Things to do in Osaka: Castles, street food and unforgettable evenings in Dotonbori

Step into Osaka and you'll feel it immediately: this city is alive. Where Tokyo is austere and Kyoto serene, Osaka buzzes with energy. Here, everything revolves around taste, sound, and color. Every street beckons you on adventure, every neon light makes your heart beat faster, and every scent promises a new discovery. In April, the scent of cherry blossoms hangs in the air, mingled with soy, fried dough, and a touch of adventure. We're eager to let ourselves be swept away and discover things to do in Osaka!

Osaka Castle in the golden hour

In the early evening, as the light softens, Osaka Castle is at its most beautiful. The white facades catch the last rays of sunlight, while the green and gold roofs stand out against a slowly indigo-tinged sky. The cherry trees surrounding the moat sway gently, sending pink petals fluttering like confetti.

From the viewing platform, you see the skyline twinkling: a quiet encounter between history and modern architecture. Not a dusty museum piece, but a living monument whispering its story. And as we descend, I feel it: hunger. Time for Osaka's most famous flavor explosions.

Things to do in Osaka: The magic of Dotonbori

In the evening, Dotonbori becomes a giant theater. Neon signs reflect in the canal, the streets buzz with energy, and everywhere you smell something delicious: grilled squid, fried dough, sweet sauces.

We follow our nose and taste:

• Takoyaki – fluffy dough balls with octopus, ginger, green onion, drizzled with sauce and dancing bonito flakes.

• Okonomiyaki – savory Japanese pancake filled with cabbage, egg, and meat, straight from the hot plate.

• Kushikatsu – crispy skewers of meat, vegetables, or cheese, with the golden rule: no double dipping.

• Negiyaki – lighter pancakes packed with spring onions, perfect after an evening of tasting.

Here you eat with all your senses: watching the chef play with fire, listening to the commotion, and tasting to the fullest.

Osaka is a feeling

Osaka isn't a list of sights, but a city that gets under your skin. You experience it through scent, taste, light, and sound. As you stroll back at night, feet weary but head and heart full of impressions, you know that Osaka has left a lasting impression.

Want to truly get to know Osaka? Let yourself be carried away by the atmospheric streets of Dotonbori, sample the street food, and experience the golden hour at Osaka Castle. This city isn't revealed at a glance—you have to feel it, taste it, and experience it.

📌 Tip: Combine your visit to Osaka with a day trip to Nara or Kobe for even more variety in your Japan trip.

And you? Which Osaka flavor would you choose first: the dancing takoyaki or the creamy okonomiyaki? Let us know in the comments!