Osaka, Japan-6-day-itinerary

August 5, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Shinsekai

Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka’s Itami Airport (ITM)
9:00 AM: Take the JR Express Train from the airport to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the subway to get to Shinsekai Station ( approx. 30 minutes, ¥560)
10:00 AM: Visit Shinsekai, a retro-themed district with vintage shops and restaurants
12:30 PM: Lunch at Tsujiri Shinsekai, a traditional Japanese tea house serving high-quality matcha and sweets
2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples (free admission)
6:00 PM: Dinner at Kani Doraku Shinsekai, a famous restaurant serving crab dishes
Evening: Explore the lively streets of Shinsekai and try some local street food

Accommodation:

Stay at Hotel Keihan Universal Tower, a convenient hotel near Shinsekai Station (from ¥10,000 per night)

Day 2: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori

9:00 AM: Take the subway from Shinsekai to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, then transfer to the JR Express Train to Osaka Castle Station ( approx. 20 minutes, ¥200)
10:00 AM: Visit Osaka Castle, a majestic castle with great views of the city (admission ¥600)
12:30 PM: Lunch at Dotonbori, a popular area known for its food, entertainment, and shopping
2:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city (admission ¥1,500)
6:00 PM: Dinner at Gindaco Shinsekai, a popular restaurant serving takoyaki (octopus balls)

Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

9:00 AM: Take the subway from Shinsekai to USJ Station ( approx. 15 minutes, ¥200)
10:00 AM: Visit Universal Studios Japan, a theme park with popular attractions like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park
12:30 PM: Lunch at one of the many restaurants within the park
2:00 PM: Enjoy the rides and shows in the park, or visit the nearby Universal CityWalk Osaka, a shopping and entertainment complex
6:00 PM: Dinner at one of the many restaurants in USJ

Day 4: Kuromon Ichiba Market and Shinsaibashi

9:00 AM: Take the subway from Shinsekai to Shinsaibashi Station ( approx. 10 minutes, ¥200)
10:00 AM: Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market, a bustling market with fresh produce and local goods
12:30 PM: Lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Shinsaibashi area
2:00 PM: Visit Shinsaibashi, a popular shopping district with high-end boutiques and small shops
6:00 PM: Dinner at Kani Doraku Shinsekai, a famous restaurant serving crab dishes

Day 5: Abeno and Tennoji

9:00 AM: Take the subway from Shinsekai to Abenosuki Station, then transfer to the JR Express Train to Tennoji Station ( approx. 20 minutes, ¥200)
10:00 AM: Visit Abeno, a historic district with old shops and restaurants
12:30 PM: Lunch at one of the many restaurants in Abeno
2:00 PM: Visit Tennoji Zoo, a popular zoo with over 200 species of animals
6:00 PM: Dinner at Kani Doraku Shinsekai, a famous restaurant serving crab dishes

Day 6: Last Day in Osaka

9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier
12:30 PM: Lunch at one of your favorite restaurants in Osaka
2:00 PM: Head to the airport for your departure flight

Tips and Other Information

Transportation: Use the Osaka Metro or JR Trains to get around the city. Buy an IC Card, such as ICOCA or SUICA, to make travel more convenient.
Currency: The Japanese yen is the local currency. You can exchange money at airports, banks, or currency exchange machines.
Language: While many Osaka residents speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases like "" (konnichiwa) for “hello” and "" (arigatou) for “thank you.”
Food: Try local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. Wash it down with a glass of sake or a cup of green tea.
Weather: Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Pack accordingly.

Accommodation

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the time of year and availability.