7-Day Osaka Itinerary

Osaka is one of those cities where you could spend weeks upon weeks exploring and finding something new every day. As one of Japan’s top destinations, it’s often difficult to plan or decide where to stay, where to go, and what to do.

To inspire you, we’ve crafted a seven-day itinerary of some of our favorite spots and things to do in Kansai’s most vibrant city. From theme parks to heritage sites, this plan has a little something for every type of traveler.

There are three areas we recommend you stay in while you’re exploring Osaka and its surrounding regions: Kita-ku (Kita Ward), Minami-ku (Minami Ward) and Honmachi-ku (Honmachi Ward)

Kita-ku

As an intersection between four of Osaka's main transport lines, Kita-ku provides unparalleled access to different parts of the city and other locations like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Kita-ku is great for travelers looking to minimize their downtime outside of traveling as it's super central. Another benefit is that the area is full of life, and no matter the time, you'll always have things to do and eat right outside your hotel room.

Minami-ku

In close second place in terms of accessibility is Minami Ward, with three different train lines converging here: namely the Kintetsu, Nankai, and JR lines. Additionally, Minami is an amazing spot for those who want to dive deep into the vibrant nightlife and mouthwatering culinary scene. For avid shoppers, this is also an amazing location to stay, as Minami has sprawling shopping streets and commercial areas.

Honmachi-ku

Sandwiched between two bustling wards (the aforementioned Kita and Minami Wards) is a relatively quieter area: Honmachi. While it doesn't have as many restaurants, activities, or shopping destinations as the other two areas, its location makes it the perfect place to walk to either Kita or Minami when you need to. Don't want to walk? Take the Midosuji subway line from Honmachi station to wherever you need to.

9:30 a.m. – Osaka Castle

Start your adventure with a pilgrimage to the striking Osaka Castle. The castle was under the watch of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a samurai legend known as one of the "Great Unifiers of Japan". We suggest you get there earlier as from midday onwards, the number of visitors surges and you might have to queue up to enter the castle or struggle to find a place to sit down and take in the sights.

Note: If you are entering the castle, buy a combination ticket for both Osaka Castle and Osaka Museum of History, this will give you a discount on the admission tickets.

As one of Japan's most famous landmarks, it does get busy, so if you're not interested in touring the modern reconstruction, just wander around Osaka Castle's surrounding parks. We recommend walking around the main keep of Osaka Castle (which is in Osaka Castle Park) and then visiting the Nishinomaru garden. Nishinomaru is a lawn garden that hosts around 300 cherry trees, a Japanese tea house, and a stunning view of the castle and its sobering stone walls. For visitors going in spring, the garden is open until 8 p.m. during sakura (cherry blossom) season for evening viewings.

11:30 a.m. – Lunchtime

We suggest staying in the area for lunch to minimize traveling time and keep you moving on your first day. We recommend visiting Miraiza Osaka-jo, a chic shopping mall located in one of Osaka Castle Park's historic buildings. To avoid the usual lunch rush, go earlier than 12:00 p.m. to find a place to sit and eat at your own pace. Not that hungry? We recommend visiting THE KONAMON BAR RIKYU, named after one of its konamon (flour-based foods) and regional specialties: takoyaki (grilled octopus balls).

1:00 p.m. – Osaka Museum of History

After grabbing a bite to eat, head to the Osaka Museum of History to learn more about the city's storied past by exploring the permanent exhibition covering the history and showcasing archaeological artifacts of Greater Osaka.

The museum often rotates the artifacts in its featured exhibitions and has special exhibitions with varying themes. One of the best things about the museum is its accessibility, as most exhibits have English information.
Went through the museum pretty quickly? We recommend you check out Tamtsukuri Inari Shrine, a Shinto Shrine constructed in 12 BCE. Several shrines in the area are not as notable as some mentioned later on this list but might make a fun little walking tour before the sun sets.

