Last Updated on November 23, 2023 by Nouman kaleem
Popular Sightseeing Spots in Osaka “Umeda/Nakanoshima Area & Osaka Castle Area”
The Umeda-Nakanoshima area, centered around Osaka Station, is called “Kita.” There are many popular commercial facilities and stylish cafes with a good atmosphere, so people who like shopping will enjoy it. In addition, the Osaka Castle area mainly consists of Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park, and the new spot that opened in Osaka Castle Park is especially attracting attention.
First, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots in the Umeda/Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle areas.
Osaka is a city that is bustling with people all year round, with plenty to see, from the classics to the hottest new spots. In this article, we will introduce popular tourist destinations in four popular sightseeing areas in Osaka: Umeda/Nakanoshima Area & Osaka Castle Area, Namba/Shinsaibashi Area, Tennoji/Shinsekai Area, and Bay Area, as well as convenient locations for sightseeing. Introducing Tokyu Hotels. We also introduce popular spots in lesser-known areas that can be reached by taking a short trip, so be sure to visit them.
1. “Osaka Castle (Osaka Castle Park)” where you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping
Osaka Castle is a tourist spot representing Osaka, and the area around it is a park. Commercial facilities such as “MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO” and “JO-TERRACE OSAKA” have stylish shops in the park, so even those unfamiliar with history can enjoy it. “MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO” is a pre-war building resembling an old European castle with a wonderful retro atmosphere. If you take a break at a cafe while gazing at Osaka Castle, you’ll be in the mood for traveling.
2. “Osaka City Central Public Hall” with a retro atmosphere
The Osaka City Central Public Hall is a brick building with a retro atmosphere and is a popular photo spot for women. The building is lit up at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. There are many stylish cafes in the Nakanoshima area where Osaka City Central Public Hall is located. In addition, other retro buildings are in the vicinity, such as the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Osaka Head Office, the Bank of Japan Osaka Branch, and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library it is recommended to visit them as well.
3. Umeda Sky Building/Kuchu Teien Observatory, a famous night-view spot
The Umeda Sky Building has a floating garden observatory where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama. From the observatory, you can enjoy the scenery of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island in addition to the cityscape of Osaka. Also, the see-through escalator on the 35th to 39th floors leading to the observatory is a popular photo spot. It is surrounded by a romantic atmosphere at night and is famous as a night view spot.
Popular Sightseeing Spots in Osaka’s Namba/Shinsaibashi Area
The Namba/Shinsaibashi area, where Osaka’s culture and food gather, is also called “Minami” and is recommended for those who want to feel the local atmosphere. Here are some popular sightseeing spots in the Namba/Shinsaibashi area.
1. “Dotonbori” full of Osaka style
Dotonbori is a spot where you can experience the lively atmosphere of Osaka. Strike a pose and take a picture in front of the famous Glico billboard. Around Dotonbori, there is a promenade along the river “Tombori River Walk” and a shopping street where you can enjoy Osaka-style gourmet and shopping, so it is popular for sightseeing.
2. You can’t miss it when you come to Osaka! “Namba Grand Kagetsu,” where you can enjoy manzai at the home of comedy
To experience “Osaka’s comedy”, visit Namba Grand Kagetsu. You can enjoy live comedy unique to Osaka, such as manzai and new comedy. Advance ticket reservations are essential to see the popular manzai.
The museum also sells unique goods and souvenirs that will make you laugh.
3. Namba Yasaka Shrine, famous for its love of carp protection
Namba Yasaka Shrine is a power spot that invites victory and commercial luck. You can take impressive photos in front of the lion hall with an impressive lion with its mouth wide open. In addition, the Koi Koi Mamori sold at the shrine is popular because it looks cute and is said to bring good luck in love.
Popular Sightseeing Spots in Osaka’s “Tennoji/Shinsekai Area”
The Tennoji/Shinsekai area is one of Osaka’s standard sightseeing areas, following “Kita” and “Minami.” New and old spots are mixed, and you can enjoy the deep Osaka. Next, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots in the Tennoji/Shinsekai area.
1. Let’s see Billiken, the god of good fortune, at Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku, where you can feel the deep atmosphere of Osaka. From the observatory, you can see the cityscape of Shinsekai. Also, on the 5th floor, there is a statue of the god of good luck, known as “Billiken-san”, and it is said that rubbing the soles of the feet will bring good luck.
