Choose from 22 Fun Things to Do in Osaka
ShowingFilter 21-22 of 22 listings.
World Trade Center Cosmo Tower
Osaka’s World Trade Center Cosmo Tower, center of trade information linked with 282 cities around the world, soars at 256 meters (840 feet), and the observatory provides wonderful views of Osaka and the port. With 3 stories below ground, and another 55 above ground, it's the highest tower in Western Japan.
The ride to the top is in a glass-walled elevator, taking just 80 seconds to soar to the 52nd floor.The views are specially magical and twinkling at dusk and night when you can watch the sun set over Osaka. You can even see planes taking off and landing at Kansai Airport!
There are several restaurants and bars, jazz music, and cozy seats designed for two that provide a comfortable vantage point to sit back and take in the views from the top of the world.
Practical Info
The World Trade Center is by the port in the west of Osaka. To get here, take the train to Trade Center-Mae station.
Address: 1-14-16 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka 559-0034, Japan
Hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 10pm, weekends and holidays: 11am - 10pm
Admission: Observation Deck - Adults: ¥ 500, Children: ¥ 200, Seniors: ¥ 400
From $ 88
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan—Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park—is second only to the Tokyo Disney Resort as Japan’s most visited amusement park. Beloved characters like Shrek, Hello Kitty, and Spiderman are in attendance, and a spectacular variety of rides, movie simulators, and parades keep all ages entertained.
The Basics
To visit Universal Studios Japan, choose between a 1- or 2-day pass, both of which offer full access to the park’s eight zones—Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Minion Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can ensure a hassle-free experience by combining a Universal Studios ticket with round-trip transfers by bullet train from Tokyo and overnight accommodations in Osaka.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Universal Studios Japan is a fantastic attraction for families who want to give the kids a break from the temples and museums.
- Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to do lots of walking.
- If you have a 1-day pass, plan your schedule carefully to ensure you don’t miss the shows, parades, and rides that most interest you.
- Express passes, Single Rider lines, and a Child Switch system are all available and can save hours of time waiting to go on rides.
- Universal Studios is wheelchair accessible, and many rides offer priority access to wheelchair users.
- On-site facilities include ATMs, coin lockers, and various restaurants, cafés, and gift shops.
How to Get There
Universal Studios Japan is located in west Osaka and is easy to reach by public transportation. The closest subway station is Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line, from where it’s a fewer than a 5-minute walk to the entrance gate. Trains from Osaka Station run either direct to Universal City Station or with a change at Nishikujo Station. The closest international airport is Kansai Airport, which has direct links with Nishikujo Station.
When to Get There
Universal Studios Japan is open all year, and most attractions, shows, and parades remain open even in low season. The busiest times are the summer and Christmas holidays, when it can get unbearably crowded and lines can be up to three hours for popular rides. To avoid the crowds, choose a weekday visit outside of holiday periods and get there when the park opens.
Must-Do Experiences at Universal Studios Japan
Some of Universal Studios Japan’s most popular rides include the Flying Dinosaur, one of the world’s longest flying roller coasters; the award-winning Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience, the park’s newest attraction; and classics like the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman – The Ride 4K3D and Jurassic Park – The Ride. For younger kids, the Shrek 4-D and Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic are unmissable, while nostalgic adults will want to peek into Snoopy Studios. And Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue offers plenty of selfie-worthy moments for lovers of the Japanese icon. Keep a lookout for the upcoming Super Nintendo World too, expected to open in 2020.
Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0031, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 72