Osaka Travel Guide
Here is a recommended five-day, four-night itinerary for Osaka that covers classic attractions, food, and in-depth experiences. It's perfect for first-time visitors or those who want a relaxed trip. Feel free to adjust according to your interests:
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka + Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Night Tour
- Afternoon: Arrive at Kansai Airport and take the Nankai Electric Railway or JR to the city center (recommended to stay near Namba/Shinsaibashi for convenient transportation).
- Evening:
- Check out Dotonbori landmarks (Glico Sign, Kani Doraku Crab).
- Food recommendations: Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kinryu Ramen, Isomaru Suisan.
- Night: Shopping in Shinsaibashi (drugstores, trendy brands) or experience izakaya culture.
Day 2: Classic Osaka Day Tour (Osaka Amazing Pass recommended)
- Morning:
- Osaka Castle Park (climb to the top of the main tower, recommended to go early to avoid crowds).
- Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (experience Edo period scenes, kimono rental available).
- Afternoon:
- Umeda Sky Building (panoramic view of Osaka, check free admission times with the pass).
- HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel (red landmark, great for photos).
- Night:
- Naniwa no Yu Onsen (free with the pass, relax and unwind) or shop at Hankyu/Hanshin Department Stores.
Day 3: Universal Studios Japan (or Nara/Kyoto alternative)
- All day: Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
- Must-visit: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Flying Dinosaur.
- Tips: Buy express passes in advance, download the official app to check wait times.
- Alternative (if not interested in USJ):
- Nara day trip: Todai-ji, Nara Park (feed the deer), Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
- Kyoto Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Hozu River Boat Ride.
Day 4: Osaka Bay Area + Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku
- Morning:
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (world-class aquarium, touch shark experience).
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel (choose transparent cabins).
- Afternoon:
- Shinsekai: Retro district for photos, eat kushikatsu (recommendation: Yaekatsu).
- Tsutenkaku: Climb to the top for a view of old Osaka.
- Night:
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory (Japan's tallest building night view, alternative to Umeda).
Day 5: Rinku Premium Outlets + Departure
- Morning:
- Rinku Premium Outlets (near Kansai Airport, brand discount stores, luggage storage available).
- Or last-minute shopping: Kuromon Ichiba Market (seafood breakfast), Namba PARKS.
- Afternoon: Head to Kansai Airport, end of trip.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Shinsaibashi/Namba: Convenient for shopping and food, vibrant nightlife.
- Umeda: High-end malls, transportation hub suitable for business travelers.
- Tennoji: High cost-performance, convenient for airport access (near Harukas).
Transportation Tips
- Purchase the "Osaka Amazing Pass" (1/2-day pass) for free entry to most attractions + unlimited rides.
- For intercity travel, recommend "ICOCA Card" or "Kansai Thru Pass" (if visiting Kyoto, Nara).
Must-Try Foods
- Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki, Fugu dishes, Kushikatsu, Omurice at Hokkyokusei.
- Market recommendations: Kuromon Ichiba Market (touristy but fresh), Kizu Market (local-oriented).