Cruise on the Santa Maria and ride the Ferris wheel to explore Osaka Bay

Set sail to explore Osaka Bay on the "Santa Maria."

On a sunny winter day with clear skies and blue seas, it's the perfect time to set sail. Depart from the Pier located near Osaka Tempozan Harbor Village and embark on the Osaka Bay Cruise "Santa Maria," to sail around Osaka Bay. As you wait, watching the elegant Santa Maria sail into the harbour feels like a surreal dream. This Santa Maria is a replica of the flagship "Santa Maria" that Columbus sailed on in 1492, although the replica ship is twice as large.

Best view from the bow of the replica of Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria

Once onboard, it's recommended to head to the top deck at the bow, which has only about ten seats, so seize the opportunity to grab a spot. Standing at the bow, feeling the wind as the sailboat sets off, waving goodbye to the onlookers on the shore is quite an impressive sight. There is a designated photo spot at the very tip of the bow for visitors to capture the moment.

The bow has a designated photo spot for visitors. Passengers gather at the stern to admire the harbour view. Photo spot is available for visitors. The 45-minute journey takes you past major attractions in Osaka Bay, including the grand red “Port Bridge”

The Santa Maria sails for 45 minutes, showcasing various coastal attractions in Osaka Bay, such as Tempozan-ohashi Bridge, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Sakishima, Port Bridge, container terminal, and Osaka Aquarium. The Santa Maria has four decks, with observation decks not only at the bow but also in the middle and at the stern. The rear deck offers a broad view and is equipped with benches. Enjoy the romantic time at sea, feeling the breeze and taking in the views. Passing under the red steel "Port Bridge" on a sailboat is truly impressive.

Additionally, the Santa Maria offers cabins and snacks. The first-floor cabin, "Sala de Colon" showcases information related to the age of exploration and ships. The second-floor cabin, "Sala de Patio" sells beverages and light snacks. Guests can relax, dine, and enjoy the views outside the cabin windows.

"Sala de Colon" showcases information related to the age of exploration and ships. "Sala de Patio" sells beverages and light snacks.

Osaka Bay Cruise "Santa Maria"

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

Schedule: Daytime cruises from 11:00 to 15:00, with departures every hour, but schedule change every month ,please check website for the update.

Fee: 1800 yen ( Adults) , 900 yen(elementary school student)

Access: Get off at Osaka Metro Chuo Line "Osakako Station", about 10 minutes on foot from Exit 1 Right next to Tempozan Harbor Village Kaiyukan West Wharf

Website: https://suijo-bus.osaka/language/santamaria/

Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for a view of Osaka Bay

After your Santa Maria adventure, head to the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel, once the world's largest Ferris wheel with a diameter of 100 meters and a height of 112.5 meters. From halfway up in the air, you can enjoy a different perspective of Osaka Bay. The Ferris wheel offers standard capsules as well as eight transparent capsules with seats and floors made of transparent glass, allowing a 360-degree view of the scenery below. Each rotation of the Ferris wheel takes about 15 minutes, providing a panoramic view of Osaka Bay from the highest point. Inside the capsules, landmarks like Sakishima, Port Bridge, Tempozan Bridge, and Mount Rokko are marked according to their directions.

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel, with a diameter of 100 meters and a height of 112.5 meters, was once the world's largest Ferris wheel. Ferris wheel features standard capsules and eight transparent capsules, all with seats and floors made of transparent glass. Enjoy a view of Tempozan Bridge and the harbour from the transparent capsules.

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, Japan

Operating Hours: Weekdays from 10:00 to 21:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 to 22:00

Admission Fee: 900 yen (ages 3 and above)

Set of tickets for Santa Maria: 2400 yen(adult),1600 yen ((elementary school student))

Website: http://tempozan-kanransya.com/tempozan-kanransya.com/en/