10 Big Changes in Osaka Every Tourist Needs to Know

Heading to Osaka soon? You’ll want to know about the major changes happening in Japan’s most vibrant city.

Some changes will make your trip easier, while others might need a bit of planning ahead.

Before you pack your bags, check out these 10 essential updates that will help you make the most of your Osaka adventure. 😊

1. Public Smoking Ban

a. Basic Street Rules

Smoking Ban on Street — Photo Credit: Pack-Shot / Shutterstock.com

Smoking is completely banned on all public streets in Osaka from January 27, 2025
The rule covers everything – regular cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes – in streets, parks, and all public spaces
Breaking this rule will result in a ¥1,000 penalty

b. Where You Can Smoke

Public smoking is banned except in designated areas. The city currently has over 140 smoking stations and plans to increase this to 300 by the Expo
Outdoor smoking is only allowed in these designated areas
These areas are clearly marked with visible signs for easy identification

c. Restaurant and Indoor Guidelines

From April 2025, smoking won’t be allowed in restaurants larger than 30 square meters
Any restaurant wanting to allow smoking must either create separate smoking rooms or become entirely smoke-free
Always look for smoking/no-smoking signs when entering any establishment

d. Tips for Smokers

Smoking Room — Photo Credit: Nor Gal / Shutterstock.com

This ban applies to both traditional cigarettes and electronic smoking devices
Remember that smoking while walking has been prohibited across most of Japan
If you need to smoke, be sure to use one of the designated smoking areas

2. Donkey Kong Country Opens at Universal Studios Japan

a. Opening Date and Location

Donkey Kong Country at USJ — Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Get ready for an exciting new adventure at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka – Donkey Kong Country welcomes you starting December 11, 2024
This amazing addition makes your Super Nintendo World visit even better
Getting there is simple – just walk past Yoshi’s snack spot behind Super Nintendo World
You’ll enter a colorful jungle world that makes you feel like you’re inside your favorite Donkey Kong games
Don’t miss this special experience – it’s the world’s only Donkey Kong themed area in any theme park

b. Main Attraction: Mine Cart Madness

Jump aboard the star attraction – an exciting Mine Cart Madness roller coaster
Your adventure takes you through beautiful jungles and into the mysterious Golden Temple
Here’s something cool – watch as your mine cart actually leaps between different tracks
Want to avoid long lines? Start your day here, especially in the first few months after opening

c. Other Experiences

Golden Temple — Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Stop by Donkey Kong’s treehouse for some great photos
Step inside the Golden Temple to discover gaming magic come to life
Test your gaming skills with fun mini-games hidden throughout the jungle
Feel like you’re in the game with familiar Donkey Kong music and jungle sounds
Look out for your favorite characters – Diddy Kong and Cranky Kong can’t wait to meet you

d. Food and Merchandise

Cool off with a tasty banana shake at Jungle Beat Shakes
Treat yourself to the DK Crush Sundae, packed with fresh banana goodness
Try the special DK Wild Dog, topped with fresh avocado and warm cheese sauce
Find unique Donkey Kong souvenirs at the 1-Up Factory shop

e. How to Access Donkey Kong Country

You’ll need a timed entry ticket for Super Nintendo World to visit Donkey Kong Country
Getting tickets is easy through the Universal Studios Japan app or park kiosks
Want to skip the lines? Think about getting an Express Pass that includes Super Nintendo World

3. Osaka Hotels Raise Tourist Tax

a. Accommodation Tax Updates

Price Changes: The tax now kicks in when you stay in a room that costs ¥5,000 or more per night per person, instead of the previous ¥7,000 threshold
New Tax Rates: Here’s what you’ll need to pay:
- Rooms between ¥5,000 and ¥15,000: ¥200 per person each night
- Rooms between ¥15,000 and ¥20,000: ¥300 per person each night
- Rooms ¥20,000 or more: ¥500 per person each night
When It Starts: The city gave these changes the thumbs up on November 5, 2024. They’ll begin once the national government approves and proper notice has been given

b. Proposed Foreign Visitor Fee

Osaka is considering charging international visitors an entry fee
This would be separate from and additional to your accommodation tax
They’re planning to launch this around the 2025 World Expo
This would be the first time any Japanese city has implemented such a fee

4. Fire Breaks Out Near Tsutenkaku Tower

a. Incident Overview

A big fire started on January 21, 2025, in a game arcade building near Tsutenkaku Tower. The building has 5 floors and is used for different businesses.
The fire spread across 500 square meters of the building, and you could see dark smoke rising above Osaka’s Shinsekai area
The fire began at 4:55 PM on the ground floor, and firefighters worked for 7 hours to put it out completely

b. Emergency Response

Between 26 and 42 fire trucks came to help, along with a helicopter to fight the fire
For safety reasons, shops and streets nearby had to close while firefighters worked to control the situation

c. Impact on Tourism

You can still visit Tsutenkaku Tower – it’s open and safe. The observation decks and fun activities like the “Dive & Walk” course are working as usual
When you’re in the area, try to stay away from Ebisu-higashi shopping street near where the fire was – some shops are still fixing fire damage
If you want to see the tower lit up at night, you’re in luck – the fire didn’t affect any of the tower’s lights

