10 Best Things to Do in Umeda
Explore Top Attractions in Osaka's Umeda Area
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Umeda (梅田) is Osaka’s business district, that serves as a major commercial and entertainment hub. It’s renowned for its towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Umeda Sky Building, which offers panoramic views of the city.
1. Umeda Sky Building and Kuchu Teien Observatory
The Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル) is a prominent landmark in Osaka, known for its striking architecture and panoramic views of the cityscape. Rising 173 meters above ground level, this iconic structure consists of two interconnected towers joined by the the Kuchu Teien Observatory (空中庭園展望台), also known as the Floating Garden Observatory. Located on the 39th floor, the Kuchu Teien Observatory provides stunning views of the city of Osaka with its open-air deck and glass-enclosed observation decks.
In addition to the views, the Umeda Sky Building offers various facilities, including restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
▶︎Umeda Sky Building & Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket
Information
 Access |
12 min walk from Osaka and Umeda Station |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
09:30-22:00 |
 Official Website |
https://www.skybldg.co.jp/observatory/ |
 Nearest station |
Osaka Station/ Umeda Station |
2. Go Shopping
The Umeda district has several big shopping malls and debarments, making it an ideal place to spend a couple of hours shopping for souvenirs. Here you have some of the most popular ones, including some
Grand Front Osaka
Grand Front Osaka (グランフロント大阪) is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in Kansai area, with over 260 stores. Opened in 2023, Grand Front Osaka features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, office spaces and even a luxury hotel.
This modern and impressive building offers direct access to Osaka Station, providing an ideal shopping destination on rainy days without the worry of getting soaked.
Information
| Access |
2 min walk from Osaka Station, 4 min walk from Umeda Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10:00-21:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/ |
| Nearest station |
Osaka Station/ Umeda Station |
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
Another popular shopping destination in Umeda area is the Hankyu Umeda Main Store, a prominent department store where you can find a wide range of products including fashion, cosmetics, household goods, and gourmet food.
Established in 1929 Hankyu Umeda Main Store is one of Japan’s largest department stores, known for its good quality merchandise and excellent customer service. Additionally, it’s conveniently located near Osaka Station.
Information
| Access |
2 min walk from Umeda and Osaka Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10:00-22:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/honten/ |
| Nearest station |
Osaka Station/ Umeda Station |
Osaka Station City
If you are not still done with shopping, Osaka Station City is a huge shopping and dinning complex that surrounds Osaka Station. Divided into two buildings, the North Building and the South Building, Osaka Station City is another great option for a rainy day in Osaka, since you don’t need to leave the station.
Information
| Access |
3 min walk from Umeda and Osaka Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10:00-20:00 |
| Official Website |
https://osakastationcity.com/ |
| Nearest station |
Osaka Station/ Umeda Station |
3. Enjoy Osaka Food
Osaka is renowned for its diverse and delicious food scene. From savory street snacks to hearty comfort food and delicious desserts, no wonder why Osaka it’s know as the kitchen of Japan.
One of Osaka’s most famous culinary contributions is takoyaki, a popular street food made from batter filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. On the top of this, takoyaki balls are typically covered with a savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes and seaweed.
Another must-try dish in Osaka is okonomiyaki, often referred to as Japanese savory pancakes or Japanese pizza. The okonomiyaki is made from flour, grated yam, eggs and shredded cabbage, mixed wit a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, squid or cheese. All of these topped with savory okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes and dried seaweed, as the takoyaki.
For those with a sweet tooth, the iconic fluffy and creamy cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan is another essential.
Umeda Food Hall at Hankyu Sanban Gai:
https://www.h-sanbangai.com/foodhall/
Hanshin Department Store Umeda Food Hall:
https://www.hanshin-dept.jp/hshonten/restaurantguide/foodhall/
4. Get a Ride at the Hep Five Ferris Wheel
Hep Five is a unique shopping center in Osaka known for its famous red Ferris wheel on top. At 106 meters above the ground and a 15-20 minutes ride, this Ferris wheel gives great views of the city. After shopping in the mall, visitors can ride the Ferris wheel and see Osaka from above.
In addition to the fashion shops, Hep Five offers numerous shops offering character goods, as well as anime and comic merchandise.
▶︎HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel Ticket
Information
| Access |
7 min walk from Umeda Station and Osaka Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11:00-22:45 |
| Official Website |
https://www.hepfive.jp/ferriswheel |
| Nearest station |
Osaka Station/Umeda Station |
5. Tsuyuten Shrine
Located between buildings, Tsuyuten Shrine (露天神社) is a hidden gem in Osaka. This Shinto shrine it’s said to have been established over 1300 years ago, and named after a poem from Sugawara no Michizane, a prominent scholar and politician from the Heian period.
