Osaka Travel Guide

• There are thrilling rides themed around Hollywood's superstar movies, fantastic performances by popular cartoon characters, and more, so everyone can have fun!

• Featuring the world's first Nintendo theme park, experience the world of Super Mario in an immersive way!

• Festive limited parades and float tours! Everyone is a protagonist in this enthusiastic parade where everyone is full of passion and vigor!

Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) in Osaka is one of the world's five Universal Studios theme parks, which opened for business in 2001 and is a classic and wonderful world of fun in the hearts of many visitors. It is similar in design to Universal Studios Orlando in the U.S., with popular parks such as Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Waterworld, and more than 60 fun-filled attractions. With these attractions, you can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at Universal Studios Japan.

Universal Studios Japan is also home to popular themed IP parks such as “Super Nintendo World (Mario/Super Mario)”, “Minion Park” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Whether it's interacting with the minions, riding on Mario Kart, or traveling through the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, it's an unforgettable experience that is full of excitement.

△“Super Nintendo World” is the world's first Nintendo theme park built by Nintendo in cooperation with Universal Studios Japan. With the globally popular Super Mario as the protagonist, the game's Kuba Castle, Princess Brigitte's Castle, and the Mushroom Kingdom are reproduced 1:1 in a super-realistic way, providing immersive experiences of the world of Super Mario!

△The “Freeze Ray Sliders” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” will get you involved in a huge farce and heat wave with the minions! The Minions have finally fulfilled their ambitions! All of humanity will be a part of the mayhem at the Minion Park!

△Embracing a variety of areas with unique characteristics, wonderment and surprise, Universal Studios Japan covers a whole spectrum of world-class entertainment through thrilling rides and shows themed on blockbuster Hollywood movies, as well as seasonal events for all ages to enjoy.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ will reproduce the world from the Harry Potter™ stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale at Universal Studios Japan.

Osaka Castle Park is a large park in the Osaka downtown area which features the famous Osaka Castle within. In addition, there is also a forest park and public facilities such as the multipurpose sports ground, baseball field, open-air music theater, and football field. The park is rich in vegetation, with cherry blossoms and plum blossoms attracting a large number of tourists every year.

• Encounter approximately 620 species of living creatures

• The world's largest aquarium

• You can come into contact with a variety of animals

Kaiyukan is an aquarium that faithfully reproduces the natural environment of the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding waters. Each region of the Ring of Fire that surrounds the Pacific Ocean has been selected and reproduced in a large tank. Each tank in the aquarium is positioned to correspond to an actual geographical location in the Pacific Ocean. Approximately 30,000 creatures of 620 species are kept and exhibited in various tanks, including the "Pacific Ocean" tank in the center of the building where whale sharks swim leisurely, the "Japanese Forest" tank with a waterfall and lush vegetation, and the "Tasman Sea" tank where white-sided dolphins live. The "Jellyfish Galaxy" tank, which explores the charm of jellyfish, and the "Arctic Circle" tank, where ringed seals and other creatures live, are also popular.

△ [Aqua Gate] A world of blue spreads out before you, like a transparent undersea tunnel.

△ [Tasman Sea] In this tank, Pacific white-sided dolphins swim dynamically.

△ [Pacific Ocean] This tank is home to many creatures, including majestically swimming whale sharks, gracefully flapping manta rays, and schools of starlings.

• Unfind with the sky

• A building connected by the Kuchu Teien Observatory

• Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird's-eye view from the 360-degree open air rooftop

The Umeda Sky Building is located in the Umeda district of north Osaka. A rather uniquely designed building, it consists of two towers that are connected at with a rooftop observatory deck, from which visitors can view the dazzling streets below. The building has become a landmark in Osaka, with visitors coming to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

△ Space filled with excitement on the way to the sky



△ A 360-degree open air rooftop observation floor for changing views at any time

△ Stand at the 173-meter-high Sky Garden Observation Deck and enjoy the dynamic night view of Osaka City

Located in the center of Osaka castle, the Osaka castle museum is the core structure of the castle, originally built in 1583, hence it is also known as "Hideyoshi's castle". The current Osaka castle museum is a concrete reconstruction from 1931, with its interior converted into a museum showcasing the history of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka castle. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka city from the top floor. Perched on a high platform, the Osaka castle museum features white walls adorned with green roof tiles, with each upturned eave tip decorated with gold-leaf tigers and golden shachihoko (mythical creatures with tiger heads and fish bodies), creating a magnificent sight. During spring and fall, when cherry blossoms bloom or maple leaves turn red, the castle reaches its most beautiful state.

Floor guide:

Inside the Osaka Castle Museum, there is a small theater on the first floor that screens five programs about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle in sequence, with Chinese subtitles. You might want to sit down and watch them.

The second floor mainly introduces the basics of Osaka Castle and Japanese castles. Here, you can also experience trying on helmets, jinbaori, and kimonos, allowing you to dress up as a warring states hero for memorable photos.

Floors 3 and 4 primarily display important historical materials related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Warring States period, with exhibits being rotated every two months. You'll also see restoration models of Osaka Castle from different periods, providing a clear understanding of its layout and evolution. Please note photography is prohibited on these floors.

On the 5th floor, there are folding screen paintings and miniature models depicting the "summer battle of Osaka," with vividly arranged figures recreating the intense combat scenes. A wide video screen also illustrates the storyline of each scene portrayed on the folding screens.

The 6th floor is a corridor, and visitors are not allowed to enter.

The 7th floor features "The scenic Taikoki," a diorama showcasing 19 scenes depicting the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with high-tech imagery bringing his figure to life.

Head to the observation deck on the 8th floor, where you can overlook the magnificent and scenic Osaka Castle from a height of 50 m above the ground. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Osaka's cityscape, modern high-rise buildings, the Osaka Plain, and the distant mountain ranges.

The iconic building, which combines three squares, is the distinctive appearance of Abeno Harukas, and at the same time represents a "vertical city" where various facilities such as department stores, hotels, offices, art museums, and observation decks coexist. The design is not only symbolic of the distinctive features of Abeno Harukas, but also familiar to many people. The colors are "akane-iro" (red madder) and "sumi-iro" (black ink), which have been used since ancient times in Japan. Akane is a plant that is used to make red dye, and in waka poetry it is also used as a pillow word for "sun" (sun) and "shine". It is a warm color that is fitting for Abeno Harukas, which is "the first to shine in the morning sun and the longest to be dyed in the evening sun" in Osaka.

Abeno Harukas, a 300m-tall skyscraper complex, is directly connected to Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and JR and Osaka Metro Tennoji Station.

There are a variety of shops, including one of Japan's largest department stores, an observation deck, an art museum, and a hotel, so you can enjoy yourself all day long.

There is also a wide selection of delicious gourmet food, including lunches and sweets that can be enjoyed along with Osaka's most spectacular views.

Located in the Shinsekai district of Osaka and patterned after the Eiffel Tower, Tsutenkaku has become an iconic landmark building in Osaka. At night, the tower is lit with colorful lights and is an attractive sight in this southern city of Japan. Visitors to the observation deck can enjoy beautiful views of the streets below while taking in the bustling city from a different perspective.

Shinsekai is a famous old district in Osaka, including Tsutenkaku Tower and many historic shops. It's an iconic scene showcasing Osaka's unique character, filled with the charm of a traditional downtown area. Its distinctive neon signs and various 3D billboards are its visual landmarks, and it has appeared in many films and television shows.

The northern part of Shinsekai was modeled after Paris, while the southern part was modeled after Coney Island in New York. Tsutenkaku Tower, one of Osaka's landmarks, is located in the northern part of Shinsekai. Although this iron tower reaching into the sky looks somewhat simple and dilapidated, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Osaka residents.

Shinsekai has many nostalgic alleyways, one of which is Takumi-Yokado in the southeast. It is said to have gotten its name from the "takumi" sound made when geisha played the taisho koto (a traditional Japanese stringed instrument). Its official name now is Nanyo-dori Shopping Street.During Osaka's post-World War II reconstruction period, Takumiyoko Alley was a popular shopping and dining street for locals, and it still retains its original appearance.

Lined with izakayas (Japanese pubs), yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants, general stores, and chess rooms filled with middle-aged men, it's a lively area. Another must-try food in Shinsekai is kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), one of Osaka's most famous snacks. This delicacy comes in a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, pumpkin, asparagus, banana, and ice cream desserts. Kushikatsu shops are almost everywhere in Shinsekai, and they become incredibly crowded after nightfall.

Located in the center of Osaka, Osaka Castle is a major landmark of Osaka. It is also listed as one of the three famous castles in Japan's history together with Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle. The Osaka Castle is divided into inner, middle, and outer castles (i.e., Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru). The magnificent city gate, the steep walls and the wide moats inside and outside are very spectacular. The pavilion also overlooks the streetscape around Osaka Castle. In the parks of the castle, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom in their respective seasons, and they are famous places to enjoy plum and cherry blossoms in Osaka.

Located at the southern end of Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori is a well-known and bustling business district, famous for its neighboring theaters, commercial and entertainment venues, and as the birthplace of Osaka cuisine. Japanese people often say "eat in Osaka", which shows that there are many restaurants here. There are huge billboards on both sides of the river with exaggerated and attractive shapes. Among them, the big crab signboard of Glico's signboard and Kani Dōraku's crab are the places where tourists take photos of the most. At night when the neon lights are flashing, you can also take a sightseeing boat and enjoy the night view of the city.

Namba is a district in Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan, and along with Umeda near Osaka Station, it is one of Osaka's two major commercial and shopping districts. Compared to Umeda, which represents the "north," Namba is a more down-to-earth and bustling area representing the "south." Namba Castle near Nankai Namba Station is an extremely convenient shopping area, boasting nearly 300 shops, including boutiques and restaurants. In addition, the area around Namba subway station is filled with restaurants specializing in affordable cuisine, and the underground area is also a vibrant shopping district with numerous unique shops.

This is a major transportation hub in southern Osaka, serving as the terminus for multiple railway lines, including the Nankai Electric Railway and the Kintetsu Namba Line. West Japan Railway Company and the Osaka Metro also have Namba stations. From Namba Station, it's very convenient to travel to popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. It's also a famous entertainment district; as the birthplace of Japanese comedy culture, it features daily live performances of manzai and new comedy, filled with laughter.

