Osaka: A Bullet Train, an Unexpected Oktoberfest, and a Day in Nintendo’s World
Japan Together · Chapter 3
In brief: Our father-and-son journey continues from Mount Fuji to Osaka: our first bullet train ride, views from the 50th floor, an unexpected Oktoberfest, Shinsekai, Shitennoji Temple and a day at Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World.
Next chapter: Kyoto — a father-and-son farewell to Japan.
The Japan Journey | Triyana Diaries
Our Osaka chapter began with an experience we had anticipated for years: our first journey aboard Japan’s famous bullet train.
As we approached Shinagawa Station that morning, our excitement grew. We had heard so much about Japan’s Shinkansen—its speed, precision, and comfort—and now we were finally about to experience it aboard the Nozomi bound for Shin-Osaka.
On the platform, trains arrived and departed at regular intervals, each movement appearing carefully coordinated. Watching the system operate was almost an attraction in itself. Our Nozomi arrived right on schedule, and within minutes, we were settled into our seats.
Mount Fuji Beyond the Window
When choosing our seats, we had paid particular attention to which side of the train offered views of Mount Fuji. That small detail proved worthwhile.
As we travelled west, the mountain appeared beyond the window. After the uncertainty of our earlier Mount Fuji excursion, seeing it so clearly from the train felt especially rewarding. Despite the clouds, its unmistakable outline was visible.
For a moment, I found myself looking twice. Was that really Mount Fuji, appearing so prominently beside our route?
It was—and we had a wonderful view.
The Nozomi can reach operating speeds of up to 285 kilometres per hour on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. Yet inside the carriage, the journey felt remarkably smooth. The landscape moved swiftly past while we sat comfortably, enjoying an experience that had long been on our travel wish list.
Osaka from the 50th Floor
By around 3 p.m., we had reached Osaka and made our way to the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel.
Set high within Abeno Harukas, one of Japan’s tallest skyscrapers, the hotel offered an impressive introduction to the city. We were upgraded to a suite on the 50th floor, with sweeping views across Osaka toward the bay.
It would have been easy to spend the afternoon admiring the view. But with only a short stay ahead of us, we dropped off our luggage and headed out to explore.
Oktoberfest—in Osaka?
Our first stop was Tennoji Park, where we encountered a scene we had not expected.
The park was full of people, food stalls, live music, and a festive energy that immediately drew us in. Then I noticed the bratwurst. And the beer. And the German music.
For a moment, the setting felt more like Munich than Osaka.
To our surprise, we had walked straight into an Oktoberfest celebration.
We joined the crowd, sampled the food and drinks, and settled into the atmosphere. Watching people enjoy German music and festival traditions in the middle of Japan was a delightful reminder that travel’s most memorable moments often arrive without an itinerary.
We had come out for a walk. Instead, we found ourselves spending part of our first Osaka afternoon at Oktoberfest.
A Red Bridge and the Streets of Shinsekai
After enjoying the festival, we continued through Tennoji Park, spending time around the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts before reaching Kawazoko Pond.
The red Wake Bridge crossing the water created a beautiful focal point. After the music and crowds, this quieter corner of the park offered a welcome change of pace.
Nearby, we caught sight of Tsutenkaku Tower, one of Osaka’s most recognisable landmarks. Its original structure was built in 1912, drawing inspiration from Parisian landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower. After a fire led to its dismantling in 1943, the tower was rebuilt in its present form in 1956.
Beyond it lay Shinsekai, a lively district where restaurants, street food, shops, and retro amusements filled the streets.
There was plenty to hold our attention: places to eat, shooting galleries, colourful storefronts, and crowds enjoying the evening. It was the kind of neighbourhood best explored slowly, with time to look around and follow whatever caught your interest.
Tennoji Zoo was also nearby, but we left that for another visit. The following day already had a clear priority.
My son is a Nintendo fan, and a full day at Universal Studios Japan—especially Super Nintendo World—was firmly on his list.
An Early Visit to Shitennoji Temple
Before breakfast the next morning, we walked to Shitennoji Temple, close to our hotel.
Founded in 593 by Prince Shōtoku, Shitennoji is widely regarded as Japan’s first state-established Buddhist temple. Its name refers to the Four Heavenly Kings, the Buddhist guardians who protect the world from evil.
Although its buildings have been reconstructed over the centuries, the temple preserves an architectural arrangement rooted in its ancient origins. Walking through the grounds offered a glimpse into a much older chapter of Japan’s history before our day shifted toward modern entertainment.
Our timing brought another unexpected discovery: the temple’s monthly flea and antique market, held on the 21st and 22nd.
Stalls added bustle to the historic setting, giving us an opportunity to experience the temple as both a place of worship and a gathering place for the community.
By around 9 a.m., we had finished our visit and returned to the hotel for a quick breakfast. Then it was time for Universal Studios Japan.
Universal Studios Japan: The Express Pass Proved Its Worth
We arrived at the park around 10 a.m., and the crowds were already substantial. With holiday visitors adding to the demand, long queues were part of the day from the beginning.
Fortunately, we had purchased our admission tickets and Express Passes in advance through Klook.
That decision paid off at our first major attraction in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The regular queue showed a wait of more than 90 minutes; with our Express Pass, we were on the ride in roughly ten.
The experience brought back memories of our earlier visits to Universal in Orlando. Returning to those familiar worlds after some time made the rides feel both nostalgic and exciting.
Of course, our Harry Potter visit would not have felt complete without Butterbeer.
My son chose the frozen version, while I went for the cold one. Both were sweet—very sweet—but we enjoyed them without spending too much time thinking about calories.
Some days on holiday deserve that kind of exception.
We continued toward Jurassic Park, The Flying Dinosaur, and other attractions before stopping for lunch. The park was packed, and restaurant queues were long.
My son found a Chinese restaurant with a comparatively shorter line, giving us a chance to eat, cool down, and rest before the afternoon.
Stepping into Super Nintendo World
Our scheduled entry to Super Nintendo World was at 4 p.m. With the crowds that day, we approached the entry area around 3:15, allowing plenty of time to find our queue and follow the admission process.
Once inside, it felt as though we had stepped into a Nintendo game.
Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and the colourful landscapes we knew from the screen were suddenly all around us. My son’s excitement was impossible to miss.
Our first ride was Yoshi’s Adventure, a cheerful introduction to the world we had just entered. He also picked up a Power-Up Band, which added another dimension to the visit through interactive challenges, activities, and digital coin collecting.
From there, we continued to Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and the other experiences that filled our evening.
What made the area so engaging was the opportunity to participate. Between rides, my son explored the Nintendo-themed challenges and activities, moving through a setting that turned familiar game elements into things he could actually interact with.
For him, this was a chance to step inside a world he had enjoyed for years. For me, watching his enthusiasm became one of the highlights of our Osaka stay.
Tired Feet, a Full Day, and Kyoto Ahead
By the time we finished, it was almost 9 p.m.
The park still had another hour before closing, but we decided to leave before the final rush. After a full day of rides, queues, and walking, we were ready to return to the hotel.
We took the train back and had dinner at the hotel. We were tired, but thoroughly pleased with the day.
Osaka had given us an unexpectedly varied chapter of our Japan journey: our first bullet train ride, a rewarding glimpse of Mount Fuji, city views from the 50th floor, Oktoberfest in a Japanese park, the lively streets of Shinsekai, an ancient temple, and hours inside Nintendo’s imaginative world.
The next morning, an early train would take us to Kyoto.
But that evening, with tired feet and plenty to talk about, we were happy to let Osaka have the final word.