Enjoy a Date in Osaka! 13 Romantic Spots and Relaxing Hideaways

Romantic Places in Osaka

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Osaka is full of attractions including theme parks, large commercial-shopping complexes, and aquariums. This article introduces dating spots where you can enjoy the best of what Osaka has to offer.

We also feature indoor places where you don't have to worry about bad weather and little-known hidden spots where you can spend some relaxing time together away from the crowds. So please use these as a reference when planning your own date!

Dating Spots in Osaka

1. Classic Dating Spots in Osaka
2. Perfect for a Rainy Day! Indoor Dating Spots
3. Relax in Privacy: Little-Known Hideaway Dating Spots

Classic Dating Spots in Osaka

For most people, the appeal of classic dating spots is that you know what to expect and that there are few surprises.

We recommend these spots for people who really want to enjoy the best of Osaka and for those who'd like to start out their date plan with this kind of place.

1. Universal Studios Japan

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Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is often mentioned first when you ask people about Osaka's classic dating spots. USJ is the Kansai Region's top theme park with a wide variety of attractions, making it the ideal dating spot for couples who want to have fun.

In addition to the attractions, there are also areas that have recreated the world of popular movies and animation, including Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. If you and your date immerse yourselves in the world of a production that you both love, you'll definitely get hyped up!

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
Location: 554-0031 Osaka, Konohana, Sakura-jima 2-1-33
Business Hours:
Sunday to Friday 8:00-22:00
Saturday 9:00-21:00
Official Homepage: Universal Studios Japan

2. EXPOCITY

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EXPOCITY is located in Suita City and is one of Japan's largest commercial complexes.

It has many attractions including a shopping mall known as Lalaport EXPOCITY, a movie theater called 109 Osaka Cinemas-EXPOCITY, and an indoor activity facility, VS PARK.

This dating spot offers fun in a variety of ways including leisurely shopping and also moving your body. The glittering night view from Japan's tallest Ferris wheel (OSAKA WHEEL) is romantic and the perfect way to end your date.

EXPOCITY
Location: 565-0826 Osaka, Suita, Senri-Banpakukoen 2-1
Business Hours:
Main Building
Weekdays: 10:00-20:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays 10:00-21:00
Restaurant Area
Weekdays: 11:00-21:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays 11:00-22:00
Official Homepage: EXPOCITY (Japanese)

3. Umeda Sky Building-Kuchu Teien Observatory

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Umeda Sky Building is a tall structure that includes restaurants and a hotel, a movie theater, and various shops.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The building's 39th, 40th, and rooftop floors make up the Kuchu Teien Observatory, a spot popular for its stunning views. The highlight is the 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka's cityscape from 173 meters above ground.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

There is a restaurant bar on the 39th floor that is perfect for a romantic dinner with fabulous views of the city.

In the observatory, you'll find a place known as Heart Lock where couples can have their names engraved on a heart-shaped padlock. Why not pick one of these up as a special memento of your trip to Osaka?

UMEDA SKY BUILDING
Location: 565-0826 Osaka, Kita, Oyodo-naka, 1-1-88
Business Hours: 9:30-22:30 (Usual)
Official Homepage: Umeda Sky Building

4. Abeno Harukas 300

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Harukas 300, located in Osaka's Abeno Ward, is an observation deck inside Japan's second tallest building, Abeno Harukas.

Here, 300 meters above ground, visitors get an all encompassing view of the Osaka cityscape. You can especially enjoy the contrast between the city and the sky, as well as the gorgeous night view.

Photo by Pixta

The observatory has an adjoining cafe and restaurant. We also recommend having a romantic dinner here as you marvel at the magnificent views.

ABENO HARUKAS 300
Location: 545-6016 Osaka, Abeno, Abenosuji 1-1-43
Business Hours: Differs depending on the floor
Official Homepage: Abeno Harukas 300

5. Osaka Tennoji Zoo

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Osaka Tennoji Zoo is located in Osaka's Tennoji Ward.

This is a dating spot where you can spend some relaxing time as you look at all the different animals. Approximately 200 species and more than 1,000 living creatures make their home here. There are also unusual animals including the kiwi (bird) and the lesser yellow-headed vulture.

Tennoji Park is a Japanese-style traditional garden located next to Tennoji Zoo. After visiting the zoo, you can make plans to spend some leisurely moments here.

OSAKA TENNOJI ZOO
Location: 543-0063 Osaka, Tennoji, Chausuyama 1-108
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
*Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays in May and September: 9:30-18:00
Official Homepage: Osaka Tennoji Zoo

Perfect for a Rainy Day! Indoor Dating Spots

When on a sightseeing date it's hard not to be concerned about the weather, right?

So when faced with bad weather, we recommend moving your date indoors.

6. Namba Grand Kagetsu

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Namba Grand Kagetsu is a comedy theater in Osaka's Chuo Ward.

It's known for being the home grounds for the talent agency Yoshimoto Kogyo. The theater is open 365 days of the year and is host to a variety of performances including manzai, rakugo, and Yoshimoto Shinkigeki.

When you visit, please be sure to check and see what kind of performances are being held that day. The entire facility is indoors so you can thoroughly enjoy yourself without worrying about the weather!

