Osaka is full of spots where you can have a great time for free, defying Osaka’s image as an expensive sightseeing destination! Plus, with the “Osaka Amazing Pass,” you can visit many popular attractions that normally charge an admission fee—completely free of cost.
In this article, we’ll introduce 15 of Osaka’s best free sightseeing spots, including breathtaking observation decks and rainy-day-friendly museums, as well as must-see facilities you can enter for free with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
*The information in this article is current as of October 3, 2025.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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Stunning Views for Free! 4 Observation Spots Perfect for Dates, Including Abeno Harukas and WowUs
1. Osaka Station 3rd Building Observation Space
Located in the heart of Umeda, this observation spot is surprisingly little known. From the observation lobby on the 33rd floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka’s cityscape. The view of the office buildings bathed in the sunset is especially beautiful in the evening. Since it’s relatively quiet on weekdays, you can take your time and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Osaka Station 3rd Building Observation Space
- Address: 32nd & 33rd Floor, Osaka Station 3rd Building, 1-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: About 7 minutes on foot from Osaka Station, about 5 minutes on foot from Umeda Station
- Hours: 7:00–23:00 (Last entry 20:00)
- Official Website: https://ekimae3.jp/index.html
2. Abeno Harukas 16th Floor Garden
Did you know there’s a free outdoor garden on the 16th floor of Abeno Harukas, the 300-meter-tall skyscraper complex? In this lush green space, you can relax while enjoying a view of the Tennoji district. While it’s not as high as the paid “Harukas 300” observation deck, it’s an open and airy spot where you can gaze out over Osaka, making it highly recommended.
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👉Abeno Harukas | HARUKAS 300 (Observatory) Advance Electronic Ticket【kkday】
Abeno Harukas 16th Floor Garden
- Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka City
- Access: Right next to Osaka Abenobashi Station, right next to Tennoji Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00 (varies by floor)
- Official Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/index.html
3. Grand Front Osaka Terrace Garden
An urban oasis located on the 9th floor of the large-scale complex "Grand Front Osaka," which opened in 2013. Over 10,000 square meters of rooftop gardens span the 9th floors of the South and North Buildings, planted with seasonal flowers and trees, and equipped with wooden decks and benches. It's a popular spot not only for a break during shopping but also as a date destination.
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Grand Front Osaka Terrace Garden
- Address: [South Building] 4-20 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture [North Building] 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: 4 minutes on foot from Umeda Station, 4 minutes on foot from Osaka-Umeda Station
- Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00 (restaurant floor open until 23:00)
- Official Website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/
4. WowUs
Opened in September 2024 on the 16th floor of Osaka Dojimahama Tower in Nakanoshima, this is a new sightseeing observatory. From the free observation space, you can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Dojima River and Midosuji Avenue. The facility is also attracting attention as a hub for experiencing "a new side of Osaka," with art exhibitions and Japanese cultural events. With a café and meeting rooms, it’s a versatile space used by both local businesspeople and tourists.
WowUs
- Address: 1-1-27 Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Dojimahama Tower 16F
- Access: 2 minutes on foot from Oebashi Station, 4 minutes on foot from Yodoyabashi Station
- Opening Hours: 8:00–21:00 (wood deck terrace only)
- Official Website: https://www.wow-us.jp/index.html
Enjoy Even on Rainy Days! 4 Free Museums & Science Centers Where You Can Learn, Including the Mint Museum and CupNoodles Museum
5. Mint Museum
A specialized museum where you can learn about the history of Japanese currency. About 4,000 items are on display, including money and medals made in Japan from the Meiji era to the present, as well as rare coins from overseas. In spring, the "Cherry Blossom Walk-Through" on the premises, where you can enjoy many varieties of cherry blossoms, is also famous. It is open to the public for about one week only during the cherry blossom season each year.
Mint Museum
- Address: 1-1-79 Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 15 minutes on foot from Minami-Morimachi Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00–16:45 (last admission at 16:00)
- Official Website: https://www.mint.go.jp/
6. Osaka Sewerage Science Museum
When you hear the word "sewerage," it might sound a bit dull, but this is actually a surprisingly interesting science museum filled with exhibits that use the latest technology, as well as quizzes and hands-on experiences. There are plenty of creative features that both adults and children can enjoy, such as a corner where you can observe microorganisms under a microscope. It's also a great educational spot where you can learn about the environment.
Osaka Sewerage Science Museum
- Address: 1-2-53 Takami, Konohana-ku, Osaka City
- Access: 7 minutes on foot from Yodogawa Station, 15 minutes on foot from Ebie Station, 15 minutes on foot from Nodahanshin Station
- Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Closed: Every Wednesday (if it falls on a public holiday, closed the following day), New Year holidays
- Official Website: https://www.osaka-ssm.jp/
7. Duskin Museum
This museum is operated by Duskin, a company famous for its cleaning products. The museum is divided into two areas: the "Cleaning Pavilion" and the "Misdo Museum." In the "Cleaning Pavilion," you can enjoy exhibits that teach you about the history and technology of cleaning in a fun way. In the "Misdo Museum," you can learn about the history of donuts and the origin story of Mister Donut, and the hands-on donut-making experience (paid, reservation required) is also very popular.
