osaka travel reddit

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Neighborhoods to Know

Best Hotels

Public Transportation

Top Things to Do

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Osaka

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Osaka: The Complete Guide

Getty /Ekkachai Pholrojpanya

As Japan’s third-largest city  , as well as its comedy and food center, there’s a lot to love about the city of Osaka. It has a markedly laidback atmosphere when compared to Tokyo, while still having everything you might expect of a big and bustling city. It’s also within easy traveling distance of Kyoto and Nara, making it a fantastic hub for exploring the country further. Find out everything you need to know before planning your trip to Osaka.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Summers are humid, hot and can be rainy during June and July, so anytime during spring or fall is ideal. Osaka comes to life with cherry blossoms during spring and yellow ginkgo trees in the fall, and the weather is temperate.
• Language: Japanese. Osaka locals famously have their own strong dialect, which is known as Osaka-ben.
• Getting Around: The subway or train is the best way to get around Osaka. You can pick up the ICOCA travel card or use the Suica or Pasmo travel card from Tokyo to make tapping in and out easier. Much of what you’ll want to see is on the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south through the city. Taxis are also an option, and you’ll find them outside most stations, or you can flag them down, but they can be expensive.

Getty /fotoVoyager

Things to Do

Osaka is a city that really unravels, given enough time. With quirky neighborhoods and an abundance of food and cafe options, it’s a perfect blend of old city charm and modern skyscapes. Here are a selection of things you must do when visiting Osaka:

• Visit Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle is one of the highlights to any visit to the city. The five-story castle features a museum displaying historical artifacts, armor, and weapons and also a fantastic view of the gardens and city from the top.
• Spend a day at Universal Studios. The first Universal Studios to open in Asia and the only one to feature The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is a perfect Osaka day trip within the city and fun for all ages.
• Catch a view from the Umeda Sky Building. Two buildings linked at the tip with a giant observatory is the perfect spot for getting gorgeous photos of Osaka from above. The observatory is on the 39th floor and once you’re done at the top you can head to the basement where you’ll find an underground labyrinth of shops and restaurants. 
• Visit one of Osaka’s quirky museums. Osaka has plenty of fun and interesting museums which you won’t want to miss out on. One of the highlights is the Cup Noodles Museum where you can learn all about the international phenomenon of convenience ramen and make your own cup noodle! If you love art then make sure to visit the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum where you can see rare wood prints and try out woodblock printing for yourself.
• Visit Osaka’s shrines and temples. Like most places in Japan, there’s no shortage of historical spots to explore. In Osaka you’ll find stunning spots like Hozen-ji temple and Shitenno-ji temple which is Japan’s oldest temple.
• Shop in Shinsaibashi. Osaka’s covered arcades are like taking a step into the past. Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade is the best place to indulge in all things shopping with 600-meter long covered area to stroll down featuring everything from stationery to kitchenware.

Plan more of your itinerary with our guides on the best things to do in the city and how to spend 48 hours in Osaka.

Getty/ Calvin Chan Wai Meng

What to Eat and Drink

Osaka is repeatedly named as one of the top food cities in the world, and you’ll notice the sheer amount of street food and restaurant options almost immediately. Osaka is proud of its food culture and with good reason. This is the city that has specializes in three of the most comforting Japanese dishes—okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and takoyaki—all fried and all delicious. 

Dotonburi and Shinsekai are two of the major food districts in the city. Still, you’ll also find gems such as Kuromon Market, which dates back to the Edo Period and Miyuki-Dori Shopping Street, a 300-meter shopping street where you can choose from over 150 Korean restaurants. Aside from the local specialties, Osaka is also a perfect place to tuck into other Japanese favorites such as sushi, ramen, katsu curry, and yakiniku.

Getty /simonlong

Where to Stay

Osaka is a wonderfully exciting city with 24 wards to explore and hotels available all over the city. Here are some of the most popular areas to stay to enjoy your trip to the full.

Minami (Namba): One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, Namba is the entertainment hub of Osaka and where you'll find the famous Dotonburi canal and running man neon sign. It's one of the most exciting restaurants and street food areas and ideal if you want to experience Osaka's nightlife, whether that's terrific bars or bunraku and kabuki cultural performances at the theater.

Nipponbashi: This is a perfect place to stay if you're hoping to explore the nerd and electronics haven that is Denden Town, Osaka's version of Tokyo's Akihabara. Once a year, there's a big cosplay festival, and there are often small events happening in some of the local businesses. You'll also be close to Kuromon Market and Namba, so it's an easy way to be close to the action but have room to explore some of the smaller neighborhoods.

Osaka Bay Area: This is an ideal area to stay if you’re hoping to be close to some of the family-friendly attractions of Osaka like the giant Ferris wheel and the world’s largest aquarium  ! There is also shopping, restaurants, and a ferry that will take you to Universal Studios. The gorgeous views of the harbor alone make it worth staying here.

Shinsekai: This is a traditional area that’s ideal for foodies and people looking to experience traditional aesthetics and neon side streets. Shinsekai is where you’ll find the iconic Osaka Tower and local hole-in-the-wall restaurants that specialize in kushikatsu, sushi, and yakiniku barbecue joints. You can also pay a visit to Spa World, perfect for relaxing in after hard day sightseeing and the Osaka Museum of Fine Arts

Shinsabashi: This dynamic area near Namba puts fantastic tax-free shopping opportunities on your doorstep. You have the Shisabashi shopping arcade and plenty of boutique shopping options as well as nearby America-mura (also known as Amemura), where you’ll find trendy and vintage shopping plus eclectic cafes and bars.

Getting There

To access Osaka by plane , you’ll arrive at either Osaka International Airport or Kansai Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights. From Osaka Airport, you can reach downtown in around half an hour, and you’ll find several options such as taxis (around $50), a bus ($60 and a combination of train and subway ($6). You can also hire a car from the airport to drive downtown, which will take you around 25 minutes.

If you’re traveling from Kansai Airport, the easiest way to get downtown is via train ($11), which takes around 70 minutes. You can also catch a taxi which will take 45 minutes, but it is a more expensive option at $165. Finally, if you are arriving on the shinkansen from Tokyo or another Japanese city, then you’ll arrive at Osaka Station, which is a prime location to simply hop on the subway to your next destination or get a taxi to your hotel.

Culture and Customs

• There's no need to tip in Osaka. In some cases, it can even be considered offensive.
• If you're shopping, whether at a convenience store, department store, or boutique, make sure to place your money in the dish on the counter. Your change will also be placed there. On that note, remember to carry cash as some places don't take cards. You'll find plenty of ATMs around the city if you're stuck.
• The bow is the standard form of greeting in Japan, but a head nod will usually suffice. Politeness goes a long way!
• When on the subway, make sure not to use the seats reserved for the elderly, even if there are no elderly on the train car who might want to sit down. Even when the car is packed, and those seats are empty, don't ever sit in them.

Money-Saving Tips

• If you’re using a JR pass then you will also be able to use this on the JR subway and train lines within Osaka. If you can avoid buying another pass and just use the JR lines you can save money.
• Get the ICOCA & Haruka card at Kansai airport for discounted travel into the city center on the train. You’ll also be able to use the ICOCA as a travel card going forward.
• Make sure to try some convenience store food and coffee to save money. Stores like 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart have excellent quality bento boxes and hot snacks—perfect for picking up breakfast, a quick meal or gathering a picnic.
• Take advantage of tax refunds while you’re shopping. Purchases more than 5,000 yen (around $46) are exempt from the 10 percent consumption tax  . Wherever you see the tax refund sign just show your passport and that store and they’ll seal your items and give you a receipt to show at the airport before you leave.
• Look out for Osaka’s free attractions like walking in Minoo Park, exploring the grounds of Osaka Castle, and visiting the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, the third-largest tomb in the world.

Statista. " Population of Osaka Prefecture in Japan from 1920 to 2018 ." November 2019.

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Japan Tax-Free Shop. " Japan's Tax Exemption ."

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, things to do in osaka: an osaka travel guide including easy day trips.

I visited Osaka for the first time in the spring of 2017, to meet up with Kat, my best friend from college. We hadn’t seen each other in person for almost eight years since I moved away from LA but we kept in touch every day via chat apps. That spring, we finally decided to meet up in Japan.

Since we had such an amazing time catching up in Osaka last year, Kat and I decided to do an encore and meet up again this year. Long story short I’ve found myself visiting Osaka five times since then. So yeah, this post is long overdue – it’s about time I impart some knowledge and my favorite things to do in Osaka.

Getting to Osaka

There are two best ways to get to Osaka:

By Shinkansen train – Most people get to Osaka by train from Tokyo via Shinkansen, Japan’s famous ultra-fast bullet train. If you are coming here from Tokyo and you don’t have a JR Pass, you can book the Tokyo – Osaka Shinkansen here . You’ll most likely get off at Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, where you will have plenty of convenient options for local trains to switch to. If you have the Unlimited JR Pass, then the Tokyo – Osaka train is already included so you don’t need to buy separately!

By Airplane via KIX – If you are flying and landing at Kansai Airport (KIX) and will be staying in the city, I recommend taking Haruka line by Japan Rail (JR). This line takes you straight from KIX to the city, stopping at major stations Tennoji and Shin-Osaka before going on to Kyoto. If you have the unlimited JR Pass, this is already included. Make sure to check ahead if your accommodation is closer to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka as there is a slight fare difference for the bundles – Tennoji is closer to the airport so it’s cheaper. From there, you can resume with local trains using your IC card .

If you are staying at a hotel in Osaka, you might be interested in the luggage delivery services from Kansai International Airport . Luggage delivery is common in Japan and reliable. It lets you travel without having to carry your heavy luggage.

Getting around Osaka

Osaka is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Japan, second only to Tokyo . As with other big cities, you’ll find it very accessible and well-connected. Getting in and around Osaka is super easy.

Local trains in Japan run on IC (Integrated Circuit) Cards. This IC card will be your lifeline during your stay. It allows you to tap in and out of each train station without having to buy a ticket every single time you take a train. And because everyone has an IC card in Japan, you can even use your card balance to buy things from convenience stores and vending machines. Whenever the balance is running low, you can easily refill the card using cash or credit card at any train station.

Learn more about IC Card and how to use your mobile phone as an IC Card in Japan!

The IC card used in Kansai is called ICOCA. Different areas in Japan have different brands of IC cards, but they all work exactly the same way across the country. For example, in the Kanto (Tokyo) area, the popular brand is Suica or Pasmo. In the Kansai (Osaka) area, they are called ICOCA – a play on the Japanese word “Ikouka”, which means – “Let’s go!”.

Regardless of the brand, IC Cards can be used across Japan. You can use Suica and Pasmo in Kansai, and you can use ICOCA in Tokyo.

Using the virtual IC Card

Good news for iPhone users – the IC cards have gone virtual and you can use your phone as an IC card! This makes everything even more convenient, as you can refill the balance via your phone without having to go to the station.

Note that you  do not need to buy a physical IC card to do this , just start the process straight from your phone! However, if you DO have an existing IC card you can still transfer the balance to your phone. Your existing card will then stop working and you can only use your phone as an IC card from that point onwards.

If you prefer to have a physical IC card, you can buy the ICOCA Card online and pick it up from the Kansai airport. But if you already own an IC card from Tokyo or other areas of Japan, then you can just continue to use that – you don’t need to buy another one.

Do I need a JR Pass?

JR pass is a form of rail pass that gives you unlimited access to  all JR trains  in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. I bolded the JR train part for emphasis since this gets confusing for some people – in Japan, there are many train companies and Japan Rail (JR) is one of them, and this pass is only valid for JR trains! Getting a JR Pass makes sense if you are planning to visit multiple cities in Japan . The trains between cities aren’t cheap and you’ll be saving a lot more this way.

You HAVE to have already bought the JR Pass before your trip. You cannot buy it once you’re in Japan. You can buy the Unlimited JR Pass here and have it shipped to your house, so ensure you get it ahead of time!

The price of Unlimited JR Pass has increased by 70% since 1 Oct 2023 . Even though you’ll see many recommendations for buying a JR Pass to save some costs, it could be outdated. Since the price hike, it has become harder to justify the cost of the JR Pass, however regional passes like the JR West Kansai Pass might still be worth it. I am working on updating my blog post to reflect this change.

If you are in Osaka just to visit the Kansai area though, you might not need the unlimited JR Pass. The following JR Kansai pass covers Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, and can be picked up at the Kansai Airport (KIX). All you need to decide is how many days you want to use the pass for!

• 4 Day JR West Kansai Pass (you can also get 1, 2 or 3-day JR West pass – just click on the link in the description)
• 5 Day JR Kansai Wide Pass (if 4 days is not enough for you)

Coin Lockers in the train stations

Flying out late but have to check out early from your accommodation? You don’t have to carry your luggage around all day. You can leave your luggage in a coin locker.

Coin lockers are available everywhere in major stations and they are quite spacious and cheap to rent. I was able to fit my 45L backpack into that tiny 300 yen one at the bottom. There is an English instruction on the machine to rent them – super easy.

Be sure to come early if you are going from a popular station – I once tried to do this in Kyoto station around noon but I was not able to find any available locker. In the end, I gave up and had to lug my backpack around all day.

Where to stay in Osaka

In Osaka, it’s best to stay close to a major train station – anywhere near Umeda, Shin-Osaka, Namba, Tennoji and Umeda / Osaka station is a great option.

Here are some recommendations:

• Zentis Osaka in Umeda  ($$) – Located within a few minutes walk to Osaka Station. They have studio apartments as well as family rooms for those who want bigger accommodations.
• InterContinental Osaka  ($$$) – Also located within a few minutes walk from Osaka station, this hotel is very convenient with many amenities nearby
• Hotel Noum Osaka  ($$) – A cute modern hotel located one station away from Osaka-Umeda station.
• Umedaholic  ($$) – Small hotel near Osaka-Umeda station and close to the city center.
• Guesthouse Ten-roku  ($) – Female-only dorm, perfect for solo travelers who are looking to save on accommodations.

Things to do in Osaka

Alright, now that you know all about traveling to Osaka, here are the things I enjoyed doing in Osaka:

1. Visit the Osaka Castle

This is a must-visit when you’re in Osaka. Personally, I was way more impressed by the area around the castle rather than the castle itself. It’s surrounded by this amazing park and makes for a picturesque stroll especially if you happen to be here during Hanami (Sakura) or Momijigari (Autumn) season .

I would recommend entering the park from the southwest corner – the closest station is Morinomiya on the Chuo line – and walking through the park before finally getting to the castle.

The walk from this point would take about 20-30 minutes , so be sure to plan your time accordingly if you want to enter the castle.

You can pre-purchase the entrance ticket to the Osaka Castle here

2. Eat all the street food in Dotonbori

Dotonbori is the center of everything “Japan” in Osaka. You can find a 24-hour Donki (Japanese variety shop), Restaurants, Arcades with Gashapon machines, drug stores, vertical neon-light billboards, and most importantly for me: Takoyaki ! You can read more about Takoyaki in the “What to eat” section below.

3. Visit the anime town at Den-Den Town in Namba

If you enjoyed Akihabara in Tokyo, you’ll love Den-den town. It’s basically Osaka’s hub of everything geeky – electronics, Anime goodies, Gashapon machines, comic book stores, and video games. You can also find decent shopping here at Japanese variety stores like Loft and Donki.

If you don’t know what Gashapon is, you must try them while you are in Japan! They are these capsule toy machines that you can find all over Japan. The machine dispenses small toys or figurines in a capsule. Each machine has different themes with 4-5 possible options of toys that you can get, but you won’t know exactly which one you get until you put in your yen coins and turn that knob. It’s the literal definition of cheap thrill – each capsule toy costs only 200-400 yen.

4. Visit the Osaka Aquarium

The Osaka Aquarium is one of the most impressive aquariums I’ve ever visited so far. They have an intensive collection of marine life sourced from different parts of the world, including a pair of whale sharks in a massive tank along with other species like Manta Rays, Nurse Sharks, and Eagle rays.

However, as an avid diver, I have to admit this made me uncomfortable… especially seeing highly intelligent animals like dolphins in captivity. On the other hand, I can see how this is a great educational opportunity for kids and adults alike.

You can buy the tickets to the Osaka Aquarium online here so that you don’t have to wait in line.

5. See Osaka city from above

If you would like to see the city from high up, there are plenty of options around Osaka!

1. Highest Point of View at Harukas 300 (300m)

For the highest point of view, I suggest visiting the Umeda Sky Building Observatory at Umeda / Osaka station or Harukas 300 at Abeno Harukas in Tennoji station. The true highest one in Osaka is Abeno Harukas at 300m, while the Umeda Sky Observatory is only 170m above the ground.

You can pre-purchase the ticket to Umeda Sky Building (1500 yen) and Harukas 300 (1800 yen).

2. Retro Tsutenkaku Tower at Shin-sekai (91m)

My favorite is Tsutenkaku at Shin Sekai. Although not very tall at 103m (and the observatory is at 91m), I thought it was the most interesting tower because it has more history and character.

It was originally built in 1912 but refurbished multiple times over the years. As you are going up the tower and coming back down, you’ll be able to enjoy the retro Japan exhibition they have in the tower – stuff like Atom Boy and the retro history of Pocky and Glico snacks can be seen for free!

Purchase the Tsutenkaku ticket here and exchange it for a physical ticket when you get there

I would also highly recommend topping up an additional 300 yen to be able to reach the top deck. You can do this when you’re at the observatory.

Normally, I would not recommend topping up to get to the higher point of an observatory because it’s usually not worth it. But in the case of Tsutenkaku, it was TOTALLY worth it! The normal observation deck was indoors, but the top deck was completely outdoors. There is also a section with a glass floor so you can test your bravery by standing there and looking down. I did not pass that test because my legs were shaking as soon as I looked down 😛

3. Ferris Wheel at HEP FIVE

For a cheaper option, you can take the Ferris Wheel at HEP FIVE near Osaka station – It’s small but it’s only 600 yen per ride, you get a private car to yourself and the wait isn’t very long.

You can speed up the process too by buying the ticket ahead of time here: HEP Five Ferris Wheel , then all you have to do is scan the QR code when you get there.

6. Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Museum

Also known as Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, the gentleman who founded Nissin Food Products – the company that makes Cup Noodles. I didn’t get to do this on my visits (yet!), but if you’re like me and lived off cheap instant ramen in college, I reckon this museum warrants a visit. You can even decorate your instant ramen cup!

7. Go back in time to Kyoto (Day Trip from Osaka)

Kyoto needs no introduction – it is a must-visit when you’re in Osaka. The city is an easy 30 minutes on the rapid local train or 15 minutes on the Shinkansen.

Further Reading: I’ve written a dedicated blog post for Kyoto here:  Kyoto Travel Guide , so please check that post on all my recommendations for Kyoto.

Although I filed this under day trips outside Osaka, you need 2-3 days to properly visit Kyoto – there is so much to see and do here that it warrants a separate post by itself . Set aside one day to visit the Arashiyama side of Kyoto (west), and 2 days to visit the temples (east side of Kyoto).

But I would still recommend staying at a hotel in Osaka because accommodations are cheaper here.

8. Get friendly with Sika deer in Nara (Day Trip from Osaka)

Nara is another popular trip to take from Osaka due to its proximity – only 30-45 minutes by local train. The city is quite small, but they have many temples and shrines to visit. They also have a huge park where you can walk and interact with the free-roaming wild Sika deer population in Nara.

Further Reading: I’ve written a dedicated blog post for Nara here:  Nara Travel Guide , so please read that post for everything I know about Nara

9. Take a walk at Akame 48 Waterfalls (Day Trip from Osaka)

Akame 48 Waterfall is about an hour out of Osaka by train. It’s a short, easy trail following the main river which forms many small waterfalls. There are less than 48 waterfalls, but they used 48 in the name to signify endless waterfalls.

Further Reading:  You can read  my post about visiting Akame 48 !

10. Visit Kobe (Day Trip from Osaka)

IKobe is also 30 minutes away from Osaka by train. Kobe is well-known for… well, the delicious Kobe beef, which you’ll find plenty of in Kobe. Aside from the beef, Kobe is known as the port city and a place where immigrants thrived when Japan began trading with the outside world. So make sure to check out Kobe’s Chinatown area, the Kobe ropeway, and the Nunobiki waterfall.

11. Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery

If you are a whiskey lover, a trip to this distillery is a must. They are located about 30 minutes from Osaka / Umeda station. You can visit the Yamazaki Whiskey Museum for free and do some whiskey tasting (not free). If you’re interested to learn about the whiskey-making process then they have tours that cost 1000-2000 yen.

Make sure you book your slot for the tour ahead of time here

12. Bonus: See Mount Fuji from above if you’re coming to Osaka on a domestic flight from Tokyo

If you are flying to Osaka from Tokyo, try to get a window seat on the right side of the plane. You might just get lucky and see Mount Fuji about 30 minutes into the flight. I knew about this before so I picked a window seat on the right side of the plane on my way there, but I wasn’t lucky with the weather. Mount Fuji was hiding underneath all those clouds… :/

What and Where to Eat in Osaka

Just like other big cities in Japan, there is plenty of good food in Osaka. Here are some of my favorites!

1. Takoyaki (Octopus Ball)

When visiting Osaka, eating Takoyaki is a must . Takoyaki is one of the most well-known street snacks in Japan. It’s a ball-shaped snack made from a wheat-flour-based batter with chopped-up juicy octopus tentacles and other ingredients such as ginger and green onion, grilled in a pan with hemispherical holes to help shape it into a ball. Once done, it’s served with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo, then topped with crispy bonito flakes. Although you can find this all over Japan, it was popularized in Osaka.

I tried Takocha near Umeda station. It’s a very small stall manned by one guy, and you might have to wait for your takoyaki. However, the takoyaki is stunningly delicious.

Takocha Closest Station: Osaka-Umeda Station or Osaka Station Direction: Google Maps

One of the most popular places to get Takoyaki is Dotonbori. The one I tried is from the Konamon Takoyaki Museum in the middle of Dotonbori and it was delicious! The batter is crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. The bits of octopus are also quite generous. Best of all, they’re always made fresh on the spot! If you see a queue forming, fret not. They’re just waiting for the next batch and once that’s done, the queue moves fast. I ended up eating a dozen of these by myself…

Konamon Takoyaki Museum  Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line) Direction: Google Maps

2. Japanese Cheesecake from Rikuro Ojisan no Mise

Rikuro Ojisan no mise means “Grandpa Rikuro’s store”. You might have seen this store making its rounds on social media.

Popular for the fluffy cheesecake that “jiggles” as it comes out fresh out of the oven, Rikuro Ojisan cheesecake originated from Osaka and for a while could only be found in Osaka and Kobe, though I heard there are now branches in Shanghai and Beijing.

Their cheesecake is different from the ones you get in, say, New York, which tends to be very rich. Rikuro’s cheesecake is very fluffy in texture and light in taste – much like other Japanese desserts, it’s not too overly sweet. I only got a slice but I feel like I could have eaten an entire cake on my own.

3. Yakitori at an Izakaya in Namba

Visiting an Izakaya for some yakitori is a must when you’re in Japan. There are tons of them near Namba station, on the south-west side.

Izakaya is popular among corporate men and women as an after-work watering hole because they serve cheap small plates of various grilled skewers that go well with alcohol. My favorite is called Yakitori Nambatei, a small hole-in-wall restaurant where each plate costs 300-400 yen and comes with 3 skewers. I recommend having their draft beer as well!

Yakitori Nambatei Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line) Direction: Google Maps

4. Naniwa Omurice

Trivia: “Naniwa” is the old name of Osaka from the 6th century. The earliest record of the city being referred to in Osaka dates back to 14th century.

In Japanese cuisine, there are plenty of occurrences of “japanized western food” aka yoshoku , where the Japanese have adopted western dishes and made it into their own. Omurice is a popular example of this and has become a staple comfort food for many Japanese households. It’s usually made by a mother for their small children as it’s fun to eat and tastes good.

Omurice can be served in tomato-based sauce, or demi-glace sauce (savory beef sauce). I prefer the latter. Naniwa Omurice serves both styles and you can add more toppings such as Kaarage (Japanese fried chicken), fried prawn, pork cutlet or cheese.

Naniwa Omurice Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi (Midosuji) Direction: Google Maps

5. Fishing Boat Restaurant Zauo

If you want a bit more drama with your dinner, try visiting Zauo at Namba. At this restaurant, you can catch your own fish and they will prepare them for you in any style you want.

It’s not for the faint of heart though – I for one couldn’t bear to fish because I felt so bad for them… while fishing, you can feel the hooks dragging against their scales and I just couldn’t do it. So, I let my friends do the hard work and enjoyed the catch later 😡 But it’s still fun!

Zauo Fishing Boat Restaurant Nearest Station: Namba (Midosuji Line) Direction: Google Maps

6. Zundouya Ramen

Zundouya Ramen specializes in Tonkotsu ramen, a type of ramen where the broth is made from boiling pork bone for hours until it turns white. It’s originated from Fukuoka but you can enjoy it all over Japan these days.

Zundouya is one of those ramen shops where you order outside the shop at a vending machine, then bring the voucher in and they’ll make your order for you. You can customize the noodles (curly or straight), the done-ness of the noodles (al dente, regular or soft), and the intensity of the broth (light, regular, or strong/fatty).

There are a few locations in Osaka but the one I went to is near Umeda / Osaka Station.

Zundouya Ramen Nearest Station: Umeda Direction: Google Maps

Alright, folks! That’s all from me about traveling in Osaka. Let me know in the comment below what you think and if there is anything else you want to know. I’ll be happy to answer your question as best as I can.

Til next time 👋

Are you planning a trip to Japan? I’ve written loads about the beautiful country. Check out the  ‘Japan’ category of this blog for some travel inspiration.

19 Comments

• March 11, 2024

Please don’t eat octopus, they are the most intelligent creatures on the planet behind humans (way above dolphins and chimps). I dare you to watch “My octopus teacher” and then eat octopus, squid or calamari. I’m also a diver and this documentary is very powerful. Great blog, well done! I’m going in May and look forward to all the things to see, eat and do.

• December 14, 2023

My friend n I (ladies age 60-72) would like to see Sakura from April 6-20 2024. Appreciate your recommendation which place should we go in order not to miss Sakura.

• October 18, 2023

Hi Melissa, I am just glad to find your posts. I’ll be traveling with my family to Osaka in December for 4 days. Can you share some of your recommendation on my first day in Osaka as I want to explore the city before we get to the AirBNB which is near Nishikujo station (close to USJ). will be coming from tokyo by bullet train but have not bought tickets yet. i am planning to get the 6:30 AM bullet from tokyo but will be too early to check in the air BNB. any recommended places close to shin-osaka station that we can look around to pass time? thanks

• June 21, 2023

Nice reading info for Osaka. Is our first trip to Japan.. hope get more info from you.

We will reach Kansai Airport then to Tokyo for 5 days then back to Osaka for 5 days before back to Singapore. From Kansai airport to Tokyo hotel, near Shin-Okubo. Would you suggest to buy JR Pass? Our trips rather straight forward, as NEW to Japan.

Mainly all the famous spot in Tokyo and Osaka such as Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Asakusabashi, Shibuya and Harajuku for Tokyo. As for Osaka will be Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi-Suj, Kuromon Market and Nipponbashi Denden Town..

looking forward to your suggestion..

thanks sooooo much

Hey Rosalind, the one way cost to get from Tokyo is already $140 one way on the bullet train (shinkansen), so it’s definitely worth it to get the 5 days Unlimited JR even if just for the Osaka-Tokyo and then back. Just make sure the JR pass is still active for your shinkansen journey. You can buy the Unlimited JR Pass here

• May 23, 2023

Hi Mel, Planning to self drive in kansai & gifu prefectures and will be staying 2 nights in osaka. It is difficult to drive around and for car parking in osaka? Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you. Keong ( singapore )

Hey Keong, driving in Osaka is pretty similar to Singapore – it’s a big city so if you’re used to Singapore you should be fine. Parking is a little expensive in Japan but it depends where you are. If you are in the town area then it will get pretty expensive but if you’re in the outskirts then it might be free.

• April 7, 2023

Hi Can share the day itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto ? Can’t figure out where to start from day trip in Kyoto Also can’t plan the Osaka day trip Thanks for sharing

• March 12, 2023

Dear Melissa. I love what you have written. Mostly travel writers focus on putting up good pictures. I found your photos honest, true and look a lot of fun. Of course, the writing is also witty. Kudos 🙂

• March 13, 2023

Thanks Sahana!

• March 9, 2023

hi Melissa, From Singapore to Osaka, if my flight land at 9:35pm. it is ok? will there be train to city? what the train operation timing? i plan to stay 10 days in Osaka/stay in Osaka and move around. i need the wide area(5 days ) or jr-west kansai pass(4days)? what the different?

Hey John, the trains generally stop around midnight in Japan.

