UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Universal Studios Japan was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Universal Studios Japan is found in the Osaka Bay Area the theme park occupies an area of 39 hectares and is one of the most visited amusement park in Japan. Universal Studios Japan currently has eight sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Lagoon, Waterworld, Amity Village and Universal Wonderland. Visitors are able to enjoy many amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators, based on popular movies such as Spiderman, Back to the Future, Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park.

OSAKA AQUARIUM

Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka's bay area, and is one of Japan's most spectacular aquarium. Visitors start their tour of the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly spiral down floor by floor around the central tank. Some of the tanks stretch over several floors, making it possible to observe the animals from different depths and perspectives.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a former pleasure and theatre district. These days it's better known for its restaurants and shops with bright neon lights and elaborate store front displays.

Dotonbori is a single street running alongside the Dotonbori canal in Namba (Osaka's main shopping and entertainment area).

Dotonbori features several famous restaurants for local fare such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Its neon lights are some of Asia's best. It has a lively atmosphere.

Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine

It's one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It was founded in the year 211 — before Chinese architecture influenced the design of temples in Japan. Its architecture is purely Japanese.

Sumiyoshi-taisha enshrines three gods (kami) said to protect travellers, fishermen and sailors. The shrine is heavily used by locals .

Shinsaibashi

A large shopping district centred around

the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade.

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Osaka Castle/Park

Osaka castle is a recreation of a 17th century castle that played an important role in the unification of Japan.

Osaka Castle Park is a large pleasant park with views of Osaka castle and its huge moats and castle walls. There are various historical attractions, gardens and food vendors in the park. On weekends buskers perform. When the weather is good, the park takes on a festive atmosphere (particularly on weekends).

It's one of the best places in Osaka to do hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji (593) was the first Buddhist temple constructed in Japan. Like most wooden temples in the country — it has burned down at various times in history. Each time its reconstruction was faithful to the 6th century original.

Umeda Joypolis Sega

Two floors of video games with a Ferris wheel on the roof. Recommended for its carnival atmosphere even if you're not a gamer. In addition to the usual assortment of video games and UFO catchers — Umeda Joypolis Sega features amusement park rides such as virtual skydiving.

Nipponbashi Denden Town

Nipponbashi Denden Town is an electronics shopping district.

It's the only place in Japan where electronics prices are negotiable.

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Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel was the World's tallest ferris wheel from 1997-1999. Its neon lights predict the weather for the next day — orange for sunny, green for cloudy and blue for rain.

It's located beside the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at Tempozan Harbor Village.

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

The longest covered shopping arcade in Japan at 2.6

kilometres.

Need I say more?

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Nagai Park

A large forested park with numerous sports facilities and a

botanical garden.

CUPNOODLES MUSEUM

This facility has various CUPNOODLES displays and do-it-yourself experience. You can mix and match various soups and ingredients in a cup.There is also a CUPNOODLES Park where you can experience how CUPNOODLES products are manufactured.

HEP 5

A shopping complex with specialty shops geared for young people, boasts

Kita’s newest symbol: a bright red Ferris wheel on its roof

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