Make the most of Osaka even on a rainy day! 10 recommended spots for dates and sightseeing

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How to enjoy Osaka on a rainy day: "What to see and learn"

Experience entertainment unique to Osaka at a theater, or stimulate your senses at an art museum or museum. Here are five recommended spots for those who want to have an experience of "seeing and learning."

1. Namba Grand Kagetsu

"Namba Grand Kagetsu" is not only an indoor entertainment facility that you can enjoy on rainy days, but it is also a must-visit spot when you come to Osaka, regardless of the weather. It is the home ground of Yoshimoto Kogyo, where manzai, skits, rakugo, and Yoshimoto Shinkigeki are performed 365 days a year from morning to night, and is also known as the "Hall of Laughter."

One of the highlights of the show is the "Yoshimoto Shinkigeki" which is full of ad-libs and allows you to enjoy the typical Osaka style comedy. Just when you think you're about to burst into laughter, there are also some scenes that will make you tear up... it's a very worthwhile show. By the end of the show, you'll be hooked on Yoshimoto Shinkigeki.

The theater also has restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, so you can have lunch or do some shopping before or after the show without getting wet in the rain.

The Yoshimoto Entertainment Shop on the first floor sells items related to Yoshimoto Shinkigeki and merchandise of Yoshimoto comedians, so be sure to check it out.

Namba Grand Kagetsu

2. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

When you think of the standard rainy day spot, many people may think of an aquarium, but did you know that Osaka is actually home to one of the world's largest aquariums? It's also a popular date spot in the Kansai region.

"Kaiyukan" is an aquarium that faithfully recreates the natural environment of the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding areas. It is a representative tourist spot in Osaka, where approximately 620 species and 30,000 plants and animals are kept and exhibited.

The main attraction is the "Pacific Ocean" tank in the center of the building, where you can see a giant whale shark over 5 meters long swimming leisurely.

After encountering many creatures, take a break at the drink stand "SEA SAW." Try the "Whale Shark Soft," a mix of Ramune and vanilla flavored soft serve ice cream.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

3. NIFREL

Next, we will introduce a new type of museum produced by Kaiyukan that combines an aquarium, a zoo, and an art museum. Based on the concept of "touching the senses," NIFREL exhibits living creatures using space, lighting, video, and music, allowing visitors to observe living creatures as if they were interacting with art.

In the "Swim Zone," an aquarium set up in the dark is illuminated, and the shadows of the swimming fish are projected onto the floor.

In the "Movement Zone," you can get up close and personal with the creatures as they move freely around the floor. If you're lucky, you might even see a capybara or a ring-tailed lemur come and play nearby.

"WONDER MOMENTS" is also a must-see, offering a mystical spatial art experience that makes you feel like you're looking at the stars from space. The 15-minute screening features water sculptures, flowers, trees, the universe, and more, allowing you to experience a fantastical world. There is also a cafe and museum shop, so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest, from taking a break to shopping.

NIFREL

4. Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka

If you're heading out to Osaka on a rainy day, we recommend appreciating art at an art museum. The Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, which opened in 2022 after about 40 years since its conception, has a collection of over 6,000 representative works from Japan and abroad dating from the late 19th century to the present, with a focus on modern and contemporary art and design works from Osaka and around the world. Many works with a connection to Osaka are on display, including the masterpiece "Postman" by Osaka-born painter Saeki Yuzo.

The Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art is not only a place to see the exhibits, but also the building itself. Also known as the "Black Cube," the large black box-like building has an open atrium on the first to fifth floors, and even those without a ticket can freely visit the first and second floors. The building itself is a museum like art, so even just going inside and looking at the space is sure to stimulate your senses.

The museum shop "dot to dot today" on the second floor of the museum has many artistic items that tickle your aesthetic sensibilities. Why not try finding your favorite from among more than 600 attractive items, including original museum goods, postcards, and books?

Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka

5. Abeno Harukas

Whether it's sunny or rainy, you can't miss Abeno Harukas when sightseeing in Osaka. Abeno Harukas, a landmark of Osaka, is 300 meters tall. There are department stores and art museums on the lower floors, and hotels and observation decks on the upper floors, making it a popular spot for dates and family outings.

The Abeno Harukas Art Museum on the 16th floor is an urban art museum that holds a wide variety of exhibitions, from Japanese and Eastern art to Western art and contemporary art, with the concept of "All kinds of art for all people." Because it is located inside a building, even people who don't usually go to art museums can easily drop in.

If you've made the effort to visit Abeno Harukas, you'll want to head up to the observation deck, but if you're worried that you won't be able to see the beautiful view if it's raining, don't worry. Harukas 300 (observation deck), located on the 58th to 60th floors of the building, can be fully enjoyed even on rainy days.

We also recommend visiting at night. Even when it rains, you can see a beautiful night view, and there are fewer people than on sunny days, so you can enjoy the night view at your leisure. There is a restaurant on the observation deck, so we recommend enjoying a meal and a drink while watching the night view.

Abeno Harukas Art Museum

Harukas 300

How to enjoy Osaka on a rainy day: "Experience"

If you want to enjoy activities that are unique to Osaka, or if you want to savor delicious Osaka cuisine, here are five recommended spots for those looking for such experiences.

1. Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru Dotonbori Konamon Museum

In Dotonbori, Osaka's number one downtown area, there is a spot where you can experience something unique to Osaka. "Kukuru Dotonbori Konamon Museum" is a "Konamon food theme park" where you can experience Osaka's unique Konamon culture. You can eat takoyaki, learn the artisanal techniques of takoyaki making, and make takoyaki food samples.

At "Takoyaki Dojo Kukuru Takumi," a professional will teach you how to grill takoyaki! They will teach you how to grill takoyaki carefully from the very beginning. Once you wrap the original headband that comes with the experience course around the takoyaki and turn them over, you will instantly become a takoyaki craftsman.

After enjoying the takoyaki you made, you can make your own takoyaki food samples. In fact, food samples are a culture that originated in Osaka, where they were made between the Taisho and early Showa periods. At "Konamon Sample Workshop Maneki Takoyaki," you can experience making takoyaki food samples that are realistically reproduced down to the bonito flakes and sauce. The completed samples are perfect as souvenirs.

Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru Dotonbori Konamon Museum

2. Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER

One way to spend a rainy day is to relax to your heart's content. In times like these, head to Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER, one of the largest hot spring theme parks in the Kansai region, with a total floor space of over 16,000 m2. With a theme of "beauty, healing, and taste," the park features natural hot springs, a rock sauna, relaxation facilities, restaurants, and more, so you can enjoy the whole day without getting wet in the rain.

Stepping inside the building, which is based on the Azuchi-Momoyama period concept, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Sengoku period. The yukata robes worn inside the building will enhance the extraordinary feeling even more. Feel free to choose your favorite yukata and obi from the diverse lineup and stroll around.

The main hot spring uses a weakly alkaline natural hot spring that springs from 1,000 meters underground. You can enjoy nine types of hot springs, including an open-air bath with natural spring water, carbonated springs, and a bath that changes daily. The specialty is the garden bath, which offers a panoramic view of the vast Japanese garden that covers an area of about 3,300 square meters. A relaxing soak in the infinity bath is sure to soothe your travel fatigue.

By the way, there are cat figurines hidden all over the building. Why not try looking for the hidden cats while you're out and about?

Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER

3.VS PARK LaLaport EXPOCITY store

If you want to get some exercise and have fun, we recommend VS PARK LaLaport EXPOCITY. At VS PARK LaLaport EXPOCITY, you can experience a variety of sports that you can enjoy casually, as if you were taking part in a TV variety show.

There are 32 different activities to choose from, all of which can be enjoyed by people of all genders and athletic abilities, but here are three of our most recommended activities.

"Jump x Jump" is an activity where you jump to avoid and escape rotating obstacles. Even if you fail, it will definitely turn into a laugh and you will have fun.

Be sure to try out the new bouldering facility "Wonder Wall," which combines projection mapping. It's a great workout as it uses your whole body.

"Nigekill" is a digital activity where you race against wild animals projected on the wall in a super short distance race. The tension of each moment may become addictive.

At VS PARK LaLaport EXPOCITY, where a wide range of exciting activities are available, you can stay active even on rainy days.

VS PARK LaLaport EXPOCITY store

4. Hirakata T-SITE

Hirakata T-SITE, a complex located in Hirakata, where TSUTAYA was founded, is also a perfect spot for a rainy day out. The building, which stretches from the basement to the eighth floor, houses a variety of shops, including Tsutaya Bookstore, restaurants, cafes, apparel, and household goods.

Speaking of "Hirakata T-SITE," the "Tsutaya Bookstore" has become a hot topic on social media, with its bookshelves covering the entire wall. The approximately 7m-tall bookshelf in the atrium space is an impressive sight.

Tsutaya Bookstore also has a Starbucks Coffee shop attached, so you can enjoy a quiet read over a cup of tea.

Hirakata T-STIE

5. Mister Donut Museum

Duskin, famous for "Mister Donut," is actually an Osaka company. In Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, where its headquarters is located, there is a hands-on facility called the "Duskin Museum" where you can learn and have fun, which is also a perfect spot to visit on a rainy day.

The Duskin Museum consists of the Mister Donut Museum, where you can learn about the company's history and commitment to deliciousness, and the Cleaning Museum, where you can learn about the history, culture, and tools of cleaning. Both can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

At the Mister Donut Museum, there is a section that displays photos of the approximately 2,000 stores that have opened so far, as well as a section where you can actually make donuts (reservations must be made on the website), allowing you to experience the charm of Mister Donut.

One experience you should definitely try here is decorating a donut ball. You can choose from a variety of toppings, such as the "Mister Donut's Golden Topping" and chocolate crunch, to create your very own original donut. Donuts you make yourself will surely taste even better.

There is a lot of content that can be enjoyed without making a reservation, making this a perfect museum for changing your plans on a sudden rainy day.

Mister Donut Museum (1st floor of Duskin Museum)

From sightseeing to relaxation, gourmet food to activities, Osaka has plenty of spots you can enjoy even in the rain. Most of these spots are easily accessible, either directly connected to the station or in front of the station, so be sure to use this article as a reference for your trip to Osaka on a rainy day.

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