Introduction of the places to see in Osaka sightseeing summarizing by areas!
Full of sightseeing spots and playing places where you cannot miss in Osaka trip, including from the famous spots to fashionable latest spots.
Contents
Visit Osaka, the Interesting Town
In Osaka, which is known as a comedy town, there are full of attractive spots!
Not only historical spots, such as “Osaka Castle”, but also large facilities that should be in the large city, including “GRAND FRONT OSAKA” of Umeda and “Abeno HARUKAS” in Tennoji gather attention recently.
Also, Osaka, a town of extravagant in food, where are crammed with not-to-be-missed gourmets, including foods made from flour, such as takoyaki (baked octopus dough balls), and crispy deep-fried skewers, is the perfect trip destination also of going eat around.
Introducing the sightseeing spots all at once where you wish to visit when you go to Osaka, including from large theme parks that you can enjoy with your family to romantic nightscape spots!
Sightseeing Spots in Kita(Umeda) and Nakanoshima Areas
Because the area is located in the northern part of Osaka, locals in Osaka call the area as “Kita”.
* Kita is literally “north” in Japanese.
Osaka Station City / Kita Ward, Osaka City
Located in the largest downtown of the west Japan, “Osaka Station City” is a complex facility of the whole station, including re-developed area of JR Osaka station.
It grand-opened on May 4th, 2011.
The name expresses simply and easy to understand that the new “town” is located in Osaka station, with the development concept of “Discovery, Impressed and OSAKA Grand Station”.
Access
Direct connection from JR “Osaka” station
GRAND FRONT OSAKA / Kita Ward, Osaka City
“Umekita” is said that “the last and the best district of Osaka”, which is the re-development area of north side of Osaka and Umeda stations, which is used by 2.5 million people a day.
Grand Front Osaka is built in about 7ha out of the 24ha of all.
The buildings are separated as South Building (Tower A), North Building (Tower B, Tower C), starting in order from south side where Osaka station is located.
It is constituted from shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, offices, hotels, convention centers, theaters, and skyscraper condominiums.
My favorite travel plan in the station is visit all izakaya(Japanese pub) or restaurants in the 4 buildings one by one.
You will taste many kind of foods in 4 buildings because there are not only Japanese restaurants, but also there are foreign restaurants such as Chinese, Thai and Indian restaurants.
Opening hours
Shops: 10AM to 9PM, Restaurants: 11AM to 11PM, etc
Access
About 5 minutes walk from JR “Osaka” station
HEP FIVE / Kita Ward, Osaka City
Located in the center of Umeda, it is the commercial complex facility.
The symbolic existence of the facility, “HEP FIVE Ferris wheel” of real red, is of 75m diameter and about 106m height at the top.
The gondola fully equipped with air-conditioning goes one-round by about 15 minutes.
On a sunny day, you can view from Ikoma-yama Mountain to Osaka Bay, and at night, there spread around the beautiful nightscape of Osaka in front of your eyes.
As there is also a memorial photo shooting service (500 Yen), why don’t you use by all means for your memory of ride?
Opening hours
Ferris wheel: 11AM to 10:45PM (Last boarding time)
Fare
Ferris wheel: 600 Yen per person (Free under 5 years old)
Access
About 3 minutes walk from Hankyu “Umeda” station, about 4 minutes walk from JR “Osaka” station
Umeda Sky Building, Aerial Garden Observatory / Kita Ward, Osaka City
When at night, emitting dazzling lights, Kuchu Teien(Aerial garden) Observatory is just like a diamond ring floating on the sky.
It is the roof top open type observatory of 360 degrees, connecting towers of east and west of the skyscraper Umeda Sky Building that is consist of two towers.
From the 173 meter from the ground, you can overlook from townscapes of Osaka to Awaji-shima Island in Hyogo prefecture.
Business hours
9:30AM to 10:30PM (Last admission at 10PM), opens everyday
Admissions
Adult: 1,000 Yen, Junior and High school students: 700 Yen, Elementary school students 500 Yen, Toddlers 200 Yen, Seniors 800 Yen * Senior admission requires to show a certificate.
Access
About 10 minutes walk from JR “Osaka” station and Hankyu “Umeda” station
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine / Kita Ward, Osaka City
In Tenryaku 3 (949), it was built by the imperial prayer of Emperor Murakami.
The current shrine building was rebuilt in Tempo 14 (1843).
It enshrines Lord Michizane Sugawara who is worshiped as God of learning and study, so many students prepared for taking exams visit for praying success.
