Not-Your-Typical One Day Osaka Itinerary For The Ultimate Experience

Even though Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, you can easily visit Osaka in one day.

Although it’s not exactly the prettiest city, I would say it’s a pretty unique city in Japan, and should still be added to your Japan travel itinerary.

Just keep in mind you’re not visiting Osaka for the views. Rather, you’re visiting for the food, the culture, and there is still a traditional castle to see!

And my one day in Osaka itinerary is the perfect way to explore it all!

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Why Add One Day In Osaka To Your Japan Itinerary

As I mentioned, Osaka Japan is the third largest city in Japan (after Tokyo and Yokohama).

Visiting Osaka your first time in Japan is a must. It brings an entirely new outlook to the country as it’s unlike any other city.

What Is Osaka Known For?

Let’s just say Osaka is known for quite a few things, and not all that they should be proud of…

For starters, Osaka is known as the kitchen of the nation creating some of Japan’s best food, like Cup Noodle Ramen and conveyor belt sushi!

They’re also the business centre of Japan. Some of the top Japanese inventions and businesses are from Osaka, like Sharp, Fujifilm, Karaoke bars, and capsule hotels.

But Osaka is also the first place in Japan to legalize gambling. In fact, they’re getting the first casino in the entire country.

Osaka Customs To Know For Your Visit (Don’t Embarrass Yourself)

One of the main things that makes Osaka unique is that you stand on the left instead of the right on escalators. I know what you’re thinking, why is this an issue?

And it really isn’t, but the story behind why they do it shines a light on Osaka as a whole.

Osaka didn’t always stand on the left, it was only in 1970 that the change happened, when Osaka hosted the World Expo. The city asked locals to switch sides to accommodate foreigners.

You can really see how Osaka has a world view mindset focused on business.

people standing in a single file line on the left side of an escalator going down to a subway in japan. There are signs on the ceiling in front directing you which way to go, in japanese. And there are completely empty stairs next to the escalator

Is A One Day In Osaka Enough Time (Or Should You Stay The Night?)

In terms of amount of time, one day in Osaka is plenty!

But! Depending on the time of year you’re visiting Japan, you might be in for an extremely long day (or you should try to plan accordingly).

You might want to see their top attraction (the Glico sign) fully lit up, which only happens 30 minutes after sunset.

The latest sunset in Osaka is at 7:15 P.M. in June, so the sign will only be lit up around 7:45 P.M.

We spent one day in Osaka on a day trip from Kyoto in September, when the sunset was an hour earlier and were absolutely exhausted! It’s definitely a long day when you’re forced to stay out later in the evening!

So on an Osaka day trip, you might want to plan to arrive a bit later in the day, so you have the energy to stay a bit later.

dotonobori in osaka all the high rise neon signs are lit up lining the canal below EXCEPT the famous glico sign of a man running. It's sitll dimmed compared to the others around it

Osaka Is Also More About The Night Than The Day

You might also want to consider booking a hotel for the night just because Osaka is more about the nightlife than seeing it during the day.

In fact, the day time in Osaka was kind of gross… it’s not that populated (everyone is still sleeping!) and you see all the imperfections (like the uncleanliness) of the city. Let’s just say, it’s not like Kyoto or Tokyo AT ALL!

And Osaka comes to LIFE at night. It’s like Times Square in New York or the Las Vegas Strip.

The city did a complete 180! Switching from kind of deserted, sketchy streets, to completely packed and well lit avenues.

Instead of seeing run down billboards and signs, they’re now beautiful lit up and usually animated too!

I would really make a point to stay for at least a bit after it gets dark.

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a view of the deserted streets in osaka. no one is there. but yet the street is overwhelmingly full. theres barely a sidewalk to walk on. The walls of the buildings are filled with ads and signs. You can barely even see the sky through all the wiring crossing the street.

Prefer To Stay In Osaka? Find a Hotel For The Night

I went on an Osaka day trip from Kyoto, but if I had known about the day time vs. night time vibes, I would have booked a hotel for the night instead. And I’m also not a night owl, I’m usually in bed by 9:00 P.M.!

Although I only spent one day in Osaka and didn’t stay the night, I learned after traveling through Japan that the best places to stay is actually at the JR train stations, especially if you’re staying for a limited time.

Staying at the train stations makes it easy to arrive, drop off your belongings, and then head out again the following day.

In Osaka, stay at the Courtyard by Marriott at Shin-Osaka Station. It’s a 1 minute walk to the JR station on the Tokaido line.

Alternitavely, you can stay a bit more central, but still on a JR Line (the Kyoto line), book a room at the Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA, a 3 minute walk to the Osaka train station.

a side street in osaka japan. the cars are backed up on way. wires line the skyline view crossing the street to reach all the buildings

One Day In Osaka Itinerary

This is my suggested one day in Osaka itinerary. I will admit, it’s a long day arriving early in the morning, and stay later into the evening. But you see all the main Osaka highlights in just one day!