• January 11, 2023

Dear Melissa, I came across your blog by accident. You are very informative and insightful. My husband and I (in our 50s) are planning to visit Osaka in October 2023. Would greatly appreciate if you could help with planning our itinerary. We will fly into and out from Osaka. We have about 8-10 days of holiday. Osaka and Kyoto are the main places of interest at the moment for us. Please advise and revert. Thank you.

• November 22, 2022

Dear Melissa My friend and i are planning a 1 week trip from 12 Dec- 19Dec.to Western Japan with Osaka and Kyoto in mind as the places to go among others. This is our 1st time traveling to Japan. We will be flying in at about 3pm and out Kansai Airport at around 6pm flights. Any suggested itinerary? 12 Dec Kansai Airport to Kyoto via train JR pass

12 Dec – 15 Dec * Kyoto (book stay)

13 Dec Take the train from Kyoto to Hiroshima for a day trip. 1 day stay (Miyajima Island/Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park) ** or any other suggestions for places or city instead of Hiroshima

14 Dec Take train back to Kyoto (Day trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest)

16 Dec Leave Kyoto via train to Osaka

16 Dec – 19 Dec Osaka (book stay) (Osaka Castle, Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi (Shisaibushi-Suji), Tempozan (Ferris wheel, Osaka Aquarium), Universal Studios Japan), Shinsekai, Food Art Gallery(JTRRD Cafe), Pokemon Cafe

19 Dec Checkout/to Kansai Airport for evening flight

How about trains/transportation..should we just get the JR pass. Can we use the JR pass to take the Shinkansen)? Would love to experience the bullet train. 🙂 Any recommendation for accommodation which is cost saving? My colleague said that despite the places to stay is cheaper away from central Osaka, it is far from the train station and the train fares are expensive.

Do you think the suggested itinerary is ok or ambitious. Do you have any suggestion. We are unsure. Would really appreciate your help and advice.

Looking forward to hear from you the soonest possible so that we can plan and make the necessary bookings/reservations.

• October 27, 2022

Hi Which area in Osaka would you recommend for small kids?

• January 10, 2020

Hi Melissa!

I’ll be visiting and staying in Osaka during early Oct 2020 for 5 days and want to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe! Should I get both the JR Kansai wide pass as well as the Haruka + ICOCA card? Or will the Haruka + ICOCA card be enough for me to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe?

Thank you, Ricky

Hey Ricky, if you are ok with taking local trains (usually slightly slower and no booked seats) then you’re fine with just the Haruka + ICOCA card. You can use ICOCA card to do the local travels. Whether it would be cheaper or not depends on how often you’ll be taking JR trains during the day, since the JR pass can also be used on local JR trains.

• July 28, 2019

Dear Melissa,

I am thinking to doing Tokyo and Osaka (2 of us). In terms of time and costs, what will be your recommendation: fly into Tokyo and fly out from Osaka or the other way round? of should I just fly in/out from Tokyo?

thank you, Tham

i think depends on whether you are getting a JR pass and whether the Osaka – Tokyo train portion is covered or not. Also depends on the price difference between flying out of Tokyo vs Osaka. I personally would just fly out of Osaka to be more efficient!

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50 things to do in Osaka, Japan | Ultimate Osaka Travel Guide!

Are you planning a trip to Japan ? Then let’s talk about things to do in Osaka, because while most trips begin in Tokyo, no itinerary would be complete without a visit to “Japan’s Kitchen”. Osaka is a city filled with street markets, food experiences and restaurants galore, all of which make it a great destination for a first-time visitor – especially if you happen to be a foodie!

Located in the Kansai region, Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city but its size doesn’t detract from its friendliness. In comparison to Tokyo or Kyoto, Osaka has a very laidback vibe and it’s the kind of place where it’s easy to linger while feasting on delicious Japanese food .

In this article, we’re going to share some of the best things to do in Osaka, combining a mix of food adventures, popular attractions, and one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll only get in Japan. This isn’t so much an Osaka travel itinerary , as much as a list meant to offer some travel inspiration, so feel free to pick and choose to create your perfect trip to Osaka!

50 Things to Do in Osaka

1) Visit Osaka Castle. 

This is the city’s main tourist attraction and it is a beautiful sight! The castle sits right in the middle of Osaka Castle Park, surrounded by imposing stone walls and a wide moat.

You can even climb the steps up to the 8th floor of the castle for 360-degree views of the area.

If your trip happens to be in the springtime and coincides with cherry blossom season, get ready to enjoy sakura galore at Osaka Castle Park.

3) Join a Japanese food tour.

A street food tour is a fun way to get your bearings in a new city and also try some of the local cuisine. Osaka isn’t nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen” for nothing!

This city is renowned for its cuisine and street food is a good place to start. One snack that you can’t miss is takoyaki, which are ball-shaped pancakes filled with octopus, pickled ginger, tempura and green onion. You can watch them be cooked right in front of you in moulded pans.

This Osaka street food tour takes you to 5 different eateries where you get to try 13 different dishes! This tour runs 3 hours in length.

3) Ride a boat around the moat. 

One of the many things to do in Osaka Castle Park is to ride the  Golden Wasen . This is a covered boat that takes you on a leisurely ride along the castle moat and allows you to experience the park from a different perspective. You can catch the boat just off of the Gokuraku Bridge.

4) Visit Shitennoji Temple. 

Founded in the year 593, this is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan, although the buildings you see today have been rebuilt over the course of the centuries. The temple is named after the shitenno: the four heavenly kings of the Buddhist tradition said to guard the world against evil.

Within the Shitennoji Temple complex, you can also visit Gokuraku-jodo Garden, a Japanese-style garden complete with ponds, bridges, and walking paths. It feels like a secret oasis.

5) Take a Japanese cooking class.

Another fun way to get familiar with Osaka is to join a cooking class! This is a fun way to learn to make some of the city’s local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki – two staples you’re bound to come across either in restaurants or while sampling street food.

This Osaka cooking class runs 2.5 hours in length and you’ll learn to make two local specialties. It’s a small-group class limited to a maximum of 8 participants.

6) Go on a walk through Tennoji Park. 

This urban park has a lot to offer; it is home to botanical gardens, a zoo, an ancient burial mound, and an art museum. There are also some restaurants, cafes and ice cream stands on the southeast end of the park if you get hungry along the way.

7) Make dreams come true at the Horikoshi Shrine. 

This shrine is a place of pilgrimage for people who have a wish that they want to come true. The place is also home to trees that are over 550 years old. There are a series of  torii gates next to the shrine which makes it feel like a miniature version of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

8) Join a guided walking tour of Osaka.

A guided walking tour is a great activity to do early on in your trip to Osaka. It’ll give you a good lay of the land and introduce you to some places that you might’ve otherwise missed.

This Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour covers a lot of the city’s main attractions like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai and more! It’s a great option if you’re pressed for time and want to see the highlights.

9) Browse the shops in Den Den Town. 

Often compared to Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district, Osaka’s Den Den Town is the place to shop for cheap electronics, manga comics, cosplay costumes, and anime-related collectables.

You can also play arcade games while you’re at it. Taito Station is the leading name when it comes to arcade gaming in Japan. The Den Den Town location offers 5 floors of entertainment – you could easily spend a few hours gaming here.

10) Ride the wheel at HEP FIVE. 

Osaka has quite a few Ferris wheels to choose from. This one is located on the roof of the HEP FIVE shopping mall and it’s painted bright red. It reaches a maximum height of 106 metres and you can enjoy views of Osaka as far as the harbour.

11) Visit the lion shrine. 

Namba Yasaka is one of the most unusual shrines you will encounter in Japan. Within the complex, there’s a stage built to resemble a roaring lion. It’s believed that the lion’s mouth can swallow evil spirits and bring people good luck both in school and business. That means it sees a lot of visitors during exam times and at the start and end of the financial year.

12) Drive around Osaka dressed in costume. 

This is a real-life superhero go-karting experience complete with outrageous costumes that are sure to turn heads. Just remember it’s important that you get an international driving permit in your home country before arriving in Japan because they will not accept your regular driver’s license!

You can book the Osaka GoKart Tour with a funny costume rental here. The tour runs 1 hour. 

13) Try not to go deaf inside a Pachinko. 

Pachinko is an arcade game somewhere between a pinball machine and a slot machine. One thing is for sure, Pachinko parlours are deafeningly loud and you can often hear them before you even see them! It’s one of those things you should experience at least once in Japan, even if you just walk through one briefly.

14) Watch a Japanese baseball game. 

Baseball in Japan is a one-of-a-kind experience. We went to see the Hanshin Tigers and were not disappointed by all the cheering, chanting, dancing, and unique songs the fans had for each player. It’s worth adding to your list of things to do in Osaka even if you’re not the biggest sports fan.

15) Explore Shinsekai at night. 

Shinsekai experienced a few decades of neglect which only helped to fuel its seedy reputation, however, this neighbourhood has a cool old-school feel. When you walk down the main strip towards Tsutenkaku Tower with all the bright neon lights, it almost feels a bit like time travel – like you’re seeing what people in the past thought the Osaka of the future should look like.

16) Eat sumo-sized meals in Shinsekai. 

Sumo wrestlers need to adhere to a pretty strict diet to keep up their weight, and there are restaurants out there that specialize in sumo meals. Chankonabe is the stew consumed by wrestlers, but in Shinsekai you can also find restaurants serving up all sorts of sumo-sized dishes. Just maybe bring some friends to help you out!

17) Play 80s and 90s retro arcade games. 

There are plenty of arcades in Osaka, but retro arcades are a rare gem. There’s one on the left diagonal lane moving away from Tsutenkaku Tower. Games include blasts from the past like Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Mario-Kart and more!

18) Go up Tsutenkaku Tower. 

Literally meaning “Tower Reaching Heaven”, at the time of its construction in 1912, this was the tallest tower in Asia. Today it has a height of 103 metres, with the main observation deck sitting at 91 metres. It’s open to the public and offers a bird’s eye view of Shinsekai.

19) Ride the Dotonbori Ferris Wheel. 

After an almost decade-long hiatus, the famous  Dotonbori Ferris Wheel  recently reopened to the public. It’s built onto the facade of the Don Quixote store (a discount store that can be found all over Japan) and also features Ebisu (the god of business prosperity) on its facade. It takes 15 minutes to do the full loop! Keep in mind it’s free to ride if you buy an item inside the Don Quixote store!

20) Cruise down the Dotonbori Canal. 

Another fun thing to do in Osaka is to take a river cruise on the Dotonbori Canal, especially if you can do so at night once the lights come on. The boat departs from the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock.

21) Pose with the Glico Man. 

This is a very popular photo stop in Dotonbori. The Glico Man sign first went up in 1935 and it features an athlete in a victory pose. It’s actually an advert for the Ezaki Glico brand which manufactures confectionery products, but it’s proven to be very popular with locals – especially if there’s a sports-related victory.

22) Attend a sumo tournament. 

If you want to see sumo in Japan, you will have to time your visit accordingly because it only happens during a short window and tickets sell out fast! There’s a guide on how to watch sumo in Japan  here  and you can check out tournament dates  here .

23) Check out the giant food signs in Dotonbori. 

Even if you don’t know Japanese, in Dotonbori you can easily figure out what each shop specializes in based on the massive food signs on their storefronts. Picture a giant crab with moving legs, a massive octopus glaring down, and a pufferfish daring you to walk through its doors. It’s advertising at its finest!

24) Learn about takoyaki at the Konamon Museum. 

This museum is dedicated to Osaka’s most popular dish: takoyaki! Here you can learn about the famous octopus-filled pancake, and even make wax samples of takoyaki which you can then take back home as souvenirs. Just look for the giant red octopus along the main drag and you’ll know you’ve found the place.

25) Make your own okonomiyaki.

Some call it a Japanese pancake, others call it a Japanese pizza. This dish consists of a flour-based batter, shredded cabbage, green onions, vegetables and meat (usually a mix of pork belly, octopus, squid and shrimp). In some restaurants, it’s cooked in front of you, and in others, you can play chef at your own table. Either way, it’s a dish you should not miss in Osaka!

26) Order ramen from a vending machine. 

Japan is all about convenience, and this includes pre-ordering your bowl of ramen before you enter the shop – a picture menu makes it relatively straightforward. Once you’re inside, hand in your ticket, grab a seat at the bar, and slurps up!

27) Eat conveyor belt sushi and win some prizes. 

Conveyer-belt sushi, or kaiten sushi, is another one of those things that you need to experience in Japan . We went to Kura Sushi Namba Motomachi, where you pay 100¥ per plate. The fun thing about this restaurant is that you can also win prizes as you eat sushi. For every 5 plates you slide into the machine, you can win a capsule toy. We tried 5 times without success, but it sure is an incentive to keep eating!

28) Eat the fluffiest pancakes.

There’s a food trend in Japan at the moment, and that’s fluffy souffle pancakes. Gram, Brothers Cafe, and A Happy Pancake are some of the names that continually top the list for the best fluffy pancakes, so why not sample a few?

29) Visit the garden in the Abeno Harukas Building.

This is currently the tallest building in Japan and it was one of my favourite attractions in Osaka. Abeno Harukas offers some incredible views over the city. You have the rooftop garden on the 16th floor, which offers free admission, or alternatively, you can pay to ride up to Harukas 300 on the 60th floor

30) Strike a pose inside a purikura. 

These Japanese photo booths are a lot of fun. They will give you the widest eyes and the clearest skin you’ve ever had in your life, in fact, you’ll hardly look like yourself! Grab a couple of friends and snap a few souvenir photos, and then get carried away decorating them with stickers.

31) Visit the Pokemon Center. 

If you’re a Pokemon fan, then you’ll want to swing by Pokemon Center Osaka, which is located on the 13th floor of the Daimaru Umeda Department Store, right next to Osaka Station. Here you can shop for all sorts of original Pokemon products.

32) Explore Koreatown.

Osaka is home to the largest Koreatown in all of Japan and you can find plenty of Korean restaurants to satiate your kimchi cravings. The area around Tsuruhashi Station is especially popular for cook-it-yourself Korean barbecue. There’s also a covered market where you can shop for cute K-POP socks and hanbok ( traditional Korean dresses) !

33) Sample all the matcha desserts.

Japan loves all things matcha-flavoured, and what better place to try these than in the foodie capital. Matcha ice cream, matcha lattes, matcha cheesecake, matcha milk, matcha cookies, matcha chocolate – you can really try it all!

34) Get a taste of the US of A in America-mura. 

Also known as Ame-mura and American Village, this area has been regarded as the centre of youth culture, fashion and entertainment for at least 40 years now. The area is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, and of course, a varied mix of fashion. Whether you’re into the lolita, punk or hipster style, chances are you kind find it here.

35) Check out the art scene in Nakanoshima. 

Nakanoshima is a 3-kilometre-long sandbar that sits between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers. It’s home to several art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces including the Osaka Science Museum, the National Museum of Art Osaka, GRAF, and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics Osaka.

This Osaka street art bike tour explores 3 different neighbourhoods where you’ll go in search of street art, graffiti and urban scenes. You’ll also try local coffee, visit an old-school Japanese standing bar, and end off with pizza!

36) Feel like a kid at Universal Studios Japan. 

Yes, there rides and roller coasters, but the main draw at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With the use of your magical wand, you can walk through Hogsmeade casting spells.

37) Dress up at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. 

This museum  recreates buildings and streets that show what Osaka would have been like in the late Edo Period. Setting foot in this museum is like stepping back in time . They also allow guests to dress up in kimonos, just keep in mind that there can be long wait times if you visit on a weekend .

38) Learn about the art of bunraku. 

Bunraku is a type of traditional Japanese puppet theatre that become a popular form of entertainment for ‘commoners’ during the Edo Period. Today it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and the National Bunraku Theatre is one of the few places where you can still see the artform. You can check  their schedule  for upcoming performances.

39) Watch a kabuki performance. 

Kabuki is a classical Japanese dance-drama featuring elaborate costumes, bold make-up, and exaggerated movements. It’s an art form that dates back to the Edo period, and in Osaka, you can catch a performance at the Shochikuza Theater.

40) Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. 

We’ve already mentioned a few Ferris wheels, but if you’re looking to get some real height, then you need to visit the Tempozan Ferris Wheel! This wheel has a 110-metre diameter and reaches a height of 112.5 metres. It takes 15 minutes to complete a full revolution.

41) Go up the Umeda Sky Building.

This is one of the most futuristic constructions in Osaka. Since we had already checked out the city views during the daytime, we decided to go up the Umeda Sky Building at night and this place did not disappoint.

42) Belt some tunes at karaoke. 

Another quintessential experience in Japan is to sing karaoke. Since Dotonbori is known as the nightlife district of Osaka, you have a lot of variety when it comes to karaoke – budget karaoke vs. VIP karaoke, small singing rooms vs. party-sized room, with drinks or without drinks. It’s best to browse around and check prices before you settle on a place.

43) Relax at Spa World. 

This place takes the onsen experience to the next level. Spa World Osaka is an onsen theme park where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas, swimming pools, massages and even restaurants.  Their onsen  is divided into a European Zone and an Asian Zone with numerous pools that transport you to different parts of the world.

44) Take a stroll through Kuromon Market.

When it comes to street food in Osaka, most people flock to Dotonbori, but the Kuromon Market is a good alternative. Come hungry because there’s a lot to eat here.

45) Shop for your kitchen. 

The Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade is the place to transform your kitchen into a place worthy of a chef. The arcade is lined with stores selling cookware, accessories and utensils, which is why this place is nicknamed “the kitchen of the world”.

46) Have a convenience store meal. 

Lawson, 7Eleven, Family Mart – all of these are great options for a quick, cheap and easy do-it-yourself convenience store meal. Keep an eye out for things like onigiri, oden, and instant ramen.

47) Walk the longest shopping street in Japan. 

Stretching 2.6 kilometres in length, Tenjinbashi-suji is the longest shopping street in Japan. It’s a bit like a covered arcade, so perfect for a rainy day activity.

48) Try a traditional Japanese breakfast.

There’s nothing like a bowl of miso, grilled fish and white rice to start off a busy day of sightseeing in Osaka!

49) Visit a museum dedicated to ramen.

The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum is located a little ways outside downtown Osaka, but if you’re a ramen enthusiast, it’s worth the trip! They have workshops where you can learn to make ramen by hand, create your own noodle cup flavours, and tour the various exhibits.

50) Go on a day trip!

There are lots of easy day trips you can take from Osaka, the most popular being Kyoto for a city steeped in history, Kobe for a taste of their famed beef, and Nara in search of deer .

Where to stay in Osaka

• The Dorm Hostel Osaka
• Poly Hostel 2 Namba
• Home Hostel Osaka
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
• Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitaham
• Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel
• Swissotel Nankai Osaka
• InterContinental Hotel Osaka

Travel tips for visiting Osaka

• Fly into Osaka. If you’re visiting a few different destinations in Japan , consider flying into Osaka’s Kansai International Airport as opposed to Tokyo as international flights to Osaka tend to be cheaper. You can use Skyscanner to compare airfare here .
• Get an Icoca Card. If you’re going to spend a few days in Osaka and you’re planning to make use of public transport (and you should because the metro is the easiest way to explore Osaka!), it’s worth getting an Icoca Card as opposed to paying for single-ride tickets. You can then load money on to your card as needed, plus you can also use this card to pay at certain stores and vending machines.
• Use free WiFi at konbinis. If you’re travelling without a data plan and you ever get lost and need to access GoogleMaps for directions, you can do so at convenience stores because there’s almost always free WiFi. Keep an eye out for konbinis like 7Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson.
• Download GoogleTranslate on your phone. The app has a function where you can use the camera to translate text. This comes in handy with restaurant menus and mystery food items in grocery stores.
• Pick up a guidebook. I always like having a guidebook to better acquaint myself with the destination. I used the Rough Guide to Japan to help plan my trip to Osaka.
• Carry cash on you. While Japan is a very modern society and you can use credit cards at most stores, there are instances where cash is king, especially if you’re having street food or dining at small restaurants.
• Think about getting the JR Pass. Depending on the pace of your trip, it might be a good idea to get a Japan Rail Pass to get around the country. The pass must be purchased in your home country, and it’s good value if you’re planning to do a lot of train travel in a short period of time.
• Consider taking a guided tour of Osaka.  Explore the most entertaining spots in the most efficient way, accompanied by a local guide. You can visit spots recommended by locals without getting lost in translation, and you won’t be confused about where to go and what to try. Best of all, you can experience Osaka’s traditional and stunning culture!  Find Magical Trip’s Osaka Tour here .
• Don’t forget to get travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where in the world you’re travelling, you should never head out on a trip without travel insurance because accidents can happen and you don’t want to end up with a surprise medical bill.
• Go at it with a group. If group travel is more your style, you may want to consider a Japan group tour that includes Osaka as one of the stops, like Japan Express or Epic Japan . 

Did I miss any other fun things to do in Osaka? If so, share your ideas in the comments below!

I’m saving this and go do each one of them when I go to Japan. Thanks for this!

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2023 OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 3, 2023 | Featured , Itinerary , Japan , Osaka , Travel Guide | 37 comments

Osaka, Japan is a lively city blessed with dumbfounding infrastructures, well-edited shops, food haven, stylish hostels, and astonishingly spotless streets! Adding up to its allure are the utterly helpful and disciplined Japanese.  Here’s a travel guide blog to help you plan your trip to Osaka.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

WHERE IS OSAKA?

Osaka, is a prefecture situated in the Kansai region on Hunsho Island in Japan.  It is sandwiched by Kyoto in the north, Nara in the east and Wakayama in the south.  Osaka is largely known as the economic powerhouse of Kansai region, its capital is Osaka City, the erstwhile capital of Japan (Naniwa).

JAPAN TOURIST VISA

If you are a Philippine Passport holder, Japan visa is required to enter Japan.  You can apply for a single-entry Japan visa (good for 15 days) or a multiple-entry Japan visa (good for 5 years).

However, since the Japanese Embassy no longer entertains visa applications,  you have to lodge your Japan visa application through an accredited agency processing Japan visa. You can find the list here .

Click the link below for the step by step guide: JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS + APPLICATION + TIPS

OSAKA PRE-TRIP PREPARATION

BEST TIME TO VISIT OSAKA: Osaka is a year-round destination, you will not run out of reasons to visit regardless of the season.  But since most travelers going to Osaka also want to visit the nearby Kyoto and Nara, it best to visit during October to November for autumn (colorful foliage) and March to May for spring (cherry blossoms)

ATM/MONEY EXCHANGE: As soon as we landed at Kansai International Airport, we exchanged our money near the arrival area.  I usually bring some PHP cash jut in case my ATM card don’t work in Japan.  Otherwise, you can just withdraw from the international ATMs in 7-Eleven.  Take note that many ATMs in Japan do not accept foreign credit card, debit card or ATMs. I usually use 7-Eleven because that’s where my ATM card works, I tried at other convenience stores but my card is usually declined. You can also try at Family Mart or Lawson ATMs, but they don’t work for my ATMs.  Withdrawal fee is usually JPY 600 / PHP 300/ USD 6.   Make sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling to Japan so you won’t have a problem withdrawing overseas. If you plan to bring Japanese Yen, you can exchange some at Sanry’s in Robinson  Forum (Robinson Pioneer) in Mandaluyong or  Sanrys in Glorietta 4.  Or if Sanry’s is too far for you, just bring PHP money and change it at Money Changers at the airport.

WI-FI/INTERNET ACCESS: Having internet while traveling around Japan is important.   Most likely you will be using the train in getting around which is fast, reliable but is quite complex.  Google Maps and Hperdia.com will be your travel buddy. Google Maps can help you track your location and how far you are from your destination, I’ve been using this during my bus and train trips. You can also use this to check what train and subway to ride and at which platform.  Hyperdia.com can also help you decide which train to ride, where to get off and how much you need to pay for the train ride. But I usually use this for planning my itinerary ahead of time or when searching for shinkansen trains that is covered by JR Pass.

When arriving at Kansai International Airport, you can rent a Wi-Fi router at the arrivals section.  However, you need a credit card and because it is in-demand, they usually run out.  So to avoid the hassle of looking for a Wi-Fi router, you can rent before leaving the Philippines, you can rent a 4G WiFi pocket handy device with convenient pick up  and drop off at all international airports in Japan.  You can enjoy 4G Wi-Fi coverage across Japan on a pay per day rental basis and connect up to 5 devices on the same pocket Wi-Fi router.

You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi : RESERVE HERE  

ELECTRICITY: Osaka uses 2 electric plugs, Type A and Type B. If you’re from the Philippines, we use the same type of power plug, so I didn’t need to use my travel adapter. For other nationalities, best to bring  a travel adapter. Japan standard voltage is 100 V and 60 HZ in Western Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.

LANGUANGE: Kansai dialect is the language used in Osaka. People working for tourism-related establishments speaks English,.eg. hotel staff and restaurant staff. It helps to learn a few essential Japanese phrases like:

OSAKA SAFETY: Osaka, like the rest of Japan, is generally safe for tourist, even for solo travellers. The Japanese are probably the most polite and helpful people I’ve encountered on my travels. Despite the language barrier, they will do their best to help you.

WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA

If you’ve already made up your mind that Osaka will be your base for your Japan trip, the next question is, where to stay in Osaka? Well, it really depends on your itinerary, but the following are popular options:

1.NAMBA AREA. If you will be staying most of the time in Osaka, this is your best bet. Namba Station, the main subway makes it easy to get to and from the airport. There’s also a direct bus to and from Kansai Airport. Plus, the shopping areas (Shinsaibashi and Horie) and food haven (Dotonburi) are nearby. For first timers in Osaka, Namba area is easier to navigate than Umeda.

BUDGET HOTELS IN NAMBA:

HOSTEL WASABI OSAKA

CHECK RATES HERE  OR RESERVE HERE

Room Type: Dorm

Nearest subway/train station: Namba (Metro)Station North exit, Osaka-Namba Station, Nippombashi Station (Metro), and Kintetsu Nippombashi.

How to get there:

1.From Kansai Airport, take the Nankai-Limited Express or Nankai-Airport Express Train to Nankai-Namba.

2.Get off at Namba Station.

3.Walk to hotel. 5 mins.

NINE HOURS NAMBA STATION

CHECK RATES HERE OR  RESERVE HERE

  Room Type: Capsule

Nearest subway/train station: Namba Station (Metro)

3.Walk to hotel. 3 mins.

  BUSINESS INN NAMBA

CHECK RATES HERE   OR RESERVE HERE

Room Type: Single and Double Rooms

Nearest subway/train station: Osaka-Namba Station, Namba Station (Metro)

3.Walk to hotel. 9 mins.

HOTEL SHIN-IMAYA

CHECK RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE

Nearest subway/train station: Shin-Imaya Train Station

1.From Kansai Airport, take the Nankai-Limited Express Train to Nankai-Namba.

2.Get off at Shin-Imamiya Station.36 minutes.

3.Walk to hotel (use Google Maps) .

2.UMEDA (OSAKA STATION) AREA. Staying in Umeda is a better choice if you will be exploring other cities in Kansai Region like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, etc. because it is the hub of JR Lines (Osaka Station) and Hankyu and Hanshin Line (Umeda Station). So yes, basically Umeda Station and Osaka Station are both located in the same area – it’s just that,  Osaka Station is for JR Lines while Umeda Station is for Hankyu and Hanshin Lines. The subway/metro stop here is also called Umeda Station. There’s also a direct Limousine Bus from Kansai Airport to Umeda/Osaka Station.

BUDGET HOTELS IN UMEDA AREA:

HOTEL WBF KITASEMBA WEST

Nearest subway/train station: Hommachi Station (Metro),Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station (Metro)

2.Get off at Umeda Station.

HOTEL DAIKI OSAKA

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE

Nearest subway/train station: Ogimachi Station (Metro), Temma Station (JR Line)

1.Take the Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid to Kyobashi (JR Line)

2.Get off at Temma Station.

1.Take the Nankai-Kuko Line Airport Express to Nankai-Namba

2.Alight at Tengachaya Station

3.Walk to Tengachaya Station (Metro)

4.Take the Sakaisuji Line (brown line) to Tenjimbashisuji-6-chome Station

5.Alight at Ogimachi Station

6.Walk to hotel

Anyway, whatever area you choose, remember that these 2 areas (Umeda and Namba) are just 10 minutes away from each other by subway. Just make sure you check the hotel address before booking to see if it’s near the subway station or the main tourist attractions.

3. TENNOJI AREA. This is Osaka’s 3 rd major downtown hub. It has direct access to Kansai Airport. It is located 4 stops (by subway) south of Namba. It has pretty much gotten a facelift now, especially with the rise of Abeno Harukas – the highest building in Japan standing at 300 meters situated on top of Kintetsu Abenobashi Station, just across JR Tennoji Station. While popular attractions in Osaka (e.g. Osaka Castle and Dotonbori) are quite far from here, Abeno Harukas where Kintetsu Department Store, the largest department store in Osaka is located, is situated here, as well as the Tsutenkaku Tower  and Shinsekai District, the old-school entertainment district.

