Osaka
Where Tomorrow’s Innovations Spark and Timeless Japanese Traditions Come Alive
In 2025, Osaka takes center stage as the host of World Expo 2025, a dazzling showcase of innovation, culture, and global connection. But this vibrant city is more than just the Expo, it’s a thrilling blend of neon-lit futurism and timeless tradition.
Wander through ancient temples one moment and step into cutting-edge tech hubs the next. Feast on legendary street food in Dotonbori, marvel at the futuristic TeamLab Botanical Garden, or soak in the skyline views from the Umeda Sky Building. With its infectious energy, rich history, and next-gen attractions, Osaka is the must-visit destination of 2025.
Osaka’s Must-See Wonders
Osaka dazzles with its perfect harmony of cutting-edge futurism and cherished heritage. Glittering skyscrapers tower beside ancient temples, while neon-lit streets lead to serene shrines, every corner pulses with energy and history.
Don’t miss Osaka Castle Park, A golden-era icon surrounded by cherry blossoms and futuristic light projections by night. TeamLab Botanical Garden, An immersive digital art experience transforming nature into a glowing wonderland. Dotonbori, The heart of Osaka’s legendary street food scene. Umeda Sky Building, A breathtaking floating garden offering 360° skyline views. From high-tech thrills to time-honored traditions, Osaka delivers an unforgettable mix, all wrapped in that famous Kansai charm.
Dotonbori
Osaka’s Neon-Lit Playground of Flavors and Fun
When the sun sets, Osaka’s iconic Dotonbori district erupts into a sensory overload of flashing neon, sizzling street food, and infectious energy, centered around the legendary Glico Running Man sign that makes for the perfect Ebisu Bridge selfie backdrop. This is where you’ll taste Osaka’s soul: piping-hot takoyaki balls oozing with octopus, crispy kushikatsu skewers dunked in tangy sauce, and steaming bowls of ramen served in tiny, time-tested eateries wedged between glowing arcades. By day, shop for quirky souvenirs under covered passageways; by night, join the buzzing crowds snapping photos with giant animatronic crab signs or hop on a river cruise to see the neon spectacle reflected in the water.
Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Soar Above Osaka on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Rising 112.5 meters above Osaka Bay, the iconic Tempozan Ferris Wheel – once the world’s tallest – remains one of the city’s most breathtaking experiences. Located in the lively Tempozan Harbor Village, this giant observation wheel treats riders to spectacular panoramic views stretching from the shimmering Akashi Kaikyō Bridge to distant Mount Ikoma when skies are clear. As night falls, the wheel transforms into a dazzling light show, its ever-changing colors reflecting the next day’s weather forecast – a magical way to see Osaka sparkle after dark. Whether you’re seeking romantic views or a unique perspective on the city, this sky-high attraction delivers unforgettable moments with every 15-minute rotation.
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 21.00
Admission Fee: 800 JPY/Person
Osaka Castle
Where Samurai Legends Meet Breathtaking Views
Standing majestically amid 15 acres of parkland and moats, Osaka Castle is more than just a postcard-perfect landmark, it’s a living monument to Japan’s samurai era. Built in 1583 by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi to unify Japan, this golden-accented fortress transforms into a pink wonderland each spring when 3,000 cherry blossoms frame its towering walls. Inside, modern museum exhibits bring history to life with samurai armor, intricate artifacts, and dramatic battle dioramas. Climb to the 8th-floor observatory for a stunning reward: panoramic views where Osaka’s modern skyline meets its feudal past. Whether you’re a history buff, photography enthusiast, or simply seeking one of Japan’s most iconic sights, Osaka Castle delivers an unforgettable journey through time.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 9.00 – 17.00
Admission Fee: 600 JPY/Person
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Step into Ancient Japan at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Travel back to Japan’s spiritual roots at Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the nation’s oldest Shinto shrines founded in 211 AD to honor the sea-protecting Sumiyoshi Sanjin deities. This sacred complex preserves Japan’s purest architectural form with its distinctive Sumiyoshi-zukuri style, untouched by Buddhist influence. The shrine’s iconic vermilion Sorihashi Bridge – its elegant arch perfectly mirrored in still waters – creates a breathtaking scene while symbolizing the passage between mortal and divine realms. Wander through tranquil gardens, witness lively seasonal festivals, and feel centuries of tradition in every detail of this spiritual oasis, where fishermen and travelers have sought blessings for nearly two millennia.