5:00 p.m. – Dotonbori

After exploring Osaka Castle and its surroundings, we will tour one of Osaka's most famous spots: Dotonbori. To get there from the Osaka Museum of History, walk to Tanimachiyonchome Station and take the Tanimachi Line to Tanimachi 9-chome Station. Transfer to the Sennichimae Line and take a ride one stop to Nippombashi Station.

Known for its bright neon lights and lively atmosphere, Dotonbori is home to many shops and street performers, but mostly it's loved for its food scene. If you need some advice on what you should eat, you can't go wrong with Osaka-style okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake dish) or kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables). If you can’t make a decision, take a moment to stroll down the street with some takoyaki in your hand and see what catches your eye.

If you still have energy, it's worth staying in the area and exploring the bars and izakaya (a Japanese bar) to round off an exciting first day.

10:00 a.m. – Osaka Tenmagu Shrine

For Day two, we're going to wander around Tenma, a neighborhood just east of Kita Ward. Firstly head over to Osaka Tenmagu Shrine, a 10th-century Shinto shrine. The shrine is one of the most important shrines dedicated to Tenjin, the Shinto deity related to academics and scholarship. Today, locals still come to Tenjin-devoted shrines before exam periods begin to receive an academic fortune from the deity. Osaka Tenmagu Shrine has been destroyed multiple times by fires, and its current main gate and honden (main hall) were constructed in 1845.

11:30 a.m. – Osaka Museum of Housing & Living

After visiting the shrine, walk to the Osaka Museum of Housing & Living in the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Arcade. The museum recreates Osaka's streets during the Edo period, immersing visitors in Japanese history. We recommend you rent the audio guide as this gives you context for what you're looking at and the different sections of the museum.

1:00 p.m. – Lunch and Shopping at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

As one of the longest shopping streets in Japan, there is no shortage of finger foods and delicious meals for you to get into. We recommend spending lunch and the rest of the day here and just exploring the different specialties and boutiques open here. Two must-try things, though; the korokke (potato and minced meat croquette) and a cup of coffee from the local kissaten (Japanese teahouse).

6:00 p.m. – Nightlife time

In the evening, the district (where the Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street is located) comes to life. If you check out the alleyways and narrow roads near Tenma Station's Northern exit, you can see hole-in-the-wall spots open up for you to eat at or dig into one of the many cuisines on offer here.

9:00 a.m. – Choosing USJ or Osaka Aquarium

For many, visiting Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the main reasons to visit Osaka. As the second-ever Universal Studios theme park to open outside the US, it garnered fame and love from fans worldwide.

USJ most recently opened its Super Nintendo World, which features attractions focused on Mario and other beloved Nintendo characters. The park opens at different times during the week, so check the opening times before you make your way there. Go to USJ via the JR Yumesaki Line and get off at Universal-City Station.

While USJ is a fantastic place to visit, it may not be the most affordable option out there. We suggest visiting Osaka Aquarium as a fun alternative for those who are looking to get away from the noise and crowds of USJ and want something equally as fun and inspiring. To get to the aquarium, take the Subway Chuo Line to Osakako Station and walk for 10 minutes to the main building.

If you finish early and want to take in the view, there's also the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel or Mount Tenpō right next to the aquarium offering views over Aji River and Osaka. Please note that the aquarium only opens at 10:00 a.m. so adjust your timing accordingly.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

Those heading to USJ, we suggest having lunch in one of the many themed cafes and restaurants in the park. If you're visiting the aquarium, sample some of the local food at Tempozan Marketplace, which hosts various stores and a food court.

1:00 p.m. – Afternoon action

In the afternoon, USJ visitors will continue around the theme park. For those who visited the aquarium, you can visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka to fill out the rest of the afternoon or visit one of the nearby parks, like Yahataya Park, to soak in the remaining sunlight.

6:00 p.m. – Night views

Later, make your way to the Umeda Sky Building, a stunning skyscraper that offers panoramic city views. The building also houses several restaurants and shops, making it a great place to have a meal, shop, and watch the city as it transitions from afternoon to night. If you're not a fan of heights, the area is also home to some amazing restaurants and bars for you to enjoy your night.

