Osaka Japan 7 Day Itinerary

Osaka, Japan: 7-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Downtown Osaka

  • Check-in at Hotel (recommendations: Hotel Seagull Osaka, University Tower Hotel Osaka)
  • Visit Dotonbori: famous entertainment district with iconic Glico Running Man sign, Takoyaki (Octopus Ball) street food, and Kani Doraku Crab Restaurant.
  • Explore nearby Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade for trendy fashion stores.
  • Evening visit to Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory for stunning city views.

Day 2: Osaka Castle & Surroundings

  • Travel to Osaka Castle by JR Loop Line or Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line. Walk around the castle park and visit the museum inside.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant near Osaka Castle, such as Hana no Mai for traditional Japanese cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Tenmabashi Shopping Street and Tempozan Flea Market.

Day 3: Universal Studios Japan & Umeda Area

  • Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. Check out popular attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Minion Park, and Jurassic World - The Ride.
  • Evening in Umeda: Dine at Kuidaore Taisho no Yakata for Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) or Iron Fairies for a unique dining experience.
  • Explore Umeda Sky Building’s HEP Five shopping mall and its rooftop observatory, “Parco Rooftop Garden.”

Day 4: Day trip to Kobe & Hakutsure Sake Brewery

  • Travel to Kobe by JR Shinkansen or Hankyu Line. Visit the Kobe Port Tower for panoramic views of the city and harbor.
  • Lunch at a Kobe Beef restaurant, like Ichibee Sannomaru.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Hakutsure Sake Brewery for a tour and tasting of Kobe’s famous sake.
  • Return to Osaka in the evening.

Day 5: Amerikamura, Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower

  • Morning: Explore Amerikamura (American Village) for street fashion, cafes, and unique stores.
  • Lunch at a local eatery in Amerikamura or head to nearby Shinsekai district for Kushikatsu Daruma (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables).
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, climb to the top, and enjoy the view. Explore the surrounding area like the famous Billiken Statue and Spa World.

Day 6: Day trip to Nara & Kyoto

  • Travel to Nara by JR Yokaisuji Line or Kintetsu Railway. Visit the famous Todai-ji Temple and its massive Buddha statue, Nara Park with friendly deer, and the ancient city of Nara.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Nara, such as Kasumi-an for traditional Japanese cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Head to Kyoto by train (JR Yokaisuji Line or Kintetsu Railway). Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and its thousands of torii gates, and explore the surrounding area like Tofukuji Temple or Gion District.
  • Return to Osaka in the evening.

Day 7: Last Minutes & Departure

  • Spend the morning at leisure, shopping for souvenirs or visiting any attractions missed during the week.
  • Check-out from hotel and travel to Kansai International Airport or Osaka’s Itami Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Note:

  1. Japanese Etiquette: Bow lightly when greeting people, remove shoes in certain places, and use chopsticks appropriately.
  2. Transportation: Purchase an Icoca Card or Haruka Express Ticket for convenient transportation throughout the Kansai region.
  3. Language: English is not widely spoken, so it may be helpful to have a translation app or learn basic Japanese phrases.
  4. Cash & Credit Cards: Many small businesses only accept cash, but larger stores and restaurants usually take credit cards.
  5. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan; service charges are often included in the bill.