2025 Osaka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Location: Universal Studios Japan Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Access: 3-minute walk from the Universal City exit A Donkey Kong area has also appeared in Nintendo World, complete with connected pipes! Because this area is so popular, you can enter right after opening without a numbered ticket. However, after that, numbered tickets are distributed, followed by a lottery, and then the lottery closes, so you can't enter Nintendo World without a numbered ticket! It really feels like you've entered the world of Mario, so it's very popular with inbound tourists! Also, USJ often opens one or two hours earlier than the park opening times listed on its website, so if you absolutely want to enter without a numbered ticket, we recommend planning to go early. #summerthemepark #universalstudiosjapan #themepark

Location: Osaka-Kansai Expo Address: 1 Yumeshima-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Access: Directly connected to Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line The France Pavilion was very stylish, featuring famous brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior (the white clothes in the photo are all from Dior). There were also exhibits featuring various hand shapes, making it feel like a free art museum. The white spheres in the cases lit up in various ways with Louis Vuitton's lighting, so many people took photos here. #SummerThemePark #Expo #OsakaExpo #Osaka #OsakaTourism

Location: Universal Studios Japan Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Access: 3-minute walk from the Universal City exit Horror Nights is back again this year! Dates and Times: Friday, September 5, 2025 - Monday, November 3, 2025 Continuing from last year, there will be Resident Evil, Hamikuma, and Pokémon during the day, so there's plenty for both adults and children to enjoy! Also, with the new additions [KATE PRESENTS The Witch of No. 18 ~The Witch's House Playing with Emotions~] and [Factory of Fear ~Zombie Tour of Despair~], there's so much to see and do that both men and women will likely want to visit! Also, some attractions require numbered tickets, so we recommend checking your e-tickets on the app after entering the park. ✨ #summerthemepark

#SummerThemePark "Sing on Tour" The real deal: The incredible singers from "Sing" belt out their hit songs, powerful and soulful, right before your eyes! Your excitement is sure to be at its peak! This is the hottest musical show attraction in the history of living creatures. It's indoors, so you can cool down in time, which is great! We were a little scared the first time, but by the second time, we were hooked and the kids were thrilled. Please be careful, as the show ends in the evening. There are photogenic spots outside, so be sure to take some photos!✨ #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal #USJ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031

#SummerThemePark You can also get a cool-down tropical frappe at Boardwalk Snacks in Amity Village. It was so big we were able to share it. We bought both the mango and strawberry flavors, but we preferred the mango! It was refreshing and delicious! It was by the water in the evening, so it was nice and comfortable in the shade. It was the perfect place for a quick break. Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal

#SummerThemePark The limited-time SPY×FAMILY XR Ride is a dynamic, high-speed ride that combines 360-degree VR with the thrilling adventures of Lloyd, Anya, Yor, and Bond. VR, which uses video technology to immerse you in another world, has made a major advancement. The vivid images and the ride's unique sense of gravity are perfectly synchronized, creating a truly immersive experience that immerses you completely in the world. This is a new-generation attraction. This VR roller coaster ride features intense movements, including sudden accelerations, ascents, descents, and inclines. This ride is not suitable for people under 122cm tall. All luggage must be stored in coin lockers. The spectacular, high-definition images were incredibly enjoyable! They also had merchandise for sale! ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ #Universal

#SummerThemePark Kuromi Live ~World Kuromi Tour Crystal Clear~ is taking place next to the Illumination Theater in the Hollywood area. Kuromi Live, the hugely popular live show featuring Kuromi and My Melody, debuted last year and is back with an improved version! Although the World Kuromi Tour ended with great success last year, Kuromi isn't satisfied. This year, she's creating a global hit song and putting on a super rock-inspired stage performance to fulfill her "World Kuromi Plan." Not only are Kuromi and My Melody adorable, but their costumes are adorable too! It's a fun show with lots of singing and dancing!✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ

#SummerThemePark "NO LIMIT! Summer Dance Night with HYBE JAPAN" debuted at Universal Studios Japan last summer and was a huge hit. This nighttime entertainment featured music and videos from popular artists like BTS, SEVENTEEN, TWS, and ILLIT, along with DJs, dancers, and Universal Studios Japan favorites like Minions, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street! You're guaranteed to get drenched in water and bubbles! At the end, a massive amount of bubbles filled the venue, leaving the kids in awe. We hope they hold it again next year!! Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal

#SummerThemePark A new attraction, "Snoopy's Flying Ace Adventure," has opened at Universal Wonderland's Snoopy Studio. Snoopy is a master of disguise, and this ride coaster is themed around the world, featuring the famous "Flying Ace" pilot disguise! Riding in a red-roofed doghouse, you'll race around the world at full speed. The noise is quite loud, so my kids were a bit surprised, but they still enjoyed themselves. ✨ Photo-taking during the ride has also been revived! You can take advantage of advance reservations, but the wait times were shorter near park closing time. ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal #USJ

#SummerThemePark This year, Universal Studios Japan is less crowded than usual, but the heat can still be exhausting. Here are three air-conditioned spots where you can relax. Near the exit of "Playing with Curious George" in the Hollywood area, an indoor space has been opened as an "official cool spot" where guests can take a break. It's perfect for when you're hot or tired, and it's very convenient, with benches and vending machines. Snoopy Studio and Elmo's Imagination Playland in Universal Wonderland also allow kids to play while adults can take a short break. ✨ Both were really helpful. The summer heat is still lingering, so please be careful of heatstroke! Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #Universal #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan

#SummerThemePark The Sesame Street area in Universal Wonderland is packed with attractions for small children, so you'll be hooked for hours. There's also a greeting show featuring the Sesame Street characters at certain times. Check the website for the time schedule. There's an indoor area at the very back, fully air-conditioned and heated, so everyone enjoys taking a break there. ✨ We'll introduce it in detail here too. It's truly a relaxing area. Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal #USJ

I visited the Osaka Expo! From the moment I stepped into the venue, I was enveloped in a futuristic atmosphere, and everywhere I looked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement✨. The unique designs of the pavilions and the grand performances were, of course, impressive, but the overall ambiance itself was so special that just walking around was enjoyable. The symbolic "Myakumyaku" had a distinctive and humorous presence, serving as a cheerful icon that brightened up the venue. The gigantic Gundam statue was incredibly powerful, and seeing it in person was so overwhelming that I couldn't resist taking a photo📸. What left a particularly strong impression was the expansive wooden arch that seemed to embrace the entire venue🌿. It conveyed a sense of natural warmth while harmonizing with the futuristic architecture, symbolizing a coexistence of nature and the future. While it's fun to take a closer look at the exhibits, simply strolling through the outdoor spaces and soaking in the "atmosphere itself" was already an experience in its own right. The Expo offered a sense of scale and impact that can only be encountered in Osaka!

#SummerThemePark Snoopy Studio, located inside Universal Wonderland Snoopy's film studio has been upgraded! With an exciting ride themed around the popular comic strip character "Flying Ace," a playland immersed in the world of Snoopy's Beagle Scouts, and even a Charlie Brown House, you can immerse yourself even more in the comical and heartwarming world of Peanuts. It's such a cute world! It's fully air-conditioned, so everyone enjoys taking a break here. It's like an oasis, with fun for little ones and relaxing for adults. ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal

#SummerThemePark Located inside Universal Wonderland, Snoopy™ Backlot Cafe has a menu full of kid-friendly favorites. Hamburgers, fries, chicken nuggets, meat spaghetti, and more. I tried the summer-only Snoopy Frappe ~Strawberry Milk & White Peach~, which was delicious and instantly cooling! ✨ The indoor space is fully air-conditioned! Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-3 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ #Universal

At Universal Wonderland, a Hello Kitty Greeting Show was held in front of Hello Kitty's Ribbon Collection. You can check the schedule on the official website. The summer-themed decorations were adorable✨. After the show, there's a photo session with Hello Kitty and friends, which is highly recommended✨. Additionally, the area in front of the Ribbon Collection is a popular photo spot, attracting many young visitors taking pictures✨. There's also a restroom nearby, making it convenient. Universal Studios Japan 📍Location: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, 554-0031, Japan

