Experience the magical night cruise of Water City

As the 2025 Expo approaches, there is a lot of attention to Osaka now. Appear in The New York Times List of “52 Places in 2025”, one of the most popular cities in the world. With a wide variety of food stalls, bars and restaurants, as well as many sightseeing options, it’s a fun and vibrant place. It is also a great destination for daytime or night cruise along one of the many rivers.

Osaka is also known as the “Japanese kitchen” and is known as the “City of Water”. In the past, a large number of waterways helped the region develop into an economic and cultural center in western Japan. Today, about 10% of cities are made up of canals and rivers, and are constantly working to make Osaka a water metropolis.

Osaka River Fantasy

Arrived at the 2025 Expo, Osaka Union suitFounded in 2017, the company aims to help transform the city into a globally renowned destination, focusing on projects that improve the picturesque seaside landscape of the region. One of its main initiatives is the Osaka River Fantasy, which connects the Nakajima region and the exposition locations through a vibrant corridor of water and light.

The fantasy of the Osaka River includes an exciting light show and projection mapping experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of the boat. Prior to the release, we were invited to take the night cruise test of Hachikenyahama Pier.

The highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly the fountain show. It has a colorful fountain on the floating stage shortly after its departure, which sync with various tracks, from Western hits to Japanese tracks such as the Expo theme song, “kono hoshi no hoshi no tsuzuki wo.” According to our guide, the show will last for five minutes every hour between 12pm and 10pm on April 12.

There are about 50 fountains in the stage of about 100 meters. Except for the central fountain 20 meters above the ground, the height of the multi-directional water nozzle can reach 8 to 12 meters. The multi-color program will be held every day until February 2026.

Large-scale projection mapping program

Apart from the fountain show, there is plenty to admire in Nakajima, which is especially fascinating after the darkness when bridges and high-rise buildings are lit up. There is also a pleasant projection mapping performance on the Yokobori River in Yamada. It utilizes piers and bridges on the Hansin Expressway, and is a large program spanning 600 meters, seamlessly blending art with local structures.

The cruise passed several Osaka landmarks, including the oldest active bridge in the city built in the 16th century, and the modern complex Minatomachi River Place, built before reaching our final destination, Dotonbori. Known for its neon signs, especially those of Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku, it is a great place to get off the boat and try some local delicacies, including Okonomiyaki and Tokoyaki. Enjoy some food and a few drinks in nearby Izakaya, which was the perfect ending for a very pleasant evening.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka

Our evening stay was at Mitsui Garden Hotel in Osaka, which has comfortable rooms with views of the city and the waterway below. On the 16th floor, there is a large public bathroom with picturesque miniature gardens.

Breakfast is a buffet style with several Kyushu dishes including Miyazaki Chicken Namban, Cooked Chicken and Fragrant Vegetables – Called Gameni – From Fukuoka Prefecture nakatsuan expert from OITA County Karaage. The highlight, however, may be the fluffy omelette, served directly from the stove.

Okawa Sakura Cruise

The Osaka Alliance’s suits also worked closely with several shipping companies to arrange various tours of the city. What many people are expecting is Okawa Sakura Cruise, a passenger at some of the best cherry blossom venues in the region (including Osaka Castle and Osaka Mint Bureau).

For more information on Osaka Tour, see this Osaka Union suit front page.

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