- Attractions by Area -
Eat-till-you-drop Minami, blockbuster theme parks, and the “nation’s kitchen.” Osaka in one satisfying bite!
Dotonbori
The symbol of Osaka’s Minami area, jam‑packed with giant 3D billboards like the Glico runner and Kani Doraku crab.
Picture‑perfect at every turn and the holy ground for flour‑based comfort food — takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Step into the worlds of your favorite films. From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ to Minion Park,
there are attractions for everyone — kids and grown‑ups alike.
Osaka Castle
One of Japan’s three great castles, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Although today’s keep is a reconstruction,
its sheer presence is awe‑inspiring. Don’t miss the history museum and the vast Osaka Castle Park.
Dive into movie worlds! A long list of thrilling, heart‑pounding attractions.
At USJ’s grand opening, a certain Hollywood star secretly flew in!
At the 2001 grand opening, Arnold Schwarzenegger made a surprise entrance as the Terminator.
It was top secret — even most staff found out at the last minute. A truly cinematic start!
The park is now loved worldwide, but who knew it launched with such fireworks?
By the way, “Terminator 2:3‑D®” has been a fan favorite since opening day.
Home of the Glico sign — the face of Osaka’s eat‑till‑you‑drop culture.
The Glico sign has actually changed designs multiple times!
The first Glico sign went up in 1935 — a 33‑meter‑tall neon tower.
After wartime removal and several renewals, the current one is the sixth generation (since 2014).
The runner’s look and the background have evolved with the times.
Nearly 90 years on, it’s watched over Dotonbori through history. During one renovation,
actress Haruka Ayase even appeared on a special construction banner as a stand‑in.
Knowing the backstory makes looking up at it even more fun.
Hideyoshi’s colossal stronghold — steeped in drama and history.
Look for the “secret marks” carved by feudal lords on the stone walls!
Today’s stone walls were rebuilt under the Tokugawa shogunate after the Toyotomi clan’s fall.
Daimyo across Japan were ordered to construct sections; they carved family crests and symbols into the stones,
known as kokuin‑ishi (marked stones).
The marks recorded ownership, tasks, and accountability. Over 200 kinds of marks have been found.
Hunting for them along the walls is a fun side quest beyond the main keep itself.
The symbol of Naniwa! Rub the soles of Billiken’s feet for good luck.
Tsutenkaku was inspired by the Eiffel Tower!
The first Tsutenkaku was built in 1912 as a symbol of Shinsekai and said to be modeled after the Eiffel Tower.
It even had a ropeway linking it to the adjacent Luna Park amusement park — so chic for its time!
The original burned down and was dismantled, but the current second‑generation tower was rebuilt in 1956
thanks to citizens’ wishes. Feel the history — and don’t forget Billiken’s lucky feet.
Be wowed by whale sharks — a grand journey through the Pacific’s waters.
The whale sharks’ nicknames are passed down through generations!
Kaiyukan’s stars often go by affectionate names like “Yū” or “Kai.”
Even when individual animals change, the nicknames are frequently inherited — like a title.
Knowing that little tidbit makes seeing them glide through the giant tank even more endearing.
For the curious: they’re fed krill and small fish.
A skywalk at 173 m — sweeping, cinematic views over Osaka.
A super‑rare building literally “joined in mid‑air.”
Two twin towers are connected at the top around 170 m up, where the Floating Garden Observatory sits.
During construction, the observatory section was assembled on the ground and hoisted into place using a
“lift‑up” method — unusual and headline‑making at the time.
Knowing the engineering feat makes the view even more impressive.
Japan’s tallest skyscraper — 300 m of jaw‑dropping views.
At 300 m, it nearly rivals Tokyo Tower’s full height.
Abeno Harukas rises to exactly 300 m — higher than Tokyo Tower’s Top Deck (250 m)
and not far off Tokyo Tower’s full 333 m.
On clear days, you can sometimes see Kyoto Tower and even the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
The observatory’s name “Harukas 300” simply comes from the height.
The temple of laughter — Yoshimoto’s comedy plays and stand‑up all day long.
The stage is extra‑reinforced in one particular spot!
