The Osaka Bay Area has been an important trading hub in Japan for more than 1,300 years. Historically, it also served as a major diplomatic and cultural gateway to the country, situated near the geographic centre of Japan.
Today, the Bay Area has been revitalised and transformed into a vibrant precinct home to a diverse range of technological and research industries, as well as extensive leisure, sporting, and residential developments.
The Bay Area boasts some of Osaka’s biggest attractions, including Universal Studios Japan, which features a movie-themed park and a CityWalk entertainment district modelled after its American counterparts. The Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) is considered one of the best in the world, with a massive whale shark as its star attraction. The Osaka Culturarium showcases impressive art exhibitions, includes an IMAX cinema, and is located near a giant Ferris wheel. The Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building (Cosmo Tower) offers a 55th-floor observation deck with stunning views across the city and Osaka Bay. Nearby, Intex Osaka is one of the world’s largest exhibition centres, hosting major trade shows and events throughout the year.
For a more peaceful experience, Tempozan Park is one of Osaka’s loveliest green spaces, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring. The park features tea houses, a local market, and the Tempozan Shotengai—a charming shopping street that connects to the subway and is popular with both locals and visitors.
The Bay Area is just an 18-minute subway ride from central Osaka via the Chūō Line.
