Osaka, Japan’s second-largest metropolitan, is a vibrant city known for its delicious street food, lively entertainment districts, and historical landmarks. Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or just looking for an exciting urban adventure, Osaka has something for you.
Getting around - general accessibility.
Osaka’s convenient public transportation system makes getting around the city in a wheelchair easy. Many attractions and public facilities are designed to be accessible, providing ramps, elevators, and other amenities. The streets are wide, with lowered curbs and tactile paving. In older areas, there are no sidewalks, only a line separating the pedestrian part of the road from the cars.
We mostly traveled by local JR trains included in our JR pass. Still, all train and metro lines are wheelchair-accessible, and you can request assistance at most major stations.
Osaka Station is one of Japan’s busiest transportation hubs, and it’s designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The station features elevators, escalators, and ramps to facilitate movement throughout the complex. Additionally, there are tactile paving paths and signage to assist visually impaired travelers.
I recommend staying close to the Osaka station for many convenient transportation options anywhere in and outside of Osaka.
Osaka Castle
Originally built in the 16th century, Osaka Castle, or Osaka-jo, is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Osaka’s rich history. Though the Castle has been destroyed and reconstructed several times over the centuries, the current structure is a faithful reconstruction completed in 1931. Surrounded by expansive gardens, moats, and stone walls, Osaka Castle offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. The Castle’s main tower, or donjon, houses a museum showcasing Osaka’s history, and you can climb (disabled guests can take the elevator) to the top of the main tower for panoramic views of Osaka city and its skyline.
If you’re visiting during spring, the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden offers breathtaking views of the Castle against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
There are over 100 castles in Japan, but only Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Shuri Castle have elevators and are mostly wheelchair-accessible. From Osakajokoen Station, a 10-15 min walk/roll will take you to the Castle (manual wheelchair users can also ride a shuttle train). The entire path is ramped and smooth, with a few steep slopes. The entrance is free for wheelchair users and one companion (disability certificate is a must). The regular admission price is 600¥ (approx. 4$).
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine is a unique shrine famous for its towering lion-shaped stage called “Shishi-no-oden.” This distinctive stage is used for traditional performances during the annual Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival. The shrine is dedicated to Susano-no-mikoto, a Shinto deity associated with protection and good fortune.
The paths through the shrine grounds are smooth, but some areas are graveled, and there’s no accessible restroom. The entrance is free.
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market is a bustling and lively marketplace often referred to as “Osaka’s Kitchen” due to its wide variety of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other local delicacies. The market is a popular destination for locals and tourists, where you can stroll/roll easily through the narrow lanes lined with stalls selling everything from sushi and sashimi to grilled seafood, takoyaki, and wagyu beef. Of all the markets we visited this time, Kuromon Market felt the most authentic and not a tourist trap. If you are a food lover exploring Osaka, it is a must-visit destination.
Hozenji Temple
Hozenji Temple, built in 1637, pays homage to Fudo Myoo, one of the five guardians of Buddhism. As is tradition, splashing the statue of Fudo Myoo with water is said to bring you good luck.
After visiting the temple, roll through the narrow alley of Hozenji Yokocho to get the feel of Osaka of several centuries ago. Although most shops and restaurants here aren’t accessible, it’s a cool experience. The entrance is free.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is an entertainment and food district in the heart of Osaka, known for its iconic neon signs and billboards, bustling streets, and delicious street food. It’s a must-visit destination and easily accessible for wheelchair users.
Roll along the food street lined with countless restaurants, izakayas, bars, and food stalls. Shop at the famous Shinsaibashi-suji, offering a wide range of international and local fashion brands, and take in the atmosphere; it’s like nowhere else.
Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. It was founded in 593 and holds immense cultural and historical significance. The temple grounds feature beautiful gardens, ponds, and several historical buildings, including the Main Hall , Five-Story Pagoda, and Golden Hall (Kondo). The temple is wheelchair-accessible, but the ancient stoned paths can be shaky. The entrance is free.
Isshin-ji Temple
The temple of Isshin-ji dates back to 1185, when it was founded by Honen, the founder of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism. The temple is best known for its “Bone Buddha” statue, made from the cremated remains of some 200,000 Osaka residents. The temple itself isn’t accessible, but its unusual architecture and guardian statues make it unique and worth a visit. The entrance is free.
Tennoji Park and Abenu Harukas observation deck
Tennoji Park is an excellent place for a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lush gardens, walking paths, ramps, and recreational facilities. The park is home to the Osaka City Museum of Art, is close to Shitennoji Temple, and is right next to Isshin-ji Temple and Abenu Harukas Observatory.
Abeno Harukas Osaka’s landmark and the second tallest building in Japan, standing at 300 meters. It offers many attractions and facilities: a department store with luxury brands and shops, restaurants, and the Harukas 300 observation deck on the top floors.
The ticket to Harukas 300 observation deck is 1800¥ (approx. 12$), and there’s no disability discount.
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Many of you have probably heard about teamLab Borderless in Tokyo. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is different and not as impressive. Still, it is fully wheelchair-accessible, while the one in Tokyo is only partially accessible. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is a botanical garden during the day that transforms into an interactive wonderland at night using digital art installations, sound, wind, and the behavior of the people and birds
Disabled guests and one companion can purchase discounted tickets for 900¥ each(approx 6$).
The Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is another iconic landmark in Osaka, known for its unique architecture and stunning city views. The observatory shows Osaka’s skyline, including landmarks like Osaka Castle and the Abeno Harukas skyscraper. The Umeda Sky Building also houses restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Wheelchair users cannot access the glass escalator. Instead, they should follow the route detailed here. The entrance fee for disabled guests and one companion is 750¥ each (approx.5$) upon presentation of a disability certificate.
Umeda shopping
If you’re in the mood for shopping, the Umeda shopping district is the place for you! It’s a bit hectic, but you’ll find everything you can imagine, from high-end department stores, electronic stores, malls, international and local brand fashion labels, small boutiques, underground shopping arcades, restaurants, and delicious street food! The prices are cheaper than in Tokyo too.
Osaka specialties
Being called Japan’s kitchen, Osaka boasts a variety of delicious specialties! I’ve been told some are a must-try, so I had to try.
1. Takoyaki is a beloved street food in Osaka. These savory octopus-filled balls are cooked in a special molded pan and then topped with sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed powder, and you can find them at stalls all over the city. Truthfully, I didn’t like them.
2. Osaka is famous for its delicious cheesecake! One popular variety is the “Rikuro Ojisan” cheesecake, known for its fluffy texture and rich flavor. There are several shops in Osaka, and it’s a must-try, although I found the flavor a bit eggy.
3. Dried sardine ramen, also known as “Niboshi ramen,” is a specialty of Osaka. It features a rich and flavorful broth made from dried sardines, which gives it a unique umami taste. The noodles are typically served with toppings like green onions, bamboo shoots, and sometimes a soft-boiled egg. It’s delicious and my favorite bowl of ramen on this trip.
Accessible accommodation option
The Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel in Umeda offers a comfortable and affordable stay in a convenient location, with easy access to shopping, dining, and transportation options (right next to Osaka station).
The wheelchair-accessible room is tiny but has all the necessities, including a roll-in shower (a rarity in Japan), grab bars, a floating sink, and an emergency cord.
