Osaka Japan

Osaka Japan
City in Japan

Osaka is the city in Osaka prefecture of Japan. Osaka Prefecture is bordered with Hyōgo and Kyoto in the north, Nara in the east and Wakayama in the south. Osaka Bay to the west.
Osaka prefecture divided into 39 Cities and town.

Best visiting Time: Last week of March to Mid-April during cherry blossoms.

How to Reach Osaka

There are mainly 2 airports in Osaka. Itami Aiport was the Osaka International airport, now serves as only domestic flights. Kansai International Airport, which is 38 km southwest of Osaka Station, now serves as international flights. Terminal 1 of Kansai Airport is the longest terminal in the world.
I always use the following app to buy air tickets. Because this app shows the cheapest tickets on all airlines. I can buy tickets as per my requirement. Enter the country you are going to. Then enter your departure and arrival date. And search.



From airport you can go to the city by train, bus or taxi.

* Rapi:t Express Train Ticket to/from Kansai Airport.

* Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer.

* Itami Airport Private Transfer to Osaka City for Per group up to 5.

You can also book online for pocket WiFi from airport pickup, so that you can share your selfie with friends from the beginning of your Osaka tour.

* Japan SIM Card with Unlimited Data for 8, 16... 31 days.

* Japan Pocket WiFi Router 4G LTE Unlimited Usage for 3, 4.... 30 days.

Hotels in Osaka

I always use the following app for hotel bookings. Because it compares to Booking.com, Airbnb and other sites and shows the cheapest price in the same room. I can book a budget or a luxury room as I need it. Just enter your check in and check out date and click search.

Tourist Places in Osaka

I have described 33 Best Places to Visit in Osaka. Those are Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Osaka. Among them some are Must-Visit Attractions in Osaka. Also described The Best Things to Do in Osaka and Fun Things to Do in Osaka.
So that you can able to know the Famous Osaka Tourist sights and Attractions and make your itinerary for Osaka Attractions & Sightseeing.
You need approximately USD 210 to visit all the places listed below + Food cost + Transport cost + Accommodation cost.

Day-1:

Universal Studios

Themed Park

Visiting Time: 10 AM to 7 PM every day.
Entry Fee:
1 Day - 7,800 Yen ($73.03) for adult. 5,400 Yen ($50.67) for child age 4-11. 7,100 Yen for senior.
2 Day - 15,400 Yen ($144.18) for adult. 10,500 Yen ($98.31) for child age 4-11.
How to go: About 6.7 km from Rail Station towards southwest at 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward.


* If you have time, you can visit Maishima Ryokuchi Park at Maishima Sports Island. About 3 km from Universal Studios towards west front of the ocean.


Day-2: Tempozan Harbor Village

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Ferris Wheel

Evening lighting are beautiful.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 10 PM.
Ride Fee: 800 Yen ($7.49).
How to go: From Osaka Station take Osaka City Bus 88 and get off at the Tempozan bus stop. It takes about 45 minutes. From Osaka Station you can take the Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station and then to the Chuo Subway Line. The total fare about 400 Yen ($3.79) and it will take you just 17 minutes. About 400 meters from Osakako Station towards northwest at 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Sports

Visiting Time: 10 AM to 4 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 2400 Yen ($22.47).
How to go: Southwest side of Ferris Wheel.
Attractions: The Great LEGO® Race VR Experience, LEGO® Factory Tour, LEGO® 4D Cinema, Kingdom Quest, MINILAND®, LEGO® Racers: Build & Test, Merlin’s Apprentice, LEGO® City Play Zone, Master Builder Academy, DUPLO® Farm, LEGO® Friends Olivia's House, LEGO® Shop, Café, Minifigure Trading.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Aquarium

Kaiyukan is the world's largest aquarium
Visiting Time: 10.30 to 6 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 2300 Yen ($21.45) for adult. 2000 Yen ($18.65) for Senior age above 59. 1200 Yen ($11.19) for child age 7-15. 600 Yen ($5.6) for child age 4-6. Free for child below 4.
How to go: West site of LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Online Ticket: Buy online and skip the line for Aquarium Kaiyukan Entry Ticket.