#SummerThemePark There's an indoor play area at the very back of Universal Wonderland. It's a little dark, so many people take their young children there during naptime. Elmo's Bubble Bubble attraction is also located here. At certain times, Moppy's Lucky Dance Party is held. Young children can dance along. It's guaranteed to be fun, so be sure to join in! ✨ It's so cute, I highly recommend it! Check the website for the time schedule. Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #Universal #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ

#SummerThemePark There's a spot inside Universal Wonderland that even small children can enjoy. It's on the outskirts, so some people might not even notice it. At this time of year, Ernie's Rubber Ducky Race and the Water Garden are recommended. A change of clothes is a must! There's also a Cookie Monster Slide! ✨ The inside of the tree is like a jungle gym. #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031

#SummerThemePark Universal Wonderland has a free system called Yoyakunori, which allows you to reserve ride times for selected attractions. It's super convenient: just make a reservation through the app and arrive at your reserved time to skip the lines! Please note that once you reserve a ride, you can't make another reservation until you've finished. Reservations tended to fill up in the afternoon. When I went, the following five rides were available: Moppy's Balloon Trip Elmo's Go-Go Skateboard Elmo's Bubble Bubble Snoopy's Flying Ace Adventure Flying Snoopy It's so convenient, be sure to take advantage of it! ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ #Universal

#SummerThemePark The New York area at Universal Studios Japan is a popular spot for taking photos of its retro cityscape. The staircases, shop windows, and yellow cabs are especially popular. Experience the 1930s New York City streetscape, from glamorous Fifth Avenue to down-to-earth Delancey Street! In front of Louis's (a pizza place), a fun session called "Melting Pot" was taking place, featuring live music, singing, and a humorous skit. The show lasted about 20 minutes. I joined in mid-show, and both adults and children enjoyed it. ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ

#SummerThemePark Enjoy the Minions' crazy cuteness to the fullest at Minion Park, now 1.4 times bigger! The sheer mayhem is endless! On Friday, July 11, 2025, Minion Park has been powered up with the addition of a new attraction, Minion Mayhem: The Road to Supervillain! Even though it's a new attraction, it's still pretty empty thanks to the high turnover! This game involves riding a moving walkway through a series of challenge rooms, firing blasters to destroy or steal items to steadily increase your score. It's not a ride, but a standing-only system. The kids had a great time! ✨ The blasters are heavy, so small children will need assistance. Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #Univa #USJ

#SummerThemePark The famous "NO LIMIT! Parade" is getting even more exciting with a summer-only water-spraying feature! Everyone gets soaked with an unbelievable amount of water pouring down from floats, entertainers, overhead, and from all directions! Scheduled Start Time: 11:00 AM (approx. 40 minutes) The soaking area is seriously wet, but it's a ton of fun. If you're a Sanrio fan, I recommend the area in front of Mel's Drive-In! ✨ I brought some clothes for the kids, but they dried off quickly because it was so hot! The characters are so cute!! Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan #Universal

#SummerThemePark Enjoy the Minions' crazy cuteness to the fullest at Minion Park, now 1.4 times bigger! The mayhem has been powered up to limitless! Minion Mayhem Ride Height requirement: 102cm or above (with accompanying adult) Minion Mayhem Ice Cream Height requirement: 92cm or above (with accompanying adult) Minion Mayhem: The Road to Supervillain No height requirement (with accompanying adult) If your child is just short of the minimum height, they can be measured at the entrance to the ride and given a "OK" mark. ✨ Souvenirs and snacks are also available for purchase. ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #Universal #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan

#SummerThemePark I went to Studio Stars Restaurant, a limited-time collaboration with the Doraemon movie. The kids' set was so adorable! The tarts came with chocolate pens so you could draw on them. The regular adult menu was also cute and delicious! It's amazing how Doraemon is loved by people of all ages!✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan

#SummerThemePark It was relatively empty, and my kids loved it, so we went twice. Doraemon 4-D Art Adventure: Nobita's Picture World Story, a limited-time 4D attraction in collaboration with the Doraemon film, is now open. This attraction features an original story based on the film "Doraemon: Nobita's Picture World Story," and combines 3D images and special effects for a 4D experience. The 3D images, vibrations, splashes, and other special effects combine to create a truly immersive experience, making this an immersive 4D attraction the whole family can enjoy. My little one was a little scared, but it was fun! ✨ They also sold souvenirs at the exit. Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ #Universal

#SummerThemePark I went to Universal Studios Japan twice in August. Perhaps due to the intense heat and the World Expo, it was quieter than usual, so I highly recommend it! ✨ It's so hot, so staying hydrated is essential! There's no limit on drinks, so you can bring your own, but it's a pain to carry so many, so a water bottle was very useful. When I asked for "ice water" when purchasing food, they poured it into a small paper cup for free! ✨ This was really helpful. It seems you can also get drinking water near the restrooms. Be careful of heatstroke and have fun! 🎵 A mini fan and parasol are also essential to prevent heatstroke! Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #Universal #USJ #UniversalStudiosJapan

#SummerThemePark USJ allows entry earlier than normal opening hours (times vary by day), so I planned to arrive 30 minutes early, but surprisingly, admission had already begun an hour earlier. I headed straight for the most popular Nintendo area, but admission restrictions had already begun and I was unable to enter. In this case, you can still enter by obtaining a numbered ticket from the "Area Admission Ticket" app! The wait times for the rides are long, but the atmosphere alone is enjoyable, so be sure to check it out! ✨ Universal Studios Japan 📍Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031 #UniversalStudiosJapan #USJ

Visiting the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka was such a memorable experience for me. The architecture itself is impressive, but the real highlight is the Floating Garden Observatory at the top. From there, you get breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city, especially beautiful during sunset when the skyline lights up. I loved the open-air deck—it felt like standing right in the sky! It’s also a nice spot for photos and just soaking in the city’s vibe. Conveniently located near Umeda Station, it’s definitely a must-visit when exploring Osaka. A perfect mix of scenery, design, and atmosphere. #holidayitinerary #thingstodo #travel #japan #osaka

1️⃣ Yasa'i Kushimaki Narutoya This shop is really interesting. If you can't tell them apart, they'll bring out a large model for you to point at. Go early if you don't have a reservation. The prices are very reasonable, and the strawberry wine is a must! 2️⃣ Neel (Nakazaki-cho Branch) This is a very popular cafe. It's really photogenic on a sunny day, and it's delicious! And the prices are really affordable too! 3️⃣ Kyoto Katsugyu (Umeda Branch) There are branches in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. You can grill your own steak. The taste is decent, but the service is average. 4️⃣ Infinite Ramen (Sennichimae Branch) Amazing ramen!!! There's a machine at the entrance. Order and pay, and you'll get a slip. Wait for your number to be called. 5️⃣ Red Rock (America Village Branch) The incredibly tender wagyu beef rice bowl is perfect. Be sure to add the tamagoyaki! I was so hungry I completely forgot about it; it was so delicious I could have had two bowls. Kyoto 6️⃣ Kyo Unawa I've been to Kyoto twice and always have had the eel rice! The setting is beautiful, the eel is freshly caught, and while the price is a bit steep, it's worth it! 7️⃣ MACCHA HOUSE (Kyoto Kiyomizu Sanneizaka Branch) The service was pretty average, but the location is great, right next to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kobe 8️⃣ Kobe Tonkotsu Ramen Kashoken (Sannomiya Branch) This ramen restaurant is a must-have for everyone. I heard the owner is Chinese, and the spiciness makes me want to cry. 9️⃣ Kobe Beef Yakiniku Kato (Sannomiya Branch) The location is great, the wait staff speaks Chinese, and you can experience all the different ways to prepare Wagyu beef. The assorted platters are unique!