Address: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 6.00 – 17.00
More than just a historic jewel, Osaka thrills as Japan’s playground of innovation, a city where 16th-century castle walls share the horizon with gravity-defying skyscrapers, and ancient shrines neighbor digital art museums. This is a metropolis constantly reinventing itself, from the dazzling lights of Umeda’s futuristic towers to the AI-enhanced shopping experiences in Namba’s smart districts. Yet amid the technological wonders, Osaka’s soul remains delightfully human: warm, witty, and irresistibly creative. Whether you’re marveling at the floating garden of the Umeda Sky Building, discovering next-gen robotics in Expo City, or simply watching the sunset paint the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in golden light, Osaka offers that rare magic where every moment feels simultaneously ancient and ahead of its time. Come see how Japan’s kitchen cooks up the future.
Umeda Sky Building
Osaka’s Daring Architectural Masterpiece
Piercing Osaka’s skyline with its iconic twin-towers connected by a floating garden observatory, the Umeda Sky Building is a breathtaking marriage of bold design and breathtaking views. Ascend to the 39th-floor Floating Garden Observatory and step onto the heart-pounding Sky Walk – a glass-bottomed ledge where Osaka’s golden city lights twinkle 170 meters beneath your feet. By day, spot landmarks from Osaka Castle to Awaji Island; by night, watch the metropolis transform into a living constellation. More than just an observation deck, this architectural wonder – with its surreal escalator bridge suspended between towers – offers one of Japan’s most unforgettable urban experiences, perfectly encapsulating Osaka’s fearless spirit of innovation.
Address: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 9.30 – 22.00
Admission Fee: 2,000 JPY/Person
Abeno Harukas
Osaka’s Sky-High Temple of Luxury
Soaring 300 meters as Japan’s tallest skyscraper, Abeno Harukas redefines urban elegance with its gravity-defying triple-decker observation deck – Harukas 300 – where floor-to-ceiling windows unveil Osaka’s soul-stirring panorama from bay to mountains. This vertical city within a city dazzles with the ultra-luxury Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, haute couture at Kintetsu Department Store’s designer floors, and cutting-edge exhibitions at the Harukas Art Museum. Time your visit for golden hour when the sun melts into the Yodo River, transforming the skyline into a liquid tapestry of light – best toasted with champagne at the 60th-floor sky lounge. More than a viewpoint, this architectural titan is Osaka’s ultimate elevated experience, where every detail whispers sophistication.
Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 9.00 – 22.00
Admission Fee: 500 JPY/Person
Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building
A Shimmering Titan of Modern Governance
Commanding attention at 256 meters, the Sakishima Building isn’t just Osaka’s governmental nerve center, it’s a dazzling architectural statement where steel and glass morph into an ever-changing light sculpture. By day, its razor-sharp angles mirror the surrounding skyline; by night, it becomes a radiant beacon over Osaka Bay. The observation floors deliver a unique vantage point few tourists discover, panoramas stretching from the bustling Osaka Port to the distant Akashi Strait, framed by the building’s own artistic lattice of reflections. For photographers, the interplay between its prism-like facade and neighboring skyscrapers creates endless compositions, especially during golden hour when the structure seems to catch fire from within. This is civic architecture reimagined as dynamic art, a hidden gem in Osaka’s constellation of towers.
Address: 1-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 9.00 – 18.00
Admission Fee: 1,000 JPY/Person
Secret Tip: Visit the 50th-floor Sky Lobby on weekdays after 3 PM to avoid crowds and catch the sunset over the bay through the building’s mesmerizing geometric windows.
Namba Parks
Where Urban Jungle Meets Actual Greenery
Forget everything you know about shopping malls, Namba Parks rewrites the rules with its breathtaking 8-level rooftop canyon, a zigzagging oasis of 200+ plant species that spills down the building like a living waterfall. This architectural marvel turns shopping into an immersive nature walk, where you’ll stumble upon hidden bamboo groves, trickling streams, and sunset-viewing terraces between boutique stops. Inside, the magic continues with chef-driven restaurants serving everything from Kobe beef to matcha desserts, plus underground connections to Namba Station that make city exploration effortless. Whether you’re hunting designer fashion, craving Instagram-worthy garden shots, or just escaping Osaka’s buzz with a coffee amid the greenery, this isn’t just a mall, it’s Osaka’s ultimate urban-nature hybrid experience.
Address: 2-10-70 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka,
Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 23.00
Pro Tip: Visit at dusk when the gardens’ light installations transform the terraces into a glowing wonderland, best enjoyed from the secret rooftop Sky Farm with cocktail in hand.
Nifrel Aquazoo
Where Nature Becomes Living Art
Step into a sensory wonderland at Nifrel, Osaka’s groundbreaking fusion of aquarium, zoo, and interactive gallery, crafted by the visionary minds behind Kaiyukan. This isn’t just an animal encounter; it’s a curated journey through nature’s artistry, where vibrant poison dart frogs glow like jewels in the Color zone, undulating stingrays transform into living brushstrokes in Motion, and sleek caimans emerge like sculptures from reflective pools.
