Lifestyle in Osaka

The lifestyle in Osaka is lively and built on a rich history and thriving innovation. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this vast metropolis, with shopping, eating out, entertainment, and outdoor activities galore.

Shopping in Osaka

Historically a merchant city, it's no stretch to say that Osaka is packed with some of Japan's best shopping opportunities. There are two main shopping areas: Namba (Minami) in the south and Umeda (Kita) in the north.

Osaka is also dotted with speciality shopping areas, from the electronics-and-gaming hub Den-Den Town to Doguyasuji, which sells all manner of kitchen and cooking goods for amateur cooks and pro chefs alike.

For a unique experience, Namba Parks Shopping Complex is not to be missed. The complex is designed to bring an outside feel to the urban shopping experience. Hanging gardens, waterfalls, and rock formations can be found throughout all eight floors of the complex, culminating in a sprawling open-air rooftop garden. A canyon-like structure carves its way through the centre of the building, giving those on the rooftop a breathtaking view right down to ground level.

Eating out in Osaka

Osaka is nicknamed 'the kitchen of Japan' for good reason, and it won't take expats long to find out why. The city is bursting with fine-dining restaurants, cheap-as-chips street food and everything in between. Be sure to try the wide variety of authentic Japanese food on offer, like sushi and ramen, not to mention takoyaki, Osaka's trademark dish of batter balls stuffed with octopus.

Nightlife in Osaka

Shinsaibashi and Namba are Osaka's nightlife hotspots, home to all forms of entertainment. These easily walkable areas are perfect for bar hopping. 

Expect to find swish cocktail bars, down-to-earth Irish pubs and izakaya – casual Japanese bars that serve drinks and snacks. 'All-you-can-eat' (tabe-hōdai) and 'all-you-can-drink' (nomi-hōdai) specials are common in izakaya, making them an excellent budget option.

Outdoor activities in Osaka

Nature-loving expats will be spoilt for choice in Osaka, with plenty of green spaces and parks in which to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Tennoji Park is a lovely place to picnic, take a stroll or enjoy a bike ride. The park is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Hikers will surely enjoy Minoh Park and its well-known trails, such as Takimichi. Just a short way into the park is a beautiful waterfall, while Ryoanji Temple can be found further along the route.

See and do in Osaka

From breathtaking historical sites to thrilling theme parks, there's plenty to see and do in Osaka. Families, culture vultures, foodies, and adrenaline junkies are all well catered for.

Here are some of our favourite things to see and do in Osaka while getting to know the city.

Kuromon Market

For the city's best street food, head to Kuromon Market. This bustling market is bursting with fresh produce and top-grade meat from all over Japan and is popular among both locals and tourists. After stocking up, be sure to indulge in the mouthwatering seafood dishes and traditional sweet treats that can be found throughout the market.

Osaka Castle

Originally completed in the late 1500s, this iconic castle has a fascinating history. When it was built, Osaka Castle was the largest castle in Japan. Over the centuries, this stunning castle has been destroyed and rebuilt twice, enduring the test of time, and is well worth a visit. 

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

For a spectacular view over Osaka, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a must. The 15-minute ride over the bay is especially dazzling at night as the wheel brings riders up to 368 feet (112m) above the sparkling city. The wheel is lit up at night in different colours according to the weather forecast for the following day: yellow for sunny, green for cloudy and blue for rainy.

Universal Studios Japan

For a memorable day out, Universal Studios Japan is hard to beat. One of the latest additions is Super Nintendo World, featuring beloved characters from the infamous Mario video games. Another highlight is undoubtedly The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here, visitors can enjoy Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an exhilarating 360-degree rollercoaster that engages all the senses, including temperature changes ranging from the Dementor's chill to the heat of dragon breath.