Time Out Osaka Special Issue

The apple of the world’s eye

Osaka is in the spotlight these days, and not just because of the World Expo, which the city is hosting for the second time in 2025. This vibrant, dynamic city is fast becoming one of the region’s most in-demand travel destinations. For a cosmopolitan city, Osaka is very affordable, and there’s something for everyone, from the historical Osaka Castle to the neon-lit alleys of Dotonbori. Shopping is varied, the street food is world famous, plus the art and culture scene is thriving. In recent years, the city’s fine dining restaurants have also received international acclaim. With so much to see and do, it’s natural to be overwhelmed by Osaka. But here’s where we come in. In this special issue, we have divided Osaka city into five main districts, each with its own unique personality and host of attractions. The best way to enjoy Osaka is to set aside one day for each district and soon you’ll be having the time of your life.

â Start exploring Osaka now – your trip begins on page 10

Grand menu

Night

Osaka Update

Hot dates

The major events and festivals in Osaka that you should not miss

By Youka Nagase

Tenjin Festival

This traditional festival is one of the biggest in Japan, dating back over 1,000 years. It takes place annually in July over two days, with the main festivities happening on the second day. This culminates with a vibrant parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by devotees in elaborate costumes. The procession starts at the historical Temmangu Shrine before arriving at the Okawa River. It then continues on boats accompanied by fireworks over the water.

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

Summer in Japan is synonymous with fireworks festivals. So don’t miss Osaka’s biggest pyrotechnic display, held along the Yodogawa River with a spectacular view of the city skyline in the background. The hour-long showcase is split into five sections, each featuring a set of songs played in sync with the fireworks.

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

This awe-inspiring festival is a sight to behold, especially with 34 danjiri (massive wooden floats) parading the streets around the historic Kishiwada Castle, a landmark in the southern part of Osaka prefecture. Each float belongs to a different neighbourhood in Kishiwada

city, and is crafted meticulously by the residents themselves. Make sure to arrive early to enjoy traditional Japanese street food like takoyaki, grilled squid, yakisoba and more.

à Sep 16-17, Oct 7-8. Around Kishiwada Castle. city.kishiwada.osaka.jp/site/danjiri. FREE.

à Aug 5. Yodogawa Park, 3 Shinkitano, Yodogawa. yodohanabi.com. FREE (sponsors’ seats from ¥5,000 for adults and ¥2,500 for children).

à Jul 24-25. Temmangu Shrine, 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita. tenjinmatsuri.com. FREE (paid seats from ¥3,000).

OSAKA TEMMANGU SHRINE

NANIWA YODOGAWA FIREWORKS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

Suminoe Art Beat

One of Osaka’s premier art events, Suminoe Art Beat, which takes place at the Creative Center Osaka art complex in Kitakagaya, is beloved for its 9.5m-tall giant Rubber Duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. Additionally, there will be an outdoor market plus a series of exhibitions, workshops and performances.

à Nov 5. Creative Center Osaka, 4-1-55 Kitakagaya, Suminoe. suminoeartbeat.wixsite.com/home. FREE.

Festival of the Lights

For this year-end celebration, Osaka’s most popular landmarks and attractions are lit up in colourful illuminations after dark, especially Midosuji avenue between Umeda and Namba, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for having the most illuminated trees on a single street. Also, don’t miss the Osaka City Central Public Hall; the majestic building will serve as the backdrop for a spectacular projection mapping display. Festival of the Lights also sees many other locations across Osaka prefecture lighting up for the occasion, including the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.

à Nov 3-Jan 31. hikari-kyoen.com. FREE.

2.0

At these two takoyaki specialists, you’ll enjoy Osaka’s iconic dish in cool new ways

TAKOYAKI SAUCE

Takoyaki and okonomi sauce are as inextricably linked to each other as bread and butter. At this eatery you’ll find every last kind of takoyaki sauce made in Osaka, so you can compare flavours and find your favourite.

To get started, order a plate of the sizable takoyaki (¥390 for a pack of six). Then study the blackboard that lists the sauces and their characteristics to make an informed choice of up to two varieties to pour over your serving. Be sure to try at least one of the many sauces flavoured with fruit.

à 1-52-7 Hannancho, Abeno (Showacho Station). 10.30am-9pm, closed Wed.

EKITEI

Located in Shin-Umeda Shokudogai since 1971 is Ekitei, a hole-in-the-wall eatery that specialises in akashiyaki, a fluffier version of takoyaki named after and associated with Akashi city in Hyogo prefecture.

In akashiyaki, bits of octopus are wrapped in egg-rich batter, fried on an iron pan and served in a warm dashi broth. In Ekitei’s version, dashi is also used to flavour the batter, adding some punch to the dumplings, which are always made to order.

Open until 11pm six days a week, this venue makes for an ideal stop on a bar-hopping round. At ¥1,150, the akashiyaki drink set – a plate of dumplings plus your choice of booze – is an especially good deal.

à Shin-Umeda Shokudogai 1F, 9-25 Kakudacho, Kita (Osaka-Umeda, Osaka, Umeda, Higashi-Umeda stations). 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm (last orders 10.30pm), closed Mon.

à F ind more takoyaki restaurants on p11 and p23.

KISHIWADA CITY

MASAYA YONEDA

KYOKO YASUI (KARAMOMO) CHENG FENG CHIANG/ISTOCK

One perfect day in Osaka

Several of Osaka’s top attractions are located outside of the city limits. Complete your day trip with a stop at these popular food and shopping facilities in suburban Osaka

Stop by:

Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Kadoma and Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma

Visit: Tsurumiryokuchi Expo '90 Commemorative Park

In 1990, Osaka hosted The International Garden and Greenery Exposition, a large-scale gardening event that featured 83 countries. On the site today is this beautiful park with seasonal flowers and a large pond at its centre. It’s split into different sections, with the Mountain Area particularly photogenic thanks to its windmill, rose garden, Japanese garden and small farm. You can also try horse riding in the park at Tsurumi Green Horseriding School or soak in a hot spring at Suishun natural onsen.

à 2-163 Ryokuchikoen, Tsurumi (Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station). tsurumi-ryokuchi.jp. Hours vary by facility.

Panasonic Museum

ALSO WORTH VISITING: Osaka Castle

Explore the world of Panasonic Group at this corporate museum dedicated to the history of the internationally renowned electronics company. Set inside a recreation of the company’s former Kadoma headquarters from 1933, the attraction showcases late Panasonic founder Konosuke Matsushita’s views on life and management, plus the company’s products from different eras.

à 1006 Oazakadoma, Kadoma (Nishisanso Station). tinyurl.com/panasonicmuseum. 10am-5pm, closed Sun & hols. Free.

A 20-minute train ride from Kadomashi Station (near LaLaport Kadoma) gets you to Temmabashi, just a 15-minute walk from Osaka Castle. With a history dating back to 1583, Osaka Castle is now preserved as a museum with exhibits that tell the story of the building’s turbulent history. There’s also an eighth-floor observation deck for views of the city.

à 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Osakajokoen stations). 06 6941 3044. osakacastle.net. 9am-5pm daily.

There’s something very new about this shopping centre – and it’s not just because the property only opened in April this year. This spacious venue offers a unique two-in-one concept, where discount shopping facility Mitsui Outlet Park is nestled within the larger mall LaLaport. Bargain hunters will love Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Kadoma for its array of local and international brands, all offering deep discounts. In fact, this is the outlet mall nearest to Osaka city centre. Taking over the entire second floor are close to 100 shops, including highly coveted brands such as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Under Armour, Beams, Ray Ban and more. Better yet, about 60 percent of them offer tax-free shopping.

Meanwhile, LaLaport Kadoma is home to many shops selling local and regional gifts and

souvenirs. Kyotanba Ajimu no Sato is the Kyoto specialist, where it carries foodstuff from Japan’s premier heritage destination, including black bean sweets, locally made miso and condiments, plus a wide array of matcha products from tea and confectionery to even curry.

As its name suggests, Hokkaido Umaimono-Kan is where you’ll find the gourmet offerings of Japan’s northernmost prefecture. There’s a lot of corn products here – naturally so, since Hokkaido corn is widely praised – featured alongside local produce such as kombu seaweed and ready-to-eat Hokkaido soup curry meals. For instant gratification, get the shop’s soft-serve ice cream, available in Hokkaido milk and melon flavours. You’ll find more fresh produce and groceries from local farms, especially beloved Japanese fruit in pristine condition, at Nosanbutsu Chokubaisho Shun no Eki right across the hallway.

The food options at LaLaport Kadoma are also not to be missed. For one, it houses an offshoot of Osaka city’s top foodie attraction, Kuromon Market. And here it’s air-conditioned, so you can enjoy classic Japanese and Osaka dishes from takoyaki and sushi to tonkatsu and gyoza in comfort. Kuromon Sanpei, especially, is well-loved for its super fresh kaisendon rice bowls topped with thick-cut sashimi.

Prefer ramen? Make a beeline for the Food Terrace on the third floor. The noodles at Ramenya Mitsuba Kadoma Shucchoujo and Ramen Nagomi are exceptional. Then, all there’s left to do is take a breather on the breezy rooftop, where kids can frolic at the little playground while everybody else just relaxes on the grassy lawn. Your perfect day, sorted.

à 1-11 Matsuocho, Kadoma (Kadomashi Station). mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/osakakadoma/english. See website for opening hours.

Taking pride of place at this sprawling park that formerly hosted the Osaka World Expo 1970 is the Tower of the Sun by the late Japanese artist Taro Okamoto. This approximately 70m-tall structure has three exterior faces representing the past, present and future. Inside the tower is Okamoto’s massive ‘Tree of Life’, which tells the story of evolution.

You can also visit the two gardens that surround the tower. In the Natural and Cultural Gardens, you can enjoy seasonal flowers and take a stroll along the Sorado, an aerial promenade with views across the park. The famous Japanese Garden, on the other hand, is created with the best Japanese landscaping techniques.

Tickets for the Tower of the Sun can be booked in advance via the website (priority entry to those with reservations). Adult tickets cost ¥720 (¥310 for primary and middle school students). You can also get a set ticket with access to the tower and the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park for ¥930 (¥380 for school students).

à 1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita (Bampakukinenkoen Station). taiyounotou-expo70.jp/en. 10am-5pm, closed Wed (opening hours correspond to those of Expo ’70 Commemorative Park).

Stop by: Expocity

The first thing you’re sure to notice at Expocity, the multipurpose complex near the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, is the jaw-dropping Redhorse Osaka Wheel. At 123m high, it is Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel. Around it are several entertainment attractions including animal centre Nifrel and indoor variety sports facility VS Park.

Taking pride of place in this sprawling property is LaLaport Expocity. The massive shopping mall is home to major Japanese stores such as Loft, ABC-Mart and Jins – it even has a Sanrio store as well as the official Studio Ghibli

shop Donguri Republic. For a fun Japanese experience, visit Gashacoco and spend your loose change spinning for capsule toys. Here the hidden surprises come in many forms, from famous character figurines and toys to tote bags and pouches. You should definitely make your way to the Food Pavilion on the third floor, even if it’s just to get a good view of the beloved Osaka icon, the Tower of the Sun, from one of the seating areas. But do stay as this food court serves up amazing local specialities. First and Original Takoyaki Aiduya is renowned for being one of the pioneering takoyaki purveyors in

onion and pepper mayo, and without sauce (the secret lies in the batter that’s infused with dashi). Complete your meal with perfectly golden karaage fried chicken from Torisanwa and deliciously chewy Kagawa-style udon (available in soup as well as soupless preparations) from Sanuki Udon Magokoro. Then, make your way down to Tsujirihei Honten on the first floor for decadent uji matcha desserts.

If you’re travelling in groups, Osaka Konamon Okonomiyaki Goroppe Shokudo is the place for you. Located in the outdoor restaurant area near Expocity’s entrance, this okonomiyaki restaurant has long tables and best of all, affordable, all-you-caneat okonomiyaki. Otherwise, go around the corner to Peanuts Cafe and enjoy a meal with Snoopy and friends.

à 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita (Bampakukinenkoen Station). mitsui-shopping-park.com/ lalaport/expocity. See website for opening hours.

