Osaka Itineraries: For Half-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day Trips

3 Recommended Osaka Itineraries

Osaka boasts a wide variety of sightseeing spots and fine food. This article introduces three itineraries (half-day, two days, and three days) to enjoy the area.

There are tips to tour the spots efficiently and information supplied by locals. Those planning a trip here should refer to this article.

Osaka Itineraries

1. Half-Day Itinerary in Osaka
2. Osaka 2-Day Itinerary
3. Osaka 3-Day Itinerary
4. Hotels in Osaka
5. Osaka Souvenirs

Half-Day Itinerary in Osaka

Since time will be limited, travelers should focus on a certain area. We recommend two routes from Namba to Dotonbori, which can be accessed easily from Shin-Osaka Station and from Osaka Castle to Tennoji.

Route 1: From Namba to Dotonbori

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Minami is a downtown district that surrounds Namba Station and Dotonbori. Eateries serving Osaka cuisine, such as Kushikatsu Hyotan, Kani Doraku, Dotonbori Kukuru, and Konamon Museum, are lined up on the street, making this an ideal place to eat.

From Shin-Osaka Station, it is a 15-minute ride on the Midosuji Line to Namba Station.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping at Amerikamura or have an afternoon drink in the Ura Namba area. Those who love standup comedians should visit Namba Grand Kagetsu for a live performance.

Route 2: From Osaka Castle to Tennoji

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After a visit to Osaka Castle—one of three major castles in Japan, head to Tennoji—where Abeno Harukas, Tsutenkaku, and Tennoji Zoo are located. The view from the observation deck of Abeno Harukas, the second-tallest building in Japan, is breathtaking.

Shinsekai has many eateries, perfect for those who want to taste Osaka cuisine. After switching trains at Osaka Station, it is a 20-minute ride to Osakajokoen Station from Shin-Osaka Station.

Tsuruhashi Shotengai (shopping street) is located three stations away from Tennoji. The streets in this area are lined with eateries serving Korean cuisine. Most restaurants close early, so visiting Tsuruhashi first and then heading for Tennnoji would be better.

Abeno Harukas
Address: Postal Code 545-6016/Osaka, Osaka, Abeno, Abenosuji Itchome 1-43
Business hours vary by floor.
Official Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/

Osaka 2-Day Itinerary

If you have more time, you can combine the two routes mentioned above into this itinerary over two days.

Another option is to visit Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and the Osaka Bay Area, where Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located. Be sure to drop by USJ first and head for the bay afterward.

Day One: Universal Studios Japan

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The first day of the tour starts from USJ, where you can enjoy popular attractions like Harry Potter and Super Mario.

The route from Shin-Osaka Station to Universal City Station, including switching trains at Osaka and Nishi-Kujo stations, takes about 20 minutes.

The tickets for a single day at USJ are as follows:

1. 1-Day Studio Pass: Valid all-day

2. Twilight Pass: Valid after 15:00

3. Night Pass: Valid after 17:00

There are multiple types of tickets, so be sure to choose one that fits your visit. The Universal Express Pass also reduces the waiting time for attractions.

Universal Studios Japan
Address: Postal Code 554-0031/Osaka, Osaka, Konoshima, Sakurajima Nichome 1-33
Business Hours:
From Sunday to Friday/8:00 to 22:00
Saturdays/9:00 to 21:00
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

Day Two: The Osaka Bay Area

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On the second day, we recommend visiting Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums. Tempozan Market Place, a large commercial facility, is located nearby, where visitors can enjoy marine animals and shopping.

They can also take in the bird's-eye-view of Osaka from the Ferris wheel.

Santa Maria, a sailing ship that cruises Osaka Bay, can be boarded near Kaiyukan. The day cruise takes about 45 minutes. There is also a twilight cruise, which is conducted occasionally.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Address: Postal Code 552-0022/Osaka, Osaka, Minato, Kaigan-dori 1-1-10
Official Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/

Osaka 3-Day Itinerary

A 3-day plan allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely tour. The recommended route starts from Minoh to Ikeda, Tennoji, and ends at Kita. Minoh can be easily accessed from Itami Airport.

Day One/Morning: Minoh Falls

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Minoh Falls is among Japan's Most Beautiful 100 Waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the view of the roaring water dropping 33 meters to the basin.

The route from Shin-Osaka Station to Minoh Station takes about 40 minutes, including switching trains at Osaka, Umeda-Osaka, and Ishibashi Handai-mae stations. From Itami Airport, take the Osaka Monorail to Hotarugaike Station, switch to Hakyu Railway, and head for Minoh Station via Ishibashi Handai-mae Station. This route takes about 30 minutes.

It is a 40 to 50-minute walk from Minoh Station to the waterfall. Since the scenery changes seasonally, it should be a refreshing trek. In autumn, the colorful foliage draws many visitors posting photos on social media.

It might be a good idea to have lunch along the way at Yuzuya Hashimoto-tei. The first floor is a cafe with terrace seats, where visitors can drink Minoh Beer while listening to the sounds of the river. The second-floor restaurant is open to customers with reservations.