TENNOJI AREA BUDGET HOTELS:

  HOTEL CHUO OASIS

Nearest subway/train station: Dobutsuen-mae Station (Metro)

1.If coming from Kansai Airport, take the Nankai-Kuko Line Airport Express to Nankai-Namba and get off at Tengachaya Station (train). 39 minutes.

2.Walk to Tengachaya Station (metro/subway) and take the Sakaisuji Line (Brown Line) to Tenjimbashisuji-6-chome Station.

3.Get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station and walk to hotel (use Google Maps). Fare: ¥1,610

Travel Tip: During peak season, when prices of hotels spike at the more popular Osaka area such as Umeda and Namba, you can find relatively cheaper hotels at Tennoji Station. Anyway, don’t fret, because if you want to reach the popular Osaka attractions, Tennoji is connected by subway and trains (JR and Kintetsu Line) to Namba, Umeda, and Shin-Osaka, so you can easily reach them.  Plus, there’s a direct limousine bus from Tennoji station to Kansai Airport!

4.SHIN-OSAKA STATION AREA. If you plan to explore other cities in Japan, like Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, this is a convenient base, since this is the hub of the shinkansen trains. The area is sprinkled with hotels and restaurants. During my most recent trip to Osaka, I stayed here and found some pretty affordable and decent hotel, just walking distance from the station even during the peak season in spring!

Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Osaka during peak season like spring and autumn, most likely hotel rates in Namba and Umeda will spike, but, you can still find affordable and reasonably-priced hotel near Shin-Osaka Station.

IMPORTANT: Whatever area you choose as your base, I highly recommend choosing a hotel near a train or subway station so it will be easier for your to get around Osaka and transfer to other neighboring cities.

OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE 

Manila to Osaka

There are several airlines flying between Manila and Osaka like Cebu Pacific http://cebupacificair.com , the largest airline in the Philippines.  Cebu Pacific flies between Manila and Osaka five times weekly. Cebu Pacific also flies from Manila to Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita). Book its trademark lowest fares now through http://bit.ly/CEBOsakaflights  or (+632) 702 0888.

KANSAI AIRPORT TO OSAKA CITY CENTER

Osaka is served by 2 airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX), the airport for all international flights and some domestic flights, and Itami Airport (Osaka Airport) – the airport for domestic flights.

Kansai Airport has two terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. International flights land at Terminal 1. So, if you are arriving from the Philippines or other countries, you will most likely end up in Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 , which is about 1 hour away from Osaka city center.

Travel Tip: You can check the train routes, schedules, and fare via Hyperdia.com or Google Maps. I prefer using Hyperdia when planning my itinerary as it is more detailed. You can check my HYPERDIA GUIDE to learn how to use it.

Also, if you will search for routes to and from Kansai Airport, use “Kansai Airport” instead of “Osaka Airport”, which is meant for Itami Airport (domestic flights).

But, when I’m traveling, I prefer using Google Maps because it also gives me the information as to what train/subway to use, platform to go, fare, travel time, and can even tell me where I am already if I turn on my GPS. Because the problem with Hyperdia is, you need to know the station name of your destination or wherever you are coming from. But with Google Maps, you can just input the name of your destination and where you are coming from. It also gives you real time updates, like if the train is delayed or the trip is cancelled due to natural phenomenon or accidents or defective train, etc.

However, there are instances, when Google Maps is giving the longer route or is not pulling up any information. So, you still need to search on Google  “how to get to __” .

NAMBA AREA BY BUS

If your hotel is in Namba Area and Tennoji Area, there are direct limousine buses from Kansai Airport.

If you are staying in Namba Area, you can also get there by bus from Kansai Airport Terminal 1.  You have to make your way to OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) in Namba in downtown Osaka.

(Adult) ¥1,050 (PHP 502 – USD 9)

(Child) ¥ 530 (PHP 255 – USD 5 )

Travel time:  Approximately 50 minutes

Departure:  Every 30 minutes

1.At Kansai Airport Arrival Hall, go to the AIRPORT BUS to OCAT counter on the 1 st It’s on your way to Platform 11, where buses to OCAT stops and leaves.

2.Purchase a bus ticket to OCAT at #11. You can purchase at the ticket machine or counter.  If purchasing via a staff at the counter, show your passport.  You can also purchase in advance

Bus ticket to Namba Station, Umeda/Osaka Station, Uehommachi or hotel is in Kyoto):   DISCOUNTED HERE .

Bus ticket to Tennoji Station (Abeno Haruka), Nara, Kobe: DISCOUNTED HERE

3.The ticket machine or the staff will give you the bus ticket (white paper) and the receipt (green paper).

4.Go to Platform 11.

5.Fall in line and wait for the airport bus.

6.Once the airport bus arrives, if you have big bags, you need to put it inside the luggage compartment under the bus. The bus staff will take your bags, tag it and give you a receipt with a number. Make sure it matches the number on the bag tag. Don’t lose your receipt/number because you need to give it to the staff to claim your luggage once you arrive in OCAT.

7.Show your bus ticket to the driver and then board the Airport Bus.

8.Get off at OCAT in Namba. Claim and collect your luggage.

9. Walk or take a taxi to your hotel.

IMPORTANT:   First bus trip from KIX Terminal 1 to OCAT in Namba is 6:25 AM, last trip is 11:55 PM. See the Namba bus time table  HERE .

TENNOJI AREA BY BUS

If you’re staying in Tennoji Area, there’s also a direct bus to Abeno Harukas (Tennoji Station) from Kansai Airport (Terminal 1 and 2).

(Adult) ¥1,200

(Child) ¥ 600

Travel time:  Approximately 70 minutes

1.At Kansai Airport Arrival Hall, go to the AIRPORT BUS to OCAT counter on the 1 st It’s on your way to Platform 7, where buses to Tennoji Station (Abeno Harukas) stops and leaves.

2.Purchase a bus ticket to OCAT at # 7.  You can purchase at the ticket machine or via the counter with a staff. If purchasing via counter, show your passport to the staff.  Or better yet, purchase in advance. DISCOUNTED HERE  

4.Go to Platform 7.

5.Fall in line and wait for the airport bus. Make sure you don’t lose your ticket.

7.Show your bus ticket to the driver and then board the Limousine Bus (Kintetsu or KATE). Make sure you don’t lose your tab for claiming your luggage.

8.Get off at Abeno Harukas (Tennoji Station). Claim and collect your luggage.

IMPORTANT:   First bus trip from KIX Terminal 1 to  in Tennoji Station (Abeno Harukas) is 7:35 AM, last trip is 05:45 PM. See the Namba bus time table   HERE .

The fastest way to get to downtown Osaka from Kansai Airport is by train. You can find the train terminal (Kansai Airport Station) at the 2 nd floor of the building next to the Arrival Hall of Kansai Airport. Take the elevator and use the bridge to get to that building on the other side.

Kansai Airport to Namba Station. If your hotel is located in Namba area, you can take either of these 2 types of trains to Namba Station (Nankai):

*Nankai Airport Express: No need for seat reservation for this train. This is a regular train that is slower and cheaper.

Transit time: 46 minutes

Nankai  Limited Express (Rap:t): This futuristic blue train is faster and more comfortable than the Airport Express. You have the option to reserve seats.

Fare: ¥1,430

Transit time: 38 minutes

If you’ll choose the Nankai Limited Express train, you can book your train ticket via Klook.

RESERVE HERE

Kansai Airport to Umeda Station. If your hotel is in Umeda Station/Osaka Station area, you can do the following:

Option 1 (Direct)

JR Kansai Rapid: You can use your JR Pass.

Fare: ¥1,190 (Free with JR Pass)

Transit time: 75 minutes

1.Take JR Kansai Airport Rapid for Kyobashi

2.Alight at Osaka Station (JR Lines).

3.Walk to Umeda Station for about 5 minutes.

Option 2 (2 Transfers)

If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can take the Nankai Airport Express + Osaka Metro.

Fare:  ¥1,150

Transit time:  60 minutes

1.Take the Nankai Airport Express.

2.Alight at Namba Station (Nankai).

3.Walk for about 8 minutes to Namba Subway (Metro).

4.Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line bound for Shin-Osaka.

5.Alight at Umeda Station.

Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station. From Kansai Airport, you can go directly to Shin-Osaka Station via the Limited Express Haruka.

Option 1(Direct)

Limited Express Haruka

Fare: ¥2,850

Travel time: 51 minutes

Nankai Train + Osaka Metro

Fare: ¥1,200

Travel time: 68 minutes

2.Get off at Namba Station (Nankai).

5.Alight at Shin-Osaka Station.

Taxis in Osaka are clean, reliable, and plentiful. If you want a convenient ride and you have the money to spend, you can take a taxi to your hotel, but it’s quite steep, flag down is ¥650 and Kansai Airport is about 1 hour away from Osaka city center. Taxi drivers in Osaka are usually seniors, so just think of it as a little way of helping in their job. Tipping is NOT common in Osaka and the rest of Japan.

GETTING AROUND OSAKA

To help you in getting around the city, refer to Google Maps or get a tourist Map at Kansai Airport or  at Tourist Information Center in Umeda Station or Namba Station.

So, just to clarify, Osaka could mean Osaka Prefecture (Province) or Osaka City.  This Osaka Travel Guide covers Osaka City where most attractions are concentrated.

Map Legend :

Blue marker – Shin-Osaka Station

Purple marker – Umeda Station

Green marker – Namba Station

Yellow marker – Tennoji Station

Osaka City is composed of several wards, but let’s divide them into the 4 well-known areas to simplify things. Take note that all these areas are connected by subway/metro:

NAMBA AREA: Just 10 minutes away from Umeda by subway (Mido-Suji Line) is Namba. This is where Namba Station is located, the main subway station in Osaka. If you’ll be traveling around Osaka only most of the time, this is a good base. This is where you’ll find Dotonbori  – a photogenic street filled with neon-lights of restaurants, takoyaki stands, etc, and Shinsaibashi-suji that is popular for its market street, locally known as s hotengai . Of the 4 areas I mentioned here, this is the most popular base for first-time tourists traveling to Osaka.

UMEDA (Osaka Station Area/Kita): This is where Umeda Station, the main train station in Osaka is located, making it a convenient base for inter-city travels, like if you’re traveling to Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara. Technically, JR Osaka Station serves JR Lines, while Umeda Station serves private lines such as Hankyu Line and Hanshin Line, but remember they’re both in Umeda area. This area is dappled with department stores.

TENNOJI AREA: This is Osaka’s 3 rd major downtown hub. While popular attractions in Osaka (e.g. Osaka Castle and Dotonbori) are quite far from here, Abeno Harukas where  Kintetsu Department Store, the largest department store in Osaka is located, is situated here, as well as the Tsutenkaku Tower  and Shinsekai District, the old-school entertainment district. Anyway, if you want to reach the popular Osaka attractions, Tennoji is connected by subway and trains (JR and Kintetsu Line) to Namba, Umeda, and Shin-Osaka.  It also has direct access to Kansai Airport.

SHIN-OSAKA AREA. This is where Shin-Osaka Station is located. It’s a good base if you will be exploring other cities in Japan, like Hiroshima, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, since it is the hub of the shinkansen trains. There’s really not much to do here, but there’s a wealth of hotels and restaurants sprinkled around the area. I used it as my base during my recent solo trip in Osaka as I was traveling to Fukuoka by shinkansen.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of changing trains, finding the right station to stop, buying the right Pass or train ticket, you can explore Osaka by bus. It’s an ideal way to explore Osaka especially if you are traveling with seniors or kids. The Osaka Wonder Loop Bus is a hop-on hop off bus that stops at 14 destinations in Osaka, including Osaka Castle Park, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Namba Parks, JR Osaka Station (Umeda), and more. The bus comes with an English-speaking guide and a free Wi-Fi. Do ask for a map to see where the bus stops are located.

BY SUBWAY/TRAIN

A fast and easy way to get around Osaka is by subway (metro) and trains since this megapolis is linked by a convenient train system. However, Osaka’s train system can look complicated for first timers. But it need not be if you prepare and understand how and where to ride the trains or metro. For train schedules, fare and routes, check out Hperdia.com or Google.

ALSO READ: HOW TO RIDE JAPAN TRAINS + FINDING THE TRAIN SCHEDULES

As I mentioned above, to simplify this Osaka City Travel Guide, we will divide the city to 4 popular areas, where the main train and subway stations are located:

Tennoji Area: Around Abeno Harukas (Tennoji Station)

Namba Area: around Namba Nankai Station and Namba Subway/Metro

Umeda Area: around Umeda Station (Hankyu and Hanshin Lines) and Osaka Station (JR Lines)

Shin-Osaka: around Shin-Osaka Station

Travel Tip: Osaka trains and subways are convenient to use, but if you’ll be moving around a lot, the fares can pile up and eat up your budget. To save on transportation cost, best to purchase a Pass. But because there are several Passes available, it can be confusing which Pass to get. To help you decide, I’ll discuss each pass below, but first, take note of the following:

Kansai: This is the region composed of the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Hiroshima,  Hyogo (Kobe), Shiga, and Wakayama.

Osaka: This could mean Osaka Prefecture (province) or Osaka City (the capital).

JR Lines: JR means Japan Railways, they operate several train systems in Japan. For Kansai Region, they own JR West.

Non-JR Lines: Private lines that include Nankai, Kintetsu, Keihan Railway, Hankyu/Hanshin Railway.

Metro: Osaka’s subways are not operated by JR Lines but they are connected to them.

KANSAI PASSES: WHAT PASS TO USE IN OSAKA?

There’s a lot of tourist passes in Osaka, which can get overwhelming. It really depends on your itinerary, but to help you decided which one to use, here’s a list of Osaka passes and when to use it.

1.ICOCA Card

This is not actually a pass but a rechargeable card for subways and trains, pretty much like Hong Kong’s Octopus Card or Manila’s Beep Card. Unlike the Pass, this is NOT unlimited, but it’s a stored value card that you can use to pass through the subway gates to avoid the hassle of buying tickets every time you ride the metro/subway.  You can also use this at convenience stores and other establishments.

When to purchase: If you only have 1 day or 2 days in Osaka and you won’t be moving around a lot, you can use the ICOCA Card.

Where to purchase: RESERVE HERE

You can also purchase at ticket vending machines in major JR Line Stations.

ALSO READ: JAPAN IC CARDS: WHICH ONE TO USE?

2.OSAKA AMAZING PASS (Osaka Only) *Recommended

This is a cost-efficient pass if you plan on exploring Osaka. Osaka Pass entitles you to unlimited subway, and bus rides within Osaka City. You can choose 1 Day or 2 Day Osaka Amazing Pass  for extra flexibility. The 2 Day Pass must be used in consecutive days. What’s good about this pass is, you’ll gain entry to 30 Osaka tourist attractions, including:

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Legoland Discovery Center Osaka

Osaka Science Museum

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

Osaka Wonder Cruise

Depending on where you want to pick it up, you can book it in advance below:

Kansai Airport/Namba Station/OCAT pick up: RESERVE HERE

You can even book a combo ticket below:

Osaka Amazing Pass + Universal Studios Osaka 1 Day Ticket: RESERVE HERE

Destination Covered: Osaka only

Trains Covered: unlimited use of subway/metro, trams/streetcar, and bus in Osaka. Free and discounted admission to some Osaka attractions.

Validity: 2-3 NON-CONSECUTIVE days

Airport Train: Not covered.

When to purchase: If you will be exploring Osaka only in 1 – 2 days and you plan to visit the above tourist destinations, you can get the Osaka Amazing Pass to save on admission fees and metro rides.

You can also combine this pass with other passes. For example, if aside from exploring Osaka in 1 or 2 days, your itinerary also includes a visit to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe, you can purchase Osaka Amazing Pass (for exploring Osaka) + JR West Pass or Kansai Thru Pass (for exploring other major cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe.etc).

3.KANSAI THRU PASS (Kansai Region) *Recommended

The Kansai Thru Pass offers unlimited non-JR train and bus rides around Kansai Region for 2 or 3 days non-consecutive, so it’s pretty flexible. Meaning, you can use this to travel in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and other major cities in Kansai, but JR Lines aren’t covered. This pass also allows you to travel from Kansai Airport and Osaka or Kyoto on the Nankai Train (The Limited Express Rap:t requires additional fee).

Destination Covered: Kansai Region (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama and Koyasan)

Trains Covered: Non-JR Lines

Airport Train: Yes. Kansai Thru Pass can be used from Kansai Airport Station on the Nankai Train after arriving at Kansai International Airport (The Express Rapi:t requires additional fee).

When to purchase: If traveling to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Himeji Castle.  If you’ll be staying in Osaka or Kyoto, and you’ll be exploring other cities in Kansai like Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, and Koyosan, and your itinerary requires you to use non-JR line trains in non-consecutive days, then the Kansai Thru Pass is for you. For example, you want to see Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion District, Arashiyama, and Himeji Castle. For more details on where you can use this, check HERE  

4.JR WEST KANSAI PASS (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe)

The JR West Kansai Pass is a regional pass for JR Lines, should not be confused with the Whole Japan Rail Pass. This pass offers unlimited bus and train rides for local JR-West trains and Rapid services in major cities in Kansai Region like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. You can also use this pass for train rides to and from Kansai Airport via Kansai-Airport Express Haruka. You can choose a 1, 2,3, or 4 Day JR West Pass. This pass is exclusive for foreign nationals traveling as tourists in Japan.

When to purchase: If you’ll be exploring Osaka and other major cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe and your itinerary requires you to take local JR West trains most of the time, then the JR West Pass is for you.

1 Day Pass: RESERVE HERE

2 day pass: reserve here, 3 day pass: reserve here, 4 day pass: reserve here.

How to use the JR West Kansai Pass:

1.Book a ticket in advance. Click the links above.

2.Print or download the mobile voucher that you’ll get in your e-mail once your booking is complete.

3.Present your printed or mobile voucher along with your passport in exchange of your physical JR Pass. You can redeem it in Kansai Airport or at OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) in Namba Station.

Redemption Location:

Osaka Kansai International Airport Terminal 1

• Location: HIS counter 1 st Floor, next to the Northern Exit in the Arrival Hall
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM -10:00 PM

Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) at JR Namba Station:

• Location: Japan Holiday Travel 1 st Floor OCAT Tourist Information Center
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM -6:30 PM
• Contact: +818040968552

4.On the first day that you’ll be using the JR West Kansai Pass, approach the staff at the gate or counter of any train station to have your JR Pass stamped with the final date that you can use your JR West Kansai Pass. Remember that you have to use the pass CONSECUTIVE days.

5.For the succeeding days that you’ll be using the pass, just show it to the staff at the gate of the JR Station.

IMPORTANT: You don’t have to use your pass right away once you get it. It’s up to you so long as you use it before the expiration date. And since the JR West Kansai Pass must be used consecutive days, make sure to plan when to use. For example, on your arrival date you claimed your JR Pass physical voucher but you won’t explore Osaka yet because your tour will start the next day, you don’t have to use the pass. You can use it the next day or the day after, but once you start using it, you will have to you use it the succeeding days after that because of the consecutive days policy.

5.Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Nagoya)

KINTETSU RAILPASS:  RESERVE HERE

I used the Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus pass recently since itinerary includes Mie (Ise-Shima and Nabano no Sato in Mie). You can read our itinerary below.

ALSO READ: KANSAI ITINERARY (USING KINTETSU RAIL PASS PLUS)

Important: You still have to purchase a Limited Express ticket when boarding the Limited Express trains that will guarantee you a seat on the train even if you have a Kintetsu Rail Pass/Plus already. Otherwise, just use the local train.

6. HANKYU PASS (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)

For unlimited train travel in and around Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe using the Hankyu train lines. You can pick from 1 day or 2 day pass.

HANKYU PASS: RESERVE HERE

When to purchase: If your itinerary includes Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.

7.HANSHIN PASS (Osaka + Kobe)

This pass will enable you to get unlimited rides along the Hanshin Electric Railways for 1 whole day.

HANSHIN PASS: RESERVE HERE  

When to Purchase: If you’re going to Osaka and plan to see some of famous attractions including Universal Studios Japan, Kobe Seaside Park, Hanshin Koshien Stadium, and Umeda Sky Building, then it is best to avail of this Hanshin One Day Tourist Pass. You can combine this pass with Osaka Amazing Pass.

You only need this pass if you will be traveling to other prefectures and cities outside Kansai. For example, you will be heading to Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagano, Hiroshima, etc.

JR PASS: RESERVE HERE

When to purchase: If traveling in different prefectures in Japan.

9.COMBINED PASSES 

As I mentioned above, you can also use a combination of the abovementioned passes. For example, you can purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass for traveling in Osaka in 1 or 2 Days, then use either JR West Pass (consecutive days/JR Lines) or Kansai Thru Pass (non-consecutive days/non-JR Lines) when exploring other cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, etc.

BY OSAKA TOUR PACKAGE

Some tourists prefer joining hassle-free, organized tours, and thankfully, Klook also offers that.

1.Arashiyama + Nara Day Tour from Osaka

This tour will take you to Arashiyama, Todai-ji, and Nara Park. The tour includes an English speaking staff. Depending on what you purchase, you can choose from bus fare only,  to a tour with buffet lunch with temple admission fee.

2.Kyoto Temples and Shrines Day Tour from Osaka

This tour includes a visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama.

OSAKA TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1.universal studios japan (usj).

One of Osaka’s most-visited attractions is Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and it’s easy to understand why.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with its flagship attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a crowd-drawer. You can see here the impressive Hogwarts castle recreation.  Don’t miss the butter beer at Hogsmeade and the nearby Hogswart Express Photo Op.  Catch the Universal Re-Boom party that features Universal Studios Japan Character such as the Minions and Hello Kitty, among others. For adrenaline junkies, try the Flying Dinosaur, it’s so much fun but not as scary as it looks! Since The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man bagged the first World’s Best Dark Ride award for 7 consecutive years by Today’s Magazine, do ride it! It’s an amazing and immersive experience.

Entrance Fee:

1 Day Pass: (Adult) ¥7,400  (Child 4-11 y.o) ¥5,100 (Senior) ¥6,204

2 Day Pass: (Adult) ¥14,700 (Child 4-11 y.o) ¥10,000

  Universal Studios Japan Tickets: RESERVE HERE

Open Hours: Depending on the day and month, it typically opens from 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM and closes at 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM.

Access: 5 minute walk from JR Universal City Station

Fare: ¥180 (Covered by JR West Pass and JR Pass)

Travel time: Approximately 30 mins

HOW TO GET TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

2.OSAKA CASTLE

Castles are symbols of power, and although they are believed to have originated in Europe, you can find equally impressive castles in Japan. Osaka Castle is one of the country’s most beautiful castles, it is a prototypical Japanese castle, featuring many elements associated with feudal Japanese castle architecture.  It is said to have played a key part in uniting Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama era. Osaka Castle is flocked by tourists during spring because it is fringed by 600 cherry trees.

Entrance Fee: ¥600 – ₱277 ($5, SGD 7, MYR 22)

Pass: Osaka Castle Museum, Osaka Castle Nishinomura Garden and Osaka Castle’s Yagura Turrets are FREE with Osaka Amazing Pass

Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry: 4:30 PM), closed  on Dec  28 – Jan 1

Access: 15 minute walk from Tanimachi 4 chome subway station Exit 9, or 16 minute walk from Osakajokoen Station.

Train Fare:  ¥230 – ₱106 ($2, SGD 3, MYR 8)

Pass: Subway/Metro is covered by ICOCA Card, Osaka Amazing Pass and Kansai Thru Pass, while JR Line is covered by JR West Pass, JR Pass and ICOCA Card)

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Illusion Museum, Peace (Osaka International Peace Center), Osaka Museum of History, Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation, Osaka-jo- Gozabune Boat.  (FREE with Osaka Amazing Pass)

HOW TO GET TO OSAKA CASTLE:

3. DOTONBORI

Osaka is dubbed as the “Nation’s Kitchen”, the culinary capital of Japan, so yes, do not go home without trying its local dishes.  Some of the traditional food includes takoyaki (octopus bits inside fried dumplings), okonomiyaki (fried cabbage cakes that lookes like omelette), kushikatsu (skewers with different deep fried food such as meat, shrimp, cheese and vegetables) and battera (a block type sushi with mackerel).

If you really want to experience the food culture in Osaka, head to Dotonburi just right across Shinshaibashi.  This place is oozing with restaurants as well illuminated signboards. You know you are in Dotonburi when you see the iconic Glico Man.  This giant billboard was originally installed near Ebusu-bashi Bridge in 1935.  It’s a symbol for Ezaki Glico, a confectionary based in Osaka known for their caramel candy and Pocky pretzel snacks.  Average costs of meals in Osaka is JPY 800-1,500 (PHP 373 – PHP 699 / USD 7.7 – USD 14.39)

Things to do in Dotonbori:

Tombori River Cruise: RESERVE HERE (FREE with Osaka Amazing Pass)

Access: short walk from Namba Station (Metro) Exit 14

4. SHINSAIBASHI SHOPPING STREET

Osaka is a shopping haven, whether you are looking for upscale designer stores or   discount retail shops, you will find it here.  Umeda in the North and Namba in the south are two of its largest shopping districts. And in between is Shinsaibashi Suji , walking distance from Namba station, the most popular and one of the oldest shopping destinations in Osaka.  Be prepared though because the moment you walk into Shinsaibashi-Dotonburi area, just a 5 minute walk from Namba Station, you will meet a massive swirl of humanity.  Nearby you can also find Amerikamura (American Village), dubbed as the mecca of youth fashion.  This is where you’ll find small, inexpensive boutiques standing shoulder to shoulder selling mostly imported and hipster clothes targeting the youth.

Access: 5-minute walk fro Shinsaibashi Station

5. ABENO HARUKAS

Abeno Harukas is the tallest building in Japan, housing the largest department store in Japan – Kintetsu Department Store.  There’s also a museum on the 16 th floor that houses the garden, but perhaps the building’s highlight is the Harukas 300, the observation deck located on Abeno Harukas top 3 floors – (58 th -6oth floors) that offers 360 degree views of Osaka.  It can be accessed via the elevator on the 16 th floor.

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Last entry: 9:30 PM)

Entrance Fee: (Adult) ¥1,500 (Junior High/Highschool) ¥1,200, (child) ¥700

Pass: Discounted for Kintetsu Rail Pass (Adult) ¥1,350 (Junior High/Highschool) ¥1,080, (child) ¥630

Abeno Haruka Ticket: RESERVE HERE

Access: On top of Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station

6. UMEDA BUILDING

One of the tallest skyscrapers in Osaka is  Umeda Sky Building , a two 40-story building connected by a bridge and two escalators (said to be the highest in the world). The building is accessible via Umeda Station. On top of it is the Floating Deck, an observation deck which offers a scenic view of Osaka skyline.

Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Entrance Fee (Kuchu Teien Observatory):  (Adults) ¥1,500, (Child 4-12 y.o) ¥ 700 (FREE until 6:00 PM for Osaka Amazing Pass).

13-minute walk from Umeda Station (Metro/Subway Midosuji Line (Red Line) and Hankyu Railway) – Covered by Osaka Amazing Pass, Kansai Thru Pass,

13-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station (Metro/Subway Tanimachi Line (Purple Line)

13-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station (Metro/Subway Yotsubashi Line (Blue Line)

13-minute walk from JR Osaka Station (JR Line)

Fare: ¥230 (Subway and non-JR Lines covered by Osaka Amazing Pass, and Kansai Thru Pass)

HOW TO GET TO UMEDA SKY BUILDING:

7. TEMPOZAN HARBOR VILLAGE  

Tempozan Harbor Village is a leisure bay destination peppered with restaurant, shops, Osaka sightseeing cruise ships, the Legoland Discovery center, etc. You’ll never really run out of things to do here. You can even ride the Help Five Ferris wheel that is beautifully-lit at night.

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel:

Open Hours: ¥800 (FREE for Osaka Amazing Pass)

11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (shops, amusement, and fast-food restuarants),

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (restaurants)

Access: 10-minute walk from Osakako Station, Exit 1 on the Subway Chuo Line

Pass: Osaka Amazing Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, ICOCA Card

Travel Time: About 33 min

HOW TO GET TO TEMPOZAN HARBOR VILLAGE, STA.MARIA CRUISE AND LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER:

8. LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER

If you don’t know it yet, there’s a Legoland Discovery Center in Osaka. Located at the Tempozan Harbor Village.  Your kids will enjoy this place filled with millions of famous toy bricks and packed with activities such as brick-making class, a 4D movie, brick factory tour, lase rides, etc.  Book online in advance as it is cheaper than the walk-in price.