Today, Tsuyuten Shirne is popular spot for praying for a good marriage or success in love. This is because in the bunraku puppet play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki,’ the two lovers who cannot be together commit suicide at the shrine.
Information
| Access |
9 min walk from Umeda and Osaka Station |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
6:00-23:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.tuyutenjin.com/ |
| Nearest station |
Osaka Station/ Umeda Station |
6. Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街) is the longest shotengai (shopping streets) in Japan, spanning over 2.6 kilometers in length. With approximately 800 stores, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with a wide variety of shops with a diverse range of goods and products available, from traditional Japanese crafts and clothing to modern fashion and electronics.
It’s the perfect place for buying your souvenirs while experience the lively street culture of Osaka.
7. Samurai Cafe
If you want to rest your feet for a couple of hours, and enjoy a unique and original experience, don’t miss the Samurai Cafe.
Despite the name, Samurai Cafe is not just a cafe, but a show full of drama and excitement where you can be entertained by exciting sword fights, ninjas, oiran (ancient Japanese courtesans), traditional dances and more!
Information
| Access |
5 min' walk from Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station/ 15 min' walk from Temma Station |
|---|---|
 Address |
2-chōme-2-2-902 Honjōhigashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0074, Japan |
| Business Hours |
16:00〜17:00/ 20:30〜21:30 |
 Closed |
Sun,Mon,Wed,Thu,National holiday |
 Price |
10,000 yen |
 Reservation |
https://bit.ly/4c4ZVUw |
| Nearest station |
Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station |
8. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living offers a captivating journey through time in the heart of Osaka. Visitors can step into the Edo period as they wander through meticulously recreated streets, merchant houses, and even a traditional bathhouse.
The museum also offers hands-on activities like trying on kimono and workshops on traditional crafts, and at the Floating Garden Observatory visitors can admire panoramic views of the city.
▶︎The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Ticket
Information
| Access |
3 min' walk from Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
6 Chome−4−20, Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, 530-0041 |
| Business Hours |
10:00–17:00 |
| Closed |
Tuesday |
| Price |
600 yen |
| Reservation |
https://bit.ly/45ETvsT |
| Nearest station |
Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station |
9. Nakanoshima
Nakanoshima (中之島) is a slender sandbank located between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River that stands as the bustling epicenter of Osaka’s political, business, and cultural institutions. From governmental buildings to art museums to nature, there are several places to visit in Nakanoshima, but we recommend visit the Nakanoshima Park and The National Museum of Art, Osaka.
For more information: 10 Best Things to Do in Nakanoshima
10. Osaka Castle
Not in Umeda, but nearby, we have one of Osaka’s most important tourist attractions.
Osaka Castle(大阪城) , a symbol of Osaka and one of Japan’s grandest castles, represents the rich history of the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century. Constructed in 1583 under the command of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a renowned warlord, it stands within the scenic Osaka Castle Park, famed for its cherry blossoms. Covering 61,000 square meters, the castle grounds feature gates, turrets, and moats, with 13 structures designated as important cultural assets. Inside, a museum preserves historical documents and artifacts, offering insights into Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Osaka Castle’s legacy.
Don’t miss the observation deck on the 8th floor for stunning views of Osaka City!
Extra: Side Trip to Namba
After you finish exploring the North area, you can head over to the South area in Namba! Known for its energetic vibe and bustling streets, it’s home to iconic landmarks like Dotonbori, where you can experience the vibrant nightlife, enjoy delicious street food and shop for souvenirs.
Join One Day Tour
If you’re worried about navigating the city on your own in this bustling metropolis, or simply prefer the company of a knowledgeable guide to reveal its secrets and explain its landmarks, you can join a one-day guided tour
▶︎Osaka Castle, Umeda & Tonbori River Cruise Day Tour
How to Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
If you are thinking of taking a one day trip from Osaka, the best way to get around in Japan is to use the bullet train. In high season tickets can be sold out so we recommend buying them in advance.
▶︎Book now your Shinkansen tickets!
Japan Bullet Train is a new service launched by our partner company, offering bullet train and express train tickets in Japan for non-Japanese speakers with a very easy and simple process and English-friendly customer service.
After your purchase your ticket online you will receive a QR code. Simply have to scan this QR code in the vending machines available at the main stations from where the bullet train departs and get your physical ticket, and you are ready to go.
If you want to consider other options like the bus, check this article: ▶︎Tokyo to Osaka: How to Get There
If is your first time in Osaka, don’t miss Osaka’s most vibrant neighborhood! ▶︎Dotonbori: Things to Do
▽Others Interesting Neighborhood in Osaka▽
▶︎Shinsekai: Best Things to Do
▶︎8 Best Things to Do in Shinsaibashi
▶︎America Mura: The Mecca for Young Culture in Osaka
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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