Spots in Osaka Area

  • Mino Falls
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    4.5
    406 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Minoshi Minokouen
    This 33-meter-tall waterfall was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful waterfalls. It is located inside Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. Known as a popular fall foliage spot, many visitors come during the autumn season. There is a “waterfall walkway” approximately 2.8 kilometers long that starts in front of Minoh Station and offers wonderful views of the natural forests of Osaka. The fall foliage is best from mid-November through the beginning of December. In the middle of the walkway is the Mino Park Museum of Insects, another popular spot.

    Ive read most reviews saying that the hike up to the waterfall is an easy one, with gentle uphill slope. However, personal experience is that some parts of the hike isnt that easy, and it could...

  • Kids Plaza Osaka
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    4.5
    373 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Ougimachi 2-1-7
    Japan’s first hands-on learning museum for children, Kids Plaza Osaka is dedicated to helping children experience new things and emotions through play and to extend the possibilities and individuality of children. The Kids Town, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a maze-like area made up entirely of curved lines. The museum is overflowing with exhibits where children can learn about world cultures, nature, chemistry, and society while playing. The museum also conducts events where children and parents can join in together and the facilities are complete with a nursing room and dining tables. The museum is also popular with families with young children. Ogimachi Station is the closest station to the museum.

    When we were planning our trip to Osaka, Kids Plaza Osaka was a place which we wanted to get a look at and which we wanted our 6 year old to visit. It is situated in an office building with the...

  • Nanba Yasaka-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    280 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Motomachi 2-9-19
    This historic shrine in Naniwa is a six-minute walk from Namba Station or a seven-minute walk from Daikokuchou Station. It was known as an old shrine even during the era of Emperor Go-Sanjou (who reigned 1068-1072). Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his wife Kushinadahime are enshrined here, protecting people from evil, helping businesses prosper, and aiding in happy marriages. Three large festivals happen every spring, summer and fall. The summer festival happens every 13th and 14th of July with various events being performed. Also, every third Sunday of January a Shinto rope pulling ceremony is held, which was designated as Osaka's first Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2001. There are also a variety of other shrines on the premises.

    Compared to the other shrines this one is the most outstanding one! Definitely worth a visit. You can also collect a stamp here. The shrine is usually pretty busy with many tourists taking pictures.

  • Yamazaki Whisky Museum
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    4.5
    492 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Mishimagunshimamotochou Yamazaki 5-2-1
    The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is located a 10-minute walk from JR Yamazaki Station. Japan's first malt whisky distillery, it was built in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii and went into operation that same year. Visitors who make reservations can take a tour of the Yamazaki Whisky Museum, where they learn about the history of Suntory Whisky and learn about the care that Suntory takes in the distillation process by viewing a miniature scale model and other exhibits. At the paid tasting counter, visitors can sample any of several dozen varieties of whisky and even taste pure unmodified whisky from the keg, an experience available only at a distillery.

    Amazing experience! Its super hard to get the reservation, but it is worthwhile. You will be amazed with the museum and history of suntory Whiskey. The tasting selection is great at a very...

  • Osakajo Hall
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    4.0
    72 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 3-1
    Situated inside Osaka Castle Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, this is the largest event hall in western Japan with a capacity of 16,000 people. It was built in 1983 as the site of the “Osaka Chikujo 400-year Festival,” and the main part of the building was built underground out of consideration for the surrounding scenery. Aside from the arena, there are several halls and restaurants on the site. Popular domestic and overseas artists’ concerts and various ceremonies are held here, as well as a number of events attended by a large number of people throughout the year.

    The Hall and the surrounding park had turned to a popular spot for local and tourists. It was really nice to stroll around. There were eateries and shops available for visitors. Pleasant area...

  • Osaka City Central Public Hall
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    4.0
    387 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 1-1-27
    A symbol of the knowledge, culture, and history of Osaka, construction on Osaka City Central Public Hall began in 1911 with a one million yen donation in building funds from Einosuke Iwamoto, with the hall opening in 1918. Brick reinforced with steel beams in construction, with three floors above ground and one basement level, the architecture of this extravagant building applies the Neo-Renaissance style as its basic tone while also presenting majestic baroque touches. In addition to concerts by celebrated orchestras from around the world, the hall has also played host to lectures by historical figures such as Helen Keller. The building was registered a national Important Cultural Property in 2002.

    This Central Hall is a place where you can take beautiful photo and selfie. The architecture design is really awesome.

