Things to do in Osaka

A well planned trip saves us from extra stress especially during Christmas Holidays. We purchased earlier in Klook our tickets so it is easier for us during the day of visit in USJ. The ticket comes with free Kansai Pass. so while we were exploring Umeda, we went to Umeda Sky and we used the QR code from Klook's USJ purchase and we were waived from entrance fee! Rain or shine USJ is truly enjoyable for family with teens.

The 2-Day Osaka Amazing Pass is a great deal for exploring the city. Unlimited transport made getting around easy, and the free access to attractions helped us save a lot. It paid for itself quickly and is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see many spots in a short time. Highly recommended!

Most of the popular rides have wait times of 50-130 minutes. I recommend buying an Express Pass if you don't want to wait. For the Super Mario area, having an entry ticket is a must. Be sure to reserve your entry time, as it gets very crowded and you don't want to waste time. The ride with the longest wait is Mine Cart Madness, which is between 110-130 minutes.

very convenient to use. read reviews that tickets on site were 600¥ but online platforms were selling at 1200¥. wanted to buy on the spot but the crowd was mad when we arrived at abt 11am on a saturday. so i booked the tickets via klook on the spot and we skipped the queue. osaka castle is the largest castle in japan and the 8-storey museum was quite interesting. the observation deck on level 8 had a good view, but the number of ppl were crazy much. maybe gg on a weekday noon might be better.

You can only get the locket via online. View was great. if you're visiting in December, you will need a down coat or multiple layers. it's freezing. Christmas village was a nice surprise too! Also an exhibition for a popular J-pop group was going on. totally worth the taxi and entrance fee.

Harukas 300 was absolutely amazing! 🌆 The view of Osaka during the day was breathtaking, and I only wish I had more time to see it at night ✨. Even so, it was such a beautiful experience, taking in the city from above. The food was delicious too — a perfect mix of stunning views and tasty bites. Highly recommend! 🍴💛

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan - Osaka Bay Area There are a lot of people queuing to buy tickets on-site, so it's best to buy tickets online in advance. However, you must enter within the specified time; you cannot enter early. (Online ticket purchases seem to start from 15:00 at the earliest.) It's a relatively family-friendly marine aquarium. Water Gate - First, you pass through a circular vaulted tunnel to greet the large aquarium creatures. Then, you enter the aquarium according to geographical and ecological zones. Main Tank Area: Consists of forests, rainforests, land, islands, rivers/bays, trenches, straits, oceans, etc., allowing you to appreciate various marine animals from multiple angles, from the surface down, from shallow to deep water layers, such as sea lions, penguin colonies, and various colorful fish. Continue downwards along the tank to explore other marine creatures: dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, sunfish, sea turtles. Special Exhibition Tank - The special tank on the other side features different cuttlefish and octopuses. Jellyfish Galaxy - Jellyfish Exhibition Area: Exhibits different types of jellyfish. Arctic Zone - Exhibits polar cold-water creatures, fish, and you can even encounter angel fish that you've seen in Hokkaido before. Special Themed Exhibition (Naturally Adorable) - A very interactive area suitable for children, including clownfish, golden garden eels, and red shrimp. Little Penguin Zone - The last exhibition area, with glass fences for separation, it's rare to see so many little penguins indoors. Gift Shop - Located next to the penguin area, where you can buy some ornaments, clothing, and souvenirs. Since the Osaka Bay area has shopping malls and the Kaiyukan, you can also combine it with the "Osaka Amazing Pass" according to your preferences to participate in free activities such as the Santa Maria sightseeing ship, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and Classic Car Museum.

When you enter, you have to remove your shoes and put them in a locker, which will be the same key number for your locker in the gender changing rooms. Also, the locker key is how the facility will keep track of your purchases to pay at the end. The food was delicious, and they have a wide variety of options. It was great seeing locals enjoy spending time with their family at the onsen. I would definitely come back to Solaniwa.

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is a nighttime digital art experience that seamlessly blends real nature with light, color, and sound. The event is held in Nagai Botanical Garden, making the walk different from indoor teamLab exhibitions because you have to walk among trees, streams, and open spaces. Each installation changes according to the movement of the audience, creating a sense of participation and a mysterious, exploratory atmosphere. It is perfect for nighttime strolls and taking beautiful photos; the light reflecting off the nature creates a peaceful yet playful vibe. The disadvantage is that the walking distance is quite long, requiring considerable time and effort. Also, some sections of the path are dark, which may not be convenient for the elderly or those with mobility issues. Overall, it is a unique and impressive experience. If you like contemporary art and nighttime atmospheres, it is highly recommended not to miss it when visiting Osaka. 🌙✨