* Also visit the port of osaka near Aquarium Kaiyukan. You can see Sakishima Cosmo Tower, the 2nd tallest building in Osaka. It is mainly for hotel.


Day-3:

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

Park

The park is almost 300 acres. Most beautiful view is the windmill surrounded by tulip garden during Mid-April. If you miss that no problem, Sunflowers surrounded by Windmill during mid-July to August. Marigolds can be found during June to August. Cosmos during late October to late November. Rose garden located at the 20 meters from the windmill. Best time is May to June, October to November. Another view is cherry blossom from Last week of March to 1st week of April.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 5 PM. Monday, Dec 28, Jan 4 remains closed. Lat entry at 4:30 PM.
Entry Fee: 500 Yen ($4.55) for adult. Free for junior high and younger.
How to go: From Osaka Station, take the JR Loop Line to Kyobashi Station.
Inside the Premises: China Garden, Irish Garden, Central Fountain, Hana Haku Memorial Park.
Sakuya Konohana Kan: Greenhouse with 5500 Kinds of Flowers from all around the world. There is a free 30 minutes guided flower tour held on every day at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. The tour began from the room of tropical rain forest plants near a lotus pond.
Pony Ride: 9 AM t0 7 PM. Tuesday remains closed. It cost 700 Yen ($6.53).


Day-4:

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Park

About 4 km park alongside the Ogawa River from Sakuranomiya Station to south. During cherry blossom (from Last week of March to 1st week of April), the park is the must visit place in Osaka.
How to go: Sakuranomiya Station is about 2 km from Osaka Rail station towards east.

Japan Mint

Garden and Museum

The Osaka Mint Bureau is the head office of Japan Mint. It is a governmental office responsible for the supply of coins and medals and also work with metals.
Main attraction is their cherry garden. More than 300 trees with over 100 cherry varieties and more than five petals per blossom can be viewed on the premises. Every year, the gates to the cherry garden are specially opened to the general public during a one week period in mid April.
The Mint Museum is opened to the public all time. It exhibits various coins and medals with the coin production process and history.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 4.45 PM every day.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: Kema Sakuranomiya Park, cross the bridge of Keihan National Highway.

Osaka Castle

Castle

The construction of the castle begins in 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The Main Tower of castle was completed in 1985. After the death of Hideyoshi in 1598, Ieyasu Tokugawa, who worked for Hideyoshi, ruined the Toyotomi family and destroyed Osaka Castle in 1615. The Tokugawa government began reconstructing Osaka Castle in 1620. The Main Tower was completed in 1626 and re-construction of castle was completed in 1629.
The main tower was partly destroyed by lighening abd fire in 1665 and almost destroyed again in 1868 by fire during the battle between the New Government Army and Tokugawa Shogunate Army.
In 1931, the Main Tower was reconstructed and used as a military base. Fushimi Turret and other old structures were destroyed during 2nd world war.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5 PM every day. last entry 4.30 PM. 28th December to 1st January remains closed.
Entry Fee: 600 Yen ($5.6) for adult. Free for child age below 15, ID required.
How to go: It is the south end of the Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
Inside the Premises: Nishinomaru Garden, Hokoku Shrine and park.
Castle: Go to observation deck climbing by the stairs or take the elevator up to the top of the castle for a panoramic view of the city. There is a museum with over 10000 historical artifacts.


* Musuem lover can visit Osaka International Peace Center, located at the southeast end of casle park and Osaka Museum of History at the southwest end of castle park.
* Those who have the Osaka Amazing Pass, they will get a free cruize ride on Okawa River from Aqua-Liner. It is located at the northeast end of castle park. Without Osaka Amazing pass, it is expensive and nothing special. So, omit this.

