If you’re scared of heights – this hike isn’t for you.
Hoshida Park, known as the ‘Forest of Osaka’, is home to the largest suspension bridge in Japan at a length of 280 meters and a height of 50 meters. The bridge, Hoshi no Buranko, is locally known as the Star Swing Bridge, stemming from the belief that standing on the bridge at night feels like floating among the stars. Despite its name, unfortunately you cannot walk across the bridge at night; it currently closes at 1630hrs.
This hike takes you through a well-signposted forest route, leading you across the bridge, before making your way back down. The route to the bridge and back spans around 8km and is suitable for beginners. To get to the start of the hike take the Keihan Main Line from Kyobashi to Hirakatashi Station. From Hirakatashi Station, take the Katano Line to Kisaichi Station (the end of the line). Follow the trail around the scenic Amano River which should be on your left-hand side on your way up. It will take around 1-hour to get to the bridge from the start of your hike, depending on your pace.
The longest wooden footbridge in Japan! 📍 Hike to Hoshi no Buranko 🌉✨ Looking for a perfect half-day adventure near Osaka? 🏞️ Start your hike from Kisaichi Station 🚉 and immerse yourself in forests, peaceful trails, and breathtaking views. 🌳🌲 👟 Trail Details: 📏 ~2.5 km one way 🌿 Easy to moderate difficulty 🕒 Takes about 2-3 hours round trip The highlight? Hoshi no Buranko—a massive suspension bridge that makes you feel like you’re walking among the stars! ✨ The view from up there is absolutely incredible, with a canopy of greenery stretching as far as the eye can see. 😍 🍙 Pro Tip: Pack a snack or bento to enjoy at the picnic area nearby—it’s the perfect way to recharge before heading back! 🌅 End your adventure with a serene walk back to Kisaichi Station as the sun sets over the Kansai wilderness. 📸 Tag your hiking buddy and save this post for your next outdoor escape! 🌟 #HikingJapan#Osaka#Japan#HoshiNoBuranko#KansaiAdventures#OsakaHikes#NatureLovers
Akame 48 Waterfalls Trail is a well-known trail for deep mountain valleys and waterfalls of various sizes, widths, plunges and waterflows. The hike will take you into the Murō-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park, past multiple stunning waterfalls. The 48 waterfalls are a collective name for a string of waterfalls flowing through Akame-cho, Nabari, Mie.
This location is where the first Ninjas used to train and perfect their art form. Go to the home of the Ninja, viewing the history of ninjas from stalls, shops and even restaurants. Enter a giant salamander museum, view these impressive creatures which are native to this area.
There are different routes that you can take, which vary in their difficulty. The three route options are:
Route 1 – Short and easy course, 20-minutes (one-way). This route is mostly paved and suitable for casual hikers. It will take you past three out of the five best waterfalls, Fudo Falls, Senju Falls and Nunobiki Falls. Be sure to not miss the deep valley at the start of the route which is said to date back over 15-million years; an unfathomable amount of time.
Route 2 – Moderate course, 90-minutes (one-way). This route is paved and includes some steep staircase sections, which can be slippy if it’s been raining. This route will ensure that you experience all five of the best waterfalls, adding Ninai Falls and Biwa Falls to your route.
Route 3 – Advanced course, 170-minutes (one-way) with a 584m elevation gain. This route takes you past the same waterfalls as route 1, before deviating onto the advanced course toward Mt. Nagasaka. The trail is steep but includes plenty of rest spots, making it manageable for intermediate hikers. To fully enjoy the experience, plan for a whole day.
To get the starting point of all three routes, take the Kintetsu-Osaka Line from Tsuruhashi Station (accessible via the Osaka Loop Line) to Akameguchi Station, this takes around 1hr 05mins. From Akameguchi Station, catch a bus from the bus station to Akamedaki.
The bus takes just 10-minutes on the Akame Line. Be sure to note the time of the last bus back from the falls and give yourself plenty of time to head back. From Akamedaki, follow the road around to the start of the hike.
