Osaka: the famous things I still haven't done

I've been to Osaka three times now (though with all the back and forth, it feels more like five). And there's a list of famous things I keep walking past... but never actually do.

Osaka Castle

I've walked the park and around the castle more times than I can count. Inside the tower is a museum with cultural treasures, and on the 8th floor there's an observatory with a view over the city. But every time, the line was long and I hadn't booked a ticket. I also heard the inside is a little empty, and I just didn't feel like joining the rush. If you do want to go: book ahead.

Universal Studios Japan

On my first trip, my budget was simply too low. On my second, I didn't have a full day to spare, and if I go, I want the full day. It looks amazing. People even dress up for it. One day.

The views

Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai: I've walked past it, under it and around it, but never went up. The Umeda Sky Building, 173 meters tall with an open-air rooftop and a 360 view at sunset: cool, but not for me. Both are great if you love a city view. I just never wanted to spend my money there.

So what did I do instead?

Hozenji Yokocho

On my last trip, I finally found it. A little alley, 80 meters long and only 3 meters wide, full of old restaurants and bars. You hear people walking on the stone pavement. It's crowded, but it feels so nostalgic. I loved it.

Abeno Harukas, for free

I skipped the paid observation deck at the top and went to the garden terrace on the 16th floor. Free, and a great view. I mostly watched people. Right across, people were working in their offices, just daily life in Japan. That was the exciting part for me.

So, long story short: you don't have to tick every box. Sometimes the free rooftop wins.