Four Recommended Must-See Attractions in Osaka

1. Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Osaka is an original theme park imported from Universal Studios Hollywood, with a large number of large-scale production of rides and shows of a very high standard. Compared to Tokyo Disney, the rides and shows here are more exciting.

2. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle Park is a city park centered around the Osaka Castle Tenshoukaku built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Inside the park, you can see a variety of street performers and partying Osaka citizens, while the Tenshoukaku offers a panoramic view of all of Osaka. The park includes the Tenshogaku Pavilion, Nishinomaru Garden, Toyokuni Shrine, the Municipal Shudo Hall, a baseball stadium, and an open-air music theater. In the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, more than 600 cherry blossoms complement the castle lights beautifully.

3. Umeda Sky Garden. The Umeda Blue Sky Building Sky Observatory, a sky corridor connecting the twin towers of the Umeda Blue Sky Building, and the 360° observation deck make this a popular place to view one of the 100 views of the Japanese sunset, and an excellent place to enjoy the bustling night view of Osaka after nightfall. Access to the Umeda Blue Sky Building is a bit tricky due to its somewhat secluded location. From Osaka Train Station Exit 5, you'll have to go through an underground passage underneath the railroad tracks to get there.

4. Tontenkaku. The 103-meter-high Dondenkaku is known as the "Eiffel Tower of Naniwa," as Osaka people call it. On the observation deck at the top, there is a cartoonish statue of "Billiken". Touching the soles of his feet is said to bring good luck.

And of course, foodies can't miss out on Tontenkaku's New World! It's got the best fried skewers in Osaka.