The minimalist, light-filled design blurs boundaries between habitats and exhibition space, letting you wander freely between schools of shimmering fish, playful otters, and mesmerizing digital installations, all designed to awaken awe for the planet’s biodiversity.
Address: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 – 20.00
Admission Fee: 2,000 JPY/Person
Gate Tower Building
Where the Highway Runs Through It
Osaka’s Gate Tower Building defies all expectations, literally pierced by an elevated expressway that shoots straight through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors like a scene from a sci-fi film. This bizarre architectural icon was born from a land-rights showdown between developers and the government, resulting in a jaw-dropping compromise: a working office building wrapped around a roaring highway.
Address: 5-4-21 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 8.00 – 22.00
Don’t Miss Osaka Expo 2025 – Closing October 13! Time is running out to experience Osaka World Expo 2025, a dazzling global showcase of futuristic innovation, sustainable technology, and cultural exchange on Yumeshima Island, just minutes from central Osaka by train. Marvel at groundbreaking pavilions like Japan’s wooden-ring “Green Symphony” and Saudi Arabia’s massive mirrored cube, sample next-gen cuisine at AI-powered restaurants, and interact with robots demonstrating space-age technology, all before this once-every-five-years event disappears after October 13, 2025. Easily combine your visit with Osaka’s iconic attractions, from Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets to Spa World’s relaxing baths, making this your ultimate chance to witness the future while enjoying Japan’s most vibrant city.
Where to Eat in Osaka
Must-Try Takoyaki at Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum
No visit to Osaka is complete without tasting its legendary street food, especially the city’s iconic takoyaki (crispy-yet-creamy octopus balls)! At Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum, you can savor freshly made takoyaki, crafted to golden perfection, or dive into a hands-on workshop to master the art of flipping these savory spheres yourself. Located in the heart of Osaka’s bustling Dotonbori district, this lively spot offers the ultimate edible souvenir experience, fun, delicious, and authentically Osakan. Don’t miss the chance to taste the city’s most beloved snack!
Address: 1-6-12 Dotonbori, Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6211 8080
Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 21.00
Okonomiyaki Mizuno: Osaka’s Soul Food Perfected
For an authentic taste of Osaka’s beloved Japanese pizza, join the line at Okonomiyaki Mizuno, a legendary eatery where masters grill golden-brown okonomiyaki pancakes to perfection. Watch as fresh cabbage, tender pork, and sweet batter transform on the hot iron grill before your eyes, finished with dancing bonito flakes and Mizuno’s secret savory-sweet sauce. The result? A crispy-edged, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that locals have cherished for generations.
Address: 1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6211 6268
Opening Hours: 11.00 – 22.00 Closed on Thursday
Pro tip: Come early to snag a counter seat and enjoy the sizzling theater of Osaka’s ultimate comfort food being crafted by true okonomiyaki artisans.
Kushikatsu Daruma – Dotonbori: Osaka’s Crispy, Golden Obsession
Dive into the electrifying vibe of Kushikatsu Daruma, where the art of deep-fried perfection meets Osaka’s infectious energy. This iconic eatery serves up kushikatsu, skewers of juicy meats, plump seafood, and fresh vegetables, coated in a light, crispy crust and fried to golden brilliance. The rules are simple: no double-dipping in the tangy house sauce, and eat them piping hot! With its lively counter seating and the constant sizzle of the fryer, this is where locals and travelers alike come for an authentic taste of Osaka’s bold, unapologetic food culture.
Address: 1-6-8 Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6211 0705
Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 22.30
Daidokoro Kamiya: A Michelin-Starred Love Letter to Osaka’s Bounty
Tucked away in Osaka’s vibrant food scene, Daidokoro Kamiya elevates izakaya dining to an art form, this Michelin-recognized gem dazzles with hyper-seasonal seafood and Kansai specialties, each dish crafted with the precision of a sushi master and the soul of a neighborhood pub. Watch chefs transform just-caught seafood into sublime sashimi platters and grill A5-grade beef over binchotan charcoal while you sip rare local sake from their curated collection. The intimate, wood-accented space hums with foodie energy, equal parts refined and refreshingly unpretentious.
