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Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios
Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal
Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in 2001 in the
Osaka Bay Area, the theme park has been expanded over
the years and is one of the most visited amusement parks
in Japan.
Universal Studios Japan currently has ten sections:
Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park,
Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion
Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super
Nintendo World. Visitors are able to enjoy many
amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels
to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on
popular movies such as the Minions, Shrek and Jurassic
Park.
Minami (Namba)
Located around Namba
Station, Minami (ミナミ, "South") is one of Osaka's two
major city centers. It is the city's most famous
entertainment district and offers abundant dining and
shopping choices. The district is easily accessible as
it is served by three train companies as well as three
subway lines and a highway bus terminal. The other major
city center is Kita (キタ, "North") which is located
around Osaka and Umeda stations.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium
Kaiyukan (海遊館, Kaiyūkan) is located in the Tempozan
Harbor Village of Osaka's bay area, and is one of
Japan's most spectacular aquariums. It introduces
various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a
well organized and impressive way.
Marine life is displayed in over a dozen tanks, each
representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The
central tank, representing the Pacifc Ocean, is nine
meters deep and home to a whale shark, the aquarium's
main attraction.
Osaka Bay Area
The Osaka Bay Area is
a collection of young city districts on man-made
waterfront islands and peninsulas, built to accommodate
Osaka's sprawling growth. The districts host a variety
of tourist attractions, such as museums, theme parks,
observatories and shopping centers. Osaka's domestic and
international port facilities are also found in the
area.
Osaka Castle (Osakajo)
The construction of Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsakajō) started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building
(梅田スカイビル) is a spectacular high rise building in the
Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda stations.
It is also known as the "New Umeda City".
The 173 meter tall building consists of two towers that
are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden
Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers
great views of the city through its windows and from its
open-air deck. In the basement, there is a restaurant
floor that replicates a town of the early Showa Period,
while offices occupy most other floors.