We’re back in Japan but this time, we’re skipping the usual and going straight for the lesser-known things to do in Osaka!
Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations for Singaporeans, thanks to its food, culture and accessibility. But with that popularity comes the crowds, especially in major cities like Osaka.
This time, instead of sticking to the usual checklist like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle, we explored a different side to Osaka — swinging 55m down a gorge, making our own daruma and even checking out a local theme park.
So, if you are looking to skip the crowds and try something new, we’ve compiled a list of activities and places we loved for your next visit to Osaka!
Pssst, enjoy exclusive travel deals when you use your Citi Mastercard to book flights, accommodation, activities and more!
1) Visit the daruma-filled Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple, also known as the “Temple of Winning Luck”, is famous for its thousands of bright red daruma dolls scattered across the grounds. We were lucky enough to visit while the cherry blossoms were still in season in mid-April, which added such a whimsical feel to the place.
The visitor loop takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, winding through tranquil gardens, smaller shrines, and scenic photo spots.
At the top of the trail, you’ll find a small souvenir shop offering a range of lucky charms and traditional keepsakes — from miniature daruma dolls to omamori (protective amulets) for success, love, and health.
With each admission, you’ll also receive a special stamp sheet. You can collect stamps at designated stations along the trail, each one adding a new layer to your design.
By the end of the route, it’ll reveal a wall of daruma dolls and we thought that the image came out beautifully! The stamp designs change seasonally, and we loved that ours had a touch of cherry blossoms, a nice reminder that we were here in the spring.
Do note that while the temple opens at 8AM, the first shuttle bus from Minoh-kayano Station only departs at 9AM. Expect long queues for the shuttle bus, which costs ¥800 per ride and can be paid for using a Suica card.
*Pro-tip: Book your entrance tickets to the temple online via OTAs like Trip.com to skip the queues. Not to mention, Citi Mastercard Cardholders can enjoy S$200 off with min. S$3,000 spend on Business Class, Premium Economy flights and selected 5-star hotels worldwide when you book on Trip.com (till 30 June 2026)!
Entrance fee: From ~S$4/adult
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Address: 2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh, Osaka 562-8508, Japan
How to get there: 20min shuttle bus from Minoh-kayano Station Platform 8 (Google Maps)
2) Uncover nature’s gem at Minoh Falls
Minoh Falls is a picturesque 33m-high waterfall tucked away in a momiji (maple) forest, which becomes even more stunning in autumn when the leaves turn shades of orange. At the base, there are seating areas where you can sit back, feel the cool mist, and take in the peaceful scenery.
To get there, take the 45-minute walking trail (one-way) from Mino-o Station. It’s well-paved, surrounded by greenery, and you might even spot Japanese macaques along the way!
You’ll also pass by Minoh Park Insectarium, as well as a handful of small food stalls and eateries. One local speciality to look out for is momiji tempura (deep-fried maple leaves), which tasted sweet and crunchy!
We recommend visiting this attraction together with Katsuo-ji Temple, as it’s only a 10-minute taxi ride away, followed by a short 10-minute hike.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 2-2 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
How to get there: 45min walk from the trailhead at Mino-o Station (Google Maps)
3) Paint your own traditional Japanese lucky charm at Daruma Club
Design and paint your very own daruma at Daruma Club. Don’t worry if you are not artistically inclined, as you get to practise first on a sheet of paper. If using a calligraphy brush feels too difficult, there are coloured markers available too!
Beyond the hands-on experience, you’ll also learn about the rich history behind them. Did you know that the daruma doll is based on a monk who meditated for 9 years without moving, causing his arms and legs to atrophy and eventually fall off? 😱
Different daruma colours also hold different meanings — black symbolises protection and strength, while red symbolises passion and vitality.
We wrote wishes on ours, like “旅中安全 (safe travels)” and “日日是好日 (every day is a good day)”, and will fill in the other eye when our wishes come true.
