12 Best Things to Do for Couples in Osaka
What to Do on a Romantic Trip to Osaka?
Osaka is an excellent town in Japan for couples to enjoy. From looking out across Osaka on a Ferris wheel to cruising along the Dotonbori River, there’s no shortage of great ways to spend some quality time with your special someone.
Osaka is bold and full of character, which is what makes it so popular. Just by taking a walk together around town, you’ll inevitably find interesting things to see and do. Whether you’re a couple who prefers to stay indoors or enjoy outdoor activities, the locals often do their best to make you feel completely at home. Let’s explore some of the more unusual date spots Osaka has to offer.
1. Tombori Riverwalk
A peaceful tour of Osaka
Good for: Couples, Families
Tombori Riverwalk is a promenade along Dotonbori River that was built as part of a redevelopment project. It has become a place for people visiting Dotonbori to enjoy a stroll or picnic. The Tombori River Cruise operates on the Dotonbori River. It’s a short cruise of about 20 minutes. From the water, you can look up at Dotonbori, the very heart of Osaka.
The cruise departs from Tazaemombashi Pier, goes under 9 bridges along the river, and then returns to the pier. A guide will explain the highlights to you. This is a great option for a unique date while enjoying views of Osaka’s lively shopping districts and neon lights reflecting against the river surface.
Location: 6 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Tombori Riverwalk
2. Solaniwa Onsen at Osaka Bay Tower
Relaxation in the hot springs
Good for: Couples, Luxury
Solaniwa Onsen at Osaka Bay Tower is built with the concept of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, with staff members dressed as townspeople from that time ready to welcome you. Within the complex, there are plenty of shows you can watch, restaurants to eat at, and souvenir shops to visit.
You can enjoy 6 types of hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen, including a garden bath, a carbonated bath, and a themed bath which changes every season. There are also 7 types of bedrock saunas and 2 standard saunas. You can also enjoy desserts while enjoying a footbath in Solaniwa Onsen’s vast garden, located on the 4th floor.
Location: 1-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka 552-0007, Japan
Open: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-7670-5126
Solaniwa Onsen at Osaka Bay Tower
3. Minoh Falls
A scenic natural wonder in the suburbs of Osaka
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Minoh Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the center of Minoh Park. You can find the waterfall at the end of a scenic and peaceful hike along the Minoh River. The nearly 2-mile-long pathway takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to reach the falls, but it’s paved and not very steep. It’s always a good idea to pace yourself and wear comfortable activewear.
The waterfall cascades for an impressive 108 ft, which makes for dramatic photos. Minoh Falls is a favorite destination year-round, but it’s particularly popular during autumn when the surrounding foliage features brilliant russet and golden leaves.
Location: 2 -2 Minookoen, Minoo, Osaka 562-0002, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)72-723-1885
Minoh Falls
4. Hep Five Ferris wheel
A trip above the streets offering incredible city views
Good for: Couples, Unusual
Hep Five Ferris wheel is an eye-catching ride on HEP FIVE shopping complex, in the Kita Ward of Osaka. Ride a gondola from the 7th floor, which slowly rises to 347 ft above the ground. On a sunny day, enjoy panoramic views, stretching from the buildings in central Osaka to the Akashi Strait. At night, the entire city is illuminated in artificial lights.
The ride lasts about 15 minutes, and the gondola, holding up to 4 people, is air-conditioned with quiet music playing in the background. Your picture will be taken (buy it at the onsite gift shop as a memento). You can also enjoy shopping and dining at the shopping mall before or after riding the Ferris wheel.
Location: 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0017, Japan
Open: Daily from 11 am to 10.45 pm
Phone: +81 (0)6-6366-3634
Hep Five Ferris wheel
5. Hoshida Park
Nature, adventure, and wonderful views
Good for: Couples, Adventure
Hoshida Park is a 247-acre park in Osaka that offers different facilities and equipment. One of the most popular features of the park is the Swing of the Stars, a suspension bridge around 165 ft above the ground. The panoramic view from the 920-ft-long bridge offers a different scene every season.
The rock-climbing wall used during the Namihaya National Sports Festival is also very popular. It’s divided into areas for beginners and advanced climbers so that everyone can feel free to try climbing. The Forest Railway-style Footbridge is great for leisurely strolls. The 655-ft-long wooden bridge overlooks a clear stream flowing below.
Location: Hoshida, Katano, Osaka 576-0011, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)72-892-0121
Hoshida Park
6. Rinku Premium Outlets
Spectacular shopping from big brands
Good for: Couples, Shoppers
Rinku Premium Outlets is a 2-story outlet mall located in Rinku Town, across the water from Kansai International Airport. Its design is inspired by Charleston, a port town in the USA, giving it a resort-like atmosphere. There’s also a particularly eye-catching Ferris wheel that overlooks the surrounding area.
