One perfect day in Osaka

Several of Osaka’s top attractions are located outside of the city limits. Complete your day trip with a stop at these popular food and shopping facilities in suburban Osaka

Stop by:

Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Kadoma and Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma

Visit: Tsurumiryokuchi Expo '90 Commemorative Park

In 1990, Osaka hosted The International Garden and Greenery Exposition, a large-scale gardening event that featured 83 countries. On the site today is this beautiful park with seasonal flowers and a large pond at its centre. It’s split into different sections, with the Mountain Area particularly photogenic thanks to its windmill, rose garden, Japanese garden and small farm. You can also try horse riding in the park at Tsurumi Green Horseriding School or soak in a hot spring at Suishun natural onsen.

à 2-163 Ryokuchikoen, Tsurumi (Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station). tsurumi-ryokuchi.jp. Hours vary by facility.

Panasonic Museum

ALSO WORTH VISITING: Osaka Castle

Explore the world of Panasonic Group at this corporate museum dedicated to the history of the internationally renowned electronics company. Set inside a recreation of the company’s former Kadoma headquarters from 1933, the attraction showcases late Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita’s views on life and management, plus the company’s products from different eras.

à 1006 Oazakadoma, Kadoma (Nishisanso Station). tinyurl.com/panasonicmuseum. 10am-5pm, closed Sun & hols. Free.

A 20-minute train ride from Kadomashi Station (near LaLaport Kadoma) gets you to Temmabashi, just a 15-minute walk from Osaka Castle. With a history dating back to 1583, Osaka Castle is now preserved as a museum with exhibits that tell the story of the building’s turbulent history. There’s also an eighth-floor observation deck for views of the city.

à 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Osakajokoen stations). 06 6941 3044. osakacastle.net. 9am-5pm daily.

There’s something very new about this shopping centre – and it’s not just because the property only opened in April this year. This spacious venue offers a unique two-in-one concept, where discount shopping facility Mitsui Outlet Park is nestled within the larger mall LaLaport. Bargain hunters will love Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma for its array of local and international brands, all offering deep discounts. In fact, this is the outlet mall nearest to Osaka city centre. Taking over the entire second floor are close to 100 shops, including highly coveted brands such as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Under Armour, Beams, Ray Ban and more. Better yet, about 60 percent of them offer tax-free shopping.

Meanwhile, LaLaport Kadoma is home to many shops selling local and regional gifts and souvenirs. Kyotanba Ajimu no Sato is the Kyoto specialist, where it carries foodstuff from Japan’s premier heritage destination, including black bean sweets, locally made miso and condiments, plus a wide array of matcha products from tea and confectionery to even curry. à 1-11 Matsuocho, Kadoma (Kadomashi Station). mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/osakakadoma/english. See website for opening hours. à 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita (Bampakukinenkoen Station). taiyounotou-expo70.jp/en. 10am-5pm, closed Wed (opening hours correspond to those of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park).

As its name suggests, Hokkaido Umaimono-Kan is where you’ll find the gourmet offerings of Japan’s northernmost prefecture. There’s a lot of corn products here – naturally so, since Hokkaido corn is widely praised – featured alongside local produce such as kombu seaweed and ready-to-eat Hokkaido soup curry meals. For instant gratification, get the shop’s soft-serve ice cream, available in Hokkaido milk and melon flavours. You’ll find more fresh produce and groceries from local farms, especially beloved Japanese fruit in pristine condition, at Nosanbutsu Chokubaisho Shun no Eki right across the hallway.

The food options at LaLaport Kadoma are also not to be missed. For one, it houses an offshoot of Osaka city’s top foodie attraction, Kuromon Market. And here it’s air-conditioned, so you can enjoy classic Japanese and Osaka dishes from takoyaki and sushi to tonkatsu and gyoza in comfort. Kuromon Sanpei, especially, is well-loved for its super fresh kaisendon rice bowls topped with thick-cut sashimi.

Prefer ramen? Make a beeline for the Food Terrace on the third floor. The noodles at Ramenya Mitsuba Kadoma Shucchoujo and Ramen Nagomi are exceptional. Then, all there’s left to do is take a breather on the breezy rooftop, where kids can frolic at the little playground while everybody else just relaxes on the grassy lawn. Your perfect day, sorted.

Taking pride of place at this sprawling park that formerly hosted the Osaka World Expo 1970 is the Tower of the Sun by the late Japanese artist Taro Okamoto. This approximately 70m-tall structure has three exterior faces representing the past, present and future. Inside the tower is Okamoto’s massive ‘Tree of Life’, which tells the story of evolution.

You can also visit the two gardens that surround the tower. In the Natural and Cultural Gardens, you can enjoy seasonal flowers and take a stroll along the Sorado, an aerial promenade with views across the park. The famous Japanese Garden, on the other hand, is created with the best Japanese landscaping techniques.