Address: 1-10-12 Kyomachibori, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 70 2831 4275
Opening Hours: Daily 18.00 – 22.00
Where to Stay in Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka
Perched on Osaka’s glamorous Midosuji Avenue, The St. Regis Osaka redefines urban sophistication with its harmonious blend of Gilded Age grandeur and minimalist Japanese aesthetics. Step into serene guestrooms where shoji-inspired screens filter soft light onto silk-upholstered furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dynamic cityscape. The legendary St. Regis Butler Service, available round the clock, elevates every moment, whether arranging private shopping tours in Shinsaibashi or delivering midnight matcha lattes with precision.
Dine in the clouds at La Veduta, where Michelin-starred French cuisine meets Kansai’s finest ingredients, or sip Osaka’s most inventive cocktails in the intimate St. Regis Bar, home to rare Japanese whiskies. With the Namba arts district at your doorstep and an oasis-like spa awaiting your return, this is where cosmopolitan flair and omotenashi hospitality become art.
Address: 3-6-12 Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6258 3333
Website: www.stregisosaka.com
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka
Step into effortless sophistication at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, where contemporary elegance meets unbeatable convenience in the pulsing heart of the city. Directly linked to Namba Station, this sleek high-rise sanctuary places you moments from Dotonbori’s neon-lit energy and Shinsaibashi’s luxury boutiques, while offering a peaceful retreat in its spacious, light-filled rooms designed for both productivity and relaxation.
Fuel your Osaka adventures with the hotel’s legendary breakfast buffet, a lavish spread of Japanese and Western delicacies, before unwinding in the exclusive Executive Lounge with panoramic city views. As evening falls, choose from six gourmet venues, including authentic kaiseki dining and vibrant international fare, or sip craft cocktails at the chic Bar Rouge. Recharge at the indoor infinity pool or the full-service spa, where urban fatigue melts away under expert hands.
Address: 5-1-60 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6646 1111
Website: www.swissotelnankaiosaka.com
W Osaka
A neon-lit jewel on Midosuji Boulevard, W Osaka shatters traditional luxury norms with its playful rebellion of color, sound, and style, courtesy of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando’s striking monolithic design. Step into a world where 337 kaleidoscopic rooms dazzle with velvet headboards, neon signage, and floor-to-ceiling window shows of Osaka’s skyline, all outfitted with W’s legendary beds and DJ-ready Bluetooth sound systems.
Fuel your nights at Oh.lala, where chefs reimagine Kobe beef and Kyoto vegetables as edible art, or let mixologists at the Living Room Bar craft cocktails under pulsating light installations. By day, lounge at the WET® Pool a glass-edged urban beach club, or detox in the AWAY® Spa’s gold-leaf treatments. With secret DJ sets, pop-up art battles, and sake tastings curated by their Insider concierge, W doesn’t just host guests, it thrusts them into Osaka’s creative underground.
Address: 4-1-3 Minami Semba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6484 5355
Website: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/osaow-w-osaka/overview/
InterContinental Osaka
Towering above the Grand Front Osaka complex, InterContinental Osaka redefines metropolitan luxury with its harmonious blend of refined minimalism and panoramic grandeur. Each of the 190 sun-drenched rooms and suites, dressed in warm walnut tones and sumptuous textiles, transforms into a private observatory, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame ever-changing vistas of Umeda’s glittering skyline. Opt for a residence-style suite to enjoy bespoke butler service and curated art books that echo the city’s creative spirit.
Culinary excellence takes center stage at Pierre, where Michelin-starred Chef Sakamoto’s Franco-Japanese tasting menus dance with Hokkaido uni and Kyoto wagyu, while Noka Roast & Grill celebrates Osaka’s bounty through flame-kissed local ingredients. After dark, unwind with a gin-focused cocktail at the lobby lounge as the city lights twinkle below. The 20th-floor oasis, home to an infinity-edge pool, holistic spa, and state-of-the-art gym, offers a serene counterpoint to Umeda’s energy, proving that true luxury lies in effortless balance.
Address: 3-60 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6374 5700
Website: www.icosaka.com
MIMARU Osaka Namba Station
Live like a local at MIMARU Osaka Namba Station, where apartment-style suites deliver the space and freedom hotels can’t match. Designed for families and groups, each unit features full kitchens with tableware sets, separate bedrooms, and in-unit washer-dryers, all wrapped in sleek, wood-accented interiors with smart home controls.cLocation is king here: 2 minutes from Namba Station puts you steps from Dotonbori’s food stalls and Shinsaibashi’s shopping sprees, while 24/7 multilingual staff stand ready with insider tips. Unlike cramped hotel rooms, MIMARU gives you breathing room, whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just extra luggage.
Address: 3-6-24 Nippombashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6695 7071
Website: mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/namba-station/
Forget textbooks! this is urban adaptation at its most extreme, proving Osaka’s reputation as a city where practicality and wild creativity collide.
