Top 8 HIDDEN Attractions in Osaka, Japan (You MUST Visit!)

Top 8 HIDDEN Attractions in Osaka, Japan (You MUST Visit!)

I’m from Osaka and I am tired tired of people only 
visiting the same old tourist hotspots because Osaka is not just about dotonbori takoyaki and 
umemda tower. It’s about retro shopping street, a mysterious temple you cannot find anywhere 
else in Japan, beautiful nature and secret food alleys locals don’t tell you about. Today 
I’ll show you my top eight hidden Osaka spots locals love. Number eight, Katuo-ji. Katsuo-ji is 
probably one of Japan’s most bizarre, mysterious, and beautiful temples. It literally means temple 
of victory. It is famous for bringing victory in life, whether it’s exam, sports, overcoming 
a disease, business, or even love. Admission is only 500 yen per adult. And what makes this 
temple unique is these cute little red dolls. These are called daruma, and it is 
a traditional good luck charm in Japan. And you can find these everywhere 
throughout the temple. And what’s funny, some I wonder how people put the daruma. 
For example, do you see the one over there? And another one over there. Another one 
here. It’s really bizarre. There is no other temple like this. And it’s fun, 
you know. It’s like scavenger hunt. It’s such an underrated gem in Osaka. And 
check it out, the view is also great, too. It’s just a bit difficult to get here without 
a car. So, you can consider using Pelago by Singapore Airlines to get here. So, this tour 
on Pelago includes Katsuo-ji in the itinerary along with Kyoto’s famous Kinkakuji, the Golden 
Temple, and Arashiyama. And what’s great, there will be English and Chinese speaking tour guide. 
If you don’t know, Pelago lets you discover and book a wide range of travel activities, attraction 
tickets, and tours at the greatest value. You will never pay full price on Pelago as long as you are 
flying with Singapore Airlines and Scoot. That’s because if you fly with Singapore Airlines, 
you get 10% off any booking. And with Scoot, you get even bigger 20% off. Just use your flight 
ticket reference number as the promo code. And what’s more, you can earn miles for every booking 
and use those miles to redeem your next purchases, just like how I managed to claim my Singapore 
Airlines ticket to Japan. I’ll talk about Pelago more, but if you’re a king, you can use my link 
in the video description box below and my promo code give eight to earn boosted miles. So, with my 
code, you can earn up to 8 miles per dollar. It’s really a great deal. So, definitely check it out. 
All right, off to the next location. Number seven, Minoh Falls. If you want to experience a quieter, 
more peaceful part of Osaka, I recommend Minoh Waterfalls. You’ll walk along a beautiful forest 
trail lined with maple trees, old tea houses, and small local snack stalls selling mumiji 
tempura, which are deep fried maple leaf, a Minoh specialty. The air gets cooler and fresher as you 
walk deeper in. And then suddenly, you hear it, the sound of water crashing down. This 33 
m waterfall appears between the trees and it’s absolutely stunning. So it’s nearby 
Katsuji which is temple we just visited. So I recommended you to come here on the same day 
and I recommend coming here in autumn. The entire valley turns red and gold and the reflection 
of the waterfall surrounded by the leaves looks like something out of painting. So I drove to 
come here but you can actually take the train to Minoh station. It’s worth to explore the 
town of Minoh too. You can find a lot of cute independent shop. If you have only seen the busy 
side of Osaka, this will change your impression. Number six, Abenno harukasu. All right, 
I am at Abeno Harukasu at Tenoji area, which is nearby the famous Tsutenkaku 
Tower. Not many foreign tourists know this, but this is the second tallest building 
in Japan. And that is why the view from all the way up there is stunning. I got the 
ticket on Pelago. No hassle this way because I don’t have the queue to get the ticket. 
I can just go directly to the tower. Plus, they always have some kind of promo. So, I got 
a 10% off deal. All right, let’s go inside. The observatory is at level 60. Wow, it’s so high up. Everything looks like georama, like toys. And here you can see the sea. 
And if you go all the way over there, that’s Kobe. That’s the Tsutenkaku 
Tower at Shineskai. And what’s cool, you can even take free photo here. Of course, 
I got mine done, but I felt a bit embarrassed doing it alone. on my face. You can see I’m kind 
of hard and nervous. Yeah, very paiseh moment. Down at level 59, there’s a little souvenir 
shop. And at level 58, there’s a little cafe. I’m sure coffee or beer or anything would taste 
great with a view like this. The more famous option is the Umeda sky building at Umeda area, 
but that one is getting very, very touristy, super crowded. But at Abeno Harukasu, 
like you see, pretty empty, pretty quiet, but it still offers one of the clearest panoramic 
views of Osaka. It’s a nice place. I recommend it. Number five, Nishinari. This isn’t the polished 
touristy Osaka you see on postcards. Here you’ll find locals chatting outside small 
bars, friendly ojisans or uncles inviting you for a drink, even if your Japanese 
isn’t perfect. I’m from Singapore. Yeah. It’s one of those rare places where you can 
easily make friends with strangers and truly feel the warmth and humor that define 
Osaka’s spirit. There’s something about Nishinari that feels authentic, human, and full 
of life. The nearest station is Shin Imamiya, and it’s super accessible. If you 
plan to explore more of Kansai, consider getting the JR Kansai wide area pass, 
which gives you unlimited rides on JR line, even to Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, 
and Totorri. It’s actually one of the best setters on Pelago and perfect for anyone 
who wants to experience Kansai beyond Osaka. Number four, Tenoji Zoo. Tenoji Zoo is one 
of Japan’s oldest zoos. Opened in 1915, it has been loved by generations of locals. 
There’s a nostalgic feel to it. It’s very chill, and the best part, it’s incredibly affordable. 
One adult ticket only cost 500 yen. Despite the low price, this place is surprisingly 
well-maintained with a wide range of animals and peaceful walking areas that make 
it a relaxing stop. There’s even an outdoor adventure activity you can enjoy for kids. 
