Best 5 Day Osaka Itinerary Including Visits to Kyoto and Nara City!
Osaka Castle is the most iconic landmark in Osaka
Welcome to “The Nation’s Kitchen”, a loving nickname given to Japan’s nightlife and street food centric city of Osaka! Aside from Tokyo, Osaka is one of the best cities to visit in Japan, and for good reason. The city’s chill and laid back vibe is in stark contrast to hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and plus the street food in Osaka is absolutely worth a trip. In this 5 Day Osaka Itinerary, I’ll not only guide you through Osaka’s top attractions , but also show you how to easily visit nearby Kyoto and Nara, both just short train rides away and perfect for day trips.
From exploring the iconic fortress of Osaka Castle Park, to exploring the nightlife and eating tons of delicious Takoyaki at Dotonbori, to a day trip to the historical city of Kyoto, I’ve designed this itinerary to be a perfect balance of exploration and eating. So whether it’s your first time in the Osaka, Japan or you're just looking for a well balanced travel itinerary, my Osaka Itinerary has got you covered!
Also stick around to the end for a downloadable PDF version of this 5 Day Osaka Itinerary for you to print out into a booklet or to keep for offline reference!
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Your 5 Day Osaka Itinerary at a Glance
The most iconic landmark in all of Osaka, the Osaka Castle
If you’re in a hurry or just don’t wanna read through my blog post, here is a quick overview of how I structured this 5 Day Osaka Itinerary to make the most of everyday. Most people would spend only about 3 days in Osaka, making room in their itineraries to do day trips to the aforementioned nearby cities of Kyoto and Nara. So I’ve designed this Osaka Itinerary to be the best of both (more like three) the three cities.
Each day is themed around a different aspect of the region starting off with exploring the chill and relaxing city of Nara, then we’ll stay overnight at the historical city of Kyoto. Actually Kyoto is a pretty big city to explore as well, if you want to spend more time in Kyoto you can check out my 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary. After that we’ll come back to spend the remaining days having fun in Osaka.
So anyways, Here’s a quick breakdown of my 5 Day Osaka Itinerary:
Day 1: Trip Nara City, exploring Nara Park, Todai-ji, and Kasuga Taisha
Day 2: Trip to Kyoto, exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizu-dera temple
Day 3: Exploring Kyoto's Zen Bamboo Garden, Traveling back to Osaka
Day 4: High Octane Fun at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
Day 5: Exploring Osaka Street Food, Kuromon Ichiba, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori
Yeah, It’s a tight itinerary for sure but this itinerary gives you a great mix of the three big cities in the Kansai region. It’s a bit rushed so if you want a more chill Osaka Itinerary feel free to customize it to fit your schedule! On that note, you can download my 5 Day Osaka Itinerary for Free by filling out the form below.
Best Time to Visit Osaka, Japan
Dotonbori, Osaka’s nightlife district under the sunny summer sun
One of THE most common questions I get when planning a trip is “when is the best time to visit Osaka?” Well, the good news is that Osaka is a absolutely beautiful all year round. But note that each season offers a slightly different experience depending on what you're looking for. For example, Spring is of course the season of the cherry blossoms, Summer is the season of local festivities, autumn is great weather, and Winter is when you’ll catch the colorful winter illuminations.
I’ll break down each season in more detail below. This way, you can plan your Osaka itinerary to match your ideal holiday, so let’s get to it.
Visiting Osaka in Spring/Summer
The Tenjin festival that takes place in July, one of the largest festivals in Japan
Spring (March - May) in Osaka is one of the most popular times to visit for many tourists, and for good reason. The weather is cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C - 22°C (50°F - 72°F for your Americans), making it perfect for walking around outdoors in the city. It’s also the best time catch the cherry blossom especially at Osaka Castle Park. The flowers are in full bloom during late March and early April. Naturally, this is a very popular time to travel to Osaka so I recommend getting your hotel bookings in order for your Osaka Itinerary since rooms can sell out quickly. Sites like Agoda often have cheaper prices for earlier bookings.
Summer (June - August) brings hot and honestly kind of uncomfortable humid weather, with temperatures often climbing to 35°C (95°F). June also marks the start of the rainy season, though it’s not as heavy as say the monsoon season in Southeast Asia.