Nakanoshima Rose Garden

Garden

The largest Rose Garden in Osaka. It is divided into three areas, Bara-no-Niwa, Bara-no-Komichi, and Bara-no-Hiroba.
Visiting Time: Best time to visit during mid-May and mid-October.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located inside Nakanoshima Park about 1.5 km from the north side of Osaka Castle, south end of Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. About 1.6 km from Osaka rail station towards southeast.


* There is a Museum of Oriental Ceramics. If you wish you can visit.

Osaka City Central Public Hall

Municipal Hall

Nice old architectural building used for cultural, artistic, and social activity purposes.
Visiting Time: 9.30 AM to 9.30 PM. Last Tuesday of each month remains closed.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: Walk few hundred meters from rose garden towards west.

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Street

About 2 km shoppitng street, said to be the longest shopping street in Japan from Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome Subway Station towards south until close to the Tenjinbashi Bridge.
How to go: From Rose Garden cross the Tenjinbashi Bridge and walk towards north.
On the Way:
Osaka Temmangu: Shrine at 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward.
Ogimachi Park: Open park for children.

Kids Plaza Osaka

Kids Museum

Visiting Time: 9.30 AM to 5 PM. Ticket closes at 4.15 PM. 2nd and 4th Monday of each month remains closed.
Entry Fee: 1400 Yen ($13.06) for adult. 800 Yen (7.46) for elementary and middle school students. 500 Yen ($4.66) for child. 700 Yen ($6.53) for senior.
How to go: It is near Ogimachi Park at 2-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita-ku.

Hep Five Ferris wheel

Ferris Wheel

Visiting Time: 11 AM to 10.45 PM.
Entry Fee: 600 Yen ($5.6).
How to go: East side of Osaka Rail Station.


Day-5:

Tusyu-no-Tenjinja

Shrine

Also known as Ohatsu Tenjin. It is said that, A girl named Ohatsu and the boy Tokubei loved each other. Maybe they couldn't marry due to family and other pressures. So, they met at the shrine and take their own lives. The double suicide occurred within the the boundaries of the shrine in 1703. Later the shrine has arranged a puppet show called “Sonezaki Shinju (means Double Suicide). It became popular to the young couples and they write their prayers on special wooden plaques called ema for success in love.
How to go: It is located about 300 meters from Osaka Rail Station or Hep Five Ferris wheel towards south at 2-5-4 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi.

The National Museum of Art

Museum

Visiting Time: 10 AM to 5 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 430 Yen ($4.01) for adult. 130 Yen ($1.21) for university student. Free for child age below 18 and senior.
How to go: It is located about 1.2 km from Osaka rail station towards southwest at 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku.

Osaka Science Museum

Musuem

Visiting Time: 9.30 AM to 5 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee Exhibition Hall: 400 Yen ($3.73) for adult. 300 ($2.8) Yen for university student. Free for child age below 18.
Entry Fee Planetarium Hall:  600 Yen ($5.6) for adult. 450 Yen ($4.2) for university student. 300 Yen ($2.8) for child age above 2.
How to go: Near The National Museum of Art at 4-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku.

Midosuji

Street

About 4 km long and 44 meters wide street lined with gingko trees. During autumn (Last week of September to December), the leaves turn to golden color, looks more beutiful. The street popular for international brand shops and many more.
How to go: From Tusyu-no-Tenjinja Shrine go straight south cross the river and Nakanoshima Park. The road starts from the south bank and leads towards south.

