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 located in the center of Osaka. The iconic view in the park is Osaka Castle tower, along with Nishinomaru Garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and Osaka Castle Plum Grove. It also has well-equipped public facilities such as a softball field, outdoor music hall, and rugby/soccer field. Osaka Castle Park is lush with vegetation, and during the flower season, groups of visitors come to enjoy the scenery.

Scenery varies with the seasons

Osaka Castle Park is surrounded by various vegetation and planted with numerous trees. Cherry blossoms are everywhere in Nishinomaru Garden, and you can also enjoy night cherry blossoms in spring. The plum grove has thousands of plum trees with many varieties. There is also the peach garden in the north and the stunning red leaves of the memorial forest. Its ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons captivates countless travelers.

Stone walls and moats

The massive stone walls built with huge rocks are a symbol of the impregnable Osaka Castle of the Tokugawa shogunate. The moat is 70-90 m wide, with towering stone walls on both sides, often exceeding 20 m in height. Travelers visiting the site are all amazed by the grandeur of the architecture.

Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum)

The Osaka Castle Main Tower standing in the park is very famous. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top floor of Osaka Castle Main Tower.

Other facilities

Osaka Castle outdoor music hall and Osaka Castle gymnasium often host concerts. In addition, there are sports facilities such as an archery range and a dojo.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a large aquarium themed around the Pacific Ocean, with a visiting route designed as a journey "from land to the ocean depths": visitors first pass through the tunnel-shaped "Aqua Gate" tank, watching tropical fish swim overhead; then take a long escalator directly to the top floor, starting from the "Japanese forest" tank bathed in sunlight, where stream creatures can be found amid waterfall sounds and lush greenery; then descend floor by floor along a spiral ramp, circling the central "Pacific Ocean" tank and passing through exhibits of the Tasman Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Japan Trench and other marine areas. The same tank reappears at different floors, offering distinct perspectives from above, at eye level and below—the entire walk feels like diving around the Pacific.

The aquarium houses over 600 species and tens of thousands of marine creatures. Its centerpiece is the "Pacific Ocean" tank, approx. nine meters deep with over 5,000 tons of water, where iconic whale sharks glide gracefully alongside large rays flapping their "wings" and swirling schools of silver fish. The "Tasman Sea" tank showcases agile spotted dolphins with dynamic swimming postures. The "Arctic Circle" exhibit recreates both ice surface and subglacial seawater across two levels, with ringed seals darting near the ice edges. In the dimly lit "Moon Jelly Galaxy," pulsating jellyfish resemble floating star clusters, making it a popular photo spot.

Plan at least half a day for your visit, as crowds mainly gather around the central large tank. When walking down the ramp, pay attention to the medium and small tanks on both sides - exhibits like penguins and sea lions are scattered along the route and can be easily missed if hurried. The aquarium also features a touch pool where you can feel the skin of sharks and rays, a particularly worthwhile experience for families with children.

△ [Gate of water] is like a transparent underwater tunnel, unveiling a blue world before you.

△ [Tasman Sea] The white-sided dolphins are swimming dynamically in this pool.

△ [Pacific Ocean] This aquarium is home to many creatures, including confidently swimming whale sharks and gracefully flapping manta rays.

• 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

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.

The Osaka Castle Museum is the core structure of Osaka Castle. In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi began construction of the castle here, earning it the nickname "Hideyoshi's castle." The current museum, seen today, is a reinforced concrete reconstruction completed in 1931 based on the design from the Toyotomi era. Its interior has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle. Standing atop a tall stone foundation, the building features white walls adorned with green roof tiles. Its upturned eaves are decorated with gold-leaf tigers and golden shachihoko (mythical creatures with tiger heads and fish bodies), making it an instantly recognizable landmark of Osaka.

Visiting the tower and viewing exhibitions are the main activities here: the small theater on the first floor loops several short films about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle, with Chinese subtitles; the second floor introduces basic knowledge about Osaka Castle and Japanese castles, where visitors can try on restored Sengoku-period helmets and jinbaori for photos, with optional women's kosode available, and also see full-scale replicas of the golden shachihoko and crouching tiger roof ornaments; the third and fourth floors display historical materials about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Sengoku period, which are rotated approximately every two months, with the third floor also featuring a restored model of the golden tea room and Osaka Castle models from both the Toyotomi and Tokugawa periods—note that photography is prohibited on these two floors; the fifth floor recreates the fierce battle scenes from the "Summer Siege of Osaka" folding screens using miniature figurines and projections; the seventh floor's "Mechanized Taikoki" uses dynamic miniature dioramas to depict Hideyoshi's life from humble origins to unifying the nation; the eighth floor is an observation deck approximately 50 m above ground, offering panoramic views of Osaka Castle Park and the cityscape. The elevator inside the building only goes up to the fifth floor directly, and the remaining floors require stairs, so visitors with elderly or young children should plan accordingly.

The surrounding scenery offers seasonal highlights: cherry blossoms bloom in clusters along the moat and in the park during spring, while fall foliage contrasts with stone walls and white walls, making it another photogenic season beyond the castle tower.

Tsutenkaku is located in the northern part of Shinsekai, Osaka, with a total height of 103 m. Although it is not as charming and dreamy as Tokyo Tower, both were designed by architect Tachu Naito. In the Conan movie "The last wizard of the century," the "sky pavilion" referred to by the phantom thief Kid in the riddle is Tsutenkaku.

Standing at the foot of Tsutenkaku and looking up, you'll notice an 8-sided weather forecast light at the top of the tower. Though inconspicuous during the day, it transforms into magical colors at night to indicate tomorrow's weather. White represents sunny weather, orange means cloudy, blue indicates rain, and pink signifies snow, which is quite interesting. If you see half white and half orange, it means the weather will change from sunny to cloudy.

Tsutenkaku has 5 floors, and the large observation deck at the top offers a beautiful view of Osaka. There are 2 entrances next to the base of the tower, one is the observation deck entrance and the other is the underground shopping street entrance. The ticket office of Tsutenkaku is located underground, so you need to go down to the B1 floor to buy tickets. There are also many specialty shops here.

Muscle man museum on the second floor

After purchasing tickets, take the elevator to the second floor and pass through a corridor to reach the exhibition level of Tsutenkaku. The second floor features a muscle man museum (Kinnikuman museum) with various interesting exhibits related to muscle man, and no additional ticket is required. You can also see a retro model of the Hankai tram on the second floor.

Observation deck on the fifth floor

On the 2nd floor, you need to transfer to the elevator that goes directly to the 5th-floor observation deck. When you reach the observation deck on the top 5th floor, you can overlook the entire cityscape of Osaka, such as the Osaka Castle tower in the distance and the nearby zoo. There are also 8 adorable statues of the Seven Lucky Gods, with the most popular being the pointy-headed Billiken. It is said that rubbing the soles of Billiken's feet brings good luck, especially for academics and love, which is why one foot has been rubbed to a shine. You can spend 300 yen to buy a Goshuincho (stamp book) of the Eight Lucky Gods and then stamp the commemorative seals representing each god in the booklet.

Observation deck on the fourth floor

Go down to the fourth floor, where there is also an observation deck. At night, this space displays dreamy cosmic patterns.

Reference room on the third floor

The 3rd floor houses an archive where you can see many miniature models and videos showcasing the appearance of the New World 100 years ago. This floor also features two Glico models, and it's great fun to take photos by crawling into the box.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.