If you don’t mind the heat, summer does have its perks though, you’ll get to experience vibrant festivals like the Tenjin Matsuri in July, one of Osaka’s biggest events and considered as the Top 3 in all of Japan, this festival is a procession with fireworks, boats, parades, music and so on...
Visiting Osaka in Fall/Winter
Colorful LED lights will line the trees along the streets of Osaka during the winter
The Fall (September - November) is when the summer heat fades and the weather becomes much more comfortable and cool. Temperatures can range from around 15°C - 25°C (59°F - 77°F) so not too hot and not too cold. October and November are especially beautiful thanks to the vibrant yellow and orange autumn foliage at the various parks around the city.
Winter (December - February) is my absolute favorite time to visit not just Osaka but anywhere in Japan. Temperatures average between 3°C - 10°C (37°F to 50°F), so not quite low enough for snow to form but you’ll still want to pack a warm coat, and some gloves. Also there can be bits of hard and slippery ice around, so be careful when walking. I couldn’t tell you how many times my dad slipped on the ice… It’s quite scary actually.
I love traveling in winter for my Osaka Itinerary because it’s great season for foodies, with heart warming hot pot dishes like shabu-shabu or the warm and toasty char grilled meats of yakiniku being a highlighted meal for me. Plus it’s so fun to explore Kuromon Ichiba Market and snacking on various piping hot grilled seafood street food while the weather is cold out. Winter is also the best time to enjoy Osaka’s Winter Illuminations, like those at the Midosuji Boulevard. One downside though is that during New Years a lot of attractions are closed, so be sure to double check the opening times.
So you see that the city of Osaka shines in all seasons, so it’s totally up to your when you want to visit for your 5 Day Osaka Itinerary. For me winter, will always be my choice.
How to Get to Osaka from Tokyo
Osaka sits in the Kansai region of Japan, not the nearby cities of Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe
Getting to Osaka from Tokyo is extremely easy, in fact traveling across Japan in general is really easy thanks to the country’s vast network of railways. I’ll tell you about 2 methods, via Plane or Train. You could drive but for this Osaka Itinerary, time efficient transportation is preferred.
How to Get to Osaka by Plane (International or Domestic)
ZIPAIR, Japan’s new budget carrier that’s a subsidiary of JAL
If you’re traveling internationally, the easiest way to get to Osaka is by flying directly into Kansai International Airport (KIX). KIX is Osaka’s main international hub, with direct flights from major cities in the US, Europe, Australia, and across Asia. Once you land, you can take the 45 minute Haruka Express train straight to Shin-Osaka Station, the city center.
If you're already in Japan and are based in Tokyo, domestic flights from Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT) to KIX or Itami Airport (ITM) take about 1 hour. Keep in mind that Itami Airport is actually closer to central Osaka, making it more convenient for domestic arrivals. You can often find great flight deals on Kiwi.com, especially if you book in advance or use budget carriers like Peach or ZIPAIR. You can use the Kiwi.com widget below to find great deals on flights
While flying is pretty quick, don’t forget to factor in check-in times and the possibility of delays. In many cases, especially from Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train is just as fast, and far more comfortable in my opinion. The bullet train will also bring you right to Osaka’s city center. On that note, let’s talk about the traveling to Osaka by Shinkansen.
How to Get to Osaka by Train (Domestic)
Ahh the Shinkansen, the price of Japanese engineering and efficiency
The icon of Japanese engineering, the Shinkansen bullet train is the most effective method of domestic transportation, even beating out airplanes in terms of time efficiency and cost.
The Tokaido Shinkansen line connects Tokyo and Osaka directly, with the Nozomi train being the fastest option, these trains can reach operational speeds of up to 320km/h so with the distance of 500km between the two cities, the journey taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station. I know the math ain’t mathin’ but you’ll need to account for the time taken stopping at various stations along the way.
Anyways, I recommend purchasing a JR (Japan Railway) Pass which are tickets that includes unlimited rides across all of the JR’s transports (Shinkansen, local trains, airport rail, and even buses). The one I linked above covers the entirety of Japan, but if you are only traveling in the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara), there is a cheaper option which is the JR Kansai Pass. This will really come in handy as we will be traveling a lot by train between cities. These tickets can be picked up at the airport when you land in Japan or at the train stations themselves.
As for inner city travel in Osaka, Osaka has a large metro system making getting to places a breeze, however, note that the metro system is not covered in the JR Passes.
