Osaka is located in Osaka Bay (Kansai region) and is the second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It was the first capital modeled after China's capital; however, it after moved to Nara then Kyoto and finally Tokyo. Castles were built as families were continuously fighting for power. After the political power moved to Tokyo, Osaka controlled most of the economy and distribution of goods; it gained the name of "Nation's Kitchen". As any other city in Japan, it grew from the devastations of WWII. Osaka is now making the next leap forward to becoming an international city for worldwide importation and exportation.
I have prepared a one day guide to help you cover the top attractions. If you wish to make your own, scroll down!
DAY 1
We will start our day at Osaka Castle; it is one of the most famous castles in Japan, and it helped unified the
country in the 1500's. Then we will walk 22 minutes to the Japan Mint; it is a free museum showing the production
of Japanese coins.
From here, we will walk to Kyobashi Station and take the Osaka Loop Line and get off in Osaka Station. We will
walk 10 minutes to the Umeda Sky Building. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city; it has a garden rooftop,
observation area, restaurant & cocktail lounge. Take a break and enjoy the view!
Walk back to the Osaka Station and take the Osaka Loop Line to Bentenchō Station and switch lines to the Chuo
Line and get off in Osakako Station. Here you will find the Osaka Aquarium. It is one
of the best and largest
aquariums in the world. Here you will also find the Tempozan Harbor Village and Giant Ferris Wheel.
After your visit, you will be probably hungry. Kuidore, "eat until you drop", it is famous Osakan phrase. Osaka is
famous for its food and one of the most local things to eat is Takoyaki which are octopus fritter. Another must have in Osaka is Okonomiyaki which is like a Japanese Pizza and Hako-Zushi is a square sushi famous only at Osaka. Finally do not forget to eat Kitsune Udon. Are you hungry now? We will go to our last stop.
Take the Chuo Line at Osakako Station and switch lines at Hommachi Station to the Midosuji Line and get off at
Namba Station. Dōtonbori is one of the principal tourist attractions, it runs from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district. It is popular for its nightlife and entertainment.
Well that's it! Have fun! If you are staying more days, check out other tabs below. Remember that there is a
Universal Studios here and if you like museums, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, National Museum of Art and the Osaka Science Museum are located close to Oebashi Station.
Make Your Own
- Osaka Castle
- Dōtonbori
- Museum of Oriental Ceramics
- National Museum of Art
- Osaka Aquarium
- Japanese Mint
- Osaka Museum of History
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Shitennoji
- Nakanoshima Park
- Universal Studios Osaka
- Umeda Sky Building
- Tempozan Harbor Village
- Tenmangu Shrine
- Osaka Science Museum
- Tennōji Park and Zoo
Orix Buffaloes (Baseball)
Season April - October
Cerezo (Soccer)
Gamba (Soccer)
Season January - May
August - December
Sumo
Universal Studios Japan
Always take a train!
Nagoya 179 kilometers
It has one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.
Kobe 36 kilometers
Famous for its Kobe beef.
Kyoto 56 kilometers
Old capital. Kiyomizu Dera was nominated by the new wonders of the world. Japan's old capital.
Hiroshima 331 kilometers
Visit the Peace Monument at Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, home to the splendid Itsukishima Shrine.
Fukuoka 611 kilometers
Biggest city in the island of Kyushu.
Okayama 177 kilometers
It is known as one of the top three traditional gardens in Japan.
Kyoto Tour
Old capital. Kiyomizu Dera was nominated by the new wonders of the world. Japan's old capital.
Nara
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore its temples, shrines and famous deer park.
Kobe
Famous place for its beef.
Hiroshima / Miyajima
Visit the Peace Monument at Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, home to the splendid Itsukishima Shrine.
Suntory Yamazaki Distillery 43 km
Famous world class japanese whisky.
Thanks to the efficient train system in Japan you can get pretty much anywhere and in short time. There is no way you will rent a car in Osaka. Use the metro; however I should advise you that in rush hours it gets very packed. If you are planning to visit other cities purchase de JR Rail Pass before leaving your home country; this pass gives you unlimited access to trains. Nara is a very close city to Osaka; you can arrive to Nara in less than 40 min. It has a beautiful big Buddha and a deer park. If you need cash do not take it out from any ATM because they will probably block your card; the best way is to go to the ATMs in the post offices. Osaka does not have many attractions like other cities. The main attraction here is eating. Osakans love to eat and it is considered one of the best cities to eat. The food districts are Shinsekai and Dotonburi. The last mentioned is the most famous place to hang around, so as the Namba District which is pretty much by the side. If you have been to Universal Studios in America do not waste your money going to the Japanese one. And like Osakans say Kuidore "eat until you drop". You will see Kitsune (foxes) everywhere; they bring luck to Japanese and are very popular in this city.
Most bars are located in Dotonbori area. Bar K, Bar Agreable, Bar Nayuta, Moonshine Bar Osaka, The Drunken Clam,
Bar Kusakabe, Sam and Dave One, Blue Note (Jazz), and Club Quattro & Karma (nightclubs) are good places to
have a drink.
Shopping in Japan could be anywhere there are buildings and buildings of shops. You can even buy clothes in the metro stations. Here are some areas where most of the stores are concentrated: Namba Parks, Osaka Station City, Grand Front Osaka, Amerikamura or Umeda.