All day

Famous for its shrines, temples, and deer, Nara is just one of those places that you can't miss out on visiting if you're in Osaka.

Home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, it's clear why Nara calls itself "the Jewel in Japan's World Heritage Crown". There's no set itinerary for this destination as we believe it's best you explore the timeless city at your own pace and by your own interest.

To get there from Osaka, you can take a JR train from Osaka or JR Namba Stations (which are covered by the JR Rail Pass). From Osaka Namba, you can take the Kintetsu line, which takes you to Kintetsu Nara Station, which is more centrally located than JR Nara Station.

If you need some inspiration for what to do in Nara, you can:

• Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Feed the deer that roam Nara Park
• Check out Buddha at Todaiji Temple
• Wander through Mt. Kasuga's Primeval Forests

Evening

In the evening, make your way to Uranamba, a neighborhood known for its nightlife and entertainment. The area has several bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Uranamba is an excellent spot to go bar hopping and find hidden gems tucked away in smaller alleyways.

10:00 a.m. – Sumiyoshi Taisha

Today, kick off with a visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Osaka's oldest and most important shrines. The shrine was founded in the third century, it was constructed with a unique style of shrine architecture built before Buddhism's introduction to the country. Near the main shrine grounds entrance is the beautiful Sorihashi Bridge, which arches over a pond.

To get to Sumiyoshi Taisha, take local trains or try Osaka's tram via the Hankai Tramway line from Tennoji.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

We recommend you visit Kawakatsu, an unagi restaurant within walking distance from the shrine, for lunch. Be warned that there isn't much space inside the restaurant; it's a cozy affair, so plan elsewhere if you're traveling in a larger group.

1:00 p.m. – Relax

After grabbing some lunch, head to the nearby Sumiyoshi Park, which is home to several walking trails and picnic areas. Alternatively, head over to one of the many wellness clubs or onsen (Japanese hot spring) that are in the area if you wish to unwind fully.

4:00 p.m. – Nakazakicho

After taking it slow, we recommend you visit Nakazakicho, Osaka's hipster neighborhood that has a vintage but almost quirky vibe to it. There are several trendy shops and cafes and is a fun place to explore for the rest of the afternoon.

All day

Himeji city hosts one of only 12 original Japanese castles which have survived the past World War. Its sprawling castle complex and intricate architecture are some of the few features which make Himeji Castle Japan's supposedly most beautiful keep. As a National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site, it would be a shame to miss Kansai's Shirasagi-jo, or White Heron Castle, aptly named after its shining white rooftops.

Getting there is easy and can be done either by Shinkansen, Special Rapid Service (JR), or the limited express from Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station.

Evening

In the evening, make your way to Hozenji Yokocho, a small alleyway that is lined with traditional restaurants and shops. It's an atmospheric street on the north side of Hozenji Temple and hosts a diverse range of bars and culinary spots.

All day

Spend your last day in Osaka shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji, Amerikamura, Den Den Town, or Osaka Station City. These are the most famous shopping areas in the city but offer almost completely different products.

Shinsaibashi-suji is a covered shopping arcade with a collection of brand stores, chain stores, and independent boutiques – perfect for nearly every type of shopper. Amerikamura, on the other hand, is Osaka’s center of youth fashion and is home to various thrift stores and smaller boutiques.

Den Den Town is the melting pot of gaming and otaku culture, similar to Tokyo’s Akihabara. But if you’re looking for regular department stores, Osaka Station City has the highest concentration.

Dinner

In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at Okonomiyaki Mizuno, a Michelin-recommended restaurant that specializes in okonomiyaki. If you don’t manage to get a booking, try Fue, a restaurant that was featured on the popular Netflix show "Street Food".

After Dinner

Finally, as the final spot in Osaka, be sure to visit the Kitashinchi District, a neighborhood loved for its upscale bars and restaurants. It’s known to locals as one of Osaka’s famous nightclub and entertainment districts and is a great way to end this thrilling seven-day journey.