Osaka
Osaka has an interesting and distinctive character of it's own.
It is seen as the birthplace of Japanese comedy, and the people of Osaka are well-known for being cheerful and outgoing.
If you get lost, there will always be someone who can give you some friendly advice.
Many Osakans leap into the Dotombori River in celebration when the city's baseball team wins.
This should give you just a little insight into the character of the people of Osaka! Universal Studios Japan, a Hollywood-style theme park, is a popular place for many visitors.
As for food, Okonomiyaki (a Japanese-style pancake containing vegetables and other ingredients) is very popular in Osaka.
There are a lot of specialized restaurants, particularly for Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki, on Kuidaore Street.
You will have great time, and a lot of great food, in Osaka.
This are around Namba station is one of major city center in Osaka and called Minami (South). There are many spots you cannot miss like Dotombori which is the symbol of Osaka thanks to Kanidoraku, Glico signs etc, Shinsaibashi which is high brands shopping area, America-mura which is the district for youth generation and creating new cultures. There are many theaters of Bunraku, Kabuki and Manzai (Japanese style comedy).
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Tsutenkaku
The symbol of Naniwa "Tsutenkaku" tower. There is observation deck on 5th floor where you can view whole Osaka area. This is really popular sightseeing spots thanks to "Billiken" which is known he would bring you happiness if you touch. During night, it is lighting colorfully and actually tells you the weather. (white=sunny, Blue=Rainy etc)
Amerika-mura (Amerika village)
This is the center of fashion trend in Osaka, similar to Harajuku in Tokyo. There are many clothes and accessories shops around. New cultures are always born in here.
Around Dotonbori
The busiest area in Osaka and you may feel "I'm in Osaka now!" thanks to its atmosphere. There are many illuminations around.
Namba parks
The shopping buildings directly connected with Namba station. There are more than 250 shops and also huge park (11,500m²) in the top roof. During December, they have beautiful Christmas illumination.
Kani Douraku / Crab restaurant
This restaurants are specialized crab dishes and they have brunches all over Japan. The Osaka one is Head of them. Enjoy clubs!
From Kansai International Airport to JR Namba Station
By train [Approx. 45 minutes / 1,040yen]
Kansai Airport → (Nankai Airport Line : Approx. 40 minutes / 920yen) → Shin-Imamiya Station → (JR Kansai Main Line : Approx. 3 minutes / 120yen) → JR Namba Station
By bus [Approx. 50 minutes / 1,000yen]
Kansai International Airport → (Airport bus : Approx. 50 minutes / 1,000yen) → Namba OCAT Bus Terminal (2F)
From JR Namba Station to Shinsaibashi Station
By train [Approx. 10 minutes / 120yen]
JR Namba Station → (On foot : Approx. 7 minutes) → Namba Station → (Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line : Approx. 1 minutes / 120yen) → Shinsaibashi Station
Umeda, the center northern part of Osaka City and often called "Kita" as well. In this area, there are 2 stations, Osaka station for JR and Umeda station for other lines (Hankyu, Hanshin and subway). It is the busiest area for business, shopping, hotels, theaters, entertainments etc. Umeda has the world largest underground shopping mall which connects most of the stations, department stores, shopping buildings and first class hotels. It is very convenient are to stay and enjoy Osaka sightseeing.
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Umeda Sky Building
One of main buildings in Umeda area which has 40 floors. There is sky park and observation deck (360° panorama view). You can find cinemas, restaurants, event hall etc and never get board in here!
Osaka Duck Tour
This is the tour going around Osaka Castle and city by amphibian motor car. It takes 90 minutes. The guide of this tour entertains you a lot introducing Osaka information.
HEP FIVE (commercial complex)
The fashion building is simple of Umeda area. You can find red Ferris wheel in the building.
Osaka Science Museum
This is the museum which has the theme "Universe and energy". There are over 200 things you can touch and learn. The science show is held every day and the main exhibition is planetarium which you feel as if you are watching real sky with stars.
Water-bus "Aqua-Liner"
This is the cruise ship between Osaka castle park and Nakanoshima area, takes 60 minutes. You can enjoy famous sightseeing places in Osaka from the river.
