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Founded by Prince Shotoku in 593, Shitennoji is known to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. When the new religion, Buddhism was first introduced to Japan, it was soon adopted by Prince Shotoku and Soga Clan led by Prince Shotoku attempted to spread the Buddhism in the country. Monobe Clan, on the other hand, opposed the idea of adopting Buddhism instead of their traditional religion, Shintoism, and such difference in beliefs of these two clans led them to conflict. It is said that the Four Heavenly Kings were curved by Prince Shotoku to pray for his victory over the Monobe Clan and the Shitennoji Temple was erected to enshrine the statues to fulfill a vow after winning victory. 1400 years passed, Shitennoji still preserves the original layout from the Asuka period despite several constructions carried out due to repeated fires. Some of the old buildings built during the early 17th century, are designated as national important cultural properties. The temple is also host to traditional festivities that include Shitennoji Wasso in November and the Doya-Doya in January.

The head shrine of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi shrines across the country. Located in Sumiyoshi district, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines built around 1800 years ago, before the Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Consequently, the shrine is one of the very few not to have influenced by the Buddhist architectural style and it is, unlike many other shrines, built solely with the shrine style of architecture, sumiyoshi-zukuri. On the way to the main shrine hall, there's an old arched bridge, which is called the Taiko Bashi (or drum bridge) because the bridge and its reflection in the water of the pond forms a shape looks like a drum. The shrine is known to be dedicated to Shinto gods for sailors, prosperity, and farming and has been a protector of locals. During the New Year's holiday, the shrine is bustled with over 2 to 3 million worshippers. In addition, three other main festivals are annually hosted at the shrine: "Hattatsu-san" to pray for prosperity, "Onda Shinji" to play for good crops and a summer festival.

A silver dome with unique design is also a well-known symbol of Osaka. As the home field of the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes baseball team, the Osaka Dome was opened in 1997. The arena that can accommodate up to 55,000 people is host to not only baseball games, but also concerts and other events. During the games and other events, you will be able to taste some of Osaka's specialties, Yakisoba (pan-fried noodles) and Takoyaki (octopus balls) at the concession stands located on the 3rd and 5th floor. The dome also houses gift shops, specialty shops, restaurants, and other service facilities in the Gryndom Mall on the 2nd floor and a large multipurpose space, the Sky Hall on the 9th floor. The Sky Hall and the arena can be rented for weddings and amateur baseball games. These services and facilities keep this dome busy all year round. One hour "Dome Tour" is also available if you are interested in learning more about the dome.

Established in 1909, Tennoji Park, a municipal park located in Tennoji, is one of the oldest and the largest parks among many parks in Osaka, which remains at the same site although the park has evolved over a long period of its history. The park faced a major turning point when Tennoji Exposition was held in 1987 and the image of the park was updated by using greenery and water in abundance. Keitakuen Garden preserving its original design from the Meiji Period is one of the main attractions of this park. The garden can be enjoyed as you stroll and look around the seasonal beauty of nature. Chausu-yama, Kawazoko-ike, Keitakuen Gaden, greenhouse, and more scenic spots, which can be found on the undulating land, are all contributing this park to be cherished as an oasis in the city by locals. The Osaka Municipal Art Museum is also located in the middle of this park.

The international airport built on reclaimed land along Osaka Bay. Located 50 km to the southwest of Osaka, it was opened in 1994 as the Japan's first airport to offer a 24 hour service. World-renowned Italian architect, Renzo Piano, incorporated his concept of environmental conservation and functional features into his design of this giant airport that was expected to have 25 millions of air passengers per year. The functional features can be seen in every part of the long four-story terminal: systems that helps moving a number of passengers smoothly in the terminal daily, separate floors designated for domestic and international flights, conveniently located E-Stand information kiosks, and shape of the roof, which facilitates air circulation while saving energy. The location of this airport, far away from urban areas, also contributes to protect environment. With its functionality and brilliant design, the Kansai International Airport was awarded the "Civil Engineering Monument of the Millennium" by the "American Society of Civil Engineers" in 2001.

A tall tower skyscraping in the heart of the old downtown developed as an entertainment district called "Shin-Sekai" (lit. new world) more than 8 decades ago. By modeling after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the 64-meter tall Tsutenkaku Tower was built as the tallest tower in Asia in 1912 and it began to be recognized as a symbol of Osaka before long. Following fire accident in 1943, the tower had to be taken apart once during wartime and it was missed by locals for over a decade. In 1956, reconstruction took a place and the Tsutenkaku Tower was brought back to the view of Osaka as a symbol of Osaka once again. The tower boasts a height of 103 meters with contemporary features added to the design and is dressed up with some neon lights that make the tower glows in the night sky. From the 91-meter high observation gallery, you can have the complete view of Osaka city.