Energetic, full of sights and sounds, exciting food options. You'll navigate a sea of people as you might expect, but this area is pretty exciting and worth seeing at least once. During our couple of days in this area we couldn't nearly explore all of the side streets and intriguing little places in between the larger ones. I say get on out here and don't be afraid to let your hair down. Lots of other people aren't!

Atmosphere was great. I recommend coming here during the night rather than the day. When I came the place is very crowded so I don’t really recommend coming with little kids especially during the holiday season. Definitely a must see when visiting Osaka. They also have a lot of great food nearby.

This is the nightlife and shopping place to be in Osaka. Come at night, and you will see everyone enjoying the markets, the food, the bars, street performers, and the random fortune teller. It's safe and comfortable walking here. Be warned: it's very spread out, so don't get lost!

It's one of the main attraction in Osaka. Better to visit during night time. With all lights, the area looks fabulous. There are so many restuarants, shopping malls and it's always crowded.

Big signs & bright lights. What's not to like? There is no place like the Dotonbori. Just a lively vibe about the whole place. Everybody there is just happy. Great fun. So many things to see and do. Endless amount of eateries and shopping options. Plenty of side streets to get lost in. Feels totally safe at night.

Absolutely stunning! We visited during the day, but the night experience is the time you need to go. The stunning views of the main river, especially during sunset! From the whacky and creative shop fronts, which you have to check out, to the random boat trips going along the river. It's a must see, we found a few different small bars tucked away as well, so be sure to explore.

A sensory experience you have to visit. Much more than just a single street, these multiple city blocks contain so much it’s impossible to list all the experiences that await. What can’t you find is the correct question. A day doesn’t give it justice. Family friendly with an active night life that leans adult. Safe, clean and entertaining.

You can't come to Osaka and not go to Dotomburi! This is the place for foodies, night life, shopping, pictures, everything! You can walk to everything since everything is in close distance. Certain hours it can get crowded like at night but overall it's nothing overwhelming. This is a must if you come to Osaka.

Most famous tourist strip in Osaka, featuring food, shopping and nightlife buzzing with activities. Take a stroll along the bridge to view the iconic Glico man billboard, or walk along the alleyways to experience the rich culture of Osaka food on parade, or just randomly walk into any of the fashion stores to get a feel-good factor of the local fashion on offer. Anything you can think of, Osaka will make it a dream of for you!

One of Osaka's top tourist destinations is an area brimming with numerous restaurants, bars, hotels, and shopping malls. It is highly recommended to visit this area at night when the lights illuminate the place, presenting a spectacular sight. Our visit was during the day, and the area was bustling with a large crowd of people. However, the nighttime ambience is truly captivating and shouldn't be missed. Many things to do at night time as well especially round one!

There are just so many options it's a bit overwhelming. Lots of tourists even in a light drizzle! Definitely go during the dinner hour to maximize the experience. I would recommend picking a restaurant beforehand, lining up before opening, getting dinner out of the way, before sightseeing.

Massive complex of arcades with more people than seems possible. Where as Tokyo has smaller, more distributed hotspots, it feels like all of Osaka comes together here in a big, electrifying dream. Highly stimulating visuals, great for photos and as an experience. Infinite amount of shops and restaurants.

I visited Dotonbori and it was amazing. The bright lights and big signs were so cool. There were tons of delicious street food and great places to shop. The atmosphere was lively and energetic, definitely a must-visit if you're in Osaka.

Sooo much stimulating triggers will surround you as you walk through the these streets. Energetic, full of sights and sounds, exciting food options. You'll navigate a sea of people as you might expect, but this area is pretty exciting and worth seeing at least once. During our couple of days in this area we couldn't nearly explore all of the side streets and intriguing little places in between the larger ones.

I definitely recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. We came Friday/Saturday with 2 day passes. The lines to come in are long, the lines for the rides are long, the lines for food (snacks) are long. If you can definitely get the express passes they are worth the $$$. Nintendo World is cool but VERY VERY busy. Once the area is full you'll have to get a timed area ticket via their ticket section in the park or via APP. (APP is easiest.) The restaurants inside are pricey. The Mario Cafe food was cute but the food was barely warm. Everywhere in the park the staff is helpful, and very kind. The bathrooms are all over the place (if you have kids download the app to show you where they are), very clean, and big. They could really use more benches and seating areas around the park. It is a lot of walking/standing so wear comfortable shoes.

We got to the park at 7 for the 8am opening, and there was already a MASSIVE throng of people waiting to get in. We spent much of the day waiting in lines. There were extremely long lines for rides, foods, drinks, the bathroom, and even to get into stores! We rode 4 rides all day, and having paid what we did to get in- this was a huge disappointment. We were able to access all areas of the park- including Mario World- which was amazing. The park was very clean. The workers were extremely nice and helpful. The APP was not very user friendly and we had to ask for help from workers on site often. You definitely need more than 1 day here if you want to experience every ride without having to pay the outrageous express pass prices. We spent a lot of time just walking around the Harry Potter and Mario World areas, as there was a lot to look at. I will say every bit of food we ate was on point and delicious!

Lines were crazy at a few times, and it was hot and uncomfortable, however we had a great time. I wish there was more seating and more shade options especially in lines. As for Nintendo world I wish more interactive boxes were available in the queues to make waiting more enjoyable. It was definitely worth it and I also want to note it was very affordable. Unlike the states there is no captive audience fee for drinks. Small surcharge but no way the same as in the USA. Will be coming back to keep using our power up bands!!!