Hanshin Department Store
From Kansai International Airport to Osaka Station
By train [Approx. 60 minutes / 1,100yen]
Kansai Airport → (Nankai Airport Line : Approx. 40 minutes / 920yen) → Shin-Imamiya Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line : Approx. 15 minutes / 180yen) → Osaka Station
By bus [Approx. 50 minutes / 1,000yen]
Kansai International Airport → (Airport bus : Approx. 60 minutes / 1,550yen) → Osaka Station (Hotel New Hankyu Osaka)
Many tourists visit this area as there is Osaka Castle which is well-known in worldwide as a symbol of Osaka. There is the park which covers 2 square kilometers with green and it offers sports facilities, Osakajo Hall, museums etc and also many people enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in spring time. The Osaka Castle was started the construction in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi who ruled Japan in the latter half of the 16th century and most of them were completed in 1585. The existing castle tower was built in 1931. It has five tiers and is approximately 40m height.
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Osaka Castle
The most popular sightseeing spot in Osaka. If you enter from Sakura gate, you will see the castle tower in front of you, which displays many historical things inside. During night, it is lighting up and looks fantasy world.
Osaka Museum of History
They re-creates the town during the period end of Taisho to begin of Showa (around 1925 -). You can learn and experience the history of Osaka in here. There is observation deck on 10th floor and you can view whole Osaka.
Water-bus "Aqua-Liner"
Izumi Hall (concert hall)
From Kansai International Airport to Morinomiya Station
By train [Approx. 60 minutes / 1,080yen]
Kansai International Airport → (Nankai Airport Line: Approx. 40 minutes / 920yen) → Shin-Imamiya Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line: Approx. 12 minutes / 160yen)
→ Morinomiya Station
From Kansai International Airport to Kyobashi Station
By train [Approx. 70 minutes / 1,100yen]
Kansai International Airport → (Nankai Airport Line: Approx. 40 minutes / 920yen) → Shin-Imamiya Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line: Approx. 17 minutes / 180yen) → Kyobashi Station
From Osaka Station to Morinomiya Station
By train [Approx. 15 minutes / 160yen]
Osaka Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line: Approx. 11 minutes / 160yen) → Morinomiya Station
From Osaka Station to Kyobashi Station
By train [Approx. 10 minutes / 160yen]
Osaka Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line: Approx. 7 minutes / 160yen) → Kyobashi Station
From Shin-Osaka Station to Morinomiya Station
By train [Approx. 25 minutes / 160yen]
Shin-Osaka Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line: Approx. 4 minutes) → Osaka Station → (JR Tokaido Line: Approx. 11 minutes) → Morinomiya Station
From Shin-Osaka Station to Kyobashi Station
By train [Approx. 20 minutes / 180yen]
Shin-Osaka Station → (JR Osaka Loop Line: Approx. 4 minutes) → Osaka Station → (JR Tokaido Line: Approx. 7 minutes) → Kyobashi Station
Shin-Osaka station is the gateway to the Osaka area when you travel by Shinkansen. It is around 5 min from JR Osaka station (Umeda station for other lines). This is mainly business district and it is very convenient area to stay for travelers.
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Shin-Osaka station - Kyoto station » 15 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen
Shin-Osaka station - Shin-Kobe station » 13 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen
Shin-Osaka station - Himeji station » 29 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen
From Kansai International Airport to Shin-Osaka station
By train
- Rute 1 [Approx. 80 minutes / 1,340yen]
Kansai Airport → (Kansai Airport Line : Approx. 50 minutes / 1,060yen) → Tennoji Station → (Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line : Approx. 21 minutes / 280yen)
→ Shin-Osaka Station
- Rute 2 [Approx. 50 minutes / 2,330yen]
Kansai Airport → (JR Limited Express "Haruka" : Approx. 50 minutes / 2,330yen (1,360yen + Express ticket 970yen)) → Shin-Osaka Station
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was opened 2001 and it is one of the best popular theme parks in the Osaka Bay Area. There is also Universal City Walk Osaka next to the park, which is a huge shopping mall included official hotels, restaurants and many shops.
Photo gallery of Universal Studios Japan on a rainy day
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Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN
The biggest aquarium in worldwide. They have the water tank which imagines Pacific Ocean, depth 9m, length 34m and the amount of water is 5400t. There are over 620 kinds of fishes and sea animals. If you can catch the time Penguin’s feeding, it would be more fun!
From Kansai International Airport to Universal City Station
By train [Approx. 70 minutes / 1,190yen]
Kansai Airport → (JR Kansai Airport Line : Approx. 60 minutes / (total fee)1,190yen) → Nishikujo Station → (JR Sakurajima (Yumesaki) Line : Approx. 5 minutes)
→ Universal City Station
By bus [Approx. 70 minutes / 1,550yen]
Kansai International Airport → (Airport bus *Detail information : Approx. 70 minutes / 1,550yen) → Universal City Station