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Sightseeing

Attractions

Osaka Castle
Tenmabashi Station on the Tanimachi subway line, Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Chuo subway line, Osakajo Koen Station on the JR Loop Line
Osaka Castle, a reconstruction of one of Japan's most famous fortresses, is said to be the most visited tourist attraction in the country. If you want to see a castle with an authentic interior, you'll have to head to nearby Himeji, but Osaka-jo has a beautiful exterior and contains excellent displays about the castle and history of Osaka. It is also one of the few museums in Japan with comprehensive, well-written explanations in English. The castle is situated in a large park [60,000 square meters], which is famous for its cherry blossoms [late March or early April].
1-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo-ku
[06] 6941-3044
www.tourism.city.osaka.jp/en/castle/
Open 9:00-17:00 Daily
Adults: ¥600, Children [under 12]: Free

Osaka International Peace Center
Five minutes walk from Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Chuo subway line and Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi subway line
Located on the grounds of Osaka Castle Park, this virtually unknown museum documents Japan's history during World War II. Unlike some of the country's more nationalistic war museums, Peace Osaka does not seek to cover up Japan's aggression during the conflict. Instead, it focuses on the horrors of war as experienced on both sides, with moving displays on the Osaka air raids, Japanese aggression in China and the American bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
2-1 Osaka-jo, Chuo-ku
[06] 6947-7208
Open 9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a nat. hol.], day after Nat. Hol. and last day of each month.
Adults: ¥250, High school students: ¥150, Seniors [65+], Children [15 and under]: Free

Universal Studios Japan
JR Loop Line to Nishi-kujo, then change to JR Yumesaki Line bound for JR Universal City Station
Commonly known as USJ, this theme park is Osaka's answer to Tokyo Disneyland and has proven incredibly popular. The first Universal Studios property outside the USA, it has Hollywood-related shows and rides based on movies like Back to the Future, Jaws, and Spiderman, as well as a cast of wandering movie and cartoon characters. Two of the attractions, Snoopy Studios and Hollywood Magic, are unique to USJ and can't be found at the parks in Los Angeles and Orlando.
2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku
[06] 4790-7000
www.usj.co.jp/e_top.html
Open from 9:00 or 10:00 to 19:00 or later, check website for details.
Adult day pass: ¥5500, Children [4-11 years] ¥3700, Seniors [65+] ¥4800

Ishikiri Shopping Street and Mount Ikoma
Shin-Ishikiri Station or Ikoma Station on the Kintetsu Higashi-Osaka Line and Chuo subway line
Ishikiri and Mt. Ikoma are great places to beat the summer heat and get a taste of traditional Japan. Start at the Ishikiri Shotengai, an old fashioned shopping street with dozens of fortunetellers, interesting little stores and noodle shops, many of which have attractive gardens in the back. Head down to the Ishikiri Shrine, where people walk around the inner courtyard a hundred times to make their wishes for good health come true. If you climb up the mountain, you'll find Hozan-ji, a mysterious old temple with hundreds of Buddhist statues in the woods around it. An old-fashioned cable car provides easy passage up and down the mountain.
Open 10:00-17:00 [Apr-Oct], 10:00-16:30 [Nov-Mar] Daily.

Open-air Museum of Old Japanese Houses
Two minutes from Ryokuchi-koen Station on the Midosuji Line [Not to be confused with Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Koen.]
An interesting collection of 11 old houses, brought from all over Japan and carefully reconstructed. The most popular exhibit is a stately old gassho zukuri farmhouse from the Hida region, famous for its steeply sloping, meter-thick straw roofs. There's also a house completely covered in straw, an outdoor kabuki theatre and an elevated warehouse from Kyushu. Although Ryokuchi Park can get crowded, the museum itself is very peaceful and quiet, receiving few visitors.
1-2 Hattori Ryokuchi, Toyonaka City
[06] 6862-3137
Open 10:00-17:00 [Apr-Oct], 10:00-16:00 [Nov-Mar] Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
Adults: ¥500, High School Students: ¥300, Junior High & Elementary School Students: ¥200, Children [under 7]: Free

