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.

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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.