Tenjin-matsuri Festival, which is held from July 24th to 25th every year, is the one of the Japan’s three largest festivals as well as the one of the Osaka’s three largest summer festivals.
Business hours
9AM to 5PM
Access
About five minutes walk from “Minami Morimachi” station of Subway Tanimachi Line and Sakai-Suji Line. About five minutes walk from “Osaka Tenmangu” station of JR Tozai Line
Tenjinbashi-suji shopping streets/ Kita Ward, Osaka City
Starting from Tenjinbashi to Tenjinbashi 7-chome, the shopping streets of 2.6 kilometer in total length are the longest in Japan.
There are various kinds of about 600 stores lined up along the arcade streets, including delicatessens, cloth shops, and drug stores.
It is said that it has been started as a shrine town of “Osaka Tenmangu”, where enshrines Michizane Sugawara as God of learning and study.
During Tenjin-matsuri Festival of July 24th and 25th every year, there will be lined up stalls and show stands, and a local mikoshi (a portable shrine) will parade.
Access
Right after getting off “Ogimachi station”, “Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome”, “Minami Mori Machi station” of Subway Sakai-suji Line, and “Tenman station” of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line
The Osaka Museum of House and Living / Kita Ward, Osaka City
It is the specialized museum, the first in Japan, with the theme of “history and culture of house and living”, from the Edo Period(1603 – 1868) till the modern of Osaka.
You can enjoy feeling of going back in time at “Naniwa Machiya no Saijiki”, the reproduction of townscape of Osaka in real size during late Edo Period.
On Sundays and holidays, there are held by volunteering guides “Machiya People” some in events, including Machiya tour, Nankin Tamasudare (street performance in which the performer transforms a specially-made bamboo screen into various shapes), and picture-story shows.
* Machiya: A traditional Japanese house, especially a townhouse.
Business hours
10AM to 5PM (Last admission at 4:30PM)
Holiday
Every Tuesday (If national holiday, close on the next day). From December 29th to January 2nd. * May close temporarily.
Admission
General: 600 Yen, High school and college students: 300 Yen, Under junior high school students and seniors over 65 years old of residents of Osaka City: Free * Required to show a certificate. * Additional fees for special exhibitions
Access
Direct access from “Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome” stations of Subway and Hankyu. About 7 minutes walk from “Tenman” station of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line
Nakanoshima / Kita Ward, Osaka City
“Nakanoshima” is a sandbank caught between Dojima-gawa River and Tosabori-gawa River, and it is an area where many facilities exist, including administrative organizations, art museums and commercial facilities.
There are also some spots, where you can feel “the City of water, Osaka”, including boat boarding places and open-air cafes on the water from which you can also enjoy the nightscape of the other side of river.
Also, a rose garden of Nakanoshima Park, where about 3,700 roses of about 310 kinds profusely bloom around in mid May and around in mid October, is, where you surely wish to visit, an oasis of the city center.
Access
Right from “Naniwa” station, “Oebashi” station, “Watanabe-bashi” station of Keihan. About one minute walk from “Yodoyabashi” station, “kitahama” station, “Higobashi” station of Subway.
The National Museum of Art, Osaka / Kita Ward, Osaka City
Opened in 1977, moved to Nakanoshima in 2004, and re-opened after renovation, it is the contemporary art museum.
Rare also in the world, it is an art museum of complete underground-type, and the outer appearance is the design with images of vital power of bamboo and develop and growth of the contemporary art.
There are held various types of exhibitions, and at the same time, there are also efforts to enjoy arts, including lectures, gallery talks, “Children’s Art Tours (Kodomobijutua-)”
Open hours
10AM to 5PM (Last admission at 4:30PM) * to 8PM on Fri/Sat (Last admission at 7:30PM)
Holiday
Every Monday (If holiday, close on the next Tuesday). Around the New Year’s day. * May close temporarily during the period of replacing exhibits.
Admission
Collection exhibit: General 430 Yen, College students 130 Yen, Under High school students and over 65 years old: Free. *Required to show a certificate.
Collection exhibit (Night hours discount): General 250 Yen, College students 70 Yen * 5PM to 8PM on Fri/Sat.
Access
[By train] About five minutes walk from “Watanabe-bashi” station of Keihan Nakanoshima Line. About 10 minutes walk from “Fukushima” station of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line
[By bus] Right after getting off at “Shiritsu Kagakukan, Kokuritsu Kokusai Bijutsukan-mae” stop of Nakanoshima loop bus-Furara *Service only on weekdays
Osaka Science Museum / Kita Ward, Osaka City
Osaka Science Museum is the science museum, representing Japan, with the theme of “the universe and energy”.