All paths are well-signposted from the bus stop. Follow the route uphill and pass through the Salamander aquarium where you pay a small fee of 1,000 yen before starting your hike.
🌿✨ Explore the breathtaking beauty of Akame 48 Waterfalls! 🌊🍃 Just a short trip from Osaka, this serene hike offers cascading falls, lush green forests, and magical vibes! 🌟 Whether you’re spotting salamanders 🦎, soaking in the peaceful sounds of nature 🎶, or dressing up as a ninja 🥷, this spot is a must-visit! 💧🏞️ ⏰ Duration: 2–3 hours round trip (easy-moderate hike) 🎒 What to bring: Comfy shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure! 💬 Tag someone who’d love this hike! 🥾💚 #Akame48Waterfalls#OsakaDayTrips#HikingVibes#NatureLovers#JapanTravel#Osaka#Travel#Daytrip
When visiting Osaka, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is an absolute must-see destination. Known for its thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and world-class attractions, USJ offers something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll cover everything from entry tips and queue-beating strategies to the best rides, food options, and costs.
How do you get to USJ?
USJ is located in the Konohana Ward of Osaka, easily accessible via public transport. Take the JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station. The journey takes just 15-minutes and costs approximately 180 yen.
Tips for Entry and Beating the Queues
Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase tickets online or from authorised retailers to avoid long queues at the gate. Prices for a 1-day studio pass are around 8,600 yen (£50) for adults and 5,600 yen (£32) for children.
Arrive Early: The park opens at 8:30 AM, but arriving an hour early gives you a head start to popular attractions.
Use the Universal Express Pass: This add-on (starting from 7,800 yen/£45) lets you skip the lines at select rides. Options include Express 4 Pass (4 attractions) or Express 7 Pass (7 attractions).
Visit on Weekdays: Weekends and holidays can be packed. Aim for a weekday visit during non-peak seasons (March-May, September-November).
Download the USJ App: Use the app for real-time updates on ride wait times, park maps, and show schedules.
Plan Your Route: Start with the most popular rides (e.g., The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and work your way through the park.
Do I need timed entry tickets at USJ?
Yes – USJ often requires timed entry tickets for certain popular attractions or areas, such as the Super Nintendo World. These timed-entry tickets are typically free but must be reserved in advance or on the day of your visit using the official USJ app or kiosks in the park.
Here’s how tickets work:
General Admission: You only need a regular park ticket to enter the park itself.
Timed Entry Areas: For specific zones like Super Nintendo World, you need a timed entry ticket in addition to your regular ticket. These can be reserved through the app or distributed on-site, depending on availability.
To ensure a smooth visit, I recommend you download the Universal Studios Japan app to reserve timed entry tickets as soon as they become available OR arrive very early if you plan to secure these tickets in the park.
What are the main attractions and rides at USJ?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Ride: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (4K 3D experience inside Hogwarts).
Tip: Get a timed-entry ticket to secure your spot in this popular area.
Super Nintendo World:
Rides: Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure.
Highlights: Interactive activities using a Power-Up Band (3,800 yen/£22).
Jurassic Park:
Ride: The Flying Dinosaur (a thrilling rollercoaster). Perfect for adrenaline junkies!
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A 3D ride perfect for families.
Hollywood Dream: The Ride: A high-speed rollercoaster with optional backward seating (Backdrop).
Spider-Man: The Ride 4K3D: A multi-sensory superhero experience.
What is there to eat at USJ?
Butterbeer: A must-try drink in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (non-alcoholic, 800 yen/£4.70).
Mario-themed Treats: Super Nintendo World offers adorable snacks like Block popcorn buckets and Toad’s Cafe dishes (1,500–2,500 yen/£9-£14).
Classic Theme Park Food: Turkey legs (950 yen/£5.50), churros (600 yen/£3.50), and themed bento boxes.