*Pro-tip: Come with your friends and family, and get 7% off your Klook bookings (min. S$250 spend) when you book the experience with your Citi Mastercard (capped at S$20)! Valid until 30 June 2026.
Cost: S$65/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM
Address: 2-10-9 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 542-0073, Japan
How to get there: 6min walk from Namba Station (Google Maps)
4) Plunge 55m down a gorge at Gravitate Osaka
Home to Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge at 420m long, Gravitate Osaka is perfect for thrill-seekers! It has activities like bungee jumping, a bridge swing, and a 60m tower climb overlooking the Aigawa Dam.
We opted for the tandem bridge swing (￥12,000/pax) and the entire experience was smooth from start to finish. After a quick briefing, we were safely harnessed up — and before we knew it, plunging 55m down the gorge.
The initial drop had us feeling weightless with a sudden rush of adrenaline, but afterwards we were just swinging through the air and taking in the views. To wind down the evening, we roamed around the area and crossed the entire length of the bridge while watching the sunset.
*Pro-tip: Bring your own action camera with a secure hand strap to document your plunge, or you’ll need to purchase the official video footage for ¥2,000.
Gravitate Osaka is located quite far from Osaka city centre, but it’s still accessible via a shuttle bus from JR Ibaraki Station at fixed timings (¥500/pax each way).
The bus stop can be a little tricky to find — exit the station and turn left, and you should spot it nearby. Do note that the shuttle tends to depart a few minutes early, so it’s best to arrive ahead of time to avoid missing it.
Entrance fee: From ￥1,650/pax (~S$13.50)
Cost of activities: From ￥4,500/pax (~S$37) (incl. entrance fee)
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: VHG5+98, 53-1 Shobo, Ibaraki, Osaka 568-0092, Japan
How to get there: 40min shuttle bus from JR Ibaraki Station (Google Maps)
5) Go cafe-hopping and thrifting at Nakazakicho Neighbourhood
Nakazakicho is a dream for cafe hoppers and thrift lovers, with quiet streets lined with preserved old buildings that have been turned into trendy coffee shops, indie boutiques and vintage stores.
In between all the walking and shopping, we stopped for a quick coffee break at cafe seukon Nakazaki. We were drawn in by the beautifully displayed pastries, with a wide range of flavours — from viral Dubai chocolate scones to matcha cakes and cream puffs.
The space itself is cosy and aesthetic, making it a great spot to slow down and recharge for a bit. Do note that there’s a one-drink-per-person policy, with choices of teas, as well as caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks.
While exploring the neighbourhood, we came across plenty of streetwear stores, with shops catering to both men’s and women’s fashion.
Eventually, we picked up a few pieces from Shop Band, which sells second-hand luxury items at reasonable prices. Here, we copped a Dior sports top for ￥4,480 (~S$36.50) and almost brought home a red Burberry coat that was ￥8,000 (~S$45).
Address: 1-chōme-1 Nakazakinishi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0015, Japan
How to get there: 2min walk from Nakazakicho Station (Google Maps)
For shopaholics, you can earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent with the Citi PremierMiles Mastercard when you’re overseas! Not to worry, you’ll earn unlimited miles that never expire!
6) Seek thrilling rides at Hirakata Park
Skip Universal Studios Japan, and head to Hirakata Park instead — the oldest amusement park in the Kansai Region at 115 years old.
We visited on a rainy Wednesday, so it was naturally quiet with hardly any crowds. But we were still pleasantly surprised by the variety of rides and how it was mostly locals around.
The park offers 39 different attractions, from thrilling to family-friendly and even water rides — so there’s something for everyone!
There are several rollercoasters here, such as a wooden one with multiple drops and turns, and even one that spins around while going along the track.
We managed to ride the two biggest rollercoasters before operations paused due to the rain, but there were still plenty of indoor activities to keep us entertained, like shooting games and sheltered teacup rides.