  • Umeda Sky Building
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Oyodonaka 1-1-88
    Forming part of the “Shin Umeda City” development project in the Kita Ward of Osaka City, the Umeda Sky Building is a skyscraper that is 173 meters high. With its unique design, consisting of twin towers that are linked at roof-level by the Floating Garden Observatory, it has become a prominent landmark in Osaka’s Umeda district. From the Floating Garden Observatory, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Osaka cityscape while feeling the wind on their faces; the Observatory is very popular with foreign tourists and couples.
  • Hozen-ji Temple
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    4.0
    434 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Namba 1-2-16
    Hozen-ji Temple is a Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhist temple in Osaka City that is famous for the moss-covered statue of the deity Fudo that worshippers pour water over. The Temple is said to have originally been located in Kitayama Village, Uji District, before being moved to its present site in 1637. Within the Temple, there is a statue of Nishimuki Fudo-son (Aryacanalatha) and a hall dedicated to Konpira (Kumbhira, the guardian deity of seafarers); the Temple is often filled with the scent of the incense sticks offered by worshippers. It is believed that pouring water over the moss-covered statue of Nishimuki Fudo-son can bring a wide range of benefits for the worshippers, including success in business or in love, and as a result the Temple is visited by many local shopkeepers, and by many tourists.

    Had I not been with a local, I would never have found this. Located in a back alley around the Dotonbori area. We went early in the day, when it was quiet. Small and peaceful. You need maybe 5...

  • Katsuo-ji Temple
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    4.0
    219 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Katsuoji Temple in Minoo City, Osaka
    This temple in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture is devoted to Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, and is said to have been founded by Fujihara no Munetada’s sons Zenchu and Zensan when they built thatched huts here in 727. It is famous as the “temple of luck” and the “temple of the darumas of victory.” Many people travel here from all over the country to pray for luck, and those whose prayers are granted donate daruma dolls, which line shelves and various spots throughout the temple. The large site is famous for its cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and fall foliage. Many visitors come during hydrangea season (from the beginning of June until mid-July) and fall foliage season.

    Easily one of my favorite temples in Japan. If you have a spare day in Osaka and you would like to escape from crowds, have a nice walk around the Temple located in the mountains - Katsuo-ji is...

  • Universal Citywalk Osaka (TM)
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    4.0
    345 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Konohana-ku Shimaya 6-2-61
    This is a commercial facility next to “Universal Studios Japan (USJ),” with a number of restaurants, shops, and hotels made to look like a street from Hollywood. In addition to restaurants and fast food shops where visitors can enjoy gourmet from all around the world, the food theme park where you can eat and compare Takoyaki (octopus dumplings), a specialty of Osaka, is also popular. There are also many shops selling souvenirs of Osaka, busy with tourists on their way home from USJ. The nearest is Universal City Station.

    When u come to Osaka, please at least spend your time in here. u may come here after the USJ. its really nice to take photos and enjoy the scenary

  • Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store
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    3.5
    30 Reviews
    Shopping
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Kakudachou 8-7
    Hankyu Umeda Main Store is one of Osaka’s longest-established department stores, having been founded as a station terminal department store in 1929 when Umeda Station was renovated. Hankyu Umeda Main Store has a total of 15 floors (13 floors above ground and two basement levels); the total floor space is larger than any other department store in Japan. With a concentration of the world’s leading brands in “International Boutiques” on the fifth floor, and another floor with a concentration of Japanese and international cosmetics brands, etc. Hankyu Umeda Main Store is renowned as the starting point for new fashion trends in the Kansai region.

    阪急百貨店うめだ本店の地下1階にあるお店です。以前は整理券を配るほどの人気でしたが、最近は休日でも、さほど待たずに購入することができますね。 今回はスモークベーコン味とクラムチャウダー味を購入しましたが、なかなか美味しかったですよ。

  • The National Museum of Art, Osaka
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    3.5
    201 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-55
    This art museum is located in Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City. Founded in 1977, it relocated to its current location in 2004. It is notable for being one of the only underground art museums in the world. The museum primarily collects and exhibits works of modern art from the post-war era to now. In addition to exhibiting its collection, the museum also holds exhibitions and seminars about a range of art genres with a focus on contemporary art. Other events organized by the museum include workshops for children.

    Visited in March 2023 to see a great temp exhibition of Picasso, Matisse, Klee and Giacometti. Absolutely wonderful and saw some incredible pieces. However this is only the temporary art, and the...

  • Tsuyu no Tenjinsha (Ohaatsu Tenjin) Shrine
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    4.0
    292 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Sonezaki 2-5-4
    The Tsuyu no Tenjinsha Shrine, which is located in the middle of a bustling area of Kita Ward, Osaka City, is reputed to have been built around the year 700. The Bunraku puppet drama “Sonezaki Shinju” was written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon about a tragic double suicide that occurred within the Shrine in 1703; as the name of the heroine of this drama was Ohatsu, the Shrine is now commonly referred to as the “Ohatsu Tenjin.” The Shrine is believed to be a good place to pray for success in business, safe journeys, or a good marriage, and as result it receives a large number of worshippers every day, particularly local shopkeepers and women. A flea market is held here on the first Friday of every month, and the Shrine is famous for its annual festival held in July each year.

