Aqualiner (Osaka Castle Pier)

This is one of the best things you can do in Osaka. This 55-minute boat ride around Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima is a perfect way to see some of Osaka’s rivers, bridges, Nakanoshima Park, Rose Garden and some of the city’s key buildings. I prefer walking around the city rather than paying for overcrowded attractions, but this is one of the few that it totally worth it along with the Kaiyukan (Osaka aquarium) and Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. And if you can only do one, choose this over the Gozabune!

Awesome experience with the Aqua Liner! The views were not as spectacular as I imagined but it’s a good way to go around the major riverside attractions of the city. Good to avail using the Osaka e-Pass so you wouldn’t feel it’s a waste of money. The on-board tour guide was also very entertaining and enthusiastic in explaining about the major landmarks.

Not the greatest experience you can have in Osaka. Although the staff on the cruise were very friendly and polite, the route itself was a bit boring and did not have much to offer. Would not be rushing to book this experience. Do it if you have the Osaka Amazing Pass and a free hour in the day.

It was nice and comfortable boat trip after visiting Osaka Castle. Gives you good and totally different views of surrounding areas. A lot of green gardens and beautiful bridges. Especially Lion bridge.

Definitely one of the best cruises in Osaka! The ticket office is cool and well laid out, you can sit inside and try their special icecream/yogurt while waiting for the ride. The staff are very nice and helpful. The boat itself is quite low which is actually quite good for the ride, you get a feeling of close to the water and the boat could go through many bridges. The environment on the boat is very pleasant, air-conditioned, clean and neat. You have your seat assigned when purchasing the ticket so no need to line up early. Music was played during the ride and quite relaxing music and not too loud. The ride was about 40 minutes but because it operated on a moderate speed so it actually covered quite a bit distance. You can see Osaka truly a water city because the ride gave you a chance to go under many bridges on the river and see the different structures they have depending year built, length and usages etc. You could also see Osaka people going about with their lives on the river banks, walking the dog, chatting with friends or having a meal at one of the restaurants on river banks. You could also get a glimpse of wild life if you are lucky. Really loved the experience and definitely a strong recommendation.

Great Views from the boat! ¥1200 per person and half price for kids, we took the mini liner 2 instead of the big boat because it was open-air. Expect lots of winds though.

The aqua liner is free if you bought the Osaka Amazing Pass. Located right outside Osaka Castle, you can visit after existing from the castle. The cruise is next to a outdoor dining area. You can get a lunch here while waiting for the cruise. The cruise leave hourly. There is a 20min, 30min, 40min and 55 min cruise. Taking the 20 or 30min ride is sufficient. Most of the time you are seeing residential and commercial buildings. The cruise has a glass roof, so might be hot in afternoon and summer.

Osaka Aqua Liner Cruise is one of the popular attractions in Osaka city. It is a highly recommended excursion to further explore the beautiful city of Osaka during both daytime and nighttime. The cruise boat is specially designed with a glass roof that provides passengers with unobstructed views of Osaka city. The experience with the cruise was very relaxing and it offers the opportunity to discover the popular landmarks and beautiful city of Osaka including Osaka Castle. During the ride, each passenger is given an audio guide that will provide interesting information about the city’s history and landmarks. The audio guide is available in different languages.