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Osaka Travel Guide

Osaka Travel Guide

Osaka not only provides access to popular destinations like Kobe, Kyoto, Sakai and Nara, but is a glitzy entertainment powerhouse itself. Shop in the city’s northern Kita area while you explore the business district, see wildlife enclosures to the south or savour a show in the glamorous Namba district.

Start in Kita, where you can learn about Japan’s post-World War II art scene at the subterranean National Museum of Art. Kids will love the Osaka Science Museum across the road. Here they can perform experiments, watch the wonders of physics and delight in daily science shows. Nearby, find the Umeda Sky Building, an iconic silver spire that offers great views from below or from its high observation deck.

Cab downtown to the Tennoji area and enjoy its family-friendly zoos and temples. See fascinating species from Japan and beyond at the city’s animal attraction, the Tennoji Zoo. Walk around the Tennoji Park and find a quiet moment among its artistic monuments. Nearby, the Shitennoji Temple features ruins from the sixth century, while the Tsūtenkaku Tower stands as a symbol of Osaka’s prosperity.

Around the bay, find the gargantuan Osaka Aquarium. With over 29,000 underwater inhabitants, including a whale shark, it is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Afterwards, jump on a 10-minute ferry to Universal Studios Japan. Here you can spot famous movie characters while you hold your stomach on wild amusement rides.

Take a moment for reflection while you admire the pretty Osaka Castle, a construction built in the 16th century. Alternatively, find a Zen moment surrounded by colour in the rose garden at Nakanoshima Park.

Shoppers of all tastes will find their prized souvenir in the Minami district. This commercial suburb hosts a range of retailers, from high-end boutiques to local sweet shops. As evening falls, join the excitement at Namba Grand Kagetsu, Osaka’s favourite comedy theatre. After a show, find a bar amongst the glitzy neon lights of the Namba area and reflect on a busy day.

Where to stay in Osaka

• Namba

Visitors to Namba love its popular shops, and you can check out Namba Parks and Hozenji-Yokocho Alley. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

• Umeda

Umeda is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Herbis Plaza and Sankei Hall Breeze. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nishi-Umieda Station or Umeda Station (Hanshin).

• Shinsaibashi

EDION Arena Osaka and Namba Yasaka Shrine are top sights in Shinsaibashi, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Namba Station (Nankai) or Namba Station to see more sights in the area.

• Shinsaibashi

Dotonbori is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Ebisu Bridge and Dotonbori Glico Sign, you won’t get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Osaka.

• Shin-Osaka

Shin-Osaka is a destination travellers like for its coffee shops, and you might hop aboard the metro at Higashimikuni Station or Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station to explore sights like Juso-Ekimae Shopping Street.

• Minami

Enjoy the popular shops in Minami. EDION Arena Osaka is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai) or Namba Station to see more of Osaka.

Popular places to visit

• Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan shows a statue or sculpture and a fountain as well as children. Watch theatrical shows, meet lovable mascots and go on exhilarating rides at this extensive movie-focused theme park.

• Kyocera Dome Osaka

Catch an event at Kyocera Dome Osaka during your trip to Osaka.Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Experience the diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific in this comprehensive aquarium, which hosts otters, penguins, seals and even whale sharks.

• Osaka Castle

Engage with Japan’s rich history at this 16th-century site, where dramatic battlegrounds have made way for a peaceful park with cherry trees.

• Tsutenkaku Tower

Come to marvel at the tower that reaches to heaven and meet Billiken, the god of happiness and good luck.

• Nipponbashi

During your trip to Osaka, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Nipponbashi. While in this walkable area, you can savour the restaurants and cafes.