Osaka Bay Area

The Osaka Bay Area is home to two huge entertainment complexes: Universal Studios Japan, an American-style theme park, and Tempozan, which includes the superb Osaka Aquarium, a giant Ferris wheel and a shopping/dining complex.

[Tempozan in Osaka Bay Area]

It’s easy to forget that Osaka is actually a port city, but when you take the Chuo subway line or the JR Yumesaki Line out west for about 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself looking out over Osaka Bay and the Inland Sea. If you like large American-style attractions and Western fast food, you’ll probably like this part of the city. Needless to say, it’s popular with Japanese and international families.

Universal Studios Japan is almost a separate world, with several dedicated hotels and its own shopping and dining areas. In contrast, Tempozan is more of a daytrip destination (even a half-day destination) and is better for those on a limited budget.

Osaka Bay Highlights

• Osaka Aquarium
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Universal Studios Japan

[Osaka Aquarium: Ong.thanaong / Shutterstock.com]

Things To See And Do In Osaka Bay

• Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan; aquarium)
  Osaka Aquarium, known as Kaiyukan in Japanese, is one of Osaka’s premier attractions and one of the best aquariums in the world. It’s pretty expensive (¥‎2300 for adults and ¥‎1200 for children over four) but it’s well worth it. The aquarium is built around an enormous tank that holds an astonishing variety of large fish, including (when we last visited) a whale shark, manta rays, tiger sharks, leopard sharks and a variety of smaller but beautiful fish.

[Tempozan Ferris Wheel: MosayMay / Shutterstock.com]

• Tempozan Ferris Wheel (Ferris wheel)
  As you walk from Osakako subway station to Osaka Aquarium, you’ll pass by the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Reaching a height of 112 meters, this Ferris wheel, which costs ¥‎800 per person, offers an incredible view of the Bay Area, Osaka and Kobe. It’s well worth the money and the night view is particularly lovely.

[Universal Studios Japan: Pixzy / Shutterstock.com]

• Universal Studios Japan (amusement park)
  This enormous American-style theme park is similar to others of its kind in other parts of the world. If you’ve been to one, you know what to expect. At over ¥‎7000 per adult and almost ¥‎5000 per child between four and 11, it’s not cheap, and you’ll probably want to buy an express pass to avoid spending all day on line.

Places To Eat In Osaka Bay

No one would accuse the Osaka Bay Area of being a fine dining paradise. Most of the restaurants here exist to serve the families who patronize Universal Studios Japan and Tempozan. Still, if you explore the following places, you can find some pretty decent food, including some traditional Japanese food.

• Universal City Walk Osaka (shopping/dining complex)
  Located outside Universal Studios Japan, this huge American-style dining and shopping complex can be visited for free (ie, without paying to enter Universal Studios Japan). The complex is filled with American chain restaurants and some local options. It’s pretty fun to walk around and the food is tasty even if it’s not particularly healthy. It’s not really worth making the trip out here if you’re not visiting the theme park next door, but it’s great if you’re staying in one of the hotels nearby.
• TAKOPA Takoyaki Park (takoyaki; budget)
  Visiting Universal Studios Japan and craving takoyaki? Never fear - TAKOPA (Takoyaki Park)（改称）in Universal City Walk. You can sample your way through five of Osaka’s best shops under a single roof. Efficient and tasty!
• Tempozan Marketplace (shopping/dining complex)
  Located between the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Osaka Aquarium, this large shopping and dining complex has heaps of fast food and family restaurants. Many of them have English menus, so ordering is easy. The following food street is the place to look for Japanese food here.
• Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho (food street)
  Located inside the Tempozan Marketplace (see previous entry), this is a faux Edo-era shopping street lined with small restaurants selling all the usual Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki, tako-yaki and kushikatsu. This is the best place to eat in the Tempozan area, but it can get very crowded — try to go during off-peak hours.

Places To Stay In Osaka Bay

Mid-Range Hotels In Osaka Bay

• Quintessa Hotel Osaka Bay
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Quintessa Hotel Osaka Bay is a clean and comfortable hotel, with good rooms for this budget category and convenient access to attractions like the Osaka Aquarium. They also provide free shuttle services to places like JR Osaka Station and Universal Studios Japan!

Family Hotels In Osaka Bay

• The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This stylish and comfortable hotel is less than a one-minute walk to the main entrance of USJ. Rooms are spacious by Japanese standards, there are some great views from the rooms, and the staff is welcoming. It’s a great choice for a stay at the park.
• Hotel Universal Port
  (View on on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  If you’re visiting Universal Studios Japan and want to be close to the park for a reasonable price, Hotel Universal Port is a great choice, especially if you’re travelling with kids. It’s non-smoking and the rooms are family-sized!

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

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