5 Islands in Osaka worth your time

A 390-hectare artificial island in Osaka Bay featuring the 2025 World Expo site and major international shipping terminals.

What it is

• An artificial island covering 390 hectares in the Konohana Ward of Osaka City.
• The westernmost point of Osaka City, with reclamation work beginning in 1977.
• The host site for the 2025 World Expo and a future integrated resort location.
• A designated biodiversity hotspot that provides a habitat for various migratory birds.

What to see

• Two high-standard container terminals used for international maritime trade.
• The Yumemai Bridge which connects the island to neighboring Maishima.
• The Yumesaki Tunnel providing a subsea link to the island of Sakishima.
• The site of the 2025 World Expo and future resort development areas.

When to go

• Visit during the 2025 World Expo to see the completed event infrastructure.
• Plan a trip in 2030 when the integrated resort facility is scheduled to open.

Getting there

• Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line directly to Yumeshima Station.

Read more about Yumeshima

A large artificial island in Osaka featuring a government skyscraper, trade centers, and a dedicated wild bird sanctuary.

What it is

• An artificial island in Osaka covering approximately 1,045 hectares.
• A multi-use district containing residential areas, universities, and government buildings.
• The site was officially named through a public contest in 1991.
• A major transport hub featuring ferry terminals for Beppu and Shibushi ports.

What to see

• The Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building skyscraper.
• A wild bird sanctuary located at the northwestern end of the island.
• The Asia-Pacific Trade Center complex near the waterfront.
• The Nanko Port Town residential area in the central district.

Getting there

• Access the island via the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.
• The Nanko Port Town Line provides an automated people mover service.
• Road access is available through the Osaka Port Sakishima Tunnel.

Read more about Sakishima

A three-kilometer island in central Osaka housing historic architecture, major museums, and a famous rose garden between two rivers.

What it is

• A narrow sandbar located between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers in Osaka.
• Development began in 1615 by merchant Yodoya Joyan as a commercial hub.
• The site of the world's first futures market and former clan warehouses.
• A government and cultural district housing the Osaka City Hall and Bank of Japan.

What to see

• The Osaka City Central Public Hall and other preserved historical buildings.
• Nakanoshima Park which features a large and famous rose garden.
• The National Museum of Art and the Osaka Science Museum.
• Modern architecture including the newly opened integrated elementary and junior high school.

Getting there

• The Keihan Nakanoshima Line serves the island with four different stations.

Read more about Nakanoshima

An artificial island in Osaka featuring striking architectural landmarks, professional sports facilities, and a massive seasonal flower park.

What it is

• Artificial island in Osaka City covering approximately 220 hectares of reclaimed land
• Divided into dedicated zones for logistics and sports-recreation activities
• Former main venue for the city's 2008 Olympic bid
• Future parking site for the 2025 World Expo

What to see

• Incineration Plant and Sludge Center designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser
• One million nemophila flowers at the Osaka Maishima Seaside Park
• Training facilities for the Cerezo Osaka and Orix Buffaloes professional teams
• Three road bridges connecting the island to the mainland and Yumeshima

Getting there

• Accessible via Osaka City Bus and Hokko Kanko Bus services

Read more about Maishima

The world's first man-made island airport serves as a major 24-hour international hub for Western Japan in Osaka Bay.

What it is

• The world's first airport constructed entirely on a man-made island.
• A 24-hour international hub serving as the primary gateway to Western Japan.
• The facility opened in 1994 and serves as a base for low-cost carriers.
• A major transportation site operated alongside Itami and Kobe airports.

What to see

• A massive man-made island located in Osaka Bay off the Senshu coast.
• Two operational runways including a second runway measuring 4,000 meters.
• A 3.75-kilometer bridge connecting the island facility to the mainland.
• A high-traffic aviation hub designated as a Level 3 congested airport.

Official site

www.kansai-airport.or.jp

Read more about Kansai International Airport