America Mura

Area

American Village was called Sumiya Machi (Charcoal shop town). Here in the past housed of charcoal wholesalers and lumber processing shops. After 1969, charcoal business gradulally convert into fashion shops, restaurants, and live music clubs. Now it is the best place for nightlife.
How to go: From Shinsaibashi Station at Midosuji street, walk about 340 meters towards south through Midosuji street and then turn right to Shinsaibashi Big Step shopping mall.
Inside premises: Sankaku Koen, "Peace on Earth” painting, Mitsuhachimangu Shrine.
Shinsaibashi Big Step: Shopping Mall at 1 Chome-6-14 Nishishinsaibashi.
Silver Ball Planet: Coin-operated pinball machines to spend the time. It is located at 1 Chome-6-14 Nishishinsaibashi.
Kogaryu Takoyaki: Food shop specially for Takoyaki. It is located at 2 Chome-18-4 Nishishinsaibashi.
Shiroichi Shinsaibashi: Best Ice Melon Bread at 2 Chome-11-9 Nishishinsaibashi.
Long Softcream: Icecream shop about 40 cm long soft cream. It is located at 2 Chome-11-9 Nishishinsaibashi.
Alice on Wednesday: Themed shop following "Alice in Wonderland". Enter through a small gate. jewellery, notepads, accessories, food items, etc inside the shop. It is located at 2 Chome-12-25, Nishishinsaibashi.

Dotonbori District

District in Osaka

How to go: South end of Midosuji Street after crossing the river, turn left
Inside the Premises:
Tombori River Side: You can walk river side or a River cruise. Cruise ticket price 900 Yen ($8.39) for adult and 400 Yen ($3.73) for child. Operating from 1 PM to 9 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 9 PM on weekends. Buy online ticket.
Don Quijote: Popular Super shop that sells everything at a cheap price and it has a yellow ferris wheel, that makes it unique. You can think you are in amazing park. Ferris Wheel runs from 11 AM to 11 PM. Cost 600 Yen ($5.6).
Daruma: Kushikatsu restaurant. kushikatsu is one of the famous foods in Osaka. Meat or vegetables are deep-fried on skewers and eaten with Kushikatsu sauce. It is located at 1 Chome-6-4 Dotonbori.
Hozenji Yokocho: Tiny street leads to the Hozenji Temple.
Hozenji Temple: It is located at 1 Chome-2-16 Nanba.
Kuidaore Building: Kuidaore Taro statue is the symbol of Dotonbori. It is located at 1 Chome-7-21 Dotonbori.

Konamon Museum:

Restaurant and Museum

Famous food "Takoyaki" served with champagne and wine in a B1 basement bistro. On the 1st floor, you can watch the technique of Takoyaki experts firsthand. On the 2nd floor, Konamon Historical Museum. See historical documents about takoyaki's famous brown sauce. On the 3rd floor, you can make Takoyaki Wax samples, which you can bring for a souvenir.
Entry Fee: Free. Wax model making costs 1600 Yen ($14.92).
How to go: It is located north side of Kuidaore Building at 1 Chome-6-12 Dotonbori.


Osaka Shochikuza Theatre: It is located at 1-9-19 Dotonbori.
Dotonbori Glico Sign: Famous Dotonbori signboard. It is a billboard for Glico, a famous Japanese food company at 1 Chome-10-2 Dotonbori.
Ebisu Bridge: On the northeast side is the Glico signboard, a popular spot for taking selfies.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Street

About 600 meters most popular shopping street.
How to go: From Ebisu Bridge to towards north till the Shinsaibashi station.


Day-6:

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Shrine

Lion head shape Srine
How to go: It is located about 6 minutes walk from Namba Station at 2-9-19 Moto-machi, Naniwa-ku.

Nipponbashi

District in Osaka

How to go: From Nipponbashi Station Take Exit 5. Once you’re above ground, walk south.

Namba Grand Kagetsu

Theater

A hub of stand-up comedy culture.
Entry Fee: From 4200 Yen (39.17) to 4700 Yen ($43.83).
How to go: It is located at 11-6 Nambasennichimae.

Kuromon Market

Market

About 580 meters street food market.
How to go: It is about 150 meters from Nipponbashi Station towards south.

Aizendo Shomanin Temple

Buddhist Temple

Prince Shotoku first built Shitnnoji Temple in 593. He also built seven shrines and four temples to protect Shitennoji. Aizen-do temple is one of them. It became more popular due to its deity, Aizen Myouou, god of good matchmaking and happy marriage.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Kuromon Market towards southeast at 5-36 Yuhigaokacho.

