Universal Studios Japan
Osaka's Universal Studios theme park, the only one outside of the US, features rides and shows associated with Hollywood movies and TV programmes. The park's attractions include a Spiderman ride, a ‘Back To The Future' ride and a Jurassic Park ride. The park also offers guided tours, themed restaurants and shops selling a wide range of souvenirs.

2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-Ku
Tel: (06) 4790 7000.
Website: www.usj.co.jp/e_top.html
Admission charge.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine
There are more than 2,000 Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, and this is the most famous of them all. Osaka's Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the country's oldest shrines, established in the third century and hence displaying a kind of original Japanese architecture from the time before outside influences made themselves felt in the country's buildings.

2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku
Tel: (06) 6672 0753.
Website: www.sumiyoshitaisha.net
Free admission.