NGK’s stage is famous for the classic “falling” gags in Yoshimoto Shinkigeki comedy.
To withstand all that slapstick, the central area — where performers often tumble — is specially reinforced.
Decades of comedic energy have been absorbed there — the true “powerhouse under the stage.”
Osaka’s “Kitchen” — stroll and snack on ultra‑fresh seafood and fruit.
The name “Kuromon” comes from a temple’s black gate.
Long ago, the south side of the market adjoined Enmyoji Temple, whose main gate was painted black.
Locals started calling the area “Kuromon” (black gate).
The temple was lost to a major fire in the Meiji era, but the name lives on.
With over 190 years of history, the market serves up both flavors and stories.
From historic shops to the latest trends — Minami’s signature arcade.
“Shinsaibashi” was originally the name of an actual bridge.
In the Edo period, a man named Okada Shinsai built a bridge over the Nagahori River — hence “Shinsaibashi.”
Shops clustered around it, and the district flourished.
The river was later filled in, but part of the original parapet is preserved near the north end of the street.
Not just a place name — a person’s name lives on. Try spotting it between shopping breaks!
Taro Okamoto’s spirit lives on — feel the energy of the future in this iconic park.
Inside the tower stands the colossal “Tree of Life.”
Within that striking form is the “Tree of Life,” about 41 m tall and studded with 292 models showing evolution
from protozoa to dinosaurs and humans.
It embodies Okamoto’s concept of “the energy of life.” The interior is open to the public (reservation required)
and feels like a time warp. Don’t miss the outside either — the scale impresses from every angle.
Create your one‑and‑only Cup Noodles and trace the path of invention.
The hint for chicken ramen came from his wife’s tempura!
Momofuku Ando (father of instant ramen) drew inspiration from the way tempura batter, fried at high heat,
evaporates moisture and leaves countless pores. He applied the principle to noodles and developed the
“flash‑frying” method that rehydrates instantly with hot water.
A world‑changing idea born from everyday dining. The museum even recreates his invention shed —
you can feel the struggle and passion behind it.
Founded by Prince Shotoku — Japan’s first state‑sponsored Buddhist temple.
The grounds include a garden modeled after the Pure Land.
Within the spacious precincts lies the “Garden of Paradise,” a Japanese garden evoking the Pure Land of
Amida Buddha. Ponds, mounds, and plantings are artfully arranged — a calming space.
Shitennoji has endured wars and disasters, rebuilt time and again. You can sense the weight of history
and people’s hope for peace here.
Head shrine of some 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide — famous for its elegant arched bridge and sacred power.
The arched bridge is said to be a “rainbow to the gods.” Cross it for purification!
The beautiful vermilion arched bridge (Sorihashi) symbolizes a rainbow linking the divine and human realms.
Its maximum incline is about 48 degrees — a bit steep — and legend says simply crossing it purifies you,
even grants long life.
It also appears in Yasunari Kawabata’s story “Sorihashi.” The nighttime illumination is breathtaking too.
Note: Sumiyoshi Taisha stands in Sumiyoshi Ward; since that ward isn’t listed in the area filter, we include it under the broader “Tennoji & Shinsekai.”
One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls — foliage heaven and a misty, soothing trail.
Maple‑leaf tempura is available year‑round!
Minoh is famed for autumn colors, but its specialty “momiji tempura” isn’t only for fall.
Edible maple leaves are salted for over a year to remove bitterness, then battered and fried — a labor of love.
The tradition may date back some 1,300 years when En no Gyōja fried leaves in lamp oil for travelers.
Lightly sweet and crunchy — the perfect hiking snack by the falls.
Bamboo vitality meets contemporary art — a rare fully underground museum.
Almost nothing is above ground — and that’s by design.
Exhibition spaces are entirely underground, with only a monumental bamboo‑inspired structure above.
The museum moved here to Nakanoshima in 2004 from the former Expo site, balancing scenery and land use.
Descend the entrance to find vast galleries below — like a secret base for art lovers.
Japan’s longest shopping arcade — can you walk all 2.6 km?
