Osaka Bay Area

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

The Osaka Bay Area consists of many artificial waterfront islands that form together these new districts in Osaka. These islands were needed to accommodate the fast growth of the city. Here you will find many popular tourist attractions like the KAIYUKAN Aquarium, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Universal Studios Japan (American-style theme park), Sakishima Building - Cosmo Tower Observatory (252 meters above ground), LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka, and much more. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Osaka Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > Tourists and locals come here to enjoy great rock concerts (Summer Sonic Festival), restaurant scenes, shopping possibilities, amusement parks, and nice bay views. Soon there will be a new home port for cruise liners and a new waterfront. My tip: A unique way to discover the waterfront of Osaka is via the Santa Maria ship, which looks like the ship of Christopher Columbus only bigger. The cruise begins at the KAIYUKAN Aquarium and lasts for 45 minutes.

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating metropolis Osaka with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 3 - 4 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

After World War 2 large parts of the industrial and residential areas in Osaka Bay were destroyed. Since then many large-scale man-made island projects, like Kansai International Airport (1994), Sakishima - Cosmo Square, Maishima Sports Island, Yumeshima, Sakai-Senboku Coastal Industrial Zone, and Port Island have reshaped the waterfront of Osaka. It became a tourist hotspot and a center for business.

Best Sightseeing spots within the Osaka Bay Area

1. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka is with a height of 112.5 meters (diameter of 100 meters) one of the largest in the world. Attached to the wheel are 60 air-conditioned passenger cars with a total capacity of 480 people (8 per cabin). It offers amazing views over the Osaka Bay. The Ferris wheel is located within the Tempozan Harbor Village area.

Read More

2. Tempozan Park

It is a beautiful little seaside park within the Tempozan district. This quiet and relaxing place (built on top of an artificial mountain) contains the statue of Nishimura Sutezo. He was the local harbor chief of construction. The mountain with a height of 4.53 meters is called the lowest mountain in Japan and has been registered with the Geographical Survey Institute.

Read More

3. KAIYUKAN Aquarium

The KAIYUKAN Aquarium in Osaka is one of the most spectacular and largest aquariums in the world. It opened its doors to the public in 1990. The 15 tanks are made out of 346 tons of acrylic glass and contain 29000 animals.

Read More

4. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan was established in 2001. Here you will find the first Mario-themed area, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue, and many more unique attractions. It is a great place for friends and family.

Festival & Events in Osaka (dates can change without notice)

July

Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Funatogyo (13th)
Funatogyo (Boat Procession) is a Water Metropolis festival where you can see many beautiful decorated boats (Shinto-style) sailing up and down the Dotonbori River. More than 20 boats with some of them carrying musicians, and drummers provide the visitors with a great show.

Tenjin Matsuri Festival (24th till 25th)
Osaka’s greatest traditional festival (over 1000 years old) is ranked as one of the top 3 festivals in Japan. Enjoy spectacular processions on land and in the water, great fireworks, and a unique atmosphere created by the traditional costumes and music. My must-see recommendation for you.

August

Summer Sonic Festival (17th or 18th)
It is an annual music festival held at the Maishima Sonic Park in Osaka. It is very popular and you have to get your tickets early.

Osaka Lantern Festival / Osaka Jo Lanterns (25th and 26th)
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) is once a year decorated with thousands of lanterns lit at its doorstep. Buy your lantern and be part of this great event.

September

Osaka World Performance Festival (mid-September)
Great performances are displayed at the Tempozan Marketplace which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

November/December

Osaka German Christmas Market (18th Nov. till 25th Dec.)
Enjoy this unique event at the Umeda Sky Building. It offers specialties from Germany and you have to try out one Glühwein:)