2017.03.02
nomura

A must-see for couples! 6 Sightseeing Spots in Osaka for Couples

Osaka, which is filled with remarkable tourist spots, is also home to a lot of wonderful places that are perfect for dates. Here are six recommended spots in Osaka that couples visiting town should check out!

Index

1. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
2. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
3. Minato Machi River Place
4. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
5. Americamura

6. Hirakata Park

See all

1. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

First on the list is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan that boasts of being one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is a place where you can see huge whale sharks and various other creatures of the sea that show a variety of appearances. The best time to come here for couples is from 5:00 pm in order to enjoy “Yoru no Kaiyukan” (Kaiyukan at Night). The sight of the light that looks like moonlight piercing through the deep blue and tranquil sea is truly mystical. The ensemble of lights and sounds inside the aquarium creates a romantic mood that is perfect for dates.
Admission fee: 2,300 JPY (incl. tax) for adults (16 years old and older)

Jeff/Flickr

1. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Detail

2. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel that is close to Kaiyukan is also recommended. Here, you can enjoy the nightscape of Osaka from a gondola at night, so it is very popular with couples. Aside from the regular type of gondolas, you can also choose to go on the ride in a see-through gondola that will definitely make your heart palpitate in excitement. The floor and seats are transparent, so you will feel like you are actually floating on air! Try it and you will enjoy a fantastic view and a thrilling ride. This Ferris wheel is also the first in the world to use illumination on its cabins. So, how about dropping by here at night as well when you visit Kaiyukan?
Ferris wheel fee: 800 JPY for regular ticket

2. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Detail

3. Minato Machi River Place

Located along Dotonbori River, Minato Machi River Place is a soothing spot that is surrounded by water and lush greens. It is a complex commercial facility that is attached to Namba Hatch, a live and concert hall that is characterized by its octagon-shaped building. At the outdoor square, you will find flea markets, performances and other shows and events being held. On warm, sunny days, you can even relax at the wooden decks inside the facility. If you want to go on a date here, then it would be best to come at night when the place is all lit up. You can enjoy the romantic vibe while walking along the terrace by the river.

3. Minato Machi River Place

1-3-1 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Next page: 4. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

4. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

The next spot on the list is the red Ferris wheel at the shopping facility HEP FIVE that has become a landmark of Umeda, the center of Osaka. This Ferris wheel is set on top of the building, so when you ride it, you will be treated to a magnificent sight of the city from inside the gondola! You can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka from about 106m from the ground. If you come here on a clear day, you get to marvel at the sight of Osaka Bay and the mountains nearby, too. The beautiful night scene created by the high-rise buildings that are illuminated in neon colors will surely decorate your time with your loved one.
Ferris wheel fee: 500 JPY

masatsu/Flickr

4. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

5-15 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

5. Americamura

Americamura is the birthplace of the latest trends in Osaka. It is a town for young people where there are rows of shops selling trendy apparel, unique vintage clothes, records and other goods. Human-shaped streetlamps, murals by artists and other unique objects and buildings also abound in this place, so it is the perfect spot for dates for couples that are sensitive to the latest fashion trends and culture. In between shopping and strolling, you must try the takoyaki (price starts at 400 JPY) from Kogaryu! It will give you a taste of Osaka that has been loved for more than 40 years since the shop opened.

W236/Wikimedia Commons

5. Americamura

2-18-4 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

6. Hirakata Park

Last on the list is Hirakata Park, an amusement park that you can enjoy in whatever season as it is home to more than 40 attractions such as thrill rides, pools, and skating rinks. The Ferris wheel, which is a must when you go on a date in an amusement park, is best enjoyed during sunset and at night when you can gaze upon the beautiful nightscape down below. During winter, when the park holds an illumination event, Hirakata Park is enveloped in fantastic light at night.
Admission fee: 1,400 JPY (incl. tax) for adults (middle school students and older) ※You need to buy the Free Pass (3,000 JPY (incl. tax)) or pay the usage fee (varies depending on the attraction) in order to use or ride on the attractions