From famous spots such as Osaka Castle and Universal Studios, to local food specialties such as Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) and Takoyaki (octopus balls), Osaka has plenty to offer!
Whether you’re first-time or returning visitors, Osaka will keep you wanting to come back for more, perhaps with your special someone.
There are many dating spots which are easily accessible and very tourist-friendly. These include museum visits and shopping for unusual gifts. The next time you’re in Osaka with your other half, do check them out to create some precious memories!
1. Spa World
The Japanese love bathhouses, hence bathhouse entertainment is a must for couples to enjoy together!
Spa World is an amazing onsen (hot spring) theme park where you can enjoy bathhouses from all around the world with a small entrance fee is 2,700 yen. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
The place is split into two areas – Europe and Asia zones. The Europe Zone features a traditional and cultural setting, such as Ancient Roman and Greek baths while the Asia Zone has more of a resort-like feel. Think Japan’s outdoor baths and Bali’s stone baths.
Here, you get to experience a world of diverse bathing cultures, even though you’re in Osaka!
If you’re starting to get a little excited, there’s something even more attractive (hint: couples will be happy to know this). Most bathhouses are separated by gender, right? However, at Spa World, couples will be able to enjoy a hot stone bath together with an additional charge of 800 yen on weekdays and an additional 1,000 yen on public holidays.
Lie on the hot stone face up, then face down for 15 minutes each on natural heated stones, and you will feel your body beginning to warm up and relax.
Effective for detoxing, hot stone baths are especially popular among the girls in Japan.
What’s surprising (in a good way) about Spa World is that there is not one, but eight types of hot stone baths available. You can enjoy country-specific themes and stones from Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Austria, Korea, Russia, Iceland and Canada!
Think pyramid-themed room with infrared hot stones for Egypt, and a dead-sea themed room for Israel that will make you feel like you’re floating on saltwater.
So how about sweating it out together as a couple and enjoying this rejuvenating hot stone experience together? Physical and emotionally, you will both feel light and refreshed after this. It makes for an incredibly cozy experience!
Spa World
3-4-24 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
http://www.spaworld.co.jp/english/
2. Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
The Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is held on the first Saturday of August every year.
It is one of the biggest fireworks festivals in Osaka, attracting more than 550,000 visitors every year. A large number of fireworks are released into the night skies of summer, creating a magnificent and impactful sight.
This fireworks festival started in 1989 and today, it is an event enjoyed by many — from couples to families.
Japan boasts of numerous fireworks festivals, but the unique feature about Naniwa Yodogawa is the varying heights of the fireworks. Once released into the skies, the combination of high and low fireworks is especially photogenic.
The fireworks can be viewed from both sides of the Yodogawa River – the Umeda side and Juso side.
We suggest viewing it from the Juso Side. Coming all the way here, you should also try the food from open-air food stalls at the festival!
There are hundreds of stalls lined along the Yodogawa River – a sight to behold on its own. When it comes to Osaka specialty foods, ‘flour-based items’ is a must-try. Most items are priced at around 500 yen.
Here’s a tip: If you have time to spare after the fireworks festival, perhaps consider visiting the food stalls again. After the festival, the area gets really crowded and it becomes difficult to leave. So to pass the time, you can have a light supper and enjoy discounted food items as vendors prepare to close shop.
In Umeda, there are places where you can rent Yukata on the actual day. So in the name of fun, why not dress up for the festival? It can only add to the romantic atmosphere and create an unforgettable summer memory!
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
https://www.osaka-info.jp/en/events/festivals_events/post_26.html
3. Shin Umeda Restaurant Street
Did you know that Osaka is also called ‘Eat till you drop City’ (Kuidaore), or ‘Kitchen of the Nation’?
Osaka is at the center of Japan’s food scene, with its ever-growing food culture.
And couples who love food will adore these unique places.
Shin Umeda Shokudogai, otherwise known as Shin Umeda Restaurant Street, holds more than 100 eateries.
At the heart of Osaka cuisine is the Okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake), Takoyaki (octopus balls) and Kushikatsu (fried skewers). And these local specialties can all be found at this food street.
