Universal Studios Japan is a wonderful park for both kids and parents. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of energy—the entertainers and staff may look exhausted, but they continuously smile, dance, and greet guests, pouring their energy into the experience. However, the park can get quite crowded. Unless you opt for a VIP pass, expect to wait around 40 minutes for most attractions. As an American theme park located in Japan, the entry fee is about $90, and while many experiences inside are free, you'll need to budget an additional $90 if you want to access the Mario section (which is really aimed at die-hard fans—not necessarily for everyone). Additionally, if you plan to eat, budget around $50 on average for food (one meal). One thing I found disappointing was the lack of affordable costumes or hats. Offering items around $5-$8 for costumes or Mario hats would enhance the park's atmosphere and foster a greater sense of community among visitors. It would also be a nice touch for guests to choose their favorite movie or franchise and receive a corresponding badge. This could create a sense of unity, similar to the houses at Hogwarts, and enrich the overall experience. A highlight of my visit was the mobile app, which conveniently shows wait times for attractions. It's user-friendly and features two mini-games in PWA format—very fun! I believe the park could benefit from even more interactive quests for visitors to enjoy. (For example, searching for objects while traveling in a park to fill out a badge) Overall, I give Universal Studios Japan a 4 out of 5. It would be great to see more affordable souvenirs available to help visitors feel like a part of the studio, as the audience and fans are just as much a part of the movie success as the actors and characters themselves.

WOW. Exceeded expectations!! Tips for a smooth day at USJ: 1. Bring at least one 100 Yen coin for lockers (you’ll get it back). Change machines are available if needed. 2. Arrive early—about 45 minutes before opening—for the rope drop. 3. Hit Flying Dinosaur and the Hollywood rides first before crowds build. 4. Small snacks seem fine to bring in. Pack an empty water bottle to refill throughout the day. NOTE: There are a coiple convenience stores right off the train. 5. Must-do: Nintendo World! Even if just browsing, splurge on the Light-Up Star popcorn purse and a souvenir drink bottle. 6. If budget allows, buy an Express Pass—it makes a huge difference. 7. There's more variety to eat outside of the park, even a Shake Shack! The rest of the park: - Food is fun but mixed—the turkey leg was my standout favorite. - Plenty of characters to meet and endless photo ops. - Transit is simple: just follow the crowds. - The park and all bathrooms are clean spotless, well-organized, and the staff are incredibly warm. They even clap when you return from rides, which adds a joyful touch. Final thought: USJ is a place to enjoy to the fullest—lean into the atmosphere, savor the details, and let the day feel cinematic.

We visited USJ on November 6th (Thursday, weekday) and enjoyed our time there. We purchased express passes for 4 attractions (Flying Dinosaur/Hollywood Dream, Jaws/Jurassic Park, Forbidden Journey, and Mario Kart) and it really saved us time. However, it’s worth mentioning that if you have evening slots for designated zones/attractions, you don’t need to come early like we did. We had a slot for Forbidden Journey at 18:30 and Nintendo World at 20:00, and arrived at the park at 11:00. There was almost no waiting time to enter the park, up to 10 minutes maximum. Honestly, we visited all the interesting attractions with our pass within several hours and were just wandering around waiting for our time slots, even though we stood in a 40-minutes standard queue for Hollywood dream. In our opinion, only these attractions are worth visiting and waiting in queue: Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream, Forbidden Journey (this attraction surprised us a lot!). Mario Kart and Jaws didn’t meet our expectations and honestly can be easily skipped. Also, if you don’t want to pay extra for express passes, you may want to visit popular zones like Nintendo World, Harry Potter and Kong in the evening. At 8pm there were almost no crowds in the Nintendo and Kong zones, and waiting time for attractions without passes was about 20-30 minutes. Though we generally enjoyed our experience, I deducted one star for overpriced food and merch. If you visit the Harry Potter Studio in Tokyo as well, consider purchasing your merch there — it’s way less expensive. Also, I brought my wand purchased at Warner Bros. Studio in Tokyo to the Harry Potter zone to try out some wand interactions, but it only worked with wands purchased at USJ, which felt like a money drain. On the positive side, the park staff were amazing, they were extremely encouraging and created a cheerful mood for our day.

One of the best themeparks in the world, probably better than disneyland too. Would recommend prebooking your tickets a month prior for a weekday.Also, would highly recommend getting the express pass 7 to cover all the high-thrill rides. The park itself is very convinient to travel through and from anywhere in Osaka, thanks to public transport (JR and Subway). Tip - if youre not buying the express pass, head to the park enterance 1 hour before the official opening time so you can access the supernintendo world/donkey kong land for free (else you need a timed ticket which is hard to get)

I had never been to a Universal park before, and I confess I even cried with emotion when I entered. I loved the experience and the immersion in this very whimsical and cool universe. In Super Nintendo World, you truly feel like you are inside the games, and all the staff pays special attention to ensure the experience. We would find an attendant, and because it was Halloween month, we would say 'trick or treat' and receive candy or a sticker. At the end, we went to the customer service center and asked for the stamp, and the lady brought it to us on top of a beautiful red velvet cushion and even gave us a '1st time visiting' sticker. Incredible! The park was not on its busiest day, but even so, the lines were super long (up to 2 hours), but every ride was worth it. Next time, I will definitely buy the Express Pass to be able to enjoy all the attractions calmly. I loved the experience

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Universal Studios Japan is an incredible theme park with amazing attractions, immersive worlds, and some of the best entertainment you’ll find anywhere. The attention to detail in areas like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is outstanding, and the rides are a perfect mix of fun, thrills, and nostalgia. Crowds can be intense, and waiting times get long—especially for the most popular rides—so buying Express Passes is almost essential if you want to make the most of your day. Food options are fun and thematic, though prices are on the higher side, which is normal for major theme parks. Overall, USJ delivers a fantastic experience full of energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments. Just plan ahead and prepare for long lines.