Go On A Morning Walking Tour On An Osaka Day Trip

As I said, Osaka isn’t exactly a place for views, it’s more about the food and culture. So the best way to learn more about Osaka’s history and current customs, is on a local tour.

I went on this free walking tour with Osaka Localized and would recommend it. The only problem is that they only release the schedule 10-14 days in advance. The tour also focused on the city centre only, so you have to visit Osaka Castle on your own.

If you’re interested in a more in depth tour, book this tour with Viator that also include a stop at Osaka Castle.

people walking in front on a sidewalk of a canal there are rundown buildings across the canal and along the railing are hanging lantern lights

Enjoy A Market Lunch In Osaka – Itinerary For Osaka Japan

Osaka is nicknamed the Kitchen of Japan, and for good reason. You’re not going to find bad food in Osaka.

For lunch, you should try one of their delicacies: Okonomiyaki Or Takayoki. Or go to one of the famous markets for lunch to pick up some fresh seafood.

Kuoromon Ichiba Market used to be the authentic fish market in Osaka, but now it’s mainly a tourist destination (and there’s nothing wrong with that!). There are still countless fresh fish stalls for you to enjoy, perfect for lunch in Osaka.

Interested In The “Authentic” Wholesaler Market In Osaka?

If you are interested in the authentic wholesaler fish market, it’s been moved to the Osaka Kizu Ichiba Market.

It’s only open from 4:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., so it’s more about selling fresh fish to professional chefs, and less about finding lunch.

You can tell that it’s more local because there isn’t any English option on their website either.

If you are interested in this market, I recommend trying to come on a Saturday. There’s a special Kizu Morning Market for the general public on the second and last Saturday of the month from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

On top of showing off their wholesaler market, they have events, like an auctions and tastings.

a food market in japan. on the left is a fish vendor with dead fish laying on the shelf of the food star being displayed to people walking by

Shopping In Osaka Travel Itinerary

You always have to include a bit shopping anywhere you are in Japan. So walk off lunch by doing some souvenir shopping!

There are two main shopping areas in Osaka: Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street and Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is the place to come for kitchen utensils. Like if you want to make takoyaki at home, this where you’ll find the specific pan you’ll need!

Point of Interest Near Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

If you’re interested, you aren’t far from the Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka. You might want to check it out once you’re in the area!

a woman with a surprised look is point her finger at one of the many shops down the street. There are a bunch plates on the floor for sale among other kitchen supplies in the front of the store

Explore Osaka Castle (Grounds)

You absolutely have to visit Osaka Castle even if you only have one day in Osaka. The downside is that it’s not that convenient to get to.

Depending on where you are in Osaka, it can take you close to an hour to get there by public transit. And there’s a lot of walking outside which can be a lot in the summer heat. So you might want to make your life easier and just Uber!

Osaka Castle is interesting to visit, but I don’t recommend actually going inside (unless you’re really interested in Japan history)…

There are way better, and more historical castles to visit in Japan (and within a day trip from Kyoto too… Himeji Castle I’m talking about you!).

two people standing on a rooftop terrace each with an asahi beer bottle in their hand, leaning on a railing. In the background behind them is the towering osaka castle with white, green and gold accents. It towers above the trees around it and buildings far off in the background behind it

Osaka was rebuilt in the 1930s and turned into a history museum, and they even installed an elevator inside…

But it’s still very much worthwhile walking around Osaka Castle Park. It’s nice to be surrounded by nature, and the castle makes for some pretty gorgeous views.

And the best view of all is actually from the Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace across the Castle.

Come here after lunch but before dinner, it will be EMPTY! Well it was when we visited anyway. And keep in mind, it isn’t open all year round, it has to close in the winter for obvious reasons.

Order an Asahi beer, while you relax on the rooftop terrace, taking in one of the best views in Japan!

P.S. While you’re at the Castle Park, make sure you visit Gokurakubashi Bridge. The is another picture perfect spot of Osaka Castle. And it’s even better if you manage to make it here for sunset!

osaka castle across the moat leaving a reflection on the water below. its golden hour leaving a pinkish, blueish, yellow hue. a wooden bridge is leading you across the water below.

Dotonbori District (At Night)

Dotonbori District in Osaka is the reason why you might want to stay at least one night in Osaka.

You could come here during the day, but it’s not the same. So you have to at least make sure to come back here at night if you’re only spending one day in Osaka.

This is where you’ll feel like you could be in America in Times Square or the Las Vegas Strip.

The crazy fun billboards are larger than life, are completely lit up and some even have animatronics. The billboards are so bright that no other lights are needed.

And now the streets are PACKEd. It’s so much livelier at night than during the day.

There are a few must sees in this area. To make sure you see all the hot spots and local gems, go on an evening walking tour.

dotonbori district at night. standing on a bridge in the middle of the canal. the sky is pitch black but the canal sidewalks and bridge are lit up by the larger than life neon signs on the buildings lining the canal. The sidewalks are PACKED with people enjoying the views.

