InterContinental Osaka Destination

Osaka's best known site is actually museum built in the shape of a castle rather than as an actual historical castle. This spectacular site has beautiful grounds especially in the cherry blossom season when many Osakans flock to the castle park to picnic and enjoy the marvelous scenery. Naniwa Palace Site Park or Naniwanomiya can also be found south of Osaka Castle Park.The grounds are free, and the castle costs ¥600 per adult.

Closed between Dec 28-Jan 4 and public holidays. Big interactive activity center with several floors. Great for kids. Planetarium and cinema (with science films) downstairs. Adults ¥600, children ¥300.

1-32 Otemae 4-Chome Chuo-ku (5 min walk from subway Tanimachi 4-chome Station; also accessible via Osaka Castle or from JR Osaka-jō Station), [17]. M-Th 9:30AM-5PM, F 9:30AM-8PM, closed Tuesday, or Wednesday of Tuesday is a holiday. An ideal place to learn all-abouts of Osaka's history. Enjoyable view over Osaka Castle and the OBP skyscrapers. ¥600.

Built in an attempt to revitalize Osaka's Kita district, the project wasn't quite the commercial success that was anticipated but this bizarrely shaped 40-story, 173-meter building is still a city landmark. Take the escalator through midair to the rooftop observatory for an open-air view of Osaka, which is particularly impressive on a clear night. There is a lover's seat, where if you hold your partner's hand, and each hold a metal button on the seat, the ground around you lights up.

One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, with a history stretching back 1800 years. Its traditional architecture is unusual amongst Japan's shrines, and its park-like surroundings with the sacred bridge arching over a tranquil pond make it a restful break from the busy environment of Osaka.

Universal Studios Osaka is an amusement park opened 31 march 2001. The Park contains an amazing array of rides, shows and attractions rides that put you in your favourite scene from your favourite movies. Experience the excitement at this amazing park with friends and family.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kyoto only a 30 minute trip from JR Osaka Station. Highlights of Kyoto include the famous Golden Temple (Kinkakuji), Nijo Castle, The Imperial Palace and the charm of the old town Gion. Experience some of Japan's oldest traditions such as tea ceremony, flower arranging and wagashi (Japanese sweets). Also if you are lucky have the chance of spotting a Geisha, an activity that can only be done in Kyoto.

Nara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains some of the oldest buddhist temples in Japan. Highlights include Todaiji which houses the famous Daibutsu the largest Buddha statue in Japan and Kofuji, a temple with a three storey and five storey pagoda (Japan's second tallest at 50m). These sites are concentrated in Nara park where you can also see the sika deer freely roaming around and is regarded as a place of scenic beauty.

Located only 30 minutes away from Osaka Station, Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture. Located between the sea and the Rokka mountain range, Kobe is considered one of Japan's most attractive cities. Enjoy an array of activities including exploring Kitano a former residential area of foreign merchants and Chinatown popular for dining and shopping. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy Kobe beef, the world famous local brand of Wagyu meat.