Beyond the famous rides, what I loved most about USJ were the small details people rarely mention. The staff are incredibly friendly and really stay in character, which adds so much fun to the day. The park is very clean and well-organised, and even the queues are beautifully themed with lots of little details and props to enjoy while waiting. It’s also very family-friendly, with clear signs, helpful crew members, and easy navigation. Even the food stands are well run and thoughtfully themed. Overall, USJ’s attention to detail and amazing staff make the whole experience feel magical from start to finish. Would definitely visit again!

This is easily one of the best aquariums we’ve visited. It took us about 3 hours to walk through and explore, and we got to see a wide variety of aquatic species. They also offer a stamp rally, which was a fun bonus. Be sure to bring a blank passport book or some paper so you can collect all the stamps. It's a nice little keepsake to remember your trip.

We loved our visit here! Lots of animals who seem very well cared for. There is a huuuge central tank with sharks and other fish in which you can see from various angles - it is great to see these big fish have so much space to move and swim. We enjoyed the kids stamp rally here too which was a nice extra. The gift shop was also lovely and very well priced.

As we go on the weekend, we have to buy the ticket at the counter as it was unavailable on klook apps. we got here around 2 hours earlier than opening time and start queing at 9am before they opened on 9.30am. We are the first in line so the wait time are not that long. however, coming later than this might make you wait even longer. the attraction was super good. every window were super cleaned except for penguin area, not sure why tho.. nonetheless, we can see all animal super clear and nice. we started the visit with sea otter, however the otter was lazy as they are still sleeping despite the opening hour 🤣🤣 the seal were super cute and interactive, the dolphin weee also very playful hahaha. the shark looks very mesmerizing and wow, super elegant! oh ya! please dont forget to check out the sunfish as well, so cuteeeee! all area outdoor and indoor was super clean including the toilet, love that very much! all in all, love the visit so much and please dont forget to end your visit with riding the ferris wheel! very much recommended! <3

The Osaka Aquarium is HUGE! I was told to visit it if I was ever in Osaka & I'm glad I did. It was very busy during the day, so we opted to get tickets later in the evening. On one hand, glad we went later on, because it was still busy with people & families. On the other hand, we saw later when the feeding times were & gathered that was one of the reasons why it had peak times. The animals were still relatively active when we went in the evening. There is a wide variety of nautical life & it was beautifully laid out in terms of walking. Seeing the lively animals, regardless of it not being feeding time, they seemed happy in their environments. Osaka Aquarium really cares about the environment of the creatures & continuously works on providng the best possible. It certainly shows in the animals lively behaviour. I left feeling positive about this place. It also had a great gift shop with many of the sea creatures in cute plushy form, so you can take home a little creature of your favorite! There's also themed plates, cups, Keychains & snacks. I highly reccomend visiting Osaka Aquarium. A+++

ABSOLUTELY A MUST. I’ve been to a few Aquariums. This one exhibits sea life along the “ring of fire” of the world, meaning along the coasts of land that line the Pacific Ocean. They had animals from fresh water to artic waters (5 degrees Celsius). Pro tip 1: get your tickets in advance as each time-slot does have limited entries. My family of 4 went on November 14th at 2pm, we thought it is low tourist season but there was still quite a line for same-day tickets. Waiting in like might have taken ~30 minutes and there was a sign that was updated that they just sold out thru 3pm. By luck, I tried to buy same-day tickets via online and was able to grab enough for 3:15pm slot. There is also a small mall so visitors can walk around, shop, eat. There are also other activities such as boat ride, Ferris wheel (maybe 8–10 stories high), so come and hangout more in the area. There are storage lockers at the entrance. Bring $400-1000yen, depending on size. Paying with coins worked best for us. Pro tip 2: Visitors enter in droves every 15 minutes, so the first few exhibits are VERY crowded. The building is built around the main tank in the center of the building which holds giant sharks, stingrays, and whales. The exhibits begin at the top of the tank and spiral downwards so I I suggest you immediately walk past the first 3-5 stations (or floors). Don’t worry you won’t miss too much as there’s still plenty more to enjoy along the little nooks towards the lower floors. There are even benches to sit and watch up against the tank. We planned to spend 1 hour here but ended up enjoying it for 2 hours at a very leisurely pace.

Best aquarium ever. Prebook tickets if possible, or get timed entry tickets at the venue. If you have a waiting time, enjoy delicious food at the Tempozan Market area and maybe do shopping too. Coming to the aquarium, though there is high crowd, it tends to clear very soon and youll get a glimpse of every tank.All tanks are neatly maintained for crystal clear view of the aquatic lifeforms. The central tank is huge and houses multiple types of sharks and the whalesharks (star of the show). We spent 3 hours at the aquarium and 2 hours at the tempozan marketplace. Also, there is a giant ferriswheel nearby for breathtaking view of Osaka port area.

Fascinating! Great collection of various species. Very interesting! We didn't have a reservation, so we had to wait around 1,5h to enter. Good point that you don't have to wait all this time in the queue (they sell tickets for specific time slot and the queue for that is very fast, I think we spent less than 10 minutes to buy the tickets). There is a market nearby(~3 mins by feet) where you can have lunch while waiting. Sometimes it gets a bit crowded inside, especially in front of the aquariums with some interesting kind of fish but if you wait just a bit, you can fully enjoy the view :)

The selection of Western-style sweets in the B1 floor of Takashimaya Osaka is very diverse, and they all look so delicious.

I went only to the massive food area in basement 1. Loads of different food you can take away, high quality. Also very very good cake. My favourite was the lemon chef’s hat cheesecake from Wasayi (?). Whittamer dessert (cream puff and truffle ball) were good but not heavenly, like the cheesecake. Lots of bento boxes, tempura, sushi for takeaway, too. All high quality it I would get any of the fried stuff unless you gonna eat it just after frying.

Can you say "Boujeee"! This is 12 stories of shopping all the things you want! The best floor is the basement where all the food is. Yummmmm!!

Great location at the heart of Namba station. There’s a bit of crowd in the weekend though.

Very good shopping mall, good experience, tax free off cash, saved us money and time.

A wide selection of local Japanese food from sushi to fresh food and some discounted after 6pm.