LaLaPort Sakai is a family-friendly shopping destination. Besides having dedicated nursing rooms and kids’ spaces for the little ones to play in, the mall also features several child-friendly shops, businesses and game centres. Moff animal café is one of such highlights. It has a petting zoo-like facility, where children can interact with pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs while parents enjoy a drink.

Visit: Mozu Tombs

Measuring 486m in length, Japan’s largest keyhole-shaped tomb is the resting place of Emperor Nintoku (AD 313-399). Nearby, you’ll find the Emperor Richu Kofun, another keyhole-shaped tomb that’s the third biggest of its kind in Japan. Head to Sakai City Hall, which has a free observation deck on the 21st floor, for the best views of these impressive burial mounds, which are part of the

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

à Daisen-ryo Kofun (Tomb of Emperor Nintoku): 7-1 Daisencho, Sakai (Mozu Station).

à Emperor Richu Kofun: 1 Ishizugaoka, Nishi, Sakai (Uenoshiba Station).

à Sakai City Hall: 3-1 Minamikawaramachi, Sakai (Sakaihigashi Station). sakai-tcb.or.jp/en/spot/detail/73. 9am-9pm.

COMING SOON

The third-floor Food Kitchen is also a highlight, and not just because the spacious food court contains a children’s play area as well as a separate co-working space. Food Kitchen is home to offshoots by some of Osaka’s most renowned restaurants. Menya Fukuhara, in particular, serves up a delectable chicken stock-based shoyu ramen complete with three different types of slow-cooked meat – chicken, pork shoulder and pork belly. For chopped seafood rice bowls topped with at least ten types of ingredients including salmon, tuna, scallops and squid, make a beeline for Tsukiji Magoemon.

MITSUI OUTLET PARK MARINE PIA KOBE

Just under 50 minutes from Osaka Station, this outlet mall will offer shopping with beautiful views when it reopens in 2024. Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe, in neighbouring Hyogo prefecture, is right on the water near the stunning AkashiKaikyo Bridge that connects the mainland to Awaji island.

The mall closed in February 2023 to undergo major redevelopment. When it reopens in 2024, it will be much larger than before with a wider range of shops, including fashion, outdoor, homeware and electronics stores. It’s sure to be a scenic shopping destination just a short hop from Osaka city.

à 12-2 Kaigandori, Tarumi, Kobe (Sanyo-Tarumi Station). mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/kobe.

A shop worth checking out is Kimono Yamato, where you’ll find ready-made kimono sourced directly from artisans across Japan. The shop also offers lessons on how to wear yukata, a traditional Japanese attire worn in summer.

à 22-1 Kuroyama, Mihara, Sakai. mitsui-shopping-park.com/ lalaport/sakai. See website for opening hours.

Stop by: LaLaport Sakai

SAKAI CITY

Present this QR code at the info desks of the Mitsui Shopping Parks in Kadoma and Expocity to redeem a free gift (one per person). Valid

The Osaka hit list

Your ultimate guide to the hub of Kansai – what’s good, what’s cool and what’s new in Osaka’s five most vibrant city districts.

By the Time Out Osaka editors

WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT holiday destination?

History, culture, arts and nature, plus sensational food and plentiful shopping, and most importantly, great value for money. These are the things that Osaka is widely known for and have made this modern Kansai region metropolis one of Japan’s most popular destinations. However, with the endless variety that the city has to offer, Osaka may seem overwhelming. Fret not, though, as we’ll break it down for you: Osaka city is made up of five main districts, each with a unique character and set of attractions. To help you make the most of your time in this great city, here’s an introduction to each of the areas and the best things to do while you’re there. We’ll also highlight some of the relatively newer additions to the city, which have sprung up during the pandemic, that you should not miss.

MINAMI

OSAKA’S SOUTHERN DOWNTOWN district of Minami, which encompasses the Namba area, is the city’s renowned entertainment district, home to countless dining, shopping and nightlife options. That massive Glico running man sign that has become synonymous with Osaka – you’ll find it here among the bustling, neon-lit streets of Dotonbori.

The Minami district is also home to Amerikamura, which is Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll find all sorts of youthful fashion, boutiques and cafés in this energetic ’hood. For something more hip and refined, venture to Horie, especially around Tachibana-dori (Orange Street), where tightly curated select shops co-mingle with artistic brands and industrial-chic cafés.

There’s really no shortage of shopping in Minami, as the area also features a massive covered shopping arcade, Namba Parks shopping centre, major department stores and luxury boutiques, especially along the streets of Shinsaibashi. As such, you can expect Minami to be very well served by public transport –three train companies, three subway lines and an express bus terminal – making this an ideal base for your Osaka holiday.

The terraced rooftop garden of Namba Parks

TOP ATTRACTIONS

NAMBA PARKS SOUTH

The massive Namba Parks shopping and entertainment complex was designed to inject some greenery into the city’s concrete jungle, with the lush terraced rooftop garden offering a much needed respite from the bustling streets. Recently the facility expanded with a new area on the south side. Here you’ll find a varied mix of restaurants and two new hotels, one of which is Japan’s first hotel by a Thai luxury brand.

à 2-11-13, 18, 50 Nambanaka, Naniwa (Namba Station). nambaparks. com. 11am-11pm daily.

HOZENJI YOKOCHO

Just a short walk from Dotonbori, this atmospheric yokocho features tiny alleys filled with old-school izakaya, bars and restaurants. There are about 60 restaurants and shops here, including eateries specialising in Osaka-style okonomiyaki. Don’t miss the beautiful Hozenji Temple located in the midst of this yokocho

à Around 1-1-6 Nanba, Chuo (Namba, Kintetsu-Nippombashi stations). Opening hours vary by store.

SHINSAIBASHI NEON RESTAURANT STREET AT PARCO

Shinsaibashi Parco transformed its second basement floor into a lively food hall called Shinsaibashi Neon Shokudo Gai. There are 25 well-designed eateries and bars including a Korean restaurant, a tantanmen specialist and a Japanese craft whisky bar.

à Shinsaibashi Parco B2F, 1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo (Shinsaibashi Station). shinsaibashi.parco.jp. Opening times vary by outlet.

CENTARA GRAND HOTEL OSAKA

Opening in July 2023, the five-star Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is set inside a soaring 33-storey skyscraper in Namba. The 515 rooms and suites are all decked out with luxurious comforts such as rain showers, Nespresso machines as well as floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of Osaka’s awe-inspiring city views. The hotel also boasts seven food and drink outlets including a scenic rooftop bar.

à 2-11-50 Nanbanaka, Naniwa (Namba Station). centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgoj.

TAKOTAKO KING

Takoyaki – the ubiquitous savoury ball of batter encasing a piece of octopus – is an Osaka staple. One of our go-tos for this addictive snack is Takotako King, a lively pub with multiple outlets in the Minami area. Here you can try takoyaki in a variety of flavours including shoyu, ponzu, mentaiko mayo and garlic salt. It also serves other Kansai classics such as okonomiyaki.

àMultiple venues. takotakoking.com.

MIMARU OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI NORTH

This apartment-style hotel in Shinsaibashi is perfect for families and large groups, as the rooms can fit up to six people. The spacious accommodation comes equipped with a kitchen and dining area; some even have bunk beds. Location wise, this Mimaru property is located near three metro stations. Plus, you’re just a tenminute walk from Dotonbori.

à 2-4-18 Minamisenba, Chuo (Nagahoribashi, Shinsaibashi stations). mimaruhotels.com/en.

DOTONBORI

You can’t say you’ve seen Osaka until you’ve been to Dotonbori. The entertainment and nightlife district is perhaps Osaka’s most famous draw, known for its bright neon signs and array of street food. Here you’ll find the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Glico running man sign and the massive Don Quijote store with a ferris wheel.

AMERIKAMURA

The neighbourhood known affectionately as Amemura has been around since the late ’60s. It got its name from the numerous American-import fashion and vintage stores that used to populate the area. While still known for its fashion shops, Amemura has evolved into a hub for youth culture over the years. Today, you’ll find numerous boutiques, vintage shops and cafés in the area as well as Triangle Park (perfect for people watching) and hidden cocktail den Bar Nayuta.

àAround 2-11-34 Nishishinbashi, Chuo (Shinsaibashi Station).

The Peace on Earth mural by Seitaro Kuroda has become a symbol of Amemura

Osaka explorer

SHOCHIKUZA THEATER

Established in 1923, this grand Western-style building is Osaka’s main kabuki venue. Shochikuza Theater can hold about 1,000 people, and there are English headsets available, so tourists can easily understand and enjoy kabuki performances.

à 1-9-19 Dotonbori, Chuo (Namba Station). shochiku.co.jp/play/theater/shochikuza.

TOMBORI RIVERCRUISE

This short and sweet boat ride takes you on a leisurely journey along the Dotonbori canal. It’s a great option if you’re looking to pack Dotonbori into your tight schedule as the cruise only takes about 20 minutes. Get your tickets at Tazaemonbashi pier; the ticketing office opens an hour before the first departure.

à 7 Souemoncho, Chuo (Namba, KintetsuNippombashi stations). ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/ tombori.html. 11am-9pm daily.

NAMBA YASAKA SHRINE

Just five minutes’ walk from Namba Parks is Osaka’s most unique shrine. The imposing 12m-tall lion head building is said to be able to bestow good luck on worshippers by engulfing any evil bothering them.

à 2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa (Namba Station). nambayasaka.jp. 6.30am-5pm daily.

SHINSAIBASHI-SUJI SHOPPING ARCADE

This renowned covered shopping street spans approximately 600m in length. There really is everything here, from designer labels and trendy boutiques to kimono shops and countless restaurants. The arcade is also within walking distance from Dotonbori and Amemura, making it easy to explore all three in one day.

à Around 2-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo (Shinsaibashi Station).

KUR0MON MARKET

Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Tsukiji is Kuromon Market, a covered shopping and dining arcade dedicated to seafood and fresh produce. Come here for grilled crab legs, oysters, fresh uni (sea urchin roe) and yakitori.

à Around 2 Nipponbashi, Chuo (Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station). kuromon.com/en. Opening hours vary by store.

KAMIGATA UKIYO-E MUSEUM

This small museum collects ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock prints) produced in Osaka during the Edo (1603-1867) and the Meiji (1868-1912) periods, with many featuring kabuki actors. You can partake in a workshop (¥600) and make your own ukiyo-e print.

à 1-6-4 Nanba, Chuo (Namba Station). kamigata. jp. 11am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm), closed Mon.

E-SPORTS EKICHIKA

This massive multi-level e-sports café offers 51 high-spec PCs and private gaming rooms for solo players as well as groups of up to five people. You can purchase play time starting from three hours; any unused time can be carried over to your next session.

à 1-18-8 Shimanouchi, Chuo (Nagahoribashi Station). 06 6258 8880. esports-ekichika.net. Opens 24 hours daily.

This heritage townhouse has been converted into a collection of chic restaurants. The twin highlights here are Dashidokoro Semba Yamamoto, which serves dishes based on dashi (soup stock made from fish and kelp), and Sushi Toyotaka, a Bib Gourmand-rated sushi restaurant.

à Dashidokoro Semba Yamamoto, 06 6484 7723,11.30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm, closed Sun & hols.

à Sushi Toyotaka, 06 6244 3010, 5pm-10.30pm (last orders 10pm), closed Mon & hols.

SEMBA URAROJI

à Semba Uraroji, 4-10-22 Minami-Semba, Chuo (Shinsaibashi, Yotsubashi stations). sembauraroji.com.

© OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU SEMBA URAROJI

TAKASHI YASUKI/© OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU

TAKASHI YASUKI/© OSAKA CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU

BAY AREA

ONE OF OSAKA’S youngest districts, the Bay Area covers several coastal peninsulas along with the surrounding man-made islands. This is where you’ll find the city’s biggest and most exciting themed attractions catering to all ages, making it ideal for families travelling with kids. Universal Studios Japan may be the headliner here but the Bay Area has a lot more to offer, from the imaginationfuelling Legoland to the majestic underwater creatures at Kaiyukan aquarium.

TOP AT TRACTIONS

OSAKA PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT SAKISHIMA BUILDING OBSERVATORY

The tallest building on Sakishima island, Cosmo Tower houses one of the city’s best observation decks. Come here for an unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka from the 55th floor, 252 metres above the city. The windows to the north offer a quintessential view of Osaka’s waterfront, featuring the imposing Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. The sunset view here is spectacular.

