Last Updated: June 19, 2023
As Osaka is a large city (being Japan’s second biggest metropolitan area after Tokyo), some of the top sites like Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan are quite spread about.
But there are still numerous sites in central Osaka you can quite easily hit in a day by walking.
So if you’re pushed for time, or just really like the idea of walking around Osaka and squeezing in much of it’s offerings in one day, then this self-guided walking tour is for you!
Click here for the Google Maps Walking Directions
Shitennoji Temple
Founded in 593AD, the Buddhist Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest in Japan. Although most of the buildings are not the originals having been lost and rebuilt many times of the years, but replicated to a finite degree. With the most dominating building being the 5-story pagoda.
It’s a stunning place to wonder around on a nice day absorbing all the ancient Japanese culture. Most of the area is free to walk around, with some of the central buildings, such as the pagoda, having a small entrance fee to enter.
Our kids also enjoyed watching the many turtles you can find in the ponds dotted about.
Tennoji Park
Osaka Castle Park is probably the best known and biggest park in central Osaka, with the huge Japanese Castle being a popular attraction. We decided we weren’t going to hit it on this walking tour due to it being quit an additional distance from our other stops.
So an alternative for this walk is Tennoji Park. Where you can stroll around the traditional Japanese Garden’s and have a chill on the lawns with a snack and a drink.
It’s also the home to the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts if you wanted to add a bit of culture to the tour.
Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower
Shinsekai is an extremely colourful, hustle-bustle shopping district with the Tsutenkaku Tower casting a dominating shadow over the area.
The tower was originally built with the Eiffel Tower in mind. Although, as UK residents, it seemed to remind us more of Blackpool Tower!
The original was badly damaged by a fire and eventually demolished in the 1940s, but the city decided to rebuild a replica in the 1950s.
This current tower now has a an observation deck you can visit for around 800YEN if you want a panoramic view of Osaka from around 88 metres up.
Back on the ground and you can wonder around the shops or try some of the food at the many eating establishments in Shinsekai. Maybe picking up some kushikatsu, a deep-fried skewered meat and vegetable dish.
Our kids found the giant plastic food displays outside many restaurants particularly amusing!
Namba Parks Roof Garden
Namaba Parks is actually a mall and office complex, but on top of the mall is a nice little roof garden. So you can do some shopping in the mall or just head straight up to the roof to view the gardens.
It’s another good spot to have a rest and let the kids (or you) blow off some steam with a little climbing wall for the to try their luck on. Then you can wonder around the gardens admiring the variance of plants on show whilst also absorbing the view overlooking this part of Osaka.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
This is quite a fun shrine to visit. The shrine itself is not so different from any others, but the main draw here is the huge Lion Head stage.
The Lion’s Head with it’s wide open mouth is said to swallow your bad spirits leaving you with good luck.
We mis-timed our visit and the shrine was closed when we arrived, but we saw the Lion Head peering over us non-the-less! It seemed to remind us of the Cave of Wonders in Aladdin!
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Tokochi is a small hidden alley, much calmer and different than other areas of Osaka with the narrow stone paved street boasting over 60 traditional shops and restaurants.
Many say this hidden gem is where the best food in Osaka is served with some of the best Okonomiyaki (a savoury Japanese pancake usually with shredded cabbage and various other filling) on offer.
The alley is named after Hozenji Temple, with the Mizukake Fudo-son statue being an attraction here.
People usually sprinkle water in the statue and make wishes. Because of this process happening over considerable time the statue is now completely covered in moss. So pay it a visit and carry on the tradition and see if you’re wish comes true!
Dotonbori Bridge
The Dontonbori Area is a lively entertainment district with many restaurants and extravagant signage throughout.
It’s a good idea to make this the the last stop at the end of your day as it is best seen by night with the neon lights almost blinding there are so many!
And the Dontonbori Bridge is a great place to stop and gaze at them as you watch the canal boats cruise underneath with the hoards mingling either side.
Then you can amble around the area and search out your favourite looking restaurant and indulge at the end of your sightseeing day.