Got some Wagyu here to cook ourselves (from Tadakura Co.) Pricey (as you would expect) but very delicious. ¥19,600 for a cut of tenderloin and sirloin. Also got some veggies, strawberries, baked cheesecake, and sashimi from other vendors. All was great. We got the fancy expensive strawberries, and they were nothing like the ones back in North America. See pics!

Osaka Station, located within the shopping complex of Osaka Station City, is the biggest and busiest station in Western Japan. Like its neighbour Kyoto station (29 mins train ride away), Osaka station offers plentiful facilities and services to tourists and locals. The station is well liked by people as a great recreation and entertainment haven. The station itself has North Gate building and South Gate Building which are linked at ground floor by the station concourse. There are department stores, restaurants and many recreational facilities in both buildings. If you stay in nearby hotels, then you don’t need to venture out to any other area like Namba or Dontonbori for a huge and convenient shopping spree. You can go between the two buildings via two bridges on 3rd floor and 5th floor respectively. If you are a train enthusiast, then go to these two bridges and watch the trains coming and going on the rail tracks below. We spent a beautiful morning at the North Gate Building which is a 28 stories tall premises. Popular department stores like Lucua (my favourite store) and Isetan are located in this building. Shop till you faint. There are also a cinema, a fitness club and offices in this building complex as well. First we went up to the Toki-no-hiroba Plaza on the 5th floor of Osaka Station City. There is a bridge, decorated with 2 large clocks: one is gold and the other is silver in color. If you can get some snack like spaghetti, pizza, lasagna etc from the Caffe Bar Del Sole here on 5th floor. From this floor you can also see the train tracks and platforms below. We continued to visit the 10th floor of the North Gate Building. There we found a traditional Japanese style garden (called Yawaragi-no-niwa Garden; the meaning is peaceful garden). We saw many people enjoying the fresh air and warm sunlight peacefully whilst we were amused by the stunning city view calmly. Then we continued our exploration by going up an outside staircase to the Kaze-no-hiroba Plaza on 11th floor. Kaze-no-hiroba means “garden of the wind”. The plaza is quite true to its name because it is a long and breezy garden. However this garden is famous for its multiple and colorful fragrant flowers. A lady gardener was carefully tending the flowers and plants while we were there. She was really really focus on tending of the gorgeous flowers (see photos). Many young kids were playing joyfully at the water feature garden next to the flowers garden. There is a Tenku-no-noen Farm (heavenly plantation) located on 14th floor. It is a small rooftop farm 3 floors above the Kaze-no-hiroba Plaza. Well the name is really appropriate for this plantation! Why? Let me tell you. We would love to see the plantation, but we have to walk up an almost 70 degree angled long flight of stairs. When I looked up the long stairs I felt as if I were going up to heaven.😅😅I made 3 attempts but my legs went jelly and could not move so finally I gave up. For some unknown reasons, I felt the staircases were built in a scary straight angle (at least to me). I have climbed 12000 ft mountain in Tibet but it did not make me feel scary as I faced this only 3 floors high staircases. Unfortunately I chickened out after trying several attempts otherwise I would have taken some nice photos of the plantation to share with you here. All I know from my research is that a small vineyard and local vegetables herbs and fruits are planted in the plantation. Anyway I saw the same gardener from the 11th floor garden walked up elegantly and relaxingly up the “stairway to heaven” shortly after I quit walking up the stairs. Last but not least let’s explore the South Gate Building. You can find Daimaru department store and Hotel Granvia and Taiyo-no-hiroba Plaza (plant of the sun). I find that all the big train stations such as Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka stations have provided many great entertainment and recreational facilities for people to enjoy and explore.

If you are new to this building, you gonna get lost. But exploring here is fun. Shops everywhere and food everywhere.

One of the most mesmerizeng and amazing train station in Japan, what an enormous building just for a train station. Kudos to their architect

Too crowded... The city lives here and so to go somewhere can be impossible time to time. Everything you can find here, shopping 🛍️💗 eating etc. Osaka is not my type city and exactly different than Tokyo and Kyoto but in spite of this the city left good memories on me.

This is a very busy station, for traveler that are not seasoned, you better know where you are going and be ready to navigate a sea of people. If you are catching the Shinkasen be sure to get there early, They depart on time. We cut it to close and missed our train, because our city train was delayed due to something on the track

There are a few visual attractions to take pictures of, lots of food option in the basements.

It can be very confusing to get you where you need to go (even just to get out of the building), but once you find someone to help you, you're all set.

Wonderful restaurant located within swissotel. The wagyu beef from mizayaki and Kagoshima was tender and flavourful. The other dishes like the friend rice salmon were all delicious. The flambé desert made it a nice finish to a wonderful evening. 5 star!

Cool little experience but definitely overpriced for what you get. Checkout the amount of veg you get for like 1500 yen. The highlight was the wagyu filet and fried rice.

Unforgettable Teppanyaki Experience at Minami, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We were a group of six and chose the Chef’s Course at Minami Teppanyaki, located on the 10th floor of Swissôtel Nankai Osaka and what a truly exceptional experience it was! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and perfectly setting the tone for our evening. The food was absolutely delicious and every dish was thoughtfully prepared, using premium ingredients, and cooked to perfection right in front of us. 3 bottles of good wine making our night even more joyful and lively. A special highlight of the night was Chef Ricardo, whose skill, professionalism, and friendly demeanor elevated the entire experience. Watching him cook was like witnessing a culinary performance. He was not only talented but also incredibly warm and engaging, making us feel welcome and entertained throughout the evening.The service was equally swift, attentive and polite. It was a memorable and wonderful night for all of us. We left not only satisfied but genuinely impressed. Based on our fantastic experience, we highly recommend Minami Teppanyaki to anyone visiting Osaka and looking for a top-tier dining experience. We will definitely revisit the next time we are in town!

I took my wife to Teppanyaki Minami to celebrate her birthday and we were blown away by the incredible food and service. They started us off with fresh, delicious salads before cooking up mouthwatering wagyu beef and tender, buttery abalone right before us. The beef was so flavorsome and the abalone was a real treat. The fried rice was fantastic as well, perfectly cooked and seasoned. Throughout the meal, our chef entertained us with his impressive cooking skills. The staff were very friendly and attentive, promptly catering to any requests we had. Teppanyaki Minami exceeded all expectations for our birthday dinner. The top-notch ingredients, fantastic execution, and wonderful hospitality made for a 5-star experience my wife won't forget. I highly recommend it for celebrating any special occasion.

