Entertainment & Activities
Modeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man . Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese. Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride).
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Universal Studios Japan
SakurajimaModeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man . Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese. Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride).
Among the biggest in the world, this 112m-high Ferris wheel offers unbeatable views of Osaka Bay and the seemingly endless Osaka/Kōbe conurbation. Give it a whirl at night to enjoy the vast carpet of lights.
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Tempozan Ferris Wheel
1-chōme-1-10 KaigandōriAmong the biggest in the world, this 112m-high Ferris wheel offers unbeatable views of Osaka Bay and the seemingly endless Osaka/Kōbe conurbation. Give it a whirl at night to enjoy the vast carpet of lights.
Also known as Osaka Dome, this futuristic stadium is home to the Orix Buffaloes baseball team and also hosts concerts, trade fairs and other events.
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Kyocera Dome Osaka
Chiyozaki-3-chōme-中2 Nishi WardAlso known as Osaka Dome, this futuristic stadium is home to the Orix Buffaloes baseball team and also hosts concerts, trade fairs and other events.
Kaiyūkan is easily one of the world's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins, coral-reef butterflyfish, unreasonably cute Arctic otters, Monterey Bay seals and unearthly jellyfish. Most impressive is the ginormous central tank, housing a whale shark, manta and thousands of other fish and rays. There are good English descriptions, but the audioguide (¥500) gives more detail. Expect lots of families and school groups.
Kaiyukan West Pier station
1-chōme-5-10 KaigandōriKaiyūkan is easily one of the world's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins, coral-reef butterflyfish, unreasonably cute Arctic otters, Monterey Bay seals and unearthly jellyfish. Most impressive is the ginormous central tank, housing a whale shark, manta and thousands of other fish and rays. There are good English descriptions, but the audioguide (¥500) gives more detail. Expect lots of families and school groups.
Shopping
A great starting point for fun, nontraditional, pop- and street-inspired mementos of your time in Japan. Village Vanguard bills itself as an 'exciting' bookstore, but there's much more to the story: between the cluttered book and magazine racks are offbeat gifts, from animal-shaped coat hooks to design-led T-shirts, mobile-phone cases, kitchen devices, hip-hop hats, shoulder bags, homewares and more.
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Village Vanguard America Mura
1-chōme-10-28 NishishinsaibashiA great starting point for fun, nontraditional, pop- and street-inspired mementos of your time in Japan. Village Vanguard bills itself as an 'exciting' bookstore, but there's much more to the story: between the cluttered book and magazine racks are offbeat gifts, from animal-shaped coat hooks to design-led T-shirts, mobile-phone cases, kitchen devices, hip-hop hats, shoulder bags, homewares and more.
This blocks-long foodie's paradise sells just about anything related to the preparation, consumption and selling of food: all manner of pots, pans, knives, kitchen gadgets, tableware, even shopfront lanterns, bar signs and plastic food models. Start thinking about how to make room in the suitcase for that stuff you never realised you needed.
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千日前道具屋筋商店街振興組合
5-19 NanbasennichimaeThis blocks-long foodie's paradise sells just about anything related to the preparation, consumption and selling of food: all manner of pots, pans, knives, kitchen gadgets, tableware, even shopfront lanterns, bar signs and plastic food models. Start thinking about how to make room in the suitcase for that stuff you never realised you needed.
Nominally a DIY and houseware chain, Tokyu Hands is Japan's favourite place to browse for items you probably didn't need but will end up loving. It's stacked floor upon floor with everything from obscure tools to design-forward lighting, clocks, curios and craft supplies, just for starters. There's a smaller branch in Umeda .
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東急ハンズ Tokyu Hands
1-chōme-8-3 ShinsaibashisujiNominally a DIY and houseware chain, Tokyu Hands is Japan's favourite place to browse for items you probably didn't need but will end up loving. It's stacked floor upon floor with everything from obscure tools to design-forward lighting, clocks, curios and craft supplies, just for starters. There's a smaller branch in Umeda .
