The Ultimate Osaka 4 Day Itinerary

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This epic 4 day Osaka itinerary has something to suit a variety of tastes. It’ll take you to the city’s most important historical sites, like the Shitenno-ji Temple and Osaka Castle, as well as lively, neon-lit neighborhoods like Dotonbori and Namba. You’ll also visit some areas that few tourists know about but are loved amongst locals, like the retro Nakazakicho district.

Osaka is a great city to travel in as it’s easy to get around and smaller than some of Japan’s other popular cities, but it still has loads to do and some awesome places to eat! 

4 Day Itinerary For Osaka

This versatile itinerary will take you to Osaka’s coolest neighborhoods, best street food stalls, and most notorious attractions. Get ready for an epic trip to Japan!

Osaka Day 1 – Visit The Futuristic Neighborhoods Of Namba And Dotonbori

Fly into Kansai Airport early in the morning and hop on the Nankai-Limited Express to Namba Station. It’s the best way to get there as the line runs directly from the airport to Namba and takes less than 40 minutes. You can book a ticket and stay up to date with any delays on the Nankai Express website.

Try to fly in early in the morning if you can so you can make the most of your time in Osaka and spend the first day exploring Namba and Dotonbori. 

We’ve found you the perfect place to stay, the Hotel Monterey Grasmere right by the Namba Station! It’s just 10 minutes’ walk from Dotonbori and there are transport connections from the station all over the city. 

Leave your suitcases at the hotel and take a quick nap or shower if you need it before heading out on your first day exploring Osaka! 

Stop for a delicious and filling breakfast at Brothers Cafeteria, a stylish pancake cafe that serves mouthwatering, fluffy pancakes with both sweet and savory toppings! If you want to try a pancake with a Japanese twist, go for the teriyaki chicken pancake. 

Just 15 minutes walk away from your hotel is the bustling neighborhood of Dotonbori. The area’s origins began in the 1600s during the Edo Period when it was a humble entertainment area with little more than a few puppet theaters established by Yasui Doton. Today, it’s Osaka’s liveliest neighborhood! 

Dotombori is built along the Umezu River, with busy shop line streets branching out from the waterway. It’s Osaka’s flashiest and most neon-lit area by far. 

A must-do is taking a selfie with the city’s famous Glico Man. Snap your shot from the Ebisubashi Bridge for the best angle. Glico man is the city’s unofficial mascot, and the sign has been here since 1935!

Make the most of the sunlight hours with a Tonbori River Cruise along the Umezu. The yellow, open-air boats navigate through the bustling neighborhood and are one of the coolest things to do in Dotonbori. 

You can get the classical Tonbori boat cruise tickets at the ticket office on the first floor of the Don Quijote Dotonbori store. The only thing worth bearing in mind is that the boats get super crowded, and they pack as many people as they can onto the Tonboris. We recommend a more personalized cruise, so book this smaller boat tour to avoid the crowds and be able to get a good view of everything from the boat.

The cruise is a great way to learn more about the neighborhood as you’ll have a guide onboard! You’ll get to float under the area’s coolest bridges too. The tour takes less than half an hour, but it’s worth the hype. 

Image via Flickr by Andrew Braun

Once your feet are back on solid ground, head for a traditional Japanese ramen lunch at Kinryu Ramen. The restaurant’s front is unmissable and has a huge green and gold dragon decorating its facade. 

Even though Kinryu Ramen is a chain, it still feels local and down-to-earth. The chain revolutionized ramen in 1982 when it introduced the streets of Osaka to tonkotsu pork-bone broth, which you’ve got to try! 

If you haven’t read up on the unspoken ramen etiquette of Japan, check out our article to make sure you’re not accidentally offending your chef! From queuing to slurping, we’ve covered everything you should and shouldn’t do. 

Once you’re full up, go on a little wander to the Hozenji Temple. Established in 1637, it’s nestled away from the bright lights and noisy streets of Dotonbori. Dating back to the Edo period, it feels old and worn. Incredibly, it’s one of just two structures in the area that survived the World War II bombings. 

Quaint and old, it’s not a flashy temple but it packs a lot of historical charm! Around the temple there are cute alleys with family-run cafes and cozy restaurants that feel miles away from Dotonbori’s neon squares.