I had a wonderful lunch here. I sat in the comfortable, spacious seating and enjoyed my meal. The meat was of good quality. The vegetables were also good. The scallops were a bit cold. The fried rice was delicious, but a bit salty for Korean standards. I'd like to express my special thanks to Ricardo, who oversaw the meal. Although he's Indonesian, he had a deep understanding of Japanese cuisine. He helped us enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable meal. This is a restaurant I'd love to visit again. I was too busy to say hello, so I left the restaurant. Thank you, Ricardo.

Everyone, please read this before booking your reservation…. I usually do not write reviews. Still, this one was important, simply because I made a reservation for my wife's birthday a month in advance. Upon arrival, since we arrived 30mins early, asked if it was possible to get seated early, the request was granted 10mins earlier than the original reservation time. I informed them it was my wife's birthday and I would pay for it if they could do anything. They stated it was “free,” and I was happy… let me get to the good part. Our reservation was at 8pm (2000). The place was empty, barely anyone… the main area with the secluded forest and window view was a perfect spot to sit, but NO!! They put my wife and me in the corner with no windows, and I requested to be moved. My response was, “We are fully booked” at 8pm when the restaurant closed at 8:30, and the entire place was empty. All I am saying I can not comment on the food but I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION. PS: the host at this establishment are the worst they need to learn empathy for customers especially if you are about to spend so Much money!!!!

We had our own chef cook our food in front of us and every single dish was sublime. Every flavour imaginable was added individually to each course to create something truly experiential- bravo

12 pcs for JPY 700. Bought before closing coz chef called out to us to try them. A different type of takoyaki for us. I do like them without sauce. I can really taste d balls n d fillings, plus there's no mess aft eating. Chef is v thoughtful - he reminded us to bite carefully as d filling was piping hot 🥰 Common seating area is available.

This was a little bit of a letdown... I thought that I was ordering award winning takoyaki. Instead, I got takoyaki that was average. I did not like the ones with beef inside. Dry. The ones with leek on top were the tastiest.

If you are looking for typical Takoyaki with the sweet sauce and mayonnaise, do not get these from this franchise. These Takoyaki don’t come with any sauce or toppings, taste somewhat bland. It doesn’t taste terrible, but it was not what I expected.

We went here in spite of the low Google reviews figuring it couldn’t be that bad. We should have listened to the reviews. The absence of sauce was not the issue (though didn’t help). The issue was the food was bad. Since the business has been around for 90+ years I’m sure some people like it, but we did not.

Being my first experience with true Japanese takoyaki, my rating might be a bit wrong, but I was pleasantly surprised by these little gems. You get 12 of them for ¥600 and each one has a giant chunk of octopus in them. The sauce was on the inside of them (and the cashier made sure to mention that to me so I didn't go looking for sauce). They were good! I would eat them again for a snack.

A local takoyaki stall with normal quality food. I like the traditional takoyaki with source more than their style.

12 pieces for 660¥ with Oolong cha = 760¥ Good for a snack

We went for an afternoon snack around 4 pm and the line was huge, but it moved fast — we only waited about 10 minutes. We chose the takeout option, so we got served even quicker. Got the 8-piece takoyaki for under 800 JPY an absolute steal! Freshly made, super tasty, with a big piece of octopus inside. Great snack, great spot, totally worth the wait.

By far the best takoyaki we had during our Japan trip! There’s always a queue so you may have to allow yourself a bit more time when visiting this place. You can choose to have it there or order takeaway. If you are going to order it to go, you cannot eat it nearby. Takeaway queues are far shorter than dine-in. So I ordered it as takeaway and had it at the hotel. I ordered both original takoyaki and negi-mayo. Negi-mayo is a must-try. The spring onion adds so much to the flavour. Takoyaki also has a big portion of octopus inside. This creates a nice chewy texture. I would personally recommend it having it there if you have time to spare, rather than takeaway. I feel it would be a whole lot nicer eating it hot on the spot. Mind you, having it after 10 minutes was excellent also!! It was still hot enough to feel the warmth. Highly highly recommend this place! Will definitely be back to have some more on our next trip.

Did not disappoint. Watched Mark Wiens YouTube video and tried it out myself. Came early at slightly after 10AM and the queue was ok. We waited for about 20mins. Great experience

Hanadako is a popular takoyaki shop located in the Osaka New Umeda Shokudo-gai, conveniently situated next to the train station. The shop constantly attracts crowds of people eager to enjoy their delicious takoyaki. You have the option to dine in or take out, with takeout typically being faster. For dine-in, you’ll have to wait until seats are available. The seating is limited to a small standing counter that accommodates 8-9 people. After placing your order, you can enjoy your takoyaki while watching the chef skillfully prepare them, creating a lively atmosphere. We ordered 10 takoyaki for just 1050 yen, which is very affordable. The takoyaki comes topped with a generous amount of green onions and mayonnaise, forming a literal “mountain” of toppings. The takoyaki themselves are delicious — crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, with tender, chewy octopus pieces. You can also add chili powder (which isn’t too spicy) for an extra kick, transforming the flavor in a delightful way. Overall, this is a highly recommended spot, and it’s clear why it’s so popular!

Hanadako is an Osaka institution famous for its fluffy, dashi-rich Takoyaki. The show-stopping dish is the "Negi Mayo," topped with a stunning mountain of green onions. Despite the long queues near Umeda Station, the flavor is absolutely worth the wait!

The food was honestly just average, but the real problem was the service — absolutely terrible. The old lady kept nitpicking things they never pointed out to other teams, and even after we fixed every single thing, she raised her voice at us multiple times. We followed every request they made, yet she kept scolding us. The moment I responded in Japanese and asked why they were acting like this, she finally went quiet. And the worst part? They were suddenly kind and polite to the Japanese customers standing near us. If that’s how you treat people, then just serve Japanese customers only. Completely unacceptable and discriminatory. As for the food, nothing special at all. There is absolutely no reason to wait 20–30 minutes for this place. Avoid.