This large bookshop has a great selection of foreign- and Japanese-language books. It's inside the Dōjima Avanza Building, about 10 minutes' walk from Osaka Station. Most English-language books are on the 3rd floor along with a cafe. English travel guides are on the 2nd floor.
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JUNKUDO Osaka
1-chōme-6-20 DōjimaThis large bookshop has a great selection of foreign- and Japanese-language books. It's inside the Dōjima Avanza Building, about 10 minutes' walk from Osaka Station. Most English-language books are on the 3rd floor along with a cafe. English travel guides are on the 2nd floor.
A landmark market in a covered arcade is where the locals shop for fresh fish, meat, vegetables, pickles and more. In addition to fresh and prepared foods, some shops sell bentō and have lunch counters. It's one block east of Sakai-suji, about 10 minutes' walk from central Namba.
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Kuromon Market
Nipponbashi-1-chōme-16 Chuo WardA landmark market in a covered arcade is where the locals shop for fresh fish, meat, vegetables, pickles and more. In addition to fresh and prepared foods, some shops sell bentō and have lunch counters. It's one block east of Sakai-suji, about 10 minutes' walk from central Namba.
This new behemoth bookshop, the largest in Osaka, is the result of two book specialists joining forces. There's a big range of English-language books on the 6th floor, with travel guides on the 3rd floor. It's in the new Andō Tadao–designed Chaska Chayamachi building.
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MARUZEN & JUNKUDO Umeda
7-20 ChayamachiThis new behemoth bookshop, the largest in Osaka, is the result of two book specialists joining forces. There's a big range of English-language books on the 6th floor, with travel guides on the 3rd floor. It's in the new Andō Tadao–designed Chaska Chayamachi building.
East of Midō-suji, Shinsaibashi is one of Japan's great shopping zones, most notably in this eight-block-long, covered Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade between Nagahori-dōri and Dōtombori.
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Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
2-chōme-2-22 ShinsaibashisujiEast of Midō-suji, Shinsaibashi is one of Japan's great shopping zones, most notably in this eight-block-long, covered Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade between Nagahori-dōri and Dōtombori.
If you need a new backpack or any other kind of outdoor gear, head to this excellent shop in the splashy new Grand Front complex.
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KOJITUSANSO
3-1 ŌfukachōIf you need a new backpack or any other kind of outdoor gear, head to this excellent shop in the splashy new Grand Front complex.
Six floors of tech, gadgets and gizmos, three floors of fashion and a restaurant floor make this a prime destination east of Osaka Station.
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Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda
1-1 ŌfukachōSix floors of tech, gadgets and gizmos, three floors of fashion and a restaurant floor make this a prime destination east of Osaka Station.
At 16,000 sq m over six storeys, this is Japan's largest men's fashion retailer. Two upper floors house cinemas and restaurants.
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Hankyu Men's Osaka
7-10 KakudachōAt 16,000 sq m over six storeys, this is Japan's largest men's fashion retailer. Two upper floors house cinemas and restaurants.
At 15 storeys above ground and two below, this massive department store anchors Osaka Station's southern side.
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Daimaru Museum Umeda
3-chōme-1-1 UmedaAt 15 storeys above ground and two below, this massive department store anchors Osaka Station's southern side.
Anchor of the namesake train line, this 13-storey department store also has two excellent food floors below ground.
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Hankyu Umeda Honten
8-7 KakudachōAnchor of the namesake train line, this 13-storey department store also has two excellent food floors below ground.
In addition to men's and women's fashions, look for musical instruments and a large Tower Records store.
タワーレコード 梅田NU茶屋町店
10-12 ChayamachiIn addition to men's and women's fashions, look for musical instruments and a large Tower Records store.
Youth-oriented, fashion-forward shopping and entertainment centre, topped with a bright red Ferris wheel.
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Hep Five Ferris Wheel
5-15 KakudachōYouth-oriented, fashion-forward shopping and entertainment centre, topped with a bright red Ferris wheel.
