Umeda Sky Building?! 20 Cool Things in Osaka!

Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city. It’s also one of the most popular destinations for international tourists visiting the country. In part one of “20 Cool Things to Do in Osaka”, let’s check out some must-see spots in Osaka, starting with the Umeda Sky Building!

Umeda Sky Building 

The Umeda Sky Building is a shiny skyscraper in Osaka, near the Umeda business area. It was designed by Hiroshi Hara and finished in 1993. It has two towering buildings, each 40 stories high. At the very top, they are connected by an incredible feature called the “Floating Garden Observatory.” It feels like walking in the clouds! You ride a see-through escalator that looks like a tube to get there. 

Once you reach the observatory, you’ll be wowed by breathtaking views of Osaka’s bustling city, sparkling rivers, and nearby mountains. At night, it’s like a magical sea of lights!

But that’s not all! Down in the basement, there’s a retro shopping street called “Takimi Koji”. Here, you can return to the early Showa era (late 1920s) and enjoy delicious Osaka food such as okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is like a sparkly playground in the heart of Osaka, bursting with color and energy! This super-famous area stretches along the Dotonbori Canal. Over 400 years ago, Nariyasu Doton started building the canal, hoping to make the area a busy hub for businesses and fun.

By the 1620s, Dotonbori became a theater lover’s paradise, packed with kabuki stages, puppet shows, and restaurants. It’s still the best place to visit today if you love bright lights, tasty food, and a lively atmosphere.

What makes Dotonbori so unique? The neon signs shine like rainbows, especially the giant Glico Man, a glowing runner who’s been cheering people on since 1935! You can also spot a huge moving crab at the Kani Doraku restaurant or smell the yummy takoyaki (octopus balls) as you walk by.

Universal Studios Japan

Opened in 2001, Universal Studios Japan is home to amazing areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, Minion Park, and Jurassic Park. You can race on Mario Kart, fly with dinosaurs, and even cast wizard spells!

This theme park is a dreamland where you can meet cute characters like Hello Kitty, Elmo, and the Minions. You can also enjoy live shows and colorful parades! Don’t forget to visit the shops filled with adorable souvenirs and themed treats

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located near the city’s port area in Minato district. It’s one of the biggest aquariums in the world and is home to over 30,000 sea creatures from more than 600 species! 

The journey starts with a stroll through the sparkling Aqua Gate, a tunnel where colorful tropical fish swim around you. Then, you’ll hop on an escalator to the eighth floor and spiral down along giant tanks that recreate different ocean habitats.

You’ll see incredible places like the chilly Arctic with seals and the Great Barrier Reef full of colorful fish. The highlight is the huge Pacific Ocean tank, where giant whale sharks swim peacefully with stingrays and hammerhead sharks.

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Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a huge and fun ride in Osaka, Japan. It stands 369.2 feet tall and has a diameter of 328.1 feet. It’s nested in the Tempozan Harbor Village, right next to the famous Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

When you take a ride, you’ll get a 15-minute journey high up in the sky, where you can see amazing views of Osaka Bay, Mount Ikoma, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai International Airport, and even the beautiful Rokko mountains! At night, it lights up with vibrant lights.

teamLab Botanical Garden

teamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka is a stunning place where nature and art unite beautifully and excitingly. It’s located inside Nagai Botanical Garden, an ample green space with over 1,200 types of plants, lakes, and peaceful nature.

When the sun sets, the garden turns into a spectacular open-air art gallery. Interactive light displays change with the weather and visitors’ movements! There are various exclusive features, from glowing eggs to swirling sculptures that dance with the wind, making it an interactive adventure for everyone.

Tennoji Zoo

This is one of Japan’s oldest zoos, opening at the beginning of 1915 in Tennoji Park. The zoo is home to over one thousand animals from 230 different species! Tennoji Zoo is beloved for its marvelous exhibits that try to recreate the animals’ natural habitats. You can see lions, rhinos, red pandas, penguins, and cute koalas. The African Savanna Zone is especially cool, where you’ll find carnivores and herbivores in a space that feels just like Africa!

Shin Sekai

Shinsekai, or “New World”, is a lively district in Osaka. The neighborhood has a unique charm, mixing old-school vibes with modern flair. It’s a place full of history and surprises, created in the early 1900s as a special area inspired by Paris and New York.

The main attraction is the Tsutenkaku Tower, which looks a bit like the Eiffel Tower and offers a fantastic view of the city from its top! Moreover, you can wander through colorful shops and explore retro arcades. There is also an excellent spot called “Janjan Yokocho Street”, where you’ll find over 50 shops and some classic restaurants.

Amerikamura

Located just west of Shinsaibashi Station, it’s a vibrant area full of trendy shops, cafes, and street performances. “Amerikamura” comes from the many stores selling American-inspired fashion and goods, which became popular in the 1970s. It’s like a little piece of the United States in Japan, especially with its mix of retro clothes, vinyl records, and surfer-style stores. 

At the heart of Amerikamura is Triangle Park, where people hang out, watch street shows, and shop for unique items such as sneakers, vintage clothes, and accessories. The area is also popular for lively festivals, flea markets, and cool music events. 

Nakanoshima Museum of Art

The Nakanoshima Museum of Art, founded in 2022, is on Nakanoshima Island. It has a massive collection of over 6,000 incredible artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and designs from Japan and worldwide.

The building is distinctive, with a sleek black exterior and many open spaces where visitors can relax and explore the art. Some galleries change regularly, so there’s always something new to see! Plus, there’s also a cafe and a shop with unique art-inspired goodies.

Why should I visit cool places like the Umeda Sky Building?

Exploring fantastic locations like the Umeda Sky Building lets you see Osaka uniquely, with stunning views and fascinating history. It’s not just about the sights but also about experiencing the culture and lively atmosphere of the city. Whether exploring modern architecture or enjoying local food, Osaka offers a perfect mix of old and new. What part of Osaka’s charm are you most excited to explore? Let us know in the comments!