Free: All time Umeda Joypolis is an indoor amusement park operated by the major video game developer SEGA. Visiting the joypolis is free, granted that you can resist not playing any of the arcades or riding any of the attractions. No entrance fee is charged for visitors. Amongst the attractions offered are the virtual skydiving,...

Free: All time The Japan Mint Museum is housed within a western-style brick building left from the Meiji era. It’s preserved as a historical building to function as an educational establishment to introduce Japan Mint. The museum has about 4000 historical exhibits which focus on the history of coins and the relationship between coins and...

Free: All time Hattori Ryokuchi Park is a large, hilly park in the northern part of Osaka. The park is most for its Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses (admission fee required), which contains examples of rural architecture from various parts of Japan.  However, there are plenty other things to do in the park. It...

Free: All time Built in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Tokyo. It’s dedicated to three gods and worshipped by many as the guardian deities for sailors and prosperity. It is the headquarters of over 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. The complex is surrounded by woods and...

Free: All time Bunraku is a traditional Japanese puppet theatre. It’s an quintessentially Japanese art form. The National Bunraku Theatre hosts many performances (admission fee required). However, the building also houses an exhibition center where it has a wealth of knowledge about bunraku. Admission for this is free. Address: 1-12-10 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka...

Free: All time The guided tour for the brewery takes visitors from the raw materials used to brew beer to the production steps of making beer. At the end of the tour, you’ll even get to sample 3 of Asahi’s beer for free. Winning!Address: 1-45 Nishinnoshocho, Suita, Osaka Pref. Opening hours: Daily 9:30am – 3pm...

Free: All time This museum houses five of the most popular Takoyaki shops in Osaka. Takoyaki is a ball-shaped dumpling typically filled with minced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. Learn more about this Japanese delicacy at the museum where exhibitions include the history of the food as well as the utensils used...

Free: All time This museum is dedicated to the history of instant ramen and the creator behind it, Momofuku Ando. The exhibits trace the development of chicken ramen, the world’s first instant ramen, to today’s many variety. Touring the museum itself it’s free, but visitors can also participate in the making their own instant noodle....

Free: All time Amerikamura, literally translates to “American Village” is usually referred to by locals as “Ame-mura”. It’s a youth mecca for everything with American influence: cafes, bars, clothing stores, music stores, etc. Many of which sell imported and second-hand products. Shopping may cost money but watching is free. Ame-mura is the perfect spot to...

Free: All time Mino is a popular day trip destination from Osaka. It’s 30 minutes away from central Osaka. At the Mino Park, visitors can enjoy a hike at a trail where they follow a Mino river and end at the 33-meter high Mino Waterfall. The seasonal change in the scenery within the park makes...

Free: All time Temmangu Shrine is the most famous of all Tenjin shrines located throughout Japan. Every July, it hosts the Tenji Matsuri, a festival considered one of the 3 Great Festivals of Japan. Temmangu Shrine is mainly dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a 10th century scholar and warrior. Japanese now worshiped him as a...

Free: All time The entrance to Osaka Castle is not free but its surrounding 2 square kilometres park is. The park encompasses an array of historic buildings and ruins and is also famous for the Nishinomaru Garden. Since the park boasts some 600 cheery trees, it’s a popular hanami spot during the cherry blossom season...