à Cosmo Tower, 1-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe (Nakafuto, Trade Center-mae stations). 06 6615 6055. sakishima-observatory.com. 11am-10pm (last entry 9.30pm), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol).

GLION MUSEUM

This classic car museum showcases a remarkable collection of Japanese and international vintage automobiles. Housed within a century-old red brick warehouse, originally constructed in 1923, the museum features approximately 250 classic cars including the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a beloved favourite from the 1900s to 1950s. On site you’ll also find a steakhouse and café.

à 2-6-39 Kaigandori, Minato (Osakako Station). 06 6573 3006. glion-museum.jp. 11am-5pm, closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol).

OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN

Take a deep dive into the mysterious underwater world at Kaiyukan, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums around. With over 30,000 marine animals representing 620 species, the six-storey attraction is designed as a journey through the world’s most biodiverse regions, from the Maldives to the Antarctic. The multi-level Pacific Ocean tank is the focal point, as it’s home to majestic creatures such as whale sharks and manta rays.

à 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato (Osakako Station). 06 6576 5501. kaiyukan.com. Opening hours vary by month.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

The ever-popular Universal Studios Japan is where you’ll experience the world’s biggest movies and TV shows and meet iconic characters IRL, including Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic Park, Hello Kitty and more. As if that wasn’t enough to fill an entire day, the park opened the world’s first Super Nintendo World in 2021. Here you get to explore the fun-filled world of Mario and Luigi while racing through courses, collecting coins, completing quests and battling the big boss in never-before-seen interactive experiences. It really feels like you’ve stepped into a video game.

2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana (Universal City Station). 0570 200 606. usj.co.jp. Opening hours vary.

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER OSAKA

Legoland Discovery Center Osaka is the ultimate playground for kids, with a host of attractions and activities designed to ignite their imagination. There are rides, shows, VR experiences, jaw-dropping Lego models to admire, and even building workshops. And the best part is, the theme park is indoors, perfect for those cold or rainy days. The only caveat is that adults must be accompanied by a child. This is, after all, a kid’s world.

àTempozan Marketplace 3F, 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato (Osakako Station). legolanddiscoverycenter. com/osaka. 10am-6pm daily (extended hours during certain holidays and weekends).

SONIWA ONSEN

For a classic Japanese spa experience, Soniwa Onsen offers a host of rejuvenating baths in different settings, from openair and private baths to one overlooking a Japanese garden and a footbath on the rooftop garden. The facility uses lowalkaline hot spring water sourced from over 1,000m below ground, and it’s known to be beneficial to the skin. Soniwa Onsen also offers traditional Japanese body care treatments including scrubs and cupping.

à Osaka Bay Tower, 1-2-3 Benten, Minato (Bentencho Station). 06 7670 5126. solaniwa.com. 11am-11pm (last entry 10pm) daily, check website for closed dates.

KITA

TENJINBASHI-SUJI SHOTENGAI

This covered shopping arcade, popular among locals, runs for 2.6km, making it the longest of its kind in Japan – it’ll take about 40 minutes for you to walk from one end to the other. There really is everything here, from fashion and accessories to kitchen goods and daily necessities. It’s easy to lose track of time, so good thing the arcade is also packed with izakaya, restaurants, cafés and bars, serving as pit stops to fuel your retail outing.

à 1-7 Tenjinbashi, Kita (Ogimachi, Tenjinbashi 6-chome, Minami-morimachi, Temma stations). tenjin123.com. Opening hours vary by store.

NINTENDO OSAKA

Only its second official store in Japan, Nintendo Osaka is stocked to the brim with its official games and merchandise from Super Mario and Legend of Zelda to Animal Crossing and Splatoon. Note that on busy days (primarily weekends and holidays), entry to the store is limited to those with numbered tickets, which will be distributed in front of Daimaru Umeda Store’s water clock (first floor) before the store opens and in front of the store after that.

à Daimaru Umeda Store 13F, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita (Osaka, Umeda, Higashi-Umeda, Nishi-Umeda stations). 0570 088 210. nintendo.co.jp/officialstore. 10am-8pm daily.

KIDS PLAZA OSAKA

A full-fledged museum for children, Kids

Plaza Osaka offers interactive exhibits for the little ones to learn while they play. Aside from participating in creative workshops, kids can also discover the wonders of science as well as cultures from around the world. There’s even a mini Kids Town designed by the late Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, where kids can meander around curvy corridors, climb walls and go down slides.

KITA, WHICH INCLUDES the evolving Umeda area, is Osaka’s northern downtown. It’s a lively business district served by two of Osaka’s busiest transport hubs: the sprawling, all-encompassing complexes of Osaka and Umeda stations.

Recent redevelopments have bestowed Kita with new energy and excitement, and these urbanisation projects are set to continue until 2028. The focal point of these new projects is the Grand Green Osaka initiative, which seeks to transform a former freight rail yard into a cutting-edge multipurpose complex consisting of parks, offices, retail and even Time Out Market Osaka, our very first editorially-curated food and cultural market in Asia.

Even now, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the abundance of shopping, dining, hotels and sightseeing options in Kita. There’s the modern architectural marvel Umeda Sky Building with its rooftop observation deck, department stores and shopping centres galore (Daimaru, Links, Hankyu, Hanshin, HEP Five, etc) as well as a network of underground malls.

For a completely different vibe, the historical Osaka Temmangu Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city while the artsy Nakazakicho neighbourhood beckons with its laidback lifestyle, craft shops, vintage stores and cool cafés.

TOP AT TRACTIONS

à 2-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita (Ogimachi, Temma stations). 06 6311 6601. kidsplaza.or.jp. 9.30am-4.30pm (last entry 3.45pm), closed 2nd & 3rd Mon (Tue if Mon is hol). Check website for other closed days.

KUCHU TEIEN OBSERVATORY AT UMEDA SKY BUILDING

It’s impossible not to notice the towering Umeda Sky Building when walking around Umeda. This landmark, which looks like a spaceship, is arguably the city’s most unique work of architecture. It’s home to one of Osaka’s top attractions, the Kuchu Teien Observatory, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline from the 40th floor and has an open-air rooftop. The trippy, vertiginous elevator tunnel leading to the observatory is an experience in itself. Umeda Sky Building also houses a restaurant floor in the basement inspired by Showa-era (1926-1989) aesthetics.

à 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita (Minami-morimachi, Osakatemmangu stations). 06 6353 0025. osakatemmangu.or.jp. 9am-5pm daily.

OSAKA TEMMANGU SHRINE

Established in year 949, the famous Osaka Temmangu Shrine is dedicated to the Heian period (794-1185) scholar and poet Sugawarano-Michizane, to whom students often come and pay respects ahead of exam season. Even if you’re no longer in school, this longstanding shrine is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere, accentuated by a pretty plum garden of roughly 100 trees. Swing by in late July and you’ll be able to catch the annual Tenjin Matsuri – one of the region’s largest festivals – which features a parade of over 3,000 people dressed in traditional costumes carrying portable shrines.

à 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita (Minami-morimachi, Osakatemmangu stations). 06 6353 0025. osakatemmangu.or.jp. 9am-5pm daily.

OSAKA MUSEUM OF HOUSING AND LIVING

The main feature in the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is the replica of an Osaka neighbourhood from the 1830s to the late twentieth century. You’ll travel back in time to the end of the Edo period (1603-1867) in the life-sized Osakacho 3-chome, whose streets are lined with traditional machiya townhouses. It’s an immersive experience as you get to walk around, touch and interact with the exhibits.

Aside from depicting the city and its architecture, the museum also explores home life during Osaka’s modernisation in the Meiji (1868-1912) and Showa (1926-1989) eras, with dioramas and images reproducing the living conditions of yesteryear.

à Sumai Joho Centre Bldg 8F, 6-4-20 Tenjinbashi, Kita (Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station). 06 6242 1170. osaka-angenet.jp/konjyakukan. 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Tue.

Osaka’s museum island: Nakanoshima

A sliver of land between two rivers – Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa –Nakanoshima was a bustling trading hub during the Edo period (16031867). Today this scenic waterfront postcode is the city’s financial, administration and cultural centre. Here you’ll find some of Osaka’s best art museums and cultural attractions, which is why many consider Nakanoshima to be the (unofficial) museum island of Osaka.

NAKANOSHIMA CHILDREN’S BOOK FOREST

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART, OSAKA

Architecturally one of the most interesting museums in Japan, the National Museum of Art, Osaka is designed by famed architect César Pelli. The avant-garde metal structure looks like an art installation in itself, whose sail-like formation is inspired by the movements of bamboo. The museum space proper sits largely underground.

The museum has one of the country’s largest collections of Japanese and international contemporary art, with most of the pieces from the 1950s onwards. These works – which cover a range of influential artists including Christian Boltanski, Chiharu Shiota, O Jun and Michio Fukuoka – are showcased on a rotating basis at the Collection Exhibition. Supplementing this is a programme of thematic temporary exhibitions.

à 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita (Watanabebashi, Higobashi, Fukushima stations). 06 6447 4680. nmao.go.jp. Tue-Thu, Sun 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), Fri-Sat 10am-8pm (7.30pm), closed on Mon(Tue if Mon is hol), year-end and New Year holidays, during exhibition changeover.

NAKANOSHIMA MUSEUM OF ART, OSAKA

CAPI

A refined, modern fusion restaurant with roots in Italian cuisine, Capi operates solely on a reservation basis, serving courses of innovative dishes amid a sleek interior that seats only eight guests along a stylish counter. Chef Daiki Ogawa relentlessly explores new ingredient combinations to deliver exceptional food experiences. While traditional Western cuisine tends to layer ingredients to create a deep, complex flavour, Ogawa prefers to celebrate the natural essence and freshness of seasonal ingredients.

à Kitashinchi Place Bldg 6F, 1-10-2 Sonezakishinchi, Kita (Kita-Shinchi Station). 050 3138 6188. capi-osaka.com. Simultaneous start at 6pm and 8.45pm, closed on Sun & hols. Lunch service on Sat from 12noon.

Trust star architect Tadao Ando to design one of the most stylish children’s libraries around. Located in Nakanoshima Park, the Children’s Book Forest offers three levels of dramatic, ceiling-high gridded shelves full of books, with smaller, more intimate areas defined by sloping ceilings. Unusually, books here are neither organised by genre or age range. With picture books sitting happily next to art books and short stories, the aim is to encourage free exploration.

The majority of the library’s collection is in Japanese, but it has a small number of English-language books, which the staff will be happy to guide you and the kids to. Entry is free, but by prior reservation only.

à 1-1-28 Nakanoshima, Kita (Naniwabashi, Yodoyabashi stations). 06 6204 0808. kodomohonnomori.osaka. 9.30am-5pm, closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol).

The newest museum on Nakanoshima took almost 40 years to complete. The arduous undertaking paid off, as the Nakanoshima Museum of Art now holds one of Japan’s most extensive and diverse collections of art, totalling around 6,000 pieces and counting.

The jet-black, cube-like architecture makes for an imposing sight, with a cheeky ‘Ship’s Cat (Muse)’ sculpture by Kenji Yanabo standing guard at its doorsteps. Inside, the pristine space features picture windows overlooking the river and surrounding cityscape as well as lofty ceilings that lend themselves to large-scale exhibitions. Here you’ll find another captivating sculpture by Kenji Yanabo, titled ‘Giant Torayan’, whose height stretches across the museum’s top two floors.

à 4-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita (Watanabebashi, Higobashi, Fukushima stations). nakka-art.jp. 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol).

NATIONAL MUSEUM

ART, OSAKA

OSAKA CASTLE AREA

OSAKA IS A MODERN METROPOLIS , the thriving economic centre of the Kansai region and Japan’s third most populous city. But at its heart is the historical Osaka Castle, an icon of the city that has survived in some form since the late 1500s.

Osaka Castle takes pride of place in the city’s central Chuo ward. It’s the focal point of Osaka Castle Park, a green sanctuary amid the district’s towering skyscrapers. If you need a break from Osaka’s urban trappings, this is the place to visit.

But it’s more than just a tranquil green space. For a crash course on Osaka’s history and heritage, this area is also the place to be. Around Osaka Castle Park are several museums where you can learn about the city’s fascinating past. This includes the castle itself, which is now preserved as a museum dedicated to Osaka’s history.