At the planetarium, you can enjoy a live-explanation by an astronomical staff with full of uniqueness.
Also, a program “family time”, which is held on including Sat/Sun, is recommended for a family, as you are allowed to talk even during the program!
Besides, it is the facility of full of points to see, including the exhibits that you can experiment and science shows that are taken place in front of your eyes.
Open hours
9:30AM to 5PM (Last admission at 4:30PM. The last program at Planetarium starts at 4PM.)
Holiday
Every Monday (If holiday, close on the next Tuesday). Around the New Year’s day. * May close temporarily during the period of replacing exhibits.
Admission
Exhibition hall/ Adults: 400 Yen, High school and college students: 300 Yen, Under junior high school students: Free
Planetarium hall/ Adults: 600 Yen, High school and college students: 450 Yen, Over three years old under junior high school students: 300 Yen
* Required to show a student certificate for junior high and high school and college students.
Access
About 7 minutes walk from “Higobashi” station of Subway Yotsubashi Line. About five minutes walk from “Watanabe-bashi” station of Keihan Nakanoshima Line.
Sightseeing spots of Minami (Namba) area
Because the area is located in the southern part of Osaka, they call it as Minami or south.
* Minami is literally “south” in Japanese.
Dotonbori / Chuo-Ward, Osaka City
In Dotonbori, you can enjoy various gourmets, including takoyaki (baked octopus dough balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza), kushikatsu (crispy deep-fried skewers), and crabs!
The name of river is originated from Doton Yasui, who started canal construction in Keicho 17 (1612).
When at night, it is a downtown where neon signs shine, and a walking trail on the river, “Tombori River Walk” is also recommended.
Access
Right from “Namba” station of Subway, Kintetsu, and Nankai
Namba Grand Kagetsu / Chuo-Ward, Osaka City
Speaking of Osaka, it is comedy.
The home ground of comedy is here!
Programs, including Manzai (comedy duo), Rakugo (comic story), Overseas performances, Yoshimoto Shin Kigeki (Yoshimoto New Comedy), are performed every day, and the inside of building is enfolded with vortex of laugh.
Namba Grand Kagetsu entertains with comedy to guests everyday without holiday!
You can fully and thoroughly enjoy the comedy of Osaka!
Anyways, Yurian is also a player in Namba Grand Kagetsu
Access
About five minutes walk from “Namba” station of Subway, Nankai, Kintetsu, Hanshin, and JR
Namba Parks / Naniwa Ward, Osaka City
Namba Parks, of which concept is to unite “people”, “city”, and “nature” as one, is the complex facility located in Nambanaka, Naniwa-Ward, Osaka-City, Osaka-Prefecture.
As whole of facility, “co-existence with green” is a major theme.
The space where you can enjoy street walking and strolling together with shopping and dining, and the place for relaxation that is requested in office areas, are created as “Parks garden”, which is the style that can be seen only in the new city.
Business hours
Shops: 11AM to 9PM, restaurants: to 11PM, Parks garden (3rd fl to 9th fl) 10AM to 12MN
Access
Directly connected from “Namba” station of Nankai. About 7 to 11 minutes walk from “Namba” station of Subway, Kintetsu, Hanshin, and JR.
America-mura (American Village) / Chuo Ward, Osaka City
America-mura is a common name of an area around Nishi Shinsai-bashi, Chuo-Ward, Osaka-City, and it is often abbreviated as “Ame-mura”.
Ame-mura, also said as the origin place of youth culture, is lined up with about 2,500 shops of the main target to young people.
Also, Mitsu Park that is the center of America-mura is called as Sankaku (triangle) park by many people, as it is sectioned of triangle shape.
Access
About three minutes walk from “Shinsaibashi” and “Yotsubashi” stations of Subway
Kuromon Ichiba (Market) / Chuo Ward, Osaka City
Kuromon Ichiba, also called as “Kitchen of Osaka”, is located near Namba, the center part of North of Osaka.
It is a purveyor to chefs of famous restaurants of Osaka, and is the professional market, and at the same time, it rapidly grows its popularity also among foreign tourists, as you can taste the highest class of tuna, blow fish, sea urchin, and shellfish.
At the end of a year, there are lined up excellent “Japanese traditional New Year’s dish”, called “Osechi” and the foodstuff for “New Year’s feast”.
When you stop by, please be sure to try also the specialty “Tecchiri (boiled blowfish)”!
