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Spending 3 days in Osaka is an ideal likelihood to discover Japan’s third-largest metropolis, the place historical historical past, neon-lit streets, and scrumptious meals come collectively. Osaka is properly deserving of a go to throughout your Japan journey. Better of all, it’s a family-friendly vacation spot too!
We cherished Osaka. There have been so many enjoyable locations to go to and a few of the finest meals from our total Japan journey!
We now have put collectively our 3-day Osaka itinerary that can assist you plan your individual go to, full with insider ideas and urged actions to benefit from your journey.
![glico man sign in dotonbori.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/japan-trip-52-1200x900.jpg)
Planning a Go to to Osaka
Osaka is slightly underrated as a vacation spot in Japan and whereas it’s usually on the vacationer route for anybody wanting to go to the primary vacationer cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it tends to get the least hype.
Whereas you’ll nonetheless definitely discover large crowds in central Osaka, similar to you do in Tokyo, it nonetheless feels rather less hectic. At the very least, that was the vibe we obtained.
How To Get To Osaka
![limousine bus.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-13-1200x900.jpg)
The closest airport to Osaka is Kansai Worldwide Airport (KIX), which is well-connected to central Osaka through varied transit choices:
- Airport Limousine Bus: The Limousine bus is an reasonably priced and handy selection, with direct routes to Osaka’s primary areas, together with Common Studios and central Osaka.
- JR Kansai Airport Specific “Haruka†Prepare: Preferrred for JR Go holders, this specific practice shortly connects Kansai Airport with Osaka’s main stations, together with Shin-Osaka.
In the event you’re travelling from elsewhere in Japan, Osaka is definitely accessible through Shinkansen (bullet practice), making it a fast journey from Tokyo, Kyoto, or different main cities.
Finest Time to Go to Osaka
Spring (March to Might) and fall (September to November) have the most effective temperatures for a go to to Japan. With the comfy climate, you additionally get seasonal perks of cherry blossoms in March and April and fall foliage.
Cherry blossom season is the most well-liked time to go to Japan although, so anticipate large crowds in any respect the sights. You may additionally prefer to keep away from Golden Week on the finish of April to early Might for native crowds.
Summer time will be sizzling and humid, however it’s additionally when town hosts vibrant festivals.
We visited in September which nonetheless had the acute Summer time warmth and it was fairly insufferable at occasions. Not splendid for exploring outside!
How Lengthy Do You Want in Osaka?
Three days is an effective size to discover Osaka’s primary sights at a cushty tempo.
Nevertheless, including an additional day for a day journey, equivalent to to Kyoto or Nara, is totally a very good possibility in case you have the time and aren’t already visiting Kyoto throughout your Japan journey.
How To Get Round Osaka
Google Maps: may be very dependable for navigating public transit. Main stations, like Shin-Osaka Station and Namba Station, are key transit hubs that join town and the Kansai area.
Osaka’s subway system and Japan Railways (JR) traces make it straightforward to get round. When you have a JR Go, you should utilize this on the JR Line to maneuver between main stations or get an Osaka subway cross for limitless rides for a day or two.
Insider Tip: Think about buying an Osaka Wonderful Go for limitless journey inside sure areas and reductions or included entry for a lot of sights.
The place To Keep In Osaka
![four single beds in standard room.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/hotel-universal-port-vita-10-1200x900.jpg)
There are lots of choices for lodging in Osaka. Think about areas that match your journey plans.
Namba and Shinsaibashi are nice for these eager to immerse themselves in Osaka’s vigorous eating, buying, and nightlife, with easy accessibility to Dotonbori’s vibrant neon lights and avenue meals.
Umeda (Osaka Station space) is a good selection for guests searching for comfort, because it’s a serious transport hub connecting to Kyoto, Nara, and past.
We selected to remain within the Common Studios space of Osaka Bay, realizing we had plans for an enormous full day at USJ throughout our go to. Plus it was a fast and simple practice trip to Dotonbori so it was excellent for us.
We stayed at Resort Common Port Vita which was 5 minutes from the Common Studios entry gate!
Our 3-Day Osaka Itinerary: Household-Pleasant
![osaka city dotonbori canal.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-4-1200x900.jpg)
We cherished our journey to Osaka. This was the final vacation spot on our 2-week Japan itinerary and we might simply have spent one other couple of days in Osaka, as there was so much we didn’t match into our 3-day itinerary.
A part of this was additionally because of the excessive warmth which minimize our days shorter than we might have favored. Subsequent time, we stay up for seeing extra of historic Osaka, together with the UNESCO World Heritage Websites within the metropolis and surrounding areas.
We arrived in Osaka the afternoon earlier than from Kyoto, stopping for a Nara day journey on the way in which, so this technically might kind a part of your 3-day Osaka itinerary as a substitute when you wished to swap out Common Studios Japan.
We hope our actual itinerary under will aid you plan your individual go to to Osaka. We now have additionally included some different one-day Osaka itinerary concepts under that you are able to do too, that can assist you plan your excellent first journey to Osaka!
