One of Japan’s largest cities, Osaka is located on the southern coast of western Honshu at the point where the Yodo River flows into the wide arc of Osaka Bay, which empties into the Pacific Ocean. The city is bordered on one side by the Kii Peninsula and is closed from the Inland Sea on the west by Awaji Island. Its location on the Yodo Delta with its network of waterways and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges has, deservedly, earned Osaka the nickname: the “Venice of the East.” While Osaka’s origins date back to the mythological early days of the Japanese empire, today the city is undoubtedly one of the most modern in Japan, with a futuristic skyline and countless impressive examples of modern architecture. Its world-class status is cemented by its many cultural institutions, from its beautiful museums and art galleries to its state-of-the-art entertainment, theater and music venues.
1 Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
Oaska Castle (Ōsaka-jō), completed in 1586 in just three years, was ordered by the famous Japanese warrior and politician. Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was, at the time, the largest castle in Japan. Almost all of Hideyoshi’s military commanders had to contribute stones for the construction, the largest of which was the Higo-ishi Stone, at the south entrance, standing almost twenty feet high, 45½ feet long and brought by the famous general Kato Kiyomasa from Shodo Island. After Hideyoshi’s defeat in 1615, the castle was destroyed, only to be rebuilt by the Tokugawa shoguns for reasons of prestige. Destroyed again after the fall of the Shogunate, the castle was reconstructed in its current form in 1931. Highlights include the five-story 42-meter-high main tower with exhibits on the history of the castle and the city, as well as outstanding views of Osaka from the top floors. Also of interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku Shrine dedicated to Hideyoshi and his family.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002
Official site: www.osakacastle.net/english
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2 Shitennō-ji Temple
Osaka’s most famous temple, Shitennō-ji, can trace its origins back to 59 AD. And was the first Buddhist temple in Japan. Although this temple has been rebuilt many times over the centuries (the most recent reconstruction took place in the 1960s), this beautiful temple is the oldest religious site under official administration. Highlights of a tour include the site’s five-storey pagoda and a number of other beautifully decorated buildings, including the Golden Pavilion (Kondō) with its fine statues and paintings, the Lecture Hall (Kōdō) and a lovely covered corridor containing three of the site ports. Other buildings of interest in the complex include the learning area, a pharmacy and a hospital, together with a pleasant garden.
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0051
3 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, which looks a bit like it’s made of giant Lego blocks, is definitely worth exploring. One of the world’s greatest attractions, this walk-through aquarium takes guests on a fascinating tour of a number of marine habitats, including the Pacific Ocean and Antarctica, along with the Great Barrier Reef and Monterey Bay. There is also a variety of Japanese marine life to see, including freshwater species and native reptiles and mammals. All told, the site boasts 27 tanks, the largest of which is nine meters deep and capable of easily accommodating large marine life, including manta rays and sharks.
Adres: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022
Official site: www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/index.htm
4 The Tempozan Ferris wheel
Providing some of the best views of Osaka, especially of the harbor area and the Tempozan Harbor Village in which it is located, the enormous Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the biggest attractions in Asia. Measuring over 112 meters in length and 100 meters in diameter, this enormous Ferris wheel has been in operation since 1997 and offers a thrilling 17-minute journey that is especially enjoyable at night when the wheel is illuminated in different colors dictated by the weather (orange when sunny weather is forecast, green for clouds and blue for rain). Hot Tip: Thrill seekers can opt for one of the special “see-through bottom” cars for an incredible view of Osaka Bay.
Adres: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022
5 Twin Towers: Tsūtenkaku en de Kobe Port Tower
Osaka has not just one, but two tall towers that have become synonymous with the city. The oldest, the Tsūtenkaku, is located in the city center and stands on the site of a replica of the Eiffel Tower that was built in 1912 and destroyed in World War II. Completed in 1956, the current structure still offers some of the best views of Osaka, especially from the fifth-floor observation level, where you’ll also find a shrine of the God of Luck. A little further away, on the edge of the city, stands the 108-meter-high, red steel Kobe Port Tower. Opened in 1963, this tower also features an observation deck with great views of the city and port area of Kobe. Hot Tip: Both towers are particularly pleasant to view at nightfall when they are illuminated.
Official site: www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/Guide-pdf/mishiran-guide-english.pdf
6 The National Art Museum
The National Museum of Art, Osaka, (Kokuritsu Kokusai Bijutsukan), is a unique underground art museum located just a few minutes from the city center on Nakanoshima, a small island between the Tosabori and Dōjima rivers. This important gallery opened in 1977 and contains a large collection from some of the leading international artists of the post-war period, including examples by Picasso and Cézanne and Japanese artists Kuniyoshi and Foujita, along with many important relics and statues. Even if art isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting the spectacular steel structure outside the museum, a huge installation designed to look like reeds bending under a breeze. Also worth visiting is the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art , home to a collection of ancient Chinese calligraphy and artwork by Japan’s most respected artists.