Entrance Fee : (Walk-in) ¥2,300 (online) ¥1,600

Legoland Ticket: RESERVE HERE  

Open Hours:

Weekdays: 10:00 AM -7:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)

Weekends & public holidays: 10:00 AM -8:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)

Access: 5-minute walk from Osakako Station (Metro/Subway)

Fare: ¥280  (Covered by ICOCA card, Osaka Amazing Pass, and Kansai Thru Pass)

HOW TO GET TO LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER: See directions under Tempozan Harbor Village.

9. STA.MARIA CRUISE

While you are at Tempozan Harbor Village, don’t miss the Santa Maria Sightseeing Cruise ship that sails around the popular tourist attractions in Osaka bay area. It’s a massive recreation of the boat that Columbus used to reach America.  You can experience the Sta. Maria day cruise or twilight cruise for about 45 minutes.

Cruise Rates:

Day Cruise: (Adults) ¥1,600 (Child) ¥800

Twilight Cruise: (Adults) ¥2,100 (Child) ¥1,050

*FREE for Osaka Amazing Pass

Access: 10-minute walk from Osakako Station, Exit 1 on the Subway Chuo Line. For the detailed directions, see the tables above under Tempozan Harbor Village.

  WHERE TO EAT IN OSAKA

We had a really tasty marutoku ramen (JPY 700) on our first night in Osaka at Morutoku near Fukushima Station.  Also try eating at teppanyaki (grilling on a plate) restaurants where you eat at the counter while the chef prepares the food in front of you and serves it immediately.

We also got to try the famous Omi Beef , one of the best beef in Japan, along with Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef, at Yasu-shi in Shiga prefecture, about 30 minutes away from Kyoto.  It’s really a must-try when in Japan!  We dined at a restaurant called  Jiku Kappo Sara where they have a special set of Omi Beef Steak that comes with Omi beef steak, sushi, sashimi, tempura, Omi-rice and miso soup for JPY 4, 600 (PHP 2,143 /USD 44) or  you can order their middle set meals for JPY 3,900 (PH 1,817) without the sushi and sashimi.

OSAKA SIDE TRIPS

Kyoto is highly recommended because of its wealth of attractions.   To help you plan your Kyoto trip, you can read my Kyoto blog here: KYOTO TOP TOURIST SPOTS .  But if you are pressed for time, you can do a day trip from Osaka or an afternoon tour. You can book cheap tours to Kyoto from Osaka : HERE.

ALSO READ:  KYOTO TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

Nara, Japan known for its friendly deer is another favorite side trip from Osaka. I’ll be posting my Nara Japan Travel Guide soon, but if you have limited time, you can also book a Nara Day Tour : HERE , which includes a visit to Nara’s celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites temples.

ALSO READ: NARA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

Where to eat in osaka.

Since Osaka is dubbed as the culinary capital of Japan, trying the food here is a must. And the best place to do just that is at Dotonburi , a mere 5 minute walk from Namba Station.  The main road and small streets here are fringed with all types of eateries.

Crowned by the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, the Shinsekai district is another haven for foodies, created after the World War II (1912), modeled after New York and Paris.  Here you’ll find some of the best kushikatsu shops in Osaka.

Osaka Station and Grand Front Osaka has a wealth of restaurants to choose from, but if you find it too clean and intimidating, head to Kitashinchi district, the entertainment capital of Osaka, just 10 minutes by foot south of Osaka Station.

If you’re looking for a ramen place, I highly recommend Marutoku near Fukushima Station, order marutoku ramen.

Average costs of meals in Osaka is JPY 800-1,500 (PHP 373 – PHP 699 / USD 7.7 – USD 14.39). If you are on a tight budget, you can try the bento and sushi meals sold at local supermarkets, visit at night around 7:00 PM or when they are about to close because they are tagged with discounts for as low as 50% off!  Meals would usually cost about JPY 279 – JPY 799 (PHP 130 – PHP 373 / USD 2.7- USD 7.7).  Otherwise, you can settle for microwaveable meals at convenience stores like Lawson and Family Mart. But then again, you are in Japan, so I highly recommend you splurge on food once in a while.

OSAKA ITINERARY (5 Days 4 Nights)  (Osaka-Kyoto-Nara)

Here’s a suggested Osaka itinerary with budget that includes  a trip to Kyoto and Nara.

*Hotel, drinks, souvenirs, shopping expenses, airfare, and NAIA terminal fee are not included.

Entrance fees, subways/trains and bus rides, and food are included in the calculation.

PASSES: OSAKA AMAZING PASS (1 day) + KANSAI THRU PASS (3 Days)

This entails that

Day 1 – No Pass

Day 2 –  Osaka Amazing Pass

Day 3 –   No Pass

Day 4 –  Kansai Thru Pass. Kyoto

Day 5 – Kansai Thru Pass. Nara

Important: For the itinerary below, if you combine the Hankyu 1 Day Pass (¥700) of  Osaka Metro fare, then on Day 5 you buy individual tickets worth ¥1,350 + the Nankai Kansai Airport  Line, it’s still cheaper for about ¥115 than using the Kansai Thru Pass on Day 4-5. But that’s a small amount compared to the hassle of buying individual tickets for the lines not covered by the Hankyu 1 Day Pass (e.g. Keihan Line + Kintetsu Line + Osaka Metro).  Yes, Kintetsu and Keihan have their own pass, but it’ll be more expensive if you use them with the Hankyu and Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass for the itinerary below. Therefore, I still opted to use the Kansai Thru Pass for this itinerary.

For the Subway Lines, I used the colors of the actual Metro line so you can easily find them at the Metro Station.

Red Line – Midosuji Line

Purple Line – Tanimachi Line

Green Line – Chuo Line

Pink Line -Sennichimae Line

Blue Line – Yotsubashi Line

Brown Line – Sakaisuji Line

Also, best to take note of the Station Number, so you can easily understand it when the staff announces the next station stop.  The station number stop is different for each line, for example, for Tanimachi-4-chome – if riding the Green Line, station number is C18, and T23 in Purple Line. The station numbers are usually listed inside the subway, usually above the subway doors.

So, without further ado, here’s a recommended Osaka itinerary for first timers in Kansai.

For the total expenses with Pass above, you need to add the cost of Osaka Amazing Pass (1 Day) + Kansai Thru Pass (2 Days). Total amount is:

Total Expenses with Pass = ¥27,510 – ₱13,986 ($249.24, €223.36, SGD 342.89,MYR 1,042, AUD 363.35)

Savings: ¥2,735 – ₱1,308 ($21.55, €24.64, sgd 35.11,myr 107, aud 35.65).

Universal Studios Japan is quite hefty and will eat up your budget on Day 2, if you want, you can skip it and replace it with the following itinerary (Legoland Discovery Center), which is also ideal for children. But if you will follow this, I recommend purchasing the Osaka Amazing 2 Day Pass to use for Day 2 and Day 3 so it will cover the attractions below

ALSO READ: 

Kyoto travel guide,   sapporo travel guide, kyoto tourist spots and how to get there, osaka-kyoto-nara itinerary with budget , sapporo itinerary, shirakawa-go from osaka, osaka to tottori, conan town travel guide (itinerary + budget), hakuba ski travel guide, fukuoka travel guide (itinerary + budget), related posts.

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37 comments.

Good tips and information shared. Do you recommend other places to go in Osaka besides Osaka Castle and USJ?

What about Kyoto and Nara? I dont see the itinerary here.

still writing it. posting soon

Hi! May I ask when did you visit Osaka? Thanks

hi! im following your posts and i find this helpful. i also plan to travel alone but still quite doubtful since im not really ‘gala’ but im in for adventures. did you really travel alone? how’s the condition of capsule hotels for a single female? i.e security, privacy

Is anybody here wants to visit Osaka, Japan on March 10-15, 2017? Kindly let me know. I need to have accompany to visit Osaka since I am only alone to travel there. I need some help guys. 🙁

Hi, this blog is very informative. But I would like to ask in your expenses you only paid p2,549 in Jr west rail pass. Tried to check it online, It’s for 200usd.

Depends on the # of days, there’s 1, 2, 3, 4 and even 5 day pass.

Does klook.com legite site.? I would like to buy usj ticket online.

Hi, your blog is very helpful and informative, I am a bit confused which train pass will i get. I will be travelling from KIX airport to Kyoto (Day 1) , Kyoto-Nara (DAY 2 – 4), Kyoto-Osaka (Day 5 – 7), Osaka back to Airport. Which rain pass I am going to avail? Hope you can help me with this. Thanks so much.

JR West Kansai Pass 🙂

What an incrediable blog. Appreciate your detail explanation. I am travelling to Osaka in Hot July, from osaka i plan to go kyoto then Nara. What would be your commendation number of stay in each city?

Really can’t wait for 5 more years to travel in Japan. Thanks for the infos! For sure, this will help me a lot. But I have a question, I heard that some Japanese don’t speak english, Is that true?

Hi there, You do have useful info posted here.. This will help me where, when and how to go Osaka. 🙂 Keep it up! Good luck on your next travel..

Welcome Jaybee. Safe travels! 🙂

First of, a very good read – brief and informative. A question though, I will be travelling on Sunday to Osaka (just OSAKA) where a friend will meet me however I did not purchase any JR Pass nor any train ticket card, instead she instructed me to get the SUICA card at the airport. I’m a bit anxious since you’ve mentioned that ticket rides for foreigners must be purchased outside Japan. I appreciate your response. Thank you.

I meant for JR Pass only. You can purchase the SUICA Card there. 🙂

Your blog is detailed & informative. Its very helpful for first timers like me, thank you. We plan to avail the suggested seniors citizens, nara, kyoto & arashiyama day tour…… from the hotel. We are only staying for 3 days in osaka & 1 day is for nara, kyoto arashiyama day tour. Which train pass shall we buy… Kansai thru pass, JR west pass or ICOCA card. Do we still need the pass if we have the day tour from a travel agent… for the kyoto, nara tour. Keep up your helpful blog….

If you have a tour na po with a travel agent, no need for the JR Pass. You can use ICOCA or Kansai Thru Pass depending on where your hotel is and how many times you’ll use the train/subway each day. If you will be using the subway/train several times a day, you may still need the Kansai Thru Pass.

Hi. i’m just a little bit confused with the train transfer. We will be staying near shibuya station. From that station can I use my jr pass(if ever I purchase one) in going to osaka(one-way)?

Hi. Im bit confused regarding JR west kansai rail pass, kansai thru pass and icoca ic card. What are the differences and which one is better cause it’s like (correct me if I’m wrong) they are all same? Thank you.

If you’re just touring Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, go for the ICOCA Card or Kansai Thru Pass. I’ll post a blog about this soon.

I had originally only planned to spent a day in Osaka but this seriously makes me reconsider that decision! Osaka sounds like such an amazing place with lots of things to do 🙂 thanks for the tips!

Hi, your blog is very informative. Thank you for the tips you have shared. We will be going to OSAKA in August (first timers). Our travel will be around OSAKA then to KYOTO and NARRA. Can we purchase this online so we can have them before we leave? We do not intend to stay in a hotel in Kyoto but will just do a day-tour. This would mean travelling to Kyoto by train. This we will do in 2-days. Which train would you recommend to take to Kyoto and more budget friendly? Thank you.

Kindly read here: https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/hyperdia/

This is so helpful and amazing blog post ever. Thanks you for helping me preparing for my first trip in Japan.

Welcome. I just updated the blog. It’s more detailed now. 🙂

Hi! For a 1st-timer tourist in Japan, which do your recommend I visit first? Osaka or Tokyo? Would appreciate your opinion. Thanks!

Osaka, Tokyo’s train system is more complex

Hello, is it worth it to get the JR pass if our routes will be Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo? We’re arriving in Osaka and we’ll exit by Tokyo. Thank you.

Yes, because the train fare to Tokyo is expensive.

Hi, your blog is very informative. Me & two of my friends is going to Osaka this November. We are also planning to visit Tokyo and we already purchased our plane tickets which we will exit in Tokyo, Narita Airport from Osaka. Do you also have a travel guide + budget itinerary for shall we say 3 days in Tokyo? That would be so helpful! Thank you 🙂

you can check it here https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/tokyo-itinerary/

Hello! I’m a follower of your blog. (: Kindly check if the translation for “nihongo ga wakarimasen” should be “I do not understand Japanese” instead of “I do not understand English”. Thank you. (:

Oh wow! Thanks for pointing that out. It should be “I don’t understand Japanese”.

HI, FOR JR WEST 4 DAY PASS, I CAN START USING IT WHENEVER I LIKE? OR MUST START USING ON THE REDEMPTION OF PHYSICAL PASS?

You can start using it after redemption, like a couple of days or week after. There’s an expiration date though, so check that out.

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Insider Osaka Itinerary for 2024

Osaka is known as the friendliest city in all of Japan, the people are the true gem of the ancient capital of Japan. But besides making new friends, Osaka is full of strange and quirky things to do, a fascinating history, and best of all, home to the tastiest food in all of Japan. 

This is the palace where conveyor belt sushi and Takoyaki were invented. So,  get ready to ditch that tight waistband, my friends, ’cause you’re gonna feast like there’s no tomorrow.

I spent two weeks in Osaka scoping out the BEST things to do in Japan’s foodie capital and I am here to help you plan th e ultimate trip to this wonderful city, whether its a day or a week, you’ll never forget your time in Osaka.

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A Little Bit about this 3-Day Osaka Itinerary

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Osaka’s history, culture, foodie scene, and entertainment district make Osaka a truly memorable city! It has something for every traveler, from world-class theme parks to incredible museums and street food stalls, you’ll never run out of things to do in Osaka!

Whether you’re spending one day in Osaka or 3 days in Osaka, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but you’ll miss out on some of the cool and quirky sites that make Osaka so famous. If you can, do set more time aside.

In this 3 day Osaka itinerary, you’ll find each day is packed with action, culture, history, and adventure. You won’t have to rush from A to B though because I’ve sorted everything by proximity. Of course, you can change it up as much as you want. Add stops, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration to get the most out of your trip!

3 Day Osaka Itinerary Overview

• Day One – Museum of Art | Bunraku Theatre | Namba Parks | Tempozan Ferris Wheel | Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Day Two – Osaka Castle Park | Mint Museum | Umeda Sky Building | Museum of History | Dotonbori
• Day Three – Expo ‘70 | Universal Studios | Momofuku Ando | Hattori Ryokuchi | Osaka Food Tour

As Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka is filled to the brim with places to see. It’s quite a widespread city with excellent transport options so there is also a wide variety of great places to stay in Osaka. Consider experiencing Osaka Capsule Hotels – a novel and compact stay option that perfectly complements the city’s futuristic and dynamic atmosphere.

The Osaka Castle area is also an ideal place to stay as it is jam-packed with Osaka landmarks and great hotels! There are also some lovely Airbnbs in Osaka .

There are so many exciting things to do in Osaka that it’s pretty hard to go wrong. As long as you’re near a train station and a great place to eat, Osaka is a goldmine of things to do!

Stay at one of these  awesome hostels in Osaka  to really make your time in this city memorable!

Best Hostel in Osaka – Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka

With its epic location inside a retired toy store, the Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka makes the perfect budget accommodation. Nestled in the beating heart of Osaka, but with an atmosphere of tranquillity, this safe and fun hostel will make your trip to Osaka even better. Rent one of their bicycles and head out to explore the city from this centrally located spot!

Best Airbnb in Osaka – Cozy House Namba

This private three-bedroom apartment in central Osaka can accommodate up to 12 people! One bedroom has a double bed and a single bed, another has a sofa bed, and the other has Japanese-style tatami mats.

It has a modern and well-equipped kitchen with a dining table and chairs, separate toilet and bathroom, a washing machine, a living area, outdoor space, Wi-Fi, and four free bicycles for you to use to explore.

Best Budget Hotel in Osaka – Ayana House

Enjoy this immaculate and well-maintained apartment as your home-away-from-home while you’re in Osaka. Just a stone’s throw away from exciting Dotonbori and Shin-Imamiya Station, for easy access to the best of Osaka’s attractions, Ayana House is the ideal place to stay on your holiday!

Best Luxury Hotel in Osaka – Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

To experience true Japanese hospitality and an unbeatable view of Osaka’s skyline, check in at one of Osaka’s finest luxury hotels. Why pass up the chance of an in-room massage and impeccable facilities when you can have it all, and an amazing view to boot! Make the Mitsui Garden Hotel your accommodation of choice, and with its central location, all you need to do is step out the front door to discover the sights of Osaka!

Osaka is an energetic city full of fun places to visit and with an amazing landscape, all the way from Osaka Bay to the lush outskirts of the city. No matter what you’re looking for, from nearby spots to explore to the more outlandish features, finding your ideal Osaka trip itinerary is beyond easy.

There are so many things to do in Osaka that you will feel spoiled for choice. Let’s dive into our 3 days in Osaka itinerary. Starting with day one…

9AM – National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO)

Take a walk through the hallowed halls of Osaka’s art world beneath the terra firma on the fantastical Nakanoshima Island!

Begin your unique artistic experience at the stunning silver gates, which welcome you into the museum. The gates are shaped like bamboo, and were inspired by the vitality of bamboo, which paints a picture of the growth of contemporary art in Japan!

The National Museum of Art has a fantastic collection of significant international and Japanese works, which have been carefully selected over 30 years. Enjoy a meander through the 3 stories of art from across the years including works by prominent artists Cezanne, Picasso and Ernst. You can also enjoy the stunning post-war pieces by Foujita, Ikemura, Ishiuchi, and Kuniyoshi.

Begin your Osaka travels with this eclectic museum experience that literally takes you deeper!

• Cost – 430 yen ($4) per adult, 130 yen ($2) for university students, free for high school students and over-65-year-olds.
• Getting there: Take the nearest subway station to Higobashi Station via the Yotsubashi Subway Line. From here it’s a 5-10 minute walk.
• How long should I spend there: Around 1-2 hours should be enough, depending on how much you love art.

10.30AM – Namba Parks

Namba Parks is a shopping complex with the ultimate difference. The mall itself is packed to the rafters with fun stores and hidden basement eateries, but it is the stunning range of rooftop parks that make it an oasis in the middle of bustling Osaka!

The building has a unique location in the footprint of Osaka’s old baseball stadium and with its 8 levels of tree groves, rock formations, and waterfalls, Namba Parks is 100% worth a visit. Take in views of the cityscape as you traverse the unbelievable rooftop environment!

As you climb over canyons and enjoy the trickling sound of a stream, the parks make for a surreal experience. There are terraces to sit on and enjoy the view, and you can even search for a vegetable garden or two.

As a lush patch of green in Osaka’s neon-infused streets, the parks are connected directly to the street so commuters and tourists can pass through easily and enjoy a taste of nature!

• Cost – Entrance is free!
• G etting there: Take the subway to Nankai Station, and from there you can enter the parks by the Central and South exits.
• How long should I spend there: 1-2 hours should suffice.

11.30AM – Tempozan Ferris Wheel

For a gondola with a view, head for a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka’s Harbour Village. Gaze out over Osaka Bay as you take a 360 degree trip round Tempozan’s giant Ferris wheel!

The brightly colored attraction makes quite a feature on Osaka’s landscape, with its unique role as the local weather vane. The Ferris wheel shines different colors to represent the day’s weather, including a bright orange for sunshine, green for cloudy weather, and blue means it’ll rain.

The giant bay-side attraction used to hold the title for the tallest Ferris wheel in the world when it opened in 1997, and you can see why at an impressive height of 112.5 meters! You can use your view from the top to scope out other amazing Osaka features for the day with Mount Ikoma, Universal Studios Japan, the Mount Rokko and the Akashi Kaiky Bridge visible from your pod in the sky.

For the brave among you, there’s also the opportunity to pick one of the Ferris wheel’s transparent gondolas!

Insider Tip: While you’re in the area, head over to Mt Tempo, Japan’s smallest mountain, which sits at 4.5 meters high.

• Cost – 800 yen ($8).
• Getting there: Take the subway to Osakako Station via the Chuo Line.
• How long should I spend there: No more than an hour.

1:00PM – The Original Pancake House

For today’s lunch spot, we’re heading to The Original Pancake House . In a mall full of delicious options, this is by far the best place to eat! From the uber-popular Dutch Baby to the simple and sweet coconut pancake, the Namba Parks OG pancakes are a great way to refuel for the day!

2.00PM – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

If you’re looking to experience one of the most incredible aquariums in the world, Japan has your answer!

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is designed to take visitors on a journey through the Pacific Ocean, with amazing exhibits which give you an informative and unbelievable look into this aquatic world.

Take a journey around the Pacific Rim as you enjoy the exhibits and features, each designed with a classic creative Japanese style. Begin your travels into this labyrinth of blue as you enter through the Fish Underpass – Aqua Gate , a walk-through tunnel with sea life on every side!

Then, experience every creature from river fish of the Japanese Forest to the adorable tufted puffin of the Aleutian Islands. The aquarium’s main attraction is the Pacific Ocean exhibit, with 14 surrounding aquatic exhibits arranged to match their position on the Pacific Rim!

One of the aquarium’s most spectacular features is the jellyfish exhibit, which gives you the feeling of staring into an aquatic galaxy, amongst the mystical sway of the jellyfish. There are even Japanese spider crabs!

Finish off your first day in Osaka with this trip through the waters of the Pacific, then as night falls, stay for more fun as the Night Aquarium comes to life!

• Cost – 2300 yen ($21) for over-16s, 2000 yen ($18) for over-60s, 1200 yen ($11) for children between 7 and 15 years old, 600 yen ($6) for 4 to 5-year-olds, children under 3 enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the subway to Osakako Station and walk for 5 minutes from there.
• How long should I spend there: 2-3 hours should be enough time to see it all.

7:00PM – National Bunraku Theatre

Enjoy the fantastical stylings of Osaka’s National Bunraku Theatre as you take in a show or explore the memorable theatre itself.

The theatre was opened to protect and further the precious traditional art form of Bunraku . Performers tell emotive stories through the intricate movements of the giant wooden-headed puppets they operate. Bunraku began as a rare form of entertainment for the general public, and the theatre is carrying on that tradition!

The theatre is a jack of all trades in its efforts to preserve the art form as it houses a training institution and a fascinating archive of historical materials. The building is a work of art and history itself as it forms a mix of tradition and modernity while characterizing key elements of Edo era of Japanese architecture.

Enjoy a memorable experience of one of Japan’s classic performance forms, the perfect addition to your Osaka trip!

• Cost – Varies per performance but the exhibition hall is free.
• Getting there: Take the subway to Nippombashi Station and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: depending on the show.

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For our second day in Osaka, I will be including the more historic and cultural attractions in the city, such as Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori, the nightlife district in Osaka.

9.00AM – Osaka Castle Park

Make the perfect start to your second day in Osaka on a visit to the Osaka Castle Park , a lush landscape full of history and stunning natural beauty!

The park’s defining feature is the stunning Osaka Castle, which sits regally amongst the trees and surrounded by an impressive moat! You can explore the castle corridors and discover ancient weaponry as well as unmissable artwork along the walls. The castle is also home to a museum with an array of historical artifacts and fascinating digital exhibits recounting the castle’s history, including a virtual reality diorama depicting the Summer War of Osaka .

The castle’s architecture is also a fascinating piece of Edo history with 13 remarkable features, including the Otemon Gates and Sengan Turret, which are treasured cultural landmarks in Osaka. Then, head up to the 8th-floor observation deck with a spectacular panoramic view of the park, Osaka Bay, and all the way to Mount Ikoma. Don’t forget to view the incredible stone wall remnants, which are said to be made up of 1 million stones!

You can take a boat ride around the moat-like a royal of old, or explore the endless fields that surround it. If you’re visiting in springtime, enjoy the pale beauty of 600 cherry trees, and discover the many alcoves dotted around the park including Nishinomaru Garden or the Grove of Remembrance!

• Cost – 600 yen ($6), under-15s enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the JR Loop Line to Tanimachi Yonchome Station and walk from there.
• How long should you stay : around 1.5 hours should be enough.

11.30AM – Mint Museum

Experience the life inside a money box at Osaka’s Mint Museum, a great addition to your 3-day itinerary for Osaka. Inside an old power plant, sits the fascinating world of mint (or coin making), which is dedicated to introducing the work of the Japan Mint to the world!

Explore the museum’s 3 floors which give a history of the Osaka Mint Bureau, offer a look inside the coin minting process, and tell the history of coinage from its origins in ancient China to modern-day Japan.

Visit the memorable Experience Corner where you can test your abilities by lifting various coin bags and a hefty senryo-bako chest! Pay a visit to the Mint Shop (not to buy herbs) but to pick up some fun souvenir medallions, paperweights, or commemorative coin collections.

The 3rd floor houses a spectacular coin collection ranging from true antiques to more contemporary collections, including some niche Star Wars designs!

The museum’s 300 cherry trees are also open for viewing for one week each spring when the trees are formed into a glorious tunnel, and beautifully illuminated at night!

• Cost – It’s free!
• Getting there: From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Sakuranomiya Station and walk from there.
• How long should you stay : Tours usually last around 90 minutes.

1:00PM – Lunch at the Garden Oriental

For a tasty lunch with great ambiance, head for the Garden Oriental Osaka . Choose from well-priced set menus with tasty options such as the marinated seafood platter or a lighter fare from their cafe, and enjoy your meal in a tranquil Japanese garden.

2.00PM – Umeda Sky Building, An AMAZING Floating Garden Observatory

At the top of Osaka’s spectacular Umeda Sky Building, you will find Kuchu Teien . The incredible Floating Garden Observatory offers some of the best views in Osaka from its spot on the 39th floor!

The viewing platform sits on the bridge connecting the 2 glass towers of the building, with a roof that is perfectly shaped to give visitors an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, and you can even spot Awaji Island in the distance!

The Umeda Sky Building’s atrium-like attic is pretty spectacular, but their basement is also worth a visit! The building sits over an underground market of traditional Japanese restaurants, which is a nod to Osaka in the early 20th century.

Whether you’re heading to new heights or enjoying the hidden street market, the Umeda Sky Building hits the spot!

• Cost – 1500 yen ($14) per adult, 700 yen ($7) for children between 4 and 12 years old.
• Getting there: Take the nearest subway station to Osaka Station City or and Umeda Station and walk for 10 minutes through an underground passage in Osaka Station.
• How long should I spend there: 1-2 hours should be enough time to take some photos and enjoy to views.

3.00PM – Osaka Museum of History

If you’re looking to discover Osaka’s truly ancient history, the Osaka Museum of History is where you want to be!

Begin your journey through time on the museum’s 10th floor, which houses a full-size recreation of the inside of the Naniwanomiya Palace. Then, take a stroll through exhibits portraying different eras in Osaka’s history, which become more and more contemporary as you reach ground level.

You will arrive when Osaka served as Japan’s first capital and complete your journey during the early Showa Period, with each moment in time captured through amazing visually-intricate exhibits!

With a design that offers visitors an incredible multi-layered experience of the city’s 1350-year history, the museum is any history buff’s dream! Engage with life-size models and scale replicas, as well as storied photographs and films, which dive deeply into Osaka’s past.

• Cost – 600 yen ($6) per adult, 400 yen ($4) for high school and university students, younger students and over-65s enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the subway to Tanimachi Yonchome Station on the Tanimachi or Chuo subway lines and then walk for 5 minutes.
• How long should I spend there: around 2 hours should be enough.

7.00PM – Dotonbori

Experience one of Osaka’s prime nightlife hubs, which is ablaze with activity, neon lights and good food to eat!

Take a stroll across Ebisubashi Bridge and snap a pic of the iconic Glico running man from his spot on one of Dotonbori’s many shimmering facades. Meandering along the river walk is one of the best ways to see the sights and get a taste of the area.

While Osaka is the ‘nation’s kitchen’, Dotonbori is Osaka’s own foodie paradise, with endless eateries that stay open well after midnight! You can also take in a show at the Osaka Shochikuza, a traditional kabuki theater, with amazing performances full of comedic flair and stunning physicality.

The canal is a stunning feature in downtown Osaka, and sailing down the waterways of Dotonbori makes an amazing end to your 2 days in Osaka!

• Cost – Canal boat ride is 900 yen ($9) for 12 years old and up, 400 yen ($4) for children between 6 and 12 years old.
• Getting there: Take the subway to JR Namba Station using your japan rail pass on the Yamatoji line, then walk for 5 minutes.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend all night here if that’s what you are after! If you just want to see the sites, 1-2 hours should be enough.

Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka

Nestled in the beating heart of Osaka, but with an atmosphere of tranquility, this safe and fun hostel will make your trip to Osaka even better.

• 24H Reception

If you’ve found yourself in the amazing position of filling up 3 days in Osaka (or more), we’ve compiled the very best of Osaka attractions and tours for you to enjoy. This is the perfect 3-day itinerary for a short trip to Osaka!

Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park

• The former site of the National Museum of Art, Osaka.
• Features a 300-meter long wooden canopy walkway.
• Home of the National Museum of Ethnology.

Enjoy a day at the site of the 1970 World Fair (or Expo ‘70), which has become a lush landscape filled with gardens, museums and a ton of entertainment options!

One of the most famous sculptures seated on the lawn is the Tower of the Sun, a majestic piece of art, which has become a major feature in the park. The tower has 3 faces, the Golden Mask which stares skyward represents the future, the front Face of the Sun represents the present, and the Black Sun face represents the past. The tower is an original piece from the Expo ‘70 and sits regally in the Natural and Cultural Gardens, which are sprinkled with artworks, seasonal flower displays and beautiful woods to explore!

The park is also the home of 5000 cherry trees, which make for a spectacular sight when they’re in full bloom! If you happen to be visiting Japan in spring and cherry blossom season, it’s a deliciously romantic Osaka honeymoon itinerary spot.

You can also enjoy the shimmering ponds at Expo ‘70 including the ‘Dream Pond’ boating spot and Shinji-ike pond, named after its Kanji heart character. Or, if you’re looking for an extra taste of Japanese culture, walk around the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum, which displays fine ceramics, textiles, and crafts from across Japan.

Expo ‘70 is an amazing way to spend the day in a space filled with history, natural beauty, and endless photo opportunities!

Universal Studios Japan

• Home to the backward roller coaster: Hollywood Dream – The Ride (Backdrop).
• The JR Yumesaki Line trains, which takes you to the park, are all painted with Universal themes so there’s no chance of missing them.
• You can visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

On the edge of Osaka Bay awaits Universal Studios Japan , one of 4 action-packed Universal theme parks across the world. The fun park is like an island of its own with an amazing selection of attractions and rides!

The 9 zones across the park include the animated world of Hollywood where you can pay a visit to Shrek in 4D as well as the Universal Wonderland where you can fly with Snoopy or whizz round in a giant cupcake. Head for Amity Village for a thrilling experience on the iconic Jaws ride, then journey on to another classic location – Jurassic Park, home to the Flying Dinosaur, a roller coaster that takes you upside down!

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to turn into a minion (and who hasn’t), you’ll enjoy the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride at Minion Park!

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

• A Noodle Museum where you can make your own noodles!
• Discover more about one of the world’s most underrated food industries.
• Enjoy quizzes and hands-on exhibits.

One of the most unique places to visit in Osaka is hands down, the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum . For everyone from noodle enthusiasts to the curious traveler, this museum is full of fascinating exhibits and interactive features. It’s got everything you never knew you needed in a museum (and it just happens to be very interesting too)!

If you are backpacking, then subsisting on a diet of Ramen noodles is one way to reduce your costs in Japan . So it only makes sense to come here for a better understanding!

The exhibits take you all the way from his experiments in a shed, to the interactive theater in a giant cup of noodles, where you can see anecdotes from his journey to success play out like a film. Discover the fascinating development of instant noodles in post-war Japan and how it has grown today, including the company’s creation of NASA noodles which can be eaten easily in space. Enjoy a stroll through the instant noodle tunnel, with approximately 800 product packages lining the walls.

For 300 yen ($3), you can also make your own noodle flavor and packaging at the My CUPNOODLES Factory .

Enjoy this unique Osaka attraction as you discover a piece of Japan’s past not often mentioned in the history books!

Hattori Ryokuchi Park

• Has an outdoor concert hall.
• Has a collection of ponds and pools formed by the meeting of 2 rivers.
• During the summer, there’s an outdoor kabuki theater.

The Hattori Ryokuchi Park more than lives up to its name meaning ‘green ground’. Explore the interwoven landscape of bamboo gardens, flower gardens, and fields on a trip to one of Osaka’s stunning parks.

There is also an unbelievable arboretum which grows approximately 120 species of herbs, which fill your senses, and 700 species of camellia, a beautiful Japanese flower that represents the arrival of spring.

Explore the giant forested park, there is a labyrinth of waterways including more than 10 ponds, a swimming pools, and a fishing pond. You can also go for an exhilarating horse ride through the park!

One of the park’s defining features is the surreal Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses with examples of rural architecture from across Japan including Gassho-zukuri, Magari-ya, and Takakura.

Osaka Food Tour

• Find your new go-to Japanese dish.
• Get tips on the best way to order your meals in Osaka.
• Get to know Osaka’s streets from a local perspective.

Being the food haven that it is, you can’t visit Osaka without tasting just about every dish on offer. The best way to do that? Go on an Osaka food tour !

Get an in-depth look at the cuisine and history of Dotonbori while you go beyond the main street and find the hidden gems of Osaka’s food world!

Get a taste of kushikatsu, a classic Japanese dish of deep-fried meat and vegetables on a skewer. Discover the Michelin-rated street food of Osaka, including takoyaki, which are delicious dough balls usually filled with octopus, tempura pieces, pickled ginger, and green onion.

Then finish your night with an electric vibe and tasty offerings at Izakaya, a popular local pub. Enjoy traditional local cuisine like sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef simmered in vegetables, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin), accompanied by a drink of craft beer or Nihonshu (rice wine).

Experience the atmosphere and flavors of downtown Osaka while you spend a night out on the town!

The best time to visit Osaka is anytime! The temperature in the city is often pleasant and much less prone to extreme weather patterns, like typhoons and epic rainstorms. Winters are chilly but not freezing and snow only falls on rare occasions.

If anything, Osaka is only frustrating to visit during certain times of the year when Japanese people are on holiday. For example, during Golden Week and when the Cherry Blossoms are blooming the streets will be much more crowded and prices will be noticeably higher.

Otherwise, visiting Osaka is great whenever. If you can plan a trip around the shoulder months (March, October), you’ll get to enjoy the best weather and the best prices for that matter. It’s a win-win for an awesome Osaka itinerary!

It’s no surprise that Osaka City is pretty big with loads of interesting sites to see. Luckily, you can find a super well-developed public transport network spread throughout all parts of the city. The public transport here also makes taking one of the many day trips from Osaka super easy too.

The subway lines and bullet trains are the lifeblood of traveling through Osaka. Some of the best places to stay are the main stops on the Midosuji subway line , which runs from north to south across the city. These include:

• Shin Osaka Station
• Kita , Minami
• Central Osaka
• Tennoji Station .

Osaka is divided into 24 wards, with 2 major hubs: Kita (in the north) and Minami (in the south). Kita, which is also known as Umeda, is a bustling area with a ton of attractions and restaurants to visit! If you’re traveling from another popular Japanese destination, Kyoto, you will arrive in Kita.

In the south of Osaka, you’ll find Minami (Namba), which is a vibrant cityscape full of fantastic eateries and eclectic Japanese attractions, including the Don Quixote superstore which has a 77-meter-high Ferris wheel perched on top!

The subway network in Osaka is also super easy to navigate. Like Tokyo, it runs on a color and number system, which makes it easy to work out where to go. The JR Loop line, otherwise known as the Osaka loop line, connects Osaka Station to all the main attractions in the city center such as Osaka Castle, JR Osaka Namba Station, Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine and Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. On this line, you can use your japan rail pass, but on other metro lines you will need to buy a ticket.

You will find subway stations in almost all areas in Osaka. You can get a prepaid Icoca card, which can be used on any form of transport in Osaka. However, I would not recommend buses as they are slower and don’t reach the tourist areas as easily as the subway. 

Taxis are also reasonably affordable in Osaka. The average price of a taxi is about Y660 for the first 2km, and then Y80 per 296 meters after that. Taxi drivers in Osaka are also kind and safe. Uber and Lyft are also operational in Osaka and but are rarely used as the taxis are so cheap.

As the third-largest city in Japan and with the population to prove, Osaka’s bustling streets are usually filled with everyone from locals to travelers from all around the globe.

Despite the busy city streets, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and the overall crime risk is low. However, traveling anywhere, and specifically internationally means taking useful safety precautions. Pickpocketing can be a possibility, particularly in the Shinsekai area, so it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings.

In certain areas such as Shinsekai Tobita Shinchi , drink-spiking can be a problem in bars and nightclubs. Remember to watch your own drink being poured, keep your thumb over any open bottles, and don’t leave your drink unattended.

There are also certain areas such as Kamagasaki , where crime is more prevalent. It is best to avoid these areas when you are alone or at night. So, make sure to follow these tips before visiting:

• Be particularly vigilant in touristy areas like the Shinsekai area.
• Public transport is also a hotspot for petty crime, so hold tight to your belongings for any journeys you take.
• It is generally quite safe to walk around popular areas at night, but keep an eye out for dodgy characters.

Keeping safe while you’re traveling is always a top priority so make sure you keep an eye on your belongings as you move from place to place, and be vigilant as you cross the roads in busy traffic. It’s also a good idea to know emergency numbers (119 in Osaka) for the city you’re visiting. Have a safe trip to Osaka!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Osaka itinerary.

How many days do you need in Osaka?

With so much to see and do, we recommend spending 3-5 full days in Osaka.

What should you include on a 3 day Osaka itinerary?

Don’t skip these awesome Osaka highlights! – Namba Parks – Osaka Castle Park – Umeda Sky Building – Dotonbori

Where is the best place to stay in Osaka?

Umeda (Kita) and Osaka Bay are best if you want to be close to attractions. Honmachi is ideal for budget backpackers, while the best nightlife can be found in Namba.

What are the best day trips from Osaka?

There are some epic day trips from Osaka. Marvel at Amanohashidate, enjoy a snow day at Shiga Kogen, or relax in nature at Minoo Park. For something truly unique, make your way to Japan’s Goldfish Capital!

Have yourself the trip of a lifetime in Osaka, a place of epic dining, rooftop nature parks, and enough historical landmarks to make any history buff swoon! Whether you’re spending a weekend in Osaka or planning an epic Osaka itinerary (one week and counting), you’ll find something for everyone!

Continuin on and travelling in Japan? Check out our backpacking Japan travel guide for more insider tips. And make sure you pack right for Japan!

Get lost in the unique and vibrant atmosphere of Osaka, the ‘big apple’ of Japan – a city that never sleeps (because there’s just too much to see)!

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35 Exciting Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

Home » Blog » Japan » 35 Exciting Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is known for lively nightlife and endless street food, but there’s more hiding beneath this city’s neon-lit facade. We’re going to walk you through the best things to do in Osaka — from can’t-miss attractions to some lesser-known secrets that you won’t find in guidebooks!

Known for vibrant nightlife, approachable locals, and a fantastic food scene, Osaka is a popular spot on most Japan itineraries. 

Truth time: When we plan trips, big cities aren’t usually the spots we most look forward to visiting. And honestly, we didn’t really expect to like Osaka (aka Japan’s third largest city !) all that much.

Osaka lacks the old world charm you’ll find in Kyoto , and it’s not as flashy as Tokyo. But what it lacks in glamour and beauty it makes up in character. Osaka is friendly and laid-back , and we ended up liking it much more than we expected initially.

In this article, we’re sharing all the best things to do in Osaka; from the famous must-see Osaka attractions, to tours that are absolutely worth the price tag, to some hidden spots you won’t find in the guidebooks.

We’re also going over where to stay in Osaka, and covering how to get around in this sprawling city. Hint: it’s easier than you may think!

This Osaka guide packs in everything you need in one place. So whether you’re in the beginning stages of planning your trip to Japan or you’re in Osaka as you’re reading this right now (yay!), be sure to save this article for easy access during your trip.

Osaka Travel Guide

• Our experience: Osaka travel video
• What to Do in Osaka
• What to Eat in Osaka
• Getting around Osaka

Where to Stay in Osaka

• Round up of things to do in Osaka

Planning a trip to Japan? Find out the  best time to visit Japan  based on seasonal weather patterns and your personal travel style.

Top things to do in Osaka

If you’re looking for the  very best  things to do in Osaka, here are our top recommendations: 

• Explore Dotonbori at night
• Take a cooking class
• Go on a walking tour 
• Visit the Shiteno-ji Temple
• Go Izakaya hopping
• Check out the teamLab Botanical Gardens
• Explore Minoo Park

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Tokyo. 

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, we have the ultimate resource for you!

This  FREE   PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!

Sign up for our  ultimate Japan packing list  now and get a copy sent straight to your inbox.

1. Explore Dotonbori at night

Known for its ever-glowing neon lights, thick crowds, and endless food options, a visit to this lively district should definitely be part of your Osaka itinerary. To get the full experience, be sure to get there after the sun goes down and the lights shine brightest. There is a palpable buzz to this place, and your senses will be on overdrive. Walk up the main drag, sample food along the way, sit down and people-watch.

While in Dotonbori, stop into Don Quijote, which is a famous Japanese discount store chain that sells literally  everything  you could ever need. Just walking inside one of these stores is an experience in itself, and the Dotonbori location even has a ferris wheel inside!

Oh, and do the Japanese thing and take a photo with “Glico Man”, the runner depicted on a neon billboard crossing a finish line. This iconic image was installed in 1935 by a candy company (Glico), and it is now the symbol of Osaka amongst Japanese people.

Insider Tip:  While you’re in the area, wander off the main path and through narrow streets towards Hozen-ji Yokocho, an alleyway that still retains traditional charm and is much quieter than Dotonbori’s main drag. Be sure to pause at the lantern-lit Hozen-ji temple, for which this alley gets its name.

2. Take a cooking class

If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you might know that  we love taking cooking classes on our travels , and have taken courses in 12 countries around the world (and counting!). In fact, we took a sushi-making class the last time we were in Japan.

We think a good cooking class can give you a unique opportunity to spend time with a local, ask questions, and learn. Also, food is such an integral part of a country’s culture that taking a cooking class will give you a perspective you might otherwise miss.

Many of the cooking classes we’ve taken are half-day affairs, with visits to local markets and preparing multiple dishes from scratch. However, this ramen-making class took just 2 hours, which was fine with us considering we had a pretty packed schedule in Osaka.

Our hosts were very sweet and explained the  different types of ramen  (there are a lot!). We made three different types of ramen and made everything — from the noodles to the broth — from scratch.

Note for vegetarian travelers:  This cooking class can be adapted for vegetarians and vegans.

One thing I will mention is that while it was really fun to make our own ramen from scratch, it is not a dish that average Japanese people will make for themselves. They’ll typically go to a ramen shop instead of cooking this dish from scratch at home. 

Do it yourself:  Book the  same ramen-making class we did , or browse other  cooking classes in Osaka .

Note:  We were hosted by Sakura Cook in our ramen-making class, but all opinions are our own.

3. Go on a walking tour 

One of our favorite things to do when we travel to a new city is to take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get your bearings in a new place, get a taste for local culture and some useful recommendations. 

This walking tour of the Shinsekai/Dotonbori neighborhoods comes highly recommended with great reviews. 

Osaka native, Masa, is your guide for this tour, which combines a bit of history, food, and sightseeing with insider knowledge of the real Osaka—the side tourists don’t typically see. 

What you need to know:

• Meeting location: Shinsekai neighborhood  
• Price: from $37 USD per person
• Duration: 2 hours

What guests are saying:

“Masaaki was very enthusiastic in showing us his Osaka and patiently answered all our questions! A must do if you ever visit Osaka! Learnt a lot more about Japanese culture.” – Howard, December 2022

4. Visit the Shiteno-ji Temple

One of the oldest temples in Japan and the most important Buddhist structure in Osaka, the Shitenoji Temple is a good place to get a glimpse into the country’s religion.

This temple was originally built in the 6th century by Prince Shotoku as a way to help promote the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Over the centuries, Shitenoji has endured several fires and has been reconstructed to reflect the original design.

Cost:  It’s free to enter the main temple grounds, but there are small fees for two of the onsite attractions:

• Gokuraku-jodo Garden:  300 yen
• Treasure House:  500 yen; you can see historic paintings and writings displayed

How to get here:  Shitennoji is a short walk from Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a ten-minute walk north of JR Tennoji Station on the JR Loop Line.

5. Go Izakaya Hopping

Let’s start by defining what the heck an  izakaya  actually is.

Izakaya:  small bar that serves drinks and small dishes in a casual atmosphere.

Sometimes izakayas have just a handful of seats, and other times they have a second floor with more seating. But one of their defining features is that they are  cozy,  they serve drinks and small dishes, and they are are good places to soak up local ambiance .

Izakayas are uniquely Japanese, and a fun thing to do in Osaka during your visit. You’ll be surrounded by locals and have the opportunity to absorb this special atmosphere.

Want some tips on what to order in an izakaya? The menus are often written in Japanese, which can make things a bit tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a  guide to ordering at an izakaya !

Magical Trip Bar Hopping Tour

If you’re traveling solo or want a local with you on your first izakaya experience, consider booking a bar hopping tour with Magical Trip.

Is it worthwhile?

Short answer:  Maybe…

Long answer: We did a bar hopping tour with Magical Trips, and we’re gonna be honest: In our opinion, the tour was just  okay.  Our guides were nice, but didn’t give us all that much information that we didn’t already know, so we felt like we could have had a very similar experience on our own without paying the price of the tour.

That said, we’ve traveled in Japan before and feel confident stepping into izakayas on our own. And I will admit, it can be a bit intimidating entering your first izakaya because most of the time the menus are in Japanese.

So if it’s your first time in Japan or you’re traveling solo and want some company, having a local with you (and potentially some other travelers) can make the experience a bit more comfortable and fun.

Book your own tour:  Check out  Magical Trip’s different tour options in Osaka .

Insider Tip:  Have you seen the Netflix series “Street Food”? Totally recommend checking it out if you haven’t already. If you have time, visit  Toyo , the izakaya featured in the Osaka episode. Known for tuna cheek, crab, and fatty tuna rolls (amongst other seafood-based dishes), it’s a good idea to arrive early. We’ve heard that the tuna cheek often sells out within an hour of opening! In addition to fantastic food ( read the reviews! ), the owner (and chef) is energetic, hilarious, and charming, and another reason to make the visit. Toyo is located in the Miyakojima area, which is northeast of the city center. It is just off the JR Tozai line, which is convenient if you have the pass!

6. Check out the teamLab Botanical Gardens

You’ve heard of teamLab Borderless , the ultra-popular digital art museum in Tokyo. But what if we told you you could get a taste of the teamLab magic in Osaka?

As of July 2022, teamLab has opened a new exhibit at the Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka. The project, called Digitized Nature, explores the concept of turning nature into art using non-material digital technology that won’t harm the plants.  

A botanical garden during the day and art space by night, this is easily one of the coolest new things to do in Osaka since tourism is back! Check their official website for more details and snag your skip the line entry ticket online ahead of time. 

7. Explore Minoo Park

After a couple days of weaving through crowded city streets, we were craving some time in nature. We did a little research and found that just 45 minutes north of the city center sits a nature lover’s oasis.

With a paved walking path that leads through forested mountains to a waterfall, this park is a popular spot for local couples and families to escape city life on a day trip from Osaka . 

The path is mostly flat(ish), and it takes around 45 minutes to get to the waterfall, which marks the end of the path. You’ll find stalls selling snacks as well as a few restrooms along the way.

We have a complete Minoo Park guide with everything you need to know, including how to get there, things to do, and a fun foodie experience you won’t find in many places in Japan.

Minoh Park: Osaka’s Best Kept Secret

Nestled in the mountains less than an hour from Osaka, Minoo Park offers a quick and easy escape from the city into nature. This guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit.

8. Play Pachinko

Imagine a snazzy Vegas slot machine got drunk and got friendly with a pinball machine… their baby (weird analogy, I know) would be pachinko!

Sparkly, loud, flashy, and a bit confusing, you’ll find these popular Japanese gaming machines all around the country. From small venues in rural towns to the ostentatious establishments in major cities, there’s no denying pachinko is a big deal in Japan. While its popularity is on the decline,  pachinko is still a billion dollar industry . 

Even though it’s not actually gambling, the pachinko parlors have a similar atmosphere as a smoky Las Vegas casino. Gambling is actually illegal in Japan, so instead of winning money, you get… wait for it… SILVER BALLS! These metal balls can be used to continue playing or to “purchase” items like Pocky Sticks, Pringles, stuffed animals, plastic toys; and if you collect enough balls, even some electronics.

It kind of reminds me of the prizes at the roller rinks I went to in elementary school. Yet pachinko parlors are mostly packed with middle aged men. Strange, I know.

To be honest, I don’t quite understand the hype. But then again, I’m not really into slot machines or arcades, so I might not be the best judge. And while it’s certainly not a pastime I could see myself getting into, I am glad I tried it out. It’s just one of those  so-completely-Japanaese  things you just have to try. Plus, it’s cheap, so why not?!

Wander through the streets in Dotonbori and you’re sure to find a pachinko parlor (or 10), or stop into one while exploring some of the less touristy neighborhoods in Osaka.

Do it yourself:  Round One is a spot that’s popular with locals, and is conveniently in the Dotonbori area. In addition to pachinko, you’ll find lots of other arcade games, bowling, and even ice skating. You can also find pachinko parlors all around Dotonbori; just look for large signs that say “pachinko”!

Oh, and while we’re on the topic, here are the instructions for playing this game. Hopefully you won’t be quite as confused as we were our first try!

Pachinko instructions:

• Insert money and press play (玉貸).
• Turn the round lever, which shoots out small metal balls. The further you turn the handle, the stronger the balls will shoot. Start by just barely turning the lever until you get a feel for it, and keep it turned so balls continue to shoot.
• Aim the balls at the gaps in the pegs. Your goal is to make them go into the small hole in the center of the game board.  Tip: Many players claim that the top left corner is the best spot to aim.
• When you get the ball into the proper hole, you will be rewarded with a celebratory “ding-ding-ding” and more balls to play with (or cash in for prizes).

9. Discover the Retro Shinsekai Neighborhood

Stroll down the streets of the Shinsekai neighborhood, and with a little imagination, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. This is arguably one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Osaka, and exploring it will show you a different side of the city than you’ll find in the modern center.

Wandering around this area might feel oddly familiar, and there’s a reason for that. The centerpiece of this neighborhood, Tsutenkaku Tower, was modeled after the Eiffel Tower, and the southern part of the neighborhood was constructed to look like Coney Island.  

For the best atmosphere, arrive around dusk so you can see this area come alive as the sun goes down, with neon lights, loud pachinko parlors, karaoke bars, and cheap eateries.

To fully appreciate this area you have to understand the history, so we’ll give you a quickie history lesson.

History lesson brought to you by Two Wandering Soles:

At the beginning of the 1900’s, Japan experienced an economic boom, and in order to showcase this affluence for the rest of the world to see, Shinsekai was created in 1912, and crowds flocked to this modern neighborhood.

Literally translating to “New World”, Shinsekai was built to imitate two of the world’s most famous cities at the time: Paris and New York City. There was even an amusement park in the neighborhood in case anyone was unaware of the prosperous state of the country.

However, it didn’t last long. After World War II, poverty was felt around the whole country, and the Shinsekai neighborhood was a shining example. The amusement park was closed and the Tsutenkaku Tower was scrapped for metal. This neighborhood was all but forgotten, except for those too poor to live elsewhere.

Today, Shinsekai has seen a resurgence of visitors and businesses are once again thriving. However, many of them retain the same look as they did in decades past, giving this area a palpable feeling of nostalgia.

Good to know:  In years past, locals have referred to Shinsekai as being  dangerous , however, that stigma is quickly changing. Although the neighborhood still retains its seediness (in a weirdly charming way!), there’s no reason to be worried about visiting Shinsekai.

Things to Do in Shinsekai

• Known as the God of Happiness or “Things as they ought to be”, Billiken is said to bring you good luck if you rub his feet.

• Eat kushikatsu:  Shinsekai is said to be the place where kushikatsu was invented as an inexpensive yet filling food. There are tons of restaurants serving up these deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers for cheap (some starting at under 100 yen per skewer).

• Play old school pachinko:  If you want a unique place to try out pachinko, test your skills at  Smartball New Star , which has a totally retro feel unlike the more modern machines you’ll find elsewhere in the city.
• Soak at Spa World:  This huge public bath is divided into Asian spas and European-inspired spas, separated by gender. Entrance costs 1200 yen on weekdays and 1500 yen on weekends and holidays.
• Get a view at the top of the Tsutenkaku Tower:  Entrance costs 700 yen, and at the top there are sweeping views of the city.

• Glimpse the famous blowfish lantern:  This neighborhood has a handful of restaurants that specialize in  fugu , or pufferfish. It must be prepared by a highly-skilled chef because if not cut properly, it can be poisonous. This is a very expensive dish, but if your budget and curiosity allows, Shinsekai is a good place to give it a try.

How to get there:  Shinsekai is a short walk from many train stations: Shin-Imamiya (JR Loop Line); Ebisucho (Sakaisuji Line); Dobutsuen-mae (Midosuji/Sakaisuji Lines).

10. Strike a pose in a Purikura (aka Japanese photo booth)

Just like many things, Japan does photo booths  cuter  than the rest of the world.  Purikura,  or Japanese photo booths, don’t just print off a strip of 4 photos and call it good. No, they go above and beyond.

After striking a handful of poses, you will exit the photo booth. And this is where the fun begins…

You’ll get to choose your favorite photos and edit them all with filters. You can enlarge your eyes, shrink your nose, or do whatever strikes your fancy. Add makeup (Ben got really into this part!) and stickers until you’ve had enough, or until the timer goes off! Yep, that’s right… this whole thing is timed, so part of this experience is rushing to get it all done before the time runs out!

At the end, you’re left with a fun (and cheap!) souvenir. Just be warned that the photos print out quite small, and you’ll only get one copy, so if you’re with a partner you may want to go back in again so you each get a keepsake!

After we were finished, it asked for our email address and I was stoked to get the photos digitally… or so I thought. It turned out I was sent a link to our watermarked photos and a place to pay (more money) for access to them.  Womp womp.

Cost:  Prices may range, but the one we did cost 400 yen.

11. Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

For some of the best views in the city, head to Tempozan Harbor Village to ride one of the tallest ferris wheels in the world. 

In 1997, when the Tempozan Ferris Wheel first opened to the public, it was the tallest ferris wheel in the world. Since then a few others have crept up surpassing the Tempozan in height. However, this ride is still one-of-a-kind. 

The 17-minute ride offers unparalleled views of Osaka Bay and the surrounding areas. During your rotation, catch a glimpse of the Akashi Kaikyō suspension bridge over the harbor, Mount Ikoma to the east, and the Rokko Mountains to the north. 

Hours & Cost: The ferris wheel is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last entrance is at 9:30 p.m.) and tickets cost just 800 yen (about $6 USD) to ride. 

12. Visit the Osaka Castle

Situated in the midst of this bustling city, the Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s iconic landmarks and a must on most travelers’ itineraries. Cross over not one — but two! — moats to reach the castle grounds, which you can explore free of charge.

If you want to enter the castle, you’ll need to pay a 600 yen entry fee. The interior has been turned into a museum and, in our opinions, was a bit underwhelming.

The best part of the 600 yen admission (for us) was the observation deck on the 8th floor. It offers nice 360-degree views over the city.

Nishinomaru Garden

Surrounding the castle lies the Nishinomaru Gardens, which are one of the most popular spots in the city for  cherry blossom viewing in the springtime . It also offers nice views of the castle and lots of green space that is nice any time of year.

• Entrance fee:  200 yen (or 350 yen during the extended hours of the cherry blossom season)

Insider Tip:  Next to the castle is the Miraiza building which has bathrooms and shops. On the top level is the Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace, which has great views overlooking the castle. It costs 1000 yen to enter (which includes a free drink). Or if you show your Osaka Castle ticket (or a receipt from one of the stores in the complex below the restaurant), you can enter for free as long as you purchase one drink (500 yen). After reading reviews, we’d probably skip the food and just order drinks here. Note that they are closed every day from 4-6 p.m. to prepare for diner service, so you’ll need to plan on coming between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you just want a drink and a view.

Cost:  Free to enter castle grounds; 600 yen admission to enter the castle; 200 yen to enter the Nishinomaru Gardens (350 yen during cherry blossom viewing)

Hours:  Castle and garden hours are the same — 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. (entrance until 4:30); extended hours on holidays

How to get there:  The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines. And the closest JR station is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line.

13. Snap a photo in front of the Namba Yasaka Shrine

In the bustling heart of Osaka’s Namba neighborhood, just an 8-minute walk from the busy Nankai Station, is a buddhist shrine unlike anything you’d expect. Famous for its lion head-shaped building and cherry blossom trees dotting the grounds, Namba Yasaka is one of Osaka’s most distinctive shrines. 

The Namba Yasaka Shrine is part of a former complex of Buddhist temples that were burned down in air raids during WWII. The Lion’s Head was built in 1975 and has a distinctly retro look, like something you might see in a theme park. 

The mouth of the lion is believed to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck, especially in matters of school and business. For this reason, many people visit Namba Yasaka during exam time or at the start and end of financial years. 

