The Tennoji Zoo is Japan’s third oldest zoo. The 11 hectare (27 acres) zoo is home to 1,000 animals from 230 species. Families in the greater Osaka region love the place. It attracts 1.5 million visitors each year. The zoo is inside Tennoji Park, and it opened in 1915. Its location in the park makes … Read more
Can’t get enough of Namba’s electric atmosphere? Stay there in comfort at the Namba Oriental Hotel, a mid-range hotel positioned right in the heart of Namba’s shopping, dining, and entertainment area. Though mere minutes away from both Namba Station, a busy transportation hub, and Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s highlights, the hotel retains a peaceful ambiance. … Read more
The word Osaka immediately conjures up an image of neon lights, skyscrapers, bustling shopping streets and the city’s friendly and exuberant people. Osaka city is so big and sprawling that it’s hard to believe you can hike through thick forests and enjoy one of Japan’s top ten waterfalls, only half an hour north of Umeda … Read more
Osaka might not have a reputation for clubbing that Tokyo does, but as the major club center in the Kansai region, Osaka’s nightlife brings in huge crowds. Trying to make a list of the top clubs can be tough. Weighing personal preferences against solid crowd-pleasers always presents a challenge. Fortunately, Osaka has some venues that … Read more
Leaving the house when you have young children can be stressful. If you ever find yourself in Osaka with your little ones, check out these 7 things to do in Osaka with kids (babies & toddlers) They all offer nursing rooms and changing areas. You won’t have to worry about finding a place to change … Read more
To say that Osaka Station is a busy place is a huge understatement. It’s the busiest railway station in western Japan, serving over a million passengers every day (together with its neighbor, Umeda Osaka station). And there’s so much stuff jam-packed into the areas surrounding the station that you wouldn’t need to go very far … Read more
The Intercontinental Hotel Osaka has everything: all of the luxury and amenities you’d expect from an up-to-date, five-star hotel, combined with Japan’s first-class customer service and attention to detail. Add in three restaurants, a bar, a bakery, breathtaking views over Osaka, and a fantastic location with shopping, dining, and entertainment within easy reach, and it’s … Read more
Want to know one of Osaka’s best-kept secrets? The city has the largest Korea Town in Japan. You have a lot to see and do in Osaka’s K-town. The neighborhood offers much more than just authentic Korean barbeque. The narrow streets and old houses look like something out of post-war Japan. The elderly residents still … Read more
Do you love fresh seafood cooked right before your eyes? Maybe you want to go on a food adventure, or perhaps you’d like to try a new dish? If so, the Kuromon Market is the place for you. The 150 shops and stalls have earned their reputation as Osaka’s kitchen.As you stroll through the market, … Read more
Like a room with a view? Then you can’t pass up the Osaka Marriott Miyako. Located on the upper floors of Japan’s tallest building, this luxury hotel offers incomparable views of Osaka from 258 meters. You can enjoy the view from one of the Mariott Miyako’s stylish restaurants, or from the privacy of your bathtub! … Read more
The new Osaka Station City opened in 2011. The architects replaced a crowded and boring train station with a light and airy building complex. It’s now considered one of the most attractive train stations in Japan. It’s not just the station that’s been updated. The surrounding area looks great as well. As part of the … Read more
The Abeno Harukas Skyscraper is the tallest building in Japan. It’s also home to Japan’s largest department store – and it doesn’t stop there. The building complex has a railway station, an observation deck, a hotel, an art gallery, a garden, and lots of restaurants. The Abeno Harukas building offers something for everyone! About the … Read more
Osaka Castle: The Most Touristy Castle in Japan? Any of you castle buffs will know that there are hundreds and hundreds of castles to visit in Japan – a tiny number compared to the thousands that used to stand in this country. But when you’re on a short trip to Japan, how do you choose … Read more
One of the largest aquariums in the world, Kaiyukan (Osaka Aquarium) is considered one of the best aquariums in the country. The are eight floors of exhibits to see, many of which circle around a central pool that spans several floors. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan This is the crowning glory of the attraction – I’ll bet … Read more