OsakaPlay Recommendations

Hozenji Yokocho is an 80-meter nostalgic stone-paved alley near Dotonbori, lined with traditional restaurants, sushi shops, izakayas and dessert cafes. The famous Mizukake Fudo statue inside Hozenji Temple is a moss-covered Fudo Myoo deity where worshippers pour water to make wishes. The original Meoto Zenzai dessert shop, founded in 1946, serves sweet red bean soup symbolizing marital bliss. With lanterns swaying at night, it is the best promenade to experience Osaka's Taisho-era romantic atmosphere.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is located in Osaka's Konohana ward, opened in 2001, one of Asia's most iconic Hollywood theme parks. The park is divided into themed areas including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Jurassic Park and Hollywood. Attractions range from thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Space Fantasy to family-friendly Sesame Street Fun Zone, covering all ages. Seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights and Christmas Fantasy make USJ a flagship attraction for Osaka visitors.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, located at Tempozan in Osaka Bay, opened in 1990 and is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums. Themed around the Pacific Rim's Ring of Fire, the facility recreates 15 zones from Japanese forests to the deep Pacific, housing about 620 species and 30,000 marine creatures. The central 9-meter-deep Pacific tank with two whale sharks and manta rays is the signature exhibit, while popular areas include the Japan Trench, ringed seals and capybaras. Lit up at night for a magical atmosphere, it is a must-visit landmark for families in Osaka.

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, located at Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka Bay, opened in 1997 as Asia's largest Ferris wheel with a 100-meter diameter and 112.5-meter height. The ride offers views of Osaka Bay, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Mount Rokko and Kansai International Airport, with Awaji Island and Wakayama visible on clear days. The 8 see-through floor cabins and 8 all-transparent cabins are thrilling draws for brave visitors. At night, LED lights change color to forecast tomorrow's weather, making it a romantic landmark for dates and family outings in Osaka Bay.

Soraniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER is located in Benten, Minato-ku, opened in 2021, Osaka's largest natural hot spring facility. Themed around the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the design fuses Japanese garden aesthetics with samurai-era culture, offering 7 bath types, 3 saunas and foot baths. The hot springs drawn from 1,000 meters underground are alkaline simple springs known as Tenjin-no-Yu and Taiko-no-Yu, leaving skin smooth and soft. The complex includes Japanese restaurants, izakaya, bars, lounge areas, plus a seasonal rooftop outdoor foot bath, making it a one-stop hot spring destination for relaxation in Osaka Bay.

The Osaka Wide Area Environmental Facilities Association Maishima Plant is a waste treatment facility in Konohana-ku designed by Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, completed in 2004. The exterior is decorated with gold, red and blue mosaic tiles, with golden domes and organic curves resembling a fairy-tale castle rather than an industrial facility, nicknamed the 'Maishima Rubbish Plant.' Although controversies prevented actual incineration, the architecture has become a popular photography spot with reservations available for environmental education exhibit tours.