If it’s your first time in Japan and you’re not sure where to start… Osaka is hands-down one of the best cities to kick off your adventure.
It’s got everything—traditional temples, crazy neon streets, bomb food, quirky neighborhoods, and a chaotic charm that will make you feel like a kid in an anime.
First Stop: Osaka museum history
If it’s your first time in Japan, visiting the National Museum of Art inside NHK Osaka Hall should be at the top of your list. Why? Because it’s the perfect introduction to the world you’re about to explore. Before diving into castles, temples, and neon chaos, this museum helps you make sense of it all.
You’ll start to understand the soul of the city, and the deep roots of Japanese culture—from its art and architecture to its spiritual side and historical transitions. Think of it as a cultural map for the rest of your day: everything you’ll see in Osaka will hit differently once you’ve walked through these exhibits.
Inside, expect spectacular pieces, jaw-dropping miniature reconstructions of old Japan, immersive performances, and visuals that make you go “wow, this place is on another level.” It’s not just art—it’s a gateway into a whole new world, especially if you’re coming from a totally different country or continent.
And as a bonus? You get an epic panoramic view of Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle & Its Park: Iconic and Unmissable
Just a five-minute walk from the museum, Osaka Castle towers above the lush park like something out of a samurai movie.
Its emerald roof, the cherry blossoms (if you’re lucky with the season)
You can go inside too (yes, it’s touristy, yes, it’s crowded… but c’mon, you’re in Japan.
Izakayas, Street Food & Neon Dreams in Dotonbori
From there, get ready to switch vibes completely: we’re heading to DotonboriOsaka’s nightlife epicenter.
Picture this: a glowing riverwalk, giant LED signs, a Don Quijote store you can get lost in, the iconic Glico Running Man sign, and people everywhere just vibing. Grab a beer, sit by the canal, and let the chaos carry you.
Try the takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (Osaka-style pancake)—both are local legends.
Sumiyoshi Taisha: A Temple Straight Out of a Fairytale
Need a temple that feels sacred and magical?
Head to Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful shrines.
It’s got peaceful grounds, multiple little shrines inside, and that photogenic red arched bridge over a pond.
It’s quieter, more local, and gives you that “damn, I’m really in Japan” moment.
Shinsekai District & Tsutenkaku Tower: Retro Osaka Vibes
Want to feel like you’ve jumped back to 1960s Japan? Shinsekai is your spot. It’s old-school, it’s a little gritty, and that’s exactly the charm. Bright signs, tiny alleyways, neon overload, and food everywhere. This is where locals go for kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)—don’t leave without trying them!
Right in the center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, lighting up the sky with retro flair. It’s not Tokyo Skytree fancy, but it’s full of personality. The area around it is like stepping into a time capsule
Why Osaka Should Be Your First Japanese Stop
Osaka is the perfect intro to Japan. It gives you history without feeling like a museum, nightlife that doesn’t feel like a show, and food that hits your soul. You’ll get your cultural fix and your neon-fueled party nights—what more could a backpacker ask for?
Whether you’re temple-hopping, izakaya-crawling, or just wandering the backstreets—Osaka is real, wild, and unforgettable.
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