There’s also a beautiful picnic area right in front of the zoo. This one’s completely 
free. You don’t have to pay anything. It’s one of the most familyfriendly location in 
whole of Osaka. It looks like he’s flicking the middle finger. I think he’s tired of being 
stared at. I mean, I think I would do the same. It’s not the biggest zoo. It’s certainly 
not the flashiest attraction of Osaka, but they have all the popular animals. And 
what’s great is easy to integrate into your itinerary because it’s right next to Shinsekai. 
You see it at the background. Very good location and again perfect for families. By the way, what I 
really love about Pelago is that I can earn miles on every purchase. This is why I use Pelago. 
Competitors don’t have this function. Again, if you use my code, give 8, you can earn up to 8 
miles per dollar. I did a simple calculation. And so if you spend about $200 Singapore dollars on 
Pelago, that’s about 1,600 miles. And with that, you can already redeem a flight to pay out from 
Singapore because that only cost 1,500 miles. Amazing, right? But that’s because you get boosted 
miles using my promo code. So do utilize my code before it’s gone. Number three, Horie District. 
Horie is one of Osaka’s trendiest districts. It’s a stylish, laid-back neighborhood just 
a short walk from the lively America village and Shinsaibashi area. It feels so calm and 
sophisticated. As a local, I love coming here. Actually, a lot of the locals nowadays, we don’t 
go to Shinsaibashi. It’s way too crowded. So, that’s why I like coming here. It’s much more 
peaceful, relaxed, narrow streets are lined with independent boutiques, artisan lifestyle shops, 
and minimalist Japanese brands you won’t find in big malls. It’s a kind of place you can spend 
hours just getting lost and you will discover so many cool shops. And there are lots of nice 
food, too. We just had soba at a place called Hanako. This lunch set only cost me about 1,000 
yen. I only saw locals there. It’s very authentic, very nice. And next to it is an ice cream shop. 
We had the hazelnut ice cream for about 400 yen. It was delicious. Okay, we came to the main 
street of Horie. It is called Orange Street. You can find big brands at this street and just 
really nice to take a stroll. It’s very nice. That’s really interesting. Is it a lamp? And 
Horie is a cafe hoppers paradise. You can find so many nice cafes here. And check this out. 
This looks like a nice one. Let’s go inside. So this cafe is called Tasogare Coffee. 
Just the interior is so beautiful, so woody. Got some retro aspects as well. 
It’s just extremely cozy. The music’s great, too. And I got Americano. It’s an Ethiopian blend. 
Ooh, fantastic coffee. Very aromatic. Highly, highly recommended. Amazing place. So, that was 
Horie. If you like shopping, if you love cafe and visit where locals actually hang out, definitely 
check it out. Number two, Osaka Castle from above. Yes. Most tourists visit Osaka Castle. But did you 
know that you can actually admire it from high up? Not many people, even locals know about this place 
because it just opened. And that’s it. Patina Osaka. It’s a hotel, but you don’t actually have 
to stay there to enjoy the view. Let me show you. Check it out. Crazy view. So, this is the level 20 lobby area, and there’s 
also a bar area over there. Things aren’t that cheap here. A coffee cost like 1,700 yen, but 
check out the view. It’s phenomenal. This is one of the best views you can get of Osaka 
Castle. So prior to this hotel, it used to be a office and the office is gone and now a hotel 
which gives us the access to this amazing view. whole area. From here, of course, that’s 
the castle, but there’s actually a shrine over there. It’s called Hokoku Jinja. And 
from here, you can even see the famous Umeda Ferris wheel. Staying at this hotel 
is not for everyone. It’s quite expensive, but coming up here and just enjoying a drink. 
It’s possible. And the view is outstanding. And this is the bar area. Beautifully furnished. You can even go outside. Woo! Amazing. Wow. Fresh 
air is nice and the view feels nicer from outside. At ground level, there’s a 
very stylish modern cafe, bar, restaurant. They have delicious 
looking cakes and there’s a little outdoor area with waterfalls. It’s 
very, very beautiful here. Number one. Tenjin Suji Shotengai is said to be Japan’s 
longest shotengai which is an arcade stretching over 2.6 km of pure Osaka energy. It’s so long 
that you cannot see the end from here. It’s crazy. It’s about 40minute walk from end to end. 
And as you walk through, you’ll see everything from old school tofu shops and familyrun ramen 
joints to quirky vintage stores. and 100 yen bargains. Locals come here for groceries, lunch, 
or just to chat with their favorite shop owners. So, the vibe is always authentic and lively. 
Let me take you to some of my recommendations. Sangourmand is a popular hamburg place. It literally explodes and it’s such a joy watching 
the meat sauce flow down. They use 100% Wagyu, so you get to enjoy the full deep beef flavor. It 
was super tasty and it went really well with my rice. After lunch, we went to Seiyosakan. It’s 
a Japanese western tea house with a beautiful vintage style exterior and interior. I got coffee 
in the seasonal sweet potato tart. I love how the cake wasn’t too sweet. It was honestly delicious. 
One of the best tarts I’ve ever had. But they are popular and don’t accept reservations. So do 
expect some waiting time. But if you want great cakes and nice coffee and tea, definitely make a 
visit. And what’s great, even if the weather is bad, it doesn’t matter because it’s fully covered. 
Also, if you’re coming here, you don’t want to miss the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to 
learn about the history of Osaka. The replica of the Edo period townscape is really cool. It’s only 
about $5 on Pelago. This shotengai is the perfect place to experience the Osakan character. Loud, 
friendly, a little chaotic, but full of charm. And the best part, everything is much more cheaper 
and local compared to Namba and Umeda. So that’s my top eight hidden gems visit in Osaka. I hope 
this video was helpful and don’t forget to use my code on Pelago. That’s give 8 to get boosted 
miles. If you enjoy this video, I think you might enjoy the one I did about the top 10 food at 
Osaka. Thanks for watching. Have a good day, guys.

Top 8 lesser-known & hidden attractions in Osaka, recommended by a local! 🌟 Book global travel activities with Pelago by Singapore Airlines! Boost your miles with code ‘GHIB’ – Earn 8 miles per $1 (instead of 3) https://www.pelago.com/?utm_source=kol&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=KOL_nov_ghibojisan

Attraction Tickets:
– Katsuoji Temple https://www.pelago.com/en-SG/activity/p08itl50w-one-day-tour-to-gassho-village-katsuoji-temple-and-arashiyama-in-miyama-town-kyoto-japan-departing-from-osaka-kyoto/#date-header?utm_source=kol&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=KOL_nov_ghibojisan
– Hankyu Tourist Pass (includes Minoh) https://www.pelago.com/en-SG/activity/p3nwi-hankyu-tourist-pass-kyoto/?utm_source=kol&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=KOL_nov_ghibojisan
– Abenoharukas https://www.pelago.com/en-SG/activity/pmsm8moh2-osaka-abeno-harukas-300-observatory-tickets-japan-osaka/
– JR Kansai Pass https://www.pelago.com/en-SG/activity/p1ealk36y-jr-pass-kansai-wide-area-excursion-pass-e-ticket-japan/?utm_source=kol&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=KOL_nov_ghibojisan
– Tennoji Zoo with Osaka E-pass https://www.pelago.com/en-SG/activity/pb8fb-osaka-epass-osaka/?utm_source=kol&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=KOL_nov_ghibojisan
– Osaka Museum of housing and living (at Tenjinbashi-suji Shotengai) https://www.pelago.com/en-SG/activity/pe05lsrow-osaka-museum-of-housing-and-living-admission-ticket-japan-osaka/?utm_source=kol&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=KOL_nov_ghibojisan

Google Map Locations of Attractions Visited:
– Katsuoji https://maps.app.goo.gl/bxREgoFA6T1bTPjf9
– Minoh Falls https://maps.app.goo.gl/bm2oXNV42t4FAecc6
– Abeno Harukas https://maps.app.goo.gl/fAc776P2VwBKtqd78
– Nishinari https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q3hMcfTfQzYKX31A6
– Tennoji Zoo https://maps.app.goo.gl/RqqwmsppojGRnAiF6
– Horie (Orange Street) https://maps.app.goo.gl/CC3TgipKcS8hho538
– Patina Osaka https://maps.app.goo.gl/NdWkE55AHBYewHtPA
– Tenjinbashi-suji Shotengai https://maps.app.goo.gl/WMHv1e8DSDYVBa1s7

Chapters
00:00 Katsuoji
02:34 Minoh Falls
03:42 Abeno Harukas
05:22 Nishinari
06:18 Tennoji Zoo
07:59 Horie
09:49 Patina Osaka
11:54 Tenjinbashi-suji Shotengai

This video is brought to you by Pelago

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