How to spend top weekend in Osaka - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Osaka is a typical Japanese city with a huge population, lots of cars in the streets, a variety of shopping and entertainment centers, restaurants, and classic attractions information on which can be found in any guidebook. Along with that, Osaka has some places hidden from the eyes of ordinary travelers, including the Shinsekai District (Sinsikay). 20 years ago, this neighborhood was one of the most crime-ridden in the city, but today's situation is relatively calm here. The only thing that may confuse unprepared tourists is the huge number of homeless people who flock to Shinsekai from all over the city.

Besides walks around the district, tourists are offered another interesting entertainment here. For a small fee, they will be able to climb Tsūtenkaku Tower (Tsutenkaku). The height of the tower is 103 meters, while its observation deck is built at a height of 91 meters. After admiring the panoramic views of Osaka, look for the statue of God Billiken on the tower's fifth floor. Next to it is a small donation box - all visitors who drop a few coins can make a wish and it will certainly come true.

A great place to explore is Osaka Railway Station (Osaka Station), which hides a lot of interesting secrets. One of the most incredible surprises is on the second floor where you can see the unique water clock. One can admire how it is going endlessly: thanks to a special water supply system, thin streams add up to various pictures, inscriptions, and also regularly show the current time. Just try not to be late for your train because of this fascinating sight. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If you climb one of the upper floors of the station, you can find another incredible place to relax - an outdoor beer garden (Beer Garden for Ladies and Gentelmen ). The large outdoor terrace is buried in living plants. In the shade of beautiful trees, there are comfortable benches and tables for visitors. In this picturesque corner, you can relax all day long listening to nice music and enjoying refreshing drinks.

After strolling through Osaka's interesting places, it's time to enjoy the favorite entertainment of most tourists - to go explore local shopping arcades. The city also has quite unusual shopping destinations like Doguya-suji Street (Dogu-Suji ) located between the districts of Namba (Namba ) and Nippon Basi (Nippon Basi ). The name of the street can be literally translated as "Kitchen Street". Here you can buy the best restaurant equipment in town, as well as a lot of incredible souvenirs that are much more interesting for tourists. Here they sell original imitations of popular dishes, unusual Chinese-style tableware, and all kinds of national paraphernalia, one way or another related to cooking.

If replicas of exquisite delicacies evoke your appetite, hurry to one of the most original restaurants in Osaka - Tokkyu Yakiniku . Its guests are offered a wide selection of both traditional Chinese and international dishes, and the restaurant's main feature is an original way of serving. There are no waiters here - trays move on special moving panels similar to railway tracks.

Besides all the above, the populous city has many attractive nightlife facilities to offer. Osaka board game park opened in Osaka quite recently. Few tourists are aware of it so far, so you can relax here in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility ideal for playing chess in the open air.

View Osaka from a Height

You will have the opportunity to admire the city from a height while walking around Osaka and seeing its sights. For example, you can visit the Umeda Sky Building. It was built in 1993. The skyscraper is open from 10:00 to 22:30. It consists of 2 towers. Each of them has 40 floors. These buildings are connected by a viewing platform. It is located at an altitude of 173 meters. You will be able to reach it using the suspended escalator. There is another observation deck in the city. It is equipped on the Tsutenkaku TV tower. It is located south of the Namba district.

Observation Deck of the Osaka-Jo Castle

The castle Osaka-Jo is located in the eastern direction of the city center. It was built by the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1586. Tea ceremonies were held in it. Guests were also received here. Warriors of the Tokugawa clan almost destroyed it in 1868. Residents restored it in the 90s of the XX century. They opened a museum there. It is open daily, except for the New Year’s holidays. You can visit it from 9 am to 5 pm. You will have the opportunity to go on a tour of it. You can also go up to the observation deck. It is equipped on a tower that is 58 meters high. A beautiful panoramic view of the city opens from here.

Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Tempozan Shopping Center

Viewing platforms are not the only way to see Osaka from a great height. Tempozan shopping center is located in the harbor. You can take a tour of the Kaiyukan aquarium once you are in its territory. You will have the opportunity to see seals, octopuses, jellyfish, penguins, giant stingrays, and sharks. You can also visit the planetarium, cinema or Maritime Museum. There is a viewing platform at the top of its dome.

You can also ride the Ferris wheel with a diameter of 100 meters and a height of 112.5 meters. It was established in 1997. The Ferris wheel is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. It makes a complete revolution in a quarter of an hour. The ride booths are equipped with weather indicators and an audio device for music and information support of the ride. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the view of the bay, Akashi Kaikyō suspension bridge, Kansai International Airport, and the city while riding.

River Boat Cruise and Diving

The Edogawa River flows through the territory of Osaka. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights of the city by going on a guided cruise along the numerous river channels on a long flatboat. It rises 1.6 meters above the water surface. The boat can easily pass under bridges. The duration of the trip is 60 minutes. The city also offers year-round heated pools, including a pool where you can go diving.

Attractions of the Universal Studios Entertainment Complex

Universal Studios entertainment complex is built on the west bank of Osaka. It is designed in the style of the famous US film studio. It is open to the public from 9 am to 8 pm every day. All its attractions perfectly recreate the atmosphere of popular movies. Their use is based on the fact that you can participate in the performance but not just walk among the scenery and watch the stuntmen. For example, if you use the "Jaws" attraction, you can become a passenger on the ship, follow the orders of the captain, and help him kill naturalistic sharks that jump out of the water.

Tour of the Shanin Kaigan National Park

If you like to see natural sights, you can take a trip to the Shanin Kaigan National Park. You will have the opportunity to relax on the beach and walk along the dunes during the tour. They were recognized as a natural monument in 1955. You can see sea caves and admire the picturesque Tottori Waterfall.