Osaka Prefecture's Absolute Essentials

Osaka Prefecture serves as a central hub for history and commerce in Japan's Kansai region. This selection features the 16th-century Osaka Castle and Shitennoji, one of the nation's oldest Buddhist temples. Modern landmarks include the 300-meter Abeno Harukas skyscraper and the expansive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The list also highlights significant commercial zones like the neon-lit Dotonbori canal, the Kuromon Ichiba food market, and Nipponbashi Denden Town, a district specialized in electronics and anime culture. Entry to the region is anchored by Kansai International Airport, located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.

Osaka Prefecture's Absolute Essentials — Harita

Mc681 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Osaka Castle

Historic Japanese castle featuring a museum with exhibits from the Toyotomi and Tokugawa eras and panoramic views from its tower. The site is wheelchair accessible and showcases traditional Japanese architecture.

Steve Collis / CC BY 2.0

B

Dōtonbori Area

Lively entertainment, dining, and shopping district known for vibrant neon lights and iconic signboards. Features numerous restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine along a canal.

OsianLlwyd1 / Public domain

C

Kuromon Ichiba Market

If you're looking for the freshest ingredients, this is the place to go. Whether it's meat, vegetables, fish, eggs, they have it all.

Terence Ong / CC BY 2.5

D

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios in Japan is one of only four theme parks the studios own across the whole world.

PD

E

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the most popular aquariums in the world. It is home to more than 15 tanks, each representing a different region with various kinds of…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

F

Osaka Castle Park

This green spot situated in the heart of Osaka surrounds the Osaka Castle and serves as a place of relaxation and rest for the citizens, as…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

G

Shitennoji

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple was completely rebuilt in 1963, but it still retains its former charm.

jetsun / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Shinsaibashi OPA

This famous mall and the surrounding shopping district have a long tradition.

Inoue-hiro / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Nipponbashi Denden Town

This district is the place to go for people who love electronic gadgets or collectables.

MShades from / CC BY 2.0

J

Shinsekai

A very atmospheric part of Osaka, this district was built in style of Western cities, mainly Paris and New York.

DVMG / CC BY 3.0

K

Abeno HARUKAS

With its 60 floors, this is the tallest building in Japan. Occupying top three floors, Harukas 300 is an observation deck offering…

Visa Kopu / CC-BY-SA-3.0

L

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Opened in 1997, this giant Ferris wheel is more than 110 meters high and has a diameter of 100 meters.

利用者:Stanislaus / Public domain

M

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Founded in 211 AD, this magnificent shrine is dedicated to three deities protecting the nation, sea voyagers and celebrating waka poetry.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

N

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (Ōsaka Tenmangū)

Founded in the 10th century, this is the most famous Tenjin shrine in Japan.

BradBeattie / CC-BY-SA-3.0

O

Minami Area

Largest commercial district in the city, this area is a popular entertainment and shopping destination.

Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Kansai International Airport

One of Asia's main international hubs is located about 38 km from Ōsaka Station on an artificial island.