Tommy Ooi1. Osaka Castle (大阪城)
Osaka Castle is the symbol and one of main Osaka attractions. The castle began construction in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi at the former site of Honganji Temple.
The magnificent castle was modelled after Azuchi Castle and was reputed as being unparalleled in the country.
Getting there
By Train: Osakajokoen Station – JR Loop / Osaka Business Park Station – Subway
2. Dotonbori (道頓堀)
Dotonbori is a large scale downtown with an entire area filled with an unbelievable number of shopping arcades, restaurants and amusement facilities. It is often selected as a scene in movies as the symbol of Osaka.
Also read: Fujiya 1935 – The Most Enchanting Restaurant in Osaka
Getting there
By Train: Namba Station – Subway Midosuji / Sennichimae / Yotsubashi Line
3. Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社)
Sumiyoshi Taisha also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, is one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. It enshrines three gods that have long been worshipped for protecting the nation, sea voyages and for promoting waka (31-syllable) poetry.
Getting there
By Train: Sumiyoshitaisha Station – Nankai railway
4. Shinsaibashi (心斎橋)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade is Osaka’s premier shopping centre. Approximately 600m long, it combines chain retail stores and trendy boutiques with expensive department stores and top designer fashion labels.
Getting there
By Train: Shinsaibashi Station- Subway Midosuji Line & Nagahori Line
5. Shitennoji Temple (四天王寺)
The oldest officially administered temple in Japan, Shitennoji was built by Prince Shotoku who was known for his profound Buddhist faith. He invited three Korean Baekje carpenters, and they constructed this temple in 593.
Getting there
By Train: Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station – Subway Tanimachi Line
6. Shinsekai (新世界)
A casual, popular downtown located in the west of the Ten’noji-koen Park, bristled with many old eating and drinking establishments with Tsutenkaku Tower, the symbol of Shinsekai.
Also read: Short Osaka Exploration from Bustling Streets to Quiet Cat Cafe
Shinsekai has a reputation as one of Japan’s more seedy and dangerous neighbourhoods, with a sizeable homeless population in the neighbourhood. Also towards south of the JR railway tracks is one of the few areas in Japan where open prostitution occurs without much police interference.
Getting there
By Train: Ebisucho Station – Subway Sakaisuji Line
7. Universal Studios Osaka
One of the world’s Top 15 theme park inspired by blockbuster Hollywood movies with more than 8 million visitors annually.
Getting there
By Train: Universal City – JR Sakurajima Line
8. Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル)
Also known as the New Umeda City, the 173 metre tall Umeda Sky building has a roof featuring a doughnut shape that provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka City.
Getting there
By Train and Walk: Approx 15 minutes walk from Osaka or Umeda Station
Also read: 16 Things Japan Does Better Than Your Country
Disclaimer:
All the information above is correct upon published and is subject to change without further notice. Please make an effort to double check. Neither the author nor owner will be liable for any damage or lost caused.
Contributed by Tommy Ooi Travel Guide.
