Cover Nose Myoken-san atop of Mt Myoken in Osaka (Photo: Global Kaiyo)
Nose Myoken-san atop of Mt Myoken in Osaka (Photo: Global Kaiyo)
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Go off the beaten path when visiting Osaka, Japan
Known for its vibrant culture, delectable food and beautiful scenery, Osaka is a go-to place for tourists when in Japan. This, however, has the consequence of getting filled with people, and if you’re looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and the hurry, you’ll want somewhere off the beaten path. From lush nature retreats in the mountains to picturesque walks in the city and even a glimpse at the past, this article lists five must-visit places for when you visit Osaka.
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Mount Myōken
Above The foot of Mount Myoken greets hikers with a beautiful cherry blossom (Photo: Global Kaiyo)
The foot of Mount Myoken greets hikers with a beautiful cherry blossom (Photo: Global Kaiyo)
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Straddling the border between the Hyogo and Osaka Prefectures, Mount Myōken is a lesser-known tourist attraction perfect for nature lovers. While hiking, it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of the mountain’s diverse fauna, such as deer, forest green tree frogs and giant salamanders. In November, you may find the yakkoso, a rare parasitic wildflower that grows on the roots of trees.
Tatler Tip: There are two paths to the peak of the mountain. One is a long staircase, while the other is dotted with cherry blossom trees when they’re in season. Both pathways are illuminated by Bonbori lanterns—making for a solemn and breathtaking experience.
Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
Above Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/KimonBerlin)
Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/KimonBerlin)
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Located in the town of Toyonaka in Northern Osaka, the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses hosts 12 historical minka—traditional Japanese homes from the Edo Period dating back to 1603 to 1867. Upon entering the compound, you’ll notice that the museum looks like its own small village, containing barns, stables and even kabuki theatres amidst the houses. Here, visitors can see how people from the Edo Period lived with their kamado (traditional furnace), heating up their homes and tea rooms for ceremonies.
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Nakazakicho
Above A shop in the Nakazakicho district of Osaka, Japan (Photo: Unsplash/Romeo A)
A shop in the Nakazakicho district of Osaka, Japan (Photo: Unsplash/Romeo A)
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For those who want a relaxed adventure, the Nakazakicho District is Osaka’s quiet cultural hub. Filled with pre-war architecture, traditional townhouses and vintage shops, it’s the best place to get lost as you walk through its many alleys.
Tatler Tip: Nakazakicho has plenty of galleries and workshops run by local artists where tourists can participate in the many time-honoured activities of Japan, like an intimate tea ceremony.
Hiraoka Park
A low mountain hike that caters to everyone, Hiraoka Park is often a starting point for those who want to take on the neighbouring mountains. From January to March, visitors can see the plum blossoms in bloom—colouring the landscape in white, pink and red.
Tatler Tip: Once you reach the top, you can take a slide down and get a bird’s eye view of Osaka.
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
Above The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda (Photo: Nippon.com)
The Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda (Photo: Nippon.com)
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In 1958, businessman Momofuku Ando revolutionised the kitchen with the invention of instant noodles. The Cup Noodles Museum is its birthplace and now shows tourists a glimpse of the creation process as well as a little history.
Tatler Tip: While there are tour guides available, you could also opt for a self-guided experience with a free audio app through your phone.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
