6 Must-See Sites in Osaka, Japan

One of the city’s most recognized landmarks, Umeda Sky Building features a rooftop observatory, underground market and urban gardens with walking trails and water features. The building’s two-floor observatory is home to Café Sky 40 and the Fence of Vows. © Yiu Tung Lee | Dreamstime.com

Take a trip to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. When it first opened in 1990, it was the largest aquarium in the world. This aquarium features 27 tanks in 16 main exhibits, housing creatures like Japanese giant salamander, different types of jellyfish, piranhas, penguins, crabs, and even whale sharks and scalloped hammerhead sharks. © Karyi Yeap | Dreamstime.com

Did you know there’s a Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Japan? Located in Universal Studios Japan, this theme park offers exciting rides, the village of Hogsmeade, shops and restaurants. There are even some features not found in Orlando, such as Hogwarts’ Black Lake and live owls. © Usataro | Dreamstime.com

Located a little more than an hour west of Osaka, Himeji Castle is the best surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. With 83 rooms and advanced defensive systems, this castle dates back to 1333 and was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan. © Chanchai Duangdoosan | Dreamstime.com

Experience the life and energy of the city in the Dōtonbori district, a popular spot for nightlife and entertainment venues. Illuminated by billboards, this district also includes many notable restaurants, landmarks like Ebisu Tower, bridges and more. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

From its 103-meter-tall tower to bright lights to endless restaurants, Osaka’s Shinsekai district is best known for its kushi-katsu cuisine and tower resembling the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Created in 1912, this neighborhood used New York’s Coney Island as a model for this bustling area. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com