Duskin Museum
- Address: 5-32 Yoshinocho, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Esaka Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–16:00 (last admission at 15:30)
- Closed: Every Monday (if it falls on a public holiday, closed the following day), Obon period, New Year holidays
- Official Website: https://www.duskin-museum.jp/
8. CupNoodles Museum
This museum is located in Ikeda, Osaka, the birthplace of the world-famous instant ramen "CupNoodles." With the theme of founder Momofuku Ando's "creative thinking," you can enjoy learning about the history and invention stories of instant ramen. The "Instant Ramen Tunnel," featuring around 800 different packages, is truly impressive. In the paid area, you can try making your own original CupNoodles or Chicken Ramen.
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CupNoodles Museum
- Address: 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from Ikeda Station
- Opening Hours: 9:30–16:30 (last admission at 15:30)
- Closed: Every Tuesday (if it falls on a public holiday, closed the following day), New Year holidays
- Official Website: https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/ja/
Forget the Hustle and Bustle of the City! 4 Large Parks and Gardens in Osaka for Relaxation—Free to Explore, Including Osaka Castle Park and Nakanoshima Park
9. Osaka Castle Park
One of Osaka’s most iconic sightseeing spots. Within its vast grounds, you’ll find Osaka Castle (admission required) at the center, surrounded by beautiful stone walls, moats, and gardens where you can enjoy seasonal flowers. In spring, about 3,000 cherry trees bloom, making it a famous spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). In autumn, the colorful leaves are stunning, and you can enjoy different scenery with each season. The park is free to stroll around, and simply walking leisurely while taking in the historical atmosphere is enjoyable enough!
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👉Osaka Castle Main Tower Advance Electronic Ticket (Osaka, Sightseeing) [kkday]
Osaka Castle Park
- Address: Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
- Access: Just a short walk from Temmabashi Station, Morinomiya Station, and Osakajokoen Station
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Official Website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/?lang=ja
10. Expo '90 Commemorative Park (Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park)
This vast park, about 126 hectares in size, was developed on the site of the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition. In the "Windmill Hill" area, you can enjoy beautiful scenery with a Dutch-style windmill and seasonal flowers. The lawn area is perfect for picnics and recreation. The park also features paid facilities such as the "Sakuya Konohana Kan," where you can observe rare plants from around the world, as well as a barbecue area and horseback riding grounds, offering a variety of ways to enjoy your visit.
Expo '90 Commemorative Park (Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park)
- Address: Expo '90 Commemorative Park (Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park)
- Access: Just a short walk from Tsurumi-ryokuchi Station
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Official Website: https://www.tsurumi-ryokuchi.jp/
11. Nakanoshima Park
Located on a sandbank between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers, this is Osaka City's first park. Despite being in the heart of the city, it offers a relaxing space surrounded by the sound of flowing water and greenery. The "Rose Garden," with about 300 varieties and 3,700 rose bushes, is especially famous and attracts many visitors in spring and autumn. The area is also lined with retro Western-style buildings such as the Nakanoshima Library and Osaka City Central Public Hall, making it a popular spot for strolls and dates.
Nakanoshima Park
- Address: 1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: Just a short walk from Yodoyabashi Station and Kitahama Station
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
12. Minoh Park
A natural retreat just 30 minutes by train from central Osaka. The 33-meter-high "Minoh Waterfall" is a famous waterfall selected as one of the "Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan." From mid-November to early December, about 1,000 maple trees turn vibrant red, making it one of the best scenic spots in the Kansai region. Be sure to try the local specialty, "Momiji Tempura" (deep-fried maple leaves).
Minoh Park
- Address: 1-18 Minoh Park, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: 5-minute walk from Minoh Station
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Official Website: https://www.mino-park.jp/
Perfect for Photos! 3 Free Art & Old Town Spots in Shinsekai, Nakazakicho, and More
13. Kitakagaya Creative Village
An art hub created from the renovation of a former shipyard. The area is dotted with artists' studios, galleries, and cafes, creating a unique atmosphere. You'll find large-scale street art and installation pieces on the walls and throughout the area, making it an exciting place to explore. It's highly recommended for contemporary art lovers and anyone looking to take unique photos.
Kitakagaya Creative Village
- Address: Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: 10-minute walk from Kitakagaya Station
- Reference Website: https://www.chishimatochi.com/regional/base/
14. Shinsekai (Around Tsutenkaku Tower)
The retro tourist area of Shinsekai, overflowing with the nostalgic atmosphere of Osaka’s old downtown, is centered around Tsutenkaku Tower. The “Jan-Jan Yokocho” alley, lined with kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurants, and shopping streets that retain the Showa-era vibe, make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. With photo spots like the statue of Billiken, flashy signboards, and neon lights, this is an area where you can fully experience Osaka’s lively and quirky culture.