Fine Dining: Try Amity Landing Restaurant for seafood or Finnegan’s Bar & Grill for Western dishes (2,000–3,500 yen/£11-£20 per meal).
When is the best time to visit USJ?
While USJ is a great attraction all-year round. Spring is the bestt time to visit (March-May) as you will enjoy pleasant weather and cherry blossoms nearby. Autumn (September-November) provides cooler temperatures and fun Halloween-themed events.
Avoid Peak Seasons: Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and school holidays.
How much does USJ cost?
USJ is insanely cheap compared to other Universal Studios around the world and you can buy an annual pass for just 38,400 yen (£222) that grants you access all year round! I’ve provided a cost comparison table below to help you.
Item
Cost in Yen
Cost in GBP
1-Day Studio Pass (Adult)
8,600
£50
1-Day Studio Pass (Child)
5,600
£32
Express Pass (From)
7,800
£45
Food (Per Meal)
2,000–3,500
£11–£20
Power-Up Band
3,800
£22
Souvenirs (Average)
1,000–5,000
£5.50–£29
Is one day at USJ enough?
Yes – If you get there early, and plan ahead, you can tick off all of the rides you want to go on within one-day. I highly recommend booking a timed entry ticket to the popular rides such as Nintendo World in advance using the app, OR as soon as you get to the park!
Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Park is located on the lime green subway route and can be easily accessed from near Osaka Castle (Morinomiya station). The park was home to the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Expo, where different countries showcase flowers and landscaped areas. This is where the park gets its title as the ‘Osaka Expo ‘90 Commemorative Park’.
Hire a scooter for the day
Upon entering the park I noticed that you can hire a bike or hire some futuristic looking e-scooters and mobility scooters which I discovered were called Tsuru Mobi. To ride the Tsurumobi, all passengers must register as members and make a reservation in advance, so bear this in mind before your trip. As this was my first time visiting, I decided to walk to make sure I didn’t wizz past something worth exploring more. I checked the park map before making my way around. The map of the park looked big, and I was excited to explore it.
Shortly after I entered, I spotted a tower which I now know is called the Tower of Life! Osaka city government closed the tower more than 10 years ago, due to declining tourist numbers, and had initially planned to demolish it. However, calls have emerged for the tower to be used to boost momentum for the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025. City officials say plans to topple the structure will go ahead without a feasible proposal to preserve it. I took a lot of photos of it, hoping that it will remain but knowing it could be demolished, and knew it would be a good point of reference during my park adventures.
Tour the old-expo site and take a photo next to a windmill
After entering the park, if you head right, you will enter the site of the 1990s flower expo and will be met with displays from all around the world. The most iconic is the dutch-style windmill which is surrounded by impeccable rows of flowers all year round. The flowers vary from tulips in spring, to sunflowers in august and more prime photo opportunities throughout the year. The displays from all around the world have been restored recently, with highlights including a waterfall from Canada, and temples from China and South Korea.
Throughout the park, I noticed people sitting beneath mushroom-like shelters, and thought they looked really unique and cool in their design. Here is a photo!
Mushroom Design Seating Areas
Spot wildlife near the pond
The large pond ‘Oike Pond’ in the centre of the park had a lot of birds flapping around, and herons perched quietly on rocks within the water. The backdrop of the pond included temples and a dutch-style windmill in the distance.
On my way around, I found that the park has something for everyone, this includes a Horse Racing Track, a Forest Adventure filled with playgrounds for children, a BBQ and Camping area for those who want to camp in the park! If you wish to do this, remember to book in advance and bring your own tent.
The abundance of wildlife, flowers and trees in the park was what I noticed most. The Sakura (blossom) trees were blooming in mid-March. A lovely surprise as they’re not forecast in most areas until April. Locals were naturally gathered to take photos of this fleeting moment. I was suprised to discover that the park is also home to a large indoor botanical garden with over 15,000 plants! The park is called Sakuya Konohana Kan, which costs just ¥500 to enter.
