Unleash the Fun: 3-Day Osaka Itinerary

Explore the diverse culture and vibrant energy of Osaka.

03 May 2023

Osaka, Japan is a vibrant and fascinating city with countless attractions for tourists. From historic temples and shrines to modern shopping districts, there is something for everyone. Must-see destinations include Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, and the bustling Dotonbori district with its famous food and nightlife.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Namba

  • Stay: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
  • Dotonbori Riverwalk for street food and people-watching
  • Namba Yasaka Shrine for a unique photo opportunity with a giant lion head
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh seafood and local specialties
  • Hozenji Yokocho alley for a traditional Japanese atmosphere and a statue that grants wishes
  • Namba Parks for shopping and a beautiful rooftop garden
Day 2

Castles and Animals

  • Osaka Castle for a glimpse of Japan's history and stunning views from the top
  • Osaka Museum of History to learn about the city's past
  • Tsurumi-ryokuchi Park for a peaceful stroll and a visit to the Japanese garden
  • Tennoji Zoo for a look at both exotic and domestic animals
  • Tsutenkaku Tower for a panoramic view of the city and a quirky atmosphere
Day 3

Day trip to Kyoto

  • Take a train to Kyoto for a day trip
  • Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and hike through the famous torii gates
  • Explore the traditional streets of Gion and look for geishas
  • Check out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful architecture and a stunning view of the city
  • Grab some matcha desserts and souvenirs in the historic Higashiyama district before returning to Osaka
  • Food recommendations:
  • Takoyaki at Kukuru in Dotonbori
  • Okonomiyaki at Mizuno in Dotonbori
  • Ramen at Ichiran in Namba
  • Yakitori at Torikizoku
  • Sushi at Endo Sushi in Kuromon Ichiba Market
  • With its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, Osaka is a city worth exploring for any traveler. From bustling markets to serene parks and towering castles, there's something for everyone in this vibrant destination.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Osaka, Japan by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport, which is located approximately 50 kilometers from downtown Osaka.

Car

Driving from Tokyo to Osaka is not recommended as it requires navigating through densely populated urban areas and is approximately a 7-hour drive. However, if you prefer to drive, the most direct route is to take the Tomei Expressway and then transfer to the Meishin Expressway.

Train

One option to get to Osaka, Japan by train is to take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and is the fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka by train.

Boat

There are no direct ferry services from Tokyo to Osaka. However, you can take a ferry from Tokyo to Kobe Port and then transfer to a train or bus to reach Osaka. The ferry journey takes around 18 hours and is operated by Diamond Ferry.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are several long-distance overnight bus services that operate between Tokyo and Osaka. One of the best options is the Willer Express, which offers comfortable seats and multiple departure times.

Destination

Osaka

Known as the Nation's Kitchen, Osaka is the place to go if you're looking to stuff your face with delicious food and still manage to walk away with a smile (and a few extra pounds). Just make sure you come with an empty stomach and plenty of stretchy pants!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Unleashing Osaka's Charm in 5 Days!

A trip to Osaka, Japan on a limited budget can be a fun and exciting experience. Budget accommodations can be found throughout the city, and transportation by subway is affordable and efficient. Visiting local street markets and exploring the city's rich culture and history can be done on a budget while still enjoying all that Osaka has to offer.