Location: Osaka Prefecture
Top Things to do in Osaka Prefecture
Top Hotels in Osaka Prefecture
Countries
What to do and see in Osaka Prefecture, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
Osaka Prefecture (大阪府, Ōsaka-fu) is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshu, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area. Osaka is one of the two "urban prefectures" (府, fu) of Japan, Kyoto being the other (Tokyo became a "metropolitan prefecture", or to, in 1941).
Restaurants in Osaka Prefecture
1. Dotonbori
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
The heart of Osaka nightlife, this area is filled with Theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, arcades and nightclubs.
Reviewed By Sam S - Palm Beach, Florida
The street for foodies! I started my adventures at Tsuki no Odori a restaurant renown for its Yakitori (Japanes chicken food) had a few delicious skewers (1300yen) there before making my way down the street. I basically looked for queues and hoped for the best. My next stop was the famous "Osaka octopus balls" (6 for 400y) looked really great but I wasn't a fan. I moved on to the grilled crab legs that I was craving for (2 for 900y) but I found it over rated and not the easiest to eat standing up with chopstick...lol glad i had wome wetnaps with me. In one of the side street I saw some gyoza that looked really enticing, its one of those small shops where you order in the front on a vending machine and get you're order inside, (7 for 400y), they were small but very good, the staff at the shop was also super nice and accommodating. After that I was pretty full so I went to get the "second best ice cream in the world" their words not mine (400y) from a food truck, its was truly delicious, ice cream in a warm bun, definitely worth it! Next to the food truck was a chestnut roaster, I got a small bag to take back with me to the hotel not cheap! (1080y) for a small bag, around 250g, but I love them and they reminded me of my childhood! I enjoyed my visit to dotombori for the food but its more than that of course, every street has its personality and identity, a great place for people watching and to linger for hours.
2. Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By koko269 - Vancouver
For someone who loves Whiskey, this was a must do on my list. The Suntory Yamazki Distillery was an hour away from our hotel, but worth every step, stair and train. I loved Reading about the history and looking at their displays.
First of all, make sure you make a reservation whether you're walking around yourself or booking a tour. You need a reservation to get in and it is cash only. I tried booking the tour at a very reasonable price of 1000 yen, but it was sold out. Luckily the self guided visit was still a wonderful experience and I'd go back on my next visit.
The tastings are a steal at their prices. I finally tried the Hibiki 30 and it was amazing.
3. Minoo Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By jan1ce_csh - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Definitely worth the visit and the walk to experience the fresh air and the lovely autumn leaves. Unfortunately the area to the waterfall was closed when we visited. Still, it was such a lovely park and your young children will love exploring and running wild here with supervision.
Do try eating the fried autumn leaves being sold by the shops along the streets on the way in - pretty nice.
4. National Museum of Ethnology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Route128North - North Shore, MA
I had only a little more than an hour to spend at the National Museum of Ethnology and wished I had had at least triple that time. This is a large and interesting museum! In my limited time, I visited only the Asian section (not including the exhibits on Japan) and was fascinated by the visual representations of various cultures. The detail in the exhibits was impressive. It is clear that the museum has a strong scholarly foundation and that subjects can be explored in depth, but there is also much to learn and enjoy during a more superficial visit like mine. Signage (much of it in English) was very informative and helpful in adding context to the materials displayed. I loved going inside a replica of a current day rural Chinese house to discover both ancient and modern objects in use at home today. That house as well as many other colorful, life-size exhibits will have special appeal for children.
I hope to have the opportunity to return to the museum--I’m sure I could happily spend a full day or more (I noticed some resting spots that would be handy for a long visit). Actually, I might prefer several several shorter visits, as that way the various exhibits wouldn’t blur together in my mind and I would have more opportunity to reflect on the information presented. Even if time is short, however, I recommend a visit to this unique museum.
5. Cup Noodle Mueseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 507 reviews
Dedicated to ramen noodle cups, the museum showcases the mind-boggling number of instant ramen flavor variations that have come out over the years and a reproduction of the hut where Momofuku Ando first created them.
Reviewed By wennylai - Singapore
Very interesting museum for children and adult to spent half a day here. The highlight of this museum is to DIY your perfect instant Ramen. First, purchase a cup at 300yen from vending machine. After decorate your cup (with colours markers provided), you choose your own soup flavour, then choose 4 choices of your preferred toppings. There is a area which show the history of cup noodles and other interesting facts. A huge wall of instant ramen boxes where you can see the evolution of different types of the ramen. Highly recommended if you are in Osaka
6. Hirakata Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 176 reviews
“HIRAKATA PARK” was established in 1912 and is the oldest amusement park in Japan. In “HIRAKATA PARK”, you might be exited all four seasons, Cherry blossoms in Spring, the pool in Summer, the red leaves in Autumn and the snow in Winter. Making everyone who visits “HIRAKATA PARK” smile is our Mission.
Reviewed By AntonioRyan - Kyoto, Japan
The park itself had a great vibe to it. Attractions such as roller coaster and swing ride really compliment the beauty of this park as the amazing view can be seen from when the ride is taken. Since I went here during Christmas, they had a special illumination event where the whole park is basically filled with different light colors, which was one of the best I've seen so far.
7. Waterfall of Mino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Reviewed By Kenji Y - Osaka, Japan
Unbelievable views for the price of nothing.
Super easy walk on the slight incline heading throught the mountain side along a trickling river. youll pass a butterfly garden, insect museum, old mine areas and quaint, traditional shops, and much more along the way.
Osakas piece of heaven.
Best place in Osaka for me:)
8. Asahi Breweries Suita Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By cfinn16 - London, United Kingdom
Genuinely interesting tour with free audio guides. Really fascinating seeing the beer and bottling/canning process. The 3 free beers are great too - and they give you snacks!! Great fun and most definitely recommend it.
You have to reserve a place - we did it on the day and it was fine. When you get to Suita station turn left out of the gates and then head straight to the main road (you'll see the factory on your left). Turn left again and the entrance is quite far down on the left.
Enjoy!
9. Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China
We have visited this fifty year old park by early April this year. Although the cherry and plum trees were still not in good form by then, we strolled around most part of the park in over 2 hours time. The park was large, clean and good for walking. There were also benches for sitting if you felt tired. Recommended.
10. The Tower of the Sun
Overall Ratings
4 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By EarthlingOnline - Worldwide
Hmmm. How to describe this thing?
Interesting whimsical monstrosity?
Upon encountering this object within the Expo 70 Commemorative Park, it struck me as mildly amusing. Upon looking at photos afterward, I wonder what the park area might have been like had it been fully landscaped without this thing? I think, perhaps, the park could have been nicer.