Day 1: Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Morning:
![Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street entrance.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-10-1200x1600.jpg)
Begin your day with a go to to Shinsaibashi-suji Buying Road, a coated arcade with infinite buying choices, from worldwide manufacturers to quirky boutiques.
We additionally made certain to go to the Pokemon Centre (our third for the journey) because the youngsters wished to go to as many as they might.
There’s a Pokemon cafe right here however it books out actually fast so when you’re eager to dine right here, ensure you do it as quickly as reservations open.
![pokemon centre in osaka.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-12-1200x900.jpg)
In the event you’re searching for one thing distinctive, take a look at Amerika-mura close by, Osaka’s reply to Tokyo’s Harajuku, identified for its youth tradition and trendsetting outlets.
Lunch:
You’re in the very best place for lunch! Osaka was one in every of our absolute favorite locations throughout our total Japan journey for meals. And one of the best ways to take pleasure in it’s to pattern all the road meals on provide round Dotonbori.
![takoyaki balls.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-8-1200x1600.jpg)
![Okonomiyaki in dotonbori.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-19-1200x900.jpg)
Osaka is known for takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) – must-try dishes for any customer.
![ten yen cheese pancake in dontonbori osaka.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-9-1200x1600.jpg)
We additionally cherished the ten yen cheese pancake. Candy but savoury and SOOOO good!
![child with candied fruit in dotonbori.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-7-1200x1600.jpg)
![child eating strawberry ice cream in dotonbori.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-11-1200x1600.jpg)
![matcha mochi dessert.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-18-1200x1600.jpg)
Plus just a few candy treats as we explored the realm, like these yummy strawberry desserts. Candied fruit, matcha-flavoured mochi and ice cream.
Afternoon:
![dotonbori canal.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-2-1200x1600.jpg)
Take a stroll alongside the Dotonbori Canal, identified for its vibrant ambiance and neon billboards. Snap a photograph with the long-lasting Glico operating man and discover the close by alleys brimming with distinctive outlets and avenue meals stalls.
![ebisu tower ferris wheel.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-1-1200x1600.jpg)
We rode the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel. It’s hooked up to the facet of a mega Don Quijote retailer and it’s fairly distinctive. The trip takes round quarter-hour for a full circuit.
The views aren’t superb however it’s nonetheless a cool expertise, being that it’s the primary on the earth to have a 4-seat cabin that rotates horizontally and the primary oval ferris wheel. The view is likely to be higher by evening.
![riding the ebisu tower ferris wheel.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-14-1200x900.jpg)
Every gondola suits simply 4 folks and it’s 600 yen per individual, no matter age. We headed there straight after lunch, as quickly because it opened for the day and there was already a giant lineup.
It’s fairly excessive and slightly creaky which made our littlest individual nervous, however it was tremendous and we had enjoyable.
Insider Tip: Arrive a minimum of 20 minutes earlier than opening to beat the large queue.
Night:
Wrap up with a river cruise alongside Dotonbori for a singular view of Osaka’s lights. Strive dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) or enterprise to a ramen or sushi spot within the space.
Day 2: Common Studios Japan
![front gate of universal studios japan.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/universal-studios-japan-18-1200x900.jpg)
Arrive early at Common Studios Japan (USJ) to benefit from your day, particularly if visiting throughout peak season. The park virtually all the time opens sooner than the scheduled time, so test the web site and be there earlier!
Lots of people arrive an hour or extra earlier than opening. That’s probably not our model however even arriving half-hour early, the park was already open so it may need been a good suggestion, particularly if it’s essential transit from central Osaka!
![holly at the wizarding world of harry potter in japan.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/universal-studios-japan-11-1200x1600.jpg)
Learn our full Common Studios Japan information that can assist you plan your day as a result of this place will get loopy busy and when you don’t have a plan, you might stroll out disillusioned on the finish of the day.
If it’s in your funds, put money into the Specific Go. We obtained Specific Go 4 since we weren’t doing the large thrill rides (as the youngsters aren’t eager) however the Specific Go 7 is hottest and sells out shortly. You’ll want to guide your entry passes and Specific Go earlier than you go to!
![super nintendo world japan universal studios.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/universal-studios-japan-2-1200x1600.jpg)
Points of interest like Tremendous Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and rides such because the Hollywood Dream and The Flying Dinosaur are vastly in style, so the Common Specific Go permits you to skip the lengthy traces.
In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to be visiting throughout a particular time of 12 months, it’s even higher. We have been there through the Halloween Horror Nights celebration which was lots of enjoyable!
In the event you’re staying close by, the Common CityWalk is a good spot for dinner or a last-minute memento if you’re leaving the park earlier than closing. It stays open late with eating places galore.
Insider Tip: Search for single-rider traces to shorten your wait time on some rides, and ensure to obtain the Common Studios Japan app for dwell wait occasions, present schedules, and restaurant particulars.