Access
Right from “Nippombashi” station of Subway Sennichimae Line
Hozenji-Yokocho / Chuo Ward, Osaka City
With Hozenji Temple as its center, there continues alleys of 80 meters long in Hozenji-Yokocho.
On a cobble road with elegance, there are about 60 shops lined up, including long-standing traditional restaurants, bars, okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza) ships, and kushikatsu (crispy deep-fried skewers) shops.
Characters of the signboard hanging at the entrance of Yokocho street are written by Kambi Fujiyama in the west, and by Harudanji Katsura, the third.
The center of Hozenji-Yokocho, Hozenji Temple is loved with the name of “Mizukake Fudo-san”, and the whole body of Fudo-son (a statue of Buddhist) is completely covered with green moss grown by the water that worshipers splashed.
Access
About five minutes walk from “Namba station” of Subway Midosuji Line and Sennichimae Line, Kintetsu, Nankai.
Sightseeing spots of Osaka Bay area
Universal Studio Japan / Konohana Ward, Osaka City
Very popular also among foreign tourists is Universal Studio Japan!
This is the theme park, where you wish for sure to visit if you go to Osaka, and there are various areas with different expression, so it is the facility that all ages from children to adults can enjoy.
The worldview that gives excitement and impression more than imagined by guests, including attraction with theme of spectacular movie of Hollywood and shows of popular characters, is charm.
Business hours
Different by days * Please refer to the official home page for details.
Admission
One day Studio Pass: Adults 7,900 Yen, 4 to 11 years old 5,400 Yen, 65 years and over 7,100 Yen
Access
About five minutes walk from “Universal City” station of JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line)
Kaiyu-kan / Minato Ward, Osaka City
It is the world’s largest class of aquarium, where live about 30,000 sea livings of 620 kinds.
10 sea areas of pan-pacific are reproduced in 14 tanks.
Dining time at 10:30AM and 3PM everyday of whale sharks, that swim leisurely in the spacious tank of “Pacific ocean”, located in the center of building, is a must-see.
There is a convenient service that you can repeatedly re-enter to the building only on the same day, too.
Business hours
9:30AM to 8PM in May, August, and October. In a month other than these: 10AM to 8PM (Last admission at one hour before close)
* May change according to season. Opens everyday until the end of a year.
Admission
Adults: 2,300 Yen, Junior high and elementary school students: 1,200 Yen, 4 years old and above: 600 Yen, Senior (60 years old and above) 2,000 Yen. * For senior, required to show a certificate.
Access
<By train> About five minutes walk from “Osakako” station of Subway Chuo Line
<By bus> Right after getting off at “Tempozan Harbor Village” stop of Osaka Municipal bus
About three minutes walk from getting off at “Kaiyu-kan (Tempozan)” stop of Nankai Bus * In service only on Sat/Sun/holidays
Tempozan Ferris Wheel / Minato Ward, Osaka City
Located right next to Kaiyu-kan, it is the world’s largest class Ferris wheel of 112.5 meters height and 100 meters diameter.
A cabin is for eight persons ride at the maximum, and time for going one-round will be about 15 minutes.
On sunny days, you can overlook around Akashi kaikyo Strait, and till Kansai International Airport.
Also, the see-through cabin that sides and bottom are transparent and the barrier-free type cabin that one can directly board with a wheelchair are also in operation.
Business hours
10AM to 10PM (Ticket sale and last boarding admission is until and at 9:30PM.) Holidays are the same as that of Kaiyu-kan.
Fare for Ferris wheel
Three years old and above: 800 Yen
Access
[By train] About five minute walk from “Osakako” station of Subway Chuo Line
[By bus] Right after getting off at “Tempozan Harbor Village” of Osaka City Bus. About three minute walk from “Kaiyu-kan (Tempozan)” stop of Nankai Bus * In operation only on Sat/Sun/holiday
Kyocera Dome Osaka/ Nishi Ward, Osaka City
It is the home stadium of the professional baseball team “Orix Buffaloes”.
Besides games of baseball, there are also held including concerts and various events.
The maximum capacity of numbers of people is about 36,000 when opens for professional baseball, and is about 55,000 when opens for concerts, etc.
In such a huge space, as you can do amateur baseball games and celebrate wedding ceremony, please for sure check, for those who are baseball fan!
