13 Must-Do Things in Osaka’s Umeda | Fun Ways and Popular Tourist Spots

Umeda, the central area of Osaka, is a convergence point for many major lines and is filled with places to enjoy shopping and scenic views. Umeda is also home to many restaurants where you can indulge in famous Osaka cuisine such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. Additionally, the area around Umeda boasts Japan’s longest shopping street, modern observation decks, and places where you can experience the atmosphere of old Japanese streetscapes. Here are 13 recommended things to do in Umeda, Osaka. If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, don’t miss these popular tourist spots.

Umeda is not only the heart of Osaka but also the largest bustling district in western Japan. As a major transportation hub, it has numerous restaurants and shopping spots. The city of Osaka is divided into two areas:「kita（キタ”North”」「minami（ミナミ “South”）」, with Umeda being the central area of Kita, making it an indispensable part of Osaka tourism.

Umeda hosts JR Osaka Station and Kitashinchi Station, along with three Umeda stations and Higashi-Umeda and Nishi-Umeda stations. All seven stations are connected by a vast underground city. Due to its complex structure directly connected to many buildings and stations, it is nicknamed “Umeda Dungeon”. Even Japanese residents can get lost here, so foreign visitors might find it even more of a labyrinth. Umeda is a mysterious and exciting city.

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Umeda houses Japan’s longest shopping street, unique Osaka gourmet spots, and places where you can enjoy Japanese culture, such as shrines and SAMURAI themes. You might even feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the Edo period in Osaka while wearing a kimono. Don’t miss out on experiencing these recommended activities to create unforgettable memories of your trip!

In Umeda, towering commercial facilities are filled with famous department stores and malls where you can buy souvenirs and more. Notable department stores include “Hankyu Umeda Main Store,” “Hanshin Umeda Main Store,” and “Daimaru Umeda Store,” while malls like “Grand Front Osaka,” “LUCUA Osaka,” and “Yodobashi Umeda” are well-known. They offer a wide range of products from high-class brands to electronics and daily goods. Don’t forget to stop by shops related to famous anime and games.

Experiencing the unique cuisine of Osaka is part of the fun of visiting there. In Shin Umeda Shokudogai, Hankyu Sanbangai, and Whity Umeda, various eateries line the streets, allowing you to easily choose from different Osaka delicacies and even experience stand-up dining.

Famous Osaka delicacies include

Make sure to check out these Osaka specialties.

In Umeda’s Kita area, a striking red Ferris wheel at HEP FIVE is visible from afar. Riding the Ferris wheel located on the seventh floor, you can get a panoramic view of Umeda. Popular among international visitors, this spot lets you feel like you’re in an amusement park amid the skyscrapers. Enjoy views of Osaka Castle during the day and the Umeda nightscape after sunset.

Walking straight down Umeda’s Ohatsu Tenjin Street, you’ll come across the Ro-Tenjin Shrine.This ancient shrine, with a history spanning over 1300 years, was originally established to worship the gods protecting the area. As time passed, it became the backdrop for a tragic love story in the Edo period, where lovers committed double suicide. This sorrowful tale inspired the traditional Japanese puppet theater play “Sonezaki Shinju.” In time, leveraging the narrative of pure love from an era with no other choice but double suicide, the shrine gradually transformed into a popular spot for couples, becoming known as a sanctuary for matchmaking.

A ten-minute walk from Umeda brings you to the Nakazakicho area,a place drastically different from Umeda’s landscape of towering skyscrapers. Nakazakicho retains the old-time charm of Japanese streetscapes while integrating modern touches, with renovated old houses serving as quaint boutiques and vintage clothing stores. The area’s retro vibe makes strolling through the streets a unique and pleasant experience. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Umeda, why not give Nakazakicho a visit?

Located near Umeda, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street holds the title of Japan’s longest shopping street, extending approximately 2.6km and featuring around 600 shops dating back to the Edo period, serving the daily needs of the common people. Many stores offer takeaway options, allowing you to enjoy Osaka staples like takoyaki and taiyaki while mingling with the locals. Simply walking through the street also offers a lively atmosphere to savor.

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When people think of Japan, samurai often come to mind. Located in the same Kita area as Umeda, “SAMURAI CAFE” offers a unique experience where performers,including samurai, ninjas, and courtesans, showcase traditional Japanese dance. Visitors can also try on armor if they wish, making it a hot spot for foreign tourists. Be sure to check it out during your trip to Osaka for unforgettable experience.

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Wearing a kimono is a recommended experience while traveling in Japan. “Kyoto Aruki Umeda Store,” with its main branch in Kyoto, offers easy kimono rentals and dressing services. With over 1,000 kimonos to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you like. Stroll around the Umeda area in your chosen beautiful kimono for a special addition to your trip.

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The road leading to Ro-Tenjin Shrine, the birthplace of the traditional Japanese puppet theater piece “Sonezaki Shinju,” is known as Sonezaki Ohatsu Tenjin Street Shopping District.This street, home to over a hundred shops primarily focused on dining, caters to the appetites of both international tourists and local workers from Umeda. It is known for its affordably priced gourmet offerings such as kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), takoyaki (octopus balls), and hormone-yaki (grilled offal), making it a popular spot for foodies.

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For a night out in Umeda, Hankyu Higashi-dori Shopping Street is a fantastic choice. As the largest entertainment district in the Kita area, it is conveniently located just a short walk from Hankyu Umeda Station and intersects with Sonezaki Ohatsu Tenjin Street Shopping District, ensuring it’s always bustling with people.The street is lined with numerous entertainment options such as snack bars, bars, karaoke, and game centers, providing fun late into the night.

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Osaka has been an important city throughout history. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a history-themed museum focusing on homes, lifestyles, and urban development. Stepping inside, you feel as though you’ve traveled back into the Edo period. Walking through the realistically recreated streets of the of the time, complete with sound and lighting effects, gives a clear understanding of the lifestyle back then. The charm of being able to play with old Japanese toys makes it an enjoyable experience for all ages.

A cutting-edge museum spearheaded by Koji Kinutani, a leading figure in the Japanese art world, is the Kintetsu Koji Sky Museum. The 3D visual experience, where you feel as if you’ve stepped into a painting, is particularly impressive.

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After enjoying classical technique murals, changing exhibitions every six months, and a VR experience, take a break at the Sky Cafe. The cafe is filled with art pieces, offering a wonderful time while enjoying the view from the 27th floor.

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Umeda Sky Building is a landmark of Umeda with its stunning exterior. The view of Osaka and Umeda from the Floating Garden Observatory and the aerial escalators is unparalleled.

The modern see-through elevator leading to the Floating Garden Observatory gives a sensation as if you are traveling towards the sky.

The observatory, located 173 meters above ground, offers a 360-degree panoramic view. At night, the space becomes even more fantastical as the floor glows blue. Do experience a stroll in the sky, feeling the breeze.

Osaka’s Umeda is the central area where multiple train lines converge, connected to a vast underground city linking many buildings. In and around Umeda, you can shop for Osaka souvenirs in famous department stores and malls. There are also many dining streets and shopping districts lined with eateries, where you can enjoy well-known Osaka gourmet foods like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.

Umeda also boasts picturesque locations such as the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel and Umeda Sky Building, providing stunning panoramic views of the city. For those interested in learning about Japanese culture, don’t miss the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

*This article was created based on information available as of March 2024.