Best Hotels for Your Osaka Itinerary
Imagine how comfy those beds are
For my 5 Day Osaka Itinerary, we will be traveling to 3 different cities, however we will only be staying overnight at Kyoto and Osaka. So to make your travels easier I recommend booking a hotel in these 2 cities to make traveling around easier.
Best Hotels in Osaka that I Recommend
APA Hotel is a brand of business hotels all over Japan, trustworthy and comfortable
Osaka is where we will be staying for the majority of this Osaka Itinerary so it’s best to choose your hotel here wisely. Good thing is that Osaka itself is a compact and well-connected city with good inner city transportation reaching all the different tourist attractions. When in Osaka there are 2 main things to be concerned about, eating, and shopping.
That’s why I always recommend staying in Namba area is perfect. You’ll be within walking distance to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori 2 long roads connected perpendicular to each other. The former being a center for shopping, a long road lined both sides with countless clothing stores, restaurants, cafes, cosmetic shops. Every time I got to Osaka, I always snag a pair of shoes, Converse is my preferred wear. The latter, is the nightlife and foodie mecca, you’ll find most, if not all, of Osaka’s most famous eateries here, from piping hot octopus balls (Takoyaki), to scores of fresh King Crab, to juicy Yakiniku grilled meats.
There is also a very large street food market nearby called Kuromon Ichiba Market a fresh seafood market with probably a hundred stalls selling some of the most delicious seafood you can find in Osaka, giant scallops, freshly sliced Tuna sashimi, and tons of grilled Unagi (eel). And honestly I much prefer this market compared to Dotonbori.
Anyways here are my recommendations for hotels in Osaka to stay for your Osaka Itinerary:
APA HOTEL&RESORT OSAKA NAMBA EKIMAE TOWER - Central location right next to Namba Station, modern rooms, and great city views from the higher floors. Perfect for foodies who want easy access to Dotonbori.
Richmond Hotel Namba Daikokucho - Clean, comfortable, and slightly away from major attractions but still walkable to Kuromon Ichiba Market. Good if you want a quieter stay while staying close to the action.
APA Hotel Namba-Eki Higashi - Where I stayed at, affordable, compact, and just a few minutes’ walk from Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Ideal if you spend most of their time exploring and just need a simple place to stay.
Agora Place Osaka Namba - Stylish design hotel with a cozy vibe, located between Namba and Nipponbashi stations. Easy access to both street food markets and shopping streets.
Best Hotels in Kyoto that I Recommend
The rooms at Sotetsu Fresa Inn are clean, comfortable, and gets the job done
You’ll need to book a nice hotel in Kyoto because we are going to be staying here for 2 nights for our Osaka Itinerary. Kyoto is a city is packed with some of Japan’s most famous historical attractions like 10,000 Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the beautiful ocean of cherry blossoms viewable from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the lush and winding pathways of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Kyoto also has a good mix of neighborhoods depending on your travel style. With areas like mainly Gion, Higashiyama, or Kawaramachi that put you right near traditional streets, tea houses, and authentic local restaurants.
Staying Near Kyoto Station is also a good idea as it makes inner city transportation much easier. Here are a few hotels in Kyoto that I recommend for your 5 Day Osaka Itinerary:
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER - Right across from Kyoto Station, modern and spacious rooms, perfect for easy access to trains, buses, and day trips.
Sakura Terrace - Short walk from Kyoto Station, with free welcome drinks and a relaxing atmosphere, Adults only, no kids.
APA Hotel Kyoto-Eki-Horikawadori - Budget-friendly, compact rooms with all the essential amenities, located within walking distance of Kyoto Station.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo - Clean, comfortable, and located near Gojo Station, easy access to Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and central Kyoto’s main attractions.
Day 1: Nara Park and Deers
Hey there little guy
In this Osaka Itinerary, I’ll be saving the Osaka part last as there’ll be lots of shopping involved in Osaka so it’ll be easier for you to pack your bags near the end of the trip.
That said, first we’ll be heading over the the nearby city of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital (from 710AD - 794AD) and famous for temples, shrines, and its large population of very friendly and polite deers.
Morning: Travel from Osaka to the nearby city of Nara
Nara City is like the national park of the Kansai region
Assuming your flight arrives in the morning, when you arrive at Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan claim your JR Pass ticket at Kansai Airport. Once you got that we’ll be heading over to Nara City which is about 1.5 hours away by train from Kansai Airport.