Arts & Culture
Japan's best venue for the mesmerising art of bunraku , puppet theatre closely associated with Osaka. Performances can last all day, with two multiple-act parts up to 4½ hours each (acts are often unrelated). Too long? Nonreserved, same-day single-act tickets are sold at the venue from 9.45am, priced accordingly. Rent the English-language audio guide (full program/single act ¥700/300) for detailed explanations. Shows sell out quickly.
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National Bunraku Theater
1-chōme-12-10 NipponbashiJapan's best venue for the mesmerising art of bunraku , puppet theatre closely associated with Osaka. Performances can last all day, with two multiple-act parts up to 4½ hours each (acts are often unrelated). Too long? Nonreserved, same-day single-act tickets are sold at the venue from 9.45am, priced accordingly. Rent the English-language audio guide (full program/single act ¥700/300) for detailed explanations. Shows sell out quickly.
Reconstruction of Osaka's historic kabuki theatre, now a venue for plays, musicals, concerts and Japanese period dramas.
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Shin Kabuki-za
6-chōme-5-13 UehonmachiReconstruction of Osaka's historic kabuki theatre, now a venue for plays, musicals, concerts and Japanese period dramas.
Located within the expansive Osaka World Expo Park (Banpaku-kōen), this fabulous museum brims with interesting and colourful objects for a whirlwind tour through many of the world's cultures. Exhibits range from Bollywood movie posters to Ainu textiles, Ghanaian barbershop signboards to Bhutanese mandalas and Japanese festival floats, even a Filipino jeepney. Note: there's limited English signage so it's best to get an audio guide. From the station, cross the bridge to the park and follow the signs to the museum. From Kyoto, take the Hankyū line to Minami Ibaraki Station and change to the Osaka Monorail.
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Mużew Nazzjonali tal-Etnoloġija
10-1 SenribanpakukōenLocated within the expansive Osaka World Expo Park (Banpaku-kōen), this fabulous museum brims with interesting and colourful objects for a whirlwind tour through many of the world's cultures. Exhibits range from Bollywood movie posters to Ainu textiles, Ghanaian barbershop signboards to Bhutanese mandalas and Japanese festival floats, even a Filipino jeepney. Note: there's limited English signage so it's best to get an audio guide. From the station, cross the bridge to the park and follow the signs to the museum. From Kyoto, take the Hankyū line to Minami Ibaraki Station and change to the Osaka Monorail.
Two subway stops from Umeda, this museum contains a life-sized reproduction of an 1830s Osaka neighbourhood: shophouses, drug stores, an old-style sentō (public bath) and more. Enhancing the Edo Period mood, lighting shifts between day and night, shops sell traditional toys and unique souvenirs, and for ¥200 visitors can rent kimono for photo-opps. Invest ¥100 in the English audio guide, since English signage is limited. The building is right behind as you exit the station. Just outside is lively Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, which claims to be Japan's longest shopping street at 3km. Pick up an English-language guide at the museum or along the route.
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Mużew tal-Ħajja u l-Ħwienet ta 'Osaka
6-chōme-4-20 TenjinbashiTwo subway stops from Umeda, this museum contains a life-sized reproduction of an 1830s Osaka neighbourhood: shophouses, drug stores, an old-style sentō (public bath) and more. Enhancing the Edo Period mood, lighting shifts between day and night, shops sell traditional toys and unique souvenirs, and for ¥200 visitors can rent kimono for photo-opps. Invest ¥100 in the English audio guide, since English signage is limited. The building is right behind as you exit the station. Just outside is lively Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, which claims to be Japan's longest shopping street at 3km. Pick up an English-language guide at the museum or along the route.
From its humble invention in 1958 by Andō Momofuku, (1910-2007, later chair of Nissin Foods), instant rāmen has grown into a global business. Exhibits at this offbeat museum showcase its birthplace, instant noodles from around the world, and a 'tunnel' of Nissin products. For many visitors, the highlight is customising your own package of instant rāmen to take away and eat later (¥300), including decorating the cup. Get the free English-language audio guide (¥2000 yen deposit). Expect long queues at weekends. It's about a 10-minute walk from the station.
