Kita is the northern half of Osaka’s city center. This sprawling ward has iconic skyscrapers and luxury retail opportunities as well as significant cultural institutions. Delight in shopping, visit art and science museums or stroll the historic streets of a quirky artistic neighborhood.

At the heart of Kita is Osaka Station City, an impressive shopping complex built around the city’s major railway hub. Roam through the fashionable LUCUA Osaka mall and step within a historic department store to find the Pokemon Centre Osaka. At the nearby Hanshin Department Store, sample local delicacies and pastries or check out the Hanshin Tigers baseball team shop.

The surrounding streets of Umeda feature sophisticated fashion stores, discount hobby stores, gourmet restaurants and numerous pleasant surprises.

Amble through the bohemian neighborhood of Nakazakicho, where art galleries, vintage stores and trendy cafés flourish in romantic old buildings along narrow alleys.

Journey toward the Yoda River to the Umeda Sky Building, a unique and innovative high-rise building with breathtaking 360-degree city views at 560 feet (170 meters) above the ground. Visit the nostalgic basement food markets or take the elevator to the Floating Garden Observatory.

Admire the elegant design and impressive Swiss pipe organ of Osaka’s 1,704-seat Symphony Hall. Peruse historic coins at the Mint Museum and wander among more than 300 cherry trees on the grounds. Delve into the city’s Edo Period days at the engaging Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

Head to the island of Nakanoshima to see Osaka City Hall and walk in Osaka’s first public park, the gorgeous waterfront Nakanoshima Park. Learn about energy and the universe at the interactive, family-friendly Osaka Science Museum. Descend underground to see Japanese and international artworks at the adjacent National Museum of Art.

Kita includes the northern section of Osaka’s downtown. Most attractions are well connected to each other and the rest of the city by subway. Complete your tour with authentic local cuisine from a takoyaki vendor or kushikatsu restaurant.