One of the world’s biggest and best aquariums, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan recreates 15 regions of the Pacific Rim. You’ll encounter Antarctica’s penguins, Monterey Bay’s sea lions, Ecuadorian piranhas, plus spider crabs and surreal jellyfish from the Sea of Japan. A huge central tank teems with whale sharks and manta rays.

The cluster of food stalls centred around the Dotonburi strip is a popular Osaka attraction for tourists and locals alike. Classics include takoyaki (crispy battered octopus balls); mitarashi-dango (sticky rice dumplings with a soy glaze); and savoury okonomiyaki crepes. Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market for a newer speciality: tako tamago, a grilled baby octopus stuffed with a quail’s egg.

First built in 1583, and rebuilt many times since, Osaka Castle looms large above a picturesque moat and park. It’s especially pretty during spring cherry-blossom and autumn foliage seasons, when Osakans come out to picnic and pose. History buffs will appreciate the castle’s art and armour collection, while kids can let loose at the playground.

Take in spectacular 360-degree views from the 300-metre-high observation deck of Abeno Harukas - Osaka’s tallest tourist attraction. Daredevils can step out (with a tether) along a 20-metre ledge: the Edge of Harukas. The César Pelli-designed complex also includes the Kintetsu department store, an art museum and restaurants.

This eight-block arcade has been a shopping destination since the 1720s, when kimono store Matsuya opened: it’s now Daimaru Department Store. It stands alongside a high-low mix of brands; browse Daiso for cheap, quirky souvenirs. Retail therapy goes well with street food and a river cruise in Dotonbori to the south.

Momofuku Ando invented the first-ever instant noodles in Osaka in 1958. The Cup Noodles Museum celebrates his globally beloved creation with eclectic exhibits, including the highly Instagrammable Instant Noodles Tunnel. You can even create your own noodles – and package design – from a potential 5,460 flavour combinations.

Buddhists have been travelling to Osaka to visit the Shitenno-ji temple since 593, which hosts a lively antique flea market on the 21st and 22nd of each month. For another slice of old-time Osaka, seek out Hozenji Temple near Namba and Dotonbori. Splash its moss-covered statue of Buddhist deity Fudo Myoo for good luck.

If you travel to Osaka with kids, you have to visit the first-ever Super Nintendo World. Opened in March 2021, the park features a real-life Mario Kart race through Bowser’s Castle. It joins eight other themed sections at Universal Studios Japan, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.

Amerikamura got its name in the ’70s, when warehouses began importing goods from the US. It’s still the place to find vintage records and clothes; street art and street fashion; and live music. Nakazakicho is a more under-the-radar area for youth culture, where creatives have transformed old houses into galleries, cafes and craft shops.

Japan’s eighth-century capital city is rich in heritage, with a small-town feel that makes it a more manageable day trip than Kyoto. Catch a 50-minute train ride, and then wander among the sacred deer of Nara Park. Todai-ji temple with its giant Buddha statue, the lantern-lined Kasuga-taisha shrine and the old merchant quarter of Naramachi are other must-sees.