Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi

Ranked by The Times of London as one of the top 20 buildings in the world. The spectacular 45 meter see-through escalator gives the impression of being suspended in space. It is especially popular among thrill-seeking visitors from overseas.

This 8-story building houses one of the largest aquariums in the world. Enormous whale sharks and other migratory fish swimming in the main tank are an impressive sight.

The Osaka Castle and castle tower are surrounded by the vast Osaka Castle Park. There are a total of four stations that can be used for access. The walking distance is about 20 minutes from each station, but it is a pleasant walk inside the park.
However, because of the distance and the fairly steep slope to the tower, wearing comfortable sports shoes or walking shoes is recommended.

A good bath is balm for the soul!
Traveling is of course a lot of fun, but it can also be quite tiring at times.
That's when you should head for this spot to enjoy a relaxing time.
* Please note that persons with tattoos will not be admitted to the facility.

The joy of "strolling and eating" is the key to the popularity of this market.
Buying various types of food and sharing them with your fellow travelers at one of the free rest spots is a special delight. Free Wi-Fi is also available. One suggestion is to select your favorite sashimi, pay an extra 300 yen for a bowl with rice, and have the shop combine your choices into a delicious seafood bowl.
It is also a good idea to get the free information paper.

The look of a street in Osaka during the Edo period around 1830 is recreated here in actual size. In addition, there are dioramas that show how the town looked during the Meiji to Showa periods.
Various events changing with the season provide an opportunity to experience activities like tea ceremony, handkerchief dyeing, blind making, column carving, etc. These are also popular with foreign visitors.
Before or after visiting the museum, taking a leisurely stroll through the Tenjimbashisuji shopping street is also recommended.
This is the longest such street in Japan, extending over a distance of seven blocks.

This museum provides a hands-on learning experience designed to be fun for children as well as for adults.
Audio guides in foreign languages are also available. You can listen to the narration of the video presentations ("The Birth of Chicken Ramen" and "CUPNOODLES Drama Theater") in English or Chinese. A returnable deposit of 2,000 yen must be paid when renting an audio guide.
Please inquire at the general reception desk of the museum.
The corner where visitors can create their very own "one of a kind" cup noodle is especially popular.

Typical of Dotonbori, an essential stop on any Osaka itinerary, are the many large signboards all over the place. First and foremost, overlooking the Dotonbori River, there is the "Glico" sign of a runner with wide open arms. Giant figures of a crab, an octopus or a cow are also perfectly suited to the lively energy of the area.
Many of Osaka's most iconic restaurants are nearby, and the shopping is of course excellent.

EXPOCITY is a large amusement complex located in Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative Park famous for its "Tower of the Sun" sculpture.
The motto of the site is "Play, Learn, and Discover". In this spirit, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, museums and cultural attractions, as well as a large Ferris wheel and more. There is also an "English Village" designed for learners of the language.

The 26-hectare Japanese Garden within the park, 1,300 meters long and 200 meters wide, comprises several ponds and streams. While following the gently flowing water from West to East, one can admire four different garden styles: ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern. The stroll brings to mind the Japanese wabi sabi concept of transience and makes one forget the time.

Tsutenkaku® tower is a landmark that denotes the "Shinsekai" area of Osaka, which has been known since long ago as a working class neighborhood and has recently gained renewed attention for its "retro" feel. Nowadays one will also encounter many foreign visitors there. Its lively main street has a bit of a theme park look, but the back alleys still retain their old-fashioned ambiance with many small restaurants and entertainment venues.

At 300 meters, Abeno Harukas is Japan's tallest skyscraper.
The "Harukas 300" Observatory occupying the top three floors (58F, 59F, 60F) offers expansive views stretching as far as Kyoto, the Rokko mountains, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Awaji Island in good weather.
The building also has many shops, some with limited-edition products available only here, as well as many gourmet restaurants. One can easily spend the entire day.

This outlet mall is situated across the water from Kansai International Airport.
Its resort-style design is inspired by the historic port town of Charleston in the U.S. Among outlet malls located close to railway stations, it is one of the largest in Japan. Some 210 brands from Japan and overseas are vying for the attention of customers.

Umekita Plaza in front of the station with about 10,000 square meters, along with a terrace garden of over 10,000 square meters on the 9th floor feature vast spaces of greenery and water for strolling and relaxing. The latest multipurpose complex in Osaka, while still offering great shopping, makes it hard to believe that one is in the center of a city.

Tours of Japan Mint in Osaka have proven unexpectedly popular with tourists from overseas. There is no need to reserve, but you should inquire beforehand whether tours are availableon the day that you intend to visit. (On the days of the Cherry Blossom Walk-Through and the preceding day, no Japan Mint tours are conducted.)
When the cherry trees are in bloom around the middle of April, the grounds of Japan Mint are opened for a week, permitting visitors to stroll along a path for some 560 meters along the old Yodogawa River.
This tradition began in the Meiji 16th well over 100 years ago.
(The actual days for the current year are announced in the middle of March.)

The Nakanoshima area has many points of interest, including museums, old-style buildings and pathways for a leisurely riverside stroll.
Not to be missed is the Osaka City Central Public Hall which will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary. It has been designated as a cultural asset of national importance. In the basement of the building, there are exhibition rooms, shops, and restaurants.

Five of Osaka's most famous takoyaki shops are assembled at this museum dedicated to the local specialty (fried octopus dumplings). Each shop has a distinct character ranging from traditional style to bold new creations. This allows visitors to explore and find their own favorite.

Namba Grand Kagetsu is not only a theater for Japanese comedy, there is much more to explore, including restaurants, souvenir shops, and stores such as "47 Gotochi Ichiba" for gourmet specialties from around the country. Tourists as well as locals of all ages flock to this venue to browse and be entertained.