Ethnology Museum
Ten minutes walk from Banpaku-Kinen Koen Station on the Osaka Monorail
The Ethnology Museum shows what a fine line there is between museums, amusement parks and art galleries. There are few explanations here, but the thousands of artifacts from cultures all over the world are beautifully displayed: everything from Persian carpets to African masks to didgeridoos. The Japan section is especially interesting, with its huge festival floats, incredible variety of products made from straw, beautiful lacquer work and hand-made dolls.
10-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita
[06] 6876-2151
www.minpaku.ac.jp/english/
Open 10:00-17:00 Thu-Tue. Closed Wed [Thu if Wed is a Nat Hol.].
Adults: ¥420, Students: ¥250, 15 and under: ¥110, 18 and under: Free on Sat

Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum
Takarazuka Station on the JR Fukuchiyama and Hankyu Takarazuka lines
Celebrating the life and work of Osamu Tezuka, the man widely considered Japan's greatest maker of cartoon animation [anime], this fascinating museum has a recreation of Tezuka's workshop, an animated film about his life and thousands of examples of his work. There's even a studio where you can make your own little movie!
7-65, Mukogawa-cho, Takarazuka-shi
[0797] 81-2970
digilander.libero.it/joe.chip/tezuka_e.htm
Open 9:30-17:00 Thu-Tue [until 19:00 Jul 20-Aug 31]. Closed Wed [unless Wed is Nat. Hol.], Dec 21-29, 31, Feb 21-28.
Adults: ¥500, Students: ¥300, Children [under 12]: ¥100

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Five minutes walk from Osaka-ko Station on the Chuo subway Line
Osaka Aquarium focuses on the Ring of Fire, the chain of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean, and shows how it has created a 'Ring of Life.' Enjoy otherworldly displays of glowing jellyfish, armies of sardines, and playful otters and sea lions.
1-1-10 Kaigan Dori, Minato-ku
[06] 6576-5501
www.kaiyukan.com/eng/index.htm
Open 10:00-20:00 Daily [until 20:30 Aug 13-16], last entry 1 hour before close. Closed Jun 28.
Adults: ¥2000, Students [7-15]: ¥900, Children [4-7]: ¥400

Suntory Museum
Five minutes walk from Osaka-ko Station on the Chuo subway line
Located next to the Aquarium in Tempozan, the Suntory Museum has an IMAX theater and a gallery with exhibitions of popular European and Japanese artists. The museum was designed by internationally renowned architect Tadao Ando, who is an Osaka native.
1-5-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku
[06] 6577-0001
www.suntory.com/culture-sports/smt/
Open 10:30-19:30 Tue-Sun [Last entry 19:00]. Closed Mon [unless Nat. Hol.], Dec 31.
Adults: ¥1000, Students: ¥700, Children [7-15]: ¥500 [prices may vary according to exhibition] Visit a Tourist Information Center for exhibition dates and admission prices

Nanko Bird Sanctuary
Thirteen minutes walk from Trade Center-mae Station on the OTS New Tram Technoport line
Osaka isn't all concrete and neon. The woodlands and mudflats of the Nanko Bird Sanctuary are just a short walk from Cosmosquare, and attract dozens of species of wild birds. There's a visitor's center with free telescopes and bird information, and the sanctuary has plenty of nice walking trails.
3-5-30 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku
[06] 6613-5556
Open 9:00-17:00 Thu-Tue. Closed Wed.
Admission: Free

Tsurumi Ryokuchi-koen and the Sakuya Konohana kan
Ten minutes walk from Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station on the Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi subway line
With more than 2,600 species and 15,000 specimens from all over the world, this enormous greenhouse is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are tropical water plants, arctic flowers, insectivorous plants and a dried flower craft area. Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Koen itself is one of the best-designed and most attractive parks in Japan, with beautifully landscaped gardens and acres of flowerbeds.
2-163 Ryokuchi-Koen, Tsurumi-ku
[06] 6912-0055
Open 10:00-17:00 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.], Dec 28-Jan 4.
Adults: ¥500, Seniors [65+], 15 and under: Free

