Landmarks and views
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka Castle and its park | A historic castle with a museum inside and views from the top, in a wide park with thousands of cherry trees. | Central Osaka; blossom in late March and early April |
| Umeda Sky observatory | An open-air deck 173 metres up between two towers, with a 360-degree view of the city. | Umeda, 9:30 am to 10 pm |
| Harukas 300 | An observation deck in the 300-metre Abeno Harukas tower, with views as far as Kyoto on clear days. | Tennoji, 9 am to 10 pm |
| Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower | A colourful old district of popular restaurants, centred on a 108-metre tower. | South Osaka |
Fun for the family
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Studios Japan | Movie worlds, and Super Nintendo World with its Donkey Kong Country area since December 2024. | Osaka Bay; book ahead on busy days |
| The Kaiyukan aquarium | One of the world's largest aquariums, with about 30,000 creatures and two whale sharks in a giant tank. | Osaka Bay, 10 am to 8 pm |
Shopping and food
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Dotonbori | The street of lights and restaurants along the canal, Osaka's beating heart. | Namba |
| Shinsaibashi covered street | A long covered shopping street leading to Dotonbori, with brands and Japanese shops. | Namba |
| Kuromon Market | A popular food market known as Osaka's kitchen. | Nipponbashi |
Nature
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Minoo Park and its waterfall | A forest walk of about 3 kilometres to a 33-metre waterfall, loveliest in autumn. | North Osaka, about 30 minutes by train from Umeda |
Tips before you go
- There are no direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Osaka, so many travellers arrive by Shinkansen from Tokyo in about two and a half hours, or with a connecting flight to Kansai Airport.
- Kyoto is 15 minutes away by Shinkansen, and Himeji Castle about half an hour.
- Book Universal and Super Nintendo World entry ahead: busy days sell out early.
Hotels in Osaka
Flights to Tokyo
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Osaka?
Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Dotonbori, the Kaiyukan aquarium, the Umeda Sky observatory and Shinsaibashi.
When does the cherry blossom bloom at Osaka Castle?
Usually from late March to early April.
How far is Kyoto from Osaka?
About 15 minutes by Shinkansen, or half an hour by regular train.
Are there direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Osaka?
No; you arrive with a connecting flight, or from Tokyo by high-speed train in about two and a half hours.
Planning your trip to Japan? Read Travel to Japan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.