Osaka is known as a city of commerce. In such an Osaka, many shopping streets and commercial facilities gather, creating the city's vibrancy day and night.
In this article, we will introduce 10 recommended Instagrammable spots in Osaka and how to enjoy sightseeing in Osaka wearing yukata or kimono. Those planning to visit Osaka, as well as those who have never explored Osaka in yukata or kimono, should definitely read to the end.
＞＞Wargo for Kimono Rental in Osaka
Guaranteed Instagrammable! 10 Recommended Photo Spots in Osaka
Osaka is brimming with various commercial facilities and tourist spots, and among them, we will introduce 10 highly recommended Instagrammable spots.
Strike the Same Pose! | Dotonbori Glico Sign
When you think of Osaka, everyone pictures the giant Glico Sign in Dotonbori. The image of a man running a course with his arms outstretched is a distinctly Osaka-like and Instagrammable spot.
Taking a classic commemorative photo with the same pose as the Glico Sign is a quintessential shot you shouldn't miss.
In fact, the current Glico Sign is the 6th generation, renovated in 2014, and has been updated many times with the changing times.
Since you can only take a photo with the "current Glico Sign" now, why not capture a shot?
Address: 1-10-4 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 2-minute walk from Namba Station on the Midosuji Line
Hours: Lights turn on 30 minutes after sunset until 24:00
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
Official Website: Glico
Majestic Presence | Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple, a famous temple in Osaka whose vast and majestic appearance is captivating, was founded in the first year of Empress Suiko's reign (593 AD). It is a temple with a history spanning over 1400 years, with its history recorded in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).
Shitennoji Temple is a vast temple composed of many halls, each showcasing beautiful Japanese architectural aesthetics.
If you capture it using techniques like low-angle or wide-angle shots, you'll likely achieve Instagrammable photos that are popular with international audiences.
Since Shitennoji Temple is vast, you'll need to allocate ample time if you plan to tour all of it while taking photos. Try not to overschedule your trip, and take your time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 12-minute walk from Tennoji Station on various lines
Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (until 4:00 PM from October to March) (Rokujido Hall only: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
Closed: None
Parking: Available nearby
Official Website: Waso Sohonzan Shitennoji Temple
Capture the Bustle of Osaka | Shinsekai
Shinsekai, a downtown area where you can fully experience the characteristic bustle of Osaka, is a tourist spot where you can simultaneously enjoy famous places like Tsutenkaku Tower and Janjan Yokocho.
Shinsekai is bustling with many people, but if you're aiming for an Instagrammable shot, we recommend taking photos of the night scenery. At night, Shinsekai's shops and neon lights shine brightly, allowing you to capture a photo that encapsulates the very hustle and bustle of Osaka.
After taking photos, enjoy Osaka's famous "konamon" (flour-based dishes) or have a drink.
When you want to capture the lively atmosphere of the street, it's recommended to raise your camera or smartphone high and take a wide-angle shot from a high vantage point. If there's a good vantage point, going to a higher place to take photos would also be good.
Address: Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: Immediately from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line
Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Parking: None
Official Website: Osaka Official Tourist Information OSAKA INFO
Praying at the Mouth of a Giant Lion!? | Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is known as one of the Instagrammable shrine spots. It is famous for its "Shishiden" (Lion Hall), where a giant lion's mouth, 20m high, 7m deep, and 7m wide, opens to welcome worshippers.
The large lion's mouth is said to invite victory, swallow evil spirits, and bring good fortune, attracting worshippers from all over the country daily.
If you take a photo with the lion, you're sure to get an Instagrammable shot that clearly conveys its impressive size. Be sure to visit.
Address: 2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 6-minute walk from Namba Station on various Osaka Metro lines
Hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: None
Parking: Available
Official Website: Namba Yasaka Shrine
Panoramic View of Vast Flowers and Windmills | Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park (Expo '90 Commemorative Park)
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park (Expo '90 Commemorative Park) is a park boasting a vast area. It also has barbecue areas and a park golf course, making it popular as a leisure facility.
Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park (Expo '90 Commemorative Park) has places where you can feel nature, such as a large pond and an almond forest. It's recommended to take a stroll with a drink bought at a cafe in the park or take photos with nature as a backdrop.
Also, if you lie down on the grass and take a photo from a distance, you can aim for an Instagrammable shot with a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 2-163 Ryokuchi Koen, Tsurumi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: Immediately from Tsurumi-ryokuchi Station on the Osaka Metro
Hours: Sakuya Konohana Kan (Flower Museum) is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Parking: Available
Official Website: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park (Expo '90 Commemorative Park)
Cheesecake Adorned with Flowers | Picco Latte
Picco Latte is a very popular cafe located on the 1st floor of the Nakazaki WEST Building. It's a cafe featuring dried flowers, and its specialty is cheesecake bars resembling ice pops.
The cheesecake bars come with various decorations, and the sweets adorned with flowers are perfectly Instagrammable. You can take a cute photo with just one, but it's also recommended to buy different ones with friends and arrange them for a shot.
When photographing sweets, pay attention to the arrangement of subjects while utilizing perspective. Also, you'll want to avoid your own shadow appearing in the shot. By taking wide shots or changing angles, you can capture Instagrammable photos that bring out more of the subject's charm.
At Picco Latte, don't just focus on the delicious sweets, but also on the charming interior. You're sure to feel relaxed.
Why not take a break from your stroll and go there to soothe both your body and mind?
