The iconic Sun Tower of Expo '70 Commemorative Park stands at the center of the park, reaching approximately 65 meters in height with long arms about 25 meters long. Atop the tower sits a gleaming "Golden Face," while the front features the "Sun Face" and the back the "Black Sun"—three distinct faces in total. The Sun Tower is constructed from steel frame and reinforced concrete, with some parts made lighter through the use of...
Osaka Shochikuza is one of Osaka's most renowned theaters showcasing both traditional and modern Japanese stage arts. Originally located in the Namba area of Osaka’s Chuo Ward, it was relocated near Kintetsu “Osaka Uehommachi Station” in late August 2010. Since Kintetsu “Osaka Uehommachi Station” connects major cities in Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Nagoya, the location offers very convenient access for visitors.
In 1612, Ani Yasui Dōton, Yasui Dōbutsu, and Andō Fujiyoshi of Hirano-go funded the construction of a canal in Osaka using their personal wealth. The project was completed in 1615. In recognition of Dōton’s contribution, Matsudaira Tadamasa named the canal Dōtonbori. To this day, monuments commemorating Yasui Dōton and Dōbutsu still stand along the canal’s banks. After the completion of Dōtonbori Canal,…
Ryuge Onsen Ryokan is located in the Ishikiri Onsen area of Ueshirocho, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of an onsen-covered mountain like a gem, it stands out prominently. The area around the ryokan boasts picturesque scenery that changes with the seasons. Designed with a fashionable touch by the renowned Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho...
Nakanoshima Park is located on the Nakanoshima islet between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River in Osaka. Established in the 24th year of the Meiji era (1891), it was the first park built after the founding of Osaka. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers in length and covering an area of 10.6 hectares, the park not only boasts picturesque scenery with a rose garden but also features...
Climbing to the top of the WTC Cosmos Building offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. Standing at 256 meters tall, this trade center is digitally connected to 282 cities worldwide for business information exchange, and it is also the tallest building in western Japan. The observation elevator takes just 80 seconds to reach the 52nd floor, and then…
During the Edo period (1603–1868), the Osaka and Kyoto regions were commonly referred to as Kamigata (the “Upper” region), and Kamigata ukiyo-e is the art that originated from this area. Most of the woodblock prints in Kamigata ukiyo-e depict kabuki performers, characterized by their realistic portrayals without excessive artificial beautification or embellishment...
Amerikamura has been a gathering place for young people in Osaka since the 1970s. A variety of second-hand clothing stores, grocery shops, cafés, and art galleries line up one after another. This area got its name more than 30 years ago when numerous small shops specializing in all kinds of imported American goods opened here. Located in the center of Triangle Park, Ameri...
Before the end of the Meiji period, Nishiki Market was known as “Kyōnamiji Market,” named after the nearby Kyōnamiji Temple. Even at that time, the market was already quite famous. In this nearly 600-meter-long market, there are a total of 170 shops mainly dealing in fresh and high-quality meat, poultry and eggs, fruits and vegetables, as well as seafood and other fresh...
An exciting land-and-water tour that travels through streets debuts in Japan for the first time. Ride a bus over land while admiring sights such as Osaka Castle from the historically rich Umeda Dori, then—right from the famous cherry blossom spot, Kema Sakuranomiya Park—plunge straight into the river without leaving your seat on the bus. Cross the great river and...
The head office of the Japan Mint is located in Tennōji, Kita-ku, Osaka City. As an independent administrative institution, it was established in 1871. With its Western-style exterior and cutting-edge European minting equipment, it was renamed the “Japan Mint” in 1877, a name that has been used ever since. In addition to producing currency, the Japan Mint also manufactures...
Located on Nakanoshima Island in Kita Ward, Osaka, the Osaka City Science Museum opened in 1989. It's a science museum that people of all ages can enjoy, recognized as one of Japan’s best, and holds great appeal for those eager to explore science and uncover its mysteries. The Osaka City Science Museum is a place where you can see, touch, and learn...
Tsuruhashi Market in Osaka is located near the "Tsuruhashi Station" on the JR Loop Line, Kintetsu Line, and Osaka Metro Chuo Line's Senri-nishi Line. It consists of six markets and shopping streets with a total of about 800 shops. Known as the "International Market," it attracts visitors from all over Japan. The area is lined with Korean food shops, especially barbecue restaurants, as well as specialty stores selling ethnic clothing and accessories...
The Osaka Maritime Museum is a glass-domed transparent building adjacent to Cosmo Square in Minato-ku. This four-story museum documents Osaka's maritime and shipping history, featuring a wide array of model ships ranging from 17th-century traditional merchant vessels (known as bekkōsen) to high-tech futuristic boats.
The Concourse Embankment Street is located to the north of Osaka City Air Terminal Building and is an octagonal building. Outside the building, there is a three-dimensional space plaza specifically designed for hosting outdoor events such as flea markets and street concerts. Inside the building is the Namba Hatch hall, which hosts concerts for well-known bands. At night…
The Chayamachi area is one of Osaka’s premier youth districts in the northern part of the city, lined with an abundance of restaurants, entertainment venues, specialty shops, and fashion stores. It is home to long-established department store “UMEDA LOFT,” which specializes in household goods, as well as the musical theater “UMEDA ART THEATER.” In addition to the attractive restaurants and cafés situated beneath the elevated railway structure, there are also popular youth-oriented shops such as “NU CHAYAMACHI,” which opened successively in 20…
Kitashinchi was formerly known as Sonezaki Shinchi and is an island located between the Sonezaki River and the Dojima River. In the past, this area was where geisha performed song and dance to entertain guests. Today, Kitashinchi is a well-known hub of nightclubs and entertainment venues in the Osaka area, similar to Tokyo’s Ginza, boasting thousands of upscale bars, clubs, and…
The basement malls of department stores in Osaka are usually large food sections. Candies, puddings, various cookies and pastries, as well as aromatic prepared foods — all are affordable and delicious. These so-called "basement department stores" may each have their own unique features, but "a wide variety and comprehensive selection" is something they all share. As…
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel was once the world's largest, tallest, and most technologically advanced Ferris wheel (it has since been surpassed by the British Airways London Eye). Standing at 112.5 meters tall, it features 60 separate gondolas, each capable of carrying eight passengers, and was the first in the world to feature…
Nihonbashi Electronics Street Nihonbashi Electronics Street is the best place to shop for high-quality, affordable electronic products, including computers, cameras, audio and video equipment, TVs, and various other household appliances. The prices here are surprisingly low, with different stores offering varying rates—perfect for comparing options before you buy...