Osaka Travel Guide

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