Holyday
Every Monday (Except on a day of event)
Access
Right from “Dome mae Chiyozaki” station of subway and “Dome mae” station of Hanshin. About seven minute walk from “Taisho” station of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line
Sightseeing spots of Osaka Castle area
Osaka Castle Park / Chuo Ward, Osaka City
It is the vast park of areas of 105.6ha in total, where embraces the Osaka Castle, a symbol of Osaka.
Besides historical buildings, this park is equipped with these including “Maraschino Garden”, where about 300 cherry blossoms profusely bloom in spring, “Osaka Castle Music Hall”, where crowded by concerts and events, “Osaka Castle Hall”, “Baseball ground”, and “Japanese archery court”, and is also a place for relaxation of Osaka citizens.
Business hours
Opens everyday and all day. (* Each facility inside of the park has holidays.)
Admission
Free (* Each facility inside of the park has admission fee.)
Access
Getting off at “Abashment”, “Tanimachi 4-chome” stations of Subway Tanimachi Line, “Nominator”, “Tanimachi 4-chome” stations of Subway Chuo Line, “Nominator”, “Godforsaken” stations of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line
Osaka Castle, Castle Tower / Chuo Ward, Osaka City
The castle tower of Osaka Castle is built three times until today.
The current tower castle has been completed in the Showa 6(1931).
Though once it was burnt out from struck by lightning, re-building was proposed by Hajime Seki, the mayor of Osaka City, and it was rebuilt by donation of citizens.
It is the popular sightseeing spot with full of points to see, including a view from the tower top, the golden tea room, wearing of kabuto (helmets of sengoku warrior) and battle surcoats experience corner (paid service).
Opening hours
9AM to 5PM (Last admission at 4:30PM. * May extend opening hours depending on seasons.) Closed during December 28th to January 1st.
Admission
Adults: 600 Yen, Under junior high school students and 65 years old and above of Osaka city residents are free. * Required showing a certificate.
Access
About 15 to 20 minute walk from “Osakajokoen station” and “Morinomiya station” of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line
Mint Museum / Kita Ward, Osaka City
Located in the ground of the Mint, it is the museum where exhibits various coins of both domestic and overseas from ancient period to today.
Besides money, it also exhibits these including prize medals of Tokyo and Nagano Olympics, the shields of a National Honor Award.
In the experiencing corner on the second floor, you can experience the weight of “Senryo-bako (a box of one thousand ryo : currency during the Edo Period)”, and you can also directly touch to the real gold block (about 15.9kg) and the real silver block (about 33.5kg).
Business hours
9AM to 4:45PM (Last admission at 4PM). Closed around the New Year’s day.
Admission
Free
Access
About 15 minute walk from “Osaka Tenmangu” station of JR Tozai Line, and “Minamimori Machi” station of Subway. About 20 minute walk from “Tenmabashi” station of Subway, and “Tenmabashi” station of Keihan.
Osaka Tsuruhashi Ichiba (Market) / Ikuno Ward, Osaka City
In front of station of Tsuruhashi, Osaka Tsuruhashi Ichiba consists of 6 markets and shopping streets where are lined up about 800 shops.
In narrow alleys like a labyrinth, there are crammed with these including barbecue restaurants, Korean food staff shops, and shops of ethnic cloths, such as chima jeogori (costume traditionally worn by Korean women).
It is said that it was started as a black market after the war and developed, and even today, there remains retro atmosphere.
To such market many people gather from everywhere in Japan.
Access
Right from “Tsuruhashi station” of JR Osaka Kanjo (Loop) Line, Kintetsu, Subway Sennichimae Line.
Sightseeing spots of Tennoji, Abeno, and Shin-sekai areas
Abeno HARUKAS / Abeno Ward, Osaka City
300 meters from the ground!
The tallest building in Japan, “Abeno HARUKAS” is the skyscraper complex building, developed by Kintetsu Railway Co.,Ltd., and was built in Abeno-Ward, Osaka-City.
It consists of a department store, offices, an art museum, accommodations, and an observation deck, etc.
As it is also directly connected to the station, it is a very convenient building.
When you visit to Osaka, it is the one of spots that you cannot miss!
Business hours
HARUKAS 300 (Observation deck): 9AM to 10PM (Same day tickets are sold from 8:50AM to 9:30PM). Opens everyday.
Admission
HARUKAS 300 (Observation deck): Adults 1,500 Yen, Junior high and High school students 1,200 Yen, Elementary school students 700 Yen, 4 years old and above 500 Yen
Access
Right from “Tennoji” station of Subway, JR, “Abeno-bashi” station of Kintetsu.
Osaka Tennoji Zoo / Tennoji Ward, Osaka City
It is the city-type zoo, which feeds 1,000 animals of about 200 kinds, including elephants, lions, koalas, and polar bears.
