Osaka is located in the middle of Japan and is the second largest city after Tokyo. The charm of Osaka is that its people are very friendly and the atmosphere of the entire city is cheerful. With theme parks, historical sites, exquisite specialty foods, and shopping arcades, it is a city full of entertainment for both children and adults. I am sure that tourists will be satisfied both in mind and stomach.
It also provides information on how to access each spot from major stations with the least amount of transfers and the best travel time.
| 1 | 🎢 USJ (Universal Studios Japan) | An entertainment paradise where the world of movies intersects with reality, providing a dreamlike and moving experience for all who visit. |
| 2 | 🏯 Osaka Castle | A famous castle deeply engraved in the history of Japan, with a gorgeous castle tower and beautiful gardens, it has been the symbol of Osaka, the scene of many battles. |
| 3 | 🏃♂️ Dotonbori | An area of Osaka that attracts visitors with its unique cuisine, glowing neon signs, and vibrant street culture |
| 4 | 🗼 Tsutenkaku/ Shinsekai | An entertainment area with a retro atmosphere, it is lined with famous kushikatsu and takoyaki restaurants, where you can enjoy both food and an old-fashioned atmosphere at the same time. |
| 5 | 🤤 Kuromon Ichiba Market | A spot with a lively, traditional market atmosphere where you can easily enjoy fresh seafood and Osaka’s local cuisine at about 150 stores. |
| 6 | 🦈 Kaiyukan | A place where visitors can experience an astonishing underwater journey from the deep sea to the rainforest through a wide range of exhibits on the world’s marine life, centered around a giant aquarium. |
1. USJ (Universal Studios Japan) 🎢
A very popular theme park in Osaka. The worlds based on popular movie themes such as Super Mario, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions are spread out. Each world is faithfully and authentically recreated, making visitors feel as if they have entered that world.
In addition to the rides, the seasonal events and daily shows and parades are also worth seeing. The most important thing is that all the crews are very sophisticated and will make you feel as if you are in their world with their best smiles and service.
If you are lucky, you can ride a train with Mario or Snoopy printed on it to USJ.
For more information about USJ, please refer to our Universal Studios Japan (USJ) tips and guide article.
Access 🚃 (Recommended way to get there)
| From | To | 🚃How | ⏳Time | 💰How much | 🔁Transfer |
| JR Osaka Station | Universal city station | JR Osaka Loop Line | 11minutes by train🚃 | 190 Yen | Direct or once |
| JR Namba Station | Universal city station | JR Yamatoji Line | 18minutes by train🚃 | 190 Yen | twice |
2. Osaka castle 🏯
This historic Japanese fortress was built in 1583. It has a magnificent keep and a vast park, which is filled with cherry and plum blossoms in the spring. The castle played a central role in many wars, especially the Battle of Osaka in the summer.
A museum on the history of Osaka is located inside. Osaka Castle is loved by many tourists and locals for its historical background and beautiful scenery.
The area around Osaka Castle is also very popular among runners and joggers. Runners can enjoy running in a beautiful environment that combines historical and modern urban landscapes. Dotted with ponds, gardens, old stone walls, and bridges, runners can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons as they run.
Access 🚃
| From | To | 🚃How | ⏳Time | 💰How much | 🔁Transfer |
| JR Osaka station | Osakajo koen station | JR Osaka Loop Line | 10minutes by train🚃＋20minutes by walk🚶♂️ | 170 Yen | Direct |
| JR Namba station | Osakajo koen station | JR Yamatoji Line | 18minutes by train🚃＋20minutes by walk🚶♂️ | 190 Yen | Once |
3. Dotonbori 🏃♂️
Dotonbori is the central area of Osaka, characterized by glittering neon signs and the famous Glico statue of a running man. Various restaurants line the riverside, where visitors can enjoy Osaka specialties such as takoyaki, kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets), and okonomiyaki.
The streets are especially attractive at night when they bustle with tourists and locals, attracting many people as the center of Osaka’s food culture and entertainment.
