The Ultimate 3-day Osaka Itinerary for First-timers

Asia

12 Jul

This is the perfect 3-day itinerary to experience the best of Osaka. From foodie hotspots to cultural and historical sites, I take you through a guided route in the energetic city in Kansai.

glico running man sign and billboards above the dotonbori river, Osaka on a sunny day.

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Osaka is a city full of energy, less polished than Tokyo, and more contemporary than its historic neighbour, Kyoto. It’s also a city I didn’t give enough time to on my first visit, and it left me wanting more. That’s why earlier this year I returned and spent nine days soaking up everything Osaka has to offer.

If you’re planning to spend three days in Osaka, I think you’re spot on. A lot of people gloss over Osaka in favour of the historic city of Kyoto. But this city absolutely deserves a visit if you’re in the Kansai region.

Known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’, Osaka is a hotspot for foodies, but there are plenty of other things to see and do in Osaka too. This 3-day Osaka itinerary covers the best neighbourhoods and attractions for first-time visitors. And what if you can’t fit this much time in Osaka into your itinerary? Then check out my guide to spending one day in Osaka.

Osaka 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1 | Osaka Castle and Kita

Osaka Castle
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Nakazakicho
Umeda Sky
Optional: TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

Day 2 | Namba and Minami

Namba
Den-Den Town
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Americamura

Day 3 | Katusoji and Shinsekai

Katsuoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple
Shinsekai

Day 1 | Osaka Castle and Kita

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Destroyed by fire and feuds throughout the centuries, the original castle was constructed in the late 16th century by the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It had a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, but a lightning strike in 1665 and World War II in the 1940s were a few reasons the castle had to be restored.

Now, its mint-green roof and white exterior draw in visitors looking to visit one of the city’s historical sites. I recommend heading here as your first stop of the day, as it becomes crowded, and no one enjoys standing around in lines. You can pre-purchase your Osaka Castle tickets to avoid lining up if you want to visit the museum inside the castle and head to the 8th-floor observation deck.

One of my favourite features is the castle gardens. From the plum grove below the castle to Nishinomaru Garden which has a teahouse and some of my favourite photography spots for castle views, it’s a pleasure to stroll around - and far less busy than the main area directly around the castle.

Osaka castle with a white facade, mint green roof, and gold details unde r ablue sky with orange-tinted leaves in the foreground — *Osaka Castle*

osaka castle with white walls and green roof among a garden setting. There is a pond in the foreground and the scene reflected in the pond. — *View from garden in Osaka Castle grounds*

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Osaka is a foodie hotspot, so a visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market is essential. From the super-juicy strawberries I indulged in to the mouthwatering grilled wagyu sticks, I love wandering through the market here and grabbing a few things to eat.

The 600-metre long covered market has around 150 shops and stalls that specialise in seafood, produce, and snacks. One of the oldest markets in Japan, the market has evolved since its Edo Period beginnings to now offer a range of Izakaya-style dining options, as well as traditional market stalls.

An indoor market with the heads of people walking through at the bottom of the image and a large pufferfish statues suspended from the roof. — *Kuromon Market*

front of a market stall selling grilled gyoza. There is a red sign in the centre saying "le guide michelin" — *Gyoza stall at Kuromon Market*

On my latest trip, I returned to Kuramon Ichiba Market with friends and they loved being able to try loads of different dishes and grab a little bit of everything. It was the perfect lunchtime spot on our itinerary and was much less crowded than Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

If you’d prefer to visit with a local in-the-know about the best stalls and what to eat, then I recommend this 2-hour walking street food tour which also visits one of my favourite places to pick up kitchen utensils and ceramics at bargain prices.

Nakazakicho

Heading up to Kita ward for the afternoon, this area is one of my favourite places in Osaka and still doesn’t get as busy as many of the tourist hotspots in the city. Nakazakicho is Osaka’s bohemian quarter where cosy coffee shops and cafes share quaint laneways with second-hand shops and independent stores.

Evoking a sense of nostalgia with its retroesque atmosphere, I love grabbing a coffee or matcha and cake before exploring the art galleries and handmade goods I can find tucked away in this area that still flies under the radar of most visitors. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Neel or Yatt.

The quietness of Nakazakicho is a contrast from the bustling business district of Umeda, where sky scrapers dominate the skyline over the Yodo River. Which is where you’re heading for your next stop.

