While Tokyo and Kyoto are Japan’s most popular spots for photographers to visit, my personal favorite city to shoot in is actually Osaka.
The often overlooked city has a completely different vibe to Tokyo and is also known for its delicious food, with okonomiyaki (a Japanese omelette or pancake) being a clear favorite.
Here, you will find the top five photo spots to visit and photograph in the city:
1. Osaka Station
The good thing about Osaka is that the photography opportunities begin as soon as you disembark from the Shinkansen (or “bullet train”). This gigantic transport hub was rebuilt in 2011 and is a perfect spot for capturing architecture with a wide angle lens. I often spend hours around the station capturing street scenes too.
Fortunately, there are many balconies and levels which also look onto the busy streets, so there are endless possibilities when it comes to composing your photos.
Osaka Station is also filled with good eateries and coffee spots if you need a quick refuel.
2. Nakazakicho
Once you have dropped off your bags at the hotel, head north east of Osaka station to Nakazakicho. Known as the hipster quarter of Osaka, it is filled with narrow alleys, aspiring artists, and, best of all, coffee shops.
Nakazakicho isn’t usually included on the list of places to visit in many Osaka guides, but it is a great area for street photography during the day. The surrounding train lines and traditional houses also add to the general aesthetic of the area.
3. Umeda Sky Building & Abeno Harukas
After enjoying a coffee in Nakazakicho, walk south past the station to the Umeda Sky Building. This interesting structure looks like it was made by aliens and is home to one of Instagram’s favorite escalators.
Best of all, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee to get to the escalators, but for a small fee you can go right to the top to capture Osaka’s skyline without having to shoot through windows.
If you are looking for more cityscape views, head down to Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in the whole of Japan. As with the Umeda Sky Building, you will have to pay an entrance fee in order to go to the top viewing deck.
4. Dotonbori & Ikedacho
Once daylight makes way for night, Osaka comes alive. Pick up your fastest lens and head down to Dotonbori to capture those quintessential, classic Osaka photos. Starting from the Dotonbori entrance neon sign (see it in the photo above), to the infamous Glico Running Man, and seafood-shaped animatronics on restaurant fronts, Dotonbori is by far my favorite place to capture Osaka’s nightlife.
A lesser known area in Osaka, which happens to be a great spot for night photography, is Ikedacho. East of Osaka Station, it is primarily filled with delicious eateries, neon lights, and narrow streets.
5. Shinsekai
Head south of Namba to the Shinsekai area, from which you can see the iconic Tsutenkaku tower, considered to be the symbol of Osaka. The area is filled with neon lights, grand seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.
The area has been slightly left in the past, which makes it a photographer’s dream as it offers retro vibes and colorful Japanese street scenes.
