Onto Osaka: What I Did & Saw
Like Kyoto, I expected Osaka to be a small, traditional, indigenous city…
… but boy, was I wrong.
Skyline of Osaka, Japan; January 2020
Osaka, Japan; January 2020
What is Osaka Like?
Osaka reminded me very much of a mix between Kyoto and Tokyo – as it’s bigger and commanding like a miniature Tokyo, but keeps the same charm and scenic mountainous range as Kyoto.
I wasn’t even there for a full 24 hours, but man… we still somehow did a lot.
Wondering what to do while you’re in Osaka, too?
Here’s a breakdown of everything that I did and saw during my time in Osaka:
How to Spend 24 Hours in Osaka
1. Nara Park
Outside Nara Park in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
Nara Park in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
View of Nara Park in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
Buddah in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
Buddah in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
Buddah in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
2. Deer Feeding
Because I live in the DMV, I have my fair share of deer encounters on a daily basis, plus – these were wild deer… meaning, they could bite you. In fact, my friends got bit during their feeding excursion, however – they claimed that it was worth the fun for being nicked a few times.
I instead chose to watch my friends get chased by deer. I highly recommend that you do the same.
Watch me laugh my head off at my friends feeding the deer in Nara Park in my Osaka vlog down below!
3. Kuromon Ichiba Market
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’d know that exploring markets is one of my absolute favorite things to do while I travel. I find it’s one of the few times when you can discover all of the unique foods and customs of other cultures.
For instance, look at these vegetables. What are they?!
I still don’t know. I also still don’t know why the Japanese have white and pink strawberries… but they do, and we decided to try them.
White strawberries in Osaka, Japan; January 2020
Trying white and pink strawberries in Japan!
Are the White and Pink Strawberries in Japan Worth Buying?
The infamous white and pink strawberries in Japan aren’t the cheapest, especially off-season during winter – but they are indeed tasty, and worth trying if it’s your first time in Japan.
Is It Worth Going to the Kuromon Ichiba Market?
Ultimately, the Kuromon Ichiba Market is definitely a place to go if you love to try all the unfamiliar foods in a true fashion.
4. Dontonbori Street
Dontonbori Street in Osaka Japan; January 2020
I was really hoping that Tokyo would be a New York City 2.0 for me, but the truth is… it wasn’t. However, there were a few parts of Japan that satisfied by hyper Manhattan being… and this was one of them.
Dontonbori Street in Osaka Japan; January 2020
Exploring Dontonbori Street in Osaka Japan; January 2020
It’s the epitome of incessant stimulation – food, pet cafes, karaoke: whatever you want to be doing before you leave Japan, you best believe that it’ll be here.
5. Osaka Castle
Outside Osaka Castle in Japan; January 2020
Osaka Castle; January 2020
We visited the Osaka Castle, and inside, beware – is mostly all that boring history stuff. The best part of our visit here was the view of Osaka from the top of the castle.
All the textbook-like-stuff was boring my friend and I, so we went out and went to go check out the rooftop bar beside it.
We went up to find that it costed the equivalent of $10 USD, we almost went back down…
… but since we were both so tiny… we miiiggghhhttt have snuck off to the side and taken some epic pictures…
View of Osaka Castle from a nearby rooftop bar.
… and then, you know… chill up there with the jazzy music while soaking up he epic views.
Overlooking Osaka Castle; Japan 2020
6. Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck
You guys also know how much I love my ‘view from the top’ experience when traveling.
View from outside the Umeda Sky Building; January 2020
Admission ticket to the Umeda Sky Building; January 2020
This observation deck in Osaka satisfied that craving by a million miles.
The LED lighting and city lit up in a full circle surrounding you is… electric, to say the least.
View from the Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck in Osaka, Japan in January 2020.
Is It Worth Going Up the Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck in Osaka?
Yes, it is without a doubt worth visiting the Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck in Osaka – as it’ll let you see just how alive this Japanese city really is.
View from the Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck in Osaka, Japan in January 2020.
I hope this helped you guys figure out some things to do while you’re on a short trip to Osaka!
Want to see my Osaka trip in action? Click to watch my Osaka vlog below!
If you want to read more about Japan, click here.
Last updated: June 24, 2025