Joanna James
Located on the southern coast of Honshu, Osaka is one of the largest and most popular tourist hubs in Japan. Whether one is heading to the city for a business trip or a lengthy holiday, here are 5 points of interest that should be on every Osaka travel itinerary.
As one of the largest aquariums in the region, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is difficult to miss due to its facade which resembles a building made up of massive Lego blocks. This stunning walk-through aquarium is not only home to marine species endemic to the Pacific Ocean but also areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and as far as Antarctica. Japanese freshwater fish species as well as native mammals and reptiles occupy more than 26 tanks in possession of the aquarium. Sharks and Manta Rays are among the venue's most well-loved inhabitants as visitors love to witness these majestic creatures during daily feeding times.
Whether one is based at the Citadines Namba Osaka or any similar Osaka holiday apartments, no trip to the city would be complete without a tour of Osaka Castle. The brainchild of Japanese warrior turned statesman Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it is by far the largest palace in all of Japan. Towering above the surrounding landscape, the stones used to build the castle were contributed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's own military leaders. Although the castle was nearly destroyed in 1615 due to warfare, it was restored to its former glory by the shoguns of Tokugawa.
As one of the few underground museums in Japan, visiting The National Museum of Art (NMAO) is likely to be an unforgettable experience for art lovers. Ideally located minutes away from the Osaka city centre, the museum lies on a small island that stands at the confluence of the Dōjima and Tosabori rivers. In addition to works by legends such as Cézanne and Picasso, the museum also highlights the works of local greats including Foujita and Kuniyoshi. The museum's impressive collections also include relics and sculptures by famed artists. The steel showpiece in the museum's garden is another attraction as it is larger than life art installation which recreates reeds swaying in the breeze using steel.
As the city's biggest green space, the Osaka Tennōji Zoo & Park can rightly be described as the lungs of Osaka. Lined with flower beds and cherry blossom trees, the park and the adjoining zoo are a nature lover's dream come true. The Osaka Tennōji Zoo which is part of this enclave was opened in 1915 and is now home to elephants, lions, giraffes and other species who are allowed to roam free in large enclosures.
Drawing 10 million visitors annually, this mega theme park with its own The Wizarding World of Harry Potter zone is a must-experience tourist hotspot in Osaka. As one of the newer attractions to have been built in the city, Universal Studios Japan also boasts Japanese entertainment-based rides and attractions apart from those centred on Hollywood blockbusters.
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