Glico Sign, Ebisubashi Bridge, & Canal

The Glico sign is the main stop to see not only in Dotonbori, but also Osaka. I’m not really sure why it became so popular, but it’s a fun photo opportunity.

The best place to see the sign is on the Ebisubashi Bridge going over the canal.

If you didn’t know, Glico is the company that makes Pockys (the flavoured preztel sticks!). So pick up some on your Osaka day trip to enjoy while admiring the sign!

You can see the sign any time throughout the day, but it only lights up 30 minutes after sunset. But I will admit that the area is still beautiful during golden hour, so walk along the canal, maybe pick up some more Osaka eats here while you wait!

osaka dotonbori area at night. Its packed with people, you can't even see between everyone its so packed. above everyone are the giant lit up signs including the glico sign with a man running

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street

If you still have some shopping to do, walk through the indoor / outdoor mall. You have some small local shops here with the mainstream stores.

It’s also just an experience to walk through even if you aren’t interested in shopping. For starters, it’s insane how many people are actually here. And this Japanese style mall is unlike any mall I’d seen before.

What To Eat In The Kitchen Of Japan

Osaka is the kitchen of Japan, so you have to include some specialties in your Osaka itinerary.

To taste the best, and local spots, throughout Osaka, book an organized food tour.

an example of a japanese shopping mall in osaka. The mall is half open. Theres a roof very high above. And there are shops on two levels on either side of the street. But cutting the mall in half is a car driving through on the road, and you notice that half the mall is actually outside.

Enjoy Okonomiyaki Or Takayoki

The two most popular dishes from Osaka are okonomiyaki and takayoki

Okonomiyaki might just be my new favourite Japanese dish that I never knew existed. Although there are different varieties, typically it’s a fried cabbage pancake. You can order it with different proteins, and with or without noodles.

We had them at Takekurabe, near Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street.

Takoyaki is a dough ball filled with octopus. Apparently it’s quite the unique dish with a variety of textures and flavours.

You can find Takoyaki pretty much anywhere in Osaka, you’ll see vendors making them fresh. As is often the case in Japan, the best places are the ones with the lineup!

a street vendor in japan standing in their food stall making takoyaki balls on one side, in the process of flipping the balls over to cook evenly. On their left is another flat stove top where two okonomiyakis are cooking

Vegetarian? No Problem!

I don’t eat octopus so I wasn’t able to try the “real” Takoyaki, but I did find a delicious vegetarian restaurant.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can go to OKO Tako to try some (they also make vegan okonomiyaki).

Although I don’t think they’re what taokyakis are supposed to taste like, they were still nonetheless DELICIOUS!

food ordered at tako oko in osaka japan. edemame, fries, a golden cup, and then vegetarian takoyaki. Although you can't see that they're there, they're completely covered by melted cheese. The wall behind is painted red filled with messages of love for the restaurant.

Pick Up Some Asahi Beer

Even though you can get Asahi beer pretty much anywhere in Japan, and even North America today, it’s actually brewed in Osaka.

So if you’re going to drink Asahi beer anywhere, it should at least be in Osaka.

P.S. you can also go on a Asahi beer brewery tour if you’re interested!

Do You Have Extra Time On Your Osaka Travel Itinerary?

If you have some extra time, you can add some more to the itinerary for Osaka Japan…

enjoying an asahi beer outside on a rooftop terrace. the beer bottle with a plastic cup filled with beer next to it. You can see a blurred osaka castle in the background with it's white temple and green roofs with golden decor

Super Nintendo World

Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, which is now home to the new Super Nintendo World.

If you are interested in visiting, this is one day in Osaka on its own. I would definitely stay at least one night in Osaka to explore both the Osaka city centre, and another day just for Universal Studios.

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Pokemon Cafe

The Pokemon Cafe is a must do for any Pokemon fan visiting Japan.

The Pokemon Cafe has everything Pokemon themed and you can buy some exclusive Pokemon merchandise!

The only problem? You have to make a reservation in advance, and it’s HARD to get a reservation.

a meal served at the pokemon cafe. Its served on a pikachu shaped plate, with a pokeball side dish, yellow coloured rice shaped into pikachus face and tail. On the side is a gangar glass filled with purple slush drink

Keep in mind the main Pokemon Cafe is in Tokyo, but in case you missed your chance in Tokyo, you can try to visit on your Osaka day trip instead.

Osaka Museums To Visit

There are some worthy museums if you do find yourself with a bit of extra time on your Osaka day trip.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a very popular museum. It covers the history of Osaka with full size recreations you can walk through to travel back in time

Or visit the Osaka Ukiyoe Museum for Japanese art fans. You can see the Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai and more Ukiyo-e art, a Japanese art style using wood block printing.

example of every step making a japanese art print. starting off going colour by colour adding it to the picture until you get the final portrait

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Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API