Shitennoji

Buddhist Temple

Prince Shotoku first built Shitnnoji Temple in 593.
Entry Fee:
Chushin Garan: Inner temple complex. 300 Yen ($2.8) for adult. 200 Yen ($1.67) for senior high and university students. Free for children of junior high age or younger.
The Treasure House: Located east side of the temple complex. 500 Yen ($4.66) for adult, 300 Yen ($2.8) for senior high and university students. Free for children of junior high age or younger.
The Gokurakujodo Garden: It is located in the north east corner of the temple grounds. 300 Yen ($2.8) for adult, 200 Yen ($1.67) for school age or university students. Free for pre-school age children.
How to go: About 550 meters from Aizendo Shomanin Temple towards east at 1-11-18 Shitennoji.

Isshinji Temple

Buddhist Temple

Built in 1185.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 4 PM every day.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located about 450 meters from Shitennoji Temple towards west at 2 Chome-8-69 Osaka.


* There is a Museum "Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts". If you wish you can visit.

Tennoji Zoo

Zoo

Visiting Time: 9.30 AM to 5 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 500 Yen ($4.67) for adult. 200 Yen ($1.67) for elementary/junior high school student. Free for child younger than first-grade age, elementary and middle school student.
How to go: About 500 meters from Isshinji Temple towards southwest.

Spa World

Spa

Visiting Time: Onsen - 10 AM to 8.45 PM on the next day at 4F and GF. Stone Saunas - 10 AM to 6 AM next day at 3F. Swimming Pool - Monday to Friday - 10 AM to 7 PM. Weekend - 10 AM to 10 PM at Base Floor. Kiddy Park - Monday to Friday - 12 PM to 8 PM and weekend - 11 AM to 9 PM at 4F. Gym - 10 AM to 10 PM at Ground Floor.
Entry Fee: Onsen (Hot Spring Bath) + Swimming Pool + Towel, Loungewear, Amenties - 1300 Yen ($12.13) for adult to middle school child. 1000 Yen ($9.33) for child of elementary school or below.

Costs:
Gangan-Yoku Stone Saunas: Weekday 10 AM to 6 PM - 800 Yen ($7.47). Weekend 10 AM to 10 PM - 1000 Yen ($9.33), Weekend 10 PM to 6 AM - 800 Yen ($7.47).

Swimming Pool:
Kids Water Slides Unlimited Pass - 800 Yen ($7.47).
Water Slides One-Time Pass any from Panic Tornado, NEW Zoku Zoku Bang - 500 Yen ($4.67).
Unlimited Pass (Panic Tornado, NEW Zoku Zoku Bang for All-Day) - 1500 Yen ($14).
Rental Swimsuits - 650 Yen ($6.07).
Rental Floats -    770 Yen ($7.19).

Kiddy Park:
Child (under 3rd grade) - 500 Yen ($4.67) for unlimited from Weekend 12 PM to 8 PM. In weekday 500 Yen ($4.67) for 1st hour and 250 Yen for each 30 minutes.
Accompanied Guardian: 500 Yen ($4.67).

How to go: It is located 160 meters from Zoo towards south at  Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi.
Online Ticket: Buy online and skip the line for Spa World Entry Ticket.

Tsutenkaku

Tower

Nice view from outside at evening time for lightings.
Entry Fee: 800 Yen ($7.46) for adult. 400 Yen ($3.73) for child age above 5, Elementary and middle school students.
How to go: Near south side of Ebisucho Station.


Day-7:

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Shrine

It is one of Japan's oldest shrines. Founded in the 3rd century.
Visiting Time: 6 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: Near Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.

Nagai Park

Park

Visiting Time: 24 hours.
Entry Fee: Free
How to go: Near Yanmar Stadium Nagai.  From Osaka Station, take the Midosuji subway line 10 to Nagai Station.
Inside Premises: Nagai Botanical Garden and Osaka Museum of Natural History.

Things to do in Osaka

* Naruto and Boruto Park Ticket with Bus Transfers from Osaka.

* Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto.



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