From Kansai-Airport Station take the Airport Kansaikuko Line to
Tennoji Station, in the center of Osaka city. This part of the journey takes about an hour.
From there take the Yamatoji Line from Tennoji Station directly to Nara Station, this part of the journey will take approximately 30 minutes.
All of these trains are included in the JR Pass so there is no additional payments needed.
Afternoon: Exploring Nara Park and the Local Deer Population
These deers are so cute
Nara park is large public park within the city of Nara. Here is where you’ll spend the majority of your first day in this 5 Day Osaka Itinerary trip!
Nara Park is one of the must-see destinations within Nara City, spanning an extensive 660 hectares, the park is famous for its freely wandering (and very polite) deer and globally acclaimed temples.
Feeding the local deers is a popular activity, there are special crackers readily available throughout the park for you to purchase, when feeding the deers, they will bow in appreciation, how cute!
Evening: Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha
Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha are gorgeous pieces of architectural art
Continuing your Nara Park exploration, you’ll definitely want to check out Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha which are temples and shrines within Nara Park.
The Todai-ji Temple houses a 15m high Buddha statue and is the most prestigious of Nara's seven great temples.
On the opposite side of the park from Todai-ji is the Kasuga Taisha. The shrine is decorated with beautiful lanterns which are lit only twice a year during winter and summer.
If you want to do some more exploration there are also museums and tea houses scattered around Nara Park.
Day 2: Exploring Historical Kyoto
Foxes are an important image in Kyoto, especially at the Fushimi Inari Taisha
For day 2 (and 3) of our Osaka Itinerary, we will be spending some time exploring the historic capital of Japan, Kyoto.
Kyoto is famous for it’s many shrines and temples as well as being a great place to purchase some high quality green tea or matcha products. Yes, Kyoto is locally famous for their quality Matcha products.
As there is quite a lot more to explore in Kyoto compared to Nara, if you are looking for an easy way to travel then tours like the all inclusive Kyoto & Nara Day Tour is a convenient and very educational activity that you can take without worrying about planning.
Morning: Travel from Nara to Kyoto
Kyoto is a city of history and culture
Before we even start exploring Kyoto, you’ll need to head over to Kyoto City from Nara City. So say goodbye to the polite Nara deers.
We’ll be traveling by a local rapid train, not Shinkansen. You’ll want to hop on the Rapid Koyto Nara Line from Nara station to Kyoto station. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 720 JYP, of course if you have a JR Pass you won’t have to pay.
Afternoon: The Pure Water Temple of Kiyomizu Dera
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most beautiful temples I have ever seen
First destination is the world famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, it’s THE Kyoto landmark and you’d be missing out big time if you don’t come here.
The temple complex is made up of multiple buildings but the main hall overlooks a vast ocean of cherry blossoms. These flowers bloom during late March and will only last for 2 weeks until mid April, if you get the chance to visit during these limited times, you’ll be greeted by a sea of red/pink as far as the eye can see.
Another amazing thing to note is the construction of the temple. The main hall is supported by large wooden logs, and the whole building is constructed without any nails, nuts, and bolts!
I wrote a blog post about exploring Kiyomizu-Dera which you can read if you would like more information about this absolutely gorgeous temple.
Evening: The 1000 Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha’s hiking path feels almost surreal
Another famous Kyoto attraction is the Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the Inari Okami, the Japanese dieties of fertility, agriculture, industry, and foxes! There are approximately 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan but the Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is the most important.
The Fushimi Inari Taisha is spans from the base to the top of Mount Inari, doubling as a popular local hiking trail, you can hike through the roughly 10,000 Torii gates all the way up to the peak of the mountain.
If you are planning to hike, be sure to spare some time as the hike takes roughly 3 hours. However the good thing is that the shrine is open 24 hours, and some locals even hike late into the night to get a different (and spookier) atmosphere.
Much like Kiyomizu-Dera I also have a more in depth blog post about the Fushimi Inari Taisha if you would like to learn more.
Day 3: Kyoto Zen Gardens and Markets
Kyoto is also a city known for its zen-like atmosphere
Day 3 of our 5 day Osaka itinerary consists of a deeper exploration of Kyoto’s natural beauty through mainly the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Then in the evening we’ll be heading back to Osaka where the real fun of trip will be.