It stretches the length of three subway stations!
Running north–south for about 2.6 km, Tenjinbashisuji is Japan’s longest covered arcade —
roughly equivalent to three Osaka Metro stops end to end.
Some 600 shops line the way, from eateries to clothing and sundries. It’s a living cross‑section of Osaka’s buzz.
Exploring it all could take a full day. Challengers welcome!
Roses in the city’s oasis — Osaka’s first municipal park soothes the soul.
The rose garden began thanks to “beer money.”
Back in the Meiji era, Komakichi Torii, Asahi Beer’s first president, donated part of beer sales to create
the rose garden. Today, around 310 varieties and 3,700 bushes bloom in spring and fall.
A fragrant retreat amid the towers — and a delightful story of beer seeding beauty.
Experience space and energy — with one of the world’s largest planetarium domes.
It has deep roots with Japan’s “father of electricity.”
The museum’s predecessor was the Osaka Municipal Electric Science Museum — Japan’s first science museum.
It’s said that industrialist Soichiro Asano, often called Japan’s “father of electricity,” played a key role
through his donations.
Today the themes are “space and energy,” and the planetarium dome spans a world‑class 26.5 meters.
From electrical history to the cosmos — fun for kids and adults alike.
Mini‑trip to Korea — kimchi, street bites, and Korean groceries galore.
Yakiniku smoke once almost changed the station’s fate!
Dense shops under the tracks used to send so much grill smoke onto platforms that relocating Tsuruhashi Station
was discussed. Ventilation has improved since, but the appetite‑stirring aroma still greets you.
Snack around the town on kimchi, Korean eats, and check out cosmetics and groceries. The “smoke legend” is part
of the flavor too.
Note: Tsuruhashi Koreatown lies in Ikuno Ward; since it isn’t listed in the area filter, it’s grouped under nearby “Tennoji & Shinsekai.”
“Tenma no Tenjin‑san” — home to the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three great festivals.
Pass through the “Dragon Gate” for success and promotion!
Dedicated to scholar‑deity Sugawara no Michizane, the shrine hosts the “Tōryūmon Passing Rite” each January,
inspired by a carp leaping a waterfall to become a dragon.
Passing through the gate is said to bring advancement and exam success. The Tenjin Matsuri on July 24–25
features a grand river procession and fireworks — bucket‑list stuff.
A “living museum” where creatures roam close — feel your senses tingle.
In some zones, animals stroll around with no fences!
One hallmark of NIFREL is that certain areas are open — ring‑tailed lemurs, capybaras, and pelicans move freely
through naturalistic spaces.
Animals may cross your path or fly overhead — you feel part of the habitat. Blending aquarium, zoo, and art
museum ideas, it captivates both kids and adults.
Beloved as “Hirapa” — a retro‑cool amusement park full of quirky ideas.
“Hirapa Elder Brother” levels up to “Super Elder Brother”!?
The face of Hirapa, “Hirapa Nī‑san,” is played by Junichi Okada. When annual visitor goals are achieved,
he “powers up” to “Super Hirapa Elder Brother,” gaining playful “director” authority.
His tongue‑in‑cheek posters are a staple, and bold campaigns keep fans smiling. Over 100 years old,
the park stays fresh by constantly trying new things.
Note: Hirakata Park is in Hirakata City. Since that city isn’t listed, it’s included under the broader “Kawachi Area.”
Time‑travel from the ancient Naniwa Palace to modern Osaka.
The real remains of an ancient palace rest beneath the museum.
The site sits atop the ruins of the Naniwa Palace. On B1 you can view excavated pillars and walls
preserved behind glass.
Full‑scale reconstructions of a Nara‑era palace and Edo‑period streets bring the past to life — right next to
Osaka Castle, with ancient romance underfoot.
Resort‑style outlet on the sea — shop steps from Kansai Airport.
It’s modeled after a historic American port city.
The breezy townscape takes cues from Charleston, South Carolina.
About 250 domestic and international brands offer great deals in an open‑air setting.
Come sunset, stroll by the sea and watch the sky melt into the bay — it feels like a getaway abroad.
