How to Spend A Day in Osaka, Japan
If you only have a limited amount of time in Osaka, this is the ideal one-day itinerary for you. From Dotonbori to Osaka Castle to Shinsekai, this guide ensures you hit all the main spots in just one day.
Osaka is a vibrant city that is known for its delicious street food, thriving night life and modern vibe. While I would recommend spending more than a day here, especially if you are planning to do day trips (check out my 4-day itinerary here), I know that Japan trips can often be pretty packed with limited time.
It is possible to see the main sights of Osaka with only one day, but beware that this will be a pretty busy day. You can adapt the itinerary and leave out some things that may not interest you as much, but I will include all the main must-see attractions here.
I had an amazing time in Osaka and know you will too, so let’s get started 🙂
How to get to Osaka?
Whether you are flying into Osaka or headed there from your previous destination by train/bus, here is exactly how to get to the city center:
Flying into Osaka
There are actually three airports within the vicinity of Osaka: Kansai International Airport, Osaka Itami Airport (Domestic) and Kobe Airport. I am including Kobe airport as the time from it to Osaka city center is just around an hour which is comparable to Kansai Airport.
Itami Airport is only for domestic flights so if you come from say Kyoto, Tokyo or other areas in Japan. I actually flew in from Northern Japan, Sapporo, as I had just finished working my ski season there, however, my flight still went to Kansai Airport.
Where to stay in Osaka?
The best areas in Osaka to stay in are Namba, Shinsaibashi, Umeda and America-mura as they are central with great transportation links and lots of attractions nearby. Check out my in-depth guide on where to stay here.
Best hostels in Osaka for backpackers:
Best hotels in Osaka:
How to get around Osaka using public transport?
Osaka is made up of an extensive public transportation network. You can either buy single trip tickets at the ticket machines or use an IC card (a prepaid card that you can use for transportation, convenience stores, lockers and many more things around Japan).
Osaka’s version is called ICOCA but you can also use Tokyo’s Suica card or any other. Prices start at ¥1000 including a 500yen deposit that is refundable at the end of your holiday. The other 500yen are loaded onto the card. You can buy the ICOCA at JR stations or Kansai airport and top it up at any train/subway station and most convenience stores.
Google Maps works well when navigating around Osaka and it even tells you which exits to take at the huge subway stations.
One Day Osaka Itinerary
Here is everything I would do if I only had one day in Osaka. This will not include the two main day trips (Nara and Himeji Castle) or Universal Studios – I would recommend all three if you have some extra time.
Start the day at Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine located right in central Osaka and well worth a visit (free to enter). It looks quite different to most shrines in Japan, famous for the open-mouthed lion stage that is said to “eat” evil spirits.
My favourite part of the shrine was the “ema” plaques you find at most temples, here they were small wooden plates, where anyone can write their wishes and prayers. I saw so many different languages and wishes, it felt very special.
Head over to Dotonbori to see the famous Glico Man
You haven’t seen Osaka if you haven’t seen the famous Glico Man sign in Dotonbori (the running man with the red and blue background). Dotonbori itself is like Osaka’s Times Square, an explosion of billboards and tourists.
The entire area is lively, full of bars, restaurants, live music, street food and shops. It is also well-known for its nightlife, with lots of bars and clubs.
As for food, fuel up with a crab bun from the famous Kani Doraku restaurant as well as some Takoyaki (grilled Octopus balls) from one of the many street vendors.
Explore Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
Just above Dotonbori, you will find the famous Shinsabashi-suji shopping street which is a 600m long arcade filled with fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs and more. This is the perfect place to get your Osaka souvenirs and fill up that second suitcase you hopefully brought.
Some of my favourite shops are Daiso (for affordable goodies), GU (Uniqlo’s cheaper sister company), the many drugstores (often cheaper than Don Quijote) and the Onitsuka Tiger shop (cool shoes).
A quick pit-stop in America-mura to soak in the atmosphere
America-mura is in my opinion an underrated area of Osaka. It is vibrant, artsy and has lots of unique clothing shops, including thrift stores and vintage American shops. The atmosphere here is completely different to the rest of Osaka, with a younger crowd and more trendy vibe.
Dive into Osaka’s history at Osaka Castle
It’s time to get on the subway and head to what is often considered Osaka’s most famous landmark, Osaka castle. It is located on a big complex featuring a moat, shrines, a museum, a shopping mall, street food carts and a garden. This is the place to grab lunch and really learn more about Osaka and its history.
The castle itself is stunning from the outside with graceful architecture and vibrant colours. The inside has been remodelled into a museum which is worth a visit if you aren’t planning on heading to Himeji castle.
Finish the day at Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower
Get back on the subway and head down to Shinsekai to end the day (alternatively head to Umeda Sky which I have added below). This area is overwhelming in the best way, well-known for the many restaurants, food stalls and neon signs you can find here. If you have the time, head up Tsutenkaku Tower, which is one of Osaka’s famous landmarks and markers of innovation, and features a 100m high observation platform (book tickets here).
Look out for Billiken, the god of good fortune at Tsutenkaku Tower. You will see the funny-looking mascot everywhere here and there even is a shrine. I would highly recommend getting dinner here, the choice of restaurants is unbeatable.
If you have some extra time:
Get 360 degree views of Osaka from Umeda Sky
If you have some energy left at the end of this action-packed day, try and catch the sunset at Umeda Sky. I queued for about half an hour for the glass lift and escalators (which are free) as I didn’t want to buy the actual tickets and still get some of the views, but if you get the tickets there is a normal lift which you can ask the staff about with no wait time.
The tickets are worth it on a clear day as you will get 360-degree views over Osaka – the change from day to night at sunset is especially beautiful.
Wander around Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples
If you are into history and have some extra time after Osaka Castle, this is the temple for you. It is located in the Tennoji Ward of Osaka (right by Shinsekai) is one of Japan’s earliest temples, founded in 593 by the prince Shotoku Taishi. The whole complex is quite big and a beautiful walk in the morning, featuring a stunning five-story pagoda.
Visit the famous Daruma dolls at Katsuō-ji temple
This temple is an hour outside of Osaka, so a little bit of a trek, however well worth it if you have the time. It is famous for being covered in the red Daruma dolls, signifiers of good luck in Japan. The temple itself is picturesque and in a beautiful location and the dolls only add to the experience (and unique photos).
You also get an empty frame when purchasing a ticket that you can fill with stamps while perusing the grounds. In the end, you will have a totally unique stamp of the temple and Daruma dolls as a souvenir,
Is one day in Osaka enough?
You can see the main sights of Osaka in just 1-2 days, however I would recommend adding extra days for Nara, Himeji Castle and Universal Studios.
I would say you need 3-4 days if you want to include the two main day trips to Nara (bowing deer) and Himeji Castle and 5 days if you are including Universal Studios on your trip.
What is Osaka best known for?
Osaka is known for its food, especially street food such as Takoyaki, vibrant atmosphere and nigthlife as well as its history.
Key places of interest include Dotonbori for the Glico running man and nightlife, Osaka castle to learn about its culture and history, America-mura and Shinsaibashi for shopping and Shinsekai again for its food.
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