Osaka Maritime Museum
Seven minutes walk from Cosmosquare Station or Trade Center Mae Station on the OTS New Technoport Line
This excellent museum gives visitors a sense of how Osaka became the city it is today. Displays chart the development of the city's various neighborhoods, and explain how trade and business became so important to the area. A modern, well-designed space, the museum also houses beautiful ukiyo-e prints, a reconstructed sailing ship and interesting hands-on displays.
2-5-20 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku
[06] 4703-2900
www.jikukan.or.jp/english/
Open 10:00-17:00 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
Adults: ¥600, Seniors [65+], Disabled People and Young Children: Free

Liberty Osaka
8 minutes walk from Ashihara-bashi Station on the JR Loop Line
One of Osaka's finest museums, Liberty Osaka provides a comprehensive overview of human rights issues in Japan. Special sections are devoted to different groups who have been discriminated against in the past, including Zainichi Koreans, Ainu and physically disabled people.
3-6-36 Naniwa-nishi, Naniwa-ku
[06] 6561-5891
Open 10:00-17:00 Tue-Fri. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.], 4th Fri of month, New Year.
Adults: ¥250 (¥500 for special exhibitions), High School/University Students: ¥150 (¥300), Seniors/Junior High and younger: Free

Umeda Sky Building
Ten minutes walk from JR Osaka Station
Osaka's most impressive piece of architecture is made up of two towers connected by a giant sky bridge. The Floating Garden Observatory on the roof offers a 360-degree view of the city and even has fog machines that create artificial clouds, in case you need reminding of how high up you are. There are also two art house cinemas, and the basement has a collection of restaurants with a retro-1930's Japan theme.
1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku
[06] 6440-3855
Open 10:00-22:30 Daily [times subject to occasional change].
Adults ¥700, Seniors [65+] and Students [13-18]: ¥500, Children [7-12]: ¥300, 7 and under: ¥100

Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery
Ten minutes walk from Yamazaki Station on the JR Kyoto Line or a 12-minute walk from Ooyamazaki Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Japan's first whiskey distillery dates back to 1923 and offers free tours of the facilities - including a free sample. A 'Whiskey Library' allows you to try out brands from around the world. Tours are in Japanese only and reservations are required.
5-2-1 Yamazaki, Shimamoto, Mishima-gun
[075] 962-1423
Open 10:00-15:00 Daily. Closed during summer holidays and New Year.
Admission: Free, reservations required

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
Seven minutes walk from Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line
Voted the best Japanese invention of the 20th century in 2000, instant noodles have certainly come a long way since their conception in 1958. This quirky little museum tells you everything you'd ever want to know about the history of this quintessential snack food. You can even sign up for a class to learn how to make noodles by hand.
8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi
[072] 752-0825
Open 10:00-16:00 Wed-Mon [Last entry 15:30]. Closed Tue [Wed if Tue is a Nat. Hol.].
Admission: Free

Osaka Science Museum
Eight minutes west of Higobashi Station exit #3, Yotsubashi subway line
This museum has some great hands-on displays that are as entertaining as they are educational. The Omnimax cinema and the planetarium are also good, though almost everything is in Japanese.
4-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku
[06] 6444-5656
Open 9:30-16:45 Tue-Sun [last entry 16:00]. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
Main exhibition - Adults: ¥400, Students: ¥300, Children [13 and under]: Free
Planetarium/Omnimax - Adults: ¥600, Students: ¥450, Children [13 and under]: ¥300