An entire “city” built around the station — with calming plazas above the tracks.
There’s a rooftop “farm in the sky.”
On the North Gate Building’s roof you’ll find “Tenku no Nōen,” a garden farm growing seasonal vegetables
and herbs. Hard to believe it sits atop a major station!
Other unique plazas — the Wind Plaza and Time & Space Plaza — make this more than a transit hub:
it’s a place to linger, explore, and relax.
Umeda’s iconic red wheel — a youth‑culture landmark.
World’s first ferris wheel integrated with a building to use climate‑controlled gondolas!
With a diameter of 75 m and maximum height about 106 m above ground,
the views can reach as far as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on clear days.
Night rides are romantic, and the mall below keeps you busy — don’t forget to find the red whale sculpture!
Showcasing future lifestyles — a district that sparks curiosity.
Knowledge Plaza feels like a giant, open “library of ideas.”
Within Knowledge Capital, Knowledge Plaza is a drop‑in venue to experience cutting‑edge tech and research
by companies and universities.
The wall‑sized “Wall Vision” displays and interactive exhibits tickle your curiosity — shopping and dining
meet discovery here.
Moss‑covered Mizukake‑Fudo and stone‑paved lanes brimming with old Osaka charm.
Why is the Fudo statue completely covered in moss?
Visitors pour water over Mizukake‑Fudo when praying — over time, the constant moisture let moss envelop it.
Once a clean statue, it’s now a living testament to people’s wishes.
Known from Oda Sakunosuke’s novel “Meoto Zenzai,” the alley’s classic eateries and bars set the mood
for a quiet Osaka night.
As big as ~33 Koshien Stadiums — nature and culture blended across vast grounds.
A “sacred” outdoor music venue lives here.
Selected among “Japan’s 100 Urban Parks,” the park’s open‑air music hall has hosted many famous artists —
one legendary band drew over 50,000 across three days in 1991.
Also visit the Open‑Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses with homes from across Japan (including Gokayama gassho‑zukuri),
and check out sports facilities and the riding center. A full‑day urban oasis.
Note: Hattori Ryokuchi sits in Toyonaka City; since it isn’t listed, it’s grouped under “Hokusetsu Area.”
One of the few places in Japan to meet wombats — and admission is free.
These wombats have a “wine cork” connection!?
The wombats came from Launceston, Australia — Ikeda City’s sister city and a wine region.
Thanks to that tie, Ikeda hosts an annual Wine Festival, and the wombats help with PR.
Beyond the adorable animals, you can feel the warmth of international friendship — and it’s free to enter!
Flowers and greenery at the site of the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Expo.
The iconic windmill was a gift from the Netherlands.
The large windmill was donated during the 1990 Expo. Explore world‑themed gardens and the
“Sakuya Konohana Kan,” one of Japan’s largest greenhouses with rare tropical plants.
Pose by the windmill for Netherlands vibes — no flight required.
Note: Tsurumi Ryokuchi lies in Tsurumi Ward; since an exact ward isn’t listed, it’s included in the broader “Kawachi Area.”
Wander full‑scale Edo‑period streets — time‑slip to old Osaka.
The recreated town even changes “time of day.”
The museum’s highlight is a life‑size streetscape from late Edo (Tenpo era) Osaka.
Lighting and sound shift from day to sunset to night with lanterns glowing — atmospheric and immersive.
Kimono rental (paid) lets you stroll like a townsfolk — Instagram gold guaranteed.
Different from Edo — dive into Osaka’s actor prints in a tiny gem of a museum.
The world’s only museum dedicated to Kamigata ukiyo‑e.
Unlike Edo’s focus on beauties and landscapes, Kamigata ukiyo‑e centered on Kabuki actors from Dotonbori’s theaters.
The realistic, human expressions capture the heat of Osaka’s stage culture.
Try your hand at woodblock printing and take home your own piece — a unique souvenir.
16 bath styles from 11 countries — open‑air tubs with Tsutenkaku views.
The men’s/women’s floors swap every month!
Spa World has two themed zones — Asia and Europe — and they switch between men and women monthly.
Visit in different months to experience it all.
