Think travelling around Japan means waiting for trains, taxis, and buses? Think again! There is now a whole new host of new transportation options available, such as LUUP, an electric kickboard scooter and electric bicycle sharing service. Rent a vehicle right away with the single swipe of a smartphone – no drivers license needed! LUUP is the ultimate mode of transport for getting around short to medium distances in Japanese cities.
Since visitors to Japan can also use this handy service, why not try this LUUP itinerary for Osaka during your next trip? Read on to find out how to best enjoy sampling Osaka street cuisine and shopping around Abeno Harukas on your LUUP ride.
What is LUUP?
As of June 2024, the LUUP electric kickboard scooter and electric bicycle sharing service has 7,900 ports nationwide. Users can rent a ride from a nearby port at any time and return it to the port of their choice after use. Everything including payment can be completed via the app, making it an attractive and convenient choice for tourists. Electric kickboard scooters are available for people aged 16 and older and can be used by visitors to Japan from July 1, 2023.
【Model Itinerary】 Enjoy Abeno Harukas Observation Deck, Osaka Gourmet, and Shopping with LUUP
Recommended route：
Kintetsu Nippombashi Station → 3-minute walk → Kuromon Market → 7 minutes by LUUP → Shinsekai → 5 minutes by LUUP → Abeno Harukas
If you travel by LUUP, you can reach Abeno Harukas from Shinsekai in just 5 minutes! Take in the city views and make the most of sightseeing in Osaka by choosing LUUP.
Seafood and shopping at Kuroman Market
Any good trip to Osaka starts at Kuromon Market, a melting pot of history and culture.
This bustling bazaar has been in existence since the 18th century, with many period-inspired buildings and decorations still lining the street today. Fresh ingredients carefully selected from all over Japan are available, so visitors can enjoy delicious sashimi, seafood rice bowls, grilled scallops, and more. Enjoy the retro atmosphere while savoring Osaka's gourmet food.
The market also contains a drugstore and a confectionery shop, ideal for buying souvenirs.
Osaka Gourmet Tour in Shinsekai: Kushikatsu, Takoyaki, and Herekatsu Sandwiches!
Next, take your LUUP to Shinsekai.
The colorful scenery of Shinsekai has become a famed sightseeing spot that epitomizes Osaka. With a high concentration of coffee shops, souvenir stores, general merchandise stores, and game centers, visitors can shop and experience Japan's unique culture to the fullest. Many tourists take commemorative photos and videos with Osaka's iconic ‘Tsutenkaku Tower’ and flashy signboards in the background.
Another way to enjoy Osaka is to devour its delicious local specialties! Among them, crispy skewered ‘kushikatsu’ pork cutlets, juicy ‘harekatsu’ beef sandwiches, and flavorful ‘takoyaki’ octopus dumplings are especially famous. Since these can all be enjoyed as a snack, why not compare the flavors from multiple restaurants at once?
Osaka’s most famous Skyscraper! Take in the incredible view from Abeno Harukas Observatory
Abeno Harukas celebrated its 10th anniversary on March 7 this year. This huge commercial complex houses the Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store, the Harukas 300 Observatory, and the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, as well as art museums and offices. The Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store consists of two buildings: the Tower Building, located on floors B2 to 14 of Abeno Harukas, and the Wing Building, located on floors B2 to 10. The B1 and B2 floors of the Tower Building feature gourmet foods such as sweets, prepared foods, and souvenirs, while floors 2 to 11 offer fashion, cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, jewelry, and more. Floors 12 to 14 are home to one of the largest mall restaurant sections in Japan, spanning three whole floors.
The top floors of 58 to 60 include an observation deck and other facilities. Visitors to Abeno Harukas can enjoy everything this complex has to offer, not limited to simply shopping.
The 300m high ‘Harukas 300’ Observatory is especially popular among tourists. In addition to enjoying a stunning 360-degree view of the Osaka cityscape, children and adults alike can relax in a luscious ‘Sky Garden’, where regular events are held. A romantic ‘Lovers' Sanctuary’ photo spot offers couples the opportunity to write their names on a love lock and take a commemorative photo, and the glass-walled restrooms are the cherry on the cake. There's no end to the things to see at this thrilling observatory!
Check out the special tour of the helipad on the roof of the facility! Have the thrilling experience of peering straight down from the skyscraper at the ‘Edge the Harukas’ attraction, which is available for a limited time only!
On the B1 and B2 food floors, visitors can purchase Osaka's specialties and other traditional Japanese confections. Particular highlights include ‘Isshindo’, famous for its ‘Fruit Daifuku’ made from fresh Japanese fruits such as strawberries and mandarin oranges, and ‘551HORAI’, which handcrafts fresh pork buns. Visitors will have no trouble finding a snack or souvenir in this gourmet paradise!
Basic Information
- Attraction name: Abeno Harukas
- Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi
- Access: Directly connected to Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line ‘Osaka Abenobashi Station’. 1 minute walk from JR Tennoji Station. 30 minutes by airport bus from Osaka International Airport.
*Please check the website for information on ticket sales for the observatory and operating hours for each floor. - Official Website：https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/
How to use LUUP, fees, and more
Simply follow these 4 steps to use the convenient LUUP service. (Photo is an illustration)
Fees vary by location, but most areas charge a basic fee of 50 yen (including tax) plus a timed fee of 15 yen per minute (including tax). The price is the same for both electric kickboard scooters and electric bicycles.
Registration of ID for age verification (e.g., passport) and credit card information is required. Before using the service, riders must correctly complete an 11-question test on Japanese traffic rules (language: Japanese and English only). For other precautions, regional fees, and payment methods, please refer to the website for details.
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