Planning your trip to Osaka this 2024 and don't know where to start? Here are some travel tips on the things you should not miss and best tourist spots to include in your itinerary when traveling to Osaka, Japan!
Traveling to Osaka, Japan is certainly an exciting and memorable experience. This bustling and vibrant city in the Kansai Region is known for its many thrilling activities, interesting tourist spots, mouth-watering street food, historic landmarks, modern architecture, and so much more. Due to its strategic location, it's a popular tourist destination which allows travelers to make day trips to nearby fascinating cities, like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and even Hiroshima.
We traveled to Osaka and had an amazing adventure at Universal Studios Japan and other interesting tourist spots within the city. If you're planning a trip to Osaka, here's my suggested things to do and tourist spots to visit that you should include in your Osaka itinerary to make the most of your trip.
TOP BEST THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA, JAPAN 2024
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG 2024?
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1. Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan. For families, groups of friends, and adventure-seekers, a trip to Osaka will never be complete without visiting Universal Studios Japan. If you're a fan of theme parks and movies, spending a day or two at Universal Studios Japan is a must!
Located in the Osaka Bay area, Universal Studios Japan is one of the most-visited theme parks in Japan. So, when planning a trip to Osaka, be sure to include Universal Studios Japan in your itinerary!
My Favorite Rides and Attractions at Universal Studios Japan
I've been to Osaka three times already. And every time I visit the city, I always make sure that I spend a day at Universal Studios Japan. Here are some of my favorite rides and attractions at Universal Studios Japan.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
Embark on a magical journey through the world of Harry Potter at the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ ride! On this ride, you will be dangled in the air and experience a thrilling adventure with the ride's amazing movements, synchronized visuals, and immersive storytelling.
Experience a memorable ride through Hogwarts Castle as you encounter different characters and creatures from the Harry Potter series. This is truly a one-of-a-kind ride and exciting experience you should not miss when visiting Universal Studios Japan.
Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle
Explore Hogmead Village by visiting the shops like Honeydukes, Ollivanders™ and Zonko's Joke Shop, and enjoy food and drinks at the Three Broomsticks™, The Magic Neep™ cart, and Hog's Head. Not to be missed is the mouthwatering Butterbeer, which is a popular non-alcoholic beverage from the Harry Potter series. At Hogsmead, you can also experience being a wizard by trying the Wand Magic.
Lastly, don't miss having a photo taken with the Hogwarts Castle and the black lake.
Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™
Based on the Mario Kart series of games, Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ is the world's first interactive Mario Kart theme park ride. Housed inside Bowser's Castle, this exciting ride will make you scream and feel the rush as it brings you to Mario Kart's courses through advanced technology in augmented reality, projection mapping, and amazing screen projection.
As you take the ride on one of the world's most beloved racing games, you will be able to steer the wheel, collect coins and throw shells to hit Team Koopa's racers and other enemies to earn coins. This immersive ride will truly let you feel like you're inside the game!
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
After experiencing the ride, roam around SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and explore the world of Mario in real life! Looking for souvenirs? Visit 1UP Factory to shop for lovely souvenirs from the Mushroom Kingdom! If you get hungry, you could also check out Kinopio's Cafe for some fun gourmet dishes!
Notes: Area Timed Entry Ticket or Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking is needed to enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. You can get these tickets before coming to Universal Studios Japan or on the day of your visit through the Universal Studios Japan official app or at the ticket kiosk inside the park.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Based on the popular "Despicable Me" animated film franchise, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem will take you on a vehicle designed by Gru and enter his laboratory to begin the process of becoming an actual Minion! Recommended for all ages, it is a 3D motion-simulator ride that uses hyper-realistic projection system that lets everyone enjoy an immersive and interactive experience as they embark on an exciting adventure with the Minions.
Minion Park
Of course, don't miss exploring the Minion Park! This colorful and interactive park brings the world of the Minions to life! It also offers exciting games, souvenir and merchandise shops, dining options, as well as a chance to have a photo with the Minions!
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
This thrilling ride is definitely one of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Japan. "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" is a 3D dark ride that will take you to a heart-pounding adventure through the city with Spider-Man. It combines motion simulation, 3D visuals, and practical effects that will surely confuse you with the imaginary and with reality.
Awarded as "The world's best ride" for 7 consecutive years, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is definitely one of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Japan. Unfortunately, the popular Spider-Man ride is coming to a close on January 22, 2024. But don't worry, you still have a few more months to visit Universal Studios Japan to experience this amazing ride one last time.