From ancient Roman‑style thermae and Islamic hammams to Japanese hinoki cypress baths,
plus pools, stone saunas, and esthetics — a full‑day global soak downtown.
Nature in the heart of the city — meet ~1,200 plant species.
There’s a massive fin‑whale skeleton here — really!
Inside the park’s Natural History Museum (within the botanic garden center) stands a huge fin‑whale skeleton,
from a whale that strayed into Osaka Bay in 1983.
Wander the seasonal gardens and ponder life’s diversity. The nighttime “teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka”
events are a hot ticket too.
Note: The garden stands in Higashisumiyoshi Ward; since it isn’t listed, it’s grouped under “Tennoji & Shinsekai.”
Red‑brick icon of Nakanoshima — a Neo‑Renaissance beauty with Taisho‑era romance.
It was built from one person’s donation.
Stockbroker Einosuke Iwamoto donated his fortune (including his father’s legacy) to realize a splendid civic hall.
Opened in 1918, it’s now an Important Cultural Property.
Inside are stunning ceiling paintings themed on creation and gorgeous stained glass; guided tours are popular.
Feel the Taisho spirit born from one citizen’s dream.
Enter the world of Ningyo‑joruri — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Bunraku puppets are operated by three people.
Each puppet is brought to life by a team: the omozukai (head & right hand), hidarizukai (left hand),
and ashizukai (feet). Their synchronized mastery makes the puppet feel truly alive.
Narration by the tayū and the shamisen weave powerful drama. Headset guides help first‑timers enjoy the performance.
A canyon of greenery in the city — a lush multi‑purpose complex.
It stands on the former baseball stadium site.
The terraced rooftop “Parks Garden” grows from the former Osaka Stadium of the Nankai Hawks (now SoftBank Hawks).
The canyon‑like design passes the stadium’s memory into the future.
Shops, restaurants, a cinema, and events make it a day out. Hunt for traces of the ballpark past!
Musicals that move you — the Shiki Company’s dedicated Osaka venue.
Thoughtful seating ensures great sightlines from every seat.
Located inside HERBIS PLAZA ENT and opened in 2005, the ~1,200‑seat hall uses staggered seating and
smart inclines so heads don’t block your view.
From “The Lion King” to “Cats,” world‑loved shows captivate audiences here day after day.
Hundreds of quirky bikes — pedal your heart out in nature.
There’s even a bike that “flies.”
Inside Kongō‑Ikoma‑Kisen Quasi‑National Park, this cycling theme park offers around 800 “wacky bikes,”
from four‑seaters to sideways riders — and the “Cycle Parachute,” whose prop spins as you pedal and lifts you slightly!
Full courses and ride‑on attractions keep both kids and grownups grinning — pure pedal‑powered fun.
Note: The center is in Kawachinagano City; it’s included under the broader “Kawachi Area.”
Tennoji Park’s grassy entrance plaza — with chic cafés and family fun.
It’s right next to the zoo.
True to its name, Tenshiba’s broad lawn is a green oasis that fills with families on weekends,
with stylish cafés, restaurants, and kids’ play areas.
Once a bit intimidating, the park has been reborn bright and welcoming — perfect after the zoo.
One of the world’s largest tombs — ancient romance recognized by UNESCO.
It’s bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Nintoku mausoleum (Daisen Kofun) stands with the Great Pyramid and Qin Shi Huang’s tomb as one of the world’s
largest burial monuments. The mound is ~486 m long — longer than the Great Pyramid’s base (~230 m).
In 2019 the “Mozu‑Furuichi Kofun Group” earned World Heritage status. The keyhole shape is best seen from above —
on the ground, the scale is almost unfathomable.
The “Temple of Victory” — thousands of victory daruma line the grounds.
The name comes from “defeating a king.”
In the Heian era, prayers here were said to have cured the Emperor, so the temple was named “Katsuo‑ji”
(originally “Katsu‑ō‑ji,” literally “win over the king”).
The grounds overflow with “victory daruma” dedicated by people whose wishes came true — a stirring sight.
Come pray for success in exams, sports, or business — and dedicate your own daruma.