What an incredible experience to be part of Universal Studio Japan. Super clean, details, quality are all there. Washrooms are super clean, well maintained. Surprisingly, the entry price is slightly cheaper than the equivalent in the US after conversion. The only one complaint I would say, no retry policy. I think this needs to be looked at again. There's situation where you do want to exit and grab meds or forgot baby stuff or even rest, hopefully, this rule could be relaxed one day. It was super busy the 2 days we were there (Mon, Tue) in Aug. Oddly, there is a 1hr "early" entry before the park actual opening time. This is free for everyone. Knowing this, people do tend to come even 1hr or 1.5hr before the early entry time. What's more confusing, people who bought 15min early entry, I'm not even sure how that works. Overall good experience 👍

Very fun place for a day trip. Lots of fun rides and can be pretty quick lines if you’re lucky. Food was quite expensive but was tasty and the restaurants were visually appealing. The base ticket worked just fine for us and we got most of the things done that we wanted to do. I would suggest going early so you can get a good time for the Super Nintendo world. Nintendo world was extremely busy and the rest bands were a bit more expensive than I thought they would be. Magical place even though it was extremely hot.

A place of fun, enjoyable and memorable moments for the family. Filled with lots of fun rides, yummy treats and a whole lot of characters that you would like to enjoy! Such loving times in Japan :) You can get tickets ahead of time to lessen the lines. The staff are all so corteous and filled with great service. There is also a Harry Potter site filled with so much color and fun.

Simply a blast to be here! Came on a Monday expecting thinner crowd but it was still full. Buy tickets in advance and don’t make the mistake we made and buy it when we arrived. Waiting in line is a common theme here but you can minimize it if you plan accordingly. Once you are inside the park, it makes sense why it’s so popular. Great presentation of different fun characters that you’ve come to love. For food, there is so many options to choose from. For rides, you need at least couple days to appreciate all of it. Everything is pricey even the food. Either way, that is all parks like this. Highly recommended and a must visit.

How can you not visit this place when you come to Osaka? The Nintendo theme park is definitely amazing and breathtaking. I could probably spent five hours in here just to look at the details of the construction. There are no words to describe how fun and exciting the ride was. I would say it’s definitely worth an hour or two to wait for the ride, although I did have a fast pass before coming into the theme park. Do not miss out on this area I would recommend to come to the park early and to go directly to the Nintendo area and come back later in the afternoon towards the evening because both as unique look and feel during the day and night

Super fun and interesting place to visit. Went to queue in the morning at 715am and there was lots of people queueing up at the entrance. Express tickets are sold out months before. Lucky enough to view the summer special for Mario theme. Transportation was convenient. Nintendo Super Mario was the first stop. Went for the single rider option, whereby the waiting time was much lower. It’s truly amazing for the Mario Kart ride. Amazed by the technology. Staff there are always smiling and encouraging people to try out all rides. The show at Sing is good and interacting. Definitely a happy place!

A lot of fun!! even if going in summer time. Shorter waiting time (1 to 1.5 hrs without express) but it was so hot and a bit hard to find the place to sit and eat over the lunch time. I think going in another season where the weather is cooler might be better. Recommend to buy the express ticket as well. Worth it!!

So, I hit up Universal Studios Japan on a scorching 40+ degree day, and boy, was it an adventure! Now, don't get me wrong, the place is jam-packed with awesome stuff, but there's a catch - crowds. 🥵 If you're not a fan of waiting in lines that stretch to infinity (1.5 to 2-hour waits for rides AND food) you might want to think twice. Seriously, it's like every minion in Minion Park decided to show up at the same time! The rides we did get on were a blast, but we only managed two because of the lines. If this place was half as busy, it'd be pure magic. But, 40-degree heat plus massive crowds? Not exactly my idea of a breezy day out. So, in a nutshell, if you're up for some patience-testing fun and can handle the heat, Universal Studios Japan's got some epic rides and shows. But if you're more of an "instant gratification" type, you might wanna plan your visit wisely, possibly over a multi-day visit 🎢

Easy to get there by train. Great experience when visit Osaka. Have fun with family. Recommend to buy ticket before arrival. To avoid long waiting time, express or VIP ticket is a good option. Waited for 90 mins to ride Harry Potter and Forbidden journey, but it’s worth. Must try Harry Potter’s butter beer.

It’s always a 5 stars experience going to a Universal Studios theme park! Osaka version is probably one of the best in the world, with the new addition of Nintendo World it really gives you so many options throughout the whole park! We had a great time visiting both the Harry Potter castle and Nintendo World, and I strongly recommend the food at Harry Potter cafe as it is really yummy and it makes you feel like you are transported into the books. If budget permits, do get the express passes it will free up more of your time to enjoy the other section of the parks since there tends to be longer queue at top attractions. They also do have tax refund near the entrance so you do get some of your money back if you are buying any of the merchandise. Overall an amazing experience, and I think if time is on your end. Make this a 2 day visit to really enjoy the whole park.

First time going to a universal studios and this place didn’t disappoint. Highly recommend reserving a fast pass in advance. We hardly waited in live and it guarantees a visit to Nintendo world(which was super packed). Highly recommend the flying dinosaur ride! That one was the best! Staff are so friendly. They seemed to have opened the doors earlier than what was on google. We went on a Wednesday and it was raining and it was still very packed.

Amazing experience visiting Universal Studios Japan. Highly recommend buying tickets online and at least one month in advance to secure your slot for the day. Didn't get express passes but was able to go to all the attractions we wanted because we went 1 hour before the park opened. Must see attractions are the Super Nintendo World, Wizarding World and Jurassic Park for the classic rides. Will definitely go back again.

