Things to do in Osaka
Known for its down-to-earth people and it's hearty cuisine, Osaka combines the delights of Japans urban phenomenon with a host of stimulating historical and cultural attractions.
Universal Studio Japan (USJ)
Families with young children will find it difficult to visit the city of Osaka without paying a visit to USJ. USJ is the third movie-based theme park in the Universal Studios family and was the first to be opened outside of the US. The Osaka rival of Tokyo Disneyland offers live-action shows and amusement park rides inspired by some of the most popular Universal Studios films including Jaws, Back to the Future and The Terminator. The park also features several American-style restaurants based on movie themes. It promises a great time for adults, but it should be noted that younger children might be overwhelmed by some of the attractions.
Osaka Municipal Museum of Art
Just five minutes walk from Tennoji Station on the Midosuji subway line, the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art has regular exhibitions of fine examples of traditional Japanese art such as stone images of the Buddha and calligraphic works. The basement of the building is often rented out by contemporary artists. The museum also serves as a repository to a wide range of Korean art pieces.
Osaka Castle
Designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a great battle expert, and built in 1583, Osaka Castle is believed to be one of the most formidable castles ever built in Japan. With a rich history that is intertwined with the countrys history, the interior has now been converted into a history museum so that visitors can gain an insight into the building's interesting past as a home to warlords. The eighth floor observation deck at the top of the castle provides good views. Website: www.tourism.city.osaka.jp/en/castle/.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most famous shrines in Japan, to the degree that other shrines bearing a similar name can be found countrywide. Sumiyoshi Taisha has a long history and is venerated by many as the home of the guardian deity of sailors. Under the huge archway gate, visitors will find taiko bashi, or drum bridge, which the shrine is particularly well known for. The bridge area gets packed on New Year's Day and during other celebrations. Events are staged at the shrine year-round; New Year's and summer festivals being the most important.
Tennoji Zoological Gardens
Located at the southern gateway to Osaka, the Tennoji Zoo is over 1.07 million square feet in area, occupying the western half of Tennoji Park. It houses about 1,500 animals of 300 different species including koalas, lesser pandas, elephants and the only kiwi bird in Japan. To promote better understanding of animals' natural habitats and their relationship with the natural environment as well as an awareness of the necessity for environmental protection, the zoo opened the reptile house known as IFAR in 1995, followed by the hippopotamus house in 1997, where you can view hippos playing underwater.
Osaka architecture
Osaka reaches heights in modern architecture. At 839 feet (256 metres) tall, the WTC Cosmo Tower is the tallest building in Western Japan. While it is filled with offices, the 55th floor provides a 360 degree, unbridled view of the city and its surroundings, easily the best view in the city. Umeda Sky Building is 557 feet tall. From the observation floor, an open-air platform in the shape of a ring, visitors have great views of Osaka. There is also a sky garden. At 337 feet tall, what Tsutenkaku Tower lacks for in stature, it gains in personality. It was rebuilt in its present form in 1956 after the original tower, built in 1912, was destroyed in 1943. Many Osakans say this building, more than anything else, symbolises their city. The tower offers a superb view of the whole of the city from the observation platform. The tower is located in the old downtown area and is surrounded by food stalls and inexpensive clothing stores.