Osaka is known as the “city of water,” a title that makes complete sense when you check out these 5 beautiful viewpoints in the prefecture!
Osaka Castle
In the same way that Sendai is called the “city of trees,” Osaka is known as Japan’s “city of water.” Take, for example, this stunning shot of the water beds surrounding Osaka Castle.
The crystal clear water perfectly reflects the castle’s carved stone walls and green garden bushes. Keep in mind, the structure you see in this photo is not the main castle, but one of the castle moats that surround Osaka Castle.
Tourists will often flock to the castle’s courtyard, but if you ask me, the best photo spots are on the outskirts of Osaka Castle, where you can see the beautiful waters and outer walls.
Dotonbori River
Located in the heart of Osaka’s defining city of Dotonbori is the elegant Dotonbori River. Home to the famous Glico sign, Don Quijote Ferris Wheel, and delicious takoyaki stands, Dotonbori River offers stunning viewpoints and great feeds.
While most people prefer to see Dotonbori at night with all the neon lights and crowds of tourists flocking in, I prefer the serene vibe of the morning and afternoons. As a public area, it’s completely free of charge, though you can opt for a boat ride through the Dotonbori River for 1000 yen (7.50 USD).
The peace and quiet to truly enjoy the river views and having all the viewpoint space to yourself make daytime Dotonbori one of the best photo spots in Osaka.
Umeda Sky Building
About an hour’s walk from Dotonbori River is the commercial district of Osaka known as Umeda. Filled with the hustle and bustle vibe of corporate living, you’ll find a different vibe in this town with fewer tourists and more office workers out and about.
However, there is one place in Umeda you’ll find tourists gathering, and that is at Umeda Sky Building. This tower features an observatory deck on the top floor where some of the best sunset views in Japan can be seen.
Priced at just 1500 yen (10 USD) (free entry with the Osaka Amazing Pass), it’s a truly worthwhile experience to go up at least once. As you’d expect, the best (and busiest) times for viewing are at sunset, typically between 5 and 7 pm.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
One of the best ways to see Japan is by hopping onto one of its many Ferris Wheels. For some of Osaka’s best water-side views, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers 112 meters of suspension over Osaka Bay.
For just 800 yen (< 6 USD), you can get on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and choose between a regular seat or, if you’re willing to wait in line a little longer, a clear-bottom transparent seat for even more thrills! Of course, if you have the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can get in free of charge!
It may not be the tallest Ferris Wheel in Japan or even Osaka, but the views that Tempozan offers are second-to-none. Instead of offering views of the same old city buildings as the others, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel provides a seaside view of Osaka’s ports, boats, and even the iconic Tempozan Bridge.
Abeno Harukas 300
Oftentimes, we can’t help but adopt the mindset of “the higher you go the better the view.” Abeno Harukas 300 is the tallest skyscraper in Osaka and the 3rd tallest in Japan.
Named after its height of 300 meters, Abeno Harukas 300 is a multi-purpose commercial building with a whopping 60 floors! The observatory deck on the 60th floor offers a view of the entire city at an altitude resembling an airplane view.
You can access the observatory deck for 1500 yen (11 USD) or at a discounted rate of 1000 yen (7.50 USD) with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!