I arrived at 11:30 on a Sunday morning and waited for 1 hour. But takoyakis are delicious.

I think the tastes are good, but just not yet there to fully justify the “one star”. Nice staff, nice open kitchen. Only set menu is offered and I took the most expensive one. The warm dishes (last two in the menu, which is fish and steak respectively) are very very good. Definitely worth. However the first 4 or 5 cold dishes are only average. Nothing exciting. So in average a mixed feeling.

Nice service, view, and atmosphere, but the food wasn’t so good. Most Japanese-French restaurants suck in my opinion. It’s all about presentation it seems. I was still hungry after my 30,000 yen course for 2. And we were charged 3000 yen for 2 bottles of Perrier. Ask for tap water if you don’t want this unhappy surprise at the end of your meal. My girlfriend was happy we came here for her birthday, but neither she, nor I, would never come here again or recommend it. You’re just paying for the view and service, not the food.

Beautiful space, great service (minus the clacking of only one of the waitresses shoes), food was presented nicely. I thought all the food was good but as someone who’s dined at quite a few Michelin star in Asia, I felt that none of the dishes really stood out to me in terms of taste. The dessert ending was not appealing whatsoever and none of the 3 flavors worked for me.

Food and drinks were fantastic. My wife and I had a lunch tasting with wine pairing. The presentation of everything was beautiful and well explained.

Waiters were all very kind and were able to speak in both Japanese and English. Overall experience was very nice. I went for lunch time and I also got the wine pairing. Food was good, presentation was amazing, and great service, highly recommend.

The one-Michelin star ⭐️ Pierre, a French restaurant located inside the InterContinental Hotel, was a fine experience. There’s several fine restaurants with Michelin stars in Japan, but this one does fine dining without too much expense. The menu always changes, but is the fusion of both French and Japanese influence—naturally. We had ours with wine and a bit of champagne 🥂. Winter is always a good time to go to these places because of the venison. Recommended anywhere.

Best experience I have ever had. We had lunch and didn't expect much because the price they charge was not much. but I was wrong.The food was amazing,the servers were very nice and friendly and the price was very very good. I tried many Michelin star restaurants before,so far this is my top pick. Highly recommend.

Visited Osaka Castle in autumn and really enjoyed wandering the grounds and crossing the Gokurakubashi Bridge. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, which made the walk even nicer. From the top, the views of the cityscape were lovely and worth the climb. A nice spot to spend a few hours, though it felt more about the scenery than the exhibits inside.

Osaka Castle is absolutely stunning! The architecture, history, and views from the top are incredible. The surrounding Osaka Castle Park is beautifully maintained, spacious, and perfect for a relaxing walk. The combination of the serene park and the majestic castle makes this one of the most memorable places in Osaka. A must-visit! Also book tickets in advance or right there from Klook and avoid the queues!

Beautiful, but so crowded! Do expect a lot of people during your visit. You can also walk up and enter the castle, but expect a long wait. The grounds are clean and expansive, featuring water, like ponds, and lots of greenery. I really loved looking at this beautiful and historic area! Swing past if you have the time, I reckon dedicate at least an hour to really soak everything in.

Visiting Osaka Castle on a Sunday is definitely worth it, but it gets very crowded. The busiest hours tend to be between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so the flow of people is constant. If you can buy your tickets in advance, it’s much better (not sure if it’s possible), the line for same-day tickets can take around 30 to 40 minutes, and that’s before starting the walk through the museum up to the top floor. The interior is interesting, with several exhibits on each level, and the view from the top is great, although you’ll be moving along with a lot of visitors. Outside, the castle grounds offer plenty of food options and several souvenir shops. Just note that only one of them is tax-free if you’re planning to purchase gifts. Overall, it’s a beautiful landmark and a good experience as long as you go prepared for the crowds. Tips • ⏰ Avoid 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM if you want fewer crowds. • 🎟️ Buy tickets in advance to skip the long line. • ⏳ Expect 30–40 minutes of queue for same-day entry. • 🏯 The climb to the top is steady but crowded. • 🍡 Plenty of food stalls and small shops around the castle. • 🛍️ Only one souvenir shop is tax-free. • 📸 The top floor offers the best views worth the patience.

Can’t really miss coming to the Castle if you’re in Osaka. It’s beautiful and iconic. I walked from Namba to the Castle and it allowed me to explore different neighbourhoods. I recommend buying tickets online as it can hasten your waiting time a little bit, but you still need to queue. When entering the castle, you have to decide if you go left (to the elevator) or right (the stairs). Take the stairs. They are easy to climb and on each floor you have exhibitions. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed on two of those floors. Also, I found the available bathrooms tiny. Maybe use those near the shops and cafés on your right when entering and facing the castle from the grounds. The souvenir shop has some cute gifts, such as lego-like mini Japanese shops, restaurants and facilities. I bought two for my brother who loves Lego. The views from the top are amazing and I believe it’s even better than at Umeda Sky Building. Also, visit the gardens (200 yen). They are peaceful and although you don’t find beautiful flowers there like in French gardens for example, you can take beautiful pictures of the castle from different perspectives.

Yes the castle was rebuilt in the 1930s, but it remains beautiful. The massive castle walls; however, are not recent and their size took my breath away. How such a massive castle and moat was breached in the war of unification is amazing. Visited on a weekday in November and it was pretty busy, but very manageable. Inside the large European style building there is an excellent historical timeline in English. Wonderful woman working took time to provide in depth explanations. She was an amazing asset for this site.

Impressive outside, so-so inside. That’s my impression of Osaka Castle. After seeing the majestic Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Osaka Castle feels like a bit of a letdown. The inside is a museum and it feels commercialized. The long wait for the elevator also ruins the experience for some. The only thing I really liked is the 8th floor where you can see the Osaka skyline. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful, especially in autumn. Pro-Tip: 1. Buy your ticket in advance online through Klook or Kkday. 2. Do not take the elevator. Use the stairs for the fastest access to the 8th floor.

