With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, Osaka is a must-visit destination in Japan. Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to this amazing city.
- Use public transportation: Osaka has an efficient and convenient public transportation system, including subways, trains, and buses. Purchase a transportation pass for unlimited rides during your stay.
- Try street food: Osaka is known as the “Kitchen of Japan” for its delicious street food. Don’t miss trying local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Visit historical sites: Explore Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji Temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine to learn about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
- Shop at Dotonbori: This bustling shopping and entertainment district is a must-visit for fashionistas and foodies alike. Don’t forget to try the famous Glico Running Man sign!
- Take a day trip to Kyoto or Nara: Both cities are easily accessible from Osaka and offer more historical and cultural attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
See the full list of top 20 sites and monuments to visit in Osaka after the suggested itinerary and hotels in Osaka.
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3 Days in Osaka / 3-day itinerary for your trip to Osaka:
Day 1:
- Visit Osaka Castle and explore its beautiful grounds
- Have lunch at a local okonomiyaki restaurant in Dotonbori
- Stroll along Dotonbori shopping street and try some street food
- Visit Shitenno-ji Temple for some peaceful reflection
- Dinner at a traditional Japanese izakaya
Day 2:
- Take a day trip to Kyoto to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Lunch at a local Kyoto restaurant
- Visit Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Return to Osaka for dinner at a local sushi restaurant
Day 3:
- Explore the bustling Kuromon Market and sample fresh seafood
- Visit the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city
- Have lunch at a local yakitori restaurant
- Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Dotonbori River
- Dinner at a local ramen shop
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Where to Stay in Osaka / Top hotels in Osaka:
Highest Rated Osaka Hotels Over $200 per night:
- St. Regis Osaka
- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
- InterContinental Hotel Osaka, an IHG Hotel
- W Osaka
- The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
Best Reviewed Hotels in Osaka Between $100 to 200 per night:
- Imperial Hotel Osaka
- The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
- Courtyard by Marriott Osaka Honmachi
- voco Osaka Central, an IHG Hotel
- OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts
Recommended Osaka Hotels Between $50 to 100 per night:
- The Royal Park Canvas – Osaka Kitahama
- Hotel Elcient Osaka Umeda
- Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower
- DEL style Osaka Shin Umeda by Daiwa Roynet Hotel
- Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
Top Osaka Hotels Below $50 per night:
- Five Hotel Osaka
- Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kitahama
- Tabist Hotel Asiato Namba
- HOTEL STATE TENNOJI
Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.
Things to Do in Osaka / Top Sites and Monuments to Visit in Osaka
- Osaka Castle – Explore this historical landmark and its beautiful grounds. Reference link
- Price: Admission to the castle is 600 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Chuo Line to Osakajokoen Station.
- Dotonbori – Experience the vibrant shopping and dining district of Osaka. Reference link
- Price: Free to explore, costs vary for food and shopping.
- How to get there: Take the Midosuji Line to Namba Station.
- Shitenno-ji Temple – Visit one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 300 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Tanimachi Line to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.
- Kuromon Market – Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at this bustling market. [Reference link](https://www.kuromon.com/en/) Price: Free to enter, costs vary for food purchases. How to get there: Take the Sennichimae Line to Nippombashi Station.
- Umeda Sky Building – Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the observation deck. Reference link Price: Admission to the observation deck is 1,000 yen. How to get there: Take the Midosuji Line to Umeda Station.
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine – Experience the serene atmosphere of this historic Shinto shrine. Reference link Price: Free to enter. How to get there: Take the Nankai Main Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Explore one of the largest aquariums in the world. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 2,300 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Chuo Line to Osakako Station.
- **Tsutenkaku Tower** – Admire panoramic views of Osaka from this iconic tower. Reference link
- Price: Admission to the observation deck is 700 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station.
- Namba Yasaka Shrine – Visit this unique shrine known for its towering lion head. Reference link
- Price: Free to enter.
- How to get there: Take the Kintetsu Namba Line to Namba Station.
- Spa World – Relax in a range of hot spring baths and saunas. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 2,700 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station.
- Osaka Science Museum – Explore interactive exhibits and displays on science and technology. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 400 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Chuo Line to Higobashi Station.
- Nakanoshima Park – Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this scenic park with views of the river. Reference link
- Price: Free to enter.
- How to get there: Take the Keihan Line to Watanabebashi Station.
- Osaka Museum of History – Learn about Osaka’s past and history through interactive exhibits. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 600 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel – Ride one of the largest ferris wheels in the world for panoramic views of Osaka Bay. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 800 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Chuo Line to Osakako Station.
- Hozenji Yokocho – Explore this traditional alleyway lined with restaurants and izakayas. [Reference linkhttps://osaka-info.jp/en/page/hozenji-yokocho) Price: Costs vary for dining. How to get there: Take the Midosuji Line to Namba Station.
- Osaka Mint Bureau – Visit during cherry blossom season to see the beautiful cherry trees in bloom. Reference link
- Price: Free to enter during cherry blossom viewing season.
- How to get there: Take the Sakuranomiya Line to Temmabashi Station.
- Hep Five Ferris Wheel – Enjoy views of the city from this iconic ferris wheel located at the Hep Five shopping mall. Reference link
- Price: Admission is 600 yen.
- How to get there: Take the Hankyu Line to Umeda Station.
- Osaka Bay Area – Explore attractions like Universal Studios Japan, Tempozan Harbor Village, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Reference link
- Price: Varies depending on the attraction.
- How to get there: Take the Sakurajima Line to Cosmosquare Station for Tempozan Harbor Village and the Aquarium, and take the JR Sakurajima Line to Universal City Station for Universal Studios Japan.
- Osaka Tenmangu Shrine – Pay a visit to this shrine dedicated to the deity of scholarship and learning. Reference link
- Price: Free to enter.
- How to get there: Take the Tanimachi Line to Minami-morimachi Station.
- Osaka City Central Public Hall – Admire the Neo-Renaissance architecture of this historic building. Reference link
- Price: Free to enter.
- How to get there: Take the Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station.
These are just a few of the many attractions Osaka has to offer, each providing a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and history. Enjoy your time exploring this vibrant city!
For more about Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Chiba, Fukuoka and other travel destinations in Japan, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
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