Had a great day at universal studios. The rides are all in Japanese so I didn’t understand a lot of what was going on but still enjoyed it. Like any theme park there are queues for literally everything from the rides to the restaurants and snack vans. All the staff are extremely lovely and try to help as much as possible. If you’re hoping to visit Nintendo World don’t forget you need to buy additional tickets. I would also recommend getting express passes as this helps you go on as many rides as you can in the day!

The castle itself is super impressive. It's beautiful and can be seen from quite a distance away, making it feel very grand. The surrounding area of the castle is also really nice. On one side is a river/lake? That is lined with cherry blossom trees, and on the other is stalls filled with yummy food. The area gets very busy pretty quickly, so if you want to go up the castle (which I imagine is an impressive view), then it might be best to go earlier in the day.

The castle is absolutely gorgeous, something you will remember forever. The view from the top is also amazing. If you have time to stay and read and view all the history inside I would recommend it, but the inside is renovated to be a modern museum. so don't expect it to look like a castle on the inside if that's what you are looking for you won't get it here. If your are in more of a time crunch I would probably spend more time in the park and skip paying to go inside. Still a very beautiful and historic place to visit.

The Osaka castle has incredible views and has 8 floors you can walk up filled with the history of the castle and area. Beautiful set out and air conditioned on floors 4 and 5 for special artifacts. There is a lift to floor 5. There were allot of people when we went but the line up went quickly. We spent just over an hour there. You can listen to a portable tour guide - not sure if it was in English, but there are written descriptions of everything. We enjoyed this castle.

Historical Place in Osaka – Is It Worth Visiting? I decided to challenge myself and visit Osaka Castle under the blazing sun on a super sunny day. The walk from the metro station to the castle took about 10 minutes, which was manageable. However, reaching the castle from the entrance itself required another 20 minutes, and I must emphasize again, be prepared for the scorching summer heat. A helpful tip: consider getting the ticket online, or you can even book it when you arrive at the castle, which costs around $5. This way, you can skip the line at the ticket vending machine. The castle boasts 7 stories, with the top floor offering a 360-degree view of Osaka. From that point, you can see the entire city. However, the walk path to the top is quite narrow, so be prepared for a crowd. On the lower levels, you'll discover Japanese national treasures, including craftsmanship of swordsman, paintings, and an Osaka map. All in all, visiting Osaka Castle can be a rewarding experience, especially if you're interested in history and cultural artifacts. Just make sure to plan ahead for the hot weather and consider purchasing tickets online to save time.

Osaka Castle stands as a historic and iconic landmark in the heart of Osaka, Japan. With its grandeur and historical significance, it draws visitors from around the world to explore its storied past and captivating architecture. During my recent visit to Osaka Castle, I was awestruck by the impressive structure and its surrounding grounds. The castle's imposing appearance against the backdrop of the city skyline was truly a sight to behold. As I ventured through its meticulously preserved interiors, I gained a deeper understanding of its historical importance and the rich heritage of the region. The sprawling castle grounds offered a serene escape from the bustling city life. Strolling through the lush gardens, I enjoyed the tranquility and picturesque views of cherry blossoms and traditional Japanese landscapes. The panoramic vistas from the castle's observation deck were breathtaking, providing a panoramic view of Osaka's modern skyline juxtaposed with its historical charm. While visiting Osaka Castle, I also had the opportunity to learn about its role in Japan's history, particularly during the feudal era. The informative displays and exhibits within the castle complex provided insight into the lives of the samurai and nobility who once inhabited its walls. Overall, Osaka Castle is a must-visit destination for those interested in Japan's history, culture, and architectural marvels. Its grandeur and significance make it a captivating experience that offers a glimpse into Japan's rich past while providing a serene and picturesque escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

This is probably one of the main landmarks in Osaka. The space of the park is very large and the environment is so refreshing. There are some restuarants and souvenir shops as well. I visited here during a sunny winter day. I think spring is the best time to visit the castle.

Amazing castle with a great museum and informational walk to accompany it. Even though it is not the original castle there are many many cool renderings inside the museum that shows how grand of a castle system it was in the past. The history of the castle is very well laid out and in English too with videos and dramatic clips to engross you in feudal Japan. The area around the castle is just beautiful and very accesible for all

For me, this was much more than a check the box experience in Japan. To really immerse yourself in what Osaka Castle has to offer, make this a single outing for the day to see as much as possible and go deep into the details of the history of this place. In Western Civilization, much time is spent on Europe in the Middle Ages, here is an open door into Japan's history. Take advantage of the audio player available in the castle, English language available, and listen to each segment on each floor of the castle. There is rich history to learn and understand about Japan and the story behind the castle. Inside and outside the castle, this place can be enjoyed for hours.

A great historical museum that is a must visit while in Osaka. A few warnings beforehand: Buy the tickets online to skip the massive queue! Also, be aware that the castle itself is quite a walk from the nearby stations (10-20 minutes walk). Other than that, the castle is super informative and interesting. At the top, you get a 360 view of the city! P.s., you are not allowed to take photos in the castle!

Beautiful area with plenty of history! I loved the bridges and the scenic walk to the castle. Overall I loved the museum experience and the view point so I definitely recommended however, the museum has a very modern feel to it. I was expecting an older traditional feel. We visited in summer and it was about 35 degrees which was quite exhausting. Recommend this place to all tourists and people in the area.

Osaka Castle is a beautiful and highly recommended landmark in the city. Actually, the is a place where you can enjoy a good view of the city from the castle. It is regarded as city’s main attraction. The castle is architecturally beautiful from outside than the inside. There is an adjacent park near the castle which is so beautiful and you can enjoy your time with family.

