Things to do in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan was one of the highlights of my trip to Osaka. The rides, themed areas, and atmosphere were all worth it. I highly recommend getting an Express Pass, especially if you only have one day, as it saves a lot of time. Also, do not forget to check the weather forecast before your visit since many attractions and the overall experience are much better on a clear day.

This 2 day pass is really amazing! We used it to visit Osaka castle museum, skipped the line for ticket by just scanning the QR code. Then, we used it to take three boats different boats at different locations, all very nice. Also, we visisted observation deck, ferries wheel and housing museum. This ticket has great value and save time. More photos are attached for reference.

I got the Express Pass 8 because my main focus was Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was definitely worth it since I barely had to wait in line and saved a lot of time. The rides were fun, and we had plenty of time to explore the food stalls and souvenir shops around the park.

This is well worth it. Beleive me it was a hot day and last thing is having to line up and wait in a massive Queue. This place gets packed. Great thing if u book/make a reservation you skip these lines. It was a great experience they even had spray machines for you on way up to cool yourself down. They also have souvenir shops inside the castle to buy memorabilia. Its quite a massive space to explore and you get a good glimpse of history and the area is just magnificent to be in. You can also pay for boat trip down the river & other excursions. Wonderful experience.

I had planned to get here for sunset but never worked out. Even though it was wet it was a clear view of Osaka on the roof top. I got carried away so didn't get chance to eat a proper meal so was great could get a snack and a sakura ice cream, which was very delicious. To top it off got to wat whilst taking in the view. There is also a souvenir shop and if stamp collecting is part of your trip there is a stamp book in the shop

Abeno Harukas Observatory is a must-visit viewpoint in Osaka. Its impressive height offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city, providing an incredibly open vista. On clear days, you can see for miles, and both daytime and nighttime views have their unique charm, with the night view being particularly stunning as the city lights create a spectacular sea of illumination. The observatory boasts a spacious layout with glass designs that ensure an unobstructed view, making it excellent for photography. It never feels cramped, allowing visitors to stroll and admire the scenery at their leisure. There's also a cafe and seating areas inside, where you can relax and enjoy the high-altitude views. Compared to other observatories, Harukas stands out for its height and superior comfort. Crowd control is also managed quite well, contributing to a very pleasant overall experience. While the ticket price might not be the cheapest, it is definitely worth it. Overall, it's a highly recommended attraction. If you want to see the most beautiful panoramic views of Osaka, this place will certainly not disappoint!

June 29th, USJ I booked VIP4 on Klook two months in advance. This included skip-the-line access for Jaws, Mario Kart, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong's Mine Cart, as well as four single-use Express Passes. There weren't many people entering the park that day. After security, at the leftmost ticket gate, there was a VIP entrance. We received cards, instructions for raincoats, etc., and were told to arrive at the VIP lounge twenty minutes early to wait for departure. We chose the Chinese-speaking group, with ten people per group. The guide led us through some areas of the park, and then we proceeded to Jaws and Super Nintendo World. We used VIP channels, and after each attraction, we met at the exit. There were breaks for restrooms and rest, but overall, the three-hour schedule was quite tightly packed. After the attractions, we went to Kinopio's Cafe. The guide helped us place our orders, and after ordering, we waited for staff to arrange our seating. The guide then left, and the VIP activity concluded. Tips or personal recommendations: 1. Mondays are less crowded. On the day we visited, there was no need to reserve tickets for Super Nintendo World all day. 2. The reason I chose VIP over Express Pass was considering that even popular Express Pass attractions might still have queues, which could be difficult for children in the summer. Indeed, the Express Pass for Mario Kart did require queuing, but for other non-Nintendo attractions, the Express Pass generally meant no waiting. The value for money is subjective. 3. If you are not fluent in English or Japanese, I recommend choosing the Chinese-speaking group. The guides are mainly Taiwanese compatriots, who are warm and hospitable. I believe being able to communicate freely with them greatly enhances the experience, something a translation machine or miscommunication cannot replace. 4. I used Klook. My only advice is that if you are sure of your itinerary and plan to buy VIP, the earlier you buy, the better, as they can sell out. Emphasis: The earlier you buy, the better. 5. If you are two people and you want to give all the play opportunities to one person, that's not possible. 6. The Express Passes are linked to the QR code on your VIP voucher; there are no physical tickets. You can use all of them for one person, multiple people, or even use all passes for a single attraction – all are permissible. 7. A big shout-out to our guide, Xiao Luo!

The ferris wheel is a really fun way to take in city views! Located inside the Hep Five building on the 7th floor. We visited as a couple, usually its x4 people to a capsule but as it wasn't super busy they let us in as a pair in our own capsule which was nice!

Gardens are so beautiful! A great way to spend a relaxing day. The meal set was so good! There are things for people of all ages. Games and claw machines for kids and adults. You use your key to charge throughout the facility and checkout at the end. We would do it again!