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Shinsekai
- Address: Around Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
- Access: Right next to Ebisucho Station, 3 minutes on foot from Dobutsuen-mae Station
- Reference Site: https://osaka-info.jp/spot/shinsekai/
15. Nakazakicho
Although within walking distance from Umeda, Nakazakicho is a hidden gem where traditional row houses and old machiya townhouses still stand. The area is dotted with renovated old houses turned into cafes, general stores, and galleries, making it a popular spot among stylish young people. On weekends, flea markets are sometimes held. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll with your camera in hand.
Nakazakicho
- Address: Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access: Right next to Nakazakicho Station
- Reference Site: https://osaka-info.jp/experience/ja/osaka/spot/203
Free Admission with the Osaka Amazing Pass! Highlights of Scenic Spots, Sightseeing, Museums, and More
The Osaka Amazing Pass is a sightseeing pass that lets you enjoy Osaka at a great value. You can enter over 40 sightseeing spots in Osaka City for free, and enjoy unlimited rides on private railways, subways, and buses for 1 or 2 days. Here are some of the featured attractions.
1-Day Pass: 3,500 yen
2-Day Pass: 5,000 yen
👉Purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass 1-Day / 2-Day Ticket here【kkday】
① Observation Decks & Ferris Wheels (Scenic Views & Landmarks)
| Facility Name | Area | Notes / Conditions |
| Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory | Umeda |
Admission until 15:00. *After 15:00, show your pass for 10% off the admission fee. |
| Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory | Tempozan / Nanko | Not available on January 1st due to special New Year’s sunrise hours. |
| Tsutenkaku General Observatory | Shinsekai / Tennoji | ・The special outdoor observation deck requires an additional fee. ・To enter, you must exchange your ticket for a reserved entry time ticket at the venue. |
| HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel | Umeda | |
| Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel | Tempozan / Nanko |
② Cruises & Sightseeing Boats (Enjoy the Water City of Osaka)
| Facility Name | Area | Notes / Conditions |
| Tombori River Cruise | Namba / Dotonbori | ・On the day of boarding, you must exchange your ticket for a designated time boarding pass at the local counter. ・Exchange your ticket for a boarding pass for a specific cruise at the ticket counter, which opens one hour before the first departure. ・You can only board at the time indicated on your boarding pass. |
| Osaka Castle Gozabune | Osaka Castle | ・Not available during cherry blossom season. ・When visiting the facility, you must exchange your ticket for a boarding pass for a specific cruise. ・Exchange is done at the ticket counter. ・You can only board at the time indicated on your ticket. |
| Sailing Ship Santa Maria Day Cruise | Tempozan / Nanko | ・No need to exchange your ticket at the ticket counter. Please show your QR code directly at the boarding area. ・Arrive at the boarding area 15 minutes before departure. |
| Osaka Suijo Bus Aqua-Liner | Osaka Castle | ・When visiting the facility, you must exchange your ticket at the reception counter. ・You can only enter at the time indicated on your ticket. ・Not available during cherry blossom season. |
| Okawa Sakura Cruise | Osaka Castle | ・When visiting the facility, you must exchange your ticket at the reception counter. ・You can only enter at the time indicated on your ticket. The boat departs as soon as it is ready, so you cannot specify a time. |
③ Museums & Cultural Facilities (History & Experience)
| Facility Name | Area | Notes / Conditions |
| Osaka Museum of Housing and Living | Umeda | The kimono experience requires an additional fee. |
| The National Museum of Art, Osaka | Umeda | ・Admission is for the collection exhibition only. ・Special exhibitions require a separate admission fee. |
| Peace Osaka | Osaka Castle | |
| Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum | Namba / Dotonbori | The ukiyo-e printing experience requires an additional fee. |
| Umeda Sky Building Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum | Umeda |
*Each facility can be used once only.
For more details, please check the official website.
https://osaka-amazing-pass.com/service_free.html
Other Value Sightseeing Passes in Osaka
Osaka Rakuyu Pass
You can use this pass at 25 sightseeing facilities mainly in Osaka City. However, fares for public transportation such as trains and buses are not included, so you will need to pay separately for transportation.
1-Day Pass: 2,400 yen
2-Day Pass: 3,000 yen
👉Purchase the Osaka Rakuyu Pass (1-Day / 2-Day) here [klook]
Enjoy Eco Card
Unlimited rides on Osaka Metro (subway) and buses for one day.
Adult: 820 yen [Weekends & Holidays: 620 yen]
Child: 310 yen
KANSAI RAILWAY PASS
Available for overseas tourists. Offers unlimited rides on Kansai’s subways and private railways (Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, Keihan, etc.), making it convenient not only for Osaka but also for traveling to Kyoto and Kobe
2 days: 5,600 yen
3 days: 7,000 yen
👉KANSAI THRU PASS & KANSAI RAILWAY PASS 2-Day & 3-Day Pass | E-ticket【kkday】
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Kansai WIDE Area Pass
Available for overseas tourists. Offers unlimited rides on JR lines for 5 days, covering a wide area including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama, and more. The Shinkansen (certain sections) can also be used.
Adult: 12,000 yen
Child: 6,000 yen
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