Morning: Exploring the Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kinkaku-ji is one of the many temples in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
In the morning I’ll be taking you to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a park that feels almost like you’re in a Japanese fairy tale. It’s one of the most photogenic and instagram-able spots in Kyoto. There are a lot of things to see at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove such as:
The Bamboo walkway
Monkey Park
Tenryuji Garden
Kimono Forest
Togetsukyo Bridge
Kinkaku-ji Temple
And many more…
The ones in bold are the attractions that I recommend you cannot miss.
Since the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a huge place with many temples and points of interests, it would be a good idea to book a tour such as the Arashiyama Walking Tour, where an English speaking guide will bring you to all the major landmarks to make your hike a lot more enjoyable.
Afternoon: Shopping for local goods at the Nishiki Market
Come to Nishiki Market for the freshest street food in all of Kyoto
Remember when I mentioned that Kyoto is the best place in Japan to purchase Matcha products? well Nishiki Market is not known as the “central kitchen of Kyoto” for no reason.
Being over 400 years old, eating through this heaven for street food and fresh produce is like learning about ancient Kyoto history. You could seriously spend a good chunk of your day here just eating, I know I certainly did ;)
In addition to getting some quick bites to eat, Nishiki Market is also a good place to purchase some local snacks to take home, that includes green tea products.
Some things to look out for when you are strolling through Nishiki Market:
Tsukemono - Various pickled vegetables, eat this as a side dish or with rice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Tamago-yaki - Japanese rolled omelette seasoned with a bit of dashi for sweetness.
Wagashi - Traditional Japanese sweets
Aritsugu Knives - For all you chefs out there, Aritsugu is famous for their high quality kitchen knives.
Evening: Travel Back to Osaka
Don’t worry, we’ll be visiting Dotonbori soon :)
After your shopping and eating spree at Nishiki Market, we’ll be heading back to Osaka. You’ll want to hop on a JR train at Kyoto Station from there it’s an approximately 25 minute journey to Shin-Osaka Station right in the center of Osaka City.
As for which railway lines to go on, there are 3 that you can choose that all go on the same route, with the same price of 580 JYP for a ticket, if you have a JR Pass, pricing won’t matter as it is FREE.
The 3 lines are:
JR Hida Line
JR Thunderbird Line (cool name by the way)
JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line
It doesn’t matter which one you pick.
Day 4: Universal Studios Japan
If you enjoy thrill rides, Universal Studios Japan is where you should be
Day 4 of our Osaka Itinerary is weirdly our first full day in Osaka and it’s going to be full of fun and excitement because we are going to Universal Studios Japan!!!
Before even entering Universal Studios Japan I recommend you purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass, this will allow you to bypass the long queues at each of the rides, which can stretch from 120 to 230 minutes!.
Note that an Express Pass is separate to a Studio Pass, which grants you entry into the park. You can purchase a Studio Pass at the above link to also enjoy a 1000 Yen meal and shopping coupon, plus a “Have Fun in Kansai Pass” granting access to 3 of the Kansai Regions best experiences like the Umeda Sky Building Observatory.
Universal Studios Japan
I’m not a huge Harry Potter fan but if you are, this is right up your alley
If you’re into films, Universal Studios Japan brings to life beloved characters and stories from Universal Studios' iconic movies and franchises, such as Harry Potter’s Wizarding World, Minions, Pokémon, Jurassic Park and so much more…
Some of the rides that I highly recommend you go on are:
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem - A 3D ride, good wholesome fun for the kids
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Meet iconic characters from the Harry Potter franchise
The Flying Dinosaur - A very very intense roller coaster ride complete with a Pterodactyl
JAWS - An exciting boat ride through an encounter with the terrifying shark. My favorite ride, just because I like water-based rides.
Super Nintendo World
I am a huge Nintendo fan tho, and Super Nintendo World is incredible
One thing you might’ve heard about Universal Studios Japan is the newly introduced Super Nintendo World! Here is where you can find rides and attractions from various Nintendo franchises (Mainly Mario). You’ll find rides and attractions like:
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Yoshi’s Adventure
Power-Up Band Key Challenges
Kinopio's Cafe
Yoshi's Snack Island
Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness
Even if you are aren’t a huge Nintendo fan, I still recommend you check out Super Nintendo World just because everything is so vibrant and fun.