Venture out from the confines of the park and you’ll still find plenty of charm around this area. Historical neighbourhoods, atmospheric shopping streets and cultural experiences await in one of Osaka’s most traditional districts.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

OSAKA CASTLE MUSEUM

Learn about the turbulent history of Osaka Castle by stepping inside the iconic building and exploring its museum. There are eight floors, each with exhibits that tell the castle’s fascinating story. You’ll also notice a lot of gold decorations inside and outside the building, a nod to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the gold-obsessed feudal lord who built the first castle on this site over 400 years ago. Head up to the top-floor observation deck for stunning views of Osaka across the park.

à 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Osakajokoen stations). 06 6941 3044. osakacastle.net. 9am-5pm daily (extended hours during certain holidays).

HOKOKU SHRINE

Osaka Castle is synonymous with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the feudal lord who began construction of the fortress in the late 1500s. Not far from the castle, you’ll find this shrine in honour of Hideyoshi, with a striking statue of the man himself at the entrance. Hideyoshi rose from being a foot soldier to become one of the most powerful men in Japan. Many worshippers buy an amulet featuring a gourd design from this shrine – it’s said to bring success and luck.

à 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Tanimachi 4-chome stations). 06 6941 0229. osaka-hokokujinja.org. 9am-5pm.

MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO

There’s a lot packed into this shopping and restaurant complex inside a former 1930s army building. On the first floor you can pick up souvenirs from gift shop Osaka-jo Honjin, have a go at being a ninja at Shinobi-ya, and munch on the city’s famous street food takoyaki (octopus dumplings) at Konamon Bar Rikyu. But the rooftop terrace is the main attraction. Here you’ll find Blue Birds, a barbecue restaurant with stunning views of Osaka Castle, especially when it’s lit up at night.

à 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya, Osakajokoen stations). 06 6755 4320. miraiza.jp. Hours vary by store. Blue Birds open from March-October.

OSAKA SUIJO BUS AQUA-LINER

This boat tour is a great way to get a different perspective of Osaka Castle. The boat departs from Osaka Castle Pier and sails past the castle before taking in nearby attractions such as Central Public Hall, a cultural venue built in 1918, and Naniwabashi Bridge, also known as ‘Lion Bridge’ for its four lion statues. The tour ends with the boat passing through Osaka Castle Tunnel, which was used in the past to load weapons onto ships.

à 2 Osakajo, Chuo (Osakajokoen Station). 06 6942 5511. suijo-bus.osaka. Tour departs every 45 minutes from 10.15am4.15pm daily.

OSAKA INTERNATIONAL PEACE CENTRE

This thought-provoking museum documents the trauma Osaka suffered during World War II, when the city was heavily damaged through air raids. The first two floors have exhibits about Osaka’s wartime experience, including photos and daily life items from this difficult time. But this museum is also about hope. The third floor showcases how Osaka recovered from the war through rapid economic growth, and also has an exhibition dedicated to peacekeeping missions around the world.

à 2-1 Osakajo, Chuo (Morinomiya Station). 06 6947 7208. peace-osaka.or.jp. 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Mon.

OSAKA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

Across the road from Osaka Castle Park is this fascinating museum that documents Osaka’s 1,400-year history. One of the highlights is the partial reconstruction of the ancient Naniwa Palace, including true-to-life replicas of the striking vermillion pillars that once defined the historic building. Right next door to the museum, you can see the actual Naniwa Palace Ruins.

à 4-1-32 Otemae, Chuo (Tanimachi 4-chome Station). 06 6946 5728. mus-his.city.osaka.jp. 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Tue (Wed if Tue is hol).

OHTSUKI NOH THEATRE

Noh is one of Japan’s oldest forms of theatre, dating back to the 14th century. For a deep dive into this traditional art form, Ohtsuki Noh Theatre is the place to visit. You can take a tour (reservations required) of this 90-yearold theatre, and even go backstage, with an English-language audio guide. There are also multilingual digital displays in the lobby that explain more about Noh. Of course, you can also catch a Noh performance, with shows taking place roughly once a month.

à A-7 Uemachi, Chuo (Tanimachi 4-chome, Tanimachi 6-chome stations). 06 6761 8055. noh-kyogen.com. Tour and show times vary.

SEMBAYASHI SHOPPING STREET

This 660m-long shotengai shopping arcade has been around since the late Meiji period (18681912) and has some serious nostalgic vibes. Stroll around the 200 stores and keep an eye out for bargains. You can browse through shops selling fashion, homeware, flowers, fresh produce and everything else in between. When you get hungry, stop off at one of the old-school restaurants for Osaka favourites like piping-hot takoyaki and golden, crispy kushikatsu skewers.

à 1-5-20 Sembayashi, Asahi (Sembayashi-Omiya Station). senbayashi.com. Hours vary by store.

GAMO-YON NEIGHBOURHOOD

This atmospheric district has gone through a revival of late thanks to the revitalisation work of the Gamo-yon Nigiwai Project, which helped turn Gamo-yon into a foodie destination. Previously neglected machiya townhouses, some dating from the late Edo era (1603-1867), have been restored as thriving restaurants where you can feast on yakitori, fresh seafood, soba and more. You can cap off your night with a local beer at Gamoyon Brewery, and even stay over at Shukuhonjin, a traditional machiya on Airbnb.

à 3-7 Imafukunishi, Joto (Gamo 4-chome Station). r-play.jp/gamo4project. Hours vary by store.

GAMO-YON NIGIWAI PROJECT

KANZILYOU/ISTOCK

TENNOJI/ ABENO

TENNOJI AND ITS SOUTHERN adjoining area

Abeno form one of Osaka’s most interesting districts with two very distinct characters. Abeno is a shining example of a modern cityscape, especially with Abeno Harukas holding fort as Japan’s tallest skyscraper. Surrounding it are a host of shopping opportunities – Abeno And, Abeno Q’s and Abeno Hoop – as well as parks, gardens, temples and even a zoo.

On the flip side you’ll find a slice of retro Osaka at Shinseikai. This uniquely Osaka area has been around since before the war, but has gone through various stages of neglect and redevelopment. Today, it’s a popular dining and entertainment hotspot, steeped in nostalgia and famed for its many late-night kushiage (deep-fried skewers) restaurants. The 103m-tall Tsutenkaku Tower, reconstructed in the mid ’90s, is Shinseikai’s most distinctive landmark.

Tennoji Station is a major transport hub in the Tennoji/Abeno area; it’s served by seven JR and subway lines. Plus, it only takes around 30 minutes to get to Kansai International Airport.

TSUTENKAKU TOWER

An Osaka icon and a national tangible cultural property, Tsutenkaku Tower was originally built in 1912 for an amusement facility called Luna Park but later dismantled. The current version was a reconstruction in 1956, designed by Tachu Naito, who also did Tokyo Tower. Today the Eiffel Tower-inspired structure has themed observation decks,

an outdoor observation platform as well as a 60m-long slide that takes you from the third-level observatory to the ground in ten seconds. Here you’ll also find Osaka’s unofficial good luck figure Billiken and a souvenir shop.

à 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa (Ebisucho, Dobutsuen-mae stations). 06 6641 9555. tsutenkaku.co.jp. 10am-8pm (last entry 7.30pm).

Osaka explorer

TOP ATTRACTIONS

ABENO HARUKAS

The 300m-high skyscraper Abeno Harukas is a popular landmark in Osaka’s Abeno/Tennoji district. The multi-purpose complex is directly connected to several train and metro stations. There are a variety of shops and attractions here, most notably one of Japan’s biggest department stores, a sky-high observation deck, an art museum and a hotel. It’s easy to spend an entire day here.

à 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno (Osaka-Abenobashi, Tennoji stations). abenoharukas-300.jp. Opening hours vary by store.

KUMA NO TE

With a name that means ‘bear paw’ in Japanese, Kuma no Te is a holein-the-wall café where the staff hands you your orders through a small opening while disguised as a fluffy bear. This is no gimmick, though; there’s a reason behind this anonymous, faceless and contactless service. Run by Mental Support General School, an academy offering therapy and training to people with mental health challenges, this

bear paw café provides a safe place for these individuals to work and gradually reintegrate into society.

à 5-3-11 Uehonmachinishi, Chuo (Osaka-Uehommachi Station). 080 9395 4579. kumanote-cafe.com. Tue-Thu & Sun 11am-6.30pm, Fri, Sat & hols 11am-7.30pm, closed Mon.

SPA WORLD

This massive bathhouse is open all day, every day. There are two bath zones and they are switched between genders every month. One is themed after Europe, with seven types of baths including the Ancient Rome room with a recreation of the Trevi fountain and The Blue Grotto Capri room, which has a cave-like ambience with dim blue lights.

The other zone is inspired by Asia. There’s a classic Japanese open-air stream bath as well as a Bali resort-style bath decked with tropical plants. Spa World also has a swimming pool with slides that are perfect for kids, a hotel and multiple stone saunas inspired by the bathing cultures of the world.

à 3-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa (Dobutsuen-mae, ShinImamiya stations). 06 6631 0001. spaworld.co.jp.

SHITENNOJI TEMPLE

One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, Shitennoji has been reconstructed several times but it remains faithful to its original 6th-century design. You can enter the outer temple grounds for free, but it’s worth forking out ¥300 to ¥500 to venture inside to see the impressive five-storey pagoda, the Gokuraku-jodo Zen garden and the Treasure Hall, which showcases hundreds of Important Cultural Properties and artefacts.

à 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji (Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station). 06 6771 0066. shitennoji.or.jp. Apr-Sep 8.30am-4.30pm, Oct-Mar 8.30am-4pm daily.

TENNOJI MIO

Directly connected to Tennoji Station, this shopping complex houses 350 shops covering fashion, cosmetics, homeware and more. Additionally, there are around 100 restaurants and cafés serving a variety of food from Japanese to burgers, crêpe and curry. The Ekiue Stand is especially popular for its dozen Japanese eateries that offer Osaka specialities such as okonomiyaki and kushikatsu.

à 10-39 Hidenincho, Tennoji (Tennoji Station). 06 6770 1000. tennoji-mio.co.jp. 11am-9pm (opening hours differ for food outlets).

TENNOJI PARK

This urban oasis just minutes away from Tennoji Station offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Ten-Shiba lawn is surrounded by cafés and shops, making this a perfect picnic spot on sunny days. Kids will enjoy the Tennoji Zoo at the park, which houses around 1,000 animals across 230 species, from birds including flamingos and cranes to majestic beasts like jaguar and puma. à Tennoji Park, 5-55 Chasuyamacho, Tennoji (Tennoji Station). 06 6773 0860. tennoji-park.jp. 7am-10pm daily.

à Tennoji Zoo, 1-108 Chasuyamacho, Tennoji (Dobutsuen-mae, Ebisucho stations). 06 6771 8401. tennojizoo.jp/en. 9.30am-5pm (until 6pm on Sat, Sun & hols in May & Sep), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is hol).

OMO7 OSAKA BY HOSHINO RESORTS

A fun city hotel run by the renowned Japanese accommodation operator Hoshino Resorts, OMO7 Osaka is designed to inspire you to explore the city, especially the hotel’s immediate neighbourhood, Shinseikai. As such, the hotel offers a host of guided tours and activities, some of which are free. In addition to chic yet practical rooms –some can fit up to six people – OMO7 Osaka’s most appealing feature is its exclusive garden Miya-green, from which guests can enjoy a digital fireworks show on the hotel facade every evening.

à 3-16-30 Ebisu-nishi, Naniwa (Shin-Imamiya, Dobutsuen-mae stations). 050 3134 8096. hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/omo7osaka.

SEAN PAVONE/DREAMSTIME

OSAKA CONVENTION

Fast forward

Osaka is on a roll, with a host of new developments set to transform the city into an ultra modern metropolis of the future.

By Kaila Imada

OSAKA CONTINUES TO reinvent itself with a lineup of exciting new openings planned for the coming years. With Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on the horizon, the city is set to welcome the world with top-class infrastructure, cool lifestyle options and edgy architecture. Among them are Japan’s first ever integrated resort, another expansion at Universal Studios Japan, new luxury hotels and much more. To get you all excited about the future of Osaka, here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Osaka Bay area

There are big plans for the Osaka Bay area as the manmade island of Yumeshima will be home to the upcoming Expo 2025. Worldrenowned architect Sou Fujimoto is leading the design for Yumeshima. The expo will centre around an expansive ring-shaped structure that visitors can walk on or under. Fujimoto’s design will also feature plenty of green spaces, seating and rest areas.

