Things to Do in Osaka Japan in Three Days: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Osaka Japan is the third-largest city in Japan. The city is referred to as the neon capital of Japan and Japan’s kitchen. There are many amazing things to do in Osaka Japan! One of Osaka’s must-see attractions is Osaka Castle, especially while the cherry blossoms are in bloom. If you are looking for a unique experience in Osaka, consider renting a go-kart to explore the city in an anime costume. For something a little off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Takimi Koji, a retro restaurant alley under the Umeda Sky Building. If you love spending time outdoors check out Minoh Park or Nunobiki Waterfall. Osaka also has Universal Studios, Legoland, a Science Museum, and an aquarium. And don’t forget, this is Japan’s kitchen. Be sure to try Rikuro Ojisan (cheesecake), Takoyaki (octopus balls), Kushi Katsu (meat skewers), gyoza, and Kaiten Sushi (conveyor-belt sushi). As you can see, you will have no problem filling 3 days in Osaka Japan with amazing experiences. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Note: the JR Pass does not work for the subway but can be used for the Osaka Loop, Kanjo Line, and the Tokyo Yamanote Line.
How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka Japan, Top Things to Do
Day One: Arrival, Hotel Check-in and Dotonbori
Arrive at Kansai Airport (KIX) and take the Haruka line by Japan Rail (JR) into the city. Check into your hotel. I stayed at Holiday Inn Osaka Namba. It was inexpensive and located near the popular area of Dotonbori. Spend the remainder of your day exploring Dotonbori and nearby Amerika-Mura.
Begin with some vintage shopping and people-watching in Amerika-Mura. If you have not had an animal café experience, do it now. I booked MiPig and loved the micropigs; reservations are required.
Head back to Dotonbori and wander the vendors trying the local food. Consider taking a boat ride on the Dotonbori River at night to enjoy the neon lights. Don’t miss the famous Glico Sign and cross the Tazaemon Bridge to Souemoncho Street for the animated display.
Day 2: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Denden Town, and Shinsekai Neighborhood
Visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and walk across the Sorihashi Bridge. Next, visit the Namba Yasaka Shrine. The lion’s mouth is believed to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck.
Make your way to Kuromon Ichiba Market for lunch. Bring cash for your own food tour and eat your way through the market stalls of oysters, sea urchins, Japanese king crab, Tako Tamago (baby octopus), oysters, grilled scallops, toro bluefin tuna, Takoyaki, and wagyu beef.
Head to Nipponbashi Denden Town and check out the cosplay stores, Gashapon machines, and maid cafes in the area. Consider taking a Mario Cart tour through the city dressed in a costume.
Have dinner and explore the neon-lit Shinsekai Neighborhood at night. Have dinner, enjoy the arcades, and be sure to photograph the Tsūtenkaku Tower.
Not interested in cosplay or DenDen Town? Make the hour-long train ride to Minoh Falls instead.
Day 3: Cherry Blossoms, Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Takimi Koji Gourmet Street
Spend the morning enjoying the city’s cherry blossoms. Begin at Nishinomaru Garden and Osaka Castle. Then make your way to see the trees surrounding the Mint Museum. Finish with a walk through Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
Make your way to the Umeda Sky Building. Enjoy lunch below the building at Takimi Koji Gourmet Street or book afternoon tea at Alice in Fantasyland concept restaurant. Climb the Umeda Sky Building and take in the city views from the 40th floor.
Day 4: Day Trip to Nara Park and Departure
Do not leave Japan without taking a day trip to Nara Park! The city has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is famous for its free-roaming deer who bow to you for a cracker.
Check out of the hotel and take the Nankai-Limited Express from Namba Station to Kansai International Airport. The ride passes 7 stops and is 40 min. It is then a 10 min walk into the airport. Check out the TeamLabs Sakura Lounge display after you check-in.
TIP: The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now
Things to Do in Osaka Japan
- Visit the Osaka Castle (over 5000 cherry blossom trees)
- Check out the neon lights and street food vendors on Dotonbori
- Take a photo with “Glico Man”
- Stop into the Don Quijote discount store, Ferris wheel inside
- Get your Anime fix in Den-Den Town in Namba
- Have drinks and small plates at an Izakaya, or two
- Take in a panoramic view of the city at the Umeda Sky Building or the 16th-floor garden of Abeno Harukas
- Have dinner at Takimi Koji, a retro restaurant alley under the Umeda Sky Building
- Photograph the Tsutenkaku Tower from Shinsekai at night
- Get your adrenaline fix on the Tsutenkaku slide
- Check out the Cup Noodles Instant Ramen Museum and create your own cup
- Visit Shitennoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan
- Take a food tour or wander the stalls at Kuromon Ichiba Market and taste why Osaka is called Japan’s kitchen
- Cuddle with a micropig at MiPig Café
- Walk through the teamLab Wonderland digital display in Osaka Botanical Garden
- Take a sushi-making class and learn how to make decorated rolls
- Photograph the pretty Sorihashi bridge at Sumiyoshi Shrine
- Take a traditional drumming class at the Taiko Lab
- Photograph the lion’s head at the Namba Yasaka Shrine
- Experience the Edo period and dress in a kimono at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
- Watch traditional Japanese puppet theatre at the National Bunraku Theatre
- Catch a Kabuki classical Japanese dance-drama performance at the Shochikuza Theater
- Fish for your dinner at Zauo Fishing Restaurant
- Spend a night out in Kyobashi
- Enjoy some downtime in the hot springs, saunas, and swimming pools, or get a massage at Spa World Onsen theme park
- Dance the night away at Club Joule in Americamura
- Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan theme park
Be sure to check the Osaka Japan Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Day Trips from Osaka Japan
- Take a day trip to Kyoto and explore the temples (15-minute bullet train)
- Grab a train to Nara Park and visit the Sika Deer (30-minute train ride)
- Eat Kobe beef in Kobe Japan (30-minute train ride)
- Spend some time outdoors at Minoh Park or Nunobiki waterfall
- Visit Himeji Castle or Katsuo-ji
- Explore the “Thousand Rice Terraces” of Maruyama Senmaida
- Rent a car and visit the Kumano-Nachi Taisha waterfall shrine
TIP: Ensure your time out of the office is relaxing by planning and booking your excursions ahead of time
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Osaka Japan, 3 Day Itinerary
Booking Resources for Osaka Japan
Japan Travel Guide Books
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Osaka Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
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Enjoy your time out of the office!
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