You can shop at over 200 designer brand stores, including Nike, Swarovski, and Armani. If you want to take a break from shopping, you can have lunch or a drink at various restaurants within the complex. Check the website for the latest promos, allowing you to shop at even better value. Rinku Premium Outlets is within a 6-minute walk from Rinku-Town Station.
Location: 3-28 Rinkuoraiminami, Izumisano, Osaka 598-0047, Japan
Open: March–January: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm, February: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Phone: +81 (0)2-458-4600
Rinku Premium Outlets
7. Harukas 300
Views for miles of Osaka’s incredible attractions
Good for: Couples, Families
There are many beautiful scenic spots in Osaka, but there’s nowhere else quite like Harukas 300 Observatory, at the top of Abeno Harukas. The view from the top floor of what is one of the tallest buildings in Japan is just overwhelming. The observatory is 984 ft (300 m) above the ground and offers unobstructed views.
On a clear day, you can see Tsutenkaku Tower, Shitennoji Temple, and Osaka Castle. To get to Harukas 300 Observatory, head for the 16th floor of Abeno Harukas. After buying a ticket at the observatory ticket counter, you can take the elevator that directly goes up to the observatory.
Location: Abeno Harukas, 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka 545-6016, Japan
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Harukas 300
8. Osaka Station City Movie theater
A deluxe cinema experience
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Movie theater dates are a classic and if you’re going to watch a film, watch it somewhere with excellent quality. Check out Osaka Station City Movie theater in the North Gate Building of Osaka Station City. Conveniently connected to the station, this movie theater complex is one of the largest in Kansai, with 12 screens offering over 2500 spacious and comfortable seats.
It offers clear and dynamic images with digital projectors installed in all the theaters. Buy drinks and snacks at the concession stand before you catch the latest foreign or Japanese movies. If you register as a member, you can get discounts on tickets and earn points, which can be exchanged for snacks.
Location: 11F North Gate Building, 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-001, Japan
Phone: +81 (0)6-6346-3215
Osaka Station City Movie theater
9. Namba Grand Kagetsu
Laugh-out-loud Japanese comedy
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Namba Grand Kagetsu is a superb place for a date in Osaka. Since its opening as the headquarters of Yoshimoto, one of the top Japanese comedian agencies, it has become hugely popular as a comedy hall of fame. You can enjoy comedy duos (manzai) and traditional Japanese comic story telling (rakugo). The highlight is Yoshimoto Shinkigeki, whose funny theatrical performances will make you laugh out loud.
The story changes weekly, so you can enjoy a new one every time you visit. It also offers fun events, including photo sessions with the leader of Shinkigeki and a virtual experience of Yoshimoto Shinkigeki. You can find cute souvenirs with motifs of the comedians of Yoshimoto at the Yoshimoto Entertainment Shop.
Location: 11-6 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0075, Japan
Open: Vary by performance
Namba Grand Kagetsu
10. EXPOCITY Osaka
Entertainment, retail, and more all in one place
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Group
EXPOCITY Osaka is a famous large-scale, mixed-use complex with movie theaters, museums, and a mall. The name comes from EXPO ’70, a world’s fair that was held in Osaka in 1970. Even today, the Tower of the Sun, which was built at that time, remains near the complex.
LaLaport EXPOCITY has more than 300 shops, so you can always find what you want here. VS PARK is a unique, 2-story sports facility where you can play and exercise at various activity stations. There’s plenty to do, no matter what you consider the ideal date.
Location: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Open: Vary by venue
EXPOCITY Osaka
11. National Museum of Art, Osaka
Art from the masters
Good for: Couples, Families
The National Museum of Art, Osaka was established in 1977 at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita, Osaka. It was relocated to a building designed by the architect César Pelli in Kita-ku in 2004. The museum has a unique structure, with a restaurant and shop on the 1st basement floor and exhibition and storage rooms on the 2nd and 3rd basement floors.
Attractions include seminars and workshops about performances, as well as paintings and various art exhibitions. The main collection includes works by Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Tsuguharu Fujita. Catalogs of current and past exhibitions, as well as stylish design items, are available at the museum’s shop.
Location: 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0005, Japan
Open: Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm (hours may vary) (Closed Monday)
Phone: +81 (0)6-6447-4680
National Museum of Art, Osaka
12. Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
The home of Japanese Whiskey
Good for: Couples, History
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, opened in 1923, is the birthplace of Japanese whiskey. You can explore the Yamazaki Whiskey Museum or join the Yamazaki Distillery Tour (which includes a tasting session). The Museum has a variety of exhibitions related to whiskey, and you can take your time to look around.
Enjoy whiskey at tasting counters and buy original Yamazaki Distillery products at the onsite shop. On the Yamazaki Distillery Tour, you can visit the whiskey production area and try unblended whiskey.
Location: 5-2-1 Yamazaki, Shimamoto, Mishima District, Osaka 618-0001, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4.45 pm
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
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