Osaka Guide: Itinerary and Top Attractions
Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan and has a history of 1400 years. Its economy ranks second in Japan, and its population ranks third.
photo by Han Min T | Chapman Chow | Roméo A.
Where to Stay in Osaka
Osaka Station and Namba Station serve as the transportation hubs of Osaka and are the preferred accommodation choices for most travelers.
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Located a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Station★★★★ Location 9.4 | Facilities 8.8 | Value for money 8.4
ibis Osaka Umeda
Located a 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Station★★★ Location 8.7 | Facilities 8.2 | Value for money 8.3
From Kansai Airport to Osaka Station:
| Option | Route | Total Time | Fare | Ticket Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Take the Haruka Express Train directly to Osaka Station. | 45m | Regular: 2410 yen, Discounted: 1800 yen, Free for JR Pass holders | On-site or by reservation |
| Cheapest | Take the JR Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid directly to Osaka Station. | 1h 13m | 1210 yen, Free for JR Pass holders | On-site only |
| Easiest | Take the Kansai Airport Limousine directly to Osaka Station. | 1h 22m | 1800 yen | On-site only |
Check Kansai Airport to Osaka for more details.
Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station
Located a 3-minute walk from Nankai-Namba Station★★★★ Location 9.3 | Facilities 9.1 | Value for money 8.8
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Namba
Located a 5-minute walk from Nankai-Namba Station★★★ Location 9.0 | Facilities 8.6 | Value for money 8.6
From Kansai Airport to Nankai-Namba Station:
| Option | Route | Total Time | Fare | Ticket Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Take the Nankai-Limited Express Rapit Beta directly to Nankai-Namba Station. | 41m | Regular: 1490 yen Discounted: 1300 yen | On-site or by reservation |
| Cheapest | Take the Nankai-Kuko Line Airport Express directly to Nankai-Namba Station. | 45m | 970 yen | On-site only |
| Easiest | Take the Kansai Airport Limousine directly to JR Namba Sta. [OCAT]. | 50m | 1300 yen | On-site only |
Check Kansai Airport to Osaka for more details.
Getting Around Osaka
In Osaka city, transportation mainly relies on the JR Loop Line (black and white lines) and the metro (colorful lines). The metro is the most commonly used, with fares based on distance ranging from 190 to 390 yen for adults. There is also an Osaka 1-Day Pass available: 820 yen on weekdays and 620 yen on weekends.
Osaka 2-Day Itinerary
Day1: Enjoy Universal Studios Japan
Day2:
Visit Osaka Castle to learn about Osaka’s history
Taste seafood at Kuromon Market
See whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium
Watch the sunset at Osaka Harukas Observatory
Have dinner in Dotonbori, then go shopping in Shinsaibashisuji
- If you’re traveling with toddlers, you might consider visiting Kids Plaza Osaka.
- If you’re interested in Japanese anime and manga, you can go shopping at Nipponbashi Denden Town. It’s similar to Akihabara in Tokyo.
Top Attractions in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is the most popular attraction in Osaka.
Hours: 9am - 7/8/9pm, Depending on the specific date
Admission: Adults 8400 yen, Children 5400 yen
Duration: 1 day
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
Transportation: Take JR to Universal-City Station
- Please download the official app to check wait times and show schedules.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD requires a Timed Entry Ticket for entry.
Selected Video: Universal Studios Japan ATTRACTION GUIDE
Park Map: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/service-guide/parkmap
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Kumamoto Castle are collectively known as the three famous castles in Japanese history. Osaka Castle Park covers an area of 106.7 hectares and is free to enter. It’s a park for people to stroll and enjoy the autumn views. The Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum) is situated in the center of the park and requires an admission fee for entry.
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults 600 yen, Free for children under 15 years old
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/
Transportation: You can take the Osaka Metro and get off at Temmabashi Station, Tanimachiyonchome Station, or Morinomiya Station. Alternatively, you can take the JR and get off at Morinomiya Station or Ōsakajōkōen Station. From there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Osaka Castle.