5. Introducing the New Osaka e-Pass Premium

a. Understanding Your Osaka e-Pass Premium

Your all-in-one digital pass to explore Osaka, giving you access to both daytime spots and night attractions with just one QR code
Get into 10 popular Osaka attractions without any extra fees
Perfect for experiencing the city from morning till night
Use it for a full 24-hour day
Everything’s on your phone – just scan and go, no paper tickets needed

b. Exciting Places You Can Visit

Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory — Photo Credit: ymgerman / Shutterstock.com

Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory: Get amazing views of Osaka from this unique rooftop spot
Harukas 300: Look out over the city from the tallest building in all of Japan
Osaka Castle Tower: Step inside one of Japan’s most famous castles
Tsutenkaku Tower: Check out the viewing area called Tembo Paradise and try the exciting TOWER SLIDER
DIVE&WALK: Feel the thrill of walking around Tsutenkaku Tower’s edge (26 meters up!) and experience an amazing 40-meter controlled descent
Tombori River Cruise: See Osaka’s sights while floating along the river
Osaka Castle Gozabune Boat: Travel like a lord in a beautiful traditional Japanese boat
Santa Maria Cruise: Pick between a sunny daytime trip or a romantic sunset journey
Spa World Osaka: Unwind in this massive hot spring facility

c. Making the Most of Your Pass

Just show your QR code when you enter each place
Your pass works from opening time until the last entry at each spot
You can visit each attraction once during your pass period
Important note: If you start using your pass in the evening, it won’t be valid the next day

Read More: The Perfect 3-Day Osaka Itinerary

6. Introducing the Kansai Mini Pass

a. What the Pass Offers

The Kansai Mini Pass is a special train ticket that lets foreign tourists ride JR trains freely around Japan’s Kansai region
You can ride JR trains as much as you want for 3 days in a row
You can visit famous cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara
You can use local and rapid JR trains, but not limited express trains (like HARUKA) or shinkansen
Adults pay ¥3,000, while children ages 6-11 pay ¥1,500

b. Where to Buy & Activate

First, buy your exchange order from travel sites like Klook before coming to Japan
When you arrive, swap your voucher for the actual pass at major stations like Kansai Airport, Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara
You’ll need to show your foreign passport when getting your pass
Pick your start date when you get your pass – once you choose, you can’t change the 3-day period
When traveling, simply show your pass at manned ticket gates to enter and exit stations

c. Trains & Routes Covered

Trains you can use:
- Regular JR trains, Rapid trains, and Special Rapid trains
- The Kansai-Airport train to Osaka/Namba
Popular routes you can take:
- Osaka to Kyoto (30 minutes, saves you ¥580)
- Osaka to Nara (60 minutes, saves you ¥820)
- Kyoto to Kobe (60 minutes, saves you ¥1,110)
Remember: You can’t use limited express trains (they cost extra) or Shinkansen

d. Limitations and Important Notes

You can’t ride the shinkansen or limited express trains like the Haruka
The pass doesn’t work on non-JR train lines, which might affect how you get around
You’ll need to plan carefully to get your money’s worth in three days
If you’re staying in just one city or taking short trips, the pass might not save you money
If you lose your pass or it’s stolen, you can’t get a new one

e. Tips for Making the Most of Your Pass

Think about how to fit your trips into the 3-day window
Try staying in Osaka or Kyoto and taking day trips
Add up regular ticket prices for your planned trips to see if the pass saves you money
Use the pass for your airport trip to start saving right away

7. Nozomi Bullet Train Seating Changes

a. Current Seating Layout

The Nozomi train has 16 cars in total
Cars 1, 2, and 3 offer non-reserved seating, with approximately 250 seats available
All other cars require advance seat reservations
Premium “Green Cars” (first-class) are located in Cars 8, 9, and 10
Non-reserved seats are popular because they offer scheduling flexibility and are more budget-friendly

b. New Changes Coming

From March 2025, Car 3 will switch from non-reserved to reserved seating
This reduces non-reserved seating by 85 seats, leaving about 165 seats in Cars 1 and 2
The change reflects passenger preference for guaranteed seating
These updates affect trips on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen routes between Tokyo and major destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka

c. Helpful Booking Tips

Book your tickets easily through the EX Service app or Klook
Reserve early, especially during busy seasons and holidays
Remember: Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use Nozomi trains

8. Osaka Metro Extends Chuo Line

a. Line Extension Details

The Chuo Line has grown longer! You can now travel 3.2 kilometers more, going from Cosmosquare Station all the way to the new Yumeshima Station
You’ll get to ride through the Yumesaki Tunnel that goes under the sea to reach Yumeshima Island
When you’re traveling from Osaka Station, you’ll reach Yumeshima Station in about 30 minutes
This new extension was built to help you and other visitors get to Expo 2025 in Osaka easily

b. New Yumeshima Station

The station opened its doors on January 19, 2025, making it simple for you to get from central Osaka to the Expo 2025 site
You’ll find this station underground on Yumeshima Island, which was created from reclaimed land in Osaka Bay
When you look up inside the station, you’ll see a beautiful ceiling made of aluminum with geometric patterns that look like origami
You’ll also notice something new for Osaka Metro – this station has all-gender restrooms, making it more welcoming for everyone