2. Harukas 300, Japan’s highest observatory
Harukas 300 is the observatory in Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan. Every floor is a stylish space surrounded by glass windows so that you can enjoy a pleasant walk in the air. If you want to take pictures, we recommend the “Harukas 300 (Observatory) Heliport Tour”.
Popular Sightseeing Spots in the Osaka Bay Area
The bay area facing Osaka Bay is an area with open seaside scenery. It is also a popular tourist spot, with large theme parks and facilities. Here are some popular sightseeing spots in the Osaka Bay Area recommended for those who want to have fun to the fullest.
1. The world’s largest aquarium! “Kaiyukan” where you can meet a powerful whale shark
Kaiyukan is known as one of the world’s largest aquariums. After passing through the fantastic Aqua Gate, you can meet various sea creatures.
The Pacific Ocean tank, where the powerful whale shark swims, and the tank of the beautiful jellyfish galaxy are recommended for adults seeking healing.
2. “Tempozan Ferris Wheel” where you can see the city of Osaka
A giant Ferris wheel in Tempozan Harbor Village next to Kaiyukan. With a diameter of 100m, it is one of the largest scales in Japan, and it takes about 15 minutes to complete one lap. From the Ferris wheel, you can overlook the city of Osaka and enjoy a wonderful view. The time when the sun sets is especially recommended. It is also lit up at night.
In addition to the regular gondolas, there are also 8 see-through gondolas, so if you want to experience a thrill, why not try?
You can meet a new Osaka! Popular tourist spots in the “secret area.”
Osaka has many attractions other than the main areas. If you go a little farther, you may see a new side of Osaka. Here, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots in hidden areas outside of Osaka. Both can be reached in less than an hour by train from Osaka Station, so if you have time, visit them.
1. “Minoh Waterfall (Minoh City)” is Surrounded by Magnificent Nature, which is Great for Photos
Minoh Waterfall, which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, is especially popular during the fall foliage season. If you have time, it would be a good idea to visit Katsuo-ji Temple, which is said to be a power spot for luck. Many red daruma dolls are lined up, popular photo spots, and you can buy “maple leaf tempura” which is perfect for souvenirs.
2. EXPO’70 Commemorative Park (Suita City), famous for the Tower of the Sun
Expo’70 Commemorative Park, which used the site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition, has various facilities related to leisure, sports, culture, etc., and you can enjoy yourself all day long. The “Tower of the Sun”, also a symbol of the Expo, is a photo spot where you can take typical pictures of Osaka.
Another popular facility is NIFREL, a museum with the theme of diversity, located in the adjacent Expocity. Many spots in the museum will make you want to hold your camera, such as feeling the creatures up close and being displayed like an art piece.
Tokyu Hotels is convenient for visiting popular sightseeing spots in Osaka.
Tokyu Hotels is recommended if you want to stay at a hotel that is convenient for sightseeing in Osaka and where you can spend a relaxing time. It is located in the two major areas of Osaka, “Kita” and “Minami,” and is close to the station, so access to various areas is excellent. There are plenty of room types, so you can use them for all kinds of scenes, such as solo trips, girls’ trips, and family trips.
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu is located near Honmachi Station on the Osaka Metro, making it a convenient hotel for sightseeing in the Umeda, Namba, and Shinsaibashi areas. The atmosphere of Osaka is scattered throughout the hotel, such as the vivid colors of the interior inspired by the hustle and bustle of Osaka and the artwork that makes you feel the history of Osaka.
Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel
Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel is conveniently located for sightseeing in the Umeda area. It is close to JR Osaka Station and Osaka Metro Umeda Station, making it easy to access other areas.
The guest rooms are clean and bright and well-equipped with amenities supporting a comfortable stay.
Osaka City Central Public Hall
The Central Public Hall in Nakanoshima was built between 1916 and 1918 with donations from Einosuke Iwamoto, a stockbroker. This red-tiled, brick-walled Renaissance-style classical building houses two concert halls and a restaurant famous for its specialties. As a symbol of the Nakanoshima area, the building, built in the Taisho era, was officially reopened to the public in November 2002 after a four-year restoration project. The restored Central Hall not only preserves the original appearance and interior decoration of the exterior but also has been reinforced to enhance the earthquake resistance of the building. All the stained glass windows and chandeliers in the hall have also been restored, and the ceiling painting of “the opening of heaven and earth” according to Japanese mythology has been restored.
