Things to Do in Osaka Beyond the Tourist Hotspots
- G
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
This list isn't meant to be a full itinerary. Instead, it's a collection of five spots (some well-known, some hidden gems) that you might want to check out while exploring Osaka.
You won’t find the usual tourist must-sees like Osaka Castle here (Google has you covered for those). This is more for the kind of traveler who enjoys wandering around on foot or hopping on public transport, indulging in lazy brunches, doing silly things (like visiting a pig café), and ending the night with mind-blowingly good food before hitting up a retro game bar to bond over a round of Mario Kart on the Nintendo 64. Sound like your vibe?
Read on or skip to the areas you already know you want to explore 🚀
Fluffy Pancakes & Adorable Pigs in Shinsaibashi
A Happy Pancake Shinsaibashi
I had been dreaming of trying Japanese fluffy pancakes, and I’m so glad my first time was at this place — because they were delicious! Yes, there’s a wait, but they have a super convenient system where you reserve a spot, get a number, and receive a text 15 minutes before your table is ready. While waiting, we grabbed coffee at Starbucks (pro tip for my lactose-intolerant girlies and boys: oat milk options in Japan are rarely found in small cafés, they prefer soy milk, but the oat milk in Starbucks slaps!).
Oh, and the best part? You can combine your pancake feast with a visit to a pig café, because these two places are in the same building. Perfect itinerary: brunch, pigs, and a little shopping in the neighborhood.
Mipig Café
Visiting a pig café was never on my travel bucket list, but when a friend suggests something random, my answer is usually 95% “Yeah, let’s do it.” And I’m so glad I did! These little pigs were ridiculously cute and surprisingly well-trained (they have designated potty spots, so no fear of accidental peeing incidents on your lap—yes, I did worry about that at first). It was such a calming and unique experience. Highly recommend if you want a break from the city hustle!
Namba Area – Food, Food, and More Food
(and also shopping, but let’s focus on the food, ok?)
Kuromon Ichiba Market
If you're a foodie, this is where you need to be. The first time I had takoyaki was here, and let me tell you — life hasn’t been the same since. The market is packed with all sorts of street food stalls, and while I don’t remember everything I ate (because I ate a lot), those takoyaki balls will forever have a special place in my heart. Also, do yourself a favor and grab a freshly baked melonpan while you’re at it.
Dōtonbori - Unique Things to Do in Osaka’s Famous District
People like to party in Dōtonbori, but here are two places less rowdy to start the evening, and then you can decide where you’ll end up ;) If you decide to go crazy, a have a good chaotic time you’re just a few steps away.
Danmi Red - The Best Korean BBQ Ever
📍 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−16−24 (located in the 2nd Floor)
I’ve had Korean BBQ in Korea. I’ve had it in other parts of Japan. But nowhere—nowhere—has done it as well as this spot in Danmired. The meat? Incredible. The fried chicken? Chef’s kiss. The beef bulgogi? Life-changing. (So good that when I returned to Japan a year later, I had to make a stop in Osaka just to eat there again — just to see if it still held up after all the Korean BBQ I’d had since. Spoiler: it absolutely did!)
After indulging in what can only be described as a food-lover’s paradise, take a short 5-minute stroll to this bar, where you can brag about your culinary adventure to strangers who have the potential to become lifelong friends (but let’s be honest, probably won’t... though for a few hours, you’ll laugh, bond, and maybe even make a toast to your newfound, short-lived friendship)
PC and Retro Bar Space Station
A tiny bar packed with nostalgia and good vibes. From Atari to Nintendo 64 classics like Mario Kart and Space Invaders, this place is a dream for anyone who grew up gaming. What makes it extra special? The way it brings people together. If you played these games as a kid, you’ll find yourself instantly bonding with strangers from all over the world.
It’s a reminder that no matter where we come from, we all have those little things that connect us. (And yes, that’s kinda beautiful, don’t you think?)
Final Thoughts
Osaka is full of surprises ✨ whether it’s the best Korean BBQ you’ll ever eat, fluffy pancakes worth waiting for, or an unexpectedly wholesome hour spent with tiny pigs. So, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to go beyond the standard tourist checklist and just experience a city, give these spots a try. Happy exploring these 5 things to do in Osaka!