14. Go on a food tour

Osaka is  known  for food, and it would be a shame not to stuff your belly with as much as possible in this foodie paradise.

You can try wandering around the streets and let your nose guide the way, but if you want to sample the best local dishes and learn all about local foodie culture, you’ll be impressed with Arigato’s Osaka food tours. We sure were!

We’ve taken a lot of food tours around the world and we love eating, so we kind of consider ourselves experts in this realm. And we can say that Arigato puts on one hell of a food tour. The price tag isn’t exactly cheap, but the amount of food and the quality of service was well worth it, in our opinions.

Not only did we get to sample a ton of different foods, but we learned more in this tour — about food, culture, and history — than we did in any other tour in Japan.

Do it yourself:  Book the same  tour we did with Arigato , or browse the rest of their Osaka tour offerings.

Note:  We were hosted by Arigato on the Shinsekai Food Tour, but all opinions are our own.

15. Catch a baseball game 

Take me out to the Japanese ball game… not a tune you’d expect to hear this far from the United States, amIright?

In fact, baseball has been a popular pastime in Japan since post-WWII time. The Hanshin Tigers are one of Japan’s oldest baseball clubs, based in Osaka and consisting of players from Japan and all over the world. 

You can catch the Tigers playing at Hanshin Koshien Stadium just outside of central Osaka. Check out the team’s official website (in English!) to view their schedule and purchase tickets.

16. Relax at a public bath

If dropping your clothes in front of strangers sounds like something that would be out of your comfort zone, you’re not alone. 

However, onsens and public baths are a huge part of Japanese culture, and are part of most people’s weekly routines. So if you think you can handle it, visiting one is a unique (and maybe even enjoyable!) experience.

Once you get over the whole being naked in public thing — yeah, it used to be of my nightmares too! — you’ll find that nobody else actually cares that you’re naked. And after a while you might even find it  relaxing  — gasp! 

Here are a couple things to keep in mind at public baths: 

• If you have tattoos, check their policy ahead of time. Some are lenient while others are strict.
• Baths are typically gender-separated, with the exception of some foot baths. If you come with a partner of the opposite sex, come up with a meeting time.
• You must shower before you get into the bath.
• Some of the larger baths are open almost 24 hours. It’s not uncommon for them to close for a couple hours from 8-10 a.m. for cleaning, but to be open the rest of the night. 

There are a lot of public baths and onsens in Osaka. Each neighborhood has their own “local bath”. But if you want to have several different places to soak,  Spa World  is a good option!

17. Have drinks at a speakeasy

We’re going to let you in on an Osaka secret, so listen up… 

There is a super cool speakeasy bar hidden in a residential building that you’d never know was there if you were just walking past. The windows are boarded up and the stairwell looks uninviting. 

But if you do make it to this spot , you’ll find a dimly lit space with just 20 seats and a hushed atmosphere that lets you know you’ve found something special.

Psst! You’ll find it on the 5th floor, and getting there requires the use of a trap door…

There is no menu. Instead, you’ll tell the bartender what flavors you like (spicy, fruity, smoky, etc.) as well as your preferred liquor, and be prepared to be impressed.

We loved everything about this place. Except the cigarette smoke, which is pretty thick. But that’s just how it is everywhere you go in Japan.

We almost don’t want to spill this secret, but it’s such a cool spot that we couldn’t help sharing it with you!

How much does it cost?  As we mentioned, there is no menu. So you’re kind of ordering blindly without knowing the price of the drinks. To give you an idea of what to expect, our total bill for 2 drinks (one with gin and one with whiskey) was 2700 yen ($25.50 USD). 

18. Wander the Kuromon Ichiba Market

This covered market is where chefs and home cooks come for the freshest local ingredients, earning it the nickname “Osaka’s kitchen”.

Not only will you find stalls selling fresh seafood and produce, but you’ll find shops serving up fresh food made on the spot, like noodles, curries and takoyaki.

Wander past the stalls, sample some dishes, and observe locals on their morning grocery runs.

How to get here:  This famous market is a short walk from both Nippombashi and Kintetsu Nippombashi stations.

19. Learn to roll your own sushi

Sometimes referred to as the “kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is a great place to dive into the Japanese food scene . This unique sushi experience will teach you how to make deco-rolled sushi, which of course you get to eat afterwards!

Your host Toko is well-practiced in the art of deco-rolled sushi, which is sushi with cute designs like animal faces in case you were wondering (don’t worry—I didn’t know what it was either!). She has been running a cooking school out of her home in Osaka for over 2 years. 

During the 2 hour experience, Toko is happy to answer any questions you have about the art of sushi making as well as about local life in Osaka.  

• Meeting location: Nakazakicyo neighborhood
• Price: from $30 USD per person

“My group of 4 people had an amazing time making sushi with Toko. We all had way more fun than we expected and the sushi was really good. I would recommend everyone try this experience while in Osaka.” – Antonio, March 2020

20. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony

Many travelers come to Japan hoping to participate in a traditional tea ceremony and Osaka is a great place to do so. In this traditional experience , you’ll first be guided to pick out a traditional kimono (in the particular style for men, women, boy or girls) so you can dress the part. 

The ceremony commences in an ancient-style Japanese tea ceremony room where you’ll make your own Matcha tea and learn some of the rituals while discussing Japanese culture. Photos are encouraged after the ceremony. 

• Meeting location: Osaka
• Price: from $49 USD per person
• Duration: 1 hour

“A truly wonderful experience! The tea ceremony was a great insight into Japanese history and culture and all the tea masters were friendly and thoughtful. A must do if you are in Osaka!!” – Mia, January 2020

21. Stay in a capsule hotel

Capsule hotels were created in the late 1970’s as an affordable way for people — often times businessmen traveling for work — to spend the night in the ultra-crowded city centers of Japan. Now, staying in a capsule, or “pod hotel”, is a popular thing for tourists to do while traveling in Japan.

At their most basic, capsules are roughly just enough space for a bed, and have room for guests to crawl and sit, but not stand, which might make this a deal-breaker for anyone who is claustrophobic.

Capsule hotels also typically provide pajamas and toiletries, and are most often separated by gender. There are shared bathroom facilities as well as a common space, though they tend to be much less social than hostels.

With the popularity of pod hotels on the rise, there are much more luxurious, and dare I say  spacious , options.

Fun fact:  The very first capsule hotel in the world was in Osaka, so this city is the perfect place to try it for yourself.

Capsule Hotel:  Hotel Cargo

Staying in a capsule hotel is one Japanese experience we figured we should probably try for ourselves. So even though it meant that we would need to spend the night apart —  I know, I know, we’re gross and mushy-gushy!  — we decided to book 2 separate capsules.

We opted to pay a bit more for one of the higher-rated capsules, and we were impressed with how comfortable it was.

The pods at Hotel Cargo are designed like tiny rooms: You can’t stand, but otherwise it seems like everything you’ll have in a normal hotel room: vanity, tv, trash can, even a mini closet. And the bathroom and showers have all the toiletries you could need.

22. People-watch in the Shinsaibashi shopping district

This shopping district is crazy busy at just about all hours of the day (or night!). To be honest, strolling down this covered shopping street gave me a bit of anxiety because of the thick crowds, but it’s just one of those places you need to see!

Pause for a moment and watch life undulating all around you. And this is a good chance to do a little souvenir shopping.

While you’re in the area, be sure to venture just off the main covered path to Amerikamura. This is another shopping district known for American brands, expat-run shops and a mini Statue of Liberty. This area is a popular hangout for young Osakans as well as foreigners.

23. Cup Noodle Museum

This museum is free to enter, and is one of those “only in Japan” experiences. Explore the different exhibits that range from the history of cup noodles, to the manufacturing process, to different versions you can find around the world, to a Cup Noodle theater!

And for 300 yen, you can even make your own Cup Noodle by designing the packaging and choosing your own toppings and flavorings.

While it’s certainly not the  freshest ramen you’ll have in Japan , it is perhaps the only one that’ll make it home in your suitcase as an edible souvenir.

More info:  For opening hours and directions, check out the  Cup Noodle Museum website .

24. Drive a Go Kart around Osaka

Can you imagine anything more ridiculously Japanese than dressing up in costume and jumping into a go-kart to drive around the city streets?! This experience turns your 1990’s Mario Kart dreams into real life, and is a unique way to see the city of Osaka, to say the least.

This is a  popular thing to do in Tokyo , but if you’re short on time in Japan’s largest city, Osaka is another excellent place to have this quirky only-in-Japan experience. 

Important to know:  Be sure to bring your international driver’s license with you, as you will not be allowed to do this experience without it. Ben had his, but sadly I didn’t have one on this trip, so we had to skip this experience. 

25. Visit Universal Studios Osaka

Let your inner child loose with a visit to Osaka’s very own Universal Studios. 

We’re kicking ourselves that we didn’t make it here because we’re huge Harry Potter fans! So next time we’re in Osaka and have a day to spare, we’ll definitely make it to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And while we’re there I suppose we should check out some other attractions, like Spider Man and Jurassic Park… that is  if  we can peel ourselves away from Hogwarts and butter beer! 

Cost of tickets at the door:

• ￥7,400 ($68 USD) for adults
• ￥5,100 ($47 USD) for children
• ￥6,700 ($62 USD) for seniors (65 years and over)

Insider Tip:  We’d recommend  getting your tickets in advance  so you can skip the ticketing queue when you arrive. Just show your e-voucher and pass right through the entrance! 

26. Go for a unique mountain hike and trout fishing experience

If you’re looking for a unique experience to immerse yourself in nature while in Osaka, this may be just the thing for you. 

This highly rated mountain hike and trout fishing experience takes you off the beaten path (literally!) into the wilderness of Mt. Kongo outside of Osaka. During the 2 hour hike, you’ll come across 3 waterfalls, cross a beautiful creek and experience some climbing rocks. 

Enjoy the views and a sacred template at the summit before heading back down to try your hand at trout fishing. A local restaurant will prepare whatever you catch for a late lunch before you head back to Osaka. 

• Price: from $67 USD per person
• Duration: 8 hours

“This was absolutely my favorite experience in Japan so far. The views were so beautiful and it was a much needed change of pace from the bustling city… Kazuki is a very thoughtful guide and kept a nice manageable pace for the group. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys hiking, beautiful forest views, and local food.” – Jessica, November 2022

27. See a comedy show

We’re huge fans of comedy clubs, and had we known about  ROR Comedy Club  before our trip, we definitely would have made it here. (We’re kicking ourselves for missing it!)

This comedy club features local and international stand up comedians, and all shows are in English.

The  reviews online are fantastic , and tickets are very affordable:

• Regular ROR shows: ¥1,000 ($9.22 USD)
• Open Mics: ¥500 ($4.61)
• Dinner, 2 Drinks & Show Set: ¥3,500 ($32.26 USD)

If you’re visiting Osaka and love to laugh, do yourself a favor and  reserve your tickets now  (you pay at the door). And if you do go,  shoot us a message  and let us know how it is!

Shows are Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

28. View Osaka from above

If you want to see Osaka from above, there are two very famous views of this city.

• Abeno Harukas
• Umeda Sky Building

At dusk you can watch the sun start to set and the lights turn on in the city, which would be a pretty spectacular site. Although, this is one of the more busy times from these viewpoints.

We decided to skip this as we got a pretty darn good view from the top of the Osaka Castle. Plus, we didn’t feel like paying 1,500 yen each for a view.

29. Check out the Osaka Science Museum

• Hours: daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Mondays)
• Admission: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to add a visit to the Science Museum to your list of things to do in Osaka. 

The interactive exhibits are both fun and educational and can easily keep your family entertained for hours on end. Themed exhibits include the history of science, electricity and basic chemistry. 

In addition, there is a science show multiple times per day (in Japanese only) and a planetarium (separate entrance fee) for those more interested in outer space. 

30. Have High Tea at the Conrad

If you want to experience a taste of the high life and budget isn’t too much of a restraint, book high tea at 40 Sky Bar & Lounge in the Conrad Hotel.

Like the name of the restaurant suggests, this establishment is on the hotel’s 40th floor and offers guests spectacular views of the city’s skyline below.

Choose from different tea sets , ranging in price from 3,400 yen to 5,800 yen per person, which include platters of sweet and savory bites made from highly-acclaimed chefs.

Afternoon tea is served daily between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Make reservations here .

31. Visit the Mozu Tombs

Located in Sakai, within the Osaka prefecture, the Mozu Tombs are a cluster of Japanese megalithic tombs. The large mounds of earth are mostly covered in trees in unique keyhole shapes with moats around the perimeter. 

The site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. 

The tombs were constructed in the 4th to 6th centuries for the ruling elite. The largest of the Mozu Tombs is believed to be the resting place of Emperor Nintoku and is Japan’s largest grave at 800 meters long by 600 meters wide.

32. Walk across the Hoshi no Buranko suspension bridge

If you want to get out of the city and into nature, head to Hoshida Park. Home to a massive wooden suspension bridge called “Hoshi no Buranko,” we’re told this is one of Japan’s best kept secrets for peeping fall foliage. 

Even if you aren’t traveling to Osaka in the fall, an outing to Hoshida Park is a must if you’re looking to escape the chaos of the city for a little nature nourishment. There are plenty of hiking opportunities and it’s an easy trip from the city center. 

How to get there: To get to the park from Osaka city, you’ll want to get on the Katano Line at Hirakata Station. From there take the Keihan Electric Railway and get off at Kisaichi Station. The bridge is about a 30-minute walk from there.  

Bonus! Day trips from Osaka

Osaka is perfectly located in Western Japan to a lot of nearby attractions that make great day trips from Osaka . Here are a few of our top suggestions…

33. Day trip to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is just 1 hour and 40 minutes west from Osaka on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen train (which is covered in your  JRail pass ), making it a great place to visit as a day trip. You can definitely stay longer if you have the time, but this trip is also doable in just a day.

We put together a  complete guide to day tripping from Osaka to Hiroshima  with all the information you’ll need. Check out some of the highlights below!

Things to do in Hiroshima

Once you arrive in town, make your way to Peace Park and see all the important sights:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum:  Newly renovated, this museum displays the devastation the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and it’s people.
• Hiroshima Peace Park:  An open park with many monuments in the center of Hiroshima dedicated the victims of the atomic bomb.
• Children’s Peace Monument:  Filled with paper cranes, this monument is dedicated all the children who lost their lives due to the bomb.
• Atomic Bomb Dome:  Once a convention center, this structure was one of the only buildings still standing after the blast. The hypocenter of the bomb was only a few blocks away.

Touring the museum and walking around the park can take about half of the day and it’s totally doable on your own as there there are many signs in English.

Have more time?  Here are some other things to do in Hiroshima:

• Eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki,  which is quite a bit different than the traditional Osaka version
• Explore the Hiroshima Castle
• Take the ferry (covered in your  JRail pass !) to Miyajima Island  for a quick visit or to spend the night. Miyajima is known for its picturesque floating torii gate, wild deer, and beautiful views from Mount Misen which can be reached on foot or by cable car.
• Wander around the beautiful Shukkeien Garden.

Perfect Osaka to Hiroshima Day Trip (+ Fun Things to Do!)

Plan the ultimate day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima to check out some of the city’s most important historic sites. Plus, we’ll share unique things to do in Hiroshima, how to get to nearby Miyajima Island  for free , as well as some of the special foods you should try in this region.

34. Day trip to Nara

Nara was actually one of the ancient capitals of Japan, and was the place of power during most of the 8th century. And while there are plenty of stunning temples and shrines to explore, the biggest draw for most visitors is undoubtedly the famous Nara deer that wander around this city.

Known as Sika deer, these friendly cuties can be found wandering the city’s parks, streets, and temples, and were once thought to be sacred messengers for the Shinto gods.

Nara is just 45 minutes from Osaka by train, making it a popular day trip. However, there are lots of things to do in the area, so if you have time to slow down you might want to consider spending the night.

Things to do in Nara

We’ve created the perfect Nara day trip itinerary (plus a free map!), including these highlights:

• Before you pack your bags, make sure you read these tips on feeding the Nara deer (including what NOT to do).
• Get off the main walking street  and wander further into the parks and temples, where you can find solitude from the crowds, and deer that aren’t surrounded by selfie sticks.
• Explore shrines and temples in the area.
• Note: It’s really just a pillar with a hole carved through, which is apparently the same size as Buddha’s nostrils on the bronze statue for which this temple is famous. Crawling through is supposed to bring enlightenment to anyone who can fit through in their next life. 
• Try freshly-made mochi  at the famous  Nakatanidou .
• Yoshikien Garden is a good choice, as it is free for all foreign visitors, and next to it lies the larger and more famous Isuien Garden, which is particularly beautiful in autumn.
• Explore Naramachi,  the area in town where streets retain their historic charm.
• Have a delicious lunch.  There are plenty of great places in town, but we really enjoyed  this soba noodle shop  that we stumbled upon. (It’s a bit out of the main part of town and the name is in Japanese). 

Perfect Nara Day Trip Itinerary (map + hidden gems!)

Known for bowing deer that visitors can feed, Nara makes a great place to visit in Japan. We’re sharing the perfect Nara day trip itinerary, complete with can’t-miss attractions, where to see the famed deer, and hidden gems most tourists miss.

Ethical Travel Note:  We decided not to feed the deer, as they are wild animals. That said, they have been living within the city limits for so long that they’re very used to being fed, and most tourists do choose to buy the “deer crackers” for 150 yen from various vendors around the city. We preferred to observe and take pictures, but decide what you personally feel comfortable with. The deer are known to bow when presented with a cracker, though we did see some getting a bit aggressive. 

35. Day trip to Kyoto 

Known for its beauty, extensive gardens, palaces, temples and shrines, Kyoto makes an excellent day trip from Osaka. The former capital city of Japan is just a 30-minute train ride away.  

There are tons of things to do once you reach the popular tourist city. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Peep the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park: This urban park in Kyoto is known for its blooms (and crowds!) in the springtime.
• Go geisha spotting: The best place to spot a geisha (outside of seeing them in a paid performance) is to take a stroll around the lantern-lit Pontocho Alley in Kyoto at dusk and you may just be rewarded with a rare sighting of a geisha or maiko.
• Visit the famous Tenryū-ji Japanese garden. 
• Wander through the famous bamboo forest in Arashiyama: Located just outside the center of Kyoto, the grove of giant, swaying bamboo stalks is beautiful year-round and emanates tranquility.
• Visit the “Golden Temple”: One of the most famous temples in Kyoto, it’s officially called the Kinkaku-ji Temple, viewing it as the sun starts to set is said to be spectacular.
• Photograph the Fushimi Inari Shrine : You’ll recognize these famous orange gates from Memoirs of a Geisha . An hour or two should be sufficient to explore a large portion of this shrine and leave without feeling like you’re missing out. 
• Go on a Sake Brewery Tour : Get to know how sake is produced using this 400-year old brewing tradition. 

How to get there: Take the Special Rapid Train on the JR Kyoto Line from Osaka to Kyoto. The journey will take just 30 minutes and cost you 560 yen (less than $5 USD). 

You can also opt for a guided day tour if you prefer to leave the logistics and planning to experts. 

Absolute Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan Considered the “cultural capital of Japan”, Kyoto is full of can’t-miss sights, hidden gems, and world-renowned dining. We’re sharing the very best things to do in Kyoto, including the most popular attractions and the secrets you won’t find in most guidebooks.‘

Our experience: Watch Osaka come alive!

We created a video that walks you through the best things to do in Osaka:

What to eat in Osaka

Osaka is known around the country for its food scene, and locals are known to be able to put down a LOT of food.

In fact, there is a saying in Japanese:  “Osaka no kuidaore,”  which literally translates to “the Osaka habit of eating until you drop”. But the true meaning is actually  “the habit of eating until you go into debt.”  Either way, I think you get the point that food is a BIG DEAL in Osaka.

There are endless food options in this city, but here are 3 of the most famous local delights you should try:

These small balls of batter are filled with octopus and ginger (or other ingredients), and grilled to perfection.

Okonomiyaki

Sometimes called “Japanese pizza” this is essentially a batter mixed with lots of meats and vegetables of your choice, grilled, and served with special sauces.

Vegetables and/or meat on skewers, battered,deep-fried, and served with a tasty dipping sauce.

Related Reading:  If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss our  ultimate Japan Food Guide . It is packed with literally EVERYTHING you’ll need to know about Japanese cuisine and what foods you should definitely try.

How to get around Osaka

Osaka is a very well-connected city, and public transportation is affordable and efficient. It can be a bit overwhelming at first to understand how to get around and just what types of passes you’ll need. Fear not, we’re here with all the info you need!

If you have a  JRail Pass , you’ll have free access to JR Lines in Osaka, which is great because the Osaka Loop Line is very helpful. However, the JR lines can be quite a walk from some of the attractions you’ll likely want to visit, like Dotonbori.

For this reason, we’d also recommend getting an ICOCA Card, which we will describe below:

This is a prepaid metro card for the Kansai Region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and the surrounding areas. You can even use this card in other places in Japan as well, like Hiroshima and Tokyo.

Comparable to the Oyster Cards in London, you can load these cards and use them to tap in and out of metro stations. You can even use them to buy items at 7-Eleven. You’ll need to buy one ICOCA per person you are traveling with.

Purchase the card from a ticket kiosk in most stations starting at 1,000 yen. There is a 500 yen deposit, but you can get this refunded once you are done traveling in the Kansai Region. You cannot get the ICOCA card refunded outside of the Kansai Region so be sure to get your deposit refunded before you leave.

The Suica and Pasmo cards work the same way, but those deposits can only be refunded around Tokyo Region.

Rent a bike

Osaka is actually pretty bike-friendly, and there are plenty of bike lanes through the city. HUBchari is one of Osaka’s city bike share programs and you can rent a bike for around 200 yen per hour. You could also find a local bike rental shop near your hotel and rent a bike for the day.

Getting to and from the airport

There’s a good chance you’ll be flying in or out of this metropolis, since Kansai Airport (KIX) is the third busiest hub in Japan. Located on it’s own airport island in Osaka Bay, the best way to get to KIX is by train.

If you have the JR Pass, you can travel from KIX to Osaka for free. If you don’t have the JR Pass it might cost you up to 2400 yen one way. Using JR Lines, hop on the Kansaikudo Line that connects KIX to Osaka Station, or you can use the Hakura Line and transfer at Tennoji Station to get on to the JR Osaka Loop Line.

There is no shortage of hotel options in Osaka. And unlike hotels in Tokyo, there are actually some pretty affordable options! 

We’re highlighting 2 unique hotel options as well as more traditional offerings:

Stay in a Local Neighborhood

If you like getting off the typical tourist path on your travels, keep reading because we think you might like this accommodation option…

Sekai Hotel  was created to address a few issues that Osaka, and Japan in general, is facing:

• Combat over-tourism in the crowded city center
• Support local businesses that otherwise wouldn’t see the benefits of tourism
• Reinvigorate neighborhoods that are seeing a decline of residents
• Encourage local and tourist interactions in a more authentic way

Vacant apartments have been turned into places to guests to stay in a local neighborhood. It was kind of like staying in an  Airbnb  (Click here for  $55 off your first stay on Airbnb ). The apartment we stayed in was basic, yet very comfortable and had everything we needed.

Guests receive a neighborhood “pass” of sorts that gives you free breakfast at a local mom-and-pop diner, and getting to chat with them was one of the highlights of our stay. It also gives you free access to the local public bath, free takoyaki at a local stand, and a few other perks. It’s a great way to explore the neighborhood and support businesses in the area.

We’d recommend this accommodation option for travelers who are confident in navigating cities, prefer to stay in an apartment over a hotel room, and are fairly self-sufficient. The main office is open during the day and if you need anything at night you can message and the staff responds quickly.

Good to know:  The potential downside to this is that you’ll be based outside of the city center. To see the major attractions you’ll have to take the train about 20 minutes into town. If that doesn’t deter you, we think you’ll really enjoy this local stay.

There are two locations, one in the Nishikujo neighborhood and another in the Fuse neighborhood of Osaka. Check  Booking.com  for availability.

Stay in a Capsule Hotel

Each capsule comes with pajamas (athletic shirt and capris) and a bag of goodies: headband, loofah, brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, cotton swabs and slippers.

Didn’t love sleeping apart from Ben (yes, I know we’re obnoxious!), but it was an interesting experience, and the pod was much more comfortable than I was expecting. 

Other Osaka Hotel Options

Budget:  Capsule Hotel –  Hotel Cargo  – It will be unlike another hotel stay you’ve ever experienced. Capsule hotels are typically gender seperated, and some are a cheaper option for women. Hotel Cargo is a little nicer than the common tube hotel and it has an onsen on the top floor.

Mid-Range:   Kamon Hotel Namba  – Great for couples, this hotel has standard rooms with private bathroom. But once you see the breakfast options, you’ll want to book now. It’s one block from a subway station and steps from Dotonbori.

Luxury:   Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station  -Located the corner opposite from Namba Station, this highly rated hotel is close to all the action of Osaka. The rooms are quite spacious for Japan and the breakfast looks delicious.

Airbnb:  Osaka really surprised us with the number of highly rated and affordable Airbnb’s, like  this apartment . You can find entire apartments with a small kitchen and private bathroom just a few blocks from Dotonbori.

We have loads of info on how to book Airbnbs, red flags to watch out for when booking, and our favorite Airbnbs in our  Airbnb article .

Round up of best things to do in Osaka

Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in Osaka, Japan so you can see everything in one place.

• Cooking class
• Walking tour 
• Shiteno-ji Temple
• Izakaya hopping
• teamLab Botanical Gardens
• Purikura (Japanese photo booth)
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Osaka Castle
• Namba Yasaka Shrine
• Baseball game 
• Public bath
• Kuromon Ichiba Market
• Roll your own sushi class
• Traditional tea ceremony
• Capsule hotel
• Shinsaibashi shopping district
• Cup Noodle Museum
• Go Kart around Osaka
• Universal Studios Osaka
• Mountain hike and trout fishing experience
• Comedy show
• Osaka from above
• Osaka Science Museum
• High tea at the Conrad
• Hoshi no Buranko suspension bridge
• Kyoto 

Are you planning a trip to Japan?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Japan Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Osaka to Hiroshima: Day Trip Guide
• Foods to Eat in Japan: A Guide to Japanese Cuisine
• Everything you Need to Know About Visiting Japan for Your First Time
• How to Purchase a Japan Rail Pass Ticket

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Japan !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Japan trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

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We want to hear from you!

What do you think about this list of things to do in Osaka, Japan? What would you add to the list? Do you know of any other hidden gems? Do you have any questions about traveling in Osaka? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments (8) on “ 35 Exciting Things to Do in Osaka, Japan ”

I’m so excited to visit Osaka! I’ve heard so many great things about it. I can’t wait to check out all the exciting things to do!

Hope you have a great time in Osaka!

Fantastic resource, I’ll now plan to spend longer in Osaka after reading this.

Definitely! Osaka is worth the extra time, there is so much to do and see there!

Great job Katie – that’s an epic post and goes well beyond Osaka too. And I think you’re bang on about its ‘character’ is what sets it apart and makes it worth revisiting time after time.

I particularly like some of your ‘off-the-beaten-path’ suggestions. That ‘speakeasy’ looks like a rare find and nice to see Sinsekai getting a shout out too. (I always recommend it to new timers to Osaka, give them a feel for the less polished side of the city.)

Another tip: for Shittenoji Temple, try to coincide your visit with the monthly flea market. The market takes place on the 21st and 22nd of every month. Arrive early to bag the best bargains.

Regarding your pictures inside a pachinko parlor which you didn’t mention: photography is banned in most pachinko parlors and permission should be gained before taking pics.

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Boston Food, Lifestyle, & Travel

in Japan , Travel · July 24, 2023

Epic 2 Days in Osaka Itinerary (Ultimate 2024 Guide)

Planning a quick trip to Osaka, Japan? After exploring numerous cities in Japan, Osaka comes on top as my favorite. This Osaka itinerary covers how to best spend 2 days in the city, as well as the top things to do, what to eat, and where to stay in 2024.

Last Updated: January 10th, 2024

Table of Contents

This website contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

General Tips for Your Osaka Itinerary

Before I get into the Osaka itinerary, here is some important information and tips that every tourist should be aware of!

• Osaka is nicknamed Japan’s Kitchen , so make sure to come with a big appetite. It’s the city of kuidaore , which is interpreted as “eat until you go broke”! 
• Osaka is a HUGE city with over 19 million inhabitants. The biggest tourist attraction is the downtown area of Dotonbori , where you’ll likely be spending most of your time.
• At the stores/food stalls/stores, pay close attention to the signage. Many vendors don’t allow pictures or videos !
• When eating street food, don’t walk around and eat. It’s considered rude in Japan. The polite thing to do is stand/sit somewhere until you finish eating.