    Tsuyuten shrine (Ohatsu-Tenjin) is a hidden spot located between buildings and built 1,300 years ago. It’s a historical and typical architecture of Japanese shrine. We were there without any plan...

  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka
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    3.5
    200 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Minato-ku Kaigandori 1-1-10 Tempozan Marketplace 3F
    This is an indoor entertainment facility located on the third floor of the Osaka Bay Area commercial facility “Tempozan Marketplace.” It was built as a facility for children to have fun with their families, and there are ride type attractions on the theme of Lego and a 4D cinema. There is also a classroom where visitors can learn how to make Lego works by professional Lego creators, a play zone, as well as a reproduction of Osaka city is in Lego blocks, and an attraction is that visitors are able to be entertained according to their age. It is a facility full of “play” that stimulates children’s imagination. The nearest station is Osakako Station.

    Great place to bring your children to explore the wonderful land of lego! As an indoor center, there is no worries of spending time under the hot sun even if you are visiting in the summer!

  • LUCUA
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    4.0
    138 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Umeda 3-1-3
    This is the east building of LUCUA osaka, Japan’s largest station commercial facility located at Osaka Station. It is filled with approximately 200 fashion and cosmetic shops, cafes, restaurants and sweets stores. There are also many stores that choose it for their Kansai region or Japan debuts, a reason why it bustles with mainly female customers every day.

    Huge! Other reviewers have mentioned the food section and I agree! You can spend hours in there. Apparently this is the largest commercial station complex in Japan! The complex is linked to JR...

  • Natural Hot Spring - Naniwa no Yu
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    4.0
    144 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nagaranishi 1-7-31
    This hot spring is approximately eight minutes' walk from Tenjinbashi-suji 6 chome Station. It is a super-sized public bath in the Umeda shopping district in Osaka. What is special about this building is that the rooftop of the eight-story building is an outdoor bath. Customers can relax in the hot spring while gazing up at the panoramic view of the sky. The hot spring uses 100% natural water from a sodium chloride bicarbonate salt spring. It is also known as Beauty Water thanks to its softening and emulsifying effect on the skin. In addition to the hot spring, the facility's other services include a stone sauna, body scrubs and beauty treatments for women to enjoy.

    super worth it if you have the osaka amazing pass - you can enjoy the onsen for free! It got indoor and outdoor bath, 2 kinds of sauna, all are amazing! Especially worth to go during the winter

  • Osaka Castle Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou
    Osaka Castle Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture is a municipal park. Inside the large park, there are historic buildings and public facilities. Inside the Tenshukaku (castle tower) of Osaka Castle, which was restored in 1931, is open to the public for a fee as a historical museum and is also popular with overseas tourists. It is also a well-known place for seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms in Nishinomaru Garden (fees apply) and plums in the plum grove in Osaka Castle and has many visitors during the flowering seasons. At the Osaka-jo Hall and the Osaka Castle Band Shell, a range of music events, such as concerts, are held.
  • Expo’70 Commemorative Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Suitashi Senribampakukouen 1-1
    Boasting a size about 65 times that of the Koshien Baseball Stadium, the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a huge park built on the site of the Osaka Expo. Whether for children or adults you can enjoy a day of activities here with facilities ranging from cultural facilities and natural and cultural gardens to the Japanese Garden and an onsen (hot spring facilities). Also, in the central rest area of the Japanese Garden you can see videos of the Expo that took place here in 1970 making it an important place to witness the events that occurred. Access the park from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail.
  • POKEMON CENTER OSAKA
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    4.0
    228 Reviews
    Shopping
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Umeda 3-1-1 Daimaru Umeda store B1F

    Located on the 13th floor which with the help of google maps sending me in circles finding it and with limited signage managed to find it with the help of a couple window decals. Being the 3rd...

  • Osaka Science Museum
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    4.0
    234 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-1
    A science museum in Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City, that focuses on Space and Energy. It first opened in 1989. Here both children and adults can explore space and its discoveries, chemistry, science, electricity, energy, and so much more from all angles in exhibits spread out amongst the different floors. The staff will also present science shows in the areas of their expertise. In the underground planetarium with the world's largest 26.5-meter dome screen you can enjoy videos of the cosmos.

    They need to update their website to show they are closed for an extended period. Will not reopen until Feb 2022. We wasted an hour getting there and we opted for this instead of the earthquake...

Osaka Areas

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While Osaka prefecture is the country's second smallest prefecture, its capital, Osaka City, is the country’s third-largest and arguably one of the most popular in the Kansai region thanks to its vibrant nightlife, the Osaka people’s openness, and its much-loved cuisine, which has earned it the nickname "the nation’s kitchen."

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