Dotonbori

Dotonbori is one of Osaka's most popular areas. You can find almost everything here; theatres, bars, nightclubs, cafés, restaurants, you name it. All day and night, entertainment guaranteed!

• Address:

  Dotombori, Osaka

Hozenji Temple

Tucked away behind a busy street, just a few blocks away from Dotonbori canal, lies the tiny and quaint 17th century Buddhist temple, Hozenji. It is a rare space of peace and tranquility in one of the city's busiest districts, and should not be missed.

• Web:

  www.houzenji.jp

• Address:

  Chuo Ward, Nanba, 1-2-16, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6211 4152

• More info:

  .

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

In Japan the cherry blossom or Sakura is celebrated for its beauty and symbolizes renewal, life as well as ephemerality. In this park along the Okawa River you can watch the spectacle of about 5000 cherry trees blooming in early spring. The best time for picnics among the magnificent white and pink trees is late March or early April.

• Address:

  Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka

• More info:

  During blooming season trees are illuminated until 21.00

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Sakuranomiya Station

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

Have you ever wondered where this delicious and easy to make Ramen comes from? Then visit this Cup Noodle Museum and learn more about the inventor and the history of the popular dish. Next to free audio guides the place offers ramen workshops for the whole family.

• Web:

  www.instantramen-museum.jp/jp

• Address:

  8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 72 752 3484

• Opening hours:

  Monday, Wednesday-Sunday: 9.30–16.00

Museum of Housing and Living

The exquisite museum offers visitors an immersive experience into Osaka's Edo (9th floor), Meiji (8th floor) and recent Showa periods. Life-size recreations of Osaka's ancient streets and scale models are complete with multiple original artifacts dating back to the respective eras. One of the museum's main attractions is the opportunity to try on and be photographed in a traditional kimono against the backdrop of a historic Japanese street.

• Web:

  www.konjyakukan.com

• Address:

  6-4-20 Tenjimbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6242 1170

• Opening hours:

  Wed-Mon 10am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm), Tue closed

• More info:

  8 Floor

Nanba Grand Kagetsu

If you're looking for some fun, the Nanba Grand neighborhood is your place to go. There is a multitude of entertainment centers, theaters, shops and you are guaranteed a fantastic vibe at this busy place.

• Web:

  www.yoshimoto.co.jp

• Address:

  11-6 Nambasennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6641 0888