“Ecological display”, which displays animals in the habitats reproduced as much as possible, is popular.
Also, there are some events that all ages from adults to children can enjoy, including “snack and meal time” that you can see vivid appearances of animals, and one-point-guides by keepers that held mainly in the weekends.
Opening hours
9:30AM to 5PM (Last admission at 4PM) * Opens until 6PM on Sat/Sun/holiday of May and September (Last admission at 5PM).
Holiday
Every Monday (If holiday, closes on the next day). From December 29th to January 1st.
Admission
Adults: 500 Yen, Junior high and elementary school students: 200 Yen, Toddlers: Free
Access
About six minute walk from “Dobutsuen mae” station of subway. About 10 minute walk from “Tennoji” station of JR.
Grand Head Temple Shiten-noji Temple / Tennoji Ward, Osaka City
It is the temple that Shotoku Taishi built in the first year of Empress Suiko (593).
According to Nihon-shoki (the oldest chronicles of Japan), it is told that when the battle between Mononobe no Moriya and Soga no Umako was occurred, the statue of Shitenno (the Four Heavenly Kings) that was engraved for prayer of winning were enshrined.
At Shouryou e no Bugaku Daihouyou that is held on April 22nd every year, Tennoji Bugaku is performed.
* Daihouyou: a major Buddhist memorial service
* Bugaku: a traditional Japanese music accompanied by dancing.
Also, on 21st and 22nd days of every month are held temple festivals as the monthsary of deaths of Koubou Daishi and Shotoku Taishi, and there are lined up stalls, including antiques, so it will be crowded with many people.
Opening hours
April to September: temple hall, main temple buildings, garden/ 8:30AM to 4:30PM (* 21st day of every month: 8AM to 5PM)
October to March: temple hall, main temple buildings, garden/ 8:30AM to 4PM (* 21st day of every month: 8AM to 4:30PM)
* October 21st: 8AM to 5PM
Access
About 12 minute walk from JR “Tennoji” station. About 5 minute walk from “Shitennoji mae yuhigaoka” of Subway Tanimachi Line.
Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku Tower) / Naniwa Ward, Osaka City
Shinsekai is the downtown of Osaka.
The remains of “the fifth national industrial exhibition” that was held in the Meiji 36 (1903) has been developed as the large entertainment town “Shinsekai”.
Built Tsutenkaku Tower on the north side, and Janjan Yokocho Alley on the south-east part.
Replicating landscapes of Paris and New York, two major cities that represent the Europe and America, and it was tried to import and fusion the latest cultures and manners.
Popular Billiken statue “God of fortune” is also a must-see!
Access
About three minute walk from “Ebisu Machi” station of Hankai Train. About seven minute walk from “Dobutsuen mae” station of Subway Midosuji Line. About nine minute walk from “Shin Imamiya” station of JR and Nankai.
SpaWorld Onsen from around the world / Naniwa Ward, Osaka City
It is the entertainment facility with the theme of onsen (hot spring) that you can enjoy for 24 hours.
It is so fulfilled that you may not fully enjoy in a day, including 16 kinds baths of 11 countries of the world, ganban’yoku (bedrock baths) of 8 countries of the world, and swimming pool equipped with the first in Japan giant slider.
Of course, there are restaurants, resting areas, and souvenirs corner, so you can spend whole day long inside the building.
As a hotel of all rooms with a view of Tsutenkaku Tower is attached, you can also stay a night.
Business hours
10AM to 8:45AM (next day)
Admission
[Weekdays, Sat/Sun/holiday] Adults (12 years old and above) 1,200 Yen, Kids (under 12 years old) 1,000 Yen
* Required midnight supplemental charge for use during 12MN to 5AM.
* Special charges will apply during long holidays and summer vacation.
* Separate charges required for use of Ganban’yoku (bedrock baths).
Access
Right from “Shin Imamiya” station of JR Kanjo (Loop) Line, and “Dobutsuen Mae” station of Subway Midosuji Line and Sakaisuji Line.
Sumiyoshi Taisha / Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City
With about more than 1,800 year history, it is continuously loved shrine locally, where more than 2 million worshipers visit for the new year every year.
In the ground, there are also various buildings, such as “Kaku-Torii” of squared posts, “Sorihashi Bridge (Taiko bashi Bridge)” that is illuminated at night and that is selected as one of the 100 Kansai nightscapes.