A street scene in an urban area of Osaka with golden light backlighting the image. There is a set of traffic lights and a woman in a white jacket riding a bike through the scene. — *Sunset in Nakazakicho*

An empty urban street with low buildings, and apartment block in the background, and plants land bikes ining the street. — *Streets of Nakazakicho*

Umeda Sky

Walking from Nakazakicho over to Umeda, you’ll feel the landscape around you shift from renovated houses-turned-cafes into a sea of towering skyscrapers. The Umeda area surrounds Osaka’s main train station and a bustling business district. It’s also where you will find the Umeda Sky Building.

Just a short walk from Osaka station, the Umeda Sky building is one of the tallest in Osaka and offers great views across the city and beyond. I had no idea the area surrounding Osaka was so hilly until I saw the landscape from here!

A sunset view across the city of Osaka. There is a river in the middle and skyscrapers in the foreground. — *View across Osaka from Umeda Sky Building*

Head up to The Kuchu Teien Observatory for the views I’m talking about. Not only can you spy great scenes from here, but the building itself is also super unique and an attraction of its own for architecture enthusiasts.

The 39th floor has a few free areas to visit, but to access the 40th floor and Sky Walk area, you will need to purchase a ticket. I recommend this at the end of the day so you can take in the daytime views, sunset, and the city as it lights up in the evening. It was also less busy in the late afternoon than the evening when I visited.

I’d allow 1-2 hours at the Umeda Sky building, as there are several indoor spaces, a museum about the building and its architecture, and the Sky Walk outdoor space. There’s also a cafe and gift store inside.

A circular window with a view of skyscrapers during the day at umeda Sky building. — *Spherical window at Umeda Sky Building*

silhouettes of two people in front of a large window looking at a sunset view over a river from the Umeda sky building — *Sunset view from Umeda Sky Building*

Optional evening activity | TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

If you’re a fan of TeamLab or are looking for something to do in Osaka in the evening, then I recommend TeamLab Botanical Garden. I loved that this was an outdoor space and wasn’t as busy as wandering around Dotonbori at night! I pre-purchased my tickets as they do sell out a few days in advance.

Day 2 | Namba and Minami

Namba

Start your morning in the energetic southern district of Minami in Namba, Osaka’s transport and entertainment hub. Here you’ll find everything from arcades and department stores, to EDION Arena, home of the Osaka Sumo Tournament.

Osaka tends to be more lively as the day goes on, so enjoy a peaceful visit to Namba Yasaka Jinja before the rest of the city begins opening. Most recognisable for the 12-metre high lion’s head stage, the shrine is associated with fortune for business and academic success.

In spring, the shrine grounds are blooming with soft pink cherry blossoms, and come autumn, the leaves are fiery orange and vibrant yellow. You can purchase omikuji (your fortune), leave your wishes for the deities on an ema, and request a goshuin to commemorate your visit.

When you’re finished wandering the streets of Namba, head on over to Den-Den Town.

Giant lion's head stage at Namba Yasaka Jinja with autumn leaves in the foreground and background — *Lion stage at Namba Yasaka Shrine*

An urban street in Osaka with people riding bikes and a stop sign hanging above the street. It's an overcast day and there are lots of signs hanging above the street. — *Streets in Namba*

Nipponbashi Den-Den Town

It’s just a 15-minute walk from Namba to Den-Den Town, Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara area. If you’re into pop culture, retro gaming, or playing the arcade games that Japan is so well known for, this is the place to be.

My husband spent hours here, trawling stores like Super Potato, Retro TV Game Revival, and Suragaya. If you’re a fan of anime or manga, there’s plenty to pick up here and one of the best places for those wanting to shop merchandise from their favourite series or in search of retro video games and consoles.

And if you’re not into those things? You could play in a few of the arcades, try your luck with the claw machines at Gigo, or battle it out at Dance Dance Revolution.

Dotonbori

While most people head to Dotonbori once the signs are lit, I actually prefer coming here around lunch time. Not only is it less busy, but it has some incredible lunch options and deals. One of my favourite meals in Osaka was at Yakaniku Kitan — a mixed wagyu bento meal set with seared and sukiyaki black aged wagyu. My mouth is still watering just thinking about how delicious this lunch was.

For the bento lunch special, you do need to line up and it can be a one hour + wait. Alternatively, you can book for lunch or dinner and enjoy one of their other incredible meal sets without the wait - whichever you choose, the food here is superb.