Image via JapanTravel.com

After, wander back to Dotonbori and go on a shopping spree at the Shinsaibashi-suji Shotengai Arcade. This larger-than-life shopping mall is 1,968 feet long! There are loads of Japan’s most popular retail shops in the arcade, like Uniqlo, Daiso, and GU, as well as smaller shops selling kimonos and tea. 

Once you’ve bought some souvenirs and you’re getting hungry again, head to OKO, an okonomiyaki bar! If you haven’t heard of this dish before, it’s a regional classic. The base of the dish is a wheat flour batter that’s cooked like a pancake and then served with savory toppings of all kinds. You can even get them topped with seafood like shrimp! In Osaka they call it ‘soul food’ because it’s yummy, easy to make, and comforting.

Not ready for bed yet? Make the most of Namba’s lively and wild nightlife by booking yourself onto this bar hopping tour. 

Osaka Day 2 – Shinsekai Market, Shitenno-ji Temple, And Isshin-Ji Temple

Kickstart your second day in Osaka in the vibrant market district Shinsekai. Once a forgotten area of the city, it gained popularity after the 1903 National Industrial Exposition. Sadly, the neighborhood’s streets were completely destroyed during the second World War and weren’t rebuilt again until 1956.

Now, Shinsekai is a cool area of Osaka that is dotted with quirky shops and cheap restaurants that have been open for decades. There’s a blend of older and newer establishments in Shinsekai, which makes it an interesting district to wander around.

Curiously, when they rebuilt Shinsekai they went for a Coney Island styled district in the southern part of the neighborhood and took inspiration from the streets of Paris for the northern area. 

Stop for breakfast at the retro and quirky New World Cafe. It can be hard finding places that are open in the morning and serve breakfast in Japan, so this little cafe is a real gem. They serve classics like eggs on toast and great coffee.

After, head to the 103 metre tall Tsutenkaku Tower that looms over the area and is the Japanese take on the Eiffel Tower. It sits at the end of the bustling Tsutenkakuminamihon Street (a cool street to take pictures on!) and has an observation deck at the top. 

We recommend going to the top of the tower, there’s epic views over Shinsekai and you’ll also get to see the golden Billiken statue at the top. Legend has it, rubbing the soles of his feet brings good fortune! You can book a ticket to the top of Tsutenkaku Tower here.

Image via Flickr by Jake

Once you’ve been to the top of the Tsutenkaku Tower, grab some fried chicken for lunch just around the corner at Johnny’s Karaage Restaurant. 

From there, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to your next stop, the Isshin-ji Temple. Founded in the 12th century, the original temple was destroyed during World War II like a lot of the area. But the new reconstruction is worth visiting.

It’s nothing like the traditional temples in Japan, and when we first visited, we were shocked at the modern build of Isshin-ji and the bizarre sculptures. We were even more surprised to learn that the current temple was designed by the current Head Priest, who also happens to be an architect.

Upon entering the temple you’re greeted by some peculiar Nio guard sculptures, that set the tone for the abstract art you can expect throughout the temple.

But aesthetics aside, the Isshin-ji Temple is an important place of worship for the locals of Osaka. The reason is because many of the remains of their ancestors are here. But like everything at the temple, it’s not as you may expect.

Instead of burials, the bones of the deceased are mixed with resin and made into statues of Amida Buddhas. The locals pay their respects to the Okutsu Butsu, or Bone Buddha, as they call them. Each 10 years a new statue is added! 

Image via Flickr by Brandon Fike

Hop from one temple to the next! Just 10 minutes’ walk away you’ll find the ancient Shitenno-ji Temple. It couldn’t be more different from the modern Isshin-ji Temple you’ve just visited.

Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku Shitenno-ji, it is one of the oldest temples in Japan. It was built as part of the prince’s attempt to introduce Buddhism into the country. 

The facade feels very traditional and there’s a tall five-story pagoda next to the temple complex, which is also decorated in red, white, and gold.

Not all of the temple is original, but they’ve kept it as similar to the 5th century temple as possible. Stop to admire the intricate details of the temple and check out the red and blue statues of Buddhist deities at the entrance.

