photo by Millán
The summer in Japan is known for being hot. But since when it has become this uncomfortable? Even travel guides say that going to Japan during summer is not a good idea because it is so hot to walk around outside. But wait a minute. Japanese people have been surviving such a hot summer every year. So, there must be good ways to enjoy summer in Japan. This column will introduce some of wonderful places you should visit especially in summertime in Osaka.
Kaiyukan Aquarium
Kaiyukan, an aquarium with unique colourful exterior, is located in Tenpozan, south of the metropolitan area of Osaka. It mainly shows sea animals of Pacific Ocean. The main attraction is a huge aquarium of the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. The sight of a whale shark swimming with countless fish in the water installed at the centre of the floor is nothing short of breathtaking.
The exhibition of aquatic creatures looks cool and refreshing, and since it is indoors, there is no heat. Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, has many things to see, and you can spend hours to admire amazing lives of sea creatures.
Kaiyukan
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi
Fees (variable): Adult 2,700 – 3,500 yen; Child 1,400 – 1,800 yen
Opening hours (variable): 9:30 or 10:00 – 20:00
Access: 5 min from Osaka-ko Station, Osaka Merto Chuo Line / immediate from Tenpozan Harbour Village Bus Stop, Osaka City Bus / immediate from Kaiyukan Bus Stop, Nankai Bus
Settsu-kyo
Located north of Osaka City, Settsu-kyo in Takatsuki City is well known as a scenic spot close to the center of Osaka. It is located upstream of the Akagawa River where people enjoy river fishing and play in the stream flowing through the park. Since Settsu-kyo is in mountains with plenty of greenery and close to a water source, it has a refreshing feeling compared to urban areas. The five hiking courses are mostly short routes with a required time of 40 minutes to 1 hour. Only one of them is a long 2-hour route. Settsu-kyo shows wonderful views at any time, but it is especially nice to visit for morning forest bathing in summer.
Settsu-kyo
Address: Tsukawaki, Takatsuki-shi, Osaka
Access: Take Takatsuki City Bus at JR Takatsuki Station; then 10 min from Uenokuchi Bus Stop (to Uenokuchi and Hara-ohashi) / 10 min from Tsukawaki Bus Stop (to Tsukawaki) / a minute from Shimonokuchi Bus Stop (to Shimonokuchi
Aqua Liner
Where there is a flowing river, there will be people living; this has been a tenet since the dawn of civilization. Following this theorem, Osaka is a water city that has developed through a complex network of rivers. The Aqua Liner is a cruise service that allows visitors to enjoy the scenery while flowing along the Okawa River in the heart of Osaka. Starting from the Osaka Castle, it passes by many spots including Tenmangu, Yodoya-bashi, and the Central Public Hall. The glass ceiling of the Aqua Liner shows passengers the scenery different from that you see on the ground. Tickets can be purchased online.
Aqua Liner
Address: Aqua Liner Osaka Castle Stop
Fees: Adult 1,500 yen, Child 750 yen
Access: 3 min from JR Osaka-jo Koen Station / 10–15 min from Kyobashi Station, Keihan Line/JR
Umeda Sky Building Observatory
Umeda Sky Building, one of the landmarks of Osaka City, has a unique, outstanding appearance in the center of the city, The top floor is a large circular observatory, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the cityscape of Osaka. The last entry time is 10 PM. It stays open late, allowing you to enjoy the night view in the evening. In addition, Umeda Sky Building itself has plenty of attractions such as cafes, restaurants, gift shops, the Showa retro shopping park, and summer events, making it perfect for when you want to enjoy while avoiding the heat.
Umeda Sky Building
Address: 1-1-88 Oyodo-naka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi
Fee: 2,000 yen
Access: 7 min from JR Osaka Station / 9 min from Umeda Station, Hankyu Line / 9 min from Umeda Station, Osaka Metro
Hirakata Park
Swimming in the water is the best summer activity! If it is too hot, get in the water; this may sound simplistic, but it is the truth. Hirakata Park is a well-known, long-established amusement park in the Kansai area that everyone knows. It offers an outdoor swimming pool from mid-July to the end of August every year. You can play all day with attractions that make you want to repeat them over and over, including a classic lazy river, water slides, and an observation pool, along with an adjacent amusement park.
Hirakata Park
Address: 1-1 Hirakata-Koen-cho, Hirakata-shi, Osaka
Fees (admission & swimming pool): Adult 2,900 yen, Child 1,700 yen
Access: Hirakata-Koen Station, Keihan Line
Step outside, summertime’s in bloom
Why Japanese summer is so hot, and since when? Lately, days exceed a temperature of 30℃ are not rare at all. You will definitely need heat prevention while traveling in Japan during summer, but still, there are many places you must visit. Especially, outdoor spots with beautiful nature and water are great places you can visit in light outfit. Also, visiting indoor events is a nice idea to avoid the heat.