A brand new commercial complex tentatively named Yumeshima Station Tower Building will open first in 2024 ahead of the world’s fair. The 55-floor skyscraper will consist of offices, a hotel and commercial facilities, and it will be served by a new subway station on the Chuo line.

Yumeshima integrated resort

While the name has yet to be determined, this will be Japan’s very first integrated resort, which includes a casino. The government approved the plans for the project in April 2023 and it’s set to open on Yumeshima sometime in autumn/winter 2029. As an integrated resort, the attraction will also feature a large hotel and conference facilities. This is just another addition to the dynamic Osaka Bay area, which will continue to develop even after the 2025 World Expo.

An artist's impression of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai site

JP Tower Osaka and Kitte Osaka

Directly connected to JR Osaka Station, the new JP Tower Osaka will feature a new commercial complex named Kitte Osaka. The latter will take over the first basement floor through to the sixth floor with numerous shops and restaurants. Here you’ll also find the Sky Theater MBS, a state-of-the-art space for shows and live productions. The rest of JP Tower Osaka will have dedicated lifestyle and entertainment facilities including The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection. This new address will open in stages beginning March 2024. à jptower-kitte-osaka.jp

UPCOMING HOTELS

Grand Green Osaka

This ambitious redevelopment of a former cargo yard north of Osaka Station in Umeda seeks to reimagine the perfect integrated space for modern urban living. As such, Grand Green Osaka will feature a wide range of innovative facilities, from commercial outlets and offices to hotels, residences and even a sprawling 45,000sqm park.

Most of the facilities will be open by spring 2025, just in time for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. One notable attraction to look forward to is the very first Time Out Market in Asia (more on p29), which will take up a prominent spot in the commercial area of Grand Green Osaka.

à umekita2.jp

USJ Donkey Kong area

All eyes were on Universal Studios Japan in 2021 when the world’s first Super Nintendo World opened at the colossal theme park. Now, the Nintendo zone is set to expand with a dedicated Donkey Kong attraction, scheduled to open in 2024.

The new area will feature a roller coaster, interactive experiences and DK-themed food and merchandise. Visitors will also be walking through lush wooded areas where Donkey Kong and his gang live.

à nintendo.co.jp

Four Seasons Hotel Osaka

Four Seasons is expanding into Osaka, with its first property in the city opening in 2024. The hotel will be part of the new Brillia Tower, one of the components in the massive One Dojima Project, a new redevelopment venture near the cultural island of Nakanoshima.

The luxury hotel will boast 175 rooms and is designed by a star-studded team comprising award-winning interior designer Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity, Shinichiro Ogata of Simplicity and Yasuhiro Koichi of Design Studio Spin.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka

The prestigious Waldorf Astoria is coming to Osaka in 2025, taking over 12 floors in a 39-storey high-rise that belongs to the Grand Green Osaka complex. So far, the plan features 252 rooms and three restaurants including Peacock Alley, the hotel brand’s signature lounge and bar. There will also be a host of leisure facilities such as an indoor pool, wellness centre and fitness gym. An on-site chapel and banquet facilities will also be available to host weddings and business events.

DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle

Osaka’s first DoubleTree by Hilton is set to open by spring 2024. The new accommodation is within walking distance of the historical Osaka Castle as well as Temmabashi Station, thus providing easy access to other popular city districts such as Umeda andNamba. DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle will offer 377 rooms across 15 levels in a newly-constructed building. The hotel will be fully equipped with a pool and fitness centre, meeting rooms, executive lounge and restaurants.

An artist's impression of Yumeshima, the site of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Eating & Drinking Osaka on a plate

Head to these specialist restaurants in the city for an introduction to Osaka’s most iconic foods.

By the Time Out Osaka editors

THE CULINARY CAPITAL OF JAPAN for centuries, Osaka is the city of kuidaore (‘eat until you drop’), where locals have an incredible appetite to match an almost absurd number of restaurants. Though the city is best known for its plethora of cheap (and delicious) eats, you’ll find remarkable variety in every genre and price range.

All that abundance can make deciding where to start a bit challenging, especially for first-time visitors, so we’ve put together this essential list to get you going. Each restaurant here specialises in a particular dish or style of cuisine, and put together they provide a lipsmacking introduction to Osaka’s diverse food culture.

in Osaka it’s oshizushi that rules the roost. It’s essentially pressed sushi, where vinegared rice and various toppings are placed in a mould and compressed together into a tight stack. Its origins go back to the mid-19th century, when Yoshino Sushi, a small shop in the city’s bustling Senba district, developed hakozushi or ‘box sushi’.

The Yoshino chefs started placing ingredients in layers inside wooden boxes, with the resulting cake then cut into bite-sized pieces. Pleasing to both the eyes and the taste buds, these sushi boxes became popular gifts and helped establish oshizushi as a quintessential Osaka delicacy. Now surrounded by glass-and-steel office buildings and run by the seventh generation of the founding family, Yoshino Sushi still does a roaring trade in its fancy boxes.

Yoshino’s most popular product is the standard Hakozushi box (¥1,760), filled with conger eel, sea bream, shrimp, omelette, shiitake mushrooms, nori seaweed and more – a gorgeous blend of colour, texture and taste.

à 3-4-14 Awajimachi, Chuo (Honmachi, Yodoyabashi stations). 06 6231 7181. yoshinosushi.co.jp. 10am-2pm, closed Sat, Sun & hols.

Osaka wine at Shimanouchi Fujimaru Winery

Osaka’s only urban winery occupies a handsome two-storey space. The giant tanks of the winemaking facility on the ground floor are visible from the Italian restaurant upstairs, where you get the opportunity to taste Fujimaru’s house wines – made entirely with grapes grown in vineyards around Osaka – plus about 15 other varieties by the glass (from ¥550). The food menu ranges from pasta to meat and fish, all just a quick metro ride away from the neon lights and tourist hordes of Dotonbori.

à Sanwa Bldg 1F, 1-1-14, Shimanouchi, Chuo (Matsuyamachi, Nagahoribashi stations). 12noon-11pm (last orders 9.30pm), closed Tue & Wed.

KUNIHIRO FUKUMORI

Fugu at Tetchiri Katsumasa

You’ll have to navigate through the residential streets of seaside Konohana to find the small but bustling Denpo fishing port and this gem of a seafood eatery. Katsumasa specialises in tetchiri, or hot pot with freshly cut fugu. The puffer fish is as fresh as it gets, only needing a quick plunge in the hot pot to be ready for eating. The restaurant also serves it several other ways, including as

sashimi and karaage (deep fried). Multi-course tetchiri meals end with zosui, a congee-like dish prepared at the table by dunking rice into the hot pot, mixing it with the remaining dashi broth for a good 15 minutes. The result is a comforting, umami-packed porridge perfect for settling the stomach after all that fish and (inevitable) booze.

à 5-12-16 Denpo, Konohana (Denpo Station). 06 6463 8622. 5pm-10pm (Nov-Feb until 11pm; last orders 30 minutes before closing), irregular hols.

Takoyaki at Takoriki

In a city with a takoyaki shop or stall on every corner, singling out the best purveyors of these iconic octopus dumplings inevitably invites impassioned debate. What most Osakans can agree on, though, is that Takoriki deserves a place on the podium.

Made only with the finest ingredients – topgrade konbu kelp and fish flakes for the dashi broth, the freshest octopus from Ise for filling –Takoriki’s dainty creations taste heavenly even without the obligatory splash of special sauce. At ¥1,100 for a serving of 14, they may be pricier than the average streetside takoyaki, but you’re getting some serious bang for your yen. Do like the locals and pair your boat-shaped plate of goodness with beer or natural wine – and don’t forget to explore the specials. Takoyaki gratin, anyone?

Momiji tempura at Hisakuni Kousendo

The brilliantly red and orange maple woods of Minoh attract hordes of visitors every autumn. Though the momiji leaves can only be witnessed in their full glory between November and December, they can be eaten year round. Momiji tempura, or maple leaves fried in batter, is the area’s most popular edible speciality.

Hisakuni Kousendo near Minoh Station has been serving these moderately sweet, crunchy snacks since 1940. It always has a fresh batch ready,

though you’ll need to call and book ahead to get your hands on one during autumn leaves season.

The shop grows its own trees on a nearby mountainside to ensure a steady supply of the 100-percent organic and silky soft leaves. Unlike your usual maples, these trees are of a variety with certified edible leaves, which are harvested in early autumn, washed and pickled in salt for a year before being fried one by one. (Note: Minoh is also spelt as Minoo.)

à 1-1-40 Minoh, Minoh city (Minoh Station). 072 721 2747. hisakuni.net/hisakuni/index.html. 9.30am-6pm, closed Thu.

Yakitori at Ayamuya

Michelin-starred dining doesn’t always mean crisp white tablecloths and formal dress codes. This homestyle restaurant in Fukushima, for instance, became the first yakitori restaurant in Osaka to earn a Michelin star with its simple yet utterly delicious morsels of grilled chicken.

The restaurant sources whole Tamba chicken, a prized breed known for its flavourful and tender meat. What sets Ayamuya apart is its innovative approach to seasoning the skewers. Depending on the type of chicken, they may be seasoned with white soy sauce or a blend of spices, enhancing the unique flavour profile for each skewer. The catch is that you’ll have to make a reservation online in advance.

à 5-17-39 Fukushima, Fukushima (Shin-Fukushima, Fukushima stations). 06 6455 7270. ayamuya.myconciergejapan.net. 5.30pm until finish, closed Sun & hols.

à 1-6-1 Kawarayamachi, Chuo (Tanimachi 6-chome Station). 06 6191 8501. takoriki.jp. 12noon-4pm (last orders 3.30pm), 6pm-12midnight (10pm), closed Mon & Tue.

Pork buns at Futami no Butaman

Despite its city-wide fame, Futami no Butaman has only one location and specialises in a single product: house-made pork buns. The small store is located at a corner on Namba Nankai street, a fiveminute walk from Nankai Namba Station.

The fluffy treats, which come with a slightly sweet onion and pork filling, only cost ¥230 apiece. The pork buns here are significantly bigger than those found at convenience stores and are rather filling, so you’ll want to come hungry.

à 3-1-19 Namba, Chuo (Namba, Osaka-Namba stations). 06 6643 4891. 11am to 8pm, closed Thu (except hols).

KISA TOYOSHIMA

Shopping & Style

Made in Osaka

Looking for a cool souvenir?

Forget the tourist tat and seek out these artisanal homeware unique to Osaka.

By Michael Lambe

TEMMA KIRIKO CUT GLASS

Temma Kiriko is a traditional style of handcut glass made only in Osaka, characterised by its gentle, rounded patterning. When a drink is poured into a Temma Kiriko glass, the delicate patterns on the base and sides refract the light beautifully in kaleidoscopic patterns.

As they are hand-blown, these glasses are much stronger than factory-made products and so will prove more durable when transported in your luggage. Keeping the tradition alive today is Kiriko Kobo Rau, which operates the Temma Kiriko Gallery store and also runs workshops.

à Temma Kiriko Gallery, Sannakano Bldg 1F, 2-2-19 Temma, Kita (Temmabashi Station). 06 6926 4443. temmakiriko.com. 1pm-7pm, Sat, Sun & hols 11am-7pm, closed Mon.

OSAKA NANIWA SUZUKI PEWTERWARE

Osaka Naniwa Suzuki is a type of handcrafted pewterware that has been made in Osaka since the 17th century. The pewter used is an alloy of mainly tin with a little silver and copper mixed in to give it some strength and durability. This alloy is then cast in a mould, before being shaped and polished to a distinctive silvery-white sheen. As pewter won’t affect the taste of your drink, it’s often made into cups, flasks

and teapots, as well as chopstick rests and vases.

Osaka Suzuki is the only company still producing this unique pewterware, and its products are available at the Hankyu department store in Umeda and at the Takashimaya department store in Namba. Otherwise, visit Osaka Suzuki directly for your shopping.