Where to Stay in Osaka

For only two days in Osaka, the Minami district (including Dotonbori, Amerika-Mura, and its surrounding areas), are the best places to stay. You’ll be a short walking distance from all the city’s shopping, activities, and nightlife.

Getting Around Osaka

While in the Minami region, all the tourist areas are within a 10 or 15-minute walking distance. To get to other areas of the city, Osaka has an efficient subway system. I recommend buying an Osaka JR Pass.

Day 1 of the 2 Day Osaka Itinerary

The first day of the Osaka 2 Day itinerary is to explore Osaka’s most famous neighborhoods. You’ll be spending most of your time in the Minami area, which is one of Osaka’s two downtowns. For each place I mention, you can easily spend 2-5 hours exploring.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Arcade

Start your 2 day Osaka itinerary at one of the city’s most famous shopping hubs! The shopping arcade spans 8 blocks (600 meters) and is located just steps away from Dotonbori. There’s plenty of tax and duty-free shopping including kitchenware, cosmetics, fashion and clothing, character shops, and department stores.

I don’t even enjoy shopping much, but I easily found myself strolling and exploring the streets for hours. There’s something for everyone. It’s also the perfect activity for rainy weather since there’s a giant roof covering the pedestrian-only streets.

Don’t worry if you start to feel hungry, because the area has plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, and street food.

Amerika Mura

Located just west of the shopping arcades, Amerika Mura (AKA Ame-mura ) is a trendy area that’s popular among the youth. If the name wasn’t already a giveaway, this is Osaka’s version of “America Town”. The neighborhood has over 2,000 restaurants, stores, bars, and cafes.

There’s an emphasis on second-hand shops, Western-owned shops, and urban street style centered around bomber jackets, band tees, and Hawaiian shirts. I also found it especially interesting that they had “Wild West-Themed” bars .

While you’re in the area, stop into Streamer Coffee for a coffee. The iced caramel latte from Streamer was the BEST I had in all of Japan! The inside of the coffee shop is decked out with vintage skateboards along the walls, a row of outdoor seating, and bagels. (Another incredible cafe is LiLo .)

Or, have a drink at one of the neighborhood’s many foreigner-friendly bars.

Optional: Namba Yasaka Shrine

Only about a 10-minute walk from Amerika-Mura is one of Japan’s coolest shrines. It has a unique, grand lion head statue where the shrine itself is in the lion’s mouth! You’ll find many tourists taking a picture in front of it. Do remember, though, that all in all, it’s a real shrine and not a tourist attraction, so it’s up to you whether you think it’s worth adding to your Osaka itinerary.

Traveling to Kyoto, too? Check out my Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Kyoto, Japan!

No Osaka itinerary is complete without a visit to the iconic Dotonbori neighborhood! It’s best known for its extravagant colorful billboards and the wide variety of street foods. The area is characterized by the Dotonbori Canal and its surrounding streets. 

While you’re here, you may notice many tourists with their hands in the air. Make sure to take a picture in front of the famous Glico Man advertisement . It’s one of the most photographed areas of Osaka and is a must-do for any tourist. Depending if there’s a special event going on, you may see different renditions of the sign.

Another fun thing to do in Dotonburi is to take a 20-minute Tombori river cruise down the Dotonbori canal. It departs from the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat dock.

For anyone in the mood to shop, there’s a HUGE Don Quijote that spans 6 stories and is easy to spot with a bright yellow Ferris wheel with views over the Dotonbori Canal. For anyone who doesn’t know what Don Quijote (people also call it “Donki” ), it’s a national department store chain with discount prices. You’ll find everything from household goods to groceries.

Travel Tip: Don Quijote has a tax-free counter for tourists, so I recommend getting your souvenirs here.

Eat Street Food!

The streets of Dotonburi have HUNDREDS of street food stalls and restaurants, so come with an appetite. Especially at night, the streets are lit up with larger-than-life street food replicas above restaurants.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the street food options, but a good rule of thumb is to line up wherever you see a big line! Listed are some must-try street foods to eat while in Osaka.

Kushikatsu → This is a street food that’s primarily found in Osaka. It includes deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers. You then dip it into a savory, Worcestershire and soy sauce-based sauce. It’s far from healthy but is super indulgent and delicious.

Okonomiyaki → a Japanese savory pancake similar to a frittata, often made with cabbage, eggs, tempura scraps, and pork belly. The sauce is often a mix of mayo and okonomiyaki sauce. The great thing about this dish is it’s super customizable. I got mine topped with beef and cheese.

Takoyaki → These are round, fried balls made with a thick, gooey batter. Inside is a chewy cut-up octopus, green onions, ginger, and other spices. It’s often served with bonito flakes on top, which are fermented tuna.

I also tried some ramen from Kinryu , a famous (and touristy) Osaka ramen shop. The eye-catching restaurant is known for its giant dragon signage. You order the ramen ticket from a vending machine and give it to the chef to make. Then, there’s a topping station with green onions, garlic, and spice to customize.

The shop has mixed reviews as it’s not as authentic or tasty as other ramen in the city. However, I still think it’s a great spot for a quick, easy meal to fit into this packed 2 days in Osaka itinerary. 

Optional: Hozenji Yokocho

If you’re keen to drink, head just two blocks south of Dotonbori to Hozenji Yokocho , a narrow alleyway with around 60 local businesses. The alleyway gives Edo-period Japan vibes, with moss-covered statues and stone floors.

A recommended izakaya (Japanese bar) is Robatayaki Mizukake Chaya . The izakaya serves food robata style, meaning it’s grilled BBQ. You’ll be able to get your typical skewered meats, grilled seafood, and giant beer glasses. It’s also very reasonably priced.

Day 2 of 2 Day Osaka Itinerary

The second day of this 2 day in Osaka Itinerary has some more flexibility outside of the Minami neighborhood to see historic sites and observatories. (That is if you’re not done shopping!)

Visit the Osaka Castle

Wake up early to get to the Osaka Castle in the Chuo Ward when it opens at 9 AM. It’s recommended that you enter through Osaka Castle Park’s corner at the Otemon Gate. It’s available on the JR Line at the Osakajokokoen Station. 

The castle was built in 1583 as a display of power by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a samurai warlord and ruler. Since then, it’s been burned and rebuilt several times, with the current castle’s most recent reconstruction in 1931. 

The entrance fee is 600 yen and is free for anyone under the age of 15. The inside of the castle also has a museum with over 10,000 artifacts!

While you’re in the area, you can also check out the Osaka Museum of History and Mint Museum Osaka .

Kuromon Market

Located just off the Nippombashi station , Kuromon Market is one of the city’s most iconic markets. It dates back to the 19th century and currently has around 150 shops that specialize in fresh seafood, veggies, fruits, and street foods. It got nicknamed “Osaka’s Kitchen” since it’s where many chefs get their supplies.

The small market is only a small alley long, so it’s not too overwhelming to explore. Some must-try foods include oysters , fatty and melt-in-your-mouth toro tuna , and fresh sea urchins.

Den Den Town

If you love everything cameras, games, anime, and pop culture, you NEED to add Den Den Town to your Osaka itinerary. The neighborhood is just a 10-15 minute walk from the market. For anime fans, there’s a multi-level Animate store with plenty of merch. If you like claw machines and arcade games, head to Taito Station or SEGA Arcade.

Taito Station has over 4 stories of games. The first floor is mainly dedicated to addictive claw games and cute stuffed animal prizes. Further up, there are floors dedicated to fighting games , music/rhythm games , and more. I particularly enjoy the claw machines. They’re designed so that you actually have a chance to win. Not only that, they have cool prizes like anime merch and snacks!

Another wildly popular activity is the maid cafes.

Inside Osaka wrote a fantastic full guide to the Den Den Town neighborhood!

Abeno Harukas

Enjoy the best views of Osaka from above at the Abeno Harukas , one of the tallest skyscrapers in all of Japan. All within the building, there’s a department store, art museum, and hotel.

On the 16th floor, you’ll be able to access the art museum and free rooftop garden with city views. The 16th floor is also where you get tickets to the Abeno Harukas Observatory located on the 60th floor. Once up there, you can get a 360-degree view of the city and its landmarks.

Also located in Abeno Harukas are the Shop Harukas 300 for gifts on the 59th floor, Garden of the Sky on the 58th floor (open wooden deck space), and bar/dining at the Sky Garden 300.

Nearest train: JR and Osaka Metro Tennoji Station and Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line Osaka Abenobashi Station.

Dinner in Minami

Honestly, I think it’d be best to end your Osaka itinerary right where you started! Dotonbori is so big that just one night exploring the neighborhood just isn’t enough. I recommend spending your last hours in the city taking it all in. For Michelin-guide Tonkatsu, I HIGHLY recommend getting a table at Tonkatsu Daiki (see next section)!

Restaurants to Visit in Osaka

While Osaka’s street food is great, don’t skip out on the other high-quality meals you can get. To help navigate dining in Japan, use Tabelog. It’s Japan’s version of Yelp/Tripadvisor. As a general guideline, anything above a 3.50-star rating on Tabelog is considered 5 stars on Yelp/Tripadvisor.

Watanabe Curry → This Michelin-guide curry is the best I had on the entire trip! The owner had coined the dish as “curry you want to eat every day”. The curry at Watanabe blends Sri Lankan spices with sea bream and chicken broth.

While many Japanese curries are on the sweeter side, the curry here has a more authentic, South Asian kick . I highly recommend ordering yours with crisp-battered and juicy tonkatsu (pork tenderloin).

Kitatake Udon → Located on a side street of Den Den town, Kitatake is an authentic, Michelin-guide udon shop that gets super busy around lunchtime. The udon is thin and the broth is light. The chicken tempura is juicy on the inside and doesn’t taste too oily or heavy.

Tonkatsu Daiki → This eatery is just steps away from Dotomburi and is one of the best-rated tonkatsu in the city with a 3.58-star rating on Tabelog . The pork katsu is perfectly crunchy on the outside from the panko and comes with 3 dipping sauces. It’s a small space with only around 10 seats. I had to wait over an hour to eat, so line up right before opening to avoid my mistake!

Akinoya → This is a Bib Gourmand restaurant that’s a fan-favorite for okonomiyaki. You choose what toppings you want – squid, beef, cheese, etc – and the staff will cook it on the grill in front of you. They then top it with okonomiyaki sauce, kewpie mayo, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes. 

More Fun Activities for Your Osaka Itinerary

If you happen to have an extra day in Osaka, here are some other fun things to do in the city.

• Universal Studios Japan –> Especially if you’re with kids, Universal Studios is a fun activity to add to your Osaka itinerary. Tickets are only around $60 USD (give or take), and there are plenty of Japan-exclusive attractions like the Jujutsu-Kaisen 4D experience and Doraemon XR Ride.
• Osaka TeamLab Botanical Garden –> Opened in 1974, this open-air botanical garden combines nature, art, and technology in an immersive viewing experience.
• Osaka Aquarium –> The Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in Japan, as well as the world! General ticket pricing (as of July 2023) is 2,700 yen for ages 16 and older and 1,400 yen for ages 7-15.
• Umeda Sky Building –> Umeda Sky Building is an alternative to the Abeno Harukas for overhead views of the city. It’s two 40-story buildings connected by a bridge. Visitors can travel to the observatory up top. Given its unique structure , it’s a must for anyone with an appreciation for architecture!
• Shinsekai –> This neighborhood has plenty of vintage restaurants, alleyways, and arcades. It’s well-known for its kushi-katsu restaurants. Check out this popular food tour to try 10 different dishes in the neighborhood.
• Cup Noodles Museum –> Located in Ikeda, Osaka, this museum is an ode to instant noodles and its founder Momofuku Ando. Exhibits include the chicken ramen factory where you can make ramen by hand, the cup noodles factory to design your own noodle packaging, and the instant noodles tunnel with over 800 noodle packages along the walls.
• Street Go Kart Experience (10K+ Booked!) –> Go-kart through the popular sightseeing areas of Osaka. Sure, it’s touristy, but a unique activity for your Osaka itinerary.
• National Bunraku Theater –> See a traditional Japanese puppet theater experience!

Day Trips for Osaka Itinerary

Last, for day trips to go on after this Osaka itinerary, here are some nearby cities available by the bullet train:

• Nara –> about 45 minutes away. Check out the famous Nara deer park!
• Kyoto –> about 15 minutes away. Once the capital of Japan, this city is a must to see traditional shrines, temples, and palaces.
• Tokyo –> about 2.5 hours away. The capital of Japan. I have a full Tokyo itinerary on my website (see summary below)
• Kobe –> about 15 minutes away. The home place of Kobe beef!
• Kanazawa –> about 2.5 hours away. A must-do is to check out the Kenroku-en , a beautiful park/garden.
• Himeji –> about 1.5 hours away. The biggest attraction is the Himeji Castle, which is the largest castle in all of Japan.

Summary: 2 Day Osaka Itinerary

This wraps up my 2 Day Osaka Itinerary! If you found this Osaka travel guide helpful, please share it with friends!

Check out my detailed Tokyo 5 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide if you’re traveling there, too!

Also, check out my other city itineraries:

• 3 Days in Boston Itinerary
• 3 Days in Atlanta Itinerary

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » 3 days in Osaka itinerary: Best things to do

3 days in Osaka itinerary: Best things to do

March 22, 2019

You’ve got three days – three days to tour the second largest city in Japan. What should you see first? Can you taste the best that  Osaka has to offer in just two or three days ? With the help of this travel guide, yes you can. We’ll help you hit the highlights and provide helpful information along the way.

You’ll likely arrive in the city at either Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station , especially if you are enjoying the ease and affordability of the Japan Rail Pass . Choose a hotel in a central location, with easy access to a train station – for example, one of the hotels in or around Osaka Station City. Once you are comfortably settled into your home away from home, your adventure is ready to begin.

Day 1: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 

Fifteen tanks occupy eight floors, some stretching across multiple floors. As you descend, you will spiral around the large central tank, which is home to a full-grown whale shark – an impressive animal the size of a city bus.

The aquarium opens at 10 a.m., so you can sleep in a little (if you want) and still get a relatively early start. Admission is ¥2,300. Most visitors spend at least 3 hours in the aquarium.

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How to get there: From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station. Then, take the Chuo line to Osakako Station. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

After a few hours of appreciating the beauty of ocean life, you may be ready to appreciate their flavor. A number of restaurants are located just outside the aquarium, including those that specialize in squid and other seafood . Starbucks, Baskin Robins, and a ramen restaurant can also be found nearby.

Bonus : Check out our guide on the best aquariums in Japan !

Day 1: Dotonbori Area

Before heading back to your hotel for the night, you may wish to stop by Osaka’s famous entertainment district, the Dotonbori , where travelers can experience the local nightlife with restaurants , amusement facilities and shopping centers open 24 hours.

Here’s where you will be able to walk by the promenades on both sides of the Dotonbori-gawa C anal and see its amazing advertisements and neon signs, including the famous Glico Man . Last but not least, the Hozen-ji Temple on fhe first street to the south offers a gate out of the modern world and into the past of Osaka.

How to get there: From Osakako Station, take the Chuo Line to Kujo Station. Then, take the Hanshin-Namba Line to Namba Station . The Dotonbori is about a 5-minute walk from the station.

Bonus : Check out our guide on  how to get around Osaka !

Day 2: Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most striking castle structures in Japan. The enormous white edifice is a 1930s reconstruction of a historic castle from 1583. The building houses a modern museum, an elevator for ease of access, and the Nishinomaru Garden. It is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the city.

How to get there: From Osaka Station, take the JR Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station. The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is ¥600. Admission to the garden is ¥200.

Bonus : Check out our guide on the best castles in Japan !

Day 2: Shitennoji Temple

After a walk around the castle, consider a visit to Osaka’s numerous shrines and temples. Nearest the station are the Isshin-ji, a classic twelfth-century Buddhist temple, and Shitennoji, a Buddhist temple dating to the year 593 A.D.

A further walk will take you to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the oldest in Japan, built in the third century. You can view four main halls, as well as the picturesque Sorihashi Bridge.

How to get there: From Osakajokoen Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station. The Shrines and temples are within walking distance of the station.

Bonus : Check out our guide on the best temples in Japan !

Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

After the educational nature of castles and temples, the young and young at heart may desire to delve into the fictional world of Universal Studios Japan.

This amusement park, the second largest in Japan, features eight theatrically themed sections – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Wonderland, Amity Village, Waterworld, Jurassic Park , San Francisco, New York, and Hollywood. If any in your travel group isn’t into rollercoaster thrills, they may enjoy the Universal Citywalk Osaka, a movie-themed shopping mall located just outside the park.

Universal Studios Japan is typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admissions range in price from ¥5,100 to ¥7,600.

How to get there: From Osaka Station, take the JR Sakurajima Line, also called the JR Yumesaki Line, to Universal City Station. The park is less than a five-minute walk from the station.

If you arrive at Osaka Station City a few hours in advance of your departure, you’ll be able to squeeze in one last diversion – shopping in the station’s plentiful stores, and relaxing at the rooftop gardens.

Bonus : Check out our guide on the best theme parks in Japan !

Day 3: HEP Five Ferris Wheel

If you have always wanted to ride a massive red Ferris wheel on the top of a skyscraper in Japan – this is the place for you.

Apart from an adventurous experience, Hep Five is a 10-story high  shopping mall  and entertainment center. You will find restaurants, European and Japanese fashion stores, including game centers (7th floor) where many of the local visitors love to gather and play.

To top it all after a long and tiring walk, go to the last floor and take a ride on the big red Ferris wheel – a romantic experience, preferred by many couples after sundown.

Bonus : Don’t miss either Umeda Sky Building and its “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. Take its glass elevator and enjoy its modern architecture and breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka!

Will you get to see it all during your time in Osaka? If not, don’t worry. Simply take note of what you’d like to see and do on your next trip to Osaka.

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Osaka 2 day amazing pass worth it? - Osaka Forum

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Is the Amazing Osaka pass (I think thats what it's called)?) worth getting. I would be using ICOCA card to get around otherwise, so wondering if we see a few included sites, would it pay for itself when factoring in transport?

I'm guessing Klook best option. Is e-ticket recommended? How do you activate? thx

3 replies to this topic

Whether the pass pays off or not depends entirely on your itinerary. If you visit several attractions that offer a discount with the pass, it'll be worth it. Otherwise, the pass might not even pay off.

How to activate it, see:

https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/

thank you. appreciated.

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20 Best Day Trips From Osaka (For 2024)

• by Jonny Duncan
• January 1, 2024 March 20, 2024

These are the best day trips from Osaka that I recommend to choose from after having stayed in Osaka for several weeks and exploring many of the areas around it.

Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan and is known as the “nations kitchen” as some of the best Japanese food can be found there.

Although Osaka doesn’t have the big draw of some other parts of Japan, it certainly has plenty of things to see and do in itself and it’s one of the best cities to base yourself in, especially for day-tripping to other places.

This article is to give you some advice from my own experiences of doing day trips from Osaka when there.

Transportation for day trips from Osaka

If you plan on doing lots of day trips from Osaka by train (the best way) and travelling to other areas of Japan further away like Tokyo or Hiroshima then it’s best to save money on train travel with a Japan Rail Pass (get one with that link).

Then with the Japan Rail Pass, you can use the Shinkansen trains where available as they are quicker. If you don’t have the Japan Rail Pass for day trips from Osaka then use the Special Rapid Service trains that are cheaper than the Shinkansen, but take longer.

Another good option is to get a Kansai Thru Pass if you don’t plan to travel further away like to Hiroshima. The pass will allow you unlimited travel on transport and travel to places like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and also to the international Kansai Airport.

The main Osaka train stations for getting your transport for day trips are Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi, Yodoyabashi, and maybe some others depending on where you go.

This is the website for the West Japan Railway Company to check the timetables for the trains.

I’ve done separate posts for some of these trips which I have linked to that give a more in-depth look at the destination.

If you haven’t yet booked accommodation in Osaka you can find and book a hotel in Osaka here .

Best Day Trips From Osaka

This is what I recommend doing for day trips from Osaka. They’re in no particular order as one thing will appeal more to you than maybe another, although Kyoto is number one as that’s what I regard as an essential day trip to do if you are not planning to stay in Kyoto itself at any point.

1. Kyoto Day Trip From Osaka

This is pretty much a no-brainer. If you’re basing yourself in Osaka to explore the region then one of the best day trips from Osaka is to Kyoto.

Kyoto is the ultimate place in Japan to see temples, shrines, traditional Japanese gardens, the geisha district, and so much more. Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and is a must-visit. Personally, I would recommend staying there a few nights if you can.

There is a Shinkansen train to Kyoto from Osaka that only takes 15 minutes but is 3 times more expensive than the special rapid service which takes 25 minutes and only costs 560 yen.

Of all the day trips from Osaka if there was only one to do then this would be it, especially if you don’t plan to stay in Kyoto at some point during your trip to Japan.

Kyoto tours from Osaka as mentioned are easy to do.

One thing that’s great to do there if you have an interest in old samurai history is to do this tour:

2. Nara Day Trip From Osaka

Nara is an easy local train journey from Osaka and takes around half an hour to reach. It costs an average of 740 yen each way depending on the time of day.

Nara was the old capital of Japan and as such has many temples to see.

It’s the main reason to visit Nara on a day trip. Plan for at least 4 hours to explore the old temple area and its peaceful parks full of friendly roaming deer.

If you’re lucky and in Nara, in mid-December, you can see the Nara Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Festival which lasts for 4 days and is Japan’s oldest cultural arts festival.

Nara is one of the essential day trips from Osaka for history lovers.

One of the best ways to see the best of Kyoto and Nara if you’re short on time, is to join a day tour:

3. Mount Koya (Koyasan) Day Trip From Osaka

One of the most peaceful and ethereal places I have visited in all of Japan. Located near Mount Koya there’s a large temple complex to visit but the main draw is its graveyard.

The graveyard is home to over 200,000 monks’ graves as well as warlords and important figures.

It really is a serene place to be in and if you stay until it gets dark it gets very eerie.

Koyasan is set up in the mountains and is a one and a half hours train ride away which slowly winds up through the hills. The last train back is at 21.30 at night.

This is one of my favourite day trips from Osaka.

You can read more about the day trip to Koyasan here .

You can do a great full-day tour to Koyasan to save the hassle of going by local transport if you’re short on time:

4. Himeji Castle Day Trip From Osaka

Himeji is mainly known for its castle and for a good reason.

This castle is one of the biggest and best-preserved castles in Japan. The castle grounds are fascinating with a labyrinth of paths and alleys but the castle keep is the best part.

It’s kept in its original state with low ceilings and narrow stairways.

The woodwork is spectacular and extremely well-preserved. Make sure to arrive early in the day as the castle becomes crowded with tourists very quickly.

The castle grounds are also a great spot for watching cherry blossoms.

Himeji Castle is easy to find as it is clearly visible from the station entrance. It will take around one hour and forty-five minutes to reach there by train.

You could squeeze in Himeji Castle in the morning with an afternoon/evening in Kobe (see below) on the way back to Osaka to get both done on the same day. They are not that far from each other.

A shinkansen takes around 35 minutes to get to Himeji and roughly an hour by local train. You can walk to Himeji Castle from the station.

If you like castles then Himeji is an essential one of the day trips from Osaka you should plan to do.

5. Kobe Day Trip From Osaka

Kobe is just 25 minutes by train from Osaka so it serves as an excellent day trip and there are plenty of things to do in Kobe when there.

The city is a nice mix of newly developed areas that were built after the earthquake of 1995 and old districts like Nankinmachi.

Nankinmachi or Chinatown is a collection of small streets and alleys lined with restaurants, food stalls and shops, making it a great place to go shopping. There is a small plaza in the centre where you can find people playing Go.

Head to Meriken Park in the Kobe Port area of the city by the waterfront with open spacious areas and the nearby Harbourland is a massive complex for places to eat and for shopping.

The Kobe Port Tower is good to see in the port area, and the history of Kobe’s maritime connection with the wider world can be found at the Kobe Maritime Museum.

If you are looking for a more quiet and tranquil attraction, Sorakuen Garden is a good choice. This is a typical Japanese garden with several ponds, a boathouse and some nice walking paths.

The garden is located in downtown Kobe but has some beautiful scenic spots which is why you’ll have a good chance of seeing newlyweds having their wedding photos taken there.

If you have any interest in Japanese alcohol then go to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. Sake is Japanese rice wine and you can enter the museum for free. You can do sake tasting at the shop there as well.

Of course, a visit to Kobe would not be complete without enjoying a good Kobe beef steak or Wagyu as it is locally known. Exceptionally tender and juicy meat.

It’s not cheap though, expect to pay around 50 to 60 euros for an average-sized steak, but it’s worth it if you like a good piece of steak. You’ll find plenty of Wagyu restaurants around Kobe and Sannomiya stations.

The Shinkansen train only takes around 15 minutes to reach Kobe but like Kyoto, you can take the normal special rapid service for less than half the price at 640 yen and only takes 15 minutes longer.

6. Okayama (With Naoshima Below) Day Trip

This is one of the longer day trips from Osaka, so start very early. If you are using the Shinkansen trains then this will help you a lot for this one.

Okayama has some things to do and one of the main reasons for stopping is to see its large Japanese garden, the Korakuen Garden, which is one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan.

Okayama Castle is near the garden and worth a look as well.

But Okayama is the gateway down to Naoshima Island and the two work perfectly together for a combined long day trip from Osaka.

It takes around one hour on a shinkansen to reach Okayama from Osaka costing around 5,500 yen, or two and a half hours by regular train (but almost half the price).

7. Naoshima Island Day Trip From Osaka

This day trip can be done with the Okayama day trip.

Naoshima Island(known as Japan’s art island) is a funky little place covered in random outdoor art sculptures everywhere. The Art House and museum on the east coast is a must-see.

The best way to see it is by bicycle costing 500 yen a day to rent. There are also buses that go around, but a bicycle is way more fun.

You will want to concentrate on the southern part the most and it’s not a huge island.

Allow several hours so you don’t need to rush.

You’ll discover little art cafes scattered around to stop in for a drink as you go. It’s a very relaxed place.

Take the local JR line train from Okayama to Uno Station, you might have to transfer trains on the way (takes around maybe 2 hours).

Then go to the ferry terminal a few minutes walk away. It takes 20 minutes by boat to reach Naoshima. There are 2 ferry terminals on the island, and most people (including myself) arrive at the port on the west side.

This is one of the best day trips from Osaka if you like art and a more remote island experience.

This is my article on Naoshima Island Art .

8. Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip From Osaka

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island can be done as one of the day trips from Osaka even though it’s a bit far away as the bullet train will get you there in around one and a half hours.

Hiroshima makes for a more solemn visit as the main reason to go is to see the Peace Memorial Park and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

But it’s also good to see the new city today and there are also some great food options to try. Make sure to track down a good okonomiyaki place (Hiroshima is famous for it, as well as Osaka). It’s considered Japanese soul food.

Miyajima Island is fun to explore. You can hike to its highest point or take a cable car up there for the views, and there are old temples and shrines to see.

You would need to use the Shinkansen trains for this trip, time-wise. It takes around one and a half hours on the fastest shinkansen each way and you would have to start early.

To get to Miyajima from Hiroshima there is a local train every 15 minutes from the same train station and takes around 30 minutes. Get out on the 9th stop.

From there, there are 2 ferries that leave for the island. One is a JR ferry so take that one if you have a JR pass. The boats run every 15 minutes and take 10 minutes.

This is my post on the day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima.

9. Cycling From Osaka to Nara Day Trip

Believe it or not, this is not only one of my favourite day trips from Osaka but also one of my favourite experiences in Japan.

Cycling in Osaka itself is how I got around in my one month of living there, and it was too tempting not to go cycling from Osaka to Nara.

First of all the going is tough in parts as you will be going along Japan’s steepest highway, but what goes up must come down, and it’s a lot of fun riding down.

On the way, you will pass rural villages, remote shrines, rice paddy fields, and a bamboo grove with mini-shrines with almost no one there at all, unlike the busy one in Kyoto.

It will take you all day and will be a workout in parts but it’s so rewarding, if anything because you get away from the main touristed places.

Be aware though that it is hard work so if you are out of shape, or with young children, then this is probably, actually, I would more likely say definitely, not the best choice for you. 

Take the train from Nara to Osaka at the end of the day. Here’s a post I did about cycling from Osaka to Nara.

10. Kanazawa Day Trip From Osaka

This is one of the longer day trips from Osaka as it’s not close by.

It takes around 3 hours by train from Yodoyabashia station so you would need an early start.

In the Edo Period of Japan Kanazawa was a town as powerful, if not more so than Kyoto and Tokyo and survived World War 2 without being destroyed.

Therefore it has many old buildings to see such as the castle area, the Higashi Chaya District with its teahouses and geisha, and more.

