The Atlas Obscura Guide To Osaka

19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

Updated March 20, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

Izakaya Toyo

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

Osaka, Japan

Gate Tower Building

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

Osaka, Japan

Fudo Myo-o Statue

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

Osaka, Japan

Tavern Pachimon Wars

This bar is filled with Star Wars merchandise from around the world, all of it unlicensed knockoffs.

Osaka, Japan

Taiyoshi Hyakuban

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

Osaka, Japan

Gakutensoku

Japan's first automaton went missing, only to be revived by the Osaka Science Museum.

Osaka, Japan

Chapel Goedele

A 14th-century European chapel sticks out of the facade of a Japanese hotel.

Osaka, Japan

Maishima Incineration Plant

This whimsical garbage disposal facility receives around 12,000 accidental tourists each year.

See All 19 Things To Do in Osaka

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

Izakaya Toyo

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

Osaka, Japan

Tavern Pachimon Wars

This bar is filled with Star Wars merchandise from around the world, all of it unlicensed knockoffs.

Osaka, Japan

Taiyoshi Hyakuban

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

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Explore Osaka, Japan

Architecture 6

Architectural Oddities 4

Places To Stay 3

Buddhism 2

Shrines 2

Statues 2

Folklore 2

Hotels 2

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Stories About Osaka

Taishū engeki is usually split into two distinct halves: a play that fuses Edo-period drama in the style of a soap opera, followed by bouts of dancing and music.

In Japan, ‘Theater for the People’ Makes Fandom a Part of the Show

The constantly evolving form of taishū engeki bends both gender and genre.

by Will Stewart

October 22, 2020

Karakuri dolls have been an ornate element of Japanese craftsmanship since the Edo period.

What It’s Like to Build a Traditional Japanese Automaton From Scratch

All you need is a good imagination. And a whole lot of patience.

by Isaac Schultz

June 4, 2020

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Osaka

19 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

Updated March 20, 2025

Unusual Attractions in Osaka

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Osaka

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Hidden Japan: Sado Island, Nara & Kyoto

Explore a different side of Japan.

Explore Osaka, Japan

Osaka Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Osaka Activity

Stories About Osaka

In Japan, ‘Theater for the People’ Makes Fandom a Part of the Show

What It’s Like to Build a Traditional Japanese Automaton From Scratch

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Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.