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Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda
8-25 MasumichōFrom its humble invention in 1958 by Andō Momofuku, (1910-2007, later chair of Nissin Foods), instant rāmen has grown into a global business. Exhibits at this offbeat museum showcase its birthplace, instant noodles from around the world, and a 'tunnel' of Nissin products. For many visitors, the highlight is customising your own package of instant rāmen to take away and eat later (¥300), including decorating the cup. Get the free English-language audio guide (¥2000 yen deposit). Expect long queues at weekends. It's about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Built above the ruins of Naniwa Palace (c 650), visible through the basement floor, this museum houses dramatically illuminated recreations of the old city and life-sized figures in the former palace court. There are also interesting early-20th-century displays, and great views of Osaka-jō. English explanations are pretty sparse, so rent an English-language audio guide (¥200). The museum is just southwest of the castle park, in a sail-shaped building adjoining the NHK Broadcast Center.
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Mużew tal-Istorja ta 'Osaka
4-chōme-1-32 ŌtemaeBuilt above the ruins of Naniwa Palace (c 650), visible through the basement floor, this museum houses dramatically illuminated recreations of the old city and life-sized figures in the former palace court. There are also interesting early-20th-century displays, and great views of Osaka-jō. English explanations are pretty sparse, so rent an English-language audio guide (¥200). The museum is just southwest of the castle park, in a sail-shaped building adjoining the NHK Broadcast Center.
This impressive museum houses regularly changing exhibitions of modern (post-1945) Japanese and international art. Also arresting is its underground construction by architect Cesar Pelli; it's like a submarine with walls over 3m thick with light that filters down through skylights above the lobby. The entrance is marked by a large sculpture of steel tubes above ground, said to resemble a butterfly. It's towards the western end of Naka-no-shima.
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Il-Mużew Nazzjonali tal-Arti, Osaka
4-chōme-2-55 NakanoshimaThis impressive museum houses regularly changing exhibitions of modern (post-1945) Japanese and international art. Also arresting is its underground construction by architect Cesar Pelli; it's like a submarine with walls over 3m thick with light that filters down through skylights above the lobby. The entrance is marked by a large sculpture of steel tubes above ground, said to resemble a butterfly. It's towards the western end of Naka-no-shima.
This museum has one of the world's finest collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics, with smaller galleries of Japanese ceramics and Chinese snuff bottles. At any one time, approximately 400 of the gorgeous pieces from the permanent collection are on display, and there are often special exhibits (with an extra charge). From the station, cross the river and go right, passing the Central Public Hall.
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The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka
1-chōme-1-26 NakanoshimaThis museum has one of the world's finest collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics, with smaller galleries of Japanese ceramics and Chinese snuff bottles. At any one time, approximately 400 of the gorgeous pieces from the permanent collection are on display, and there are often special exhibits (with an extra charge). From the station, cross the river and go right, passing the Central Public Hall.
Parks & Nature
On the eastern end of the Naka-no-shima island, this is a good place for an afternoon stroll or picnic lunch.
中之島公園 公衆トイレ
Nakanoshima-1 Chome-1 Kita WardOn the eastern end of the Naka-no-shima island, this is a good place for an afternoon stroll or picnic lunch.
Sightseeing
Dedicated to Shintō deities of the sea and sea travel, this graceful shrine was founded in the early 3rd century and is considered the headquarters for all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. The buildings are faithful replicas of the ancient originals, with a couple that date back to 1810, and grounds are crisscrossed by a tree- and lantern-lined waterway spanned by a bright orange drum bridge. It's a rare Shintō shrine that predates the influence of Chinese Buddhist architectural styles.
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Sumiyoshitaisha Station
Nagaochō-3 Sumiyoshi WardDedicated to Shintō deities of the sea and sea travel, this graceful shrine was founded in the early 3rd century and is considered the headquarters for all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. The buildings are faithful replicas of the ancient originals, with a couple that date back to 1810, and grounds are crisscrossed by a tree- and lantern-lined waterway spanned by a bright orange drum bridge. It's a rare Shintō shrine that predates the influence of Chinese Buddhist architectural styles.
After unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction (refurbished 1997), it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park and moat. Inside is an excellent collection of art, armour, and day-to-day implements related to the castle, Hideyoshi and Osaka. An 8th-floor observation deck has 360-degree views. Hideyoshi's original granite structure was said to be impregnable, yet it was destroyed in 1614 by the armies of Tokugawa Ieyasu , rebuilt 15 years later, then razed again when anothe
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Osakajo
Osakajo Chuo WardAfter unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction (refurbished 1997), it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park and moat. Inside is an excellent collection of art, armour, and day-to-day implements related to the castle, Hideyoshi and Osaka. An 8th-floor observation deck has 360-degree views. Hideyoshi's original granite structure was said to be impregnable, yet it was destroyed in 1614 by the armies of Tokugawa Ieyasu , rebuilt 15 years later, then razed again when anothe
Founded 593, Shitennō-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, although only the big stone torii (Shintō shrine gate) is original, the oldest of its kind in the country (1294). Shitennō-ji's best visited for the lovely strolling garden, Honbō Teien , just northeast of the main precincts. Otherwise, the grounds are a somewhat desolate expanse of raked gravel, but there's a five-storey pagoda, which (unusually) you can climb up. On the 21st and 22nd of each month is a very good flea market outside the temple, with antiques and secondhand goods, including old kimono.
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Shitennoji
1-chōme-1-11-18 ShitennōjiFounded 593, Shitennō-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, although only the big stone torii (Shintō shrine gate) is original, the oldest of its kind in the country (1294). Shitennō-ji's best visited for the lovely strolling garden, Honbō Teien , just northeast of the main precincts. Otherwise, the grounds are a somewhat desolate expanse of raked gravel, but there's a five-storey pagoda, which (unusually) you can climb up. On the 21st and 22nd of each month is a very good flea market outside the temple, with antiques and secondhand goods, including old kimono.
Hiding in plain sight amid the skyscrapers of Umeda, this 1300-year-old shrine owes its fame to one of Japan's best known tragic plays (based on true events). Star-crossed lovers Ohatsu, a prostitute, and Tokubei, a merchant's apprentice. Rather than live apart, they committed double suicide here in 1703, to remain together forever in the afterlife. History aside, the shrine looks pretty modern and well-scrubbed, festooned throughout with mementos to the lovers, including ema (votive plaques) inscribed by visitors. There's a flea market the first Friday of each month.
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Tsuyu Tenjinsha (Ohatsu Tenjin)
2-chōme-5-4 SonezakiHiding in plain sight amid the skyscrapers of Umeda, this 1300-year-old shrine owes its fame to one of Japan's best known tragic plays (based on true events). Star-crossed lovers Ohatsu, a prostitute, and Tokubei, a merchant's apprentice. Rather than live apart, they committed double suicide here in 1703, to remain together forever in the afterlife. History aside, the shrine looks pretty modern and well-scrubbed, festooned throughout with mementos to the lovers, including ema (votive plaques) inscribed by visitors. There's a flea market the first Friday of each month.
A century ago, Shin-Sekai ('new world') was home to an amusement park that defined cutting edge. Now this entertainment district mixes down-on-its-heels with retro cool. It's centred around the crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku – built 1912, rebuilt 1956 – surrounded by ancient pachinko parlours, rundown theatres and a few homeless folks and suspicious-looking characters. Shin-Sekai still attracts plenty of visitors for nostalgia and cheap eateries behind over-the-top signage, especially for kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers).
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Shinsekai
Ebisuhigashi-8-2 Chome Naniwa WardA century ago, Shin-Sekai ('new world') was home to an amusement park that defined cutting edge. Now this entertainment district mixes down-on-its-heels with retro cool. It's centred around the crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku – built 1912, rebuilt 1956 – surrounded by ancient pachinko parlours, rundown theatres and a few homeless folks and suspicious-looking characters. Shin-Sekai still attracts plenty of visitors for nostalgia and cheap eateries behind over-the-top signage, especially for kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers).