The main attraction though is the Kenrokuen Gardens, known as one of, if not the best Japanese landscape gardens in the country.

11. Kurashiki Day Trip From Osaka

Kurashiki is a popular place for Japanese tourists, who tend to outnumber foreigners. It’s a very chilled place with an old canal that runs through the centre.

This is a great place for some culture as a day trip from Osaka. Old wooden buildings line the streets and it has a great ambience of the Edo Period of Japan.

A Shinkansen train will take around one hour to get there from Osaka.

12. Nagoya Day Trip From Osaka

This is one of the great day trips from Osaka if you’re interested in the more modern technological things in Japan.

You can do a 2-hour tour of Toyota Motor Corporation’s main factory, or take a look at the JR Scmaglev and railway park where the world’s fastest train resides.

If you want the more cultural things then there is Nagoya Castle, and one of the most respected Shinto shrines in Japan. Add to that the open-air Meiji era (1868 – 1912) museum with its outdoor exhibits, and it’s worth your time.

Just be aware that some of those places are not in the centre of Nagoya and would take an extra 20 minutes to an hour or so to get to.

Nagoya is around 1 hour from Osaka by Shinkansen and costs around 6500 yen. Or take the local JR trains for around 4000 but taking around 2 and a half hours.

Skip this day trip for others though if you want more Japanese culture in your day trips such as Nara, and Koyasan as at the end of the day Nagoya is a modern city.

13. Universal Studios Japan Day Trip From Osaka

I wasn’t sure whether to add Universal Studios Japan onto the list simply due to it not being a uniquely Japanese experience, but it’s nearby Osaka and is very popular and recommended by other travellers, and if travelling with children makes a good choice as one of the day trips from Osaka to consider.

There are some Japanese-orientated things there though especially some involving Japanese animation .

Universal Studios Japan opening hours are usually around 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. until 7 – 9 p.m. It depends sometimes if there are special holidays.

You can take a direct train from Osaka station which takes around 10-15 minutes to get there.

14. Miyama Village and Amanohashidate Day Trip From Osaka

Miyama Village is just north of Kyoto and is the quintessential rural village experience of Japan.

Nestled in the mountains it has a very chilled-out atmosphere and is the perfect escape from the cities.

the main reason for visiting is to see the rural life of Japan. There is a folk museum worth visiting as well.

Add on an onward trip to  Amanohashidate which is known as ‘one of Japan’s 3 scenic views’ where a sandbar covered in pine trees spans across the bay where you can also take boats out to see it from the sea.

There are some temples and shrines scattered around as well.

You can do this trip with public transport if you leave early otherwise a highly recommended tour to take is this one:

15. Kumano Kodo Day Trip From Osaka (To Nachi Taisha Shrine)

The Kumano Kodo is a bunch of hiking trails that are old pilgrimage routes still used today.

You can see some of the ’Three Grand Shrines of Kumano in the area if you have more time, but realistically the Kumano Kodo should be done for multiple days to experience the area properly.

Having said that to get a feel for the peaceful and serene place you can visit one of the Three Grand Shrines, the Nachi Taisha Shrine, on a day trip.

It’s one of the best shrines to photograph in all of Japan and has a waterfall nearby.

16. Lake Biwa Day Trip From Osaka

Ok, a lake doesn’t sound super exciting compared with some of the other day trips from Osaka on the list, but this is Japan’s largest freshwater lake.

It will take you around 40-50 minutes on a fast Shinkansen train.

At Chikubushima Island in the north of the lake, you can see old shrines and temples dating back over millennia which can be reached by a local ferry.

You can get active and cycle around the lake itself or take it easy on a boat, or one of the beaches.

There’s also a 17th-century castle to see called Hikone Castle.

This day trip from Osaka is a good option if you feel like having a relaxing day on the lake with some history thrown in.

17. Wakayama City Day Trip From Osaka

Wakayama City is an easy day trip from Osaka as they’re not that far away.

In Wakayama City, you can see Wakayama Castle and see lots of temples and shrines when walking through Oda Park. There are lots of Onsens in the city itself that you can relax in after walking around.

You can even stop over in Wakayama City going to or coming back from, the Kumano Kodo day trip. Although to save rushing around it’s best to do those as separate day trips from Osaka.

18.Tottori Day Trip From Osaka

This is a slightly different vibe for the day trips from Osaka to choose from. This trip is all about nature. Specifically large dunes by the sea that can reach up to 50 metres in height.

Located on the Sea of Japan coast they are impressive to see and there’s even a Sand Museum filled with sand sculptures.

You can also try sandboarding on the dunes as well and for the more adventurous there are even paragliding options.

Choose this option for a nature hit, but don’t expect much in the way of ‘traditional Japan.’

It takes around 2 and a half hours to get there by train from Osaka Station.

Save time and take a full-day tour there:

19. Awaji Island Day Trip From Osaka

Awaji Island is home to the largest suspension bridge in the world, over 4km long, that connects Kobe and Awaji which is worth seeing in itself, but there is much more than that.

Sumoto City is the biggest city there and you can see Sumoto Castle and other historical sites, so it’s not just about the suspension bridge.

Given its location not so far from Osaka, it makes for another one for the good day trips from Osaka to consider.

I won’t say one of the ‘best day trips from Osaka’ for this post as I would choose some of the others over this first. But it’s a good option if you have more time and this is your kind of thing.

You can’t reach it by train so you will have to take a bus from Kobe, or if you have your own car drive there.

20. Iga Day Trip From Osaka

Iga is one of the last fun ones for day trips from Osaka that you can do and is especially great for those with an interest in martial arts and history.

Iga is a small town but was well known during the old days in Japan as the best place for Ninja training at the Iga School of Ninjutsu.

These days you can visit the museum that’s all about Ninjas and see live performance reenactments of Ninja techniques that include throwing the famous shuriken ninja stars.

Iga can be reached by train in 2 hours.

So that’s just a glimpse into some of the things to do on day trips from Osaka.

There are many other places to see but I would recommend those for longer than just a day trip. The ones mentioned here are generally the best and most popular day trips from Osaka.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article if you haven’t yet booked accommodation you can find and book a hotel in Osaka here .

Get a Japan Rail Pass here for travelling in Japan by train (the best way). Also if coming from Tokyo to Osaka for example and back again, or continuing onwards to Hiroshima, then the Japan Rail Pass will help.

Get a Kansai Thru Pass if you don’t plan to travel further away like to Hiroshima. The pass will allow you unlimited travel on transport and travel to places like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and also to the international Kansai Airport.

While in Osaka take a look at what I recommend for the best things to do in Osaka .

And the best things to see on an Osaka Amazing Pass .

Check out some cool tours to do in Osaka itself:

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip.

Pick up the Lonely Planet Pocket Kyoto & Osaka (Travel Guide)

A friend Patrick, who is a regular visitor to Japan and an expert on the country, contributed the Kobe and Himeji sections as recommendations for the day trips from Osaka.

If you liked this article about the best day trips from Osaka a share would be appreciated :

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You have successfully subscribed, 13 thoughts on “20 best day trips from osaka (for 2024)”.

Wow beautiful destination. Now I know where are those famous orange brackets (!) 😉

Yeah that whole region is great!

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thanks for this post. its really helpful for all travels to find and visit awesome places in ladakh. thanks again.

These day trips can be perfect for those who are planning to visit Osaka Japan. However i loved some of the places and would love to visit myself whenever i plan for Osaka such as- Nooshima, Nagoya, Nara and Universal Studio Japan.

With limited time, you’ll want to come armed with a good Mount Fuji day trip itinerary. Below I will detail five awesome and totally different Mt. Fuji day trip ideas, because different people have different ways to travel, right? If you most important concern is seeing Japan s most iconic mountain from the best spots, check out my article on the 10 best Mount Fuji viewpoints !

This Article is Awesome. It’s helped me a lot. Sir, Please keep up your good work. We always with you and Waiting for your new interesting articles.

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Inside Osaka

Your Osaka Travel Guide

Osaka 3-Day Itinerary

If you have three days, you can really explore the different districts of Osaka. Our 3-day Osaka itinerary allows you to see the best sights efficiently and easily.

Itinerary Summary

• Three days allows you to explore Kita, Minami and the Osaka Bay Area, plus one outer district of Osaka.
• Base yourself somewhere central to save time.
• On Day 1, visit Osaka Bay Area and Kita.
• On Day 2, visit Minami and Tennoji.
• On Day 3, visit one of Osaka’s outer districts like Northern Osaka

Osaka Holiday Essentials

• Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka .
• Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
• Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner .
• Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan .
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.

Full Itinerary

Note: The first two days of this itinerary are based on our Osaka 2-Day Itinerary . See that page for full details on these two days.

Day 1: Osaka Bay Area and Kita District

• 9:30am: Travel to the Osaka Bay Area
• 10am: Visit Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
• 11:30: Eat Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace
• 1pm: Travel from Osaka Bay Area to the Kita District
• 1:30pm: Explore the Kita District
• 3pm: Travel to the Osaka Castle Area
• 3:30pm: Visit Osaka Castle
• 6pm: Dinner in Kita , Minami or Central Osaka

Day 2: Minami District and Tennoji

• 9:30: Travel to the Minami District
• 10am: Explore Minami
• Noon: Dotombori Area and Lunch
• 1:30pm: Visit Hozenji Yokocho
• 2:30pm: Walk through Doguyasuji Arcade
• 3:30pm: Visit Den-Den Town
• 5:30pm: Eat dinner in Minami
• 7:30pm: Check out the evening views from the Abeno Harukas 300 observation decks in Tennoji

Check Osaka Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Day 3: Outer District of Osaka

• On your third day in Osaka, it’s a good idea to head out of central Osaka to explore one of the surrounding districts. The most rewarding sights outside of the city center can be found north of the city, including those in the Expo City/Banpaku Park area. See our Northern Osaka page for full details.
• Alternatively, you could spend a day at the Universal Studios Japan theme park in the Osaka Bay Area, or take the train to Nagoya to visit Legoland Japan and the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Hints, Comments and Variations

• If you’re only going to be in the city for three days, choose a hotel in a central location so you don’t waste time on transport. The most convenient areas are Kita , Central Osaka , and Minami . For more on where to say, check out my Where to Stay in Osaka page. For hotel recommendations in Osaka, check out our Osaka Hotels page.
• Note that Kyoto is only 14 minutes from Osaka by shinkansen and about 30 minutes by regular express trains. If you’re based in Osaka, you can easily make a daytrip to Kyoto. See our dedicated Kyoto travel website InsideKyoto.com for full details on Kyoto.
• Likewise, Nara is only about 50 minutes from Osaka by express train. You can easily visit Nara as a daytrip from Osaka. See our Nara travel guide for full details on Nara.
• For more daytrip ideas from Osaka, visit our Best Osaka Daytrips page.
• Don't try to do any more than this on three days in Osaka – you’ll tire yourself out. If you want to relax, subtract one or two places from this itinerary. As usual, it’s better to enjoy a few places properly than to sprint through many places.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
• Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka , Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Osaka District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area

• Osaka transportation
• Osaka history
• Higashinari
• Higashisumiyoshi
• Higashiyodogawa
• Nishiyodogawa
• Attractions
• 1 day tour guide
• 3 day tour guide
• 5 day tour guide
• Travel tips
• Famous local restaurants
• Jiyuken Curry
• Kappo cuisine
• Kitsune Udon
• Okonomiyaki
• Taiko-Manju
• Tonpei yaki
• Torikara Stick
• Life in Osaka
• Comedy / Owarai
• Festivals & Celebrations
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Osaka amazing pass: your gateway to osaka.

Today many cities across Japan have discount schemes. However few have the range, the variety or the value for money of the Osaka Amazing Pass.

So, join us today dear reader, as we look at this incredible offer in more detail, and give you some ideas as to how to best use it on your next visit to Osaka.

Table of Contents

What is the Osaka Amazing Pass?

The Osaka Amazing Pass allows either free or heavily discounted entry to dozens of attractions and events all across Osaka City. Users can save plenty of money on the transportation to and from these venues too.

In total, more than 40 venues offer free entry with the pass, and free transportation on the Osaka Metro subway network. Osaka City bus services are also included free of charge.

Some of the venues however, such as the Expo ’70 park actually lie outside Osaka’s city limits. As such, they aren’t served by the metro or the bus service. You will need to pay a little extra to get there using private rail lines or the Osaka Monorail.

However, the money you will save in entry fees more than makes up for this.

Types of Passes Available

The Osaka Amazing Pass actually comes in three varieties. The most common are the one day version and the two day version.

As one would expect, the two day version is more expensive, but offers additional benefits beyond that of the one-day option.

Recently a third variant, the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Edition debuted to coincide with the 50 th anniversary of the World Expo, which was held in Osaka in the summer and autumn of 1970.

How much do the Passes Cost?

The one day version of the Osaka Amazing Pass costs 2,800 yen. You can order online here .

The two day pass costs 3,600 yen. Most travelers would agree that, if you are going to be in Osaka for at least a couple of days, then the two day pass represents the best value. Just 800 yen extra for basically double the usage represents phenomenal value in my book. Order a two day pass here .

Then, finally there is the question of the newly minted Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Edition pass. This one day pass offers all the benefits of the standard one day Osaka Amazing Pass, with the added benefit of travel options extended to cover up to Bampaku Kinen Koen Station on the Midosuji Line. This is the station closest to the park. One of Osaka’s most famous, and indeed eclectic landmarks, the Tower of the Sun, is a short walk from the station into the park. You can buy an Expo ’70 Commemorative Edition pass here .

Where Can I Buy the Pass in Osaka?

For convenience and to save time, we strongly recommend ordering your passes online here . Once you do that, you can later collect your pass from one of three tourist information centers located around the city.

The tourist information centers can be found in JR Osaka Station (near the central ticket gate), Namba (on the 1st floor of Nankai Namba Station) or JR Shin Osaka Station (just outside the central gate).

However, if you choose not to pre-order your pass online then they can also be purchased in person from any stationmaster’s office at any stop on the Osaka Metro Subway Lines. This applies to the standard one or two day pass.

However, the Expo ’70 Commemorative Edition passes can only be purchased either from the three tourist information centers mentioned above, or from the tourist center at Kansai International Airport. The tourist center is in the terminal 1 main building.

Other locations where one can purchase Osaka Amazing Passes include various hotels in Umeda area, Osaka Castle area, Hommachi, Namba area, Tennoji area, Bay area, Universal Studios area and Sakai.

A complete breakdown of where to purchase each type of pass can be found here.

Where can I go for free?

For a full list of the venues that offer free entry with the Osaka Amazing Pass, please check this list .

Here are some notable highlights:

The Umeda Sky Building Kuchu-Teien Observatory (free entry until 6pm. Usual cost: 1500 yen)

The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka’s most iconic structures. Built in the 1990s, the building towers over most of the surrounding Umeda business and shopping district. From the observation deck, you can see as far away as the Osaka Bay to the south, and the hills of Wakayama Prefecture to the east. On a clear day, if you look northwest, one can see as far away as Kyoto prefecture.

The observatory is also open every day of the year, meaning that it is a venue you can enjoy regardless of when you visit Osaka.

The Umeda Sky Building is about 10 minutes on foot from Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro, or Osaka Station on the JR line.

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel (usual cost: 800 yen)

Standing at 112.5 meters, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is one of the tallest rides of this type in Japan. Indeed it is taller than most in Asia. From the highest point of the wheel, you can see panoramic views of the entirety of Osaka Bay, and across the river to the famous Universal Studios Japan theme park. The adjoining shopping center, Tempozan Market Place, offers a wide variety of lunch and shopping options after you’ve enjoyed the Ferris Wheel.

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a five minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro, Chuo Line.

Legoland Discovery Center Osaka (usual cost: 2400 yen)

If you’re travelling with family, then here is something for the kids to enjoy. Just next door to the Tempozan Wheel, you will find the Legoland Discovery Center. Kids of all ages can marvel at the Lego displays and play with some of the latest models in the adjacent Lego gift shop.

Please note that adults cannot enter Legoland without kids, and unaccompanied children under 15 are also not allowed.

The Tsutenkaku Tower (usual cost 800 yen)

As far as Osaka landmarks go, there are few more iconic than the Tsutenkaku. This tower, built shortly after World War Two as a symbol of Osaka’s resilience in the face of adversity, has remained a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike for more than 60 years.

The Tsutenkaku is a short walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro, Midosuji Line.

Osaka Castle Museum (usual cost 600 yen)

It may be perhaps Osaka’s most iconic structure, but how much do you actually know about Osaka Castle?

Probably not as much as you would like to.

Well, Osaka Castle Museum is here to help. This museum, on the grounds of the castle itself, gives a detailed history both cultural and practical of the construction of the original castle. The museum also guides visitors through the evolution of Osaka Castle from a seat of power, to a cultural asset, to its role today as a symbol of the beauty and heritage of Osaka City.

With the Osaka Amazing Pass, you can also gain free entry to the Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Gardens, a place of great natural beauty and peace.

How About a Cruise?

In addition to allowing you to visit many of Osaka’s famous sites for no extra charge, the Osaka Amazing Pass also offers free entry (subject to seat availability) to a number of popular boat cruises.

The Santa Maria, which departs from the rear of the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, in Minato Ward , offers both a “day cruise” and a “twilight cruise”. Both cover the same route, around Osaka Bay, however, you can only use the Osaka Amazing Pass for one of them per purchase. Without the pass, the day cruise costs 1600 yen per person, the twilight cruise is 2100 yen.

Another popular Osaka cruise covered by the Osaka Amazing Pass is the Dotombori Jazz cruise.

Enjoy the sounds of a live band as you cruise up and down the famous Dotombori canal.

It is something of a custom in Osaka to give the boats a wave as they pass down the river, so feel free to wave back at the passers-by as you sail along.

Discounts Aplenty!

The Osaka Amazing Pass doesn’t just grant free entry into certain venues around Osaka. For those who don’t mind spending a little more, you can also enjoy discounts on a number of facilities, services and products across the city by presenting your Osaka Amazing Pass.

At the time of writing there are around 30 participating locations. A full list can be found here, but in the meantime, let us look at a few highlights:

Amagasaki Castle

It may not have the profile and prestige of Osaka Castle, but Amagasaki Castle, just over the border into Hyogo Prefecture is well worth a visit. With your Osaka Amazing Pass, you can enjoy a discount of 20% on the usual 500 yen entry fee.

Osaka Expo City

On the site where the famous Expo ’70 took place 50 years ago, now stands Osaka Expo City. This massive shopping and entertainment complex boasts, among other things a state of the art 4D cinema, high-end, designer shopping outlets and plenty to keep the kids entertained too.

At Expo City, your Osaka Amazing Pass entitles you to a book of vouchers giving discounts and other bonuses at a range of stores and outlets across the complex. The exact vouchers offered change from time to time. Ask at the information desk once you reach Expo City for further details.

Spa World: Onsen from Around the World

After a day of trekking around Osaka, taking in as many sites as possible, nothing quite beats a good long soak in a hot bath. At Spa World, just outside Shin Imamiya Station on the JR Loop line, visitors can enjoy a variety of different baths, saunas and spa treatments.

This Onsen resort is set over multiple floors allowing for both gender-divided and mixed gender bathing (You’ll need to bring a bathing suit for the mixed area).

Themed on around the idea of the ancient bathhouses from the days of The Roman Empire, the faux Greco-Roman architecture belies a very modern and luxurious set up.

Entry to Spa World usually costs 1300 yen for adults and 1000 yen for kids.

With your pass, visitors can enjoy a 200 yen discount for adults and a 100 yen saving for kids.

SEGA Abeno Q’s Mall SEGA VR Area

If you’re an 80’s kid like me, you probably have fond memories of playing SEGA’s consoles back in the early 1990s. Today, SEGA’s business focusses mostly on game centers and interactive entertainment. This new Virtual Reality-driven experience near Tennoji Station is one such venture.

Visitors to the VR center can enjoy a 200 yen discount which equates to 10% off of the usual 2000 yen fee to play a VR experience.

Legoland Discovery Center

If you do decide to take up the previously mentioned offer of free entry into Legoland Discovery Center, then don’t forget that presenting your pass also entitles you to a 20% discount on the café and adjoining shop.

Bear in mind that you will need to enter Legoland itself to be able to access the café.

Osaka Sky Vista: City Bus Tour

Open-top bus tours taking in famous local landmarks have been a fixture of most major European cities for decades now. So, it’s no surprise that Osaka too decided to join this ongoing craze when they added the Osaka Sky Vista tour a few years ago.

This non-stop 1 hour tour of the city’s hotspots is not to be missed.

With the Osaka Amazing Pass, Adults can save 200 yen on the 1500 yen asking price. Kids can also enjoy a 100 yen discount, bringing the cost of their ticket down to 900 yen.

Some Additional Considerations

Of course, like all discount schemes there are limitations to the Osaka Amazing Pass, and it’s important to be aware of them before you go ahead and commit to buying.

First of all, the pass is valid from the time of the first train until the last train on the day of purchase (or the last train on the next day if it’s a two day pass.)

Two day passes must be used on consecutive days.

The exact nature of the discounts and free entry offers available with the pass varies periodically. Please check the official Osaka Amazing Pass English site for the latest information before you buy.

As always, availability to enter many facilities is dependent on the weather, crowds and current public safety issues such as natural disasters or viral outbreaks. The site mentioned above is also updated regularly with this kind of information when required.

Limited capacity events, such as boat cruises are on a first come, first served basis.

Final Thoughts

Even just for the benefits of train and bus travel alone, an avid sightseer could get plenty of value out of the Osaka Amazing Pass. However when you add to that the plethora of free and reduced entry offers included, and the huge diversity of activities to choose from, there is no excuse not to buy this.

So what are you waiting for? Order yours today and start planning your next trip to Osaka!

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Fascinating anď interesting as always. I fully intend to purchase the 2 day ticket the next time I’m over. There can be no bettter way to explore Osaka. It is probably the best way for a first time visitor to see wonderful Osaka. I cant wait!

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Snake On Japanese Bullet Train Causes Rare 17-Minute Hold-Up

On Tuesday evening, a passenger alerted security to a 40-centimetre (nearly 16-inch) serpent lurking on a train between Nagoya and Tokyo, resulting in a 17-minute hold-up.

The train was originally scheduled to go on to Osaka.

Even small delays in Japan's much-vaunted bullet trains are rare, and more unusual still are snakes on board holding up the speedy "shinkansen" services.

It was unclear whether the cold-blooded commuter was venomous or how it ended up on the train, and there was no injury or panic among passengers, a spokesman for Central Japan Railway Company told AFP

Shinkansen customers can bring small dogs, cats and other animals, including pigeons on board -- but not snakes.

"It's difficult to imagine wild snakes somehow climbing onto the train at one of the stations. We have rules against bringing snakes into the shinkansen," the spokesman told AFP.

"But we don't check passengers' baggage," he said.

The train was originally scheduled to go on to Osaka, but the company decided to use a different train for the trip, causing a delay of about 17 minutes, he said.

Patrols by uniformed security guards onboard bullet trains were scaled up after a fatal stabbing in 2018 on a shinkansen that shocked normally ultra-safe Japan.

Additional security was added for the Summer Olympics in 2021 and Group of Seven meetings last year.

First launched in 1964, the shinkansen network has never suffered an accident resulting in any passenger fatalities or injuries, according to Japan Railways.

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The trains can travel at 285 kilometres (177 miles) per hour, with an average delay of 0.2 minutes.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Travel | Only one North American airport makes list of…

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Travel | oakland police kill sacramento homicide suspect who was allegedly armed, travel | only one north american airport makes list of world’s best.

Ali versus Frazier. The Red Sox versus the Yankees. Doha versus Singapore.

For the last decade, Singapore’s Changi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport have been going back and forth, battling over the title of ‘world’s best ’.

Every year, UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site Skytrax surveys travelers from around the globe to compile its list of the best airports in the world, and for 2024 the honor goes to Qatar’s airport, which is known for its ultra-modern design, easy-to-navigate terminals and high-end shopping.

Singapore (SIN) had the title in 2023 and 2020, while Doha (DOH) took the gong in 2022 and 2021.

“This year, [Hamad International Airport] celebrates its milestone tenth year of operations and we are truly honored that passengers have voted us Best Airport in the World for a third time,” Qatar Airways Group’s CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to surprise and delight passengers by creating memorable and exceptional passenger journeys in the years to come.”

DOH is one of several airports that offer free city tours for passengers with long layovers, which earned it high marks from respondents. It’s also home to the Oryx Airport Hotel , where visitors can enjoy spa treatments, a squash court and an 82-foot swimming pool.

The Skytrax rankings were announced at the World Airport Awards in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17. Data for the list was collected between August 2023 to March 2024 from people of more than 100 nationalities. Respondents were polled on a variety of topics, from ease of getting through security checkpoints to quality and variety of food and drink.

European airports dominate

CDG’s terminal 3 was named the world’s best low cost terminal, and Paris’ Orly (ORY) has been named the best regional airport in Europe.

Other European airports also scored accolades from Skytrax. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) scored the prize for world’s best airport security processing, Zurich Airport (ZRH) was named best in class in the 20- 30 million passengers per year division and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) ranked the highest in the 10-20 million annual passengers category.

Japan shines

Seven of Skytrax’s top 20 airports are in Asia. Both of Tokyo’s hubs, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), landed in the top 10, with Haneda one spot ahead of its sibling airport in fourth.

New Chitose Airport in Sapporo (CTS) won the prize for the world’s most improved airport, while Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya (NGO) was named best in class for the airports with 5-10 million passengers per year category.

Kansai International Airport (KIX), which serves the Osaka area, scored the award for the world’s best airport baggage delivery.

Regional highlights

In all, 570 airports were evaluated around the world.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) was crowned the best airport in North America.

Down under, Melbourne Airport (MEL) took the highest honor for the Australia-Pacific region.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) was named the best airport in India.

Cape Town Airport (CPT) won the prize for the best airport in Africa, as well as recognition for being the African airport with the best staff service. King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban was the winner in the category for airports with under five million annual passengers.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG), which serves Bogota, Colombia, was voted the best airport in South America, while Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) won the honor of best airport for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Not just airports

In addition to ranking airports, Skytrax also gives out honors for exceptional airport hotels.

The retro-inspired TWA Hotel at New York JFK was named the best airport hotel in North America. Others recognized in this category were the Hyatt Regency Shenzhen (best in China), Hilton Munich Airport (best in Europe), and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (best in the world, for the ninth year running).

The world’s best airports for 2024

1. Doha Hamad Airport 2. Singapore Changi Airport 3. Seoul Incheon Airport 4. Tokyo Haneda Airport 5. Tokyo Narita Airport 6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 7. Dubai Airport 8. Munich Airport 9. Zurich Airport 10. Istanbul Airport 11. Hong Kong Airport 12. Rome Fiumicino Airport 13. Vienna Airport 14. Helsinki-Vantaa 15. Madrid-Barajas 16. Centrair Nagoya Airport 17. Vancouver Airport 18. Kansai Airport 19. Melbourne Airport 20. Copenhagen Airport

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Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.

Spring is springing, and according to Hopper, it’s time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans.

New data from the online booking site shows some favorable trends for travelers in the next few months, including slightly lower airfares compared with 2023 and hotel and car rental prices that are more or less flat year-over-year.

Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to book, whether you’re looking for a domestic getaway or go on an overseas adventure. It’s also not too late to take advantage of deals on some last-minute trips.

How much are spring and summer plane tickets?

According to Hopper, the best deals right now are on domestic airline tickets. Round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $290 in April, but prices are expected to rise in the months ahead.

Hopper’s data shows prices for domestic flights will peak between May and June at $315 on average, then will gradually fall through the summer, reaching a low of $264 on average in September.

On a call with investors discussing first-quarter earnings Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said summer travel demand has been pushed forward in recent years in part because schools, especially in the South, are finishing their summer breaks earlier in the year.

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This summer also will be a good time to travel internationally; Hopper data shows fares to most destinations abroad are down compared with last year. 

“Airfare to international destinations continues to improve following two years of bloated prices due to quickly recovering demand, high fuel prices and supply constraints. Airfare to most major regions of the world has dropped compared to last year with the exception of trips to Canada,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s chief economist, said in the report. “International fares remain higher than pre-pandemic levels to most regions, as higher fuel prices persist and airlines continue to rebuild capacity to many regions.”

How much will a hotel room for the spring and summer cost?

Hotel prices remain mostly flat compared with the same time last year. Rooms in the U.S. are averaging $206 a night; better deals are available in some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan, and Istanbul, Turkey.

According to Hopper, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago remain popular destinations in the U.S.

Will car rental prices rise this summer?

Car rental prices also haven’t increased much since last year and average $42 a day, according to Hopper.

The report shows most travelers rent a car for about four days, and warm-weather destinations like Orlando and Los Angeles remain popular pickup points.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].