Overall, it’s definitely worth it for the price point — a more affordable, local alternative for a fun day out! Plus, you’ll get 7% off (min. S$250 spend) when you book your entrance tickets on Klook with your Citi Mastercard (capped at S$20). Valid until 30 June 2026.
Entrance fee: From S$44.50/adult via Klook
Opening hours: Varies (check the Hirakata Park calendar for details)
Address: 1-1 Hirakatakoencho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0054, Japan
How to get there: 5min walk from Hirakata-Koen Station (Google Maps)
7) Feast on a wagyu yakiniku buffet at MAIDO Wagyuyakiniku
Satisfy your tastebuds at this sumptuous buffet at MAIDO Wagyuyakiniku. They offer different options, but we went for the most premium one — the all-you-can-eat Japanese Black Wagyu beef course (with soft drinks) at just ￥5,500.
We were served this platter of assorted beef cuts, and each one was tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. Beyond the meats, there are also seafood options and a variety of sides like Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew), potato salad and enoki mushroom tempura.
We ended off with some matcha and yuzu ice cream and left with extremely full tummies. Make a reservation in advance as seating is limited, and slots fill up quickly.
Cost: From ￥4,498/pax (~S$37)
Opening hours: 12PM – 1AM
Address: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−10−7 ぼんちビル 5階
How to get there: 4min walk from Namba Station (Google Maps)
8) Thrift at Railway Lost Item Market
Railway Lost Item Market puts a unique spin on thrifting, giving unclaimed items from Japan’s train network a second life.
Here, you’ll find lots of umbrellas, bags, and coats, but we managed to pick up some Disney shoulder plush pals (~S$10), along with a Coach twilly (~S$12) and Chanel glasses case (~S$28).
There’s also a small section featuring luxury pieces and brand-new items sourced from outlet markets. While the store itself isn’t very large, it’s well worth a visit as you never know what you might walk away with.
And just a quick reminder, you can earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent — only for Citi PremierMiles Mastercard holders!
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM
Address: 2 Chome-3-22 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan
How to get there: 2min walk from Minami-Morimachi Station (Google Maps)
9) Bonus: Take a day trip to Miyajima Island
While this island isn’t in Osaka, Miyajima makes for a perfect day trip — just a ~2.5-hour train ride, followed by a 10-minute ferry ride away. The island is walkable, with all main attractions within a 25-minute walk from the ferry terminal.
The closest one is Itsukushima Shrine’s Otorii Gate (9 minutes on foot), which is stunning at both high and low tide. Check the tide tables: At high tide, the Torii Gate looks like it is floating on water, and at low tide, you can walk right up to it.
The minimal crowds, plenty of cafes and food options, and friendly deer roaming freely around make it a laid-back island day trip, away from the city.
Address: Japan, 〒739-0588 Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, 宮島
How to get there: Take a 2hr shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station, then it’s a 20min train ride to Miyajimaguchi Station. Walk 5mins to Miyajima Ferry Terminal and take a 10min ferry ride to Miyajima Island (Google Maps)
A must-visit temple on the island is Daishoin, a Buddhist temple nestled at the base of Mount Misen.
There’s so much to explore here — from intricate statues to serene prayer halls filled with lanterns, spinning prayer wheels, and century-old sacred bells. What we enjoyed most were the hundreds of Rakan statues, each with its own unique expression and personality, all dressed adorably in knitted hats.
Entrance fee: Donation-based
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Address: 210 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
How to get there: 21min walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal (Google Maps)
To take in Miyajima from above, hop on the ropeway up the mountain, where you’ll find two observatories offering sweeping views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Shishiiwa Observatory is located right by the ropeway terminal, while Mount Misen Observatory requires about a 30-minute hike uphill, where you’ll pass traditional Japanese halls and unique rock formations.
Just be sure to catch the last ropeway down at 4:30PM or else the hike down the entire mountain can take around 1.5 hours.
