Off the Beaten Path in Osaka: Cool Things to Do and Eat by Neighborhood

If you’re heading to Osaka and want to skip the usual tourist checklist (no shade to takoyaki and Dotombori selfies though!), this off-the-beaten-path guide is for you. From private onsen experiences to retro video game bars, themed comedy clubs, and underground vintage finds—this is how to explore Osaka like a savvy local. Full disclaimer: I’ve been to some of these places (the ones with more details), while others are just part of my to-do list but I’m keeping it here so I can reference back to it when I return to Osaka

World Expo 2025 (Yumeshima Island)

If you’re visiting between April 13 to October 13, 2025, definitely make time for the World Expo 2025! It’s held on Yumeshima Island and this year’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” — focused on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.

This was my first ever World Expo (I also recently went to my first Venice Biennale, so this was extra exciting). Not sure what I expected, but it felt like a global cultural festival. Each country had its own pavilion showcasing food, art, tech, and identity.

Our faves? Canada (cool VR exhibit and gave me childhood nostalgia), and Austria (my husband said it felt like Sound of Music come to life).

Tips for your visit:

• Patience is key. The queues are long, so just go with that in mind.
• Visit on weekdays and head there after lunch – crowd thins around 6PM.
• If you’re coming from the airport, drop your luggage at Bentencho Station. For a small fee, they can deliver your bags to your hotel!
• Join the digital lottery system (via official Expo app) for priority access to popular pavilions.
• Choose North Gate if arriving by train, and South Gate for bus arrivals.
• Bring an umbrella – it’s mostly open-air, so you’ll need sun or rain protection.

• Buy the mascot plushie (Meet “Myaku-Myaku”!), and definitely try the international food options. Surprisingly good!

Dotonbori / Shinsaibashi Area

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

Small but fascinating. This is considered the best woodblock printing museum in Japan, even better than the national museum (Tokyo’s). We joined a beginner class and quickly realized it’s not as easy as it looks — our teacher didn’t speak much English, but his passion made up for it!

• Email to reserve: info@kamigata.jp
• Details here: kamigata.jp/kmgt

Where to Eat in Dotonbori / Shinsaibashi

• Shabu Shabu Shabutei: Super clean tasting shabu shabu. No MSG and the quality of the meats was a different level. I just kept wolfing down all the wagyu! Make sure to reserve here: Shabu Shabu On Yasai Dotonbori Ten Reservation

• Chibo: One of the few okonomiyaki places that’s open past 9pm. I really liked the dotonbori okonomiyaki as it was really packed with pork, shrimp, squid and cheese etc. But the unexpected star was the gyoza! Delicious

• Lilo Coffee Kissa: cozy coffee and vibes.
• Craft Burger Co.: solid gourmet burgers.
• Canelita Sweets: perfect dessert stop.

Where to Drink in Dotonbori

• Bible Club: Beautiful Prohibition-era bar hidden within Osaka. You do need to order 1 drink per person and there’s 800 yen charge per person. Highly recommend you sit by the bar if you can!

Shinsekai Area

Step back into retro Osaka in Shinsekai!

Eats

• Daruma for crunchy kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

• Yokozuna for sumo-sized hotpot and massive kushikatsu platters.

Visit

• Tsutenkaku Tower: classic landmark with Wakuwaku Land, a kitschy food manufacturer floor.
• Jan Jan Yokocho: 180m retro shopping arcade.

Amerikamura (Amemura) Area

The hipster heart of Osaka, full of vintage fashion and underground energy.

Moonshine Karaoke Bar

Not your typical karaoke booth! Great for travelers looking for a social karaoke night. We ended up chatting more than singing, and met the most interesting mix of fellow travelers.

ROR Comedy Club

English-language stand-up comedy by expats in Japan. It’s a fun way to get a taste of Japanese life with an international twist. Highly recommend booking in advance: rorcomedy.com

Vintage Shopping at its best

• ACORN Buy and Sell Vintage
• BRING Amerikamura
• JAM
• Kindal
• No Gain
• Kinji

Live Music

• AtlantiQs
• Club Joule

Other Quirky Spots

• PC and Retro Bar Space Station: sip craft beer while playing retro video games.
• Silver Ball Planet: giant pinball arcade.
• Mittera Kaikan: a themed bar haven in one building!

Eats

• Tako Tako King: Really good takoyaki! I was shocked!

• Ice Dog: crispy fried buns with soft-serve – YES.

Denden Town (Nipponbashi)

Anime, gaming, and geek heaven!

Shops to Explore

• Animate: anime and manga central.
• Yellow Submarine: trading card paradise.
• Super Potato: video game nostalgia overload.
• Gee!Store Osaka: cosplay & merch.
• Volks Showroom: hobbyist goldmine.
• Nipponbashi Shotenkai: 2nd-hand kimono hunting.

Eats

• Tidy Café: chic pastry spot hidden among the chaos.

Just Outside the City Center

Nobeha no Yu Tsuruhashi

Private onsen experience in Osaka — ultra relaxing after a day of walking.

TNT Craft Beer Pub

Local craft beer hangout.

Sayamaike Museum

Yes, a civil engineering museum. But actually super cool! Designed by architect Tadao Ando, it explores how Osaka learned to deal with flooding (seriously, fascinating stuff).

Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

The longest shopping street in Japan — over 2.6km of food, trinkets, and window browsing fun.

Overall I realized on this trip that Osaka is more than just takoyaki and Universal Studios. With a bit of curiosity (and comfortable shoes), there’s so much weird, wonderful, and unexpectedly heartwarming to discover here. Add these off-the-beaten-path spots to your list — your tastebuds and travel stories will thank you.

Naoshima Island

The ultimate art experience – my husband and I are thinking we should do 3D2N here to fully immerse ourselves in the art!