Osaka, Japan-2-day-itinerary
Osaka 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Start at Osaka Castle (9:00 am - 10:30 am)
- Take the subway to Osakajo-Koen Station and walk to the castle
- Explore the museum and gardens inside the castle
- Walk to Dotonbori (11:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Stroll along the canal and take in the vibrant atmosphere
- Snap photos with the iconic Glico Man and Kani Doraku statues
Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- Lunch at Kushi-katsu Tanaka (1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)
- Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this popular restaurant
- Address: 1-10-10 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Visit the Umeda Sky Building (3:00 pm - 4:30 pm)
- Take the elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city
- Address: 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
Evening (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Dinner at Ichiran Ramen (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm)
- Slurp down a bowl of delicious tonkotsu ramen at this famous chain
- Address: 3-1-17 Shinsekai, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
- Explore the Shinsekai neighborhood (8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Wander through the retro-style streets and try some local street food
Day 2:
Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (9:00 am - 11:00 am)
- Marvel at the variety of marine life from around the Pacific Rim
- Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka
- Take a stroll along the Tempozan Ferris Wheel (11:30 am - 12:30 pm)
- Enjoy the views of the city from the waterfront
Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- Lunch at Tsurutontan (1:00 pm - 2:30 pm)
- Savor some delicious udon noodles at this popular restaurant
- Address: 2-4-14 Shimanouchi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Explore the Shitennoji Temple (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
- Visit one of Japan’s oldest temples and explore its peaceful gardens
Evening (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Dinner at Harukoma (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm)
- Enjoy some traditional Osaka-style cuisine, including fugu (blowfish)
- Address: 2-1-27 Shimanouchi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- End the night with a visit to the Amerika-mura neighborhood (8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
- Explore the trendy bars and clubs in this popular nightlife district
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Keihan Universal Tower
- Conveniently located near Universal Studios Japan
- Address: 6-2-45 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka
- Namba Oriental Hotel
- Centrally located in the Namba neighborhood
- Address: 2-7-30 Nanbanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
Transportation:
- Osaka Metro: Efficient and convenient subway system with English signs and announcements
- JR Train: Connects to surrounding cities and airports
- Bus: Less frequent than the metro, but covers more areas of the city
Tips and Other Things to Know:
- Get an ICOCA card: A prepaid IC card that makes traveling on public transportation easy and convenient
- Learn some Japanese phrases: While many Osaka residents speak some English, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to communicate in Japanese
- Be prepared for crowds: Osaka is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for large crowds at popular attractions
- Try some local specialties: In addition to kushikatsu and fugu, try some other Osaka specialties like takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
Other Things of Interest:
- Universal Studios Japan: A must-visit for thrill seekers and fans of Japanese pop culture
- Osaka Museum of History: Learn about the city’s rich history and culture at this museum
- Sumo Spring Tournament: If you’re in Osaka in March, catch a sumo tournament at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
This itinerary should give you a good taste of what Osaka has to offer, but feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences!