Osaka, one of Japan's largest cities, lies on the south coast of western Honshu at the point where the River Yodo flows into the wide sweep of Osaka Bay, which opens out into the Pacific. The city is bounded on one side by the Kii Peninsula and is shut off from the Inland Sea to the west by the island of Awaji. Its location on the Yodo delta with its network of watercourses and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges has, deservedly, earned Osaka the nickname: the "Venice of the East." While the origins of Osaka date back to the mythological early days of the Japanese Empire, today the city is undoubtedly one of the most modern in Japan, boasting a futuristic skyline along with countless impressive examples of modern architecture. Its world-class status is cemented by its many cultural institutions, from its superb museums and art galleries to its ultra-modern entertainment, theater, and music venues.
1 Osaka Castle
Oaska Castle (Ōsaka-jō), completed in 1586 in just three years, was ordered built by famed Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was, at the time, the largest castle in Japan. Almost all Hideyoshi's military commanders were required to contribute stones for its construction, the largest being the Higo-ishi stone, near the south entrance, standing nearly six meters high, 14½ meters long and brought by the celebrated General Kato Kiyomasa from the island of Shodo. After Hideyoshi's defeat in 1615, the castle was destroyed, only to be rebuilt by the Tokugawa shoguns for reasons of prestige. Again destroyed after the fall of the Shogunate, the castle was reconstructed in its present form in 1931. Highlights include the five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower containing exhibits on the history of the castle and the city, as well as superb views over Osaka from its upper 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/
Osaka Castle Map
2 Shitennō-ji Temple
Osaka's best-known temple, Shitennō-ji, can trace its roots back to AD 59 and was Japan's first Buddhist temple. Although rebuilt numerous times through the centuries (the most recent reconstruction took place in the 1960s), this lovely temple remains the oldest such religious site to be officially administered. Highlights of a tour include the site's five-story pagoda along with a number of other exquisitely decorated buildings including the Golden Pavilion (Kondō) with its fine statues and paintings, the Lecture Hall (Kōdō), and a lovely covered corridor linking three of the site's gates. Other buildings of note in the complex include the teaching area, a pharmacy and hospital, along with a pleasant garden.
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0051
3 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Looking a little as if it might be made of giant Lego blocks, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is well worth exploring. One of the world's biggest such 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. A variety of Japanese marine life is also featured, including freshwater species, as well as native reptiles and mammals. All told, the site boasts 27 tanks, the biggest being nine meters deep and capable of easily accommodating large marine life including manta rays and sharks.
Address: 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 over Osaka, particularly of the port area and the Tempozan Harbor Village in which it's located, the massive Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the largest such attractions in Asia. At more than 112 meters tall and with a diameter spanning 100 meters, this huge 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 lit up in a variety of different colors dictated by the weather (orange when sunny weather is predicted, 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 all-round view of Osaka Bay.
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022
5 Twin Towers: Tsūtenkaku and the Kobe Port Tower
Osaka boasts not just one, but two tall towers that have become synonymous with the city. The oldest, the Tsūtenkaku, is in the city center and stands on the site of a replica of the Eiffel Tower that was built in 1912 and destroyed in WWII. The current structure, completed in 1956, still offers some of the best views over Osaka, especially from the observation level on its fifth floor, where you'll also find a shrine of the God of Happiness. A little further away, on the outskirts of the city, stands the 108-meter-tall, red steel Kobe Port Tower. Opened in 1963, this tower also boasts an observation deck affording great views over the city and the Kobe Port area. Hot Tip: Both towers are particularly pleasant to view at nightfall when they are lit up.
Official site: www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/Guide-pdf/mishiran-guide-english.pdf
6 The National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art, Osaka, (Kokuritsu Kokusai Bijutsukan), is a unique underground art museum just a few minutes from the city center on Nakanoshima, a small island between the Tosabori and Dōjima rivers. Opened in 1977, this important gallery 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 for the spectacular steel structure outside the museum, a massive installation designed to look like reeds bending under a breeze. Also worth a visit is the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art, home to a collection of ancient Chinese calligraphy and artwork by Japan's most revered 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. Noted for its many fragrant flower beds and, in spring, its cherry blossoms, the park is a delight to explore thanks also to its many fun sculptures, ponds, and bridges. It's also home to some of Osaka's most important tourist attractions, including the Tennōji Zoo, opened in 1915 and featuring a variety of species including lions, giraffes, and elephants, housed in such a way that they seem 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 the free tours of the park's greenhouses and other areas not usually open to the public.
Address: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
8 Osaka Science Museum
Looking not unlike the bridge of a large ship - a fact that could be credited to its waterside setting - the Osaka Science Museum (Ōsaka Shiritsu Kagakukan) is a delightful outing for those traveling with kids. Opened in 1989 above the National Museum of Art, the museum contains numerous hands-on and interactive exhibits based on a number of science-related themes covering everything from astronomy to energy sources (it also boasts the country's first planetarium). Also worth a visit is the Osaka International Peace Center (Ōsaka-kokusai-heiwa-sentaa), a museum dedicated, as the name suggests, to matters of peace. Highlights include sobering displays relating to 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 boasts many other fine examples of modern architecture. Perhaps the best known is the aptly named Umeda Sky Building (Umeda Sukai Biru), a stunning landmark consisting of two office towers joined at the top by a large platform-like structure. It's this rooftop structure that draws visitors, due largely to the network of bridges and an escalator that join the two towers, providing views of 170-plus meters straight down that send shivers down the spines of those sensitive to heights. The views from the rooftop observatory with its garden are simply stunning. Afterwards, be sure to wander the urban garden at its base with its pleasant paths, fountains, and ponds, as well as a fun underground market.
Official site: www.kuchu-teien.com/english/index.html
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 each year. One of only four Universal theme parks worldwide, the Osaka location offers a number of well-known brands, along with a few unique to the location. Recent additions include Hollywood Dream: The Ride, a fun rollercoaster that actually travels backwards at times; rides based on the Spiderman franchise; and Universal Wonderland, a family-friendly area perfect for those traveling with younger kids. Uniquely Japanese-themed entertainment and characters are found in rides based on games 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 movies is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, based on the popular rides in Universal's Island of Adventure in Orlando, Florida.
Address: 1-33 Sakurajima, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031
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