Tsutenkaku Tower
Three minutes on foot from Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Line or 8 minutes from Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line
Built as the centerpiece of the Shinseikai [New World] entertainment district, Tsutenkaku tower is nearly half a century old and is really showing its age. At 103 meters, though, it does offer a nice view, and the old-fashioned shops and restaurants around it make for an interesting stroll.
1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku
[06] 6641-9555
Open 10:00-18:30 Daily [Last entry 18:00], until 20:30 Jul 21-Aug 31.
Adults: ¥600, University students: ¥500, Junior High students: ¥400, Children: ¥300

Tennoji Zoo
Near Dobutsuen-mae Station, on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji subway lines
With nearly 1,500 animals, including koalas, kiwis and a Tasmanian devil, the Tennoji Zoo is a great place to bring the kids. Located in Tennoji Park.
1-108 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku
[06] 6771-8401
Open 9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun [Last entry 16:00], 9:30-18:00 May & Sep. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
Adults: ¥500, Seniors [65+] and Children [15 and under]: Free

Spa World
Exit #5 of Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji subway line
Spa World recreates bathing facilities from all over the world. The European zone has baths and saunas from Finland, the Mediterranean, Rome, Greece and Spain. The Asian zone, meanwhile, boasts impressive Japanese-style baths, as well as Persian, Indian and Balinese facilities. There is also a wide assortment of swimming pools, restaurants and sports gyms.
3-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku
[06] 6631-0001
Open 10:00-08:45 Daily.
Adults: Weekdays - ¥2700 [all day], ¥2400 [3 hours], ¥300 surcharge on weekends; Children: Weekdays - ¥1500 [all day], ¥1300 [3 hours], ¥200 surcharge on weekends. ¥1000 surcharge for entry after midnight.

Shitennoji Temple
Five minutes walk from Shitennoji-mae Station on the Tanimachi subway line.
Japan's oldest temple, built in 593 by the famous Prince Shotoku Taishi, is dedicated to the four Shitenno [Heavenly Kings] of Buddhism. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, there is still a real sense of history here. The grounds contain numerous little sub-temples, and there is a beautiful pagoda in the central courtyard of the main temple.
1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku
[06] 6771-0066
Open 8:30-16:30 [Apr-Sep], 8:30-16:00 [Oct-Mar] Daily.
Adults: ¥300, University and High school students: ¥200, 15 and under: Free
Treasure house - Adults: ¥200, High school and University students: ¥100, 15 and under: Free, Closed Mon [unless Mon is Nat. Hol.]
Adults: ¥300, Students and children: ¥200

Osaka Municipal Museum of Art
Ten minutes walk from Tennoji Station on the JR Loop Line and the Midosuji subway line
Located in Tennoji Park, this excellent museum has a fine collection of artistic treasures and more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Special exhibitions allow glimpses of some of the greatest artworks in the country, including items from the treasure houses of Japan's most important temples.
1-82 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku
[06] 6771-4874
osaka-art.info-museum.net/index_omm_e.html
Open 9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun [Last entry 16:30]. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
Regular Collection - Adults: ¥300, Students: ¥200, Children [15 and under]: Free

Kids Plaza Osaka
Next to exit #2 of Ogimachi Station on the Sakaisuji subway line
This combined science museum, culture center and playground is designed to teach children about the world that they live in. However, with all the games, dolls, characters and toys, they will probably be enjoying themselves too much to realize that they are learning. In the "Cultures of the World" section, for instance, kids can try on everything from Korean traditional clothing to American football uniforms and pads.
2-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita-ku
[06] 6311-6601
Open 9:30-17:00 Tue-Fri; 9:30-19:00 Sat, Sun & Nat. Hol. Closed Mon [Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.].
Adults: ¥1200, Children - 7-15 years: ¥600, 3 and over: ¥300, 2 and under: Free

Kuromon Market
Near Nippombashi Station on the Sennichimae and Sakaisuji subway lines
This 580-meter long market has about 170 shops, half of which specialize in fish and produce. It's an excellent chance to see first-hand the lively bargaining for which Osaka is famous. Originally, most of the shops were wholesalers, but in recent years they have begun selling to ordinary customers as well.
2-4-1 Nippombashi, Chuo-ku
[06] 6631-0007
Open 9:00-18:00 Mon-Sat [some shops may keep different hours]. Closed Sun, some Nat. Hol.
Admission: Free

Sumiyoshi Shrine
Five minutes walk from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Line
Sumiyoshi Taisha is the McDonald's of Japanese shrines, an ancient Shinto franchise with over 2,000 branches around the country. Osaka's is the 'headquarters' and was built in the third century, making it one of the oldest shrines in the nation. It's famous for its beautiful Taiko Bashi Bridge.
2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku
[06] 6672-0753
Open 6:00-17:00 [Apr-Sep], 6:30-17:00 [Oct-Mar] Daily.
Admission: Free

WTC Cosmotower
Two minutes walk from Trade Center Mae station on the Chuo/OTS subway line
This 55-story, 256-meter building is the tallest in Western Japan. Head up to the observation deck for stunning views of the city and harbor.
1-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku
[06] 6615-6003
Open 13:00-22:00 Mon-Fri [Last entry 21:30], 11:00-22:00 Sat, Sun & Nat. Hol.
Adults: ¥800, Junior High students: ¥400, Children [12 and under]: ¥200

Theaters

For details about performances at the following theaters, pick up the free pamphlet Meet Osaka: Traditional Performing Arts, which is published quarterly and available at tourist information offices.

The National Bunraku Theater
A one-minute walk from Nippombashi Station on the Sennichimae and Sakaisuji subway lines
Bunraku, Japan's traditional puppet theater, originated in Osaka in the 17th century. Splurge a little for good seats, and you will be astonished at the life-like expressions of the puppets, the beautiful stories and the wonderful costumes.
1-12-10, Nippombashi, Chuo-ku
[06] 6212-2531

Osaka Shochikuza
Ten minutes walk from Namba Station on the JR Loop Line, Nankai Line, and Midosuji, Yotsubashi and Sennichimae subway lines
Japan's first Western-style movie theater, Shochikuza was converted into a performance venue in the 1990s. Although it is best known for its kabuki performances, it also plays host during the year to music, comedy, dance and theater.
1-9-19 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku
[06] 6214-4211

Shin Kabukiza
Near Namba Station on the JR Loop Line, Nankai Line, and Midosuji, Yotsubashi, and Sennichimae subway lines
Conveniently located near Namba Station, this theater has performances of kabuki in May, and features comedy, music and dance at other times of the year.
4-3-25 Namba, Chuo-ku
[06] 6631-2222

Parks
While Osaka is not exactly known for its abundance of parks, there are some excellent green spaces around, should you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The most famous, of course, is Osaka-jo Koen, home to Osaka Castle. Another centrally located park, Nakanoshima Koen, is just one stop south of Umeda, near Yodoyabashi Station on the Midosuji subway line. This long, narrow space runs for 3.5 kilometers between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers. Its summer flower exhibitions are worth checking out.

Utsubo Koen, used as an airstrip by the kamikaze during World War II, is now better known for its summer roses and spring cherry blossoms. It's between Honmachi and Yodoyabashi stations on the Yotsubashi subway line.
Kema Sakuranomiya Koen, near JR Sakuranomiya Station, is one of the city's best cherry blossom viewing spots, and has many unusual varieties of sakura that cannot be seen elsewhere.

In north Osaka, Bampaku Kinen Koen was the site of the 1970 World Exposition, and has five museums and a Japanese garden. Take the Midosuji subway line to Senri Chuo and change to the Osaka Monorail, which will take you to Bampaku Kinen Koen Station.

Mino Park, near Mino Station on the Hankyu Mino Line, is a cool, shady riverside park, and one of the best places in Osaka to see maple trees at their most colorful during the fall.

South Osaka's best park, Nagai Koen, has a botanical garden, a natural history museum and a sports stadium where the J-League soccer team Cerezo Osaka plays its home games.