This itinerary offers a well-rounded exploration of Osaka, combining cultural experiences, entertainment, and historical sites.
Weather: Osaka's weather is generally mild, with warm, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Be prepared for potential rain throughout the year.
Tips:
*Start early: Osaka is a bustling city, so starting your day early will help you avoid crowds and maximize your time.
*Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
*Bring an umbrella: Osaka is known for its sudden showers, so an umbrella is a good idea, even on sunny days.
*Learn a few basic Japanese phrases: Even a few phrases will go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable.
*Enjoy the local cuisine: Osaka is famous for its delicious food, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties.
*Take advantage of the public transportation system: Osaka has an efficient and affordable public transportation system.
*Plan your visits to popular attractions in advance: Consider purchasing tickets online to avoid long queues, especially for Universal Studios Japan.
*Respect Japanese customs: Be mindful of Japanese customs, such as taking off your shoes before entering temples and homes.
*Be prepared for crowds: Osaka is a bustling city, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
*Have fun! Osaka is a vibrant and exciting city, so relax and enjoy your time exploring all it has to offer.
Flight: Check Here
Day 1
After the 1 hour flight from Tokyo, I begrudgingly hopped on the train for the 1 hour 6 minute ride into the city. Check-in at the shiny UNIZO Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi was fine I guess. My grumbly stomach brought me be 9 minutes down the road to Tori Soba Za Gin, where I had to admit the Chicken White Soup Ramen at Tori Soba Za Gin hit the spot for around 500 yen.
Recommended: Chicken Karaage, Chicken White Soup Ramen
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Next up was the 17 minute train + 19 minute walk to crowd-filled Namba Hachimangu Shrine. All these people were really buzzing my bubbles!
Recommended: Visit the Lion Head Shrine, Enjoy Cherry Blossoms
I hastily power walked through the shopping streets - Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Dotonbori to the next food stop at Hokkyoku-Sei, luckily only a 5 minute walk away. At least the hearty Japanese home cooking for around 1,000 yen was a bit comforting.
Recommended: Chicken Omurice, Hayashi Omurice
Exhausted already, I spent a relaxing 5 minutes moseying through tacky Don Quijote before finally returning to the quiet hotel room. This socializing is tiring!
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YMxSHRprJPqx5jUS9
Day 2
After a long 32 minute train, I entered the sensory overload that is Universal Studios Japan. BuyTicket (Universal Studios Japan 1, 1.5, or 2-Day Studio Pass):Here (Cost: From JPY 8,600)
Now I see why parents dread taking kids here - it was a non-stop cacophony! At least Super Nintendo World and Mushroom House provided some moments of joy.
Recommended: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Super Nintendo World, Jurassic Park: The Ride
Thankfully the 20 minutes ride to HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel in Umeda put some distance between me and the crowds.
Recommended: Ride the Red Ferris Wheel, Visit JOYPOLIS: An indoor amusement park operated by SEGA with exciting games and rides.
I warmed up with TAMLO Food Street (Cost: Around JPY 2,500-5,500) while admiring Osaka's twinkling cityscape from high above. A 18 minute hike later had me seeking solace at futuristic Osaka Harukas Observatory.
Recommended: Experience the Sky Garden
Bad idea to follow that up with bustling Shinsekai Shopping Street though. I high-tailed it home on the 26 minute ride, thoroughly mentally drained from all these people!
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vxMTkuzp9KfRbykb9
Day 3
After checking out, I wandered listlessly through fish market Kuromon Ichiba Market for around 500 - 2000 yen (Try Takoyaki: Osaka’s specialty, octopus balls fresh off the griddle, Enjoy Sushi and Sashimi) before the peaceful 17 minute ride to sprawling Osaka Castle Park (Around JPY 500-2,000).
Recommended: Osaka Castle Tower, Osaka Castle Boat, Osaka Water Bus. The fresh air and lake views there were a rare respite.
An outgoing coworker dragged me to social Juhachiban - Charcoal Grilled Meat for tasty yakiniku around 2,000 - 3000 yen, then on to bustling temple town Tennoji.
Exhausted, I slunk away to Shitennoji Temple and Tennoji Park before taking the sweet 31 minute ride back to sweet solitude at the airport hotel.
Recommended: Visit the Five-Story Pagoda, Explore the Golden Pavilion, Admire the Great West Gate, Visit Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Lake.
Finally, some alone time before the 1 hour 21 minute flight home and away from all these crowds! I think I've had my fill of travel adventures for a while.
Location on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5xxkuJSrHJcXqh5S6
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