Day One/Afternoon: Minoh-san Ryuanji Temple, Minoh Park Insect Museum

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After lunch, let's head to the waterfall. Minoh-san Ryuanji Temple, located along the way, worships Benzaiten, a deity of prosperity in business and wealth. The temple is also where the Japanese lottery ticket originated.

Praying for monetary fortune might be a good idea. Zuiun-kyo, a vermilion bridge crossing over the Minoh River, is another popular spot that draws young visitors with its beauty.

Following the waterfall, drop by Minoh Park Insect Museum, which displays rare insects and butterflies from overseas.

Day One/Night: Minoh Onsen

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After the trek, spend the night at the Minoh Kanko Hotel near Minoh Station and rest your body for the next day. The hotel has an open-air bath built into the mountain slope, where guests can take in the nighttime view of Minoh when the weather is clear.

Day Two/Morning: CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

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From Minoh Station, ride the Hankyu Railway to Ikeda Station via Ishibashi Handai-mae Station and visit the CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda. This is an experience-based facility, and there is no admission. The museum, displaying various materials regarding instant noodles, along with a gift shop, is a place for ramen enthusiasts.

Please note that the chicken ramen workshop requires a reservation. Those who wish to participate in the cup noodle workshop will have to wait in line according to the number of their entrance tickets.

If you have time, visit Ikeda Castle Remains Park, located 20 minutes away by foot from Ikeda Station. There is a Japanese garden on top of a hill, which offers a great view.

CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
Address: Postal Code 563-0041/Osaka, Ikeda, Masumi-cho 8-25
Business Hours: 9:30 to 16:30
Official Website: https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka_ikeda/

Day Two/Afternoon: Tennoji Zoo, Tsutenkaku

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The next stop is Tennoji, where you can visit Tennoji Zoo and Tsutenkau. It is a 50-minute ride from Ikeda Station to JR Tennoji Station, switching trains at Umeda-Osaka and Osaka stations.

Tennoji Zoo, celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2025, offers visitors the opportunity to watch lions, polar bears, and rare animals such as kiwis and Chinese wolves. Night Zoo, a time-limited event, is held occasionally.

Tsutenkaku is an Osaka icon registered as a tangible cultural property. It is within walking distance of the zoo so that both facilities can be visited on the same day.

Day Two/Night: Harukas 300

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There are two dinner choices. You can taste kushi-katsu, an Osaka cuisine featuring deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers, in the Shinsekai district near Tsutenkaku. Alternatively, you can dine while enjoying the nighttime view from a restaurant in Harukas 300, one of the highest observation decks in Japan, standing 300 meters above the ground inside Abeno Harukas.

The latter choice, which comes with romantic scenery, is perfect for couples.

Harukas 300 is hosting a barbecue event from April 24 to October 20, 2024, which has become popular as an opportunity to enjoy the view while dining.

In the past, there was an event where participants tasted shabu-shabu while being warmed by a kotatsu (*), so some might be lucky to encounter a unique event here.

*A traditional Japanese device with a heating unit set under a low table and covered with a blanket.

Day Three/Morning: Umeda Kita Area

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On the third day, we recommend touring the Kita area in Umeda around Osaka Station. Shin-Osaka Station is easily accessible from Kita, making it convenient for those planning to ride the Shinkansen home.

Travelers who stayed at Tennoji the night before can visit Osaka Castle on their way to Kita.

This area has large commercial facilities such as Grand Front Osaka and Umeda Sky Building. With a wide range of stores, it's an ideal place to look for souvenirs for yourself or gifts for family and friends.

Hotels in Osaka

Since there are many attractive hotels in Osaka, look for an accommodation with features that pique your interest, such as the location or an open-air bath. The following are two recommended hotels.

Hotel Universal Port

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

From Hotel Universal Port, it is a 4-minute walk to USJ. A monitor in the lobby shows the current waiting time for various attractions. Tickets can also be purchased in the hotel so guests can save time.

As an official USJ hotel, the hotel offers many privileges perfect for those planning to spend time at the park. Please note that the Universal Express Pass, which will shorten the waiting time, cannot be purchased at the hotel.

Minoh Kanko Hotel

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Minoh Kanko Hotel, located near Minoh Station, offers a variety of bathing experiences. It has an open-air bath with a panoramic view of Minoh City and large, private bathing rooms. This is the perfect place to rest your weary body.

Guests can also enjoy buffet-style dining, one of the largest of its kind in western Japan. They can also enter Oedo Onsen Monogatari, an onsen (hot spring) theme park, for free.

Osaka Souvenirs

Milk Manju Tsukigesho, produced by Aoki Shofu-an, is an ideal choice for handing out to colleagues at the workplace. Made with ample butter and milk, it has a moderate taste that is suitable for everyone.

Those looking for a humorous souvenir should try Dotonbori no Kobito or Omoshiroi Koibito. Both items can be purchased at Shin-Osaka Station or Itami Airport.

Enjoy Sightseeing in Osaka

Osaka boasts several places to visit, such as the Kita/Minami area, Osaka Castle, USJ, and Minoh Falls. Use this article as a guide and create an itinerary for your next trip!

Main image by Pixta
Written by Kakutama Editorial Team