Osaka offers plenty of enjoyable experiences. Winter is the ideal time to visit, when crowds are smaller and you can see its lights illuminated for holiday festivities.
Discover traditional Japanese art at this exquisite museum dedicated to ukiyoe – a type of printing using blocks of wood – which celebrates tradition with striking precision. Shanghai to Osaka flights can be offered through Cathay Pacific.
1. Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is an eye-catching landmark constructed of steel and glass in Osaka’s Shin-Umeda district. Designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, its twin 40-story towers culminate at an observatory called Floating Garden Observatory that overlooks city views from 173 meters above ground level. Completed in March 1993 and made popular among both locals and visitors to Osaka alike.
Umeda Sky Building offers many fascinating experiences, but one of its finest attractions is taking a four-story escalator ride connecting both towers. Although this may not be suitable for everyone, this journey promises an unforgettable journey!
As soon as you reach the top of the building, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka and beyond, including Awaji island itself! Don’t miss visiting Osaka without first experiencing this incredible view from above at least once from an observation deck such as that found within Umeda Sky Building! It truly should not be missed during any visit here!
Umeda Sky Building also features an amazing nighttime illumination show that is worth experiencing, where its entire building lights up in a spectacle of lights that is sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Umeda Sky Building offers more than office space; it is home to restaurants and bars as well. Notable tenants include AstraZeneca’s Asian and Osaka office locations as well as game developer PlatinumGames, Mazda Corporation and Consulate General of Germany in Osaka – making this building a fun place to visit with breathtaking views, cutting-edge architecture and cultural attractions all under one roof!
2. Utsubo Park
Osaka is not just known for its skyscrapers; it also boasts beautiful parks and gardens that bring peace and serenity into the city year-round. Their picturesque greenery makes these green spaces the ideal place for taking pictures or simply relaxing – an attraction not to be missed when visiting Osaka!
Utsubo Park is one of the city’s most picturesque parks and a favorite among both residents and tourists. The photogenic windmill surrounded by flowers stands out as its focal point, along with other interesting plants and attractions that you can discover while wandering its paths or heading uphill for panoramic city views from its summit.
Once a military airfield, this park has since transformed into a serene retreat from city life. Dotted with trendy cafes, a rose garden featuring over 160 species of flowering trees, and a tennis center hosting international tournaments; it also makes an ideal picnic location during weekends and late afternoons.
Contrasting modern buildings and busy streets, this lovely park provides a green oasis in the center of town – complete with Zelkova trees that create a vibrant canopy in spring. Aside from this, visitors also appreciate beautiful cherry blossom views in spring. Perfect for relaxing with a good book or simply strolling and breathing fresh air during a leisurely stroll, it also features benches where one can sit back and watch life pass by!
3. Dotonbori
Dotonbori in Osaka’s Namba district is an exciting entertainment area brimming with restaurants, shops, and other forms of amusement. Famous for its lively nightlife and bustling vitality, this area derives its name from Dotonbori canal which runs along it. Most hotels in Osaka provide easy access to this area so visiting this region after enjoying a delicious meal is highly recommended!
Dotonboroi is an entertainment street filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars that attract young crowds looking for fun. There are several notable landmarks, including the towering Glico Running Man sign and Ebisu-bashi bridge; other popular sites include Kani Doraku crab restaurant and Kuidaore Taro who is a drum-playing clown that represents Osaka’s love of food.
Dotonbori is known for its brightly-colored buildings and other signs, often used to promote events or new products – Glico Running Man being one such iconic symbol that dates back to 1935 and recently received new LED lighting upgrades.
Dotonbori can best be enjoyed by strolling through its lively streets and taking in all that the sights have to offer – an excellent opportunity for photos! For an alternative viewpoint of Dotonbori Canal, consider going for a river cruise cruise down this canal.
If you’re planning a visit to Dotonbori, try and visit on a weekday rather than the weekend so as to avoid crowds and enjoy local cuisine, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki! Additionally, pick up souvenirs at one of its many shops lining Dotonbori!
4. Umeda Ferris Wheel
HEP FIVE’s bright red Ferris wheel is one of Kita Umeda’s most recognisable landmarks. HEP stands for Hankyu Entertainment Park and draws in many young shoppers with its fashion boutiques and recreational spaces, while offering character goods shops that attract international visitors.
Air conditioned cabins on Osaka’s 52 gondola Ferris wheel offer stunning sights both day and night when lit up. Your ride will provide stunning views of Osaka Station, Harbor, Mt Ikoma from its highest point at 106 meters; designs on each gondola may change daily to feature suns, clouds or umbrellas for a truly memorable ride! It’s no secret why Osaka Station, Harbor and Mt Ikoma make for stunning sights when illuminated! During your ride you’ll also enjoy breathtaking city center sights including Osaka Station’s stunning Ferris Wheel, while at night when lit up it becomes even more impressive.
After exploring Nara and Tokyo, head straight to Dotonbori for an unforgettable experience in one of Japan’s liveliest districts. Be sure to get your photo with Glico Running Man before taking in street performances, dazzling neon lights and famous establishments that call this area home – plus don’t forget that delicious meals await nearby!
Once you’ve explored Dotonbori, head over to Morinomiya Piloti Hall for an unparalleled cultural experience. Here, you’ll discover an astounding collection of preserved remains and relics that provide insight into Osaka’s historical past; additionally, events and concerts may take place here during your visit; be sure to check the schedule when planning your visit if interested! Finally, end the day on Umeda Ferris Wheel for unrivalled views of city skylines!
5. Kuchu Teien Observatory
Osaka’s most distinctive landmark, Umeda Sky Building – a 173m skyscraper situated in Kita Ward – features the Floating Garden Observatory also known as Kuchu Teien Observatory, popular with both residents and tourists to enjoy watching sunset and city lights come on in Osaka at night. A favorite place of romantic dates, its views offer breath-taking sunset views as well as unique attractions such as Sky Walk’s circular Sky Deck and Fence of Vows where lovers leave lockets to express their feelings towards each other – as well as watching sunset from within Osaka itself!
At night, enjoy panoramic views from the observatory’s windows as well as restaurants and shops on its 39th floor. But what really draws people here is Sky Walk’s Floating Garden Observatory on 40th Floor with Observation Deck open to roof allowing fresh air into Osaka from above; on a clear day even see Kobe city and Mount Rokko!
Access the Observation Deck from within by taking an elevator up to Tower East or Tower West’s 35th floors and taking an escalator ride between them (if desired); but beware; it could give you vertigo!
At Osaka Tower’s 40th Floor Cafe and Bar, guests can relax with a beverage while admiring the view. In addition, there is a souvenir shop selling Osaka products. And for added authenticity during their visit, visitors can rent a Yukata (traditional Japanese robe).