Cost: ￥1,000/adult (~S$8.50) per way for the ropeway, tickets can be purchased on-site
Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM
Address: Japan, 〒739-0522 Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Miyajimacho, 紅葉谷公園
How to get there: 22min walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal (Google Maps)
Where to Stay in Osaka
While most tourists usually stay around popular areas like Namba and Umeda, we recommend staying in a quieter part of the city because it is more affordable, and still as easily accessible!
We loved our stay at Hotel Resol Trinity Osaka as the rooms were clean, cosy and it’s conveniently located — just a 2-minute walk to a 7-Eleven convenience store, and a 4-minute walk to Yodayobashi Station!
Photo credit: Hotel Resol Trinity Osaka
The hotel also has a large public bath exclusively for guests, with a wide range of amenities and high-quality skincare products provided — great for winding down after a long day of exploring.
Plus, it has multiple work facilities, vending machines and a laundromat readily available at all times.
Cost: From ~S$98/night (2 pax)
Address: 2 Chome-6-6 Koraibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0043, Japan
How to get there: 4min walk from Yodayobashi Station (Google Maps)
For those with Citi Mastercard, get S$60 off (min. S$600 spend) when you book your stay on Traveloka (till 30 June 2026). Bookmark these promo codes: CITIXPLORE for flights and CITIXPLOREHTXP for hotels and attractions!
Why You Should Revisit Osaka on Your Next Trip
Overall, we really enjoyed our time in Osaka! Though we were in a bustling city, it never felt overwhelming as we spent our time exploring spots beyond the usual itinerary, discovering a quieter and more local side of Osaka.
I also particularly enjoyed all the Japanese food — from all-you-can-eat Wagyu beef buffet to fresh seafood at Miyajima. We also made sure to bring back plenty of snacks for family and friends, so they could get a little taste of Japan too!
If you’re still deciding whether to take another trip down, here are a few reasons that might just convince you to do so:
There’s so much more beyond the usual tourist attractions
On this trip, we skipped the usual stops like Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan, but that didn’t make it any less interesting.
Instead, we visited places like Katsuo-ji Temple and Hirakata Park — spots that felt a little more local, less crowded and just as memorable in their own way. If anything, it encouraged me to revisit places with a fresh perspective by stepping away from the familiar must-sees.
It’s the perfect base for underrated day trips
Osaka’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Japan — especially with the shinkansen, which makes getting around fast and convenient.
The day trip to Miyajima was a great escape from the city, and there are so many other incredible destinations to discover!
From Kurashiki (a quaint little watertown) to Wakayama (European-inspired charm), both just 1.5 hours away from Osaka, there’s no shortage of worthwhile day trips beyond the popular cities!
You can travel smarter and save more with discounts on flights, stays, and activities with Citi Mastercard
With all the shopping and endless snacks to bring home from Japan, costs can add up quickly. Even as someone who doesn’t usually enjoy shopping, I was surprised by how many things I ended up finding and buying!
So here’s a tip: Travel smarter with the Citi PremierMiles Mastercard and earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent! Don’t have a Citi PremierMiles Mastercard yet? Sign up and get up to 30,000 Bonus Citi Miles*.
*T&Cs apply, subject to qualifying criteria. Applicable for new Citi Cardmembers.
You can also score great deals and discounts with the following merchants:
| Category | Partner | Deal |
| Flights and hotels | Trip.com | – Exclusive to Citi Mastercard Cardholders – S$200 off with min. S$3,000 spend on Business Class, Premium Economy flights and selected 5-star hotels worldwide – Valid until 30 Jun 2026 |
| Flights, hotels, activities | Traveloka | – Citi Wednesdays: S$60 off with min. S$600 spend – Use promo code CITIXPLORE for flights and CITIXPLOREHTXP for hotels and attractions – Valid until 30 Jun 2026 |
| Activities and attractions | Klook | – Exclusive to Citi Mastercard Cardholders – 7% off with min. S$250 spend, capped at S$20 – Valid until 30 Jun 2026 |
For more Citi Cards Travel Privileges, find out more here.
What other lesser-known things in Osaka are there? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Citi Singapore.
