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Nambayasaka Shrine

This historic shrine was the first in Osaka City to be designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2001. It is famous for the impactful “Shishiden” (lion’s den) with its eyes peering out and its large mouth open. It is believed to swallow evil spirits and bring luck (business fortune), so make sure to pay a visit and receive strength.

Hozenji Temple（Mizukake Fudo-son）

This temple is quietly located in a bustling city. Among the many halls and Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, the most famous is the “Nishimukai Fudo Myoo,” also known as “Mizukake Fudo-son” (water sprinkled on the statue). Visitors can make a wish by pouring water over the moss-covered statue. The neighborhood is called “Hozenji Yokocho,” and is lined with restaurants along the elegant stone-paved street.

cafe featuring Japanese-style sweets "Meoto Zenzai"

Located right next to Hozenji Temple, this long-established shop was established in 1883. Its specialty is the “husband and wife zenzai,” which is made with the gentle sweetness of Tanba dainagon and chewy white rice balls. Since each serving comes in two bowls, it is considered a good-luck charm for marital bliss and the fulfillment of love. It is also sold in packs, making it a great souvenir.

Tombori Riverwalk

Dotonbori is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Minami, Osaka’s downtown area. The Tombori River Walk is a promenade along the Dotonbori River that runs through the center of the area. The famous giant signboard seen from Ebisu Bridge is a powerful sight! Let’s walk along the promenade while enjoying the scenery unique to the waterfront, including bridges that have appeared in literary works, wooden bridges with a sense of history, and stone bridges with a retro feel.

Tsutenkaku

The tower is a symbol of Osaka and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can see all the way to Osaka Bay. A golden statue of Billiken, which is said to bring good luck when touched on the soles of its feet, also sits in the temple. The Tower Slider, a 10-second slide down from the third-floor intermediate observation deck to the first basement level, is proving popular.

OMO7 cafe & bar lunch・Bar

The restaurant is located in the remarkable hotel “OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resort,” which opened in April 2022. A wide variety of menus are available, from Osaka’s standard gourmet foods to unique arrangements. After enjoying a meal, relax in the garden area “Miyagurin” with its beautiful greenery of trees and lawns.

Osaka Castle

A huge castle built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a general of the Warring States period, as a base for unifying the country. The castle built by Hideyoshi fell in battle, and nothing remains on the ground, but the stone walls and old structures rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1867) are still in existence within the castle. The castle tower in the center of the castle is the third one built during the Toyotomi and Tokugawa eras, and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The interior is a museum facility, displaying historically valuable cultural assets. From the observatory on the top floor, visitors can look out over the city of Osaka.

Osaka Castle Gozabune

This sightseeing boat takes passengers on a 20-minute tour of the inner moat of Osaka Castle. Looking up at the Osaka Castle keep, visitors can see up close the engraved stone walls, which are said to be one of the world’s finest stone structures, as well as the human face stone to ward off evil spirits. The view from the ship, which is a reproduction of the luxurious and ornate Ozafune that Hideyoshi used and is decorated with gold leaf, is exceptional.

Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN

Courtesy of Osaka Kaiyukan

This aquarium recreates the natural environment of the Pacific Rim in a giant tank. The eight-story aquarium features otters playing on the upper floor and whale sharks swimming peacefully on the lower floor, each in their natural habitat.

Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store / 9F RESTAURANT

The restaurants and food hall on the top floor of the department store offer a wide variety of food that Osaka, known as the “gourmand’s town,” is proud of! The lineup is so varied that you will have a hard time deciding what to eat, from shish-kebabs, okonomiyaki, soba noodles, yakiniku, spiced curry, and more. Fill your stomach to your heart’s content.

UMEDA SKY BUILDING / KUCHU TEIEN OBSERVATORY

The Umeda Sky Building is famous for its unique shape of two 40-story buildings connected by a high-rise section. On the rooftop, there is a 360-degree open-air observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the Osaka cityscape from a height of approximately 173 meters above the ground. Enjoying the night view with a pleasant breeze in the air will be a great memory!

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

Despite being located at the heart of the Osaka-Umeda area, this hotel was constructed to make it feel as though it is completely separated from the noise and hustle around it. Its unbeatable location with convenient access make it a perfect hub for outings in any direction.

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