Day 5: Exploring Osaka
The moment you’ve all been waiting for, finally exploring Osaka!
The final day in this Osaka Itinerary is a bit more chill, starting off the day is a trip to Osaka Castle Park, the most iconic landmark in Osaka, and then the rest of the day is full of eating and shopping.
I’ll bring you to the largest fresh seafood market in Osaka as well as witnessing the neon filled nightlife of Osaka’s famous Dotonbori street.
Morning: Visiting the Iconic Osaka Castle Park
Time to explore Osaka Castle Park!
The mornings are often the best time to visit parks due to the weather being so nice. The most famous park in Osaka is of course, the Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle Park covers an area of about 2 square kilometers and contains more than just a castle.
The main castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats. Here is where you can find other attractions within the park such as the Nishinomaru Garden, a lawn garden with 600 cherry blossom trees, a tea house, and the former Osaka Guest House.
You can also enter the actual Castle itself, though entry requires you to purchase a ticket for 600 JPY. Inside is basically a Museum about the history of the castle and the city.
I’ve written a blog post about my Explorations at Osaka Castle Park if you would like to learn more details.
Afternoon: Feasting at the Kuromon Ichibia Fish Market
Look at all of that delicious sushi
Being a huge foodie, Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market is definitely my favorite place in all of Osaka.
Here you’ll find hundreds of fresh, and ready to eat food from fatty tuna sushi to giant grilled king crab legs. Kuromon Ichiba fully opens around 12:00PM making it a perfect place to catch some lunch.
Even if you don’t typically like seafood, Kuromon Market still offers a bunch of other street foods like grilled Wagyu skewers, Taiyaki (pancakes in the shape of a fish), and mountains of sweet Japanese strawberries. Seriously the strawberries in Japan are divine.
I could go on and on about this market and I’ve already did with my Eating through Kuromon Ichiba blog post. As always feel free to check out the article if you would like more details about this foodie paradise.
Evening: Shopping and Eating at Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi
Shoes, clothes, cosmetics? Shinsaibashi has it all!
We’ve come to the end of our Osaka holiday and this is where you can do the bulk of your shopping!
The last location in this Osaka itinerary is a shopping spree in Osaka. The following areas are the best places to shop for goods in Osaka:
Shinsaibashi and Ebisubashi - The shopping street intersecting Dotonbori, full of cosmetics, clothing, shoes, and various other trendy and fashionable items.
DenDen Town - A street near the main Namba train station that is filled with Anime merchandise, modeling hobby stores, and video games. The Akihabara of Osaka if you will.
Shinsekai - a bustling and colorful district with many street food shops, and souvenir shops
Dotonbori - The street food epicenter of Osaka.
Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic Glico Running Man before you leave Osaka!
Discounts on Osaka Tours and Activities
Dotonbori is something straight out of a sci-fi neon Tokyo film
For finding great deals on tours or discounts on activities and experiences, I personally use services like Klook or Viator. Both work great but Klook is better for browsing activities in Asia.
You can use the widget below to browse for great prices on tours and activities throughout Japan.
5 Day Osaka Itinerary PDF Download
Want to have my 5 Day Osaka Itinerary handy while you travel? I’ve created a beautifully designed and easy to use PDF version that you can download right to your phone or tablet, or even print out before your trip to share with friends and family. It includes everything from this blog post in one place, no need to scroll, search, or worry about finding Wi-Fi.
Normally, I offer these downloadable itineraries as paid products in my shop (and you can still purchase them here if you’d like to support me directly), but I have an offer for you, I’m giving it to you completely FREE.
All you need to do is subscribe to my newsletter, The Feaster’s Memoir, using the form below and you’ll get instant access not only to this itinerary, but to every itinerary I offer in my shop, totally free. If newsletters aren’t your thing, no worries, you can unsubscribe any time after downloading the PDFs (though I’d love for you to stick around and check out the newsletter first!).
This is just my little way of saying a huge “Thank You” for being part of the Feaster community!
More Information About Traveling in Japan
Furthermore, here are some useful resources that you might need when you are traveling in Japan:
Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Japan
4G eSim for Japan - 4G 5-15 day eSim for Japan (QR code sent via email)
JR Railway Pass - The most important train ticket to get you around Japan