As one of Japan's most famed landmarks and a symbol of reunification, the construction of the Osaka Castle was built in 1583 and has undergone many restorations throughout the centuries. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the vast Osaka Castle Park, which offers breathtaking views, particularly during the cherry blossom period. While it's free to walk around the park, it is paid entry to your main castle tower. Just admiring the castle's grandeur from the ground was enough for us! For those who want to take photos of the castle without swarms of tourists milling around, we recommend taking photos from the side or beyond the moat.

A beautiful place to walk around — spacious, clean, and full of greenery. One thing to note is that the restrooms can be a bit hard to find, so it’s good to plan ahead. Along the paths, you’ll often see students practicing sports and plenty of people jogging, which gives the park a lively and energetic atmosphere. During my visit, there was even a ramen-themed event happening, which was a fun surprise.

The area around Osaka Tower is filled with beautiful gardens and flowering trees. There’s also a pond-like section surrounding the tower, which creates a very scenic atmosphere. It’s a lovely place to visit for both local and international visitors. When I visited during autumn, the trees were especially gorgeous with their seasonal colours. Inside Osaka Tower, you can also enter with a ticket to explore exhibits about the ruler connected to the tower’s history. You can then climb up to the observation deck at the top floor for a stunning view of the surroundings. Overall, I highly recommend visiting this place. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot that offers both nature and history in one location.

Plan ahead as this place can get really busy. You need to buy a ticket to enter the castle, but the outside view and grounds are amazing. There is a public bus to get back to the entry gate/car park for about $3 AUD if you have exhausted yourself walking around the entire site. It will take some time to see it all and I suggest you set aside a couple of hours to get the best out of your visit.

Cost a bit of money each to visit, but it was well worth the cost. There are several floors of interesting artefacts, videos and informative displays. The view from the top isn't bad either. If you are looking for the touristy stamp, it's down on the bottom floor of the main castle. There is a lift that you can choose to go up in. However, they don't like you using it to come down, unless you are injured or have a disability.

Osaka Castle Park is wide, relaxing, and perfect for a long walk. Beautiful trees, open spaces, and great views of the castle from every angle. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere away from the noise of the city.

Osaka Castle Park turned out to be much bigger, calmer, and more atmospheric than I expected. Walking alone through its wide, open plazas and shaded paths gave me time to slow down, observe details, and imagine the centuries of stories that once moved through this space. A Park That Feels Like a Living Museum Stepping through the old gates into the park, I was greeted by a blend of stone, greenery, and a surprising sense of openness. The massive walls, the deep moats, and the distant silhouette of the castle rising above the treetops set a strong historical mood right from the start. In one corner, I found the Minami-shikirimon Gate and Taiko-yagura Turret site, marked by a sign explaining their role in dividing the Ninomaru area during the Edo period. The turret once housed a drum used to signal emergency alerts and shift changes for the samurai — a reminder that this peaceful park once operated like a fortified city. Both structures were lost during the Meiji Restoration fire of 1868. Nearby, the towering stone walls showed impressive craftsmanship. Some blocks rose several meters high, fitted with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle. Standing close, I could see rain streaks running down the surfaces, giving the stones a deep reddish-brown tone — as if the castle still carried memories of past storms. The Walk Toward the Main Tower As I approached the main tower, the path opened up into a large plaza full of visitors. From this angle, Osaka Castle looked magnificent — white walls, intricate gold details, and the distinctive green-tiled roofs layered like armor plates. Even under cloudy skies, the structure glowed. People with umbrellas, moving slowly up the slope toward the entrance. The contrast between the bright umbrellas and the dark stone walls felt almost poetic — modern life flowing through an ancient setting. From the wall edges, I could see the moat below, calm and green, circling the fortress like a natural defense line. Across the water were lush trees and glimpses of modern Osaka’s skyline rising behind them — a beautiful layering of past and present. Camphor Tree Planted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉手植えの楠) One of the most meaningful spots for me was the wide open area where a massive camphor tree stands. According to tradition, this tree was planted personally by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the visionary warlord who unified Japan and built the original Osaka Castle. On that summer afternoon, benches arranged around the tree were filled with families, elderly couples, and tourists resting under its generous shade. Even though the story behind the tree stretches back more than four centuries, its peaceful presence today felt surprisingly warm and comforting. Looking from beneath its branches, the castle tower framed perfectly in the distance — a reminder of Hideyoshi’s ambition and the legacy he left behind. The Modern Echo of History: The Former Military Arsenal Building Nearby stands the striking Miraiza building, a Western-style brick structure that once formed part of the Osaka Castle Military Arsenal. The design looks like an old European fortress, adding another layer to the site’s long military history. Today it houses cafés, food stalls, and souvenir shops — a complete contrast to its original purpose. A Park for Everyone Throughout my walk, I saw joggers, parents pushing strollers, tourists exploring the gates, and people simply sitting quietly under the trees. The wide boulevards and plazas gave the whole area a relaxed, spacious feel. Even with the crowds, it never felt cramped. It’s the kind of park where you can spend an entire day wandering, learning, resting, and people-watching — especially if you’re exploring alone and taking your time. Visiting Osaka Castle Park alone allowed me to appreciate both the historical weight and the everyday beauty of the place. The mix of greenery, architecture, open sky, and ancient stone made the park feel alive with different eras layered on top of one another. It’s more than just a path to the castle — it’s a gateway into Osaka’s soul.

If you love matcha and Uji tea culture, this place is a pilgrimage. We waited almost two hours for a table, and the matcha flavors we did try were absolutely worth it—fresh, vibrant, and unique. I was hoping to try their famous matcha curry udon, but it sold out before my turn, so plan to arrive early! Even with the long wait, the staff remained kind and welcoming.

This place is amazing! There are so many street foods, and the neon signs are unlike anything I’ve seen in other countries. There’s a huge variety of food, though you’ll often need to wait in line. It gets very crowded, but it’s totally worth visiting! Highly recommend!!!

