Must-See Osaka Attractions: Things You Must Do For A Fun Osaka Trip !
Osaka Cruise Port is walking distance to Tempozan Harbor Village which is an entertainment and shopping complex centered on Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums.
Osaka is a charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife—with some history and culture peeking through. The cruise ship docks at the Tempozan Port at the Osaka Bay Area . It is home to a variety of facilities and tourist attractions, including Yumeshima, where the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held.
TOP THINGS TO DO AROUND THE PORT OF OSAKA -Here is some tourist information for Tempozan, which is fun no matter how many times you visit:
TEMPOZAN MARKET PLACE
Walking distance from the cruise port, is a large commercial facility adjacent to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It has about 80 stores, including stylish restaurants with ocean views, a convenient food court, and miscellaneous goods. The streetscape is modeled after the 1960s, and features Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, where you can find Osaka's representative Naniwa gourmet food, and an indoor all-weather zoo where you can interact with small animals. There are also various events and street performances on weekends.
Tempozan Market has a total of three floors and contains more than 80 shops. There are some drinks shops on the first floor. The second floor mainly sells some of Osaka's special snacks, like Japanese rice bowl dishes, ramen noodle soup, Sushi, and Takoyaki. Besides, on the second floor, you can find a themed street that shows the style of Japanese Osaka street in the 1960s and there are 20 representative and well-known old shops. In addition, there is a large Lego store on the third floor, as well as a small petting zoo.
OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN
Next to the Tempozan market Place is the KAIYUKAN - an aquarium that faithfully recreates the natural environment of the world’s largest ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and its surrounding waters. Each region of the Pacific Rim that surrounds the Pacific Ocean is recreated in a large water tank. Each tank in the aquarium is arranged in a way that is similar to how they are actually located geologically in the Pacific Ocean. Starting with the “Pacific Ocean” tank that is home to the majestic whale shark, or the “Forest of Japan” tank that is lush in vegetation and flowing waterfalls, to the “Tasman Sea” tank that houses the Pacific white-sided dolphin, each of the tanks in total houses and displays approximately 30,000 creatures with 620 types of species. Other popular tanks include the “Jellyfish Galaxy” that are all about the jellyfishes, or the “North Pole” tank that houses the Ringed seals.
If you want to get a closer look at the marine life, you can't miss the various guided tours, where you can watch the zookeepers feeding the animals and giving them training, and the "meal time for the animals."
BASIC INFORMATION
Business hours
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (final admission is allowed an hour before closing time) *Varies per season
Holidays
Irregular holidays (total of 2 days closed during January)
Price
Adults (high school or 16 years and older) ¥2,700 / Middle and elementary school ¥1,400 / above 3 years old ¥700
*Free admission for 2 years old and younger
Languages
English, Korean, Chinese
Access
About a 5-minute walk from Tempozan Pier on the Osaka waterfront where the cruise ships are docked.
Address
1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi 552-0022
Telephone
06-6576-5501
Kaiyukan shows the aquatic animals of the Pacific Rim at their most vibrant and dynamic, by recreating the natural environment of their habitats.
OVERLOOK THE OSAKA PORT AND THE CITY ON TEMPOZAN GIANT FERRIS WHEEL
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is 112.5 meters (369 feet) high, with a diameter of 100 meters (328 feet). It offers panoramic views of the city of Osaka, Kansai International Airport, and Mount Rokko in Hyogo Prefecture. The 15-minute ride is romantic and offers a spectacular view!
Besides, the eight transparent gondolas are the highlights of the Ferris wheel, and both the floor and seats are transparent. If you want to have a try, please remember to book the ticket in advance or you may spend a lot of time waiting in line. In addition, the night view of the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is charming, and you can watch the light show on the Ferris wheel. At night, the Ferris wheel itself creates a beautiful sight against the night sky.
The lights on the Ferris wheel will predict the weather for the next day, red for sunny, green for cloudy, and blue for rainy.
Get it if you are going to stay in Osaka for at least 2 full days, it really is worth the money.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT
After exploring the Port of Osaka, you can take the Cap Line boat to visit the nearby Universal Studios Japan. You can take the boat at the Kaiyukan West Pier, and a single way takes about 10 minutes. Also, The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is a must-see destination.
OSAKA CASTLE -
Positioned against a backdrop of modern-day skyscrapers and city buildings, Osaka Castle stands out from its contemporary neighbors and is marked by its traditional architecture and immense size. Built in 1583 and regarded as an emblem of the fortune and power of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most notable landmarks. And it’s no wonder why. Both history buffs and architecture aficionados will undoubtedly delight in the tales that this age-old castle tells
In its entirety, Osaka Castle spans 61,000 square meters and features thirteen structures, all of which have been deemed as important cultural assets. There is so much to discover here, including five indoor and eight outdoor floors. Trek over the Gokuraku Bridge, making your way across the moat and into the castle. Find serenity in Nishinomaru Garden. And journey to the castle’s tower, Tenshukaku, where you can take in far-reaching scenic views of the picturesque Osaka skyline. Osaka Castle and its grounds are quite expansive, and you will likely want to spend a few hours here to see it all.
During the spring season, this cultural travel destination comes alive as thousands of visitors flock to Osaka Castle to see the soft pink cherry blossoms in bloom throughout the lush grounds. Nearby, Kema Sakuranomiya Park also provides prime views of the iconic Japanese cherry blossoms in the spring and is located within walking distance from Osaka Castle.
