Ask around Guam for vacation ideas and there's a good chance Japan will come up. With a direct flight and plenty to do for families, couples, and friend groups, it's easy to see why Osaka remains a favorite getaway for Guam travelers. Whether you're looking to take a break from island routine, indulge in some shopping, or experience attractions you won't find back home, Osaka delivers. We recently made the trip ourselves and rounded up some of our favorite experiences.
Nighttime views from Umeda Sky Building
Coming from Guam, where we're used to ocean views and open horizons, seeing Osaka lit up from above was a whole different experience. From the observation deck of the Umeda Sky Building, we got 360-degree views of one of Japan's largest cities. We visited after dark, and watching the city glow in every direction made us realize just how massive Osaka really is.
Penguins and whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
We may be surrounded by the ocean, but that doesn't make us any less excited about a good aquarium. With Guam's only aquarium currently closed for renovations, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan was high on our list, and it ended up being one of our favorite stops of the trip. From playful penguins to massive whale sharks, it’s easy to spend hours exploring all the exhibits.
Rent a kimono and walk around the city
Since it's not an experience you'll find back home on Guam, renting a kimono felt like one of those "only in Japan" moments. It was a fun way to fully embrace the cultural experience and capture some of our favorite photos from the trip.
Visit Osaka Castle
We don't have any castles in Guam, so seeing Osaka Castle in person was a pretty surreal experience. The architecture is stunning, the grounds are beautiful to walk around, and it's easy to see why it's one of Osaka's most recognizable landmarks.
Spend a day at Universal Studios
With no large-scale amusement parks on the island, Universal Studios Japan offers an experience that's hard to replicate back home. For many Guam travelers, the biggest draws are Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Walking through Super Nintendo World felt like stepping into the Mario games we grew up playing. From the colorful scenery to familiar characters and iconic landmarks, the park captures the magic of the games perfectly. Meanwhile, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings Hogwarts to life with incredible attention to detail and references from the books and films around every corner.
Whether you grew up playing Mario or spent your childhood waiting for a Hogwarts acceptance letter, it's hard not to geek out a little. Add in the rides, themed snacks, and live entertainment, and it's easy to spend an entire day there. We were also lucky enough to visit during Halloween Horror Nights, when zombies took over the streets after dark.
Walk down Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street and Dotonbori
For this trip, we stayed in Shinsaibashi, Osaka's main shopping district. The area is packed with both international and Japanese brands that can be difficult or expensive to find back home on Guam. I was able to snag a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes along with a few Osaka souvenirs to bring back to Guam. Just a short walk away is Dotonbori, one of the city's most iconic areas, where we got to see the famous Glico sign before it undergoes renovations later this November.
Reconnect with nature at Utsubo Park
One thing you quickly notice when traveling from Guam to Osaka is just how many people there are. After a few days of navigating crowds, Utsubo Park felt like a breath of fresh air. The park is quiet, filled with colorful flowers, and offers a chance to slow down before heading back into the city's fast pace.
Before You Go: Japan Tips for Guam Travelers
- Complete your immigration and customs form at Visit Japan Web beforehand. You can do this as soon as you have your flights and accommodation booked.
- Pick up an ICOCA card at the airport. It's one of the easiest ways to pay for trains and buses throughout the city. We loaded ours with 3,000 yen, which lasted several days before we needed to top it up.
- Book accommodations near a train station. Osaka's train system is the easiest way to get around, and staying within walking distance of a station will save you time and energy.
- Use Apple Maps. We found it easier to navigate around Osaka with Apple Maps than Google Maps, especially when walking between attractions and train stations. For first-time visitors, it often provided simpler routes and made it easier to find the correct station exits.
- Carry your passport with you at all times. Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists, but you'll need to show your passport to qualify.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or your fifth... it’s easy to see why Osaka remains a popular option among Guam travelers. Between the food, shopping, attractions, and unique experiences, there’s plenty to do for all ages. Best of all, it’s just one direct flight away.
