dazzling skyscraper in Osaka, rising 300 meters (984 feet) tall and packed with exciting things to do! Opened in 2014, it’s not just Japan’s tallest building of its time but also a bustling hub of activities. The building sits right above Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station, making visiting easy!

You can explore the Harukas 300 observation deck on the top three floors for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Osaka. There’s even a fabulous inner garden with a café! Below, the Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store is Japan’s largest, filled with fashion, food, and fun. Plus, art lovers can adore the 16th-floor museum with rotating exhibits. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop plaza for a lovely vegetable garden and a tiny shrine!

Namba Yasaka Shrine

It’s easy to spot this shrine thanks to its massive lion-head-shaped building. People believe this huge lion’s mouth can gobble up bad luck and bring good fortune, especially for school or business success. The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a legendary god known for defeating a giant serpent and protecting the people of Namba. 

If you visit in January, you’ll catch the exciting Tug-of-War Ritual on the third Sunday, a lively festival celebrating the god’s victory over the serpent! In spring, the shrine is surrounded by cherry blossoms, making it even prettier. While the shrine is small, it mixes old and new vibes, offering a peaceful escape in the city’s heart.

Are you looking for great snacks to pair with your sushi? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Located in Ikeda, this colorful museum is about the tasty world of cup noodles. It shows how instant noodles were invented and became a worldwide favorite. Inside, you can explore vibrant exhibits like the Instant Noodles Tunnel, filled with over 800 different noodle products!

The museum has numerous interactive activities, like making noodles. You can also walk through a display that tells how Momofuku Ando first created cup noodles.

Osaka Science Museum

The Osaka Science Museum, situated on Nakanoshima Island, is an ideal spot where you can learn all about science through hands-on activities. The museum opened in 1989 but started in 1937 as the Osaka City Electricity Science Museum. Visitors can explore space and energy, discover chemistry, and even try fun experiments here. There’s also a planetarium with a giant dome screen for you to watch amazing shows about the stars!

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a charming place where you can travel back in time to see what Osaka was like in the past! It shows how the city’s homes and streets have changed from the Edo period (1603-1868) to modern times. There are also fun events like tea ceremonies, rakugo (traditional storytelling) performances, and origami (art of paper folding) workshops.

The museum is full of surprises, like seasonal decorations that change with the time of year. In the summer, you might see decorations from the famous Tenjin Matsuri Festival, and in the winter, the museum showcases how townscapes would look in cold weather. 

National Bunraku Theatre

This is a magical place to experience Bunraku, Japan’s traditional puppet theater. This theater has been Osaka’s home for Bunraku since 1984. The puppets here are amazing – they need three skilled puppeteers to bring them to life, making them move, show emotions, and act out exciting stories.

You’ll find a cozy restaurant in the theater with delicious tempura and noodles. Furthermore, there is even an exhibition room with puppets, costumes, and videos of performances. Performances happen several times a year, and it’s a great chance to see the rare and enchanting puppets in action.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba Market is a bustling spot in the heart of Osaka, stretching about 600 meters and featuring over 150 shops. This lively market has a history of more than two centuries, when merchants gathered near a temple with a black gate.

Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” it’s a paradise of fresh seafood, fruits, meats, and yummy street food such as takoyaki, juicy skewers, and grilled crab legs. The market is also home to colorful sweets and exclusive snacks, including matcha ice cream. 

Asahi Beer Museum

If you’re curious about the magic behind Asahi beer, the Asahi Beer Museum in Suita City is the perfect spot! This fun and interactive museum sits on the grounds of Asahi’s first-ever brewery, which was established in 1891. It shares the fascinating story of Asahi, starting with its world-renowned Super Dry beer.

Don’t miss the Super Dry Go-Ride – it’s like zooming through the factory as a beer can! The fun doesn’t stop there! You can serve a draft beer in the quirky Fla-bar and decorate it with foam art. You can also try Asahi’s non-alcoholic beverages if you don’t drink alcohol.

Minoo Park

Minoo Park is perfect for a fun hike or a relaxing stroll. It offers stunning sights every season, with fresh green leaves in spring and peaceful forest views all year. The park’s star attraction is the 33-meter-high (108 feet)Minoo Waterfall. You can reach it after an easy, paved three-kilometer (10 feet) trail.

The walk is gentle at first, passing cozy shops and temples before getting steeper as you get closer to nature. Along the way, don’t miss out on a delightful local treat: momiji tempura – crispy deep-fried maple leaves! 

Why should I visit cool places like the Tower of the Sun?

Visiting these incredible locations in Osaka combines fun, culture, nature, and unique experiences. It’s a city where every visit feels like discovering something new and exciting.

Whether it’s marveling at the creativity of the Tower of the Sun or exploring history at the museums, there’s plenty to discover. You can also check out local food, adding a delicious touch to your visit! Which of these places would you want to visit first, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments!