This suburb is a bright burst of colour into anyone’s life. Famous for being Osaka’s ‘old downtown district’, it carries an air of nostalgia through its retro-style stalls and shops which often has visitors stopping at the displays and mascots out front just to take photos. It’s definitely considered one of the best photo spots in towns simply because a). It’s so visually crazy and appealing, and b). There are so many photo opportunities everywhere. Don’t forget to also try and capture an image of Tsutenkaku Tower, which is considered the unofficial symbol of Shinsekai!

This visually stunning castle will take your breath away from the moment you lay eyes on it. Surprisingly, one of the things that make this place stand out is the fact that it’s surrounded by metropolitan buildings. Because of this uniqueness in location, this castle appears to be that much more special.

Known as the entertainment district of Osaka, most tourists visiting Osaka will likely be staying in or around Dontonburi street, making it one of the easiest photo opportunities in Osaka! Dontonburi street runs parallel to the Dontonburi Canal, so you can make your way up one route and down the other quite easily. The street itself is a colourful amalgamation of bright neon lights, flashing billboard advertisements, and a multitude of bars, restaurants and street stalls.

The most famous fish at Kuromon Market are the conger pike in summer and Fugu in winter. At least 10% of the seafood shop in Kuromon specialize in Fugu and Hamo. A lively and roofed market which stretches about 580m, there are about 150 shops and is always bustling with people. This market has everything you want. From fresh seafood, blow fish and soft shelled turtle specialty shops, to restaurants, fruit and vegetables shops, butchers, pickled goods, dried food, Japanese sweets and Western cakes.

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is a must-visit in Osaka. This giant shopping arcade of cosmetics stores, apparel shops, and restaurants extends 600 meters. Read this detailed guide to learn about this lively Osaka neighborhood and how to get to the area!

As with most cities in Japan, Osaka boasts quite an impressive skyrise building that has an observation deck which offers a sweeping view of the city. It’s 173m tall and also hosts a busy and entertaining restaurant floor that resembles a town in the early Showa Period – very historic!

As one of Japan’s oldest temples ever, you’d be surprised at just how well-maintained and stunning this temple is. Don’t be fooled though, the building structures of this temple have actually been burnt down a few times in the past few centuries, however, every single time it has not failed to be carefully re-constructed to replicate its original 6th century design.

A 150 meter long shopping street lined with specialty stores with every cooking utensil and kitchen item available. The Doguyasuji Festival on October 9 (Tool Day) is an event where various tools are on sale, and where the Garapon Lottery will also be held. In addition, you can take part in hands-on food sample making and glass-etching experiences, as well as an ever-increasing number of artisanal restaurants.