Shinsaibashisuji is located in Chuo Ward, Osaka, serving as the city's major commercial shopping district. Centered around the Shinsaibashisuji shopping arcade, it stretches from Nagahori-dori in the north to Dotonbori in the south, featuring a concentration of boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, and large shopping malls. The area bustles with locals and visitors from morning till night. Beyond shopping, indulging in authentic Osaka cuisine is a highlight—feast on local delights like okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, takoyaki, and ramen, or explore flavors from other Asian regions and international cuisines. The district also boasts entertainment facilities like cinemas and theaters, making it a perfect spot to experience Osaka's vibrant nightlife.ShinsaibashisujiJin Commercial Street areaShinsaibashisujiThe station exits directly onto Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street, a 600-meter-long north-south arcade with a covered glass roof that lets you shop comfortably even in bad weather. Its elegant cobblestone walkways, British-style street lamps, and rows of brick buildings have earned it the nickname "European Village." You'll find everything from department stores and century-old shops to affordable boutiques, offering fashion, cosmetics, luggage, jewelry, sundries, and food—perfect for tourist shopping. Don't miss the side alleys near Shinsaibashisuji, where you can discover unique little stores. At the Ebisubashi Bridge in Dotonbori, look for the nearly century-old "Snow Brand" and "Glico Running Man" signs—iconic landmarks of Shinsaibashi that make great photo ops (this area was also featured in Japanese dramas like "Hanzawa Naoki"). At night, the street comes alive with colorful neon lights and flashing billboards. Heading north from the station takes you to Minami-Senba, home to luxury brand boutiques like Cartier, Chanel, and Hermes. Tokyu Hands offers a vast selection of daily necessities and stationery, while Crysta Nagahori, one of Japan's largest and brightest underground shopping streets, features natural lighting for a pleasant shopping experience. South of the station is...Daimaru ShinsaibashiIt features nostalgic historical architecture with an elegant atmosphere inside, where you can shop for many world-famous brands as well as affordable daily necessities. Across the street is Shinsaibashi OPA, a renowned fashion shopping mall in the Shinsaibashi area, housing around 110 stores offering clothing, jewelry, footwear, and cosmetics. Heading further south leads you to Suomachi-dori, an east-west street intersecting Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street and Midosuji Avenue. Lined with sophisticated European-style boutiques, charming cafes, and restaurants, the entire area exudes a refined and tranquil vibe—perfect for leisurely shopping or enjoying coffee while people-watching. To the west of Shinsaibashi lies Amerika-mura (American Village), a hub for eclectic fashion boutiques, vintage shops, record stores, and entertainment venues like clubs. With its strong New York street aesthetic, you'll spot stylishly dressed teens in hot pants and hip-hop attire, embodying Osaka's youth fashion culture. Following Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street southward brings you to Dotonbori, the birthplace of Osaka's "kuidaore" (eat-till-you-drop) dining culture. Packed with popular eateries, this bustling district is iconic for the giant crab sign of Kani Doraku, a must-try culinary highlight. Though many restaurants have modest storefronts, the food quality never disappoints.

Katsuo-ji, originally named "Shōō-ji TempleLater, because in Japanese the characters for "king" and "tail" are homophones, this name gradually became popular. Many people come here to seek the luck of "victory." It is also an ideal place to view autumn foliage. With a history of 1,300 years, this temple has been visited by powerful figures throughout the ages, including the Minamoto and Ashikaga clans. Even today, people from around the world come here to pray for success in health, career, exams, sports, and love. The numerous "kachi daruma" (victory daruma) displayed on the offering shelves are placed by devotees who return to express gratitude after achieving their goals. The concept of "victory" at Katsuo-ji is not about defeating others but about overcoming oneself. By making wishes to the kachi daruma, facing one's inner self, and overcoming personal weaknesses through self-improvement and perseverance, one's wishes can be fulfilled.

• Where magic is everywhere

• Discover the sights of the wizarding world

• Reproduce the world from the Harry Potter stories, bringing it to life on a phenomenal scale

Located at Universal Studios Japan, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a theme park based on the stories and characters of the well selling Harry Potter series. Visitors must walk past gigantic rocks and follow a path lined with trees three storeys high before the great doors to this magical world spring into sight. Besides housing many attractions and games related to the Harry Potter movies, the park also features many sites found in the books, including restaurants and shops. All of these help make visitors feel as if they have truly walked into a world of magic.

△ Inside Hogwarts castle you'll explore the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including Dumbledore's office and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.



△ In Hogsmeade, a village where wizards reside, there is an array of shops frequented by students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.



△ A magical adventure flying above the Hogwarts™ grounds.

The Dotonbori Water Sightseeing Boat Cruise allows you to explore the Dotonbori scenery on a cruise and choose your own route. Occasionally, there will be a performance of Rakugo, a traditional Japanese comic dialogue. The cruise boat passes under nine bridges along the river, and in the evening, the neon lights of the city light up, creating a unique atmosphere.