Shinsaibashi-suji is a street where the rhythm of Osaka is distilled into a single, endlessly lively corridor. The long, covered arcade stretches as far as the eye can see—shielding you from rain, softening the sun, and inviting you to wander at your own pace. Its atmosphere is a vibrant blend of light, scent, voices, and motion: glowing storefront signs, the aroma of fresh coffee, the colors of the latest fashion displays, and the familiar fragrance of drugstores all merge into what can only be described as the signature “Shinsaibashi ambience.” People here move with different rhythms—tourists rolling suitcases, office workers weaving deftly through the crowd, and stylish young locals ready for an afternoon of shopping. There is no single protagonist, yet everyone feels like one. Every shop expresses its own personality, from long-established confectionery stores to sleek flagship boutiques, from the enticing smell of takoyaki at the corner to the unmissable pull of a bargain drugstore sale. The charm of Shinsaibashi-suji lies not in any one item, but in the constant sense that something delightful might be waiting just around the next bend. As dusk settles, the street becomes even more captivating. Soft, warm lights begin to glow overhead, giving the entire arcade a gentle, almost romantic atmosphere—bustling yet soothing at the same time. It’s the perfect place to browse for souvenirs, try on a jacket that fits just right, pick up gifts, or simply snack your way through the walk, all without rushing anywhere. If Dotonbori is Osaka’s dazzling stage, then Shinsaibashi-suji is where travelers truly meet the city’s everyday heartbeat. It is lively, welcoming, endlessly varied, and the kind of place that makes you want to stroll through it again the moment you reach the end.

OMG this shopping districts is huge and has something for everyone. Be prepared to walk a lot and expect crowds. Take time to explore the many back alley’s with great bars and restaurants.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas in Osaka! The street is full of energy, stretching endlessly with shops, cafés, and restaurants on both sides. You can find everything here — from local Japanese brands and souvenirs to international labels and trendy fashion stores. The covered walkway makes it comfortable to explore in any weather, and there’s always something new to discover. Street food, friendly shop staff, and the lively atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals. If you love shopping or just want to enjoy Osaka’s city vibe, Shinsaibashi-Suji is the perfect place to spend a few hours (or even a whole day!).

Shinsaibashi is the heart of shopping and energy in Osaka. The area is vibrant, lively, and full of character, with a perfect mix of international brands, trendy Japanese stores, local boutiques, cafés, and street food. Walking through Shinsaibashi-suji feels like being in the pulse of the city, where there is always something interesting to see, buy, or try. The atmosphere is fun and dynamic, especially in the evening when the streets are full of life. It’s a great place for shopping lovers, food explorers, and anyone who enjoys experiencing authentic urban Japan. From fashion and cosmetics to souvenirs and desserts, everything is within walking distance. Shinsaibashi is not just a shopping street — it’s an experience that captures the true spirit of Osaka.

The shopping district is huge. Prepared to walk a lot to explore any store from Japanese local brand and international brand. You can also have tax refunds when purchased 5.500¥ and above. Very crowded but still comfortable. If you are looking for a prayer room, there is Prayer Room in Daimaru South Bldg. 7th floor.

No queue when we came around 8pm on a weekday night. Ordered from the machine outside, then passed the ticket inside to get a seat. The ramen was decent, nothing too special, though the spicy one packed quite a kick. The garlic fried rice and chicken karaage were both delicious and well seasoned without being too salty.

We loved the flavorful ramen, the crisp and tender karaage and the yum fried rice. And the service we received from Jam was excellent! Helping us order and making sure we have everything we need.

I ordered this via UberEats instead of dining in so I can’t judge the atmosphere or service. The food were great as the egg and garlic fried rice were delicious and fragrant. However the garlic taste may be too strong for some. The char siu ramen is amazing as the broth is rich and flavourful. Almost finished it towards the end. Gyoza was decent, no complaints about it! I would recommend this and it’s nice to know it’s 24/7!

Their food? Amazingly delicious, but the place? Pretty dirty. As there’s a saying of, you know how clean the restaurant is by their cleanliness of the bathroom and quite frankly although their food is delicious their bathroom smells like vomit, poop and old urine for decades again, dried and wet mixed, new and old mixed together. Going to the bathroom to wash my hand got my gag reflex, which in terms although I did finish the whole meal, the back of my mind and back of my nose was still in the bathroom. Came here from a Reddit post recommending the spice level and the ramen, but there are other places that might make me feel more comfortable and less sticky of a situation. This place also is cash only, which thankfully we had cash but wish I had read somewhere in advance before coming. Would recommend people to come here if they don’t care about the looks and feels of the spot, otherwise there may be other places. Food is good, just wish they had better hygiene when it comes to cleaning the place. It is open 24/7 so I mean that’s also a perk, but maybe bc of that it’s not that clean? Just anything but use the bathroom there.

Sad to say this was my most disappointing meal I had while in Japan. I decided to try this place because of its good reviews, but unfortunately, it was a major letdown. The ramen looked absolutely amazing, and I was so excited to finally eat after walking 20k steps and having a little photoshoot of the visually appealing bowl of ramen. But the first bite… YIKES! The broth was so unpleasant and the noodles were overcooked. It was honestly the worst ramen I’ve had in my life. The more I tried to enjoy it, the worse it. For the first time in life, we literally could not eat our food because the taste was horrible. In the end, we left with our bowls untouched and headed to get food at Ichiran instead. Beautiful presentation can’t save ramen that just doesn’t taste good.

Not the best ramen i ever tasted but worth it to try. We are just walk-in and it’s not busy that time. But after we ate, people are waiting. How to order. Line in the menu machine Select the food you like Pay cash ( I’m not sure if card is accepted here.) Get tour ticket and give it to the staff They will call you if your food is ready to serve. Location: 10 minutes walk from Namba station.

Best, flavoursome Ramen we had in Japan - hands down! We ordered the hot pork Ramen on a cool evening, sat outside and ravished this gastronomical delight. The staff were very friendly and helpful too.

Really excellent place and great value. Best dish was probably the unagi with Nori and wasabi but everything else was also delicious. Service was super friendly the menu will be a bit challenging if you can not read Japanese.

Very delicious Japanese omakase style dishes. Nice sake as well. Cramped space but full of visitors. Very good experience.

Im here for the first time in a while. Still their Hospitality is great!

