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Did you know there’s a transportation option that connects two of Osaka Bay’s most popular tourist destinations, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and Osaka Aquarium, in just 2 minutes? Not only is it quick, but it’s also free!
This unique transit option is the “Tempozan Ferry Terminal.”
In this article, we’ll introduce this incredibly convenient local ferry service, offering a rare and memorable experience you can’t find in your daily routine.
The Tempozan Ferry Terminal connects the Tempozan area, home to attractions like Osaka Aquarium and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, with the Sakurajima area where USJ is located. Operated by Osaka City, this ferry service is free and mainly used by locals.
As shown below, while traveling by train between these two spots takes about 30 minutes, the ferry cuts the travel time down to just 2 minutes.
The ferry departs every 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule. As it’s free, there’s no need for any boarding procedures. Simply arrive at the terminal before the departure time, board the ferry, and enjoy the short ride to the other side.
This terminal is for boarding the ferry when heading from the USJ side to the Osaka Aquarium side.
A small waiting room is available, where you can relax until the ferry arrives.
The view is fantastic, as you can already see the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, offering a beautiful harbor panorama.
Getting to this terminal is simple: take the train to Sakurajima Station, which is one stop after Universal City Station, and then walk about 10 minutes.
This terminal is for boarding the ferry when heading from the Osaka Aquarium side to the USJ side.
A waiting room is also available at this terminal.
There’s a pathway behind Tempozan Park leading directly to the terminal.
The ferry operates between the two terminals we introduced, and since they are so close, the travel time is just 2 minutes.
This time, let’s try traveling from the USJ terminal to the Tempozan area.
The ferry arrives.
Let’s hop on board. Since it’s free, there’s no boarding procedure required.
There are no seats inside the ferry. Everyone stands during the short trip across the harbor.
Departure! The ferry can sway a bit, so holding onto the handrails along the walls is recommended for safety.
With the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel in view, the scenery is spectacular.
Before you know it, you’ve arrived. The journey takes only 2 minutes—truly a blink of an eye.
Currently, only 15 ferries operate across 8 ferry terminals in Osaka City.
Historically, Osaka, known as the “City of Water,” had 31 ferry terminals and 69 boats in operation around 1935. These ferries were a vital means of transportation, with an annual ridership of approximately 57.52 million pedestrians and 14.42 million bicycles, playing an indispensable role in citizens’ daily lives.
However, due to war losses in 1945, advancements in road infrastructure, and the rise of motorization, ferry usage gradually declined. By 2017, the annual number of users had dropped to about 1.74 million—only 3% of its peak.
Since 1907, Osaka’s ferries have been city-operated, serving as a valuable cultural heritage of the “City of Water.” Yet the continued decline in users casts a shadow over the future of this traditional transportation method.
While we’ve focused on the convenience of this ferry route, the Tempozan Ferry Terminal is also a rare opportunity to experience the historical culture of “ferries” in Japan.
The Osaka Bay Area is located on the western side of Osaka City and consists of a collection of reclaimed lands along Osaka Bay. This area boasts popular tourist attractions such as USJ, Osaka Aquarium, and the venue for Expo 2025, making it a hotspot for visitors.
However, as the area is made up of separate islands, traveling between them can be time-consuming. For instance, while USJ and Osaka Aquarium are two of Osaka’s most famous attractions, there’s no direct train connecting them. You’d need to return to Nishikujo Station and transfer twice to make the trip (travel time: 30 minutes; fare: 410–630 yen).
To address this, there’s also a ferry called the Captain Line, which connects USJ and Osaka Aquarium directly.
While this ferry costs 900 yen one way, it departs from the Universal City Port, a 5-minute walk from Universal City Station, and takes passengers directly to the Kaiyukan Nishihato Terminal, located right next to Osaka Aquarium.
If you prioritize ease of travel between USJ and Osaka Aquarium, the Captain Line is the best option.
However, if you’re interested in experiencing Osaka’s historical culture, the nearby Tempozan Ferry Terminal offers a delightful and cost-effective alternative. (The Captain Line costs 900 yen one way, so using the free ferry can save you enough for a nice lunch.)
If you want to:
then we highly recommend traveling via the Tempozan Ferry Terminal.
While the cost-free and time-saving aspects are attractive, the real value lies in the ferry experience itself. This ferry service offers a rare chance to touch upon the traditional “ferry” culture that has long been part of Osaka, the “City of Water.” As ferry services gradually decrease over time, this mode of travel serves as more than just transportation—it’s a cultural journey into Japan’s past.
Take this opportunity to explore the historical ferry culture still alive in Osaka while enjoying the modern attractions of USJ and Osaka Aquarium.
Visit the Tempozan Ferry Terminal and make your trip unforgettable.