Amazing museum and beautiful panoramic view of the city. Take the stairs up to appreciate the different museum exhibits as you climb and reward yourself at the top with the city view. The museum is unlike other museums - it gives you a very focused view of history of Osaka castle and the major players involved at the time of Japan’s unification. It’s one of the best museums we’ve been to in regards to how it conveys the significance and importance of its history.

This is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Osaka. And you can see most of it without needing to go up to the castle tower. The place is very well maintained, and great for walking around and soaking in local scenery and nature. There are lots of great spots for picnic too, which the locals take full advantage of. The easiest landmark to remember is the natural history museum. The park is a 3 minute walk from there. All in all, great place to visit, especially when the weather is good, and even more so during the cherry blossom season.

Osaka Castle! Osaka Castle is a must-visit attraction if you are in the city. The castle is a beautiful and historic landmark that offers a glimpse into Japan's fascinating past. The castle is surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens, which make for a lovely walk on a sunny day. The castle itself is very impressive, with its towering walls and beautiful architecture. Visitors can explore the various floors of the castle, which are filled with exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the castle's history. The views from the top of the castle are also breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. The castle grounds are quite large, and there are many other attractions in the area that are worth exploring. There are several museums, temples, and shrines nearby, as well as a beautiful park that is perfect for a picnic or a relaxing stroll. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Osaka Castle if you are in the area. It's a beautiful and historic landmark that offers a unique glimpse into Japan's fascinating past. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved!

A beautiful must-see in Osaka. The castle is gorgeous and entry is relatively cheap. Good air-conditioning inside is great during the very hot summers, and English explanations are available in de Tower, however there are some grammatically incorrect places. The waiting line is a bit long which can get tedious in hot weather since there is barely any cover. The view from the top is amazing! Worth it in my opinion

Loved it, so unique and special to Osaka. It’s obviously been rebuilt three times and it had been renovated to be a museum inside but it’s still older than many places in America. I loved the artifacts in the museum inside especially so but a ticket online in advance to ship the long lines. It’s a bit of a walk to get to so wear good walking shoes.

A beautiful castle, we really enjoyed it. The best spot for pictures is behind the small lake. It has vending machines for drinks and ice cream, restrooms, even garbage cans. The entrance is free

This place is magical during cherry blossom season! It took my breath away. This is a definite must see if you’re in the area. There is a boat ride and you can tour the inside of the castle; we opted out due to long wait times. The park is beautiful. I recommend packing a picnic or buying from the vendors and enjoying lunch in the outside grounds.

The place was large. There was more than one carpark. If walking was not preferred, there were small train and golf cars for travelling to the castle at a charge. Maintenance was good. Convenient store and cafes were found near the entrance. Toilets were easily found along the walkway. Ventilation was natural because it was a bit opened. Inside the park, there was a playground for children. At the time of the visit, renovation of the castle area was in progress. There were many photographic points, especially the appearance of the castle, which was very grand.

We went there for the February 2022 plum blossom exhibition. We were so delighted to see 1500 plum trees in full blossom (last week of February). The flowers covered a full spectrum of pinks, reds and whites, including combinations of these colors. Yes bicolor flowers. The guide was so kind to explain us details about each tree we wanted since he had a map with the names. At the same time we arrived the Osaka Marathon arrival was also happening. 2 hrs 7 mins Wow! It was very well organized with some politicians waiting at the arrival. We were able to go trough behind the people to access the park without any problem. The food stores at the entrance also were so good, and the ramen shop smelled so great.

The gardens are more interesting than the Tokyo ones with the type of access they give, the vegetation, the views. Free entrance and plenty of drinks and ice cream, unlike Tokyo where there was no water. They even have built a mall there!

Very peaceful castle park in the middle of the city that offers a uniquely colorful scenery every season! Having been here more than 5 times all throughout the 4 seasons, my preferred time of year to visit is definitely fall, around late November / early December. The castle park is well known for its fall foliage as the warm tones of gold and red of the trees surrounding the castle create a beautiful contrast. Walking through the castle park will feel like walking through a tunnel of red and copper. Right now, in September the white and crimson crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) are starting to bloom, which I also thought was unique to see. 📷 Tip for photographers: Come early in the morning before 10AM (before the large tourist groups arrive) when the castle ground is quiet and empty. Plus the lighting is much softer in the morning. My preferred season after having visited more than 5 times and seeing the castle in all 4 seasons is still Fall due to the beautiful red and golden leaves accompanied by golden hour in the morning / afternoon. 👣 Tip for fellow runners: The Osaka Castle Loop is a popular running that goes through the castle park and all around the outer perimeter of the castle. Distance approx. 4.2km, very wide paths which many runners like to use for sprint and interval training. I got off at the JR Ōsakajō-kōen Station, but you can also start from the JR Morinomiya Station.

The castle was closed the day we went but this was still a highlight of our trip. Beautiful grounds with plenty of markers noting historical events. We also made use of the little train shuttle that runs through the park and that was such a blessing after a day full of walking. I went back a second day to purchase items from the gift shop and if you're just going for the castle or Hokoku Shrine, I would recommend using Osakajokoen Station rather than Morinomiya Station. It seemed like a quicker and easier walk.

Visited this magnificent castle during my visit to Osaka and I must confess that this castle have a huge historical memory that showcases one of Japanese rich cultural heritage to the world at large. The castle was newly innovated and has multiple floors for tourists to visit. Each of the floor have a lot of historical artifacts on the display for anyone visiting the castle to view. The staff working in this place are very helpful and the amount to pay to visit the castle is only 600JPY which is affordable. I would strongly recommend anyone visiting Osaka to take a trip to this beautiful castle because of it’s historical significance and location.

