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Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
The temple was built by Emperor Suiko in 593 AD. Although the current buildings are mostly post World War II reconstructions, the temple is a rare sample which conveys the continental style (notably the positioning of the individual buildings inside the complex) of 6th-7th century to present.
Shitennō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ōsaka, Japan. It is also known as Arahaka-ji (荒陵寺), Nanba-ji/Naniwa-daiji (難波大寺), or Mitsu-ji 御津寺. The temple is sometimes regarded as the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the temple complex and buildings have been rebuilt over the centuries, with the last reconstruction taking place in 1963. Shortly after World War II, Shitennō-ji became independent of the parent Tendai sect and formed the Wa sect of Buddhism.
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大阪市立美術館
The museum focuses on Japanese and east Asian art.
天王寺動物園
The zoo has animals from African Savanna, Asian tropical rainforest, aviary, polar bears, penguins and sea lions.
Being Osaka's tallest building, this tower features malls, restaurants, shops and offices. Most interesting for tourists is probably the Abeno Harukas Art Museum (changing exhibitions, around ¥1300) and the observation deck Harukas 300 on 60th floor in 300 m height (¥1350). If you want to get a good view of the city for free, take elevators and escalators to 17F, then change into one of the business elevators to 30F. There are large glass windows on all sides of the building offering views onto all of Osaka for free!
通天閣
While the original tower was built early 20th century, the current "newer" version is designed by the same Prof. Naitō, who also designed Tokyo Tower. This landmark built in the middle of the Shinsekai (新世界) area is a symbol of reconstruction of the City of Osaka post World War II. There's a "Sky Billiken" on the platform, definitely makes your wishes come true, once you rub his feet! And if you are lucky, your guide will have another job as a comedian!
Gender-separated European and Asian-themed spas and saunas as well as a pool for the family with slides and fun (don't forget your swimming trunks). Open 24 hr so it is handy if you're stuck for accommodation or locked out of your hotel after a night on the town, just pay up, change into their cotton overalls and pass out on one of their comfy leather recliners with as many blankets as you like. Try the outdoor onsen (try not to get burnt in the sun) or watch their huge TV in their bar with a cold beer. The gym also available to you as part of the entry fee, but other facilities like massages and body scrubs, cost extra. "Rollover" for day passes is at 09:00 on the dot. Well worth spending an afternoon chilling out here. People with tattoos, permanent or temporary, are barred from using the facilities.
大阪市立天王寺スポーツセンター
Heated swimming pool & exercise room.