Address: Nakazaki WEST Building 1F, 4-1-8 Nakazaki Nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station on the Osaka Metro
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (until 6:00 PM on weekdays)
Closed: Mondays
Parking: Available nearby
Official Website: Instagram Picco Latte
Stroll Through the Art Town | Kitakagaya Area
The Kitakagaya area, introduced as "Art Town Kitakagaya" on the Suminoe Ward official website, is a currently noteworthy place brimming with Instagrammable spots.
In the Kitakagaya area, you can see a lot of art, and among them, the wall art painted on the exterior walls of buildings is a must-photograph. Try strolling around while discovering various wall arts, starting with the cute donkey painting.
By the way, when photographing wall art, it's recommended to either take a wide shot while maintaining parallel lines or a close-up shot at an angle. Take several shots and choose your favorite one from them.
Furthermore, as an art town, the Kitakagaya area also has interesting shops and exhibitions, so it might be a good idea to research in advance if there are any events scheduled to match your itinerary.
Address: Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 5-minute walk from Kitakagaya Station on the Osaka Metro
Hours: None
Closed: None
Parking: Available
Official Website: Suminoe Ward
Brick Western-Style Building from the Meiji Era | Kitahama Retro
Kitahama Retro is a Western confectionery shop and cafe that operates by utilizing a brick Western-style building constructed during the Meiji era.
Upon entering the building where the British flag flutters, you can buy or enjoy tea and baked goods in an interior that feels straight out of 1900s Britain.
The traditional British baked goods and teas in cute tins offer an authentic taste, making it a place where you can feel like you're traveling abroad while still in Japan. If you're carrying a teddy bear or similar, be sure to take photos with it inside the shop or with the exterior.
The first floor is a shop, and the second floor is a cafe space, which is a nice feature as you can use it according to your travel plans. However, as it's a popular shop, it's probably best to go early to ensure you can shop or get a seat.
Address: 1-1-26 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 1-minute walk from Kitahama Station on the Keihan Railway
Hours: 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM (11:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekdays)
Closed: None
Parking: None
Official Website: Kitahama Retro
Korean Vibe Condensed | Umeda Korean Building
Amidst the 4th Korean Wave, the Umeda Korean Building opened in Osaka in 2021. True to its name, the building's interior allows you to enjoy not only Korean-style decor but also Korean gourmet food and sweets, making you feel like you're on a trip to Korea.
The building, with its pink base and neon lights, is full of Instagrammable elements wherever you look. It's easy to get absorbed in enjoying the sights, but don't forget to take photos.
Korean-style subjects are well-suited for editing. Don't post your photos as they are; try adjusting the saturation and brightness or applying filters with an app. Aim for edits that convey the local atmosphere or a dreamy feeling.
After taking many photos, it's also recommended to enter a restaurant, enjoy Korean gourmet food, and have fun showing off and editing the photos you took.
Address: 16-13 Doyama-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 8-minute walk from Umeda Station on various lines
Hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Parking: None
Official Website: None
Panoramic View of Osaka from the Floating Garden | Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory
Umeda Sky Building is a skyscraper located in Umeda. From the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the 39th-40th floors and the rooftop, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka, both day and night.
The Kuchu Teien Observatory is a circular area that encircles the top of the building, allowing you to see various spots in Osaka as you walk around.
After sunset, the entire observatory is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere, making it a recommended spot for portrait photography and more.
Also, the popular "Heart Lock" among couples is a heart-shaped padlock. You can get one if you purchase a web ticket in advance, so be sure to buy it early.
By the way, the see-through escalator that connects the 35th to 39th floors offers a mysterious experience, making you feel as if you're ascending through the air. It's definitely an Instagrammable spot, so don't miss the chance to snap a photo.
Address: 1-1 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station
Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Closed: None
Parking: Available
Official Website: Umeda Sky Building
Relax and Don't Miss Out on Instagrammable Moments | W Osaka
W Osaka is a highly recommended hotel if you're staying in Osaka. Outside the hotel, there's a shining "W" monument, and it's gaining attention for its strong focus on interior design.
The guest rooms offer a relaxing yet somewhat artistic design, allowing you to capture Instagrammable photos that hardly look like a typical hotel.
Furthermore, from the high-floor guest rooms, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka's glittering nightscape, which will make you instinctively reach for your camera.
If you're staying for Osaka sightseeing, definitely consider W Osaka to stock up on Instagrammable photos.
Address: 4-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 3-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Parking: Available
Official Website: W HOTELS WORLDWIDE W Osaka
Renting Yukata or Kimono is Recommended for Osaka Sightseeing!
Osaka has numerous Instagrammable spots, but it's also a place where yukata and kimono surprisingly fit in well.
Of course, in places where Japanese culture remains, such as shrines and temples, but also in modern places like the Umeda Korean Building and the Kuchu Teien Observatory, when traditional Japanese attire is captured in a single photo, it creates a wonderfully mysterious and contemporary atmosphere.
If you plan your poses and accessories, you'll be able to capture eye-catching photos even in classic locations.
Even if you don't own a yukata or kimono, you can enjoy the experience by renting one for a day and having it fitted, so please consider it.
Summary
Osaka's Instagrammable spots encompass various areas, from classic tourist destinations to newly trending locations.
In this article, we introduced 10 recommended spots along with tips on how to take photos, but in reality, there are countless more Instagrammable spots scattered throughout the city than we could cover.
Plan your travel schedule with plenty of leeway, and make sure not to miss any Instagrammable spots you might stumble upon locally.
Furthermore, if you want to take advanced, Instagrammable photos during your Osaka sightseeing, wearing a yukata or kimono is highly recommended. Why not boost your mood with a different outfit than usual and capture wonderful travel memories?