Very nice park surrounding Osaka Castle. We went there on a Sunday morning. Very lively with little shops and cafes, and generally people out for a run or just enjoying some sunshine. There are also plenty of seats around the park, shade and public toilets, generally pretty clean.

Beautifully cared for park. Has absolutely everything you thought about and yet to think about. Street vendors, cafe, Minimarts, vending machines, restrooms, playgrounds, stunning views, paved walkways, resting benches and sooo much more to discover. There is also a ride along train you can jump on that will go around the grounds, and a boat that will circle the castle.

Great aquarium experience! All the animals were very lively and entertaining to look at. It was interesting to see each one in their own habitats and learning about their behaviours. We stayed a good 2h there. Me and my family went on a weekday around 12:30 and the wait was not very long, 5min at most to buy the tickets. Just to be sure, i recommend that you buy your tickets in advance.

Really love this place!!! When I first knew about Kaiyukan, I knew immediately that I needed to go here. So, I had bought ticket online in advanced after I got my visa, and then I went to visit Kaiyukan. It's really large, like I walk and walk but still don't see the end of the hall =)))))) I like the design of the spiral here, I can see the animal from when they're above the water and then when they're deep in the water. Love the penguins so much, they're so cute!!! And the ring seal too!!! Oh, and I get to touch a kind of shark, forgot their name and some rays too, really cool. Will come back here if I have the chance :3

I not a child, but I loved this Aquarium like a child would! My hubby was going nuts because he said “I made him spend almost three hours there. Heck time goes fast when you’re having fun. We went pretty close to opening time, and already scores of coaches were there and school children on excursions. We had to wait 85 mins before our timed entry. We waited around the market place. Dreading that we had eaten food prior to coming! Come on am empty stomach, as they had great offerings of food to have ! From savoury to sweet or drinks! I loved the Pacific Ocean tank, it went on throughout the aquarium. All the fish were the stars! Everyone really impressed with the whale sharks, sharks and the like. The dolphins were cute, so we’re the Penguins! The otters were fast asleep. The Great Barrier Reef exhibition was closed and won’t open till September 2024. It’s quite a peaceful place even with the crowds. Have patience, and you’ll get close to the action.

My first visit to an aquarium and I was impressed immensely. They designed the place in such a way that you won’t miss a thing. If you are a fan of underwater creatures this place is definitely for you. Don’t forget to buy something cool from their souvenir shop on your way out.

One of the best places in Osaka. Educational and fun. Facility is clean and well maintained like Japanese standard. Japan is amazing, they can make everything so well even for animals. We don’t understand Japanese and we still can have a good experience here with different sea animals. Love this place. For kids, for adults and for anyone who has a loving heart towards animals. This place is awesome.

Excellent aquarium. My son loves sea animals so we've been to a lot of them, including the Monterey Bay aquarium in California. This aquarium showed many aquatic animals organized by the region they are found. You follow a route once inside and it takes you past all of the animals without missing any. You don't have to worry about missing something because you didn't look for it. There are a few places off the route but they are supplementary and don't have animals in them, just additional information about special ones like the otters. They had lively dolphins that played with a basketball in front of us, we saw them feed ducks and the central tank features at least 2 whale sharks among many other regionally appropriate aquatic life. It was amazing. There's a small cafe about 3/4 of the way along the route that's in a perfect spot to grab a drink or snack and look out over the Osaka bay. Excellent view at or near sunset. We loved it and would definitely recommend it to others and would return if we are ever here again. Pro tip: if you have a child, buy the stamp book at the shop near the entrance. My son loved collecting the stamps along the way and made the experience more interactive for him. Most people grab the information booklet and stamp that but the actual stamp book is cheap and much better. It has a lanyard so your child can wear it and shows what animal they should look for next.

Another must see and do attraction if you're in Osaka! It can be a little crowded trying to buy tickets so online is a better option if you're trying to save time. The aquarium is a little small but they have a lot to see. It's a great place to take the family out and to venture into Osaka.

Great aquarium. Not too crowded, and even with some people in, the "flow" inside the building makes the visit really smooth and you can enjoy every scenes as you wish. The tour takes some time but there is at least two rooms where you can sit and relax for a bit. The tour is made following a logical way and that's easy to remember and well narrated. You can see some interesting creatures! The lights effects on the jellyfish exhibition were really cool!

Amazing place. I'm glad I didn't skip this because it ranked lower than Singapore's aquarium. The design is very different. Speaks volumes of the Japanese willingness to do their best at everything. A huge 7-8 storey high aquarium that has tank enclosures at least 5-7 floors high, keep dolphins, seals, penguins happy and not bored. The main enclosure with the whale sharks was a bit dull and a little sad but such is the problem with such nature reserve parks. But for now, best aquarium I have visited so far. Was a delight to see the dolphins and seals swim playfully and apparently, rather freely. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Great aquarium. Very unexpected. A. Good selection of animals. Dolphins were very playful, the seals were funny as always. There a huge tank in the centre and it was just amazing to see the variety of fish floating around in there.

Strongly strongly recommend purchasing tickets online before going. In peak summer it is extremely busy and hot queuing in the sun for hours. The aquarium itself is nicely done, the air conditioning works well and the exhibits are impressive. The crowds are pretty intense at times, with kids running around; but that’s to be expected in a busy tourist spot. The Pacific Ocean enclosure is impressive, hosting two whale sharks which was cool to see up close- albeit a bit sad given how small their tank is compared to their natural habitat of the ocean. The Great Barrier Reef exhibit is closed till later in 2024.

i thought it was ok. the aquarium itself is really cool but it is way too packed so each exhibit is a battle to get a good look. the aquarium itself is honestly ready great, just the aquarium being overcrowded and the amount of foreigners makes it not the best experience. the whale shark theme soft serve was good.

