USJ, Nanko Port

USJ, Nanko Port:Overview & History

The area at the mouth of the Yodogawa River flourished from the Edo period (17th century) onward as Japan's largest river port. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the area underwent renovation work in many regions, creating a vast Osaka Port district spanning across four wards: Konohana, Minato, Taisho, and Suminoe. A wide variety of facilities have been built in the bay area. The area has served as a place for trade, sightseeing, and entertainment following the opening of the Osaka Nanko Ferry Terminal in the Nanko area in 1971, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in the Chikko area in 1990, and Universal Studios Japan in the Hokko area in 2001.

USJ, Nanko Port:Area Introduction

This bay area is the most popular sightseeing spot in Osaka, and serves as a major international trade port for Japan, as well as a gateway to the sea. Many tourists from home and abroad come here to visit Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and other attractions.

USJ Surrounding Areas

This area includes many entertainment facilities, such as Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the large shopping mall Tempozan Marketplace, and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. You can cross the river with the Captain Line shuttle ferry.

Nanko Port Surrounding Areas

Beside the ferry terminal is the Asia and Pacific Trade Center (ATC), a multipurpose commercial facility featuring outlet malls, large showrooms, and offices. This area is well received for its beautiful sunset view.

USJ, Nanko Port:Must-See Events

April 29: Osaka Bay Area Festival—World Apollon

This annual event is organized at venues in the ATC. Dance teams from across Japan demonstrate Osaka's traditional performing arts and Yosakoi dances in collaborative performances that cut across genres. The skillfully crafted costumes and impeccable group dances are must-sees.

USJ, Nanko Port:Access

Access from Kansai International Airport to Universal City

From Kansai Airport Station, take the Nankai Airport Line Airport Express bound for Namba, ride for 41 minutes, and then get off at Shin-Imamiya Station. Transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line bound for Nishikujo or Osaka, ride for 11 minutes, and then get off at Nishi-Kujo Station. Transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line bound for Sakurajima, ride for five minutes, and then get off at Universal-City Station.

Access from Osaka International Airport to Universal City

From Osaka Airport Station, take the Osaka Monorail bound for Kadoma-shi, ride for three minutes, then get off at Hotarugaike Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line Express bound for Umeda, ride for 15 minutes, and then get off at Umeda Station. Walk from Hankyu Umeda Station to JR Osaka Station, take the Yamatoji Line Rapid Service bound for Nishi-Kujo or Tenno-ji, ride for four minutes, and then get off at Nishi-Kujo Station. Transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line bound for Sakurajima, ride for five minutes, and then get off at Universal-City Station.

Access from Kyoto Station to Universal City

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Main Line Special Rapid Service Train bound for Himeji, ride for 28 minutes, and then get off at Osaka Station. Take the JR Osaka Loop Line bound for Nishi-Kujo or Tennoji, ride for six minutes, and then get off at Nishi-Kujo Station. Transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line bound for Sakurajima, ride for five minutes, and then get off at Universal-City Station.

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