9. Osaka Named in NY Times’ Top Travel Destinations for 2025

a. Why Osaka Made the List

The New York Times placed Osaka at number 38 in their “52 Places to Go in 2025” guide
The city is making big moves toward being more environmentally friendly
You’ll find a new green space near Osaka Station, complete with parks, shopping, and the city’s first Waldorf Astoria
The New York Times calls Osaka “Arguably Japan’s most forward-thinking city”

b. Key Attractions to Prioritize

Dotonbori District: Come hungry to this vibrant area – you’ll find amazing street food (don’t miss the okonomiyaki) and relaxing boat rides along the canal
Osaka Castle: This stunning castle looks even better when the cherry trees bloom in spring or when lit up at night
Umeda Sky Building: Head up to the Floating Garden Observatory for amazing city views, then explore the nostalgic dining streets below
Day Trips: You’re just a quick train ride from Kyoto (30 mins), Nara (45 mins), and Universal Studios Japan

c. When to Visit

Spring (March to May) brings perfect weather and pink cherry blossoms
Autumn (October to November) offers cool days and beautiful fall colors
Summer (June to September) gets hot and sticky, but you’ll catch lots of festivals
Winter (December to February) is cool and quiet, with occasional snowfall
Skip Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) when it gets super crowded

d. Getting Around

You can easily get anywhere using Osaka’s trains, metros, and buses
Don’t worry about getting lost – the Osaka Metro has English signs everywhere
Get yourself an ICOCA card to make hopping on and off public transport a breeze

Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Osaka

e. Local Cuisine to Try

Takoyaki: Tasty octopus-filled balls that are a must-try street snack
Okonomiyaki: Think of it as a Japanese pancake packed with your choice of ingredients
Kushikatsu: Crispy skewers of meat and veggies that are perfect for sharing
Yakiniku: Pick your cuts of meat and grill them right at your table

10. Increased Tourism and Overcrowding

a. Increased Tourism in Osaka

You’ll notice Osaka is getting more popular than ever, with visitor numbers set to hit new records in 2025
The city wants to become the number one spot in Asia for visitors to experience tourism and culture
People from all over the world are drawn to Osaka’s mix of cultures and lively atmosphere
Thanks to the weaker yen, your trip to Japan and Osaka will cost less than before

b. Current Tourism Situation in Japan

Here’s how many people visited Japan from different countries in 2024 according to Japan Tourism Statistics:

South Korea – 8,817,800 visitors
China – 6,981,200 visitors
Taiwan – 6,044,400 visitors
United States – 2,724,600 visitors
Hong Kong – 2,683,500 visitors
Thailand – 1,148,900 visitors
Australia – 920,200 visitors
Philippines – 818,700 visitors
Vietnam – 621,100 visitors
Canada – 579,400 visitors
Singapore – 691,100 visitors
Indonesia – 517,600 visitors
Malaysia – 506,800 visitors
United Kingdom – 437,200 visitors

c. Tourism Recovery and Growth

Since Japan reopened its borders in October 2022, tourism has bounced back quickly
2024 was a big year for Japan, welcoming 36.87 million visitors from abroad
As one of Japan’s main tourist spots, Osaka is seeing lots of these visitors
You’ll find great entertainment, shopping, and amazing food throughout the city
Must-see spots include Universal Studios Japan, the bright lights of Dotonbori, historic Osaka Castle, and the impressive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

d. Expo 2025 Impact

Osaka will host the World Exposition from April 13 to October 13, 2025
They’re expecting about 28.2 million people to attend
You’ll find the expo on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay

e. How to Avoid Crowds in Osaka

Start your day early – get to popular spots right when they open
Visit attractions on weekdays (Monday to Friday) instead of weekends when locals often join the tourist crowds
Plan your trip for quieter months like February, May, early June, or September
Book tickets for popular attractions before you arrive
Get your hotel room early, especially if you’re coming during busy times like cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week (late April to early May), or when the leaves change color (October to November)

Extra Tip: 2025 Cherry Blossom Bloom Dates Announced

a. Forecast Dates

Official forecast shows cherry blossoms will begin to bloom on March 29, reaching full bloom on April 5 in Osaka
You’ll have about 7-10 days to enjoy the full blooms before petals start falling – for the best experience, plan your visit between April 1-10
Want to avoid crowds? Visit in the morning. For a magical experience, see the illuminated trees in the evening at places like Osaka Castle Park

b. Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Osaka

Osaka Castle Park: You can see more than 3,000 cherry trees with the magnificent castle as your backdrop, plus special nighttime lighting
Okawa River: Take a stroll along 4.8 km of riverside lined with 4,800 cherry trees, or hop on a 25-minute Sakura Cruise
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park: Enjoy a peaceful hanami among over 5,000 cherry trees in this spacious park
Japan Mint Bureau: Get a rare chance to visit during their one-week public opening (around April) and see 125 unique cherry tree varieties

Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA