Osaka
The central city of the Kansai area, Osaka is known as a city where you can “eat until you drop,” offering a wide variety of gourmet delights. The warm, friendly nature of the city’s people is another of its attractions. Osaka is famed as a center of entertainment and a host to a unique culture. It offers an unforgettable experience filled with food and hospitality to anyone who visits. Situated on the east-west Shinkansen line, Osaka is a convenient base from which to travel anywhere in Japan.
Destination Highlights
Universal Studios Japan
Leisure & Attractions
Osaka’s UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN (USJ) is a theme park packed with world-class entertainment.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved. CR25-1057
Osaka Castle
Arts & Culture
Osaka Castle's most recent reconstruction is encircled by a moat in the middle of a large park in the center of Osaka. The castle's interior features modern facilities and a museum. Osaka Castle is a noted spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring, attracting many people.
Abeno Harukas
Leisure & Attractions
Abeno Harukas is a skyscraper with a spectacular panoramic view of the Osaka cityscape. The building also features museums and department stores, making it the perfect spot for visitors to enjoy themselves all day.
The four seasons of Osaka
Spring
Spring in Osaka is the season for cherry blossoms, with Osaka Castle Park and the cherry blossom passage of the Osaka Mint Bureau being particularly popular. Take a pleasant walk in the mild spring weather while enjoying the great food offered in Shinsekai and other areas.
Summer
Osaka in summer is a time of lively festivals and events, with an endless array of spots to enjoy the summer nights. Enjoy the energy-filled atmosphere and unique attractions of Osaka in summer to the fullest.
Fall
Osaka in fall features vividly colored leaves in spots such as Shitennoji Temple and the Expo Commemorative Park where visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the city. There are also events and festivals unique to Osaka happening during the fall, so come check them out and enjoy Osaka’s fall to the fullest.
Winter
Winter in Osaka brings beautiful displays of light installations in the Midosuji-line and Namba areas, as well as hot food such as takoyaki and oden which are perfect for the cold weather. Over the New Year period, Osaka’s shrines and temples bustle with people making their first shrine or temple visit of the year.
Trip highlights
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Universal Studios Japan
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Universal-city StationTM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved. CR25-1057
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Osaka Castle
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Ōsakajōkōen StationMorinomiya StationŌsakajōkitazume Station -
ABENO HARUKAS
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Tennōji Station -
Shin Umeda City (Umeda Sky Building/Kuchuteien Observatory)
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Osaka Station -
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Bentenchō Station -
Tempozan Marketplace
Shopping
Closest station
Bentenchō Station -
![Kuromon Market [Kuromon Ichiba]](/travel-information/assets/img/explore-west-japan/img_osaka_spots_07.webp)
Kuromon Market [Kuromon Ichiba]
Shopping
Closest station
Osaka Station -
Janjan Yokocho
Shopping
Closest station
Shin-Imamiya Station -
Dotonbori
Shopping
Closest station
Osaka Station -
Tenjinbashi-Suji Shopping Street
Shopping
Closest station
Temma StationŌsakatemmangū Station -
Tsuyu no Tenjinja (Ohatsu Tenjin)
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Kitashinchi StationOsaka Station -
Osaka Temmangu
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Ōsakatemmangū Station -
Expo'70 Commemorative Park
Nature & Outdoors
Closest station
Osaka StationIbaraki Station -
Nakanoshima River Cruise
Leisure & Attractions
Closest station
Shin-Fukushima StationFukushima Station -
Nakanoshima Park
Nature & Outdoors
Closest station
Osaka Station -
Osaka City Central Public Hall
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Osaka Station -
Tomb of Emperor Nintoku
Arts & Culture
Closest station
Mozu Station -
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
Food & Drink
Closest station
Yamazaki Station
Osaka route map
Use the route map to find your route and make your trip easier! Use the interactive map to determine the best route for your trip and learn more about your destination and the spots along the route to get there.
Passes valid in this area
Travel and stay with JR-WEST Group
Find convenient hotels near JR-West stations. Enjoy a comfortable stay with easy access, allowing you to relax and make the most of your trip.
Make the most of your trip to West Japan
Useful information about this area
Useful information for sightseeing in this area that you can use to plan your journey and enjoy your trip.
Access from Kansai Airport
Map of train routes (PDF)
