Osaka Aqua Liner offers the most scenic way to see Osaka from the water. Glide from Tennoji to Osaka Port, soaking in breathtaking views of the bay, modern skyline, and even the iconic Ferris wheel. Sip a coffee on deck, feel the breeze, and capture picture-perfect moments—all with zero obstruction thanks to the transparent hull. A must-do for any traveler who loves beauty and serenity.















Everything you need to know about Aqualiner
Ideal options include Osaka Port Hotel Daiwa, just a 5-minute walk from the Aqua Liner dock, offering rooms with port views and direct access to the waterway. Another top pick is Marriott Osaka Shinsaibashi, located near Namba Station and the ferry terminal, providing seamless transfers to other attractions. Both hotels offer complimentary luggage storage, perfect for travelers exploring Osaka via the scenic Aqua Liner route. Many properties also feature on-site dining with panoramic views of the bay.
Yes, the Osaka Aqua Liner offers excellent connectivity to central areas. With stops at Osaka Port, Shinsekai, and Namba, the journey takes about 30 minutes and runs every 15–30 minutes. From the Namba Pier, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, ideal for shopping and dining. The piers also connect to shuttle buses and subway lines, making transfers to Umeda, Kyoto, or Nara effortless. We recommend pairing it with the Osaka Amazing Pass for cost-effective travel.
The Aqua Liner isn’t just transport—it’s a scenic cruise. With full-height glass windows, passengers enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Bay and modern port architecture. Watch massive cargo ships and yachts glide by, capturing the city’s dynamic energy. During summer, special nighttime light-up cruises illuminate the waterfront and vessels in vibrant colors, creating a magical atmosphere. Some routes offer multilingual commentary including Chinese, enhancing the cultural experience. We recommend evening departures for stunning views of sunset blending into the city’s glowing skyline.
Tickets can be bought at onboard kiosks or pier ticket booths, or purchased in advance via the official website and mobile app. We recommend using the JR West Rail Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass, which offer free rides or discounts. Payment options include credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay—simple and secure. For children or group bookings, visit the counter. Note that peak hours (9:00–11:00 AM) are busy; HopeGoo ahead ensures seat availability. Some vessels provide accessibility features for elderly and disabled passengers.
The Aqua Liner operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route. The first departure leaves from Osaka Port, while the last return trip departs from Namba. On weekends and holidays, service may extend to 11:00 PM with additional special runs. Always check the official timetable before traveling to avoid missing the final departure. Some routes feature double-decker sightseeing cabins, ideal for families and photography enthusiasts.
All vessels feature air conditioning, accessible restrooms, and water dispensers. The open-air upper deck offers unobstructed views with shaded seating and umbrellas. Free Wi-Fi and charging ports are available on select boats. Regular cultural mini-talks explain the history and function of the waterfront areas. Some routes sell local souvenirs and serve light snacks like takoyaki and kushikatsu. The interiors are clean and comfortable, suitable for all ages.
See what other travelers say about Aqualiner

Staying at Aguri Home Hayashiji was a fantastic experience! The entire property is exceptionally clean, which made us feel comfortable and relaxed right from arrival. There's ample parking available—perfect for travelers driving to Osaka. The space is generous, giving kids plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. While the ground floor doesn’t have air conditioning, the second and third floors are well-cooled, making it perfect for hot summer days. We were especially impressed with how quiet and peaceful the rooms were. Plus, the location is just steps away from the subway station, so getting around Osaka is super convenient. A great balance of comfort, cleanliness, and value—definitely a place I’d recommend and stay at again.

The room was incredibly spacious and comfortable—perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring Osaka. What really stood out was the separate, private areas for the bathroom, toilet, and laundry machine, which made everything feel clean, organized, and convenient. The location is excellent—just a short walk from the subway station, making it super easy to get around the city. I loved the thoughtful layout and the high level of comfort. This place offers amazing value and I’d definitely stay here again.

The room was surprisingly spacious for Japan, making the stay incredibly comfortable. Just a 1.5-kilometer ride from the city center, it's incredibly convenient to get around by subway—perfect for exploring Osaka without hassle. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and staff are friendly and helpful. It's a great balance of comfort, location, and value. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this is a solid choice that exceeds expectations.

Absolutely loved staying at this hotel! The location is perfect—just a short walk from the subway station and super close to downtown Osaka. Both rooms were spacious, well-designed, and had a great flow. I especially appreciated having a closet and a washing machine in the room—so convenient for longer stays or when you don’t want to carry laundry around. The beds were comfy, the room was quiet, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It’s rare to find such a clean, practical, and welcoming place with such a great vibe. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Osaka who wants comfort without the hassle. Would definitely stay here again.

