Osaka Bay Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Things to Do in the Waterfront Area
This article is a guide packed with the charms of the Osaka Bay area, brought to you by an author who has lived in Osaka for 10 years and has fallen completely in love with the allure of this city.
As you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, a unique landscape unfolds where the sea and the city intertwine. Tourists still excited from USJ, children with sparkling eyes at Kaiyukan, locals enjoying shopping at ATC. While not as famous as Dotonbori or Shinsekai, I believe the Bay area is a hidden gem for Osaka sightseeing.
I'll introduce you to the charms of the Osaka Bay area from a local's perspective. Enjoy the current state of this area as it's about to undergo further transformation in preparation for the Osaka Expo 2025!
Table of Contents
・The Appeal of Osaka Bay Area
・About Osaka Expo 2025
・Guide to Popular Tourist Spots in the Osaka Bay Area
The Appeal of Osaka Bay Area
The Osaka Bay area is brimming with unique charms created by the harmony between city and sea. I'll introduce you to the wonders of this region, intertwining my own experiences.
Located in the western coastal region of Osaka City, the Osaka Bay area is a complex zone where tourism, shopping, and entertainment converge.
It's home to famous tourist spots, with Universal Studios Japan (USJ), Kaiyukan, and Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel being the prime examples. These facilities continue to captivate millions of tourists every year.
The charm of the Osaka Bay area lies, above all, in its spacious landscape where city and sea harmonize. The scenery woven by high-rise buildings and sea views boasts the best panorama in Osaka City. Especially at dusk, when the shimmering sea surface and city lights meld together, it's breathtakingly beautiful.
Furthermore, this is also the area where the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 is scheduled to be held. In preparation for this international event, the Bay area is about to undergo further development.
I feel it's a privilege of living in Osaka to witness firsthand the daily changes as new facilities and transportation infrastructure are being developed.
The Osaka Bay area can be said to embody Osaka's "present," where tourism and business intersect with expectations for the future.
About Osaka Expo 2025
In 2025, the Osaka Bay area will become a stage that draws worldwide attention. I, too, have high expectations for the changes that the Osaka Expo 2025 will bring to this region.
Osaka Expo 2025 will be held for six months from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," exhibitions and events aimed at creating a sustainable and harmonious society are planned.
Countries and companies participating from around the world will set up their own pavilions to showcase cutting-edge technologies and cultures.
A new station is planned to be built for access to Yumeshima, the venue for the Expo. With the opening of this new station, access from central Osaka is expected to significantly improve, enhancing the convenience of the entire Bay area.
Given Japan's economic situation, it's true that there are voices opposing the hosting of Osaka Expo 2025 both nationally and in Osaka.
However, as a local resident, I'm proud that through this Expo, Osaka will take a new step towards the world. I also hope that this international event will make more people aware of the charms of the Osaka Bay area and visit it.
Website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
Guide to Popular Tourist Spots in the Osaka Bay Area
The Osaka Bay area is packed with attractive tourist spots. From my experience of living in this area for 10 years and visiting these places many times, I'll introduce you to especially recommended places. Please enjoy the full charm of each spot.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Source: Google Map by Oh Aki
When it comes to sightseeing in the Osaka Bay area, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is the first place that comes to mind. It's known as Japan's largest theme park where you can experience the world of Hollywood movies.
The charm of USJ lies in its immersiveness. As soon as you step into the park, you feel as if you've wandered into a movie world.
In particular, the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area is a must-see. The grand view of Hogwarts Castle and the townscape that recreates the world of wizards down to the smallest detail are sure to overwhelm even non-fans.
Recently, "Super Nintendo World" has become a new popular spot. For me, a lifelong game fan, the experience of actually walking through Mario's world and enjoying the attractions was like a dream come true.
Let me share some tips to maximize your enjoyment at USJ. First, I recommend checking seasonal limited-time events in advance. During Halloween and Christmas seasons, special shows appear, completely changing the atmosphere of the entire park.
Also, consider using the Express Pass, which can significantly reduce waiting times for popular attractions. It's a bit pricey, but very helpful for those who want to enjoy many attractions in a limited time.
For access, it's convenient to take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line and get off at Universal City Station. It's just a few minutes' walk from the station to the park, and the excitement builds up even on this short walk.
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
Kaiyukan
Another highlight of the Osaka Bay area is Kaiyukan. Known as one of the world's largest aquariums recreating the Pacific Ocean, it exhibits about 30,000 creatures.
At the center of Kaiyukan is a giant 9-meter-high tank. The sight of whale sharks swimming gracefully there is truly spectacular.
My personal recommendation is the jellyfish exhibition corner called "Jellyfish Gallery." The sight of jellyfish floating gently in a fantastical atmosphere is also popular as an Instagram-worthy spot, and I've taken photos there several times myself.
For access, get off at "Osakako Station" on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and walk for about 5-10 minutes. From Osaka Station or Umeda Station, you can access it by taking the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Hommachi Station and transferring to the Chuo Line.
Also, from Universal Studios Japan, you can reach it in about 10 minutes by Captain Line, a shuttle ferry. I think the view from this ferry is also one of the charms of the Bay area.
Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/
Tempozan Marketplace
After enjoying Kaiyukan, let's head to the adjacent Tempozan Marketplace. This is a commercial facility ideal for souvenir hunting and dining.
Here, various shops line up from Kaiyukan's souvenir store to shops dealing with local specialties. I often stop by shops that sell unique Osaka-style souvenirs.
There are many fun products to just look at, such as takoyaki-shaped sweets and goods featuring Osaka Castle.
There are also plenty of dining places, among which "Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho" is a popular spot where you can enjoy Osaka's famous dishes.
Near Tempozan Marketplace, there's a giant Ferris wheel. From here, you can overlook the Bay area and downtown Osaka, and the view at dusk is especially spectacular.
Access is the same as for Kaiyukan, with Tempozan Marketplace adjacent to Kaiyukan and accessible in about 5-10 minutes on foot from Osakako Station. It's common to visit along with Kaiyukan, which I often do too.
Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/shopping.html
Osaka Nanko ATC (Asia and Pacific Trade Center)
When talking about the charms of the Osaka Bay area, we can't leave out Osaka Nanko ATC (Asia and Pacific Trade Center). As a complex commercial facility where shopping, gourmet, and entertainment come together, it's popular among both locals and tourists.
ATC consists of two buildings, the "O's" building and the "ITM" building, each with its own characteristics.
The "O's" building is mainly a place to enjoy shopping and gourmet food, and I often visit on weekends. Fashion brand stores and unique general stores line up, and even window shopping alone can be a fun time.
On the other hand, the "ITM" building mainly consists of exhibition halls and conference rooms for business purposes, but there are also restaurants and cafes that can be used by the general public.
One of the charms of ATC is the regularly held events and flea markets. On weekends, stalls selling handmade goods and second-hand clothes line up, creating a lively atmosphere. I sometimes visit with friends and enjoy looking for hidden gems.
Access requires a bit of planning. To get to Osaka Nanko ATC, transfer to the New Tram at "Cosmosquare Station" on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, get off at "Trade Center Mae Station," and walk for about 2 minutes.
Website: http://atc-en.com/
The Osaka Bay area is a region with unique charms where city and sea harmonize.
The excitement at USJ, the emotion at Kaiyukan, the panoramic view from Tempozan, shopping at ATC. These experiences are sure to make your Osaka trip unforgettable.
And at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, you'll be able to see an even more evolved Osaka Bay area.
I hope you'll visit the Osaka Bay area and feel its charm for yourself!