Also, when you find and collect 3 stones inscribed with the characters ‘Go’, ‘Dai’, and ‘Riki’ in the ground of cobbles of “Goshogozen” and keep them as a charm, it is said that your earnest prayers will be answered.
Opening hours
Gate open: 6AM (6:30AM during October to March, except on the first day of each month and the first day of dragon each month.)
Gate close: outer gate 4PM, inner gate 5PM
* Time of gate open and close will be different during periods of the new year’s day and of Sumiyoshi-matsuri Festival (Summer festival).
Access
About three minute walk from “Sumiyoshi Taisha” station of Nankai Main Line. About five minute walk from “Sumiyoshi Higashi” station of Nankai Koya Line. Right from “Sumiyoshi Torii mae station” of Hankai Line.
Sightseeing spots outside of Osaka City
EXPOCITY / Suita City
It consists of 8 large-scale entertainment facilities and “Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport EXPOCITY”, and is the large complex facility, the largest class of Japan, fusioned entertainments and shopping.
There are many points to see, including “Redhorse OSAKA WHEEL” that is a Ferris wheel of proudly the highest class of height in Japan, also is a landmark, and “NIFREL” that is the living museum produced by Kaiyu-kan.
Access
About two minute walk from “Banpaku Kinen Koen” station of Osaka Monorail.
Expo ’70 Commemoration Park / Suita City
Located in Senri Banpaku Kouen, Suita-City, Osaka-Prefecture, Japan World Expo Commemoration Park is the park developed the remains of Japan World Exposition (Osaka Banpaku).
At this park selected as one of 100 cherry blossoms famous spot of Japan, besides the remains of EXPO ’70 pavilions, you can also observe a circuit style garden and Taiyo no Tou (the tower of the Sun).
Admission
Common for Natural Culture Park and Japanese Garden: Adults 250 Yen, Junior high and elementary school students 70 Yen.
Access
About seven minute walk from “Banpaku Kinen Koen” station of Osaka Monorail.
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery / Mishima District
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is also the origin of Japanese whiskey.
Here is held every day the observation tour of production process of whiskey.
During the tour, you will see the commitment of brewers, which should be only in Yamazaki Distillery, and you will enjoy tasting “Yamazaki”, a single malt whiskey.
By the way, observation is free in Yamazaki Whiskey Hall.
Appearance of lining up on the wall thousands of malts and whiskeys is masterpiece.
Business hours
10AM to 4:45PM (Last admission at 4:30PM). Closes around the New Year’s day and during factory holidays (may have temporary holidays).
Admission
[Suntory Yamazaki Distillery tour] Adults 1,000 Yen (20 years old and above, not allowed accompanied with under 20 years old)
[Yamazaki Whiskey Hall observation] Free (without observation of production process)
* Both require advance reservation.
Access
About 10 minute walk from JR “Yamazaki” station, Hankyu “Oyamazaki” station.
Minoh Waterfall / Minoh City
Located one corner of Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park, the large waterfall of about 33 meter height is also selected to one of “Japan’s 100 waterfalls”.
Along “Takimichi” that is a path from Minoh station to the waterfall, there are restaurants that utilizes good-old buildings, which are recommended for lunch with resting.
Besides, “Ryuanji Temple”, where is famous as the origin place of lottery, is also a wish-to-stop-by spot.
Why don’t you try walking towards the beautiful waterfall, while fully enjoying nature by four seasons?
Admission
Free
Access
[by train] About five minute walk from “Minoh” station of Hankyu Minoh Line
[By train and bus] About five minute walk after getting off at “Minoh-eki” stop of Hankyu bus, riding from “Senri Chuo” station of Kita Osaka Kyuko Line.
* About five minute walk from the Minoh station to the park entrance (Ichi no Hashi). About 40 minute walk to Minoh waterfall.
Cupnoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda / Ikeda City
Built in Ikeda-City, where is the origin place of instant noodles, Cupnoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is the experiencing type facility of eat-education, where all ages children and adults can happily learn.
It conveys the history of instant noodles and the importance of discovery through experiencing workshops, such as “Chicken Ramen Factory” and “My CUPNOODLES Factory”, and various exhibition related to instant noodles.
Opening hours
9:30AM to 4PM (Last admission at 3:30PM). Closed on every Tuesday (if holiday, closes on the next day) and around the New Year’s day.
Admission
Free
Fee for attractions
Chicken Ramen Factory: Elementary school students 300 Yen, Junior high school students and above 500 Yen
My CUPNOODLES Factory: 300 Yen per cup
Access
About five minute walk from “Ikeda” station of Hankyu Takarazuka Line
Hirakata Park / Hirakata City
It is the amusement park loved by wide ranges of ages with the common name of “Hirapaa”.