- The castle has eight floors, which you can reach by stairs or elevator.
- On the 2nd floor, you can try on helmets and armor replicas for 500 Yen.
- The 5th floor showcases miniature models and films about summer battles in Osaka, making it the most captivating floor.
- The observation deck on the 8th floor, 50 meters high, provides panoramic views of Osaka.
photo by Nicholas Doherty
Selected Video: Osaka Castle | Drone Footage
Selected Video: Osaka Castle tourist
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market is known as the kitchen of Osaka, with over half of its stalls selling seafood. However, due to the high prices, locals don’t necessarily consider it their ‘kitchen’, and the number of tourists often exceeds that of locals. Nevertheless, with its convenient location and lively atmosphere, Kuromon Market is perfect for first-time visitors to Japan.
Hours: 9am - 6pm
Duration: 30 minutes
Website: https://kuromon.com/en/
Transportation: Take the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line (Brown) or Sennichimae Line (Pink) to Nippombashi Station. Exit 10, then a 3-minute walk.
photo by Roméo A.
Selected Video: I Tried Fish Market Food in Japan
Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN
There are more than 15 large tanks themed around the Pacific Ocean ecosystem. The largest tank is 9 meters deep, 34 meters long, and holds 5,400 tons of water. It features 620 species and 30,000 diverse creatures, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. However, the facility is relatively small and lacks dolphin shows, making the overall experience less impressive compared to the aquariums in Okinawa and Nagoya.
Hours: Depending on the specific date
Admission: Adults 2700 yen, Children 1400 yen
Duration: 2 hours
Feeding: See the timetable for feeding schedule
Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/
Transportation: Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line (Green) to Osakako Station. Exit 1, then a 10-minute walk.
There are coin lockers available at the entrance.
If you prefer a quieter and less crowded environment, it is recommended to visit after 6 PM.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an excellent touch pool, but unfortunately, it is no longer available.
photo by Roméo A. | note thanun
Selected Video: OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN
Osaka Harukas Observatory
The observation deck, standing 300 meters tall, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka, making it the best spot to enjoy both sunset and night views.
Hours: 9am - 10pm
Admission: Adults 2000 yen, Children 1200 yen
Duration: 30 minutes
Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/observatory/
Transportation: Take JR or Osaka Metro Midosuji Line (Red) or Tanimachi Line (Purple) to Tennōji Station. Look for the signs. There’s an elevator that goes directly to the 16th floor.
The entrance is on the 16th floor. After purchasing tickets, proceed to the 58th to 60th floors for the observation deck.
The sunset and night views are the most beautiful.
Simple meals are available on the 58th floor at affordable prices.
photo by Sho K | Roméo A. | Clark GuSelected Video: Osaka Abeno Harukas Observatory Walking Tour
Shinsaibashisuji & Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi is a shopping street that runs north-south. Dotonbori is the name of the canal, which can also be simply understood as the riverside food street. The two streets intersect at Ebisubashi Bridge.
Transportation: You can take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line (Red) and get off at Shinsaibashi Station, exit from South Exit 10, stroll all the way to Ebisubashi Bridge, and then head to Dotonbori. Just search for ‘Ebisubashi’ on Google Maps for directions.
Ebisubashi Bridge：
Standing on the bridge, you can see the iconic Glico billboard and the view of the Dotonbori River. Occasionally, you might even catch a Japanese idol group dancing along the riverbank.
photo by cegoh |Richard Tao
Shinsaibashisuji
Actually, this is just an ordinary shopping street without any special features.
Selected Video: Shinsaibashisuji shopping street Walk
Dotonbori
The night view of this street is very unique, videos simply cannot do it justice, you have to come and experience it in person!
Selected Video: Exploring Dotonbori at Night
photo by Nomadic Julien
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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