Only a short walk south of Dōtombori Arcade you'll find Hōzen-ji, a tiny temple hidden down a narrow alley. The temple is built around a moss-covered Fudō-myōō statue. This statue is a favourite of people employed in mizu shobai (water trade) who pause before work to throw some water on the moss-covered statue. Nearby, you'll find Hōzen-ji Yokochō, a tiny alley filled with traditional restaurants and bars.
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Tempju Hosen-ji
Only a short walk south of Dōtombori Arcade you'll find Hōzen-ji, a tiny temple hidden down a narrow alley. The temple is built around a moss-covered Fudō-myōō statue. This statue is a favourite of people employed in mizu shobai (water trade) who pause before work to throw some water on the moss-covered statue. Nearby, you'll find Hōzen-ji Yokochō, a tiny alley filled with traditional restaurants and bars.
Nicknamed 'Ebessan', this famous shrine is said to have been founded by Japan's most revered historical figure, the priest-prince Shotoku-taishi, circa 600AD. These days it enshrines the Shintō god of commerce and hosts the Tōka Ebisu festival each January.
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Imamiya Ebisu Shrine
Ebisunishi-1-chōme-6 Naniwa WardNicknamed 'Ebessan', this famous shrine is said to have been founded by Japan's most revered historical figure, the priest-prince Shotoku-taishi, circa 600AD. These days it enshrines the Shintō god of commerce and hosts the Tōka Ebisu festival each January.
Just south and parallel to the canal is this pedestrianised street, where dozens of restaurants and theatres vie for attention with the flashiest of signage: giant 3-D crab, puffer fish, dragon and more.
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Dotonbori
Dotonbori-9-1 Chome Chuo WardJust south and parallel to the canal is this pedestrianised street, where dozens of restaurants and theatres vie for attention with the flashiest of signage: giant 3-D crab, puffer fish, dragon and more.
Founded in the 10th century, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the Shintō god of scholarship. The honden (main hall) and main gate were most recently rebuilt in 1845.
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Osakatemmangu Station
Tenjinbashi-2-chōme-5 Kita WardFounded in the 10th century, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the Shintō god of scholarship. The honden (main hall) and main gate were most recently rebuilt in 1845.
This small Buddhist temple makes for a quiet respite from the bustle of Shinsaibashi.
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Mittera Temple
2-chōme-7-12 ShinsaibashisujiThis small Buddhist temple makes for a quiet respite from the bustle of Shinsaibashi.
The crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku - built 1912, rebuilt 1956 - is the central landmark of Shin-Sekai.
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Tsutenkaku
1-chōme-18-6 EbisuhigashiThe crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku - built 1912, rebuilt 1956 - is the central landmark of Shin-Sekai.
Home of the most famous Kuidaore Tarō statue, at the heart of Dōtombori.
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Nakaza Cuidaore Building
1-chōme-7-21 DōtonboriHome of the most famous Kuidaore Tarō statue, at the heart of Dōtombori.
Built 1911, this Neo-Renaissance building is an important cultural property.
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Osaka City Central Hall
Nakanoshima-1-chōme-1 Kita WardBuilt 1911, this Neo-Renaissance building is an important cultural property.
戎橋(バス)
Nanba-1-chōme-4 Chuo WardThis bridge has the best views of Dōtombori's famed neon nightscapes.
Atmospheric alley dotted with traditional restaurants and bars.
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Hozenji Yokocho street
2 Chome-7-21 HigashishinsaibashiAtmospheric alley dotted with traditional restaurants and bars.
Small Shintō shrine in the middle of Amerika-Mura.
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Mitsuhachimangu
2-chōme-10-7 NishishinsaibashiSmall Shintō shrine in the middle of Amerika-Mura.