Western Osaka is the part of the city closer to the water, offering a more relaxed pace and a completely different atmosphere than the neon-lit centre. The port landscape, modern developments and space for relaxation create a more open and authentic side of Osaka that is worth discovering.
Western Osaka is an area where the city opens up to the bay and offers a completely different view of urban space. The area around Osakakō Station, which I want to show you here, is a place designed for entertainment, family attractions and a seaside atmosphere. It is here that you will find the famous aquariums, the Ferris wheel, Universal Studios Japan and the small Legoland, which attract tourists of all ages.
WESTERN OSAKA – PLACES DESCRIBED IN THE GUIDE
WESTERN OSAKA – OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world, located in the Osaka Bay area, near Osakakō Station. It is one of the main attractions in the western part of the city, attracting both families with children and adult travellers. It was mainly this place that brought us to this part of the city.
- LOCATION: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- OPENING HOURS: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
TICKET PRICES: Adults ¥2,700, (7-15 years old): ¥1,400, (4-6 years old): approx. ¥700, under 4 years old: free
DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
EXTERIOR OF THE AQUARIUM
The exterior of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan immediately catches the eye and stands out against the backdrop of the Tempozan harbour buildings. The building has a modern, massive form, and its façade is decorated with a distinctive composition of colourful panels and geometric shapes inspired by ocean motifs and wave motion. The architecture of the aquarium has been designed to herald a journey through the underwater world from the outside. The monumental scale of the building contrasts with the open space of the waterfront, creating one of the most recognisable landmarks in western Osaka.
AQUARIUM INTERIORS AND EXHIBITS
The interior of the aquarium is designed as a spiral route leading through various ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean. The tour begins at the highest level and gradually descends, allowing visitors to observe marine life from different perspectives. There is also an interesting entrance hall and, of course, a huge toy shop.
The centrepiece is a huge tank where whale sharks swim. It is the symbol of Kaiyukan and one of the biggest attractions of the facility. The most amazing thing is that the route is designed so that you can watch the sharks from different levels most of the time.
The aquarium presents hundreds of species of marine animals, from colourful tropical fish, penguins and seals to jellyfish and deep-sea creatures. It is actually the most beautiful and interesting aquarium we have ever been to (and we have been to quite a few around the world).
TEMPOZAN HARBOR VILLAGE : LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER AND TEMPOZAN FERRIS WHEEL
SHOPPING COMPLEX
Tempozan Harbor Village is a popular entertainment and shopping complex located on Osaka Bay, right next to Osakakō Station. At Tempozan Harbor Village, you will find numerous souvenir shops, restaurants serving local and international delicacies, and interactive areas for children, including a small Legoland Discovery Centre.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE
This family attraction located within the complex is primarily aimed at children, but adults can also find something for themselves here. The centre offers interactive exhibitions, slides, play structures, a 4D cinema and miniature models of Osaka built from millions of LEGO bricks.
TEMPOZAN FERRIS WHEEL
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the most recognisable attractions in western Osaka. This enormous Ferris wheel is 112 metres high, offering panoramic views of the port, Osaka Bay and, in good weather, even the city centre skyline.
THE WATERFRONT AND SURROUNDINGS
The Osakakō station area not only offers attractions such as an aquarium, Ferris wheel and Legoland, but also a pleasant waterfront area, ideal for walking and relaxing. The harbour area offers stunning views of Osaka Bay, moored ships and modern buildings, which contrast with the traditional elements of the city.
SUNTORY MUSEUM
The Suntory Museum is a modern exhibition space dedicated to the history and culture of Japanese alcoholic beverages and the heritage of the Suntory brand. It is one of Japan’s most famous producers of whisky, beer and beverages. The museum is located a short distance south of the aquarium. We did not visit it, but I am leaving the information here in case anyone is interested.
WESTERN OSAKA – NANKO ISLAND
From the waterfront near the aquarium, you can see the neighbouring island of Nanko, which is also artificially constructed. Here you will find Seaside Cosmo, a vast seaside park overlooking Osaka Bay, and a hemisphere that served as the Maritime Museum until 2013.
Nanko Island is also home to the Osaka Nanko Bird Sanctuary, a nature reserve in western Osaka. This place was created to protect waterfowl and marsh birds that stop in Osaka Bay and along the coast of Japan during migration. The sanctuary features ponds, wetlands, and specially designated walking paths and observation points. These allow visitors to observe birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them. The reserve is home to herons, cormorants, ducks and many species of migratory birds. The best time for observation is spring and autumn, when the number of birds is at its highest.
OTHER INTERESTING PLACES ON THE WEST COAST
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN – is one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan and one of Osaka’s biggest attractions. Located in the western part of the city, on Osaka Bay, the park attracts millions of visitors every year, including tourists from all over the world and Japanese residents.
MAISHIMA RYOKUCHI PARK – is a vast recreational park located on the artificial island of Maishima in western Osaka. In spring, the park delights visitors with thousands of blue nemophila flowers in bloom, creating the effect of a rippling blue sea. The flowering season is in April and May, making this place extremely popular with walkers and photography enthusiasts.
NEW ISLAND – EXPO 2025 SITE
After the Expo ends, the exhibition site on New Island, built on a former landfill, will be given a new lease of life as a public space. The most distinctive element remaining after the exhibition is the monumental circle, a memento of an event that attracted worldwide attention. Although many pavilions will disappear, the circle will remain not only as an aesthetic object, but also as a landmark, a meeting place and a venue for cultural events. It is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world. I will write a separate article about EXPO 2025 itself, but in the meantime, here is a gallery of what you still have a chance to see.
ACCOMMODATION IN OSACA
The choice of accommodation in Osaka depends mainly on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything from modern hotels to atmospheric hostels and traditional ryokans. If you decide to book accommodation in Osaka, I recommend using Booking.com, which we have tested dozens of times. Use the link to book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Enter your desired dates and make a secure booking:
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