à Osaka Suzuki, 6-6-15 Tanabe, Higashisumiyoshi (Imagawa Station). 06 6628 6731. osakasuzuki.co.jp. 9am-5pm, closed Sat, Sun & hols.

SAKAI KNIVES

With a history dating back 1,600 years, Sakai knives are prized by chefs across Japan for their durability and sharpness. It takes several specialised artisans to make one of these single-edged blades: one to hammer and forge the steel into a rudimentary blade, one to sharpen and polish it, one to make the handle, and another (usually at the retail point) to attach the handle and engrave a name on the blade.

Sakai knives can be found in cutlery stores across Osaka, but to

learn more about them, why not take a trip to the source? The Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum is free and has a floor dedicated to the history and production of these knives. The museum’s retail section stocks a remarkable variety of knives, scissors, garden shears and whetstones.

à Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, 1-1-30 Zaimokuchonishi, Sakai (Sakai, Myokokuji-mae stations). 072 227 1001. sakaidensan.jp. 10am-5pm daily, closed 3rd Tue of the month, year-end and New Year hols.

Art & Culture

Painting the town

The Yodokabe mural project seeks to transform Osaka’s Juso neighbourhood into an art attraction in time for Expo 2025

Osaka, Kansai.

By Lim Chee Wah

GRAFFITI IS A DIVISIVE SUBJECT in Japan. While attitudes towards this form of street art have relaxed in recent years, it’s still not widely accepted. Which is why it’s encouraging to see that the Yodokabe mural project, which seeks to revitalise the Juso neighbourhood in Osaka’s Yodogawa ward with vibrant murals, has taken off – with the support of local residents, no less.

The project founder, Bakibaki from the live painting duo Doppel, started with a largerthan-life mural inspired by the nurse Florence Nightingale. The colourful mural, painted on the side of a building adjacent to the local ward office, was created to say thank you to medical frontliners during the pandemic. It gained much support from the local community, and with that Bakibaki initiated a crowdfunding campaign in August 2021 to help raise money to add more murals to the downtown suburb across the Yodogawa River.

What’s really impressive is that all the murals by Yodokabe are sanctioned works of art, created with approval from building owners and local authorities. One of the largest works is a tribute to the late Japanese avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto. Painted by Doppel, the enigmatic piece spans the side of a four-storey building (about 13 metres tall), which you can easily spot even while riding the metro line in the distance.

Bakibaki often cites the artistic character of Brooklyn, New York as his inspiration. He plans to create a similar vibe in Juso, making it more attractive with art. The Yodokabe mural project aims to create works at about 30 sites in and around Juso and get them ready in time for Expo 2025.

The project has enjoyed steady growth and worldwide attention in the past couple of years. Several prolific international street

artists have now added their signature styles to the walls in Juso.

Alex Face from Thailand painted his iconic bunny Mardi. Los Angeles-based Lauren YS paid homage to Japan’s female samurai warriors known as onna-bugeisha on a two-storey building while New York-based Dragon76 transformed the adjacent wall with his futuristic samurai. The latest work, which features a sushi-eating skull, appeared on a shop shutter in front of Juso Station, contributed by Nychos, an Austrian illustrator and urban artist based in Los Angeles.

Looks like Juso is on to a winning formula. The neighbourhood could very soon become an art destination in its own right, and perhaps even serve as an inspiration for other cities in Japan.

For more information, see yodokabe.net.

All the murals by Yodokabe are sanctioned works of art…

YODOKABE

Mural by Nychos

Music & Nightlife

All night long

BAR JAZZ

Audiophiles from all around Japan make pilgrimages to this Shinsaibashi record bar. Opened in 2003, Bar Jazz stocks a collection of some 2,000 titles from Brazilian beats and jazz to mellow hip-hop. Owner and bartender Keiji Maki picks every track himself, playing songs to match the moment, all while conversing smoothly with patrons seated at the counter. Watching him work is all the entertainment you’ll need here.

The bar is well stocked with spirits and liquors, but we’d be remiss not to recommend Jazz’s house wine – a perfect companion to the laid-back tunes – made from grapes harvested by Keiji Maki himself at his vineyard in the south of Osaka.

à New Columbus Bldg 1F, 1-17-27 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo (Shinsaibashi Station).06 6251 5886. 4pm-12midnight (last orders 11.30pm), Thu 6pm-12midnight (11.30pm), closed Wed.

Unique

drinking dens, steamy clubs and music bars

–

here’s how to enjoy Osaka’s vibrant nightlife to the fullest. By the Time Out Osaka editors

OSAKA GETS PLENTY OF MENTION as Japan’s best nightlife city, and for good reason: the locals love to party hard. The energetic clubbing scene is mainly split between the Umeda and Dotonbori areas, though alternative and underground venues can be found across the city. Furthermore, cocktail and music bars are plentiful, with many staying open until the wee hours. Here are six venues to get you started on your Osaka night crawl.

SHINKA

A five-minute walk from Tanimachi 6-chome Station takes you to this unique bar at the end of a narrow alley. Shinka was built to resemble a submarine, complete with steel and steampunk elements covering the front door, interior and even the bathroom. Besides U-boat aficionados, the cosy boozer seems to attract both members and fans of the Maritime Self-Defense Forces. Lean back with a gin and tonic and appreciate the otherworldly atmosphere.

à 1-1-10 Andojimachi, Chuo (Tanimachi 6-chome Station). 06 6766 2768. 7pm-3am, closed Wed.

LEACH BAR

The venerable Rihga Royal Hotel on Nakanoshima boasts more than eight decades of history and has welcomed many a celebrity and head of state over the years, including some actual royals. Hidden away on the hotel’s ground floor is the Leach Bar, opened in 1965 and

CLUB DAPHNIA

Hidden away among factories and warehouses in the industrial wilderness of Kitakagaya, some ten minutes on foot from the metro station, is one of Osaka’s premier temples of deep beats and all-night parties. Daphnia is a labour of love built by its duo of owners, whose attention to every detail from acoustics to lighting has made their club one of the city’s most in-demand venues for both Japanese and international artists. Best of all, the uncompromising programming is complemented by reasonable pricing.

à 5-5-1 Kitakagaya, Suminoe (Kitakagaya Station). club-daphnia.com. Opening hours vary.

SALVIS WINE & RECORDS

A wine and record shop complete with its own secret bar, this Temma gem is the kind of place we’d love to live next door to. Entrance to the bar is through a hefty bookshelf in the back, which serves as a hidden door to a cosy lounge.

Owner and sommelier Kazutomo Noguchi pays equal attention to the quality of the wine and the crispness of the tunes. The former is mainly of the natural variety, including around seven options available by the glass (from ¥900). Food is available only if you make a reservation for the pairing course (¥11,550 plus ¥1,000 cover charge).

The music encompasses mainly jazz, soul and Brazilian tunes from the 1960s to the ’80s, with a bit of J-pop mixed in here and there. Closing time is 11pm, so bar-hoppers might want to make Salvis the starting point on their night out.

à 3-3-18 Temma, Kita (Temmabashi Station). 06 6356 7072. salvis. theshop.jp. 6.30pm-11pm (last orders 9pm; wine and record shop 12noon-8pm), closed Wed.

named after the British potter Bernard Leach, who lived in Japan for more than a decade. Leach’s layout design for the bar was turned into reality by architect Isoya Yoshida.

Functioning as a shrine of sorts to Leach and related artists such as Kanjiro Kawai, Shoji Hamada and Shiko Munakata,

JOULE

Having originally occupied a building next to Sankaku Koen (Triangle Park) in Shinsaibashi’s Amerikamura, this enduringly popular club moved to its current location in 2009 and received a comprehensive facelift in 2016. The three-storey space centres on a dancefloor that can accommodate about 800 people, with a mezzanine above it and a VIP floor and rooftop terrace up top.

The programming is eclectic: hip-hop and reggae nights alternate with house and techno events, complemented by the occasional party dedicated entirely to anime music. Major international artists who have performed at Joule include Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Fatboy Slim, Paul Oakenfold and the Avalanches.

à Minami-Sumiyacho Bldg 2-4F, 2-11-7 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo (Shinsaibashi, Yotsubashi stations). 06 6214 1223. club-joule.com. From 10pm, irregular hols.

whose art is displayed throughout the space, Leach Bar is an impeccably classy drinking den. Be sure to order the gin and tonic, served in a copper mug, as has been customary here since the ’60s.

à Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka West Wing 1F, 5-3-68 Nakanoshima, Kita (Nakanoshima Station). 06 6441 0983. rihga.com/osaka. 4pm-12midnight (last orders 11.45pm), closed Tue.

KISA TOYOSHIMA

Getting Around

GETTING INTO OSAKA

Osaka has two airports. The biggest is Kansai International Airport, around 40km south of the city in Osaka Bay. The quickest way to the city centre is the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka, which takes you to Tennoji (about 30 minutes) and Shin-Osaka (about 50 minutes) stations.

The Kansai-Airport Rapid Service, meanwhile, gets you to Osaka Station in 71 minutes. For Namba, it’s a 45-minute ride on the Nankai Line Airport Express, or 35 minutes on the Limited Express Rapi:t. Those travelling to Osaka Station can now take the Express Haruka, which gets you there in 47 minutes.

Itami Airport, also known as Osaka International Airport, is closer to the city. To reach Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station, take the Osaka Monorail and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka line at Hotarugaike. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

If you’re travelling in and out of Osaka via shinkansen, you’ll be doing so at JR Shin-Osaka Station, the western terminus of Japan’s high-speed rail. From here, you can jump onto local trains into the city centre.

Ultimate guide to transportation in Osaka

Master Osaka’s trains and buses from the moment you arrive, and save money with convenient transport passes

GETTING AROUND OSAKA

Subways and trains are the easiest way to get around Osaka. For convenience, get yourself an Icoca card. This prepaid IC transportation card is available at ticket vending machines in all JR West stations. You can also

load money onto your card at ticket machines.

Icoca isn’t just for transportation, either, as it can also be used to make payments in many shops and restaurants around Osaka. Note that there’s a ¥500 refundable deposit for each card.

Coming to Osaka from Tokyo? Pasmo and Suica IC transportation cards can be used in Osaka, too.

MONEY-SAVING TRANSPORT PASSES

If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing in one day, we recommend the Osaka Amazing Pass. For ¥2,800, it gets you unlimited rides on a selection of trains and buses, plus free entry at more than 40 major tourist attractions including the Osaka

Museum of House and Living, Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory, Tombori River Cruise and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. The pass even offers discounts at over 40 shops and restaurants. One day not enough? There’s also a twoday pass for ¥3,600. You can buy the Osaka Amazing Pass at Osaka tourist information centres.

Also consider the Enjoy Eco Card, which gets you unlimited rides on the Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus (except for buses running to Ikea Tsuruhama, Universal Studios Japan, airport and on-demand buses) for one day. It’s ¥820 for adults (¥620 on weekends and holidays) and ¥310 for children. You can buy the pass from Osaka Metro station ticket machines, commuter pass sales counters and selected shops.

WAKAYAMA

Use an Icoca transport card to get around Osaka easily

Sneak Peek

First in Asia

The editorially curated Time Out Market is opening its first Asian location in Osaka ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

By Emma Steen

OSAKA IS AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN as Japan’s kitchen, thanks to its vibrant and diverse food scene that ranges from cheap and cheerful street eats to coveted Michelinstarred restaurants. Now the city is about to cement its foodie reputation further with the opening of Time Out Market’s first Asian outpost in 2025.

The world’s first editorially curated food and culture market, Time Out Market started in Lisbon in 2014 and has since expanded successfully to other international cities. There are now seven Markets around the globe,

including Miami, New York, Boston, Montreal, Chicago and Dubai, and more locations are in the pipeline. The new Time Out Market Osaka – in partnership with real estate developer Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation – will arrive ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai during what is bound to be a historic year for the city.

The upcoming attraction is more than just a food hall. Time Out Market Osaka will bring the best of the city under one roof, all based on the editorial curation Time Out has always been known for. It will be a cultural and culinary hub that supports local businesses and enables people to connect with the city through eating and drinking as well as fun events and workshops.

Spanning 31,000 sq ft, Time Out Market Osaka will boast a handpicked selection of eateries and bars, brought to you from the city’s best chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists. Here you’ll be able to enjoy dishes from Osaka’s trendsetting eateries, and the city’s top culinary talents will have a chance to showcase their creations to a wider crowd at a cultural centre that is unique to the city.