A street scene from Dotonbori on a cloudless, sunny day. There are lots of signs, mostly in red and yellow, handing above the street with a large lamp post in the middle and the street is filled with people walking. — *Main street in Dotonbori*

A tray sitting on a table with a bento meal set. There is a bento box filled with seared and sukiyaki beef and a raw egg yolk. There are sides of pickled vegetables, and a cabbage salad. There is also an empty bowl and a tea pot. — *Mixed bento set meal at Yakiniku Kitan*

Dotonbori is where you’ll find the Don Quijote ferris wheel, Glico Running Man sign, and Dotonbori River where you can jump on board a cruise along the canal to take in the sights from the water. This is also a mecca for street food options, picking up piping-hot takoyaki (grilled octopus balls) — and yes I do burn my mouth every time — kushiage (deep fried, crumbed and skewered meat and veg), gyoza, and more.

Tucked just a few streets from the buzzing streets adorned in giant sea creatures and food, is the unassuming Hozenji Temple. Dating back to the 17th century, worshippers splash water on a moss-laden statue of Fudo Myoo as it’s said to bring good luck. From here, take a wander along Hozenji Yokocho before making your way over to Shinsaibashi.

A quiet street on a sunny day with lanterns on the right side and paper lanterns on the left. There are a few people walking in the distance. — *Hozenji Yokocho*

A brightly coloured restaurant exterior with lit up lanterns in red, yellow, blue and white around the entrance. There are bikes parked on the street in front of the restaurant. — *Streets around Dotonbori*

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is home to one of Osaka’s oldest shopping arcades, Shinsaibashi-saji. This is where you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities, from household names like Uniqlo to souvenir stores, and more independent boutiques in the side streets.

If you’re not big on shopping, then you could skip over Shinasaibashi, or just take a walk through the area before heading to Americamura.

Amerikamura

Just a hop west of Shinasaibashi, Amerikamura is a youthful district inspired by American pop culture. Some compare it to Tokyo’s Harajuku area, but I feel like Amerikamura has a more retro vibe.

If you’re a fan of people-watching, this is the place to go. Vintage American cars cruise down the road, quirky cafes and bars share the street with secondhand shops and record stores, and street art murals dress the walls. This is a side of Japan you don’t see elsewhere.

A vintage red car driving towards the camera on a busy street in osaka. There is a green traffic light above and pigeons flying. — *Vintage car in Amerikamura*

A street scene showing various takoyaki restaurants with giant octopus and takoyaki balls on the signage. There is a red traffic light at the top of the frame and people crossing the street out of focus in the foreground. — *Street scenes in Amerikamura*

Triangle Park is a popular spot where skaters, musicians, and street artists gather. One of my favourite shops for an array of vintage finds from cameras and ceramics to retro memorabilia is American Village Freemarket B.B. Silver Ball Planet is also a tonne of fun to play more than 100 vintage and new pinball machines.

For the evening, head back to the other side of Dotonbori to eat at one of my favourite Okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka, Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten. I recommend getting here around 5:30-6pm, as the line can get long. My favourite combo? Pork with corn, cheese, and a fried egg on top.

Day 3 | Katsuoji Temple

Katsuoji Temple

Perched among the forested hills in Northern Osaka, Katsuoji is the perfect half-day trip from the city. Most recognisable by the abundance of red Daruma placed throughout the temple grounds, it is most beautiful from spring through to autumn.

The morning I visited Katsuoji, light snow fell completely unexpectedly and added to the charm of my visit. The temple offers a stamp rally where you collect several stamps at signposted spots throughout the grounds, and the final picture comes together as you return to the cafe and gift shop.

dozens of red daruma stacked on top of each other. Both eyes are coloured in and they have gold details painted on them. — *Dozens of Daruma at Katsuoji Temple*

A woman's hand holding a postcard from the Katusoji temple stamp rally. The image is created by layers of stamps to depict an image of stacked darumas on the postcard. — *Stamp rally postcard at Katsuoji Temple*

Passing by koi ponds and winding through manicured gardens, the experience is tranquil and almost meditative. From some of the highest points, you can also spy views across the hills, which I have no doubt would look incredible in a blaze of colour come autumn.

To reach Katsuoji Temple, take the Hankyu-Senri Line from Umeda Station to Kita-Senri Station and then catch Hankyu Bus 29 to the temple. The bus stop is right outside the temple, and it’s around 30 minutes up through the hills.

