Osaka offers an incredible diversity of culture. Explore modern architecture at Umeda Sky Building or Amerikamura (an area similar to Tokyo’s Harajuku), there is something here for everyone in Osaka.
Dotonbori, an exhilarating entertainment and dining district renowned for its neon signs and iconic Glico running man, should definitely be visited on any trip to Japan. Perth to Osaka air trips are available through Cathay Pacific.
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Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower stands in the Shinsekai District and has become an iconic tower within Tokyo. Illuminated nightly by LED lights that change color according to season, its 87.5 meters tall tower features LED bands on top that display weather forecast information for tomorrow – and also known for being lit at night!
Visitors come to Osaka’s Golden Observation Platform on the fifth-floor to take in its view of Osaka cityscape from one of Osaka’s highest observation platforms – one of Osaka’s highest observation platforms which offers amazing panoramic views. Billiken, God of Fortune and Happiness to whom many make offerings for good fortune resides here as well.
Under 1,000 yen can take you on a visit to the tower’s observation decks compared to other observatories across Japan, making this an economical way of seeing Tokyo from above. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 7:30 p.m, your ticket also provides discounts at Tsutenkaku complex attractions such as museums.
Tsutenkaku Tower’s other floors provide something to see for manga and anime enthusiasts, including its 2nd Floor where visitors will find Kinnikuman Museum dedicated to this beloved character, as well as shops selling goods related to him and restaurants offering related food services.
Jan-Jan Yokocho alley, which is illuminated at night, offers an abundance of kushikatsu restaurants. Kushikatsu is an irresistibly delicious battered and deep-fried dish of meat or vegetables on skewers; packed restaurants here make visiting this area impossible without at least tasting some delicious kushikatsu dishes!
This street features several izakayas, or Japanese pubs, where visitors can relax with drinks and snacks before playing games like go or shogi in some establishments. It boasts a vibrant atmosphere often described as “kote kote,” or bustling and lively; an ideal way to feel Osaka’s second city energy first-hand!
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka is one of the world’s largest, making it an essential stop when visiting Osaka. Distinguished by its innovative design and tank layouts tailored for optimal viewing of marine creatures from all angles and perspectives, visitors should plan at least 2-3 hours to visit and fully take in everything it has to offer. Late-day visits tend to attract smaller crowds; so plan to arrive later rather than earlier for best viewing experience and check feeding times while there.
The aquarium boasts over 30,000 aquatic animals representing 620 species, making its collection truly astounding. The main draw is undoubtedly its massive central tank which houses a whale shark and giant fish known as jinbei-zame in Japan and gurano bintang in Vietnam as well as other large marine creatures. Other tanks display marine life from different regions of the Pacific Ocean while there are interactive experiences where visitors can touch and interact with these exhibits.
Antarctica Zone offers visitors an amazing display of cold marine environments from all around the globe. Here, visitors can spot penguins and other animals that thrive under conditions similar to those experienced by Antarctica residents.
Visitors to the aquarium can observe polar bears and walruses play together or try their luck at catching sight of one of the massive blue whales that reside in its North Pacific zone. There is even the option of taking a ride aboard La Santa Maria – Christopher Columbus’ ship used in his initial voyage across the Atlantic Ocean!
Tickets to Tempozan Harbor Village Aquarium may be somewhat pricey, but they’re valid for 180 days and free for children aged three and under. Also note that it is part of Tempozan Harbor Village amusement complex which provides shopping, dining and entertainment options should you wish to extend their visit here.
National Museum of Art
NMAO is one of the few underground art museums in Japan and boasts an impressive collection of modern Japanese and foreign works. Established in 1977 and relocated to its current site on Nakanoshima Island in 2004, its distinctive exterior design depicts bamboo growth – an integral symbol of Japanese native culture – creating a truly unforgettable visitor experience. This remarkable museum will surely impress and charm visitors who experience it first-hand, along with its collection of contemporary art works.
This outstanding museum houses an array of paintings, posters, prints, watercolors, sketches, photographs sculptures and design works such as furniture. The gallery spaces change constantly to display different themes that explore modern art in Japan as well as rare works by Toyotomi Hideyoshi from Sengoku Era such as prints and paintings by him.
One of the most striking features of NMAO’s exterior is a giant stainless steel sculpture resembling rabbit ears designed by Cesar Pelli and which serves as its symbol. NMAO can be found on Nakanoshima Island in Osaka’s Kita district and should not be missed when visiting Osaka.
The NMAO is an invaluable place for understanding modern art in Japan, boasting incredible pieces from some of Japan’s premier contemporary artists and hosting special exhibitions that explore emerging domestic and international trends in art. A must-see collection for any art lover; don’t miss visiting every time!
NMAO boasts an extensive collection of work by world-renowned artists like Picasso, Cezanne and Yayoi Kusama. In addition to these classic works by iconic names like Picasso, Cezanne and Kusama is its Gutai group’s artwork; founded by Jiro Yoshihara in Osaka in the 1950s. Gutai artists focused their artworks purely on beauty instead of providing titles or explanations – an idea which Jiro Yoshihara sought to embody in his works by not giving titles or explanations of their art pieces themselves – reflecting his philosophy on freedom in its pure forms he created his Gutai group’s works of modern art that also originated here in Osaka in Osaka during that time period.
Osaka Science Museum
Osaka Science Museum (Da Ban Shi Li Ke Xue Guan, Osaka-shiritsu Kagakukan) is an interactive museum with exhibits related to space and energy. Additionally, its planetarium hosts three shows daily. Intended specifically with children in mind, its exhibits allow visitors to experience science through touching and playing. With four floors dedicated to themes such as universe and discovery; familiar chemistry; enjoy science; electricity/energy as well as electricity /energy conservation this exhibit covers everything a visitor might encounter during their stay!
Osaka Science Museum is an extremely popular tourist destination and regularly features scientific shows at their planetarium – featuring one of the largest dome screens worldwide! They also host regular art shows which make an Osaka Science Museum visit an unforgettable experience for any artist or spectator alike.
Visitors to Osaka Science Museum can view various stars in our galaxy and journey to the moon in our planetarium – open daily – while also discovering scientific demonstrations such as optical illusions. Perfect for families to learn about science and technology together!
Nakanoshima Island hosts this museum that’s easily accessible via public transit; just walk from Watanabebashi Station of the Keihan Nakanoshima Line or Higobashi Station on Yotsubashi Subway Line and you will arrive. Although some exhibits feature English explanations, most exhibits require Japanese to navigate.
The museum is open from 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and closed on national holidays; admission is free. Additionally, various activities for kids such as science kits and telescopes can be purchased for an additional fee. GPSmyCity’s mobile app for iPhone and Android makes for an easy self-guided walking tour through this sight that works offline – no data plan necessary when traveling abroad! This tour provides maps with detailed Fabcelebbio descriptions of major sights/attractions/photos as well as tips on what you should see or do while visiting each area! Check it out here!
