If you're visiting Osaka for the first time, these 6 attractions are not to be missed as they condense Osaka's past and modernity.

Must-see attractions in Osaka

1) Universal Studios Japan and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

A theme park on a par with Tokyo Disneyland (tickets), Universal Studios Japan is located in Konohana Ward, Osaka City, Japan, and is one of the 4 Universal Studios theme parks in the world. The groundbreaking ceremony was hosted on October 28, 1998 by the American action actor and former governor of California, Arnold Swartzberg. On October 28, 1998, Arnold Schwarzenegger, an American action actor and former governor of California, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony. Its design is similar to that of Universal Studios in Orlando, USA, with some of the same rides.

The most important thing to note is that the Harry Potter Castle area in Universal Studios was opened before the United States and is currently the only Harry Potter area in the world. A must-see for Harry fans!

Address: 1-33, Sakurajima 2-chome, Konohana-ku, Osaka

2) Don't Miss - Osaka Kaiyukan

Osaka Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, famous for its giant whale sharks, and is a popular attraction for family outings. Visitors can first take the elevator up to the highest level, the 8th floor, and then tour the aquarium floor by floor from top to bottom. The unique touch pool at the aquarium gives children a chance to get close to marine creatures that are usually hard to see. Unlike other aquariums, there are no whale or dolphin shows at the Kaiyukan, but there is a special penguin walk in winter. Next to the Kaiyukan is the famous Osaka Harbor sail-type cruise ship St. Mary's, which you can ride for free if you purchase an Osaka Weekly Pass.

3)Tenpozan Ferris Wheel

The Tenpozan Ferris Wheel is a famous lover's rendezvous where you can see the sea, distant mountains and the entire city of Osaka from high in the sky, as well as Mt. Rokko in Kobe, which can be seen from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge that crosses the sea.

There is a saying that says, "Couples who embrace at the top of the Ferris wheel will be together forever. It's a saying that has been practically passed down by word of mouth. The Ferris wheel, which has become a landmark in Osaka and is frequently featured in romantic Japanese dramas, can fulfill almost all of your best fantasies about love.

4) Osaka Castle Tenshokaku

Osaka Castle is the most famous tourist attraction in Osaka. Centered on Tenshokaku, it is located in the Chuo-ku district of Osaka and is the symbolic attraction of Osaka, and is a must-visit for tourists traveling in Osaka. It consists of thirteen buildings that have been designated as important cultural assets by the Japanese government. Especially famous are its imposing gates and towers along the moat.

5) Shitennoji Temple

Sitennoji Temple, one of the oldest architectural complexes in Japan, is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku, who introduced Buddhism to Japan, and retains the layout and some of the architectural structures from its original construction, making it a rare example of a Bird of Prey-era building in all of Japan. The five-storied pagoda is the temple's landmark, and many traditional events are held every year, including the Aizen Matsuri Festival and the Holy Spirit Festival.

6) Hoshinji Alley

Hoshinji Alley is a stretch of stone road close to Dotonbori, with more than 60 restaurants scattered along the Edo-inspired alleyway, and lanterns hanging from storefronts on both sides of the street along with the stone slabs make for a beautiful sight. Deep in the alley is the Hoshinji Temple, where the god Dizui Fudo is enshrined, and you can visit the temple if you are interested.

7) The best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka

The cherry blossom is regarded by the Japanese as a symbol of Japan's spirit. Every spring, cherry blossom viewing and drinking with friends and loved ones is the most important event of the year for Japanese people. If you come to Osaka in late March - early April, you should definitely check out the cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle and experience Osaka's cherry blossom viewing activities.

Recommended spots:

Osaka Castle Park: It has lush vegetation with patches of cherry blossoms and umeboshi (plum blossom) forests, hosts a flower bazaar in spring and fall, and frequently hosts concerts and various performances.

Osaka Mint: Open to the public for only one week each year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, this is Osaka's most popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

Nishinomaru Garden: In Osaka Castle, which is famous for its cherry blossom viewing, the Nishinomaru Garden is the most famous. The most famous of all is the "nighttime cherry blossoms".

Manbo Memorial Park: In early April, this is another favorite cherry blossom viewing spot in Osaka, where many people enjoy picnicking and chatting under the cherry blossom trees.

8) The best maple spots in Osaka

Maple-viewing in Kansai in late fall is an experience you can't escape. Osaka is not as famous as Kyoto, but there are many famous places to enjoy maple.

Recommended spots:

Minoh Park: Minoh Park has two main attractions: a naturally occurring waterfall that has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, and the autumn foliage that fills the mountains, making it one of the best places in Kansai to enjoy maple.

9) Osaka's temple culture

Osaka is a magical land where people come of age in Shinto rituals and are buried in Buddhist burials, and some young people choose to get married in a church. There is Shitennoji Temple, which has a high Buddhist status, Tenmangu Shrine, which is famous throughout Japan, and the Church of Light, a masterpiece of design by architect Tadao Ando.

Recommended sites:

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine: One of the most famous shrines in all of Japan, the Tenjin Matsuri festival, Osaka's grandest traditional festival, is held here every July.

Hoshinji Temple: In Hoshinji Temple, there is a statue of Fudo Myojin who "loves to take a bath" and almost every worshipper pours water on him for blessings, and his statue is covered with moss

Toyokuni Shrine: A park commemorating Toyotomi Hideyoshi, where every year on the July 5-3 festival, 3- and 5-year old boys, as well as 3- and 7-year old girls, dress in traditional Japanese-style dresses for a blessing ceremony. style dresses for a blessing ceremony.