Osaka Prefecture

Ajinoya Namba Honten is a Michelin Bib Gourmand okonomiyaki restaurant located in Osaka's Dotonbori district, renowned for serving some of the city's best savory pancakes. The restaurant cooks okonomiyaki and yakisoba right at your table, providing an authentic Japanese dining experience with a lively atmosphere. However, be prepared for extremely long wait times of 60-150 minutes, though reservations via Fast Pass (¥660 per person) can significantly reduce waiting. While many visitors praise the delicious food and unique cooking experience, some report inconsistent service quality and rude staff behavior. The restaurant is cash-only and tends to be more expensive than other okonomiyaki establishments in the area.

Das HEP FIVE Riesenrad ist ein knallrotes Dach-Riesenrad auf dem Einkaufszentrum HEP FIVE im Osakaer Stadtteil Umeda und bietet in etwa 15 Minuten eine Rundfahrt mit Panoramablick auf die Skyline, den Osaka-Bay und den Berg Ikoma. Die klimatisierten Gondeln mit Bluetooth-Lautsprechern erlauben es, eigene Musik abzuspielen – ideal als romantischer Date-Spot oder für Familien, besonders bei Nacht. Häufig ist die Fahrt in Pässen wie dem Osaka Amazing Pass enthalten und wird für das gute Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis und meist kurze Wartezeiten an Wochentagen gelobt. Derzeit ist das Riesenrad jedoch wegen umfangreicher Renovierungsarbeiten vom 14. Oktober 2025 bis voraussichtlich Ende April 2026 geschlossen, während das Einkaufszentrum normal geöffnet bleibt.

G-LION MUSEUM is Japan's first classic car museum housed in a converted red brick warehouse in Osaka's Minato Ward. The collection features approximately 70-100 vintage automobiles spanning from early 20th century Ford Model Ts to 1970s classics, with strong representation of American, European, and Japanese manufacturers. Visitors praise the immaculate condition of the vehicles and the atmospheric industrial setting. The museum is particularly noted for its rare Toyota 2000GTs, extensive Rolls Royce collection, and well-preserved pre-war automobiles. While relatively compact and requiring 30-60 minutes to explore, it offers good value especially when using the Osaka Amazing Pass for free admission. The main drawbacks include limited English signage and occasional unexpected closures.

109 Cinemas Osaka Expocity is a premium multiplex cinema located within the EXPOCITY complex in Suita, Osaka. It features one of only two IMAX Laser GT theaters in all of Japan, offering an unparalleled immersive viewing experience with a massive screen that fills your entire field of vision. The cinema complex includes multiple screens, premium seating options, and 4DX capabilities. While the technical aspects are world-class, customer service experiences vary significantly, with some visitors reporting unhelpful staff and strict no-refund policies. The location is somewhat remote from central Osaka but benefits from free weekday parking and less crowding than urban theaters. Tuesday and Wednesday discounts are available, and membership offers premium seat privileges.

The Tower of the Sun is a monumental 70-meter sculpture created by avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto for the 1970 Osaka World Expo. Located in Expo '70 Commemorative Park, this iconic structure features four distinct faces representing past, present, future, and underground worlds. The interior houses the spectacular Tree of Life installation depicting evolution, which visitors describe as breathtaking and reminiscent of Studio Ghibli aesthetics. While the exterior is freely viewable, interior access requires advance reservations and includes an impressive multi-floor exhibition. The tower has become a beloved symbol for Osaka residents and a significant cultural landmark that continues to inspire visitors over 50 years after its creation.

Akame 48 Waterfalls is a spectacular 4km hiking trail in Mie Prefecture, Japan, featuring numerous waterfalls along a scenic mountain valley. This nationally recognized natural site is listed among Japan's 100 best waterfalls and offers visitors an immersive forest experience filled with negative ions. The well-maintained trail takes 2.5-3 hours round trip to complete, passing through lush greenery, moss-covered rocks, and crystal-clear streams. Entrance costs ¥1,000 for adults and includes access to a small aquarium showcasing giant salamanders. The area is particularly beautiful during autumn foliage season and offers seasonal light-up events that create a magical atmosphere. While the trail has some steep stairs and can be slippery, it's manageable for most fitness levels with proper hiking shoes.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka is a compact indoor attraction designed for families with children aged 3-10, featuring two rides, a 4D cinema, hands-on brick-building zones, and a miniature LEGO recreation of Osaka landmarks. Located inside Tempozan Marketplace near the famous Kaiyukan Aquarium, it offers a fun rainy-day activity but shouldn't be confused with a full-scale LEGOLAND theme park. The highlight is Miniland, showcasing Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and Tsutenkaku built entirely from LEGO bricks with day-to-night lighting effects.