The neon signage during the day is very nice, but the view looks different at night, so be sure to visit both day and night.
Access 🚃
| From | To | 🚃How | ⏳Time | 💰How much | 🔁Transfer |
| Umeda station | Namba station | Subway Midosuji(red) | 8minutes by subway🚇＋4minutes by walk🚶♀️ | 240Yen | Direct |
4. Tsutenkaku / Shinsekai 🗼
The Shinsekai district is a place where you can feel the retro charm of Osaka. Tsutenkaku Tower, towering in the center of this district, attracts many tourists as a symbol of Osaka.
Shinsekai is also known as the birthplace of “kushikatsu,” and is lined with many famous kushikatsu restaurants. There are also many taverns and small eateries where locals gather on a daily basis, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the atmosphere of old-fashioned Osaka.
The area is also dotted with bustling shopping streets, game centers, and old movie theaters, creating a unique atmosphere that blends history and modernity.
Access 🚃
| From | To | 🚃How | ⏳Time | 💰How much | 🔁Transfer |
| JR Osaka station | Shin-Imamiya station | JR Osaka Loop Line | 15 minutes by train🚃＋ 6 minutes by walk🚶♀️ | 190 Yen | Direct |
| Umeda station | Dobutsuen-Mae station | Subway Midosuji(red) | 14 minutes by subway🚇＋ 7 minutes by walk 🚶♀️ | 240 Yen | Direct |
| Namba station | Dobutsuen-Mae station | Subway Midosuji(red) | 4 minutes by subway 🚇＋ 7 minutes by walk🚶♀️ | 190 Yen | Direct |
5. Kuromon Ichiba Market 🍽️
Known as a treasure house of Osaka’s traditional food culture, Kuromon Ichiba Market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and rare local dishes.
The market is 580 meters long and is lined with as many as 150 stores. All packed with Japanese good and the best of Osaka’s representative local foods!
The streets are lined with historic stalls are a lively mix of the daily lives of locals and the excitement of tourists, making it a charming spot to enjoy a true taste of Osaka as you stroll through the streets eating Osaka’s famous takoyaki and kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets).
Be careful not to overeat, as there are many sweet traps lurking in the streets that will make you stop by the stores because of the delicious smells wafting through the air. ⚠️
Access 🚃
| From | To | 🚃How | ⏳Time | 💰How much | 🔁Transfer |
| Umeda station | Namba station | Subway Midosuji(red) | 8 minutes by train🚃 ＋ 8 minutes by walk🚶 | 170円 | Direct |
| Dotonbori | walk | 10 minutes by walk🚶 |
It is only a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori, famous for its neon signage, making it very easy to get to.
6. kaiyukan 🐠
Located in Osaka Port, this large aquarium is known as one of the best and most famous aquariums in the world, and the “Pacific Ocean Aquarium” is particularly impressive in its grandeur.
Here, visitors can observe whale sharks, tuna, and other large marine creatures swimming about at a glance. In addition, multiple regional tanks reproduce a wide variety of ecosystems, from cold waters to tropical rainforests.
Visitors can experience the sensation of traveling through an underwater tunnel. In addition to the visual beauty, the depth of the ecosystems and the ability to learn about the wonders of the sea are also major attractions of the Kaiyukan.
Access 🚃
| From | To | 🚃How | ⏳Time | 💰How much | 🔁Transfer |
| Umeda station | Osakako station | Subway Midosuji(red）＋Chuo Line（Green） | 25 minutes by subway 🚇 ＋9 minutes by walk🚶♀️ | 290 Yen | Once |
| Namba station | Osakako station | Subway Midosuji(red)＋Chuo Line（Green） | 22 minutes by subway🚇 ＋9 minutes by walk🚶♀️ | 190Yen | Once |
Conclusion
We hope that everyone will enjoy Osaka as much as possible and discover its charms in the limited time available.
In other pages, we introduce other wonderful places in Osaka, and for the people with limited time we have an itinerary for how to best spend one day in Osaka. Please refer to them as well for more tips from a local!
