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Osaka Like a Local: Hidden Gems, Cheap Eats & Non-Touristy Spots (2025 Update)
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items Most tourists rush through Osaka for Universal Studios and Dotonbori—big mistake. I’ve lived here for more than 10 years, and this guide reveals the real Osaka: backstreet izakayas, Michelin bites, thrift shopping locals swear by, and day trips even ...
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WHAT TO DO: Non-Touristy Experiences
WHERE TO EAT: Cheap & Michelin-Starred
ONLY IN OSAKA: Quirky Must-Dos
SHOPPING: Where Locals Spend
DAY TRIPS: Beyond Kyoto
WHAT TO DO: Non-Touristy Experiences
Skip the hour-long queues at Universal Studios! These under-the-radar activities show Osaka’s true personality—from secret nightlife rituals to cultural gems even Japanese tourists overlook.
Retro Game Revival in Den Den Town has vintage Street Fighter II cabinets
Retro TV Game Revival
Meet adorable micro pigs while enjoying a drink and food.
mipig cafe
Over 150 countries and regions will showcase unique pavilions, each reflecting their cultural heritage and technological advancements.
EXPO 2025 Osaka E-Ticket - Klook
Visit Dotonbori and try Osaka specialty, takoyaki
Dotonbori Join In 3 hr Walking Tour with Osaka Food Tour
Have a blast at Streetkart Osaka. You have to bring a valid driver’s license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally participate in street go-karting in Japan.
Top 10 Osaka Go-karting in 2025
Experience the spectacular scenery and the natural hot spring near the airport
Senshu Onsen in Aqua Ignis Kansai Airport
WHERE TO EAT: Cheap & Michelin-Starred
Osaka’s food scene isn’t just okonomiyaki! Here’s where to find Michelin-starred meals for less than ¥1,000 and street food stalls locals queue for.
Enjoy Omakase cuisine from Japanese sushi chefs at Naruto Sushi Omakase
Osaka｜Naruto Sushi Omakase century-old sushi set meal & making experience｜Klook exclusive
Deep dive into the vibrant local cuisine from kaarage to takoyaki.
Hidden Gems of Backstreets of Shinsekai
Try Kaiseki Cuisine in Toyonaka
TOYONAKA SAKURAE (とよなか桜会) Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Osaka
A Michelin star, must try sushi and sashimi.
Sushi Hoshiyama (鮨ほしやま) Michelin Starred Sushi in Osaka
Want something exotic like puffer fish? Try Guenpin in Osaka - Puffer Fish Specialist
Guenpin Fugu in Osaka, Japan
ONLY IN OSAKA: Quirky Must-Dos
You won’t find these experiences in Tokyo or Kyoto! Osaka’s weirdness is its charm—embrace it with these utterly unique activities.
One journey, multiple experiences from visiting a temple, kimono forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Nonomiya Shrine, beautiful scenery of Arashiyama, and Nijo Castle.
[Kyoto Panoramic Day Tour] Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Thousand Torii Gates, and Fushimi Inari (Depart from Osaka/Kyoto)
Have fun with your family and friends singing at this karaoke place.
Joy Sound Karaoke
Bring your kids at this place that has athletic area with 121 attractions and a sky corridor (Observatory).
Expo BEAST Admission Ticket (Osaka)
Become a ninja and have fun learning new tricks at this Ninja Cafe & Bar
Ninja Experience Cafe in Osaka - Klook United Kingdom
Choose your favorite Kimono or Yukata while strolling around Osaka Castl.e
Kimono/Yukata Rental/Photo Shoot (Osaka Castle/Osaka Tenmangu Shrine) Kimono Rental Misaki
After shopping time, you can enjoy the rock salt hot spring, indoor and outdoor.
1 Day Rinkunoyu Hot spring in Osaka
An interaction between art and nature at the Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka.
Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket
Get a photo session with the sumo wrestlers, enjoy a sumo experience and a Komono Haori experience, and upgrade for a Japanese hot pot meal.
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience w/ Optional Kimono & Hot Pot
SHOPPING: Where Locals Spend
Ditch the overpriced Shinsaibashi stores! These spots offer vintage kimonos, kitchen knives, and electronics at true Osaka prices.
Modern shopping center offering brand name items.
Premium Outlets Japan
Shinsaibashisuji shottengai have lots of consignment of different brands and drugstores for skin care.
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
There's a huge lineup of interesting shops that's popular with teenage girls, UNIQLO store with its full lineup of clothes. This shopping mall also offers spaces for children and babies, as well as a food court equipped with children’s seats, making ...
Abeno Q's MALL
A piece of heaven for Pokemon fans.
Pokemon Center Osaka DX
DAY TRIPS: Beyond Kyoto
Kyoto’s overcrowded. These underrated getaways offer ancient onsens, art islands, and sake breweries—all under 90 minutes from Osaka.
A historical landmark, cultural experience and a natural beauty of Hiroshima.
Hiroshima: Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO Sites Full-Day Tour
Kobe's natural treasures.
Kobe: Guided Tour of Nunobiki Waterfalls and Herb Garden
Explores the shrine’s history, culture, and torii gates.
Fushimi Inari Tour: Fast, Affordable, and Full of Learning
Experience riverside camping at Hamamatsu
Hamamatsu Japan: Riverside Camping
Explore the best of Nara on E-bikes, including some gems off the beaten tracks.
E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine