What are the best photography spots in Osaka?

Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan. More than 2.6million people live in this city, making it the third most populated city in the country. A very well connected city that most people use only as a base to travel to nearby cities like Himeji, Nara or Kyoto. However, my stay in Osaka showed me that there were lots of things to do and photograph, especially during night time. Keep reading to discover the best Osaka photography spots!

I like considering Osaka as Tokyo’s little brother or sister. Tokyo is heaven for street photography, and for those who are looking for this futuristic look. However, Tokyo is very big. Osaka has a couple of thing that Tokyo does not have: a water channel in the heart of the city, and many spots at an acceptable walking distance. To create this guide, I stayed for 5 nights in Osaka, doing a couple of nearby trips, but also spending full days exploring the city, alone and with some travel friends.

Dotonbori and Glico Sign

The obvious element in the list. Everyone that visits Osaka has to at least go for a stroll in Dotonbori and capture the famous Glico sign. A beautiful and busy area, with lots of restaurants and shops, with a very distinctive element: a water channel. Dotombori is much more than just a 5-minute walk by the channel, admiring the Don Quijote “Ferris wheel” and having some takoyaki or melon pan. I recommend visiting this area just before sunset, to see how the city lits up. An unforgettable experience, that I detail in the next spot.

The Glico Sign is very easy to find. Go to the busiest bridge in Dotonbori, and you will see it, with lots of people taking photos imitating the posture of the man in the sign. It is quite famous, and nice to observe, but there are many other spots in Dotonbori.

Osaka Dotonbori night photography by aniolvisuals — Dotonbori at night

Osaka Dotonbori glico sign photography by aniolvisuals — Glico Sign in Dotonbori

Osaka Dotonbori photography by aniolvisuals — Dotonbori before sunset

Dotonbori Streets

It was in this area when I had more fun doing street photography in Japan. Tokyo has some amazing locations, listed in my Tokyo night photography locations article. However, everything is too big in Tokyo. You need to take a metro or walk for 20 minutes between locations. In Osaka, instead, the Dotonbori area is heaven for street photography. Little shops, alleys, lights, neons, water,… Walking and getting lost in Dotonbori is one of the best decisions I made when in Japan.

Explore the adjacent streets to the water channel, and the little alleys, where you will find weird buildings and cute little restaurants. Consider having lunch or dinner, as there are some amazing food options in Osaka. Here you have a small gallery of my favourite Dotonbori alleys photography spots.

Osaka Dotonbori streets night photography by aniolvisuals — Dotonbori alley on a rainy night

Osaka Dotonbori streets night reflection photography by aniolvisuals — Osaka alley on a rainy night

PRO TIP: Try to match your Osaka photography shooting with rainy conditions. With the wet streets, some puddles and umbrellas, Dotonbori looks very special.

Umeda Sky Building

This is a one-shot location. A very impressive one-shot location. This skyscraper is located next to Umeda Station, and it has a very unique shape. Imagine 2 towers connected at the top, with a viewpoint, and most importantly, 2 escalators that go from one tower to another. The most characteristic element of this building is those escalators.

It is free to go into this building and to access the escalators. However, you have to pay to access the viewpoint. A friend of mine told me it was not that worth it, so I decided to focus on the escalators. This photo is all about leading lines. Moreover, it is also a very interesting location for a photoshoot, as everything directs the viewer attention to the centre of the image. At the top floor, the one before the viewpoint, there are some windows that offer a very beautiful view of the city, and that can also be used as a photographic element.

Osaka Umeda building escalator photography by aniolvisuals — Umeda building escalator

Osaka Umeda building views photography by aniolvisuals — Umeda building views

Shinsekai

I hadn’t planned to visit this location, at the south of the city, and I want to get back there to capture this spot at night, when all lights are on, and the area is full of life. However, it is worth mentioning Shinsekai as a location to visit and photograph in Osaka. This commercial area, full of restaurants has a futuristic touch that makes you feel like in a movie. I didn’t travel with a model, but this is a perfect spot for portrait or just some non-tripod street photography. As there is a lot of movement, no cars, and lots of details, I would recommend visiting the location during the day, before all lights (and crowds) gather in the streets.

Its tower, weird-sign restaurants, and neon lights will help you get a perfect photo. As in the previous spots, rain gives it a special touch, but unlike Dotonbori, where the nearby alleys are covered, this area has no shelter. Bring your umbrella, or get soaked (like I did).

Shinsekai tower street photography by aniolvisuals — Shinsekai tower and main street

Shinsekai street photography detail by aniolvisuals — Rainy Shinsekai street detail

Osaka Castle & Gardens

The last of the Osaka photography spots is its castle. One of Japan’s best and most beautiful castles, it is located at the northern side of the city and easily accessible with the loop train line. Unfortunately, the interior of the castle has little or no interest at a photographic level. The views from the top are very beautiful, but if you are looking for historical castles, I would recommend the Himeji or Matsumoto castles, two of the most well-preserved castles of Japan.

However, if you are looking for a place to enjoy the Sakura (the world-famous cherry blossom season), this is your place. The gardens surrounding the Osaka castle are an amazing place to see and admire the cherry blossoms, and despite I wasn’t there in the full blossom season, it was already impressive. Try using some of the flowers to frame the castle. This is a famous spot for photographers, so don’t expect to have the place for yourself.

Osaka castle photography by aniolvisuals — Osaka Castle moat

Osaka castle photo by aniolvisuals — Osaka Castle main access

Osaka castle cherry blossom photography by aniolvisuals — Early Sakura at Osaka Castle gardens

Conclusion

Osaka is much more than a city to use as a base to visit nearby locations. Travel and street photographer will find a Tokyo-style city, with closer landmarks and with some of the most iconic landmarks of Japan. All the Osaka photography spots listed in this article are free to visit, no entrance fees or limitations. Enjoy your time in Osaka!

Have you ever been to Osaka? What is favourite Osaka photography spot? Do you have any questions? Tell me in the comments! If you liked this Osaka photography spots list, consider following me on Instagram and Facebook to see my latest images and to know when new articles like this one are uploaded.