The atmosphere at this food street is one that’s retro and local. Especially at nights, the street gets very crowded.
There are shops where you can sit and enjoy your food, and then there are others where you eat while standing.
Being able to enjoy your food while striking up a casual conversation with the other customers and shop owners is one of the attractive points of this food street.
One such shop at this street is Kamatake Udon. This shop is very popular, even among the locals.
The specialty here is Chiku-tama-ten-bukkake – super voluminous Chikuwa (a tube-like Japanese fish cake) and egg tempura placed atop a bowl of udon noodles.
With just the right amount of chewiness, the udon is smooth and easy to slurp up. Paired with a flavorful broth, it is remarkably delicious and satisfying! In addition, the tempura’s batter is crispy yet light. It will be difficult to find fault with this delectable bowl of goodness.
The atmosphere of the shop is casual and relaxed. The udon is also reasonably priced, starting from around 780 yen.
What’s best about traveling as a couple, is the freedom to order a variety of items from the menu because you can enjoy sharing them!
Shin Umeda Restaurant Street
9-26 Kakuda-cho, Kita, Osaka, 530-0017 Japan
http://shinume.com//lang/en/
4. Osaka Nakazai District
There are many shopping spots in the Umeda area of Osaka.
That said, for those who want to experience a different atmosphere away from the city, we recommend "Tengo Nakazaki Dori Shotengai".
The shotengai, or shopping street, was relatively unaffected by the Second World War. As a result, much of the street remains untarnished and remains nostalgic and full of character.
Many unique shops line the street – some selling vintage clothes from around the world, others handmade accessories and other stylish small goods with Japanese designs.
Asobiya offers items that are ‘very Japanese’ – they fit the image and are telling of Japanese products (like ceramics) but the interesting is, everything comes with giraffe motifs.
You’d be able to recognize this shop and understand its concept instantly, with its distinct yellow signboard and shopfront that is decorated with, no surprises here, giraffes.
And while you’re here, how about bringing home some souvenirs, some that commemorate your trip perhaps? Even if it’s just one item, it may be one that holds a cherished memory!
Prices here vary from shop to shop, and you can purchase the small items from just a few hundred yen. For couples, this is a good place to come to when you’re looking for cups that come in matching designs, or when you want to buy eccentric and unusual souvenirs for families back home.
Osaka Nakazai District
3-2-18, Nakazaki, Kita, Osaka, 530-0016, Japan
http://ten5nakazaki.com/
5. Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
There are more than 8,000 collections in this art museum!
Inside the museum, works of art from Japan and China are exhibited. From paintings to sculptures, you will be able to view art across a variety of mediums.
Art-lovers will especially enjoy this museum. The collections include national treasures and important cultural properties.
Among the many Japanese exhibits available, you shouldn’t miss the world famous ‘36 views of Mount Fuji’ – a series of 36 landscape prints by Japanese ukiyo-e artist, Hokusai.
Ukiyo-e is a Japanese art technique where prints are printed on woodblocks. Some say that the acclaimed ‘36 views of Mount Fuji’ is the most well-known example of woodblock prints in the world. This exhibit allows you to appreciate and learn about this form of art that is representative of, and unique to the Japanese culture.
You can also listen to the curators talk through the various works, so even those not familiar with art will be able to learn about the exhibits.
Special exhibitions are also held from time to time, so do check the museum’s website for the latest schedule.
On your way out, do drop by the museum shop where souvenirs – related to the artworks on display – are available for purchase. It’s always nice to be able to bring home a piece of art from the museum.
Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
1-82 Chausuyama-cho,Tennoji, Osaka, 543-0063 Japan
http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/facilities/cat/post_279.html
Even if you’re pressed for time, planning a one-day trip that includes these recommendations will take you from day to night, from rejuvenating to fascinating. Don’t forget to also plan your time well such that it coincides with the festivals.
Getting around by foot or bicycle is recommended. It slows down the pace of your day, and there’s nothing like exploring a new city with the company of your loved one, without the pressure of time. The day is for the both of you to take in and enjoy!
By Mami, contributing writer.
For more recommendations by Japanese locals, visit JAPAN by Japan