Day 3: Tempozan Space and Osaka Aquarium
Morning:
![catching the tempozan free ferry from across the river.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-15-1200x900.jpg)
Catch the ferry throughout to Tempozan Harbor Village to discover the sights. Since we stayed proper close to Common Studios Japan, this was a straightforward day journey for us however even if you’re staying elsewhere in Osaka, Tempozan is properly price visiting!
![Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-17-1200x900.jpg)
Begin on the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of many largest aquariums on the earth. The aquarium’s distinctive design permits you to view marine life from a number of views as you spiral across the huge central tank.
It is a place you may spend fairly just a few hours when you actually wished to however there’s lots extra to see and do right here.
E book your aquarium tickets right here
Afternoon:
![tempozan ferris wheel across the river.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/osaka-5-1200x1600.jpg)
Subsequent, take a trip on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for sweeping views of Osaka Bay and town skyline.
Tempozan Market is close by and options outlets, eating, and leisure, together with a Lego Discovery Centre. There are some cute outlets right here for souvenirs and equipment.
Night:
Wrap up your day at Naniwa Meals Theme Park in Tempozan Market, the place you’ll be able to strive Osaka’s basic avenue meals like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), until you’re heading to the airport late as we did with our 10 pm flight again to Australia.
Insider Tip: In case you are visiting Tempozan Village from the Common Studios space, there’s a free ferry that goes throughout the water. Its a little bit of a stroll from the USJ space, however free is superior contemplating you’ll in any other case pay 900 yen or 1700 yen return for the Captain Line Shuttle Ferry. We select the 15-minute stroll over the paid ferry!
Different 1-Day Osaka Itinerary Concepts
In case you aren’t so eager on a number of of the times in our Osaka 3 day itinerary above, you’ll be able to combine it up by switching out a day for one in every of these 1-day Osaka itineraries as a substitute.
- Basic Osaka: Begin with the long-lasting Osaka Fortress, then head to Dotonbori for lunch, buying, and night views alongside the canal.
- Fashionable Osaka & Umeda Sky Constructing: Start on the futuristic Umeda Sky Constructing for panoramic views, then discover the bustling outlets and eateries at Osaka Station Metropolis and Grand Entrance Osaka. Finish with a stroll alongside Nakazakicho, Osaka’s hip, classic neighbourhood.
- Osaka for Historical past Lovers: Dive into Osaka’s previous by visiting Shitenno-ji Temple, one in every of Japan’s oldest temples, then head to Namba Yasaka Shrine to see the distinctive lion-head-shaped constructing. End your day on the Osaka Museum of Historical past for interactive displays on town’s historical past.
High Day Journeys from Osaka
![sika deer with baby in nara.](https://fouraroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_2433-1200x900.jpg)
You may also add one in every of these Osaka day journeys to your itinerary instead possibility for a number of days of the above options:
- Kyoto: A 30-minute practice trip brings you to Japan’s historical capital, the place you’ll be able to discover temples, gardens, and conventional tea homes.
- Nara: Take a day journey to Nara from Osaka, which is round a 45-minute practice trip away and feed the bowing sika deer that roam freely at Nara Deer Park earlier than exploring a few of the oldest temples and shrines within the nation, like Todai-ji Temple.
- Kobe: Recognized for its scrumptious beef, the port metropolis of Kobe gives scenic waterfront views and easy accessibility to Mount Rokko for mountaineering.
Osaka with Youngsters
Osaka is a unbelievable vacation spot for households. Each Common Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium provide interactive displays and family-friendly sights and our children cherished sampling all of the yummy meals in Dotonbori.
There’s the Pokemon Centre and Pokemon Cafe in addition to many different character-themed shopped, gashapon machine shops and claw machine arcades for household enjoyable with the youngsters!
FAQs About Osaka
What Is the Osaka Wonderful Go?
The Osaka Wonderful Go gives limitless journey on Osaka’s subway and bus methods and supplies free or discounted entry to in style sights. It’s a money-saver when you plan to go to a number of websites in a short while.
Do I Want the Japan Rail Go in Osaka?
A Japan Rail Go just isn’t important for travelling inside Osaka itself, however it’s helpful when you plan to discover different cities within the Kansai area, equivalent to Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe. In any other case, an IC card for native journey could also be adequate.
Should-Strive Meals in Osaka:
Often known as Japan’s “kitchen,†Osaka has a wealthy meals tradition. Pattern avenue meals like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and ramen. For a singular expertise, go to Kuromon Ichiba Marketplace for contemporary seafood, snacks, and native delicacies.
Is Osaka Price Visiting?
Completely! With its mix of historic websites, vibrant leisure districts, distinctive meals tradition, and pleasant locals, Osaka gives a unique facet of Japan that’s much less formal than Tokyo however simply as fascinating.
We hope our three-day itinerary for Osaka helps you intend your individual excellent journey, with loads of concepts on spend your time on this thrilling Japanese metropolis! Be sure you pattern as a lot of the scrumptious meals as you’ll be able to and take a look at our full Japan itinerary for extra concepts to plan your time.
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