NAMBA GRAND KAGETSU
Location: 542-0075 Osaka, Chuo, Namba Sennichimae 11-6
Business Hours:
Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays 9:00-18:00
Official Homepage: Namba Grand Kagetsu (Japanese)

7. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

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The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in Osaka's Minato Ward and is one of the largest aquariums in the world.

In the gigantic water tank they've recreated oceans from every part of the world: The Pacific Ocean, Panama Bay, and Antartica just to name a few.

Visitors will see about 620 species and 30,000 living creatures living here. You'll encounter cute sea lions and penguins, as well as impressive whale sharks along with many other creatures. So this is the ideal spot for animal-loving couples.

OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN
Location: 552-0022 Osaka, Minato, Kaigan-dori 1-1-10
Business Hours: Differs depending on the time of year
Official Homepage: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

8. NIFREL

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NIFREL is a hands-on museum that's managed by the aquarium.

It's divided into different zones with themes such as Colors, Shapes, and Behavior. Visitors here use all five senses to get in touch with the beauty of nature and living creatures. For example, the Colors area is set up with a curtain and various objects that change color with the passing of time.

Within the museum's mystical, illuminated space you can enjoy watching various fish as they gracefully swim around.

NIFREL is located inside Banpaku Kinen Park, just like the above mentioned EXPOCITY.
It has various facilities including a movie theater, shopping mall, and many restaurants. So you can spend the entire day here enjoying your date.

NIFREL
Location: 565-0826 Osaka, Suita, Senri-Banpakukoen 2-1 (On the EXPOCITY grounds)
Business Hours: Differs depending on the time of year
Official Homepage: Nifrel

9. Cup Noodles Museum-Osaka Ikeda

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The Cup Noodles Museum-Osaka Ikeda is a hands-on facility where you can learn about instant ramen's history and production process.

In particular, the exhibit that faithfully recreates the research lab where chicken ramen was born, and My Cup Noodles Factory, where visitors can make their own original cup noodles, are both very popular. Ramen-loving couples need to pay a visit here!

Please note that you must have a special numbered ticket to participate in My Cup Noodles Factory. These tickets will be handed out in the order that people arrive.

CUP NOODLES MUSEUM-Osaka Ikeda
Location: 563-0041 Osaka, Ikeda, Masumi 8-25
Business Hours: 9:30-16:30
Official Homepage: Cup Noodles Museum

10. Kuromon Market

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Kuromon Market is a shopping street located along the Dotonbori River in Osaka's Chuo Ward.

This arcade is 580 meters long and is lined with about 170 shops. There are a wide range of stores selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as many restaurants. This market is perfect for a relaxing shopping trip and also food sampling.

Here you can enjoy tasty cuisine at long-established izakayas and also local specialties inside this covered shopping arcade.

KUROMON MARKET
Location: 542-0073 Osaka, Chuo, Nipponbashi 2-4-1
Official Homepage: Kuromon Market

Relax in Privacy! Little-Known Hideaway Dating Spots

Now that you're finally able to go on a sightseeing date in Osaka with your partner, you'll want to spend some leisurely time together.

With that in mind, we recommend little-known hidden dating spots for couples who'd like to get away from the crowds and enjoy everything Osaka has to offer.

11. Solaniwa Onsen

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Solaniwa Onsen is a hot spring theme park in Osaka's Minato Ward.

It features a variety of baths including hot springs, open-air baths (rotemburo), bedrock bathing (ganbanyoku), saunas, and foot baths (ashi-yu). So this is the ideal spot to take your time and enjoy the soothing waters of a bath.

Inside the buildiing they've recreated an Edo Period townscape which makes you feel like you've gone back in time. The atmosphere here gives visitors a taste of the extraordinary. This spot will allow couples to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and let them relax in comfort.

SOLANIWA ONSEN
Location: 552-0007 Osaka, Minato, Benten 1-2-3
Business Hours: 11:00-23:00
Official Homepage: Solaniwa Onsen

12. Santa Maria Day Cruise

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The Santa Maria is a historic sightseeing ship that tours Osaka Bay.

The ship features a cafe and bar. So with a drink in one hand, you can enjoy a relaxing day cruise. There's also a night cruise offering views of Osaka's glittering skyline.

Santa Maria's boarding platform is in the same area as USJ and the aquarium, so a good date plan might be to spend the day having fun at USJ, then go for an evening cruise.

13. LALALAPO

LALALAPO is a facility in Osaka's Chuo Ward offering some hands-on experiences.

These experiences can be enjoyed through a variety of workshops where participants make objects such as silver rings, brass bangles, snow globes, and mini cactus.

After the workshop, get a photo taken together with your own unique work of art in the shop that's decorated with dried flowers.

For couples who want to create special memories of Osaka with original artwork, please give one of these workshops a try!

LALALAPO
Location: 542-0086 Osaka, Chuo, Nishi-Shinsaibashi 1-9-28
Business Hours: 11:00-18:00
Official Homepage: Lalalapo (Japanese)

Spend Time Having Fun At Osaka's Dating Spots!

Osaka has many fun dating spots where you don't need to worry about the weather, as well as spots that are hidden and less crowded.

For those people who want to enjoy some relaxing time as a couple, please use today's article as a reference, and put together your own special dating plan!

Main image by Pixta
Written by Kakutama editorial team