A pathway with a red torii gate on the left side and a waterfall on the right with hundreds of small daruma scattered on the rocks around the waterfall. — *Grounds of Katsuoji Temple*

Shitennoji Temple

Osaka has far fewer shrines and temples than nearby Kyoto, but one in the city you shouldn’t miss is Shitennoji Temple. Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, this is one of Japan’s oldest temples and was pivotal in the early days of the establishment of Buddhism in Japan.

When I visited, there was a large and well-stocked flea market running on the temple grounds, selling vintage home goods, clothing, and items that would make for unique souvenirs.

Be sure to visit the five-storey pagoda and golden hall, as well as Gokuraku-Jodo Garden. Entry to the main hall and garden is ¥300 each.

five story pagoda with a red frame and panels, and green window shutters. It is against a clear blue sky in the background. — *Five storey pagoda at Shitennoji*

The temple gate and a close up of the stairs to enter the five storey pagoda at shitennoji temple, osaka. — *Grounds of Shitennoji*

Shinsekai

Soaked in nostalgia and oozing a retro vibe at every turn, Shinsekai is a glimpse into Osaka’s past. Built in the early 20th century, the design takes influence from Paris and New York’s Coney Island, which can be seen in the old-school game spots and in the design of Tsutenkaku Tower — which you can visit for great views and even take the slide back down.

Shinsekai, which translates to ‘The New World’, is also the birthplace of kushikatsu, also known as kushiage. The skewered meat and vegetables are crumbed and deep-fried for a crispy bite that’s available in numerous long-standing restaurants in the area. Not sure how to pick one though? This food crawl will help you eat your way through some of my favourite Osakan dishes including Kushikatsu and Takoyaki.

Don’t miss playing some retro games and dropping by the “Billiken” statue, which is said to bring good fortune to those who touch its feet.

Brightly coloured storefronts depicting sea themes and sumo in Shinsekai. — *Retro vibes in Shinsekai*

A night scene with bright neon signs in the foreground, leading to a tower in the distance with orange and yellow lit up viewing platforms. — *Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai*

Is three days enough in Osaka?

Three days is an ideal amount of time to dedicate to Osaka on your Japan itinerary. It means you can see the city's best attractions, explore various neighbourhoods, and eat your way through the city.

Having visited Osaka more than once, and most recently spending nine days really getting under the skin of the city. I think three days is great, as you can enjoy two full days in the city, and explore a little further to places like Katsuoji, Minoh, or Nara.

A vintage-inspired interior with a leather lounge, dark wood furniture, and a vinyl record in display. — *Glitch Coffee Osaka*

A leafy street scene with two people walking in the distance. There are bikes parked in the foreground on the right and an 'open' sign on the left side. — *Streets of Nakazakicho*

Where to stay in Osaka

There are three main areas I recommend to people when they ask where to stay in Osaka. Kita/Umeda for convenience and the shinkansen, Minami/Namba to be close to most tourist attractions, or Honmachi for a quieter yet central location with great affordable options.

These hotels are my top picks when considering accommodation in Osaka:

Zentis Osaka | Zentis is my top pick in Kita. A boutique style hotel that is close to transport and dining, and for a mid-range budget too. Check rates and availability here.

The Lively Osaka Honmachi | I loved staying at this hotel, as it was a short walk to the metro and in a central location without being noisy or too busy. There’s a rooftop bar and terrace, as well as a shared lounge, and it is within walking distance of Osaka Castle. Check rates and availability here.

The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi | Only a 10-minute walk from the buzzing Dotonbori, this hotel is great value for money if you want to be close to the action. There is also free bike rental, free daily drinks every afternoon and evening, and free nightly ramen. Check rates and availability here.

A few looking down dotonbori river at dusk. There is a large oval-shapped yellow ferris wheel on the left side, and a long row of neon-lit signs running along both sides of the river with japanese characters. — *Dotonbori at dusk*

How to get around Osaka

Osaka is a walkable city, and when destinations are a bit further apart, the metro line can easily connect you from A to B. Osaka has eight metro lines to connect the city, and the Midosuji Line is like the backbone of the city running north to south.

You can use an IC card, like the Suica or ICOCA, both of which are available as physical cards or mobile passes on iPhone. Simply tap in and out at the ticket barriers to pay for your journey on the metro.

There are also buses, but I’ve never needed to use these within central Osaka as everything can be reached by metro or on foot. If you plan on using the metro to make several journeys on your visit, the Osaka Metro pass offers one and two-day options that could save you money.

If you’re using the Osaka Amazing Pass, then transport within the city is also included with your pass and can save you money.