Best meal I had in Kyoto! It's course set portion and pricing is very reasonable too. The beef freshness is excellent. Its meat and fats are well balanced. And the various kind of dipping sauce given goes well with the different portion of the beef served. If I had more time in Kyoto, I would definitely love to eat here again. Since the restaurant is small, it's best if you make reservations earlier. My group of six people booked a month earlier. Staff are comfortable to converse in foreign languages such as English and Chinese.

Amazing dinner. We had the Matsusaka special which consisted of only meat courses. All cooked at your own preference. We also had the special garlic rice which was something amazing. The meat melts in your mouth, pure heaven. Really recommend this place.

Make a reservation before you come here, this place gets really busy. The majority of staff were Chinese and a lot of their customers were also Chinese. But staff were nice and all spoke English. First time in three weeks I didn’t need to speak Japanese even a little :/ We ordered the premium set which came with nearly everything on the menu. Their garlic fried rice was the best I’ve ever had, so make sure you order that. The set is enough to make you really full, you won’t need to order any side dishes. Staff cook the garlic beef dish and bring the beef sushi to you prepared but other than that you’re left alone and you can cook the meats at your own pace. Restaurant is small but you’re seated in nice private booths, there’s a call button on the table if you want service. I’m 90% sure that nearly every customer in the restaurant was a foreign tourist but the food was really good so it doesn’t really matter that locals don’t visit. It’s different than a Kobe beef teppanyaki restaurant, different taste and experience. I would try both if you have a chance. There’s also a lot of nice looking local restaurants next to this one if you weren’t able to get a seat. The one directly to the left has a nice friendly owner which spoke to us while we were waiting. P.S. Yakiniku M accept major credit cards.

A fantastic yakiniku spot in the dotonbori area. High quality meats that you cook yourself. We went with their set menu (cheapest one) and it was a ton of food for the 4 of us with everything tasting simply amazing.

"My family and I visited Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M in Hozenji Yokocho during our trip to Osaka, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our dining experiences in the city. From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, with friendly staff ready to assist us with our meal. We were blown away by the premium quality of the beef - it was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. The beef was so tender and flavorful, with a rich and savory taste that left us wanting more. We had a lot of fun cooking the steak ourselves on the grilling station in front of us, which added to the overall dining experience. It was a great way to interact with the food and truly appreciate the high quality of the ingredients. In addition to the beef, we also enjoyed the Fried rice, which was a great accompaniment to the meat dishes. The rice was flavorful and well-seasoned, with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It was clear that the chef had put a lot of thought and care into each dish. The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and intimate, with a nice view of the grilling station. The service was excellent as well, with the staff being very attentive and accommodating to our requests. In particular, the Indian waitresses were friendly and provided good service throughout our meal. Overall, Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M offers a premium dining experience with top-notch quality beef that will leave your taste buds wanting more. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fun, delicious and satisfying meal in Osaka. It is definitely worth the price and a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

This place is located in an alley with an authentic Japanese feeling to it. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and guided toward our private section. Guests apparently have their own cubicle type of space. Very cozy. The people were very friendly and explained the menu in proper English. On my table, there was a hand-written card with my name on it and a nice welcome message. Nice! The eye for detail at this place is exquisite. The service in general is very warm, welcoming, and friendly. Of course, most importantly: The food is superb. We took the special dining set with a good sake pairing. The Matsusaka beef is absolutely amazing. This was our first time trying this type of wagyu beef and it’s definitely worth the try. We tried different cuts and were delighted by the various flavors. This whole experience was perfect and flawless for me. Absolutely amazing!

Insanely good food, with insane service. You get a private table with 2 hours time. We paid 12 000 Y for two people including 12 pieces of M beef, 6 pieces of wagyu beef, appetizers, desert and 2 sake drinks. Definitely recommend. We didn't have a reservation but the staff found us a table.

Our 4th visit to this excellent restaurant. Their beef is really delicious and without a doubt the best in the world! Just look at the marbelling on the meat. Highly recommended!!!

My first time in japan and experience in this restaurant really went beyond my expectations. We went for their kagayaki full course meal @ 10780 yen (after tax), their beef is simply amazing! We were very impressed by the quality of beef, and most memorable for me was the teriyaki sauce with raw egg yolk for their sukiyaki matsusaka beef sirloin. Next I would like to praise the staff for preparing a last minute request for a cute dessert for my partner's birthday! Lastly their hospitality was simply amazing, as we walked out of the restaurant the waitress rushed out to greet us goodbye which really left a memorable experience for us. Would definitely visit the place again!

Wonderful beef experience. Try to book in advance if you want to be guaranteed a seat. Not an everyday experience so I wouldn’t mine recommending this place if you want to have a taste of quality wagyu once in a while .

Really love this place would recommend people to come and try. Coming here with you lover and have a great beef. The place might look a but small but inside of their restaurant they have a private seating zone for everyone.

Went around 11:45am on Sunday there and it’s not crowded (we didn’t make a reservation). We ordered the lunch special with the hot pot and it was really delicious. The set comes with around 8 courses where you can enjoy crab cooked in different ways. The service is good but slow. Anyway, we had a good time. The food is really yummy and I give one star less because of the service. We asked for water and it came in like 20 minutes where lots of waitresses are standing beside our table chatting...

