Osaka Attraction Recommendation #2 Osaka Castle
When it comes to free & easy travel in Osaka, Japan, one place you absolutely must visit is Osaka Castle. In addition to climbing up the Osaka Castle Keep to take in the panoramic view of the entire city, you can also stroll around the free-entry Osaka Castle Park. In recent years, Osaka Castle has collaborated with various art exhibition organizations, and there are also light exhibitions in the Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle. Be sure to check it out at night too.
Osaka Attraction Recommendation #3 Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Thanks to the Haruka Airport Express that goes directly to Tenmangu, along with numerous nearby attractions and shopping malls such as Osaka Tenmangu Zoo, Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai, MIO Tenmangu, Kintetsu Department Store, and more, Tenmangu has become a top shopping destination for travelers on a free & easy trip to Osaka. Whether you want to shop or enjoy delicious food, you can do it all here.
Osaka Attraction Recommendation #4 Abeno
Speaking of popular Osaka attractions lately, you definitely can’t miss the Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory. From here, you can overlook the entire Osaka cityscape and forget all your worries. There’s also the super cute “ABENOBEA” to keep you company — it’s an absolute must-visit. Additionally, the recent HOUSE OF BTS pop-up store at SHIBUYA109 is another popular photo spot in Abeno not to be missed.
■ HARUKA 300 Address: 1-1-43 Abenobashi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City
■ HOUSE OF BTS Address: 1-6-1 Abenobashi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Abeno Cross Tower
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Osaka Attraction Recommendation #5 Osaka Helicopter Flight Experience
Want to experience soaring high in the sky and looking down at the ground below? An Osaka helicopter experience can make your dream come true. Professional pilots ensure smooth and stable flights with almost no major turbulence, allowing you to admire the beauty of Osaka from a unique perspective. During the 15-minute flight, you’ll get to see iconic Osaka sights such as Osaka Castle, the city’s skyscrapers, Universal Studios Japan, Tsutenkaku, Osaka Bay, and Abeno Harukas — it’s definitely worth the price.
Recommended Reading:Osaka Self-Guided Travel Guide: Plan Your Itinerary Here
Recommended Attractions Around Osaka
In addition to Osaka’s famous sights, many people also visit surrounding spots from Osaka. Round-trip transportation costs aren’t too high, and it saves the hassle of moving luggage, making it very convenient. You can explore even more attractions during a single trip to Japan. Let’s take a look at what’s around Osaka that you can enjoy.
Attraction Around Osaka #1 Shirakawa-go Gassho Village
Shirakawa-go is located in the heart of Kyoto Prefecture, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. It traditionally relied on forestry and agriculture but has recently gained popularity as a tourist destination. Surrounded by mountains about 800–900 meters high, its biggest highlight is the adorable gassho-style houses. In winter, there is also a charming light-up event. In terms of beautiful scenery, it’s definitely not inferior to Shirakawa-go’s more famous counterpart, Shirakawa-go. If you can’t go to Shirakawa-go, go to Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa-go-style!) in Shirakawa-go. (Note: minor translation preserved due to naming quirk.)
Attraction Around Osaka #2 Amanohashidate in Kyoto
Amanohashidate in Kyoto is located in Japan’s Kyoto Prefecture. Due to tectonic forces, it formed a 3.6-kilometer-long sandbar in the sea, covered with thousands of pine trees, which has made it a popular attraction.
Why is it called “Amanohashidate”? It is said that if you stand with your back to the sandbar from either the northern Umbrella Pine Park or the southern Dragon Viewing Platform and look between your legs, the sandbar looks like a bridge to the heavens. If you get the chance, try it yourself and see if the Japanese Three Views’ Amanohashidate lives up to the legend.
Attraction Around Osaka #3 Sakura Viewing in Wakayama
Aside from sightseeing around Osaka, there are also seasonal experiences to enjoy. Many people depart from Osaka Umeda to Wakayama to visit Japan’s top 100 castles — Wakayama Castle — and admire the various cherry blossom varieties planted within the grounds of Dougashima. You can enjoy three sakura viewing spots in Wakayama all in one trip, plus a 30-minute all-you-can-pick strawberry experience. Doesn’t that sound incredibly satisfying?
Recommended Reading:Japan “Winter Fun Trip” Winter Camp: Explore the Kansai Region in One Week
[Tripbaa Funbaa] Authorized Repost | Original Source [Osaka Attraction Recommendations: Must-Photograph & Must-Play Spots — The Ultimate Osaka Free & Easy Travel Guide]
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