Time Out Market Osaka will be a part of the new Grand Green Osaka, which is set to open in stages starting from 2024. A former cargo yard turned multipurpose development, the site is designed to integrate more art, culture and leisure into everyday city life. Once fully completed in 2025, the urban complex will feature offices, hotels, commercial facilities as well as an urban park.

Time Out Market

Osaka will bring the best of the city under one roof

Time Out Market Lisbon, the first Time Out Market in the world; Time Out Market Dubai (below)

Make Osaka your next meeting and event destination

As a key domestic and international hub for trade, exchange and innovation, Osaka has all the facilities to make your event an unforgettable success. Osaka has a vibrant culture, extensive infrastructure, excellent transportation and a diverse range of districts where you'll find the perfect venue for your event. Additionally, Osaka has considerable experience in hosting international events.

Top MICE facilities in Osaka

With resources for event planners and support for organizers, Osaka is ready to welcome you

Some of the top MICE convention facilities and exhibition halls in Osaka include INTEX Osaka, Namba SkyO Convention Hall, Osaka International Convention Center and Umeda South Hall. Looking for a unique venue? Check out the Osaka City Central Public Hall, the Sumiyoshi Taisha Kisshoden and the Osaka Geihinkan Former Guest House.

For more information, visit: mice.osaka-info.jp/en

Osaka City Central Public Hall

Geihinkan Former Guest House

Umeda South Hall

INTEX Osaka

Osaka International Convention Center

Osaka at a glance

Osaka is renowned for its comedy

From Noh theater to Bunraku puppetry, Osaka takes pride in its long history of performing arts culture. Though you’ll find a host of modern musicals and concerts performing in theaters throughout the year, the locals also have a special appreciation for traditional forms of entertainment like rakugo (traditional comedic storytelling).

The city is not called ‘the nation’s kitchen’ for nothing! Osaka has a long culinary history. It flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) as one of Japan’s centers of commerce, where merchants brought in a diverse array of produce and ingredients from different parts of Japan. Around this time, Osaka developed a gastronomy culture around the umami-packed stock known as dashi, where kelp from Hokkaido and bonito sourced from Wakayama, Kochi and Kagoshima were used to create what is now considered one of the fundamental elements of Japanese cuisine.

Osaka is the most populated city in Western Japan

Osaka is not just the largest city in Western Japan –2.75 million residents according to the World Population Review 2023 – it’s also the travel hub for the Kansai region. Major tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Kobe are just a short train ride away, so you can easily use Osaka as the jump-off point to explore this fascinating part of Japan that is rich in culture, history, nature and city life.

The Abeno ward of Osaka, where you'll find Abeno Harukas, the city's tallest skyscraper

Kombu (kelp), a key ingredient of dashi broth

The bustling entertainment district of Dotonbori

Ikeda, Osaka is the birthplace of the world’s first instant noodles

The ubiquitous instant noodles you’re accustomed to seeing in the supermarket? You can thank Momofuku Ando for this invention. The founder of Nissin Foods created Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant noodles, in 1958, after a long process of trial and error, as a way to help the population recover from food shortages in the post-war era.

Osaka is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities

In the Safe Cities Index 2021 from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Osaka was given an above-average score in all areas of security – notably in health security, where it ranked in the top five cities – making it the world’s 17th safest city. Osaka has also ranked among the top ten cities in the EIU’s Global Liveability Index every year since 2018, with impressive scores in stability, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

In 2022, Osaka opened its first Pride Center to support the LGBTQIA+

community

Osaka’s Doyamacho district has long been known as a hub for the city’s LGBTQIA+ community, with dozens of bars and nightclubs catering to gender and sexual minorities. And recently, the city opened its first Pride Center to support the community outside the realm of nightlife. Located in the Kita ward, the center offers counseling services and has a small library of LGBTQIA+ books. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of gender and sexuality. Come fall 2024, Osaka will be the first Asian city to host the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s annual global convention, further cementing its commitment to equality and diversity.

Some of the world’s greatest luminaries were born and bred in Osaka

Several notable figures who have left an indelible mark on Japan and the world were born in Osaka. This distinguished group includes architect Tadao Ando (who designed the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest pictured above), founder of Suntory Holdings Shinjiro Torii, and the creator of Astro Boy, Osamu Tezuka, to name a few.

Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest

7MARU/SHUTTERSTOCK

Osaka is the host of the 2025 World Expo

With the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai coming soon, now is the perfect time to explore the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. This park was formerly the site of the 1970 Expo and it still has some reminders of the event. The most famous is the Tower of the Sun installation, which was designed by the late Japanese artist Taro Okamoto. Inside the Expo Pavilion – another surviving structure from 1970 – you’ll find photographs, videos and other exhibits about the world’s fair. To get a bird’s-eye view of the park, take a walk along the Sorado aerial promenade to look out over the trees and gardens that replaced most of the 1970 Expo buildings.

The Nisanzai Kofun ancient tomb, one of the sites belonging to the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group

Osaka has a rich history

Osaka has a long history dating back around 1,600 years. It was once even the capital of Japan, so there’s a lot to discover here. The ancient tomb clusters of MozuFuruichi Kofun Group are a Unesco World Heritage Site. These burial mounds in Osaka prefecture’s Sakai, Habikino and Fujiidera cities are where former emperors from around the late 4th to the early 5th century were laid to rest.

Osaka Castle, which was originally built in 1583 but is now preserved as a museum, tells the city’s story through a collection of artifacts. Also, don’t miss the view from the top floor. Across the road from the castle is the Osaka Museum of History, which has a life-size recreation of Naniwanomiya Palace’s interior. Meanwhile, over at the Osaka Museum of House and Living in Tenjinbashi-suji Rokuchome, you can travel back in time to the Edo era (1603-1868) via a faithfully recreated townscape of old Osaka.

Osaka boasts some of Japan’s most impressive art exhibitions

Osaka’s thriving art scene offers a diverse array of works spanning multiple genres and art periods, from the traditional Japanese woodblock prints at the Osaka Ukiyoe Museum to the contemporary collections at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. The latter is just one of several notable art institutions on Nakanoshima island. Standing guard right outside its striking black cubic building is a whimsical astronaut cat sculpture by Kenji Yanobe.

While opened rather recently in February 2022, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka took about 40 years of planning to build and amass its diverse collection. The museum’s roughly 6,000 works cover a broad spectrum from art to design, representing both international and Japanese names like Amedeo Modigliani and Yuzo Saeki.

No other city does street food like Osaka Stroll through Osaka’s entertainment epicenter Dotonbori and you’ll see that the city is obsessed with food – and that’s not surprising considering Osaka is the birthplace of some of the world’s most iconic street eats. The ubiquitous takoyaki (pictured below), a ball-shaped savory snack with a gooey center encasing chunky bits of octopus, is a joy to eat any time of the day.

So is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake cooked on a teppan grill right in front of you, stacked with any imaginable ingredients from seafood and pork to noodles and yam. It really is a dish where everything and anything goes. As for those deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables known as kushikatsu – who could resist all that crispy golden goodness? Come to Osaka and forget your diet. Your appetite will thank you.

SEAN PAVONE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka

The lush and expansive Osaka Castle grounds

Osaka’s cityscape is made up of unique and iconic architecture

The imposing Osaka Castle might be the city’s most recognizable landmark, but Osaka’s skyline is punctuated with a host of architectural wonders. Among them is the futuristic-looking Umeda Sky Building, distinguished by its pair of 40-story-tall towers connected at the top by a donut-shaped structure that is home to the Kuchu Teien Observatory.

The National Museum of Art, Osaka is another modern example. Despite being a subterranean facility, the museum makes a grand statement with a stunning steel sculpture at its entrance above-ground. Designed by world-renowned architect César Pelli, the sculpture was inspired by the life force of bamboo.

For an eccentric take on religious architecture, the Namba Yasaka Shrine is a must-see attraction with one of its worship buildings made to look like a lion’s head.

world’s best restaurants are in Osaka

Osaka may be known for its street food, but the city’s fine dining scene is fast gaining a reputation in the culinary world. In fact, Osaka has the fourth highest number of Michelin stars in the world.

One of the most celebrated restaurants in the city, Fujiya 1935 is awarded with two Michelin stars for its innovative take on Japanese produce using modern European cooking techniques. Then there’s the three-Michelin-starred Hajime, whose immaculately plated dishes are inspired by nature and the seasons.

Osaka has a permanent teamLab museum set in a botanical garden

Osaka’s nightlife extends far beyond its bars and clubs, with attractions like the sensational teamLab Botanical Garden. This one-of-a-kind after-dark museum harnesses cuttingedge technology to create artworks that enhance the site’s natural splendor while showcasing the region’s flora.

Captivating displays include the surreal camellia garden, where ovoid-shaped sculptures, which look reflective during the day, transform into a glowing spectacle come nightfall. In fact, the many interactive exhibits scattered across the expansive wooded grounds offer different experiences at different times of the year to reflect the seasonal changes of the garden.

© OSAKA CONVENTION

& TOURISM BUREAU

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Hajime

Osaka has a diverse drinking scene

Osaka has the most exciting drinking scene in Kansai with its sheer variety of bars. Leading the pack are Bar Nayuta and Bible Club, both featured in the World’s 50 Best Discovery database. These two cocktail specialists each have a distinctive edge of their own: Bar Nayuta is a hidden bespoke cocktail den while the underground Bible Club is inspired by pre-Prohibition America. For something more casual, Uranamba is filled with tachinomi standing bars frequented by locals. And over at Amerikamura, there is a multitude of one-of-a-kind experiences, such as Space Station, which stands out with its vintage collection of video games and consoles dating back to the ’80s.

The clubbing scene in Osaka is booming

Osaka’s nightlife is legendary, with locals embracing every opportunity to party till late, and there’s no shortage of options to choose from. At one of the city’s most popular nightclubs, Pure Osaka, the walls are decorated with faux deer head mounts and the music goes on until 5am.

No worries even if you have very specific music preferences, as new venues catering to diverse groups are constantly popping up in the city. The new kid on the block Club Under, for example, has already garnered a devoted following among techno and trance enthusiasts, thanks to its impressive roster of up-and-coming DJs.

Osaka has its own LGBTQIA+ district

Located just a tenminute walk east of Umeda Station, Doyamacho is the undisputed heart of Osaka’s LGBTQIA+ community. More importantly, the area provides a safe and inclusive environment where queer folks can relax and socialize without fear of discrimination or harassment.

Doyamacho is a lot of fun and naturally is popular among locals and international visitors with its welcoming karaoke bars and bilingual drag shows courtesy of Haus of Kinki. For the former, check out Village and then move on to Explosion for its shimmery disco ball and bright pink dance floor.

Osaka has one of Japan’s best theme parks: Universal Studios Japan

Affectionately known simply as USJ, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a fun-packed theme park that brings some of the world’s most beloved movies and characters to life, including Hello Kitty, Pokémon and Minions. It is also the location of the world’s first Super Nintendo World, an immersive attraction that transports visitors into a real-life Super Mario video game. Here, guests can complete side quests, unlock points and even punch yellow blocks, just like Mario and Luigi.

Although USJ is one of several theme parks around the world owned by NBCUniversal, it has unique thrills that set it apart from its international counterparts. In the past, these included seasonal events inspired by popular Japanese franchises like Sailor Moon, Doraemon and Demon Slayer.

Osaka is for the whole family

For the young’uns and those young-at-heart, Osaka is a whole lot of fun. There are even great indoor options for cold and rainy days, such as the Legoland Discovery Center Osaka. While there’s a 4D cinema and VR ride, this attraction by the world’s most iconic brick is all about fueling your kids’ imagination, especially with the Model Builder’s workshop.

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is impressive, too, not least because of its resident whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Here the exhibits spread out across six floors, taking you on a journey through the world’s most biodiverse regions.

CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, which is dedicated to the life and achievements of instant noodles inventor Momofuku Ando, promises more unique experiences, especially the chance to create your own CupNoodles.

