Osaka, Japan-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Shinsaibashi

Places to Go

  • Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade: A famous pedestrian shopping street with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Dotonbori: A popular area known for its neon lights, giant billboards, and unique street food.

Activities

  • Explore the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
  • Take a stroll along Dotonbori and snap photos with the famous Glico Man sign
  • Visit the nearby Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh sushi and snacks

Where to Eat

  • Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: A popular tonkatsu restaurant in Osaka (Shinsaibashi area)
  • Kani Doraku: A crab restaurant with a wide variety of dishes (Dotonbori area)

Accommodation

  • Hotel Keihan Universal Tower: A 3-star hotel near Shinsaibashi Station, within walking distance to the shopping arcade.
  • Remm Akihabara Hotel Osaka: A 2-star hotel in the heart of Dotonbori, with easy access to restaurants and shops.

Transportation

  • Take a train from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Shin-Osaka Station on the JR Kobe Line
  • From Shin-Osaka Station, take the subway to Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Line

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Be prepared for large crowds in Dotonbori, especially at night
  • Try some street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market or other vendors along Dotonbori
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the famous Glico Man sign

Day 2: Osaka Castle and Museum

Places to Go

  • Osaka Castle: A majestic castle that served as a symbol of Japanese power in the past
  • Osaka Castle Museum: A museum located within the castle grounds, showcasing exhibits on Japanese history and art.

Activities

  • Visit Osaka Castle and take in its stunning views from the top
  • Explore the surrounding park, which features beautiful gardens and walking paths.
  • Visit the Osaka Castle Museum to learn about Japanese history and culture

Where to Eat

  • Kani Doraku: A crab restaurant with a wide variety of dishes (near Osaka Castle)
  • Ichiran Shibata: A popular tonkatsu restaurant in Osaka (near Osaka Castle)

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1 (Hotel Keihan Universal Tower or Remm Akihabara Hotel Osaka)

Transportation

  • Take the subway from Shinsaibashi Station to Osakajokoen Station on the Chuo Line
  • From Osakajokoen Station, walk to Osaka Castle and Museum.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for large crowds during peak season (April-May or September-November)
  • Try some of the local specialties at street food vendors near Osaka Castle.
  • Don’t miss the beautiful gardens and walking paths surrounding the castle.

Day 3: Umeda Sky Building and Shinsekai

Places to Go

  • Umeda Sky Building: A unique skyscraper with a rooftop observatory offering panoramic views of Osaka
  • Shinsekai: A retro-style amusement park with vintage games, food stalls, and shops.

Activities

  • Visit the Umeda Sky Building and take in its stunning views from the top.
  • Explore Shinsekai, which offers a nostalgic atmosphere and unique shopping experience.
  • Try some of the local street food and snacks at vendors within the area.

Where to Eat

  • Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: A popular tonkatsu restaurant in Osaka (near Umeda Sky Building)
  • Tsuruhashi Fugetsu: A retro-style izakaya with a wide variety of dishes and drinks (in Shinsekai area)

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1 or 2 (Hotel Keihan Universal Tower or Remm Akihabara Hotel Osaka)

Transportation

  • Take the subway from Shinsaibashi Station to Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line
  • From Umeda Station, walk to the Umeda Sky Building.
  • To reach Shinsekai, take a short subway ride from Umeda Station to Tsuruhashi Station.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Be prepared for large crowds at the Umeda Sky Building during peak season
  • Try some of the unique snacks and drinks offered by vendors within Shinsekai.
  • Don’t miss the retro-style atmosphere and nostalgic charm of the area.

Day 4: Spa World and Shinsekai

Places to Go

  • Spa World: A large onsen (hot spring) facility offering various baths, saunas, and spa treatments
  • Shinsekai: Explore this retro-style amusement park with vintage games, food stalls, and shops.

Activities

  • Visit Spa World for a relaxing soak in the hot springs or try some of their spa treatments.
  • Continue exploring Shinsekai, which offers a unique shopping experience and nostalgic atmosphere.
  • Try some local street food and snacks at vendors within the area.

Where to Eat

  • Tsuruhashi Fugetsu: A retro-style izakaya with a wide variety of dishes and drinks (in Shinsekai area)
  • Ichiran Shibata: A popular tonkatsu restaurant in Osaka (near Spa World)

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1 or 2 (Hotel Keihan Universal Tower or Remm Akihabara Hotel Osaka)

Transportation

  • Take the subway from Shinsaibashi Station to Esaka Station on the Chuo Line
  • From Esaka Station, walk to Spa World.
  • To reach Shinsekai, take a short subway ride from Umeda Station to Tsuruhashi Station.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for long lines at Spa World during peak season
  • Try some of the unique snacks and drinks offered by vendors within Shinsekai.
  • Don’t miss the retro-style atmosphere and nostalgic charm of the area.

Day 5: Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi

Places to Go

  • Dotonbori: A popular area known for its neon lights, giant billboards, and unique street food
  • Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade: Explore this famous pedestrian shopping street with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Activities

  • Spend the day exploring Dotonbori and take in its vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the nearby Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh sushi and snacks.
  • Continue exploring Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and try some local specialties at food stalls within the area.

Where to Eat

  • Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: A popular tonkatsu restaurant in Osaka (Shinsaibashi area)
  • Kani Doraku: A crab restaurant with a wide variety of dishes (Dotonbori area)

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1 or 2 (Hotel Keihan Universal Tower or Remm Akihabara Hotel Osaka)

Transportation

  • Take the subway from Shinsaibashi Station to Dotonbori Station on the Midosuji Line
  • From Dotonbori Station, walk to Dotonbori and explore the area.

Tips and Other Things of Interest

  • Be prepared for large crowds in Dotonbori during peak season
  • Try some street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market or other vendors along Dotonbori.
  • Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the famous Glico Man sign.