HOW TO GET TO OSAKA CASTLE FROM CRUISE PORT
The best way to get from Osaka Port to Osaka Castle Park without a car is to train and subway which takes 59 min and costs ¥550 - ¥700. The metro system is very efficient and the indications are also in English.
To get to Osaka Castle from Osakako Station, take the Chuo Line (green) towards Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka and transfer to Hommachi Station on the Midosuji Line (red) towards Senri-Chuo and disembark at Umeda Station.
How long does it take to get from Osaka Port to Osaka Castle Park? It takes approximately 59 min to get from Osaka Port to Osaka Castle Park, including transfers.
Taxis are available at the port.
Osaka Castle sits on a hill and surrounded by a huge park with pleasant picnic areas.
DOTONBORI has been called the heart of Osaka. It is Osaka's most famous tourist attraction, it is filled with bright iconic signboards and extravagant neon lights, clubs, bars, and restaurants serving up local specialties which pierce the night and reflect off the surface of the Dotonbori Canal. The district embodies the local kuidaore culture — the philosophy of eating until you go bankrupt. As you stroll down the main street, you'll be greeted by an array of enticing aromas and larger-than-life food displays.
Hundreds of colorful mechanical billboards and bright neon lights line the Dotonbori Canal, bringing the hip and well-visited area to life after hours. This vibrant district, which never really closes, sets the scene for epic travel photos and enlivens the senses with the sights, sounds, and the unmistakable aromas of Japanese cuisines wafting through the air at every delightful and decadent turn.
If the giant octopus signboard doesn't catch your eye, the long line of hungry customers in front certainly will!
Eye-catching, no doubt, Dotonburi also offers something for your appetite, whatever cuisine you may be currently craving. This Osaka hotspot is packed with street-side food stalls, buzzy bars, and inviting, trendy restaurants that dish out Japanese specialties like the best tonkatsu in Osaka and drool-worthy takoyaki.
Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are a quintessential Osaka street food found around the city throughout popular street food districts, including bustling Dotonbori.
The famous Japanese dumpling-like snack has a crispy outer layer, the result of being cooked in a hole-filled, cast-iron mold. The spherical bites are made with dashi, a Japanese broth with no shortage of bright umami flavors, and a lump of tender octopus tentacle.
A true delicacy, Takoyaki is commonly found throughout Osaka’s beloved street food districts, and it is not uncommon to find octopus balls on the menus at Japanese bars, as many people, both travelers, and locals alike, enjoy takoyaki alongside a refreshing, chilled beer.
Takoyaki, fried octopus balls, are ubiquitous in Osaka, from the neon-lit restaurants of Dotonbori to family gatherings, transcending a common street food.
HOW TO GET TO DOTONBORI FROM TEMPOZAN CRUISE PORT
The best way to get from Tempozan Harbor Village to Dōtonbori (Land) without a car is to subway which takes 18 min and costs ¥230 - ¥260. How long does it take to get from Tempozan Harbor Village to Dōtonbori (Land)? The subway from Osakako to Hommachi takes 11 min including transfers and departs every 10 minutes. Should you opt for a taxi, it will cost you around US$60 each way. The distance between Osaka Port and Dōtonbori (Land) is 20 km.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WALK TO DOTONBORI ?
It's nearly 3km long in total, and you can walk alongside for around 2km. On a stroll past the water, you'll see many of Osaka's famous sights and landmarks. It's a popular spot for both daytime sightseeing and nighttime entertainment, so the duration of stay often depends on individual preferences and interests. Food is high on the list of all the things to do in Dotonbori. As a foodie town, Dotonbori is known as a place to 'eat till you drop.' But before you are drawn in by the delicious aromas, don't forget to look up at the gigantic 3-D signs.
TOMBORI RIVER CRUISE
Just walking through it is fascinating enough, but another fun way to enjoy it is from the river aboard the Tombori River Cruise. The cruise is 20 minutes long, but stands out amongst Osaka's most famous tourist spots. Familiar sights seen from the river offer a different impression. Waving to people walking on the bridges is also a unique joy of the cruise.
It is a very relaxing ride. The cruise departs from Tazaemon Bridge Dock, turns around at Nihonbashi, and returns to Tazaemon Bridge Dock in about 20 minutes. This cruise, which tours the landmarks of Dotonbori, is perfect for tourists and dates.
The Glico Running Man is one of the most well known landmarks in Osaka positioned directly above the Dotonbori bridge. Below is the river cruise boat with passengers waving to people and enjoying the breathtaking neon lights.
The cruise departs every hour at 00 and 30 minutes, running from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. It’s delightful to enjoy both day and night. The daytime cruise offers lively views of Dotonbori illuminated by sunlight, while the night cruise showcases beautiful illuminated scenery. The night cruise is especially recommended. The neon-lit night view of Dotonbori is breathtaking. The colorful lights reflecting on the river surface create a kaleidoscope effect. You’ll be enchanted by the different expressions of Dotonbori at night.
The cruise tours nine bridges over the Dotonbori River, each with its own unique charm, fully appreciated through the guide’s lively commentary.
Business Hours
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Regular holiday
Irregular holidays
Fee
Adult: 1500 yen
The ticket booth is located next to the river entrance of Don Quijote Dotonbori store (east side). The yellow Ferris wheel is a landmark. The boarding point, Tazaemon Bridge Dock, is right in front of the ticket booth, so you won’t get lost.
Official site
https://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/tombori.html
How to visit
6 minutes walk from Namba Station
Address
7 - 13 Soemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542 - 0084, Japan
As an essential part of your Osaka sightseeing plan, be sure to include the “Tombori River Cruise.” You are sure to encounter new charms of Dotonbori.