There are lined up attractions of various types, including from thrilling types to relaxed types.
Also, there is an experiencing square of playing with animals.
You can enjoy here throughout of a year, as there are held events by seasons, including Halloween and illumination.
As it just takes about three minute walk from the station, accessibility is also superb.
Business hours
Different depending on days. *Please refer to the official home page for details.
Admission
Entrance/ A day pass: Junior high school students and above 4,400 Yen, Elementary school students 3,800 Yen, Two years old to pre-school toddlers 2,600 Yen
Access
[by train] About three minute walk from “Hirakata Koen” station of Keihan train
[By bus] About 10 minute walk from “Hirakata Koen Guchi” stop of Keihan Bus
Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun (Ancient Tumulus Cluster) / Sakai City, Fujiidera City, Habikino City
Combined Mozu Kofungun of Sakai-City and Furuichi Kofungun that lies on the border of Fujiidera-City and Habikino-City, “Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun” is officially decided to be the World Heritage registration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in July, 2019 (the Rewarm 1st).
It is the first registration that the mausoleum, where buried Emperors and Imperial families, becomes the World Heritage.
The circular‐shaped ancient tomb with rectangular frontage, the largest in the world, “Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun” that everyone in Japan had seen in the text book of history, is also the one of them.
Access
[by train] To Mozu Kofungun, getting off at JR “Mozu” station. To Furuichi Kofungun, getting off at “Kintesu Furuichi” of Kintesu Minami Osaka Line.
[Sightseeing bus] Operating route: Sakaishi Hakubutsukan mae to Habikino Shiyakusyo mae, Hajinosato eki mae. Numbers of services: 2 round trips on weekdays, 4 round trips on Sat/Sun/holiday. (May temporary stop service.)
Harvest Hill / Sakai City
It is the agricultural park, full of nature, in the land area(38,500 square meters).
In the park, you can experience playing with animals, including milking a cow and riding a horse, and also, can experience things, including making ceramics and sausages and bread.
Also, the park is well fulfilled with facilities to enjoy dining, such as a barbecue restaurant and a cafe where using locally grown vegetables.
Home-made puddings and sausages that are sold at a shop are recommended for souvenirs.
Business hours
[March to October] 9:30AM to 5:30PM on weekdays. To 6PM on Sat/Sun/holiday.
[July/August] 9:30AM to 6:00PM, [November] 9:30AM to 5PM, [December to February] 10AM to 5PM
Holiday
January 1st, every Wednesday of December through February
Admission
Junior high school students and above: 900 Yen, 65 years old and above: 600 Yen, Junior high school, high school and college students: 600 Yen, four years old and above 500 Yen, three years old or below: Free * Required showing a certificate. * Fees will be different in winter season (December to February).
Access
[by car] About 15 minute drive from Sakai IC
[by train and bus] Right after getting off at “Harvest no Oka” stop of Nankai Rosen Bus, riding from “Izumigaoka” station of Senboku Kosoku Railways.
Kansai International Airport / Osaka City, Izumi-Sano City
Kansai International Airport is the 24 hours operation international airport.
In 2017, the second terminal, dedicated to the LCC (Low Cost Carrier), was expanded, and features became more fulfilled.
Also, Kanku observation hall Sky View, where you can enjoy panoramic view of 360 degrees with views of the runway and passengers’ terminals, is also recommended.
It is full impact view because you can see the arrival and departure of airplanes very closely.
Business hours
Kanku Observation Hall Sky View: 8AM to 10PM
Admission
Kanku Observation Hall Sky View: Free *Observation tour is paid service (Reservation required)
Access
[by train] Right from “Kansai Kuko” station of JR/Nankai
[by car] Right from Kansai Kokusai Kuko IC
Shimoakasaka Terraced Paddy Fields / Minami-Kawachi District
The terraced paddy field is Located in Chihaya-Akasaka Village, only one village in Osaka.
In 1999, Selected as one of the Top One Hundred Terraced Paddy Fields in Japan, the landscape that can be said as the Japan’s original landscape attracts people that visit there.
On the second Saturday of November every year, there is held the illumination of terraced paddy field with flames of about 3,000 candles.
Why don’t you try visiting there for sure once, where the fantastic world expands?
Access
Take Kongo bus from “Tondabayashi” station of kintetsu, and about 10 minute walk after getting off at “Akasaka Chugakko mae” stop.