NO LIMIT! Parade
A must-see daytime parade at Universal Studios Japan, NO LIMIT! Parade is a colorful and lively parade of floats featuring well-loved characters and performers from popular movies and attractions at Universal Studios Japan. It is filled with catchy, upbeat music, and electrifying dances that will surely be a delight for everyone.
Don't miss seeing your favorite characters such as Mario and Luigi, Toad, Bowser, Yoshi, and Peach, as well as the Minions, Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Pikachu, and many more!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS:
- Save time and avoid the lines by purchasing your Universal Studios Japan park tickets online. You can buy Universal Studios Japan tickets via the Klook App - an authorized reseller of Universal Studios Japan.
- I highly recommend that you get a Universal Express Pass to reduce the waiting time when riding the popular rides and attractions, such as the Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Minion Mayhem, The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, The Flying Dinosaur & many more.
- For ease and convenience, I highly recommend staying in a hotel near Universal Studios Japan. On our recent trip, we stayed at the Liber Hotel at Universal Studios Japan, which is a nice and lovely hotel conveniently located near Universal Studios Japan.
2. Tempozan Harbor Village
Start your day by visiting Tempozan Harbor Village. Here, you could ride the huge Tempozan Ferris Wheel and visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium.
3. Santa Maria Cruise
Want a unique and enjoyable way to see Osaka from a different perspective? Why not try the Osaka Bay Santa Maria Cruise? This ship is a replica of Christopher Columbus' historic ship, and offers travelers an exciting, yet relaxing cruise along Osaka Bay. Taking this cruise, you could feel the pleasant sea breeze and enjoy scenic views of the Osaka skyline, Universal Studios Japan, Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, several bridges, and many other famous landmarks in the Osaka Bay area. The cruise lasts for about an hour and you could roam around the ship and take photos while cruising the bay.
Santa Maria Cruise offers a unique and enjoyable way to see Osaka. It is a great activity for families, kids, and groups of friends. Enjoy your cruise and the beautiful views of Osaka Bay!
4. Dotonbori
Osaka offers excellent shopping opportunities that every traveler will surely love. One of them is Dotonbori, Osaka's most popular entertainment district. This district is known for its bustling streets filled with neon signs, and a wide array of restaurants and street food stalls. Don't forget to see and have a photo at the famous Glico Running Man sign when exploring Dotonbori!
5. Food Trip
Popularly known as the "Kitchen of Japan", Osaka is renowned for its delicious street food and local dishes. Don't forget to try Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and so much more. The city's street food culture is a popular attraction for every traveler and food enthusiasts, so be sure not to miss it when visiting Osaka.
6. Shinsaibashi Shopping
An excellent destination for shopping, Shinsaibashi features both local boutiques and international brands. Stroll along Shinsaibashi and be amazed by its long shopping street filled with shops, boutiques, department stores, and plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. For me, this is one of the best places to shop in Osaka for new trendy clothes, shoes, and even for some pasalubong (gifts) and souvenirs for your family and friends back home.
7. Umeda Sky Building
This skyscraper in Osaka offers breathtaking views of the city from its Floating Garden Observatory. A must-visit when in Osaka, especially during sunset.
Don't miss going up to Umeda Sky Building's Kuchu Teien Observatory also known as the "Floating Garden Observatory". It is an outdoor observation deck located on the building's 39th floor and offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the whole city.
8. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
TeamLab is a popular attraction in Japan offering immersive digital art experiences that combine technology, arts, and nature to create a unique sensory experience.
Recommended Travel Pass in Osaka
Have Fun in Kansai Pass
- This 1-week pass for travelers will let you explore attractions in Kansai (including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe).
- With this pass, you could enjoy 3 or 6 exciting experiences in Kansai, including Santa Maria Cruise, Umeda Sky Building, teamLab Botanical Garden, Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory, Wonder Loop Cruise, and Kyoto - Osaka Sightseeing Pass.
- From restaurants and dining options to sightseeing activities, this pass gives travelers the opportunity for an all-rounded experience of the Kansai area.
- You may check the information about each facility and destinations, business hours, and public holidays in advance, HERE.
Osaka definitely has something to offer for every type of traveler. Whether you're interested in spending an awesome day at Universal Studios Japan, indulging in delicious local cuisine, going on a shopping spree, or to experience the city's vibrant contemporary culture, these are just some of the many attractions and tourist spots you can explore and enjoy in Osaka!
For more things to do in Osaka, tourist spots and sample itinerary, visit: OSAKA, JAPAN ITINERARY: Tourist Spots to Visit and Top Things to Do in Osaka.
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Thank You For Sharing!
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Your post is a treasure trove of information, and I'm grateful for the effort you've invested in sharing it. Keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Will definitely follow your itinerary.
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