The Osaka Bay Area is a collection of young city districts on man-made waterfront islands and peninsulas, built to accommodate Osaka‘s sprawling growth. The districts host a variety of tourist attractions, such as museums, theme parks, observatories and shopping centres. The area is most notable for its Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium, and Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Group Attractions
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
This enormous American-style theme park is similar to others of its kind in other parts of the world. USH was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. It features rides and shows based on some of the film studio's most popular films, including Harry Potter, Spiderman, Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, Jaws and Shrek. The park has many themed restaurants and cafes, as well as shops offering unique souvenirs.
Activities: Amusement park Fee: Depends on dates Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Reaching a height of 112 meters and a diameter of 100 meters, Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. It offers far-reaching, wonderful views of the city, across the bay, and even as far as Kobe. A ride takes about 17 minutes. It is located just next to the Tempozan Marketplace and Osaka Aquarium. Three of its 60 cabins are wheelchair accessible.
Activities: City viewing Fee: JPY 800 Time required: Minimum 20 minutes
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest and best. Whale sharks, penguins and a multitude of the Pacific Ocean's sea creatures flourish in massive multi-story tanks and meticulously recreated marine habitats. The main exhibit is a massive tank that holds 5,400 tons of water and a whale shark. In total, the aquarium displays a wide variety of marine life spread over 15 different tanks with over 11,000 tons of water. (Image via Japan Travel)
Activities: Aquarium visit Fee: JPY 2400 Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Tempozan Marketplace
Tempozan Marketplace is a commercial complex adjacent to Kaiyukan. Designed under the concept of “Festival Marketplace,” the complex consists of nearly 80 retail and dining establishments, including shops carrying Osaka souvenirs as well as anime and other character merchandise, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and a food theme park focusing on Osaka cuisine. There is also an indoor petting zoo, Tempozan Anipa, and an indoor LEGO® playground, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Osaka. (Image via Japan Hoppers)
Activities: Shopping Fee: None Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Naniwa Food Theme Park
Located inside the Tempozan Marketplace shopping mall, Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho is a food theme park recreating the nostalgic 1960s streets of Osaka. About 20 well-known, venerable Osaka eateries offer their fare, including takoyaki by Aizuya, and iconic curry rice by Jiyuken. Local favourites such as kushikatsu and ikayaki are also available. Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho is excellent for sampling a wide range of Osaka cuisine.
Activities: Shopping, eating Fee: None Time required: Minimum 30 minutes
Nearby Areas
Kuromon Market is a place where locals and visitors from overseas can freely buy items from fresh vegetables, fruit to seafood. Sashimi and sushi made from tuna are particularly popular. You can buy the fish and some establishments will prepare it on the spot.
The Shinsaibashi-suji Shotengai is Osaka’s premier shopping center and lined with rows of established department stores and high-end brand-name boutiques. It is one of the busiest and oldest shopping streets in Japan, offering all kinds of shops to suit every budget and taste.