The best restaurant in Osaka

(Translated by Google) Tabelog 3.88 I made a reservation by phone on the day. The prices are not listed on the menu. The chopstick rests are cute frogs. Also, the wait staff were very kind and I was on vacation, so I am truly grateful that I found such a great restaurant. I would like to visit this restaurant again when I visit Osaka. (Original) 食べログ3.88 当日電話予約で入れました。 メニューに料金は書いてありません。 箸置きがカエルで可愛いです。 あと、ホールスタッフの方々がとても親切で旅行で来ていたのもあり、いいお店に巡り会えたなと心から感謝しております。 また大阪に訪れた際は訪問したいお店です。

(Translated by Google) Shimanouchi Ichiyo is a renowned Japanese restaurant located on a quiet street in Nihonbashi. Step inside and you'll find a refined space filled with the warmth and elegance of wood, along with a dignified air. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, each one imbued with the artisan's skill and aesthetic sense. The aroma and umami of the broth quietly spreads throughout the seasonal seafood, as well as meat dishes and simmered dishes, leaving a lingering aftertaste that seems to melt gently in the mouth. Pursuing essential deliciousness over flashiness, Ichiyo's cuisine is the epitome of adult luxury. It will create an exquisite moment, perfect for an evening spent with someone special. (Original) 日本橋の静かな通りに佇む、日本料理の名店「島之内 一陽」。 一歩足を踏み入れると、凛とした空気と共に、木の温もりと品格が漂う上質な空間が広がる。 旬の素材を丁寧に見極め、ひとつひとつに職人の技と美意識を込めた料理の数々。 季節の魚介はもちろん、肉料理や煮物に至るまで、出汁の香りと旨みが静かに広がり、 口の中でふわりと溶けていくような余韻を残す。 華やかさよりも、本質の美味しさを追求した「一陽」の料理は、まさに大人の贅沢そのもの。 特別な人と過ごす夜にふさわしい、極上のひとときを演出してくれます。

Absolutely delicious and fresh food, unique dishes we've never had before. Staff were communicative despite the language barrier, which we appreciated. Price was super fair as well. They also recommended a sake for us, which paired well with our food.

Mar 2025: this is a wonderful sushi / sashimi omakase restaurant. We booked a lunch sitting and were totally impressed by the quality of the food and service. We had About 16-18 dishes (I lost count!) and each was delicious, fresh and delicately prepared. Love.

An unforgettable omakase experience from start to finish. Every dish was a masterpiece — from the delicate appetizers to the perfectly crafted nigiri, each bite showcased the chef’s precision, creativity, and deep respect for the ingredients. The atmosphere was intimate and calming, and being seated at the counter gave a personal, almost meditative feel to the entire meal. The service was impeccable, with warm and knowledgeable staff who guided us through each course. Sushi Haku truly deserves every bit of its Michelin recognition. A must-visit in Osaka for any sushi lover finish. Every dish was a masterpiece — from the delicate appetizers to the perfectly crafted nigiri, each bite showcased the chef’s precision, creativity, and deep respect for the ingredients. The atmosphere was intimate and calming, and being seated at the counter gave a personal, almost meditative feel to the entire meal. The service was impeccable, with warm and knowledgeable staff who guided us through each course. Sushi Haku truly deserves every bit of its Michelin recognition. A must-visit in Osaka for any sushi lover

I had a wonderful dinner at sushi Haku. The ingredients are fresh and all the dishes are amazing. The staff and chef are friendly and nice. The chef paid attention to details. Since I’m a left hander, he replaced the spoons for my convenience. Will definitely come to this place again when I visit Osaka.

THE WORST DINING EXPERIENCE IN OSAKA. We can clearly feel that one of the chefs was very rude and showed no respect to us. We didn’t do anything wrong - neither speak nor laugh loud. We also came on time. There’s only a group of guests - that’s us but I feel like they just wanted to get off work early. They served all the plates at very fast pace - we finished the whole omakase menu within 1 hour. No kidding. I didn’t expect to have fast sushi at this high price. In terms of food, the sushi rice is not well-cooked. VERY CHEWY. Feels like eating some raw rice. CRAZY. And some of the sashimi are very sour. I hope the chef can taste them before serving. VERY DISAPPOINTING. BLACKLISTED. NOT RECOMMENDED.

Without a doubt, Haku is one of the finest sushi restaurants hidden in Osaka. All the dishes are thoughtfully put together by a taisho who has a wonderful and delicate talent bringing out the most of the current season's ingredients. I very much recommend visiting as soon as possible before it becomes insanely popular - it is inevitable that reservations for this shining star of a restaurant will become difficult to get.

Sushi Haku is a complete hidden gem that we discovered thanks to a recommendation from a local Japanese resident. It's tucked away on a non-descript street off the main commercial areas, which adds to its mystique and charm. The chef has an impressive 35 years of experience in the industry, and it truly shows in the incredible array of dishes they serve, from marinated to char-grilled to boiled dishes. When it comes to sushi, they offer a variety of unique fish and shellfish, such as Tairagi, that you don't commonly find elsewhere. And everything is wonderfully fresh and seasoned to perfection. If you're a genuine sushi lover, you would appreciate the differentiating selection of fish here. Last but not least, the restaurant has a refreshingly contemporary feel in its design, with a gorgeous ceramic collection on the second floor. We also enjoyed the beautiful tableware used throughout the meal. Overall, it was an amazing experience and one of the best meals we've had in Osaka!

Loved every bit of this experience. The food was outstanding - you could see the quality of ingredients. Each ingredients were prepared very well, harmonizing well with rice. Mouthfeel was great with each piece, texture is on point, and not a single aspect of flavor I found to be overwhelming. We tried various sakes, Louis Jadot Chablis, few shots of Japanese whiskey. Chablis pairs so well with white fish!! Piercing fruit with chalky character which you find with good Chablis. The plates and cups were also very interesting. It complimented the food and drinks very well. Atmosphere is fabulous. The brothers who serve show excellent manner and have great humor too. Having a chat with them was a big part of what made the experience exceptional. Overall, my wife and I had a great time - enjoyed every minute of it!