Sakura Blossom Trees
My walk around the park lasted around 3 hours, so I can see why you can rent bikes and scooters near the entrance! At the end of my walk, i was quite hungry, so I stopped at the restaurant near Oike Pond. The restaurant is ideally named ‘Botanical House’ and has a lovely terraced dining area near the water. It is one of the best locations for a romantic dinner that I’ve found in Osaka so far. A perfect scene to end the day before catching the train or if you want further time to relax, Tsurumi Onsen Suishun is a public bath house and gym located directly opposite the train station.
View from Botanical House Restaurant
So, is Tsrumi Park worth visiting? Yes, absolutely, i’d say that Tsrumi Park is arguably the best park to visit in Osaka when it comes to the variety of activities, plants and nature. While the park can be enjoyed all year round, the best time to visit Tsrumi Park is in Spring (April-June) to see the flowers in bloom or toward Autumn (September-November).
Recently we decided to visit Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, the site of Japan’s first world fair in 1970. It felt right to do with the Osaka Expo ‘25 starting soon! I had heard about the Tower of the Sun, a strange-looking sculpture that had become an Osaka landmark, and had to see it for myself. The commemorative park is huge, with a mix of open spaces, museums, and gardens. It turned out to be a quiet place to walk around, away from the busier parts of the city. It costs just ¥250 (£1.30!) to enter the park, which is amazing value for money. I recommend purchasing the ticket at the gate, and make sure to bring cash as some of the machines don’t accept card payments.
How to get there:
Getting to the park was straightforward. We took the Midosuji Line from Osaka Station to Senri-Chuo, then switched to the Osaka Monorail for a short ride to Bampaku-Kinen-Kōen Station. The monorail stops right by the entrance, which makes access pretty convenient. The ride on the monorail itself was exciting (and perhaps a little daunting an experience if you’re not used to travelling this way!).
Exploring the Park
One of the first things I saw upon entering was the Tower of the Sun, an unusual sculpture standing at 70 meters tall. Designed by artist Taro Okamoto, it was originally created for the Expo and has been preserved ever since. The tower has a distinct look, with large outstretched arms and multiple faces representing different aspects of time. We didn’t book a tour to see the inside, but were surprised to find out that this is an option. Admission to the Tower of the Sun Museum is by reservation only. (A minimum of a 1-day advance reservation is required.)
Tower of the sun!
After walking past the tower, we headed toward the Japanese Garden. It was well-maintained, with ponds, bridges, and a mix of different landscaping styles. Depending on the season, you can see cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn foliage (November-December). You can also see bamboo swaying gently in the breeze, which I personally found more relaxing than the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto which has become a tourist hotspot.
The gardens are fun for all ages and there is an interactive stamp collection activity, if you collect just 5 stamps on your way around you will get a lovely gift! I won’t spoil the surprise for you…
For those interested in history and culture, the park has a couple of museums. The National Museum of Ethnology showcases cultural artifacts from around the world, while the Expo ’70 Pavilion focuses on the history of the 1970 World Expo. We walked through the Pavilion, which had exhibits on the futuristic designs and ideas presented at the Expo. It was a small but interesting look into Japan’s post-war era of rapid growth.
For those who enjoy activities, the park has something called “Banpaku BEAST”, an athletic facility that utilises a hexagonal platform using unique technology from Germany. You can enjoy various activities such as climbing, slacklining, and aerial bicycles at this facility. There are 121 types of activities. With a high level of safety, people of all ages, from elementary school students to seniors, can experience them. The athletic area is on four floors, and there is also an observation deck on the rooftop that offers a panoramic view of the park. An additional fee is required to enter the BEAST!
Food wise, there were a few food stalls inside the park selling mostly selling snacks and drinks. Vending machines are also there (of course). If you’re looking for more options, Expo City, a large shopping and entertainment complex right next to the park, has restaurants, an aquarium, and a shopping mall. This includes a buffet-style KFC… yes you read that right!