Address: 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-0005
Official site: www.nmao.go.jp/en/index.html
7 Tennōji Park and Zoo
Osaka’s largest green space, Tennōji Park (Tennōji Kōen), serves as a place of respite from this otherwise busy city. Known for its many fragrant flower beds and in spring its cherry blossoms, the park is a joy to explore thanks to its many lovely sculptures, ponds and bridges. It is also home to some of Osaka’s top tourist attractions, including the Tennōji Zoo, opened in 1915 and housing a variety of species, including lions, giraffes and elephants, housed in such a way that they appear to be roaming the African savannah . Also worth a visit is the hippo pool and reptile house. Hot Tip: Try to time your visit for free tours of the park’s greenhouses and other areas not normally open to the public.
Adres: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
8 Osaka Science Museum
The Osaka Science Museum (Ōsaka Shiritsu Kagakukan) is not quite the same as the bridge of a large ship – a fact that can be attributed to its waterfront location – and is a fun outing for those traveling with children. Opened in 1989 above the National Art Museum , the museum contains numerous hands-on and interactive exhibitions based on a number of science-related themes covering everything from astronomy to energy sources (it also has the country’s first planetarium). Also worth visiting is the Osaka International Peace Center (Ōsaka-kokusai-heiwa-sentaa), a museum that, as the name suggests, is dedicated to matters of peace. Highlights include sobering displays regarding the destruction of war, as well as a replica of the famous Doomsday Clock.
9 The Umeda Sky Building
In addition to the stunning architecture associated with its museums and art galleries, Osaka has many other fine examples of modern architecture. Perhaps the best known is the appropriately named Umeda Sky Building (Umeda Sukai Biru), a beautiful monument consisting of two office towers with a large platform-like structure at the top. It is this roof structure that attracts visitors, largely thanks to the network of bridges and an escalator that join the two towers, with a view of 170-plus meters straight down that sends shivers down the spines of highly sensitive people. The view from the rooftop observatory with its garden is simply stunning. Afterwards, wander through the city garden at the base with its pleasant paths, fountains and ponds, as well as a fun underground market.
10 Universal Studios Japan
One of Osaka’s newest attractions, Universal Studios Japan is also one of the city’s busiest, attracting around 10 million visitors annually. One of only four Universal theme parks worldwide, the Osaka location offers a number of well-known brands, along with some unique locations. Recent additions include Hollywood Dream: The Ride , a fun roller coaster that occasionally reverses; rides based on the Spider Man franchise; and Universal Wonderland , a family-friendly environment ideal for travelers with younger children. Unique Japanese-themed entertainment and characters can be found in game-based rides and TV shows in the Universal Cool Japan area, including Monster Hunter and the One Piece Premier Show . Also of interest to fans of both the books and films is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , based on the popular attractions at Universal’s Island of Adventure in Orlando, Florida.
Address: 1-33 Sakurajima, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031
Official site: www.usj.co.jp/e/
Where to stay in Osaka for sightseeing
The best place to stay in Osaka is in the densely populated center, close to restaurants, shops and many of the main attractions. The famous Osaka Castle is on the western edge of downtown and Shitennō-ji Temple is to the south. Closer to the water, you’ll find the world famous Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Harbor Village. Below are some highly rated hotels in good locations:
- Luxury Hotels: The Intercontinental Hotel Osaka offers spacious rooms in a prime location in the center of all the action. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the central station. The new Marriott Miyako Hotel is located in the tallest building in Japan. Located on floors 38-57, the hotel features rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city and surrounding plains. The St. Regis Osaka is located on Midosuji Avenue, one of Osaka’s most prestigious streets with exclusive shops. It offers luxuriously furnished rooms and is just minutes from Osaka Castle.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Ideal for families and close to Universal Studios is the Hotel Universal Port. A ferry leaves from behind the hotel and goes to the village of Tempozan, where the Ferris wheel is located. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Kitahama is located halfway between Osaka Castle and Tennoji Zoo. Standard rooms are comfortably equipped and a metro stop is located below the hotel. Mitsui Garden Hotel offers spacious rooms in a quiet area, within walking distance of both the Osaka Science Museum and the National Art Museum.
- Budget Hotels: The Business Hotel Mikado is located in the Namba district, not far from the zoo. This budget hotel has simple Japanese-style rooms with shared bathrooms and showers. Free bicycles are available for guests. The conveniently located Hotel Kinki offers good and spacious rooms. The hotel’s name refers to the area of the city and the main station is a short walk away.
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