Not far from Universal Studios lies Tempozan Harbour Village, a modern waterfront shopping and entertainment area located about 20 minutes from Osaka’s CBD.
The main feature of Tempozan is a shopping centre with a large food court offering both Japanese restaurants and Western fast food outlets. The centre also houses numerous small retail shops as well as a LEGOLAND® Discovery Center centre.
Tempozan Harbour Village is home to many of Osaka’s major tourist attractions and becomes especially busy on weekends and during the summer holiday season, with thousands of visitors flocking to the area.
Before the opening of the London Eye, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel held the title of the world’s tallest and most technologically advanced Ferris wheel. Standing at over 112 metres high with 60 passenger carriages, it offers breathtaking views of the harbour, Mt Rokko, and the entire Osaka city area. At night, the wheel lights up with a spectacular “skyrocket” fireworks lighting display, illuminating 100 metres of the structure. The Ferris wheel is a favourite spot for couples looking to enjoy a romantic moment while taking in the cityscape.
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of Osaka’s biggest attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year to see marine life from around the Pacific Rim. The aquarium is home to over 30,000 marine creatures representing more than 580 species, from jellyfish to whale sharks—the largest fish in the ocean. Popular exhibits include dolphins, otters, and penguins. With 15 enormous tanks holding over 5,000 tons of seawater each, this facility is widely regarded as one of the best aquariums in Japan and among the top aquariums in the world, offering hours of fascinating entertainment for all ages.
Other attractions at Tempozan include the Osaka Culturarium, a gallery space that hosts various rotating exhibitions throughout the year, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, which is especially popular with children.
The Tempozan Marketplace is another must-visit destination, offering a wide variety of dining options—from budget-friendly to upscale, and from familiar to adventurous. Specialties include Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki, and delicious Japanese curry. The marketplace also boasts a great selection of specialty shops and small entertainment venues.
A sightseeing ferry known as the Santa Maria offers cruises around Osaka Bay, while another ferry provides shuttle service to Universal Studios, Universal City Walk, and Universal City JR Station. Tempozan Harbour Village is easily accessible—just a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Subway Chuo Line, or a 10-minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Sakurajima Line.
Official Website:
https://www.kaiyukan.com/thv/