Is a visit to the Commemorative Park worth it?
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park isn’t typically a tourist attraction, but it’s a lovely place to visit if you enjoy open spaces, walking trails, or learning about Osaka’s history. The Tower of the Sun was the main highlight for me, and the gardens make for a relaxing day out. I would highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for a break from the city, a day out with family relaxing with a picnic, or have an interest in the legacy of the 1970 Expo. Just make sure to take sunscreen and hats as the park is a large open space, with not much shelter. We will definitely be back!
A trip to the Osaka History Museum is a great thing to do on a rainy day in Osaka. It has something for all of the family alongside panoramic views on each level. The entrance fee is just ¥600 per person and the exhibits have english written alongside them as well as Japanese – very considerate for tourists!
To reach the Osaka History Museum, I recommend taking a short walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station. The route is straightforward and gives you a glimpse of Osaka’s vibrant cityscape before you step into its rich history. Along the way, you might pass small cafes and convenience stores—ideal for a quick refreshment before starting your visit.
The museum itself is designed as a journey through time, starting at the top and working your way down floor by floor. This layout makes it easy to immerse yourself in Osaka’s evolving story, and it’s one of the reasons so many visitors praise the experience. A common question I see online is, “How much time should I spend here?” I’d recommend at least two to three hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and observation deck.
What’s on Each Floor?
10th Floor: Osaka Castle View and Ancient Osaka Your journey begins on the 10th floor, where the observation deck offers stunning views of Osaka Castle and the city skyline. It’s a good spot for photos, especially on clear days. This floor also dives into Osaka’s early history, featuring artifacts and reconstructions from the Naniwa Palace, a 7th-century imperial residence. Many visitors ask, “Are the exhibits interactive?” The answer here is yes—you can walk through models and dioramas that recreate the grandeur of the palace and its role in Osaka’s early political and cultural life. Kids can also enjoy getting hands on in the archeology section.
9th Floor: Osaka as a Merchant Hub Moving down to the 9th floor, you’ll explore the Edo period, when Osaka flourished as a center of trade and commerce. The exhibits include a detailed recreation of a bustling 17th-century merchant district, complete with miniature models and vibrant storytelling. This floor gives an excellent sense of how Osaka earned its nickname, “The Kitchen of Japan.” For those wondering, “Is there English signage?” rest assured that most displays have English translations, so you won’t miss out on the details.
8th Floor: Modernisation and the Meiji Era The 8th floor focuses on Osaka’s transformation during the Meiji Restoration and early modern period. You’ll find exhibits that highlight the city’s industrial growth, urbanisation, and cultural shifts. There are fascinating photos and artifacts from this era, showing how traditional lifestyles blended with new influences.
7th Floor: Post-War Osaka and Beyond The final exhibit floor covers Osaka’s post-war recovery and rapid development into the metropolis it is today. This section is particularly engaging for history buffs, as it provides insight into Osaka’s resilience and how it became a center of innovation. It also touches on the city’s cultural contributions, including the rise of iconic food and entertainment industries.
Tips for Visiting
Plan ahead: Start your day early and aim to visit in the morning when it’s less crowded. This way, you can take your time exploring without rushing.
Combine with Osaka Castle: as it is SO close by, I suggest pairing your visit to the museum with Osaka Castle, which is just a short walk away.
Is It Worth Visiting?
If you’re curious about whether the Osaka History Museum is worth your time, the answer is yes. A question I often came across online was, “Is it worth visiting if you’re short on time?” Even if you only have an hour or two, the top floors with their immersive exhibits and castle views make the visit worthwhile. For families, the interactive displays are a hit with kids, while history lovers will appreciate the depth of the artifacts and storytelling.
By the end of my visit, I felt I had gained a deeper understanding of Osaka’s past, its identity as a city of resilience, innovation, and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, make sure this museum is on your itinerary—it’s a journey through time you won’t want to miss.
Visit Osaka 