Tickets for the Tower of the Sun can be booked in advance via the website (priority entry to those with reservations). Adult tickets cost ¥720 (¥310 for primary and middle school students). You can also get a set ticket with access to the tower and the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park for ¥930 (¥380 for school students).

Stop by: Expocity

The first thing you’re sure to notice at Expocity, the multipurpose complex near the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, is the jaw-dropping Redhorse Osaka Wheel. At 123m high, it is Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel. Around it are several entertainment attractions including animal centre Nifrel and indoor variety sports facility VS Park.

Taking pride of place in this sprawling property is LaLaport Expocity. The massive shopping mall is home to major Japanese stores such as Loft, ABC-Mart and Jins – it even has a Sanrio store as well as the official Studio Ghibli shop Donguri Republic. For a fun Japanese experience, visit Gashacoco and spend your loose change spinning for capsule toys. Here the hidden surprises come in many forms, from famous character figurines and toys to tote bags and pouches. You should definitely make your way to the Food Pavilion on the third floor, even if it’s just to get a good view of the beloved Osaka icon, the Tower of the Sun, from one of the seating areas. But do stay as this food court serves up amazing local specialities. First and Original Takoyaki Aiduya is renowned for being one of the pioneering takoyaki purveyors in onion and pepper mayo, and without sauce (the secret lies in the batter that’s infused with dashi). Complete your meal with perfectly golden karaage fried chicken from Torisanwa and deliciously chewy Kagawa-style udon (available in soup as well as soupless preparations) from Sanuki Udon Magokoro. Then, make your way down to Tsujirihei Honten on the first floor for decadent uji matcha desserts. à 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita (Bampakukinenkoen Station). mitsui-shopping-park.com/ lalaport/expocity. See website for opening hours.

If you’re travelling in groups, Osaka Konamon Okonomiyaki Goroppe Shokudo is the place for you. Located in the outdoor restaurant area near Expocity’s entrance, this okonomiyaki restaurant has long tables and best of all, affordable, all-you-caneat okonomiyaki. Otherwise, go around the corner to Peanuts Cafe and enjoy a meal with Snoopy and friends.

LaLaPort Sakai is a family-friendly shopping destination. Besides having dedicated nursing rooms and kids’ spaces for the little ones to play in, the mall also features several child-friendly shops, businesses and game centres. Moff animal café is one of such highlights. It has a petting zoo-like facility, where children can interact with pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs while parents enjoy a drink.

Visit: Mozu Tombs

Measuring 486m in length, Japan’s largest keyhole-shaped tomb is the resting place of Emperor Nintoku (AD 313-399). Nearby, you’ll find the Emperor Richu Kofun, another keyhole-shaped tomb that’s the third biggest of its kind in Japan. Head to Sakai City Hall, which has a free observation deck on the 21st floor, for the best views of these impressive burial mounds, which are part of the à Daisen-ryo Kofun (Tomb of Emperor Nintoku): 7-1 Daisencho, Sakai (Mozu Station). à Emperor Richu Kofun: 1 Ishizugaoka, Nishi, Sakai (Uenoshiba Station). à Sakai City Hall: 3-1 Minamikawaramachi, Sakai (Sakaihigashi Station). sakai-tcb.or.jp/en/spot/detail/73. 9am-9pm.

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Coming Soon

The third-floor Food Kitchen is also a highlight, and not just because the spacious food court contains a children’s play area as well as a separate co-working space. Food Kitchen is home to offshoots by some of Osaka’s most renowned restaurants. Menya Fukuhara, in particular, serves up a delectable chicken stock-based shoyu ramen complete with three different types of slow-cooked meat – chicken, pork shoulder and pork belly. For chopped seafood rice bowls topped with at least ten types of ingredients including salmon, tuna, scallops and squid, make a beeline for Tsukiji Magoemon.

Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe

Just under 50 minutes from Osaka Station, this outlet mall will offer shopping with beautiful views when it reopens in 2024. Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe, in neighbouring Hyogo prefecture, is right on the water near the stunning AkashiKaikyo Bridge that connects the mainland to Awaji island.

The mall closed in February 2023 to undergo major redevelopment. When it reopens in 2024, it will be much larger than before with a wider range of shops, including fashion, outdoor, homeware and electronics stores. It’s sure to be a scenic shopping destination just a short hop from Osaka city.

à 12-2 Kaigandori, Tarumi, Kobe (Sanyo-Tarumi Station). mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/kobe.

A shop worth checking out is Kimono Yamato, where you’ll find ready-made kimono sourced directly from artisans across Japan. The shop also offers lessons on how to wear yukata, a traditional Japanese attire worn in summer.

à 22-1 Kuroyama, Mihara, Sakai. mitsui-shopping-park.com/ lalaport/sakai. See website for opening hours.