Osaka is crazy about sports

Osaka has an unwavering passion for sports. Whatever your game, you’re sure to find a place to watch along with passionate fans. Soccer is huge, with two top-flight J.League teams in Gamba Osaka and Cerezo Osaka. Baseball fans should head to Kyocera Dome Osaka to catch an Orix Buffaloes match. Osaka’s top division rugby team are the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, who play at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, where you’ll also find a free museum on match days.

© CEREZO OSAKA

OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN

© NINTENDO

Cerezo Osaka

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

kimono or home decor, Osaka’s wondrous department stores and shopping centers have everything you could imagine. An Osaka institution with a history dating back to 1929, Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store offers 15 floors of retail therapy including one of Japan’s largest cosmetics sections, all directly connected to Osaka Umeda Station. For depachika, Japan’s world-famous food halls, the one at Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store spoilt for choice.

Namba Parks

department store as the massive property features a lush terraced rooftop garden that stretches from the ground level to the 9th floor. Being one of Japan’s largest department stores, Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store could easily occupy your day. Located in the 300m-tall Abeno Harukas skyscraper, it offers 16 floors of shops and restaurants plus ample resting areas. The building itself also hosts an art museum and observatory.

Shop till you drop with Osaka’s myriad of shopping options

Osaka has endless options for retail therapy. The city’s shotengai (shopping arcades) offer a traditional experience, especially the 380-yearold Shinsaibashi-Suji Street, a 600-meter covered arcade known for fashion, including a selection of designer stores. TenjinbashiSuji Street, on the other hand, has everything from kitchenware to kimono along a 2.6km stretch, making it Japan’s longest shotengai.

Osaka also has plenty of underground malls that are bustling come rain or shine. Namba NanNan is connected to Namba Station and has three different zones based on the type of stores, while Crysta Nagahori links up three central Osaka metro stations in Shinsaibashi and has around 100 shops. Back above ground, Amerikamura is Osaka’s youthful shopping district with trendy boutiques and street fashion.

Osaka is a festival city

Osaka is a lively city year-round, and it gets even more exciting in the summer when there are festivals abound. The Tenjin Festival is one of the biggest in the country and dates back over 1,000 years. It takes place annually in July, with floats parading from Osaka Temmangu Shrine through the streets and even aboard boats on the Okawa River. The Aizen Festival falls shortly after, in which you’ll witness a geisha parading in a hoekago (literally means ‘treasure basket’) around the Aizendo temple.

In August, catch the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival for a spectacular display along the Yodogawa River in front of the city skyline. Then there’s Summer Sonic at Maishima Sports Island in the same month. This is one of Japan’s biggest music festivals with major international and Japanese artists.

In fall, take a 25-minute train ride from Namba to Kishiwada for the Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, when a danjiri (massive wooden float) is pulled through the historic castle town. It takes place twice a year in late September and mid-October.

Back in the main city in November, Suminoe Art Beat brings art installations to Osaka’s Kitakagaya district. Also, don’t miss the Festival of the Lights held from November to January, where Osaka’s most popular attractions are lit up in colorful illuminations, including Osaka City Hall and the famous Midosuji avenue.

Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store

Tenjinbashi-Suji Street

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

Osaka

Osaka Convention

Tourism Bureau

There’s abundant nature in and outside the city

With its vibrant food culture and lively nightlife, Osaka is a popular city destination. But that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of nature. Right in the heart of the city is Osaka Castle Park, a famous spot to catch seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and hydrangeas against the backdrop of the striking castle.

Take a 30-minute train ride from Osaka-Umeda Station and you’ll reach Minoh. This small city is known for Minoh Park, where you’ll find Ryuan-ji temple and the gentle streams that lead to Minoh Falls

Near the park is the Minoh Onsen Spa Garden, a hot spring perfect for unwinding after exploring the great outdoors.

Osaka produces a host of artisanal crafts that make for perfect souvenirs

With Osaka’s rich history, it’s not surprising that the city has been honing its arts and crafts for centuries. These days, the city’s artisan community is still thriving, and they make some of the most unique (and practical) Japanese souvenirs. The hand-forged Sakai knives are trusted by professional chefs for their sharpness, variety and durability, so home cooks would be proud to have one in their kitchen.

Beautifully polished Naniwa pewterware such as sake cups and teapots are made from a stable metal that doesn’t affect the delicate flavor of the drinks they hold. Senshu towels, on the other hand, are known for their high absorbency and softness. Even today, they are still colored using the Naniwa honzome handdyeing technique unique to Osaka.

pop culture scene

Osaka’s center of all things pop culture – anime and manga included – is Den in Nipponbashi. There are huge outlets of Yellow Submarine and Animate to explore, perfect for finding collectibles, books and DVDs. Den Den Town is also a great place to buy electronics, as it’s the biggest ‘electric

Ninja-Do

in Shin-Imamiya lets you live out your ninja dreams (reservations required): you can put on the famous black outfit and try classic experiences like stealth walking and throwing (star-shaped blade). Meanwhile, in Dotonbori lives up to its name with cutesy food in a very pink space, where you can take photos with the staff

20Enjoy some of the most luxurious experiences in Japan

For an unforgettable splurge in Osaka, skip the bus tours and opt for an extravagant helicopter ride with Ogawa Air’s Osaka Sky Cruise, which will take you up in the air for a jaw-dropping aerial tour of the city.

Prefer to immerse yourself in Osaka’s unique culture? There are exclusive tours that will get you access to an intimate Noh performance at Osaka Temmangu Shrine followed by a tea ceremony. You could even spend a night at the luxurious forest retreat Otowa Sansou.

à Note: please check the respective venues’ and events’ websites for the latest operating hours and programs.

KITTICHAI/SHUTTERSTOCK

Minoh Falls

Den Den Town

6 REASONS

WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY IN OSAKA

Looking for a university, grad school, professional training college or Japanese language school? Osaka has plenty of options to help you further your studies. Here are a few reasons why you should make Osaka your number one choice for education.

Osaka is one of the world’s most livable and Japan’s most affordable cities

Day and night, Osaka is extremely safe

The locals are friendly and welcoming

There are many career opportunities after graduating

Osaka is attracting events and opportunities from around the world

Osaka is committed to becoming the No. 1 international student city in Asia

Osaka is home to some of the region’s most prominent universities, vocational schools and language schools, where you'll find English-language programs and international support services. The city's top institutions include Osaka University, the Osaka College of Technology and the Osaka Japanese Language Education Center.

Start your new academic journey in Osaka here: studyinosaka.com

Osaka is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Japanese culture

Osakacares

Here are Osaka’s plans for an inclusive and more sustainable future

OSAKA’S APPEAL GOES BEYOND its bustling urban landscape, impressive architecture and world-class culinary scene. What truly distinguishes the city is its unwavering dedication to becoming an environmentally advanced city that meets its sustainable development goals (SDGs).

While there is still much work to be done, Osaka has already made significant progress in creating a more accessible and sustainable future.

What’s been done so far

Some changes the city has made so far include policies to reduce single-use plastics. Since 2019, businesses no longer provide shopping bags free of charge. At convenience stores, many ready-to-eat meals like bento lunch boxes and onigiri (rice balls) now come in biodegradable packaging.

As for reducing the use of bottled water, the city has joined the MyMizu initiative, which helps people locate places in the city where they can refill their water bottles for free. And it’s all done through an app.

Engaging the community

Leave it to Osaka to demonstrate that there’s an art to processing waste thoughtfully.

Designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the Maishima Incineration Plant is a joint project between Osaka, Yao and Matsubara cities to encourage people to engage with the environment and contemplate the relationships between nature and urban living.

Recognizable for its colorful, eyecatching architecture, this state-of-the-art waste disposal facility will make you think about environment preservation and what it means to coexist with nature.

Looking ahead

Osaka has set more ambitious targets for combating pollution and creating a more sustainable future. By 2030, the city aims to reduce gas emissions by 30 percent compared to 2013 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving a ‘Zero Carbon Osaka’ by 2050.

Additionally, as a port city, Osaka is working towards ensuring a clean water environment and zero marine pollution by 2050.

Barrier-free living

While walking along the streets of Osaka, you may have noticed that many pavements are lined with raised yellow tiles, otherwise known as tenji blocks. These blocks were first implemented in Japan in the 1960s to help visually impaired people navigate urban areas, but Osaka has since expanded its barrier-free designs to address a broader range of disabilities.

All 133 Osaka Metro and New Tram stations, for instance, have wheelchairaccessible transfer routes as well as assisted services for boarding and alighting trains. In addition, each train carriage has a priority seating zone for the elderly and those who are pregnant or physically disabled. During rush hour, passengers are asked to turn off their cellular devices to avoid disrupting pacemakers. Stations also feature multifunction toilets with wheelchair access while some even have nursing rooms.

Accessible tourism

Osaka isn’t just looking to make the city more accessible for its residents, the government is also striving to improve barrier-free features for tourists. The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau is working with the Osaka Universal Tourism Promotion Council alongside the government, transport companies and tourism businesses to ensure that everyone who visits Osaka feels welcome.

Moreover, there are tailor-made tourism services for people with disabilities, like the one by Omakase that offers private one-day tours of Osaka for wheelchair users. Other accessible tourism features implemented so far include audio guides for visually impaired travelers and sign language interpretation services, with more solutions on the way.

Maishima Incineration Plant

All eyes on Osaka

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan takes place on the manmade island of Yumeshima at a site designed by starchitect Sou Fujimoto

OSAKA WILL MAKE HISTORY in 2025 as the first Japanese city to host the World Expo twice. It last staged the event in 1970, which holds the record as the best-attended Expo of the 20th century. With big plans in place, the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is sure to be just as memorable.

World Expos have been taking place since 1851 and now occur every five years for up to six months at a time. These large-scale events bring together innovations from around the world and are often the first places to see new technology. Over the years, the likes of elevators, electric cars and AED devices have been unveiled at Expos. You can discover the innovations and culture of each participating country at its own pavilion during the event.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is Osaka’s second and Japan’s third World Expo, following the Aichi Expo in 2005. It takes place from April 13 to October 13 2025 on the manmade island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay.

World-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto is in charge of bringing the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai site to life with a stunning

design. Fujimoto plans to include plenty of nature by incorporating green spaces throughout the site as well as ample seating and rest areas, similar to the design from the Expo 2020 Dubai. As a showpiece, the venue will feature an enormous ring-shaped roof that’s 20m-tall and has a circumference of 2km. Visitors can walk along, inside as well as on top of this structure, which affords breathtaking views of the Osaka Bay.

Another key component of the Expo is its eye-catching mascot. Myaku-Myaku (pictured bottom left) is a shapeshifting water-like creature designed by graphic designer and illustrator Kohei Yamashita. Since Osaka is known as Japan’s city of water, the mascot is presented as a shapeshifter that can take on many forms, just like water. The name ‘Myaku-Myaku’ is also meaningful, as it conveys something being passed down through generations, like how the 1970 Expo has influenced the

VISITING EXPO ’70 COMMEMORATIVE PARK

The Osaka World Expo in 1970 was the first Expo to be held in Asia and it became a great success. The event took place at Senri Hills and featured 77 countries and regions, with more than 64 million people visiting during its six-month run. Today, the site of the event is preserved as the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and it’s a great place to explore and learn about the historical event.

One of the highlights is the Tower of the Sun, an art installation that’s about 70m-tall by the late avant garde artist Taro Okamoto. Built as part of the theme pavilion for the 1970 Expo, the tower was open to visitors during the event but closed after for renovations. However, it reopened in 2018 and you can now enter the tower on tours (priority for those with advance reservations, ¥720, or ¥310 for elementary school students, in addition to park entry fee). Inside, you can see the 41m-tall ‘Tree of Life’ installation, which was designed by Okamoto and tells the story of evolution.

There’s much more to see and do in the park. You could spend a full day here checking out the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden for Peace, Japan Folk Crafts Museum and National Museum of Ethnology.

Yumeshima, the site of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Welcome to Osaka

Established in 2003, the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau is the official marketing organization for Osaka prefecture. It works on strategic tourism projects to help promote Osaka as a premier business, leisure and convention destination. The bureau’s fundamental roles include expanding general tourism, promoting the city as an international hub for business, attracting domestic

Full steam ahead!

With the eyes of the world on Osaka ahead of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau is taking on a large role to help promote and foster momentum for the upcoming world’s fair.

Aiming to become Asia’s No. 1 city for international tourism and culture!

For more information, visit:

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