**[Osaka's Hidden Gem] Tennoji Park: A Green Time Capsule Spanning a Thousand Years**
by yiink
Jul 24, 2025
Osaka, with the intricate maze of Umeda and the dazzling neon lights of Dotonbori, pulses with the lively rhythm of a vibrant city.
With one 【Osaka Amazing Pass】, efficiently connect the city’s skyline, history, and waterfront all in one day, with free transportation and attraction entry throughout. If you’re staying in Umeda, keep this practical guide handy!
One electronic pass = unlimited Osaka subway/bus rides + admission to 40+ attractions
[○] How to use:
No physical card needed; purchase and activate on your phone
For trains/subways: scan the QR code on your phone when entering and exiting stations
For entry/boat rides: show the QR code verification page on your phone at each facility entrance (some require exchanging for a paper ticket)
※Electronic tickets have dedicated lanes at popular spots like Osaka Castle Tower, saving you lots of waiting time compared to buying tickets on-site
[○] Itinerary overview:
— Meal: CITY BAKERY (Nakanoshima Festival Plaza) — — Entertainment: Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat — Entertainment: Osaka Water Bus Aqua-Liner — — — Entertainment: WONDER CRUISE — Meal: Kani Doraku (Dotonbori Central Branch) — Entertainment: HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
[One]【Northern Area, Umeda District】Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory (9:30 AM–10:30 PM, last admission 10:00 PM) Adult 2,000 JPY
Within walking distance from the hotel
Take the escalator through the sky corridor; see the peaceful awakening of Osaka spread beneath your feet in the early morning
Tips: Free entry with the pass until 3:00 PM. Recommended as the first stop to avoid crowds
[Two]【Osaka Castle Area】Osaka Castle Tower (9:00 AM–6:00 PM, last admission 5:30 PM) 1,200 JPY
Tanimachi Line: Umeda Station to Tanimachi 4-chome Station
One of Japan’s three great historic castles alongside Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle
In the unified Momoyama period, it was the residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the center of the Toyotomi regime, known as “Taikō-han’s Castle”
Climb to the top for panoramic views of Osaka Castle Park and the city skyline
Historical tour: The museum inside recreates the turbulent Sengoku era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka Castle
[Three]【Osaka Castle Area】Osaka Castle Pleasure Boat (10:00 AM–4:30 PM, last departure) 1,800 JPY
Board at the pier west of the castle tower; a vintage boat shaped like a golden beast head
Best photo angle of the castle tower
The crew is attentive and friendly, turning the boat on the moat to ensure all passengers enjoy the view
About a 20-minute cruise with a refreshing breeze, perfect for escaping summer heat
Tips: Tickets must be exchanged at the ticket office
[Four]【Osaka Castle Area】Osaka Water Bus Aqua-Liner (10:00 AM–4:00 PM, departs hourly) Adult 2,000 JPY
Walk to Osaka Castle Port
Route duration 55 minutes; one-way 25 minutes
Enjoy the breath of the city’s residents while admiring the scenery of Osaka, the city of water
Cruise along the Okawa River through central Osaka, passing landmarks like Osaka City Central Public Hall, Nakanoshima Rose Garden, Osaka Mint Bureau, and crossing historic bridges such as Tenmabashi and Yodoyabashi
After departure, the staff on shore continue waving goodbye until out of sight
This heartfelt farewell is a touching example of Japanese service spirit
[Five]【Southern Area, Shinsekai & Tennoji District】Shitennoji Temple (April–September 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; October–March 8:30 AM–4:00 PM) Main Hall 500 JPY
Tanimachi Line: Osaka Business Park Station to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station
Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, it is Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple and the oldest government temple
Built with traditional temple layout, the main buildings including the middle gate, five-story pagoda, main hall, and lecture hall are aligned on the central axis
Originally established as a “four-institution system”: Keiden-in for teaching and practice; Seyaku-in for distributing porridge and medicine; Ryobyo-in for caring for the sick; Hiden-in for sheltering the elderly and weak
Step from the bustling city noise into the temple grounds where the clamor fades like a tide
Time here feels long and slow, with only the silhouette of ancient towers, the depth of corridors, and the occasional lingering sound of the Buddhist bell
[Six]【Southern Area, Shinsekai & Tennoji District】Tsutenkaku Tower General Observatory (10:00 AM–8:00 PM, last admission 7:30 PM) 1,200 JPY
Within walking distance
The first Tsutenkaku Tower was built in 1912 and was Asia’s tallest building at 64 meters
The postwar rebuilt tower increased height to 100 meters and features bright neon lights that change with the seasons
Climb this original landmark inspired by the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a dialogue with Osaka’s local life from 100 meters high
Below is the lively and retro Shinsekai; in the distance, the endless urban panorama where past and present converge
Tips: Must exchange for an admission reservation ticket; besides the observatory, there are a slide and skywalk experiences, but you must complete one to book the next
[Seven]【Southern Area, Namba & Dotonbori District】WONDER CRUISE (5:00 PM–9:30 PM) Adult 2,000 JPY
Sakaisuji Line: Ebisucho Station to Nipponbashi Station
At sunset, with lights just coming on and neon reflecting in the water, cruising on the Dotonbori River is the most direct way to feel Osaka’s energy
This is Osaka’s romantic and cyber-style ritual
The entire cruise is in English, with a very energetic guide using simple English combined with passion and gestures, making it friendly and easy to follow
Tips: Use Google Maps to search “Dotonbori boat boarding place” (in Chinese input)
[Eight]【Northern Area, Umeda District】HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel (11:00 AM–11:00 PM, last ride 10:45 PM) 800 JPY
Midosuji Line: Namba Station to Umeda Station
The bright red Ferris wheel hanging over the city skyline is eye-catching
Ride this stylish icon for about 15 minutes of slow ascent, enjoying an unobstructed dazzling night view from 106 meters high
It’s the perfect romantic night sky journey to end your day
Tips: The cabin has built-in Bluetooth speakers to connect your phone and play music, enhancing your exclusive night view moment
Within one day, from the morning cloud-high views to the neon water reflections at sunset, Osaka’s many faces are cleverly captured in the sky and on the water.
Post by Mia50 Rivera_ | Oct 10, 2025