Staying in the family suite was a great choice—location-wise, it's unbeatable. Just a 5-minute walk to the nearest subway station, a convenience store right around the corner (literally 1 minute away), and a 24-hour supermarket within a 5-minute stroll. Everything you need is super accessible. The only minor downside is that getting to Dotonbori takes about 10 minutes on foot, but considering how well-located the hotel is overall, it’s a small trade-off. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable—perfect for families or travelers looking for both comfort and convenience. Highly recommend this place if you want to be close to everything without the hassle of long commutes.

Staying at Dotonbori ROYAL was a great experience overall. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from Shinsaibashi and Namba, with easy access to local markets like Kuromon Ichiba. The room comes with basic kitchenware—a small pot, a few cups, and four bowls—which is more than enough for simple meals or snacks. That said, there were a few drawbacks: no hot water during showers, limited space (only two suitcases allowed), a slightly noisy refrigerator, and the air conditioning didn’t cool down effectively. These issues could definitely be improved with minor upgrades. Still, the price-to-quality ratio is strong, especially for travelers looking to explore Osaka on a budget. If you're after convenience, central access, and a cozy base, this place is worth considering.

Staying at Okini Hotel Namba was a fantastic experience! The room was spacious and well-designed with two beds, a private bathroom, a balcony, and even a mini-fridge—perfect for storing drinks or snacks. I loved having that little extra space to relax and enjoy the view. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Namba Station, close to shopping areas like Shinsaibashi, and surrounded by great local eateries. The staff were friendly and helpful, offering useful tips on nearby attractions and transportation options. Everything about this hotel felt thoughtfully put together—clean, modern, and super convenient. For the price, it’s an absolute steal. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Osaka.

I stayed at Lite House Dotonbori and overall, it was a solid experience. The room was spacious with plenty of cupboard space for clothes and personal items—very practical. Cleanliness was excellent; the room felt fresh and well-maintained. The bed was comfortable enough, though I noticed there were no extra pillows available. A few small drawbacks stood out: the hotel’s name isn’t displayed on the building, so it looked just like a regular apartment complex, making it confusing to find. The map provided by the platform led me to another location with the same name, which is still under construction—big mistake. Nighttime noise was quite disruptive, especially when motorcycles revved loudly down the street early in the morning. It felt unnecessarily loud and disrespectful. Also, there were no charging outlets near the bed, and no USB ports—something I’d expect in a modern budget stay. Despite these minor issues, the location is unbeatable, the staff were friendly, and the value for money is strong. I’d definitely consider staying here again.

Staying at this rental was a really pleasant experience. The unit was well-equipped with all the essentials—furniture, household supplies, and daily consumables were thoughtfully provided, so we didn’t need to bring much from home. The interior design had a nice touch of style, making the space feel cozy and inviting. While the building isn’t brand new, its location is excellent—just a short walk from the train station, which made getting around Osaka super convenient. For the price, it’s definitely a great value. Communication before check-in was prompt and helpful, which added to the overall sense of comfort and trust. Overall, a solid choice for a relaxed and hassle-free stay in Osaka. I’d definitely consider returning and would recommend it to others looking for a comfortable, low-stress vacation spot.

My stay at this property was disappointing overall. The bathroom shower curtain was heavily stained with water marks, making it look unhygienic. The knives and scissors felt dirty—so much so that I didn’t dare use them. The balcony was also in poor condition, littered with cigarette butts and clearly not cleaned. The worst part? The fridge had a terrible odor, like something had been left in there for days—so strong that when I put in some strawberries, they came out smelling awful and I couldn’t even eat them. It’s not just the smell; it’s the lack of basic maintenance. The only redeeming feature was the tatami mat room, which added a bit of charm. Unfortunately, the cleanliness issues and overall upkeep make this a hard recommendation. Not worth the price, and definitely not something I’d book again.

This was my first stay at the Doutonbori Crystal Hotel, and I have to say it exceeded all my expectations. The room was immaculately clean and well-maintained, with a modern touch that made the space feel both cozy and spacious. Located just a short walk from Dotonbori, I had easy access to some of Osaka’s best street food, vibrant nightlife, and great shopping spots—perfect for an authentic local experience. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe of the hotel felt warm and welcoming. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Osaka, especially those who want to be right in the heart of the action.

The overall experience was excellent! The only minor downside was the bed, which felt a bit firm for my taste, but everything else exceeded my expectations. The on-site hot spring baths were a real highlight—I visited almost every day and found them incredibly relaxing after long days of exploring. The location is fantastic—just a 7-8 minute walk from the subway station, with a convenience store right downstairs for all your essentials. Within a 10-minute stroll, you’ll find plenty of dining options, from casual eats to local favorites. It’s such a convenient and comfortable base for exploring Osaka. With great amenities, easy access, and a cozy atmosphere, this hotel offers incredible value. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip!
Explore more amazing destinations