We went during the evening and it was surprisingly empty. Didn't make a reservation and was immediately seated. Our waitress was really friendly and we liked all the crab sashimi. Although I think I prefer the cooked crab slightly better.

Prices not for the faint hearted but if you appreciate quality and top service standards, this might just make your day, that is you are a crab 🦀 person. Surprisingly, the best part of my meal was the little bowl of greyish coloured crab roe+innards mixed. Crab served in so many ways for you to appreciate. Again, for me it is the baked crab, not something usual here. Most were having it Steamed or boiled. Amazing enough for us to come back a second time.

It has been 3 years since I visited this restaurant due to Covid restrictions. When Japan announced borders opening, my family quickly booked tickets to Osaka and also reservations for this restaurant. I will visit this restaurant whenever I visit Osaka as am a crab lover and I like this main branch. Their food never disappoint me. Love the porridge cooked from using the remaining of the hotpot soup. It’s super tasty. Great service too. Thank you Ms Tatsumi for your excellent service to my family and we definitely will be back again. P.S. good to make advance online reservation as it always fully booked.

A great place to experience crab dining, from sashimi to cooked dishes. We ordered some lunch sets and a la carte menus, all are appealing and delicious. Even though it's a bit pricy but the quality and service are worth the price.

We had the snow crab keisaki dinner which was delicious. The snow crab was prepared in different fashions: cold, sashimi, grilled, tempura, mixed with egg, on rice, etc. The service was also fast, efficient and friendly.

Very interesting fresh 🦀 crab restaurant 🦀 kinda tradition way to serve food 🥘 this restaurant gonna be my top list!! Highly recommend to try. Again, don’t forget to book reservation. We ordered many different items and few combos, so there was few item missed, good thing we took photos, so we get a chance to figure out what we’ve eat. If you order several combos and side order, make sure to memorize what you order or make order one by one. Price:💰💰💰💰 Food:😍😍😍😍.5 Envr.:👨🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳

I had a lunch special set around 6000 yen. The other is meal set for around 11000 yen. Server with crab sashimi, tempura, hot pot is my favorite and crab sushi was ok. Price is a bit high consider Dotonbori area average. Restaurant view by Osaka river is very chill, great service with staff in elegant kimono. Tough not every speaks fluent English but you can feel the staff try hard to explain with their body language, that’s very kind for person like me who don’t speak Japanese.

You can never miss this restaurant walking along Dotonburi. This restaurant sells only Japanese snow crabs cooked in many different ways. As it is often crowded, go early to reserve a seat, and they will inform you to come back at a certain time to wait for a table. You will be ushered to your table by a kimono clad hostess to traditional Japanese style seatings divided by low wooden partitions between tables for privacy. Despite its traditional ambience, order is done through a tablet with both Japanese and English options. The food was served quickly and delicious. There is also a kid’s menu which also comprises of crab but cooked in child friendly style. Did not use the toilet.

Just a quick review of their crab bun - it's filled with delicious crab meat. Get there during the day because they are sold out in the evening. The bun is nice and sweet and the meat is piping hot and a bit sweet and savory. It's really yummy.

High quality crab dishes at an iconic location in Osaka. I recommended to make a reservation otherwise the queue can be quite long. The service was impeccable though the staff spoke primarily Japanese. The food was fresh and good and the portions were substantial. Overall a wonderful dining experience.

Awesome acoustic within this auditorium. Not bad leg room and elbow room, but could be a little more. Helpful and efficient staff. Thoroughly enjoyed my entertainment here at this theatre and would highly recommend, and visit again.

I saw a full kabuki show here and had a good time. I don't know very much Japanese, but I still had fun seeing a kabuki show. I love theater and it was a bit slow and my eyes were dropping at points, but worth checking out. Very other worldly, and different from western plays. Worth it if you have a flair for theater. I would recommend seeing the last 2 part act if you are coming the story is less rushed and much easier to follow if you don't know Japanese. Be warned this theater doesn't have computer translators to English only Japanese, and they sell a book with the lines in English for 1800 yen, but as a backpacker I couldn't fit it in my bag so I didn't get it.

This theatre is the home of the Osaka kabuki family that performs here. The theatre is a little smaller than the Kabuki za and National Kabuki theatre in Tokyo but the standard of performance equals or exceeds its Tokyo rivals. Ravishingly beautiful and completely underestimated by western audience's if you can get the opportunity to see some of Japan's greatest theatre, this is the place to see it.

Built in 1923, inspired by the Italian theaters in Milan and completing 100 years now in 2023 with several special celebrations, the Osaka Shochizuka theater was once a cinema and is now used for opera, the traditional Kabuki theater and for Shingeki, which is a kind of dramatic representation influenced by western molds. It was Japan's first concrete and steel structure cinema and ended its activities as a cinema in 1994 with the presentation of the film “Gone with the wind”! After renovations, it reopened in 1997 as a theater including musicals and concerts. The theater has 1033 seats spread over 3 floors. It is a historical and very special place in Dotonbori but unfortunately I see few foreign tourists visiting this place. Possibly because of the Japanese language, which makes it difficult to understand the theatrical pieces shown. But be that as it may, this location is at least worth your souvenir photo outside the theater.

Cozy and quiet cafe with great food! We came here once and liked it so much we made sure we came back again on our last day in Osaka. The portion sizes are big so come hungry! The food is freshly made so you may have to wait a little bit it is well worth it - everything we had was delicious (especially the pizza!). There are English speaking staff who are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A really nice quiet spot to eat when you’re getting a bit overwhelmed by the busy city or just want a great meal and great customer service! The bears are also very cute! Will be back next time we’re in Osaka.

