Osaka is the third most populated city in Japan, and is a center of economy in the west. It once flourished as a business city in the old time, and it still does. People in Osaka are energetic and easy to get along. Here are some top tourist attractions that you don’t want to miss in Osaka. Enjoy! 🙂
1. Osaka castle
The Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka. It was built in 16th century by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a Japanese famous warrior in Sengoku priod, and rebuilt in early 20th century after the several dest by wars. It was once functioned as Now it’s a 7 story museum, where you can find important cultural assets such as war paintings and traditional costumes. The exhibitions are very informative and easy to follow, so by the time you finish your tour, you will have more knowledge of the story behind Osaka Castle.
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Entrance fee: ¥600 (High school students and over), free (Junior high school students and under)
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Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (Closed on New Year Holidays)
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Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan (Google Maps)
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How to get there: JR Osaka Loop Line “Osaka Koen Station”, Subway Chuo Line “Tanimachi 4-chome Station”
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Official Website: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/
2. Dotonbori
If you come to Osaka, you have to go to Dotonbori and try Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki restaurants, which are both popular food in Osaka. In this area, countless numbers of restaurants offer different kinds of food, and you will hear vigorous voices to welcome customers as you walk down the street. People also come to see the big Glico sign (picture above), which often appears on media. Enjoy the variety of food, and find your favorite!
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Entrance fee: free
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Opening hours: 24 hours (Opening hours for restaurants vary)
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Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan (Google Maps)
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How to get there: Subway “Namba Station” Ext No.14, Kintetsu Railway “Osaka Namba Station”
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Official Website: http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/en/
3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is the place you don’t want to miss in Osaka. It has one of the biggest fish tank in the world (5th in the world and 2nd in Japan), and you can find a number of different fish and animals from around the world, including the most popular whale sharks in the biggest tank. From children to adults, everyone can enjoy, and you will forget the time as you go on the adventure in the ocean.
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Entrance fee: ¥2,300 (High school over), ¥1,200 (Junior high school and elementary school), ¥600 (4 years old and over) and ¥2,000 (60 years old and over)
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Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Opening hours vary on every season, more details here)
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Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022, Japan (Google Maps)
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How to get there: Osaka City Subway Chuo Line “Osakako Station”
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Official Website: http://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/
4. Floating garden
If you want to catch the sunset in Osaka, I would recommend to go to the Floating Garden Observatory. The building is not that high (about 170m), however the special thing about this building is that the observatory deck on the 40th floor is round shaped, inspired by a diamond ring, where you can enjoy 360c view of the city. Watch the sunset over the river, and chase the night skyline – observing the busy city life from farther up. There is also a sky restaurant, so you can enjoy romantic dinner there!
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Entrance fee: ¥800 (Adults), ¥500 (High school and junior high school) (Price will change from July 1st 2016, more details here)
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Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:30 (Opening hours vary on every season, more details here)
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Address: Japan,Yubinbango531-6039 Kita-ku, Osaka Oyodonaka 1-1-88 Umeda Sky Building (Google Maps)
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How to get there: JR “Osaka Station” Central North Exit, Hankyu Line, Subway Midosuji Line “Umeda Station” Exit 5
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Official Website: http://www.kuchu-teien.com/index.php
5. Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku is also one of the most famous symbol in Osaka. Although it is not as tall as the floating garden (about 100m), since 1956, many people have come to see the statue of Billiken on the observatory floor, which is known for the blessings he has. Having survived the big earthquake in 1995, this tower is beloved by many locals and tourists.
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Entrance fee: ¥700 (Adult), ¥500 (University), ¥400 (High school and junior high school) and ¥300 (5 years old and over) (more details here)
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Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:00
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Address: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 556-0002, Japan (Google Maps)
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How to get there: Osaka City Subway “Ebisucho Station” Exit No.3
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Official Website: http://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/annai/index.html
6. Kuromon Market
In this market, you can find variety of fish which were freshly caught in the morning – tuna, salmon, and even sea urchins! You can also taste Osaka’s local food as you walk down the street. There are several souvenir stores, so you may find what you are looking for. Being located in the center of Osaka, it’s a good place to have local experience!
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Entrance fee: free
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Opening hours: 7:00 – 18:00
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Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0073, Japan (Google Maps)
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How to get there: Subway “Nippombashi Station” Exit No.10
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Official Website: http://www.kuromon.com/
7. American village
American village is known as a place where youth culture was born. From late 1960s, people started to open stores where surfers sold products from The west coast in the us or Hawaii. In 80s more clothing and record shops appeared, and now the place is called American village. Nowadays this area is still crowded with young people, and keeps spreading new cultures.
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Entrance fee: free
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Opening hours:
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Address: 1 Chome-5-13 Nishishinsaibashi Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 542-0086 Japan (Google Maps)
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How to get there: Osaka City Subway “Shinsaibashi Station” or “Yotsubashi Station”
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Official Website: http://americamura.jp/
Do you have a favorite place in Osaka? Tell me in the comment down below! 🙂
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