We really liked the temple, and thought it was an interesting contrast after the neighboring Isshin-ji Temple. But one of the best things about Shitenno-ji is the surrounding temple grounds. 

There’s a big city park that has well-kept gardens and loads of quiet paths you can take a walk down. After a long day exploring, it was a welcome break from the chaos and crowds. 

Make sure you visit the Gokuraku-jodo Gardens, a cute little garden that has lots of water features and a pebbled path that weaves through the trees and ponds.

Before heading back to your hotel, have dinner at Daikantei Siten Sakaemachi Honten. They serve a peculiar dish you have to try at least once whilst you’re in Japan, Unagi Don. One for the more adventurous eaters, this one-bowl dish has a base of white rice topped with freshly grilled eel and homemade unagi sauce! 

Osaka Day 3 – Umeda And Osaka Castle

Image via Unsplash by Dmitry Romanoff

The Umeda neighborhood, also known as Kita, is the city’s northern center. It’s more modern than Namba, Osaka’s southern center, and is made up of skyscrapers and wide avenues. There’s loads of shopping malls and entertainment hubs in Umeda, but the main reason people come is for the Umeda Sky Building.

Before heading to the Umeda Sky Building we recommend exploring the quaint Nakazakicho District and stopping there for breakfast. Just 10 minutes away from the Umeda Station, it feels a million miles away from the towering skyscrapers and huge department stores that characterize the area. 

In Nakazakicho, there are narrow alleys lined with shabby little cafes, craft shops, and second hand clothes stores. It’s a popular neighborhood amongst the city’s more alternative hipsters. 

Grab some breakfast there and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and slowed pace of this bohemian neighborhood before heading back into the hustle and bustle of Umeda’s more commercial area.  

There are loads of cute cafes to choose from, but we recommend Tabinone Nakazakicho. They have great coffee, and they serve breakfast pastries (which can be hard to find in Japan!). Bear in mind cafes don’t open early in the morning in Osaka, so you won’t be able to get breakfast in Nakazakicho any time before 10AM. 

If you want to learn some Japanese so you can order your coffee like a local, check out our article about using the Rosetta Stone app to learn Japanese. We’d also recommend browsing through the 12 best apps for traveling in Japan and downloading some before your trip!

After breakfast, walk to the Umeda Sky Building some 20 minutes away. This staggering skyscraper opened in 1993 and is 173 meters tall. It has an open-air observation deck on its roof. The breathtaking cityscape views from the top stretch as far as the eye can see and are the perfect background for some fun holiday selfies!

The observation deck, called the Floating Garden Observatory, connects the two towers of the building and has a real urban charm. It’s on the building’s 39th floor, so if you’re afraid of heights being up there will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. 

If you want to get some local insight, book yourself onto this full-day car tour that goes to the Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle. You’ll learn about the city’s history and Japanese culture along the way, plus you can skip the hassle of walking from place to place or navigating the local public transport. 

Image via Flickr by jonnykgalloway

Afterwards, spend some time wandering through Umeda’s skyscrapers and check out the neighborhood’s impressive network of underground shopping malls. 

Hidden away below the busy streets there is a maze of department stores and restaurants. Whity Umeda is one of the largest of its kind in Japan! There are about 180 different stores in this fascinating underground shopping district. 

Stop for lunch at the popular Tempura Daikichi at one of the far corners of Umeda Whity. Lunch underground is a one-of-a-kind experience you can’t miss out on whilst you’re in Osaka!

Image via Unsplash by Jason Rost

After lunch, make your way to Osaka Castle park. Nestled in the center of the Nishinomaru Garden the castle feels tucked away from the busy streets and built-up surroundings. 

The castle’s construction began in 1583 on the former site of Ishiyama Honganji Temple. Since then, it has undergone various attacks and was even struck by lightning in 1665! What you see now is a blend of the original castle and various reconstructions. 

If you’re picturing anything like a European castle you’ll be in for a shock. Built in a traditional Japanese style, the Osaka Castle looks more like a giant temple than a castle. It is surrounded by a moat though, like lots of mediaeval castles. 