Huge portions that we thought our guts were going to be busted (but in a good way). Amazing value for your money and tasted incredible to boot. Friendly and kind server - such a sweet lady. Would 10000% recommend to others. Seats fill up quick starting 30 mins after open, so be prepared to hustle for their opening time.

Nice place with good food and very nice staff. Everything was delicious and affordable. The only negative thing I would say, and it seems silly to complain about this, but the large cafe latte was just too big. Being American I'm used to large portions but I couldn't finish. Anyway, not something to dock stars for. Still really loved the vibe and would recommend others to go!

Best gluten free pizza I've ever had and I've had many. This was such a good find. I will be back. It's pretty big too, was hard to finish despite being absolutely the best. Partner had a(not gf) toasted sandwich which I was told was exceptional. Great Cafe! Thank you so much for the good memories!

Amazing 🍔 restaurant near the aquarium. The shop is full of 🐻, food is really good, owner is helpful and nice, one of the best burger I ate in Japan. English menu is available! Must to try if you go in this area 🐳

The owner was very nice and the cafe had a homely atmosphere, so we felt cozy there. We ordered hamburger and kuma pancake, both were very tasty and the pancake looked very cute. The only downside was that we waited quite long for the food, but it's definitely worth the visit and I would like to go there again when I'm in Osaka. 🐻

Huge serving sizes each crafted with the chef’s care and attention. Piping hot and juicy burgers, great strong coffee, and a large variety of very reasonably priced fare. Great place to get a very filling meal across from the aquarium.

Our experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I don’t tend to leave reviews, but the owner made us feel very welcome. He apologized for the wait which almost an hour, but to be fair it was during lunch hour. We were sat at the chefs counter, and the owner would occasionally make jokes and conversation with us. We had mentioned it was my birthday and he and the other chef sung happy birthday to me. He also gave me a little souvenir as a birthday gift upon leaving. His English is quite good and I’d come back again! Also, the food was delicious! The menu was difficult to navigate because Google translate couldn’t translate it correctly, but we got what was recommended to us and it did not disappoint!

When you go to Osaka for okonomiyaki, definitely go to this place! Of course there are a lot of other okonomiyaki restaurants but this place is really one of my favorites. I went to their branch near Hankyu Umeda but it was closed so the next day I went to this branch in Umeda Sky Building for lunch. It’s just located in B1 level of the observatory so it’s convenient after the sight seeing. Their place is not so big and just right. Okonomiyaki is good for 1 person. Okonomiyaki is really tasty! I ordered すじ and so glad I got it. Order will take time so be sure to come here before you’re super hungry.

Visited on 12/30 (Fri), already had about 10 people queuing at 11am. Glad that we went early and was able to get in as the first batch of the day. It was fun to sit at the bar and watch all the food being cooked.

Strolled in at about 6.30pm after visiting the Umeda sky tower and saw a short queue - but we had to wait for an hour before we finally got seated + our food served That being said, even though the queue time was extremely long (honestly it wasn’t that long for us - but I can’t imagine those queueing behind), the food was AMAZING. Loved every bite of the yakisoba and Okonomiyaki - went to heaven literally. Staff were really warm and nice to the guests as well. Hands down one of the best meals I had here in Osaka and it’s worth the queue.

Our last dinner on this trip and decided to go to Kiji to have okonomiyaki and yakisoba since we skipped it the last time due to the queue. This time, we went early and managed to get a table before the crowd came. The friendly owner-chef spoke English very well and offered to start us off with 2 okonomiyaki and 1 yakisoba when he saw us struggling to decide what we wanted. The three dishes that he came back with is delicious especially the yakisoba. After which, we ordered fried udon and another okonomiyaki (seafood). To note, the okonomiyaki is different from the usual Osaka ones as it does not have so much batter and it bring forth the prominence of the shredded cabbage. It should also be a reason why we are not that full and able to polish up 3 okonomiyaki, 1 yakisoba and 1 yaki udon. Highly recommended but do go early.

In Japan if people are queuing outside a restaurant you know it’s gonna be good. This Okonomiyaki place is better than just good, it’s hitting the awesome mark. Can’t say I’m a big Okonomiyaki fan, but after trying a few bites here, I realised probably haven’t had a great one. This place feels like a bit of an institution, judging by all the tourist photos with the old owner on the wall. The owner was charming and friendly and very eager to engage in a chat and entertain between working hard over the hot plate. The food itself was great, we tried different styles of Okonomiyaki and found each combination of meat or seafood moorish and both crispy and moist depending on how well done the noodles were. So despite the queue the wait was really worth tasting all the different flavours and the charming hospitality of the owner.

The staff is very friendly and charismatic! The owner has been cooking there everyday for 54 years! The yakisoba and ononomiyaki were both excellent! This place is popular though so expect to wait a bit if you want to go! I was shocked when we got the bill! Only $8 per dish! What a great deal it’s no wonder they are so popular! We sat at the bar and got to watch them make the dishes! Recommended!

Great place to experience an Osaka tradition. Family run and just delicious food. Expect a wait but they take your order while you're in line. The yakisoba okonomiyaki is amazing. The place is on B1F and is labeled as 11 on the building map. No English menus but plenty of spoken English to get by.

This was the warmest experience I had in Japan. The Takoyaki is so soft and tender with a piece of octopus and konjac. After having six balls, I felt a bit greasy, but still wanted more!! The owner is so warm hearted with a great enthusiasm towards cooking Takoyaki! Def I will visit here next time when I come back to Japan!