You can go inside the castle for a small fee. There’s a little historical museum spread across the different levels with various historical artefacts and information about the city and castle’s long history. If it’s raining it’s worth a visit, but if it’s a sunny day we’d recommend spending your time wandering through the surrounding park instead.

The park is huge, so it’s a good idea to eat at one of the restaurants in the various food courts dotted around the grounds before you leave. Suwaki Kouraku has great ramen bowls!   

Osaka Day 4 – Universal Studios Osaka

Image via Unsplash by Roméo A.

Universal Studios is one of the coolest theme parks in the world, and it’s a great way to spend a day in Osaka no matter what age you are! Get ready to ride epic rollercoasters, eat colorful themed food, and step into the universes of some of your favorite movies.

Wondering if there’s anything you should plan ahead of time? Check out our tips on our Universal Studios Hollywood article. Of course, these theme parks are quite different, but they also have a lot of the same areas (like Super Nintendo World!) and loads of our tips are super relevant!

Grab a sweet treat at Hello Kitty’s Corner Cafe before the adventure begins!

Without a doubt one of the coolest areas of the theme park is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Try a mug of butter beer, get a magic wand at Ollivanders, and taste the famous Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavored Beans at Honeydukes.

Looking for the scariest rollercoaster ride? Flight of the Dinosaur is a terrifying rollercoaster ride that spins you 360 degrees through the air and speeds down terrifying drops! 

You also can’t skip Super Nintendo World, the park’s most famous area. It feels like you’ve stepped straight into a Super Mario game, and there are iconic rides like Koopa’s Challenge. Whilst you’re in Super Nintendo World grab lunch at Kinopio’s Cafe that is shaped like a Toadstool and has delicious Mario themed burgers!

Lastly, jump on the terrifying Jaws ride, where a tranquil boat ride quickly takes a turn. After the ride, get your hands on a Jaw’s themed hotdog from the stall by the ride to take with you on the journey home. 

Map Of Osaka

To make your 4 day Osaka trip as simple and relaxed as possible, we’ve designed this interactive map with all the attractions, hotels, and restaurants on the itinerary pinned for you. Download the map and get ready for an epic adventure!

About The City Of Osaka

The history of Osaka stretches as far back as the 5th century. Once a small port city called Naniwazu, it connected Japan to other Asian countries like Korea and China. It was here that one of the first Buddhist temples in Japan, the Shitennoji Temple, was built in 593 as the religion started to spread throughout the country.

Geographically Osaka is also an interesting city. Built at the confluence of the Seto Inland Sea and the various rivers that flow inland towards Osaka Bay, it has long been an important trade city. It’s now part of what’s known as the Kansai region of Japan, and it’s the capital of the Osaka Prefecture.

Osaka Packing Guide

You can pack for this trip like you would to any metropolitan city! Here are some specific items worth bringing along:

• Comfortable shoes: There’s a fair bit of walking planned into this 4 day itinerary, so bring your comfiest shoes!
• Remember to pack a travel adapter: You’ll need a two-pronged Type A for Japan, so check your plugs to see if you need to get an adapter ahead of your trip.
• Get some Japanese Yen in advance. It’s always a good idea to pack some cash in the local currency before your trip in case you need cash to pay for your transport from the airport or to get you out of an emergency.
• Check if you need a Visa ahead of your trip! Most countries don’t need a Visa for a short stay in Japan, but it’s important to check the unique requirements for your country. You can find out more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
• Bring hand sanitizer: It’s not unusual for there to be no soap in public and restaurant toilets in Japan.
• Bring a raincoat: October is the wettest month in Japan, but it’s always good to have a raincoat handy just in case you get caught off-guard by a gray day.

Osaka Itinerary Roundup

This 4 day Osaka itinerary visits all the liveliest neighborhoods and coolest attractions in a long weekend! You can do it as an independent trip or combine it with other awesome destinations across Japan from our 10 day Japan itinerary for first timers.

Osaka is the perfect Japanese city to visit on a 4 day trip as it has loads of distinct neighborhoods and things to do, but it isn’t as big or overwhelming as bigger cities like Tokyo.

Osaka Frequently Asked Questions