3 perfect days in Osaka

Don't make the common mistake of skipping Osaka on your first trip to Japan. The city hums with an energy of its own. You can head to Shinsaibashi for old-fashioned fun and games or Dotombori for complete sensory overload. You can check out ancient temples and stroll through quiet gardens. You can explore the city's raucous standup comedy scene or indulge in incredible street food.

This three-day itinerary covers it all, blending historic landmarks, culinary specialities, and exciting side trips. We’ve also incorporated reviews and ratings from real Tripadvisor travelers so that you can check out all the places that others have loved, too.

Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, so it makes sense to start your morning here. Originally built in the 1580s by the powerful samurai Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the castle symbolized unification after centuries of bloody power struggles. Now a museum with more than 10,000 historical artifacts, each floor documents the history of the warring samurai clans. Don't miss the observation deck that overlooks the cherry blossoms of Osaka Castle Park.

A tip: Osaka Castle can be reached by taking the JR Loop Line to JR Osakajokoen Station, on the park's southeastern side. Other options include the Tanimachi Line or the Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.

OSAKA CASTLE TOUR OPTIONS

It’s time to enjoy what Osaka is famous for—shopping and food. Easily accessible from Shinsaibashi Station, Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is one of the city's best-known retail areas. Extending for nearly a mile, this covered arcade is the place to go whether you’re looking for a kimono or a designer dress. Don’t miss Matsumoto Kiyoshi, a massive drugstore that locals consider a one-stop shop for Japanese cosmetics, wellness products, and health foods.

Shinsaibashi has plenty of restaurants for a sit-down meal, including the award-winning New World. The lunch specials are pretty reasonable and include your choice of sake. But I recommend getting some takoyaki (octopus-filled dumplings) from a street vendor and eating it right there on the sidewalk. Flavorful, and filling, it’s one of Osaka’s best-loved dishes.

Walk the length of the arcade to the Ebisubashi Bridge in the lively district of Dotombori. You''ll spot dozens of brightly lit signs on either side of the river but the Glico Running Man billboard is the most famous. The area gets crowded and it can be pretty overwhelming, but there’s no better place to be in the evening.

There are plenty of ways to spend your night in Dotombori. Start with a stroll along the alley of Hozenji Yokocho. Splash some water on the Buddha statue at Hozenji Temple for luck, then check out the bars, cafés, and restaurants. For a caffeine boost, I love Arabiya Coffee, which has been around since the 1950s. Sit at the long bar at this kissaten—a traditional tea and coffee shop—and chat with the father and son team that runs it.

For a bite, I recommend stopping at Yakizen and ordering another Osaka delicacy: the savory pancake okonomiyaki. They prepare it right at your table and give you a long selection of sakes, too. Another go-to for okonomiyaki is Hozenji Sanpei, where you can mix and match several different flavors.

End the night with a bunraku puppet performance at the National Bunraku Theater. You won’t believe how real the puppets look. Or visit the Osaka Shochikuza Theater for a traditional kabuki show. You can stay for one act or a whole performance. No need to book in advance; you can almost always show up at the door and buy a ticket.

After a late night, tranquil Tennoji Park may be just what you need. Start by strolling through the Keitaku-en Garden, designed by a famous Meiji-era landscape architect, then make your way towards Isshinji Temple. You can also extend your walk to Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Japan.

The park has two other major attractions, depending on what you’re in the mood for: Osaka City Museum of Fine Art and Tennoji Zoo. The museum’s vast collection of woodblock prints is the star attraction. There are also works by Vermeer and Van Gogh as well as priceless items donated from shrines and temples across Japan. Tennoji Zoo is a great option if you've got kids with you. It houses more than 1,000 animals, including some very cute polar bears.

The iconic Tsutenkaku Tower leads you to the heart of Shinsekai, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Osaka. (You can walk to Shinsekai in about 20 minutes from Tennoji Park.) Before you wander around the area, take in the view from the city at the top of the tower.

I'll be honest, the number of restaurants in Shinsekai can be overwhelming. I suggest booking a food tour so you don’t miss the many hole-in-the-wall places that only locals seem to know about. If you prefer to just dive in yourself, Yaekatsu is your best choice. You can pick your combination of meats and vegetables and watch as your order is prepared behind the counter. This is the best place to try the fried skewers called kushikatsu, another Osaka specialty.

A tip: Never double-dip in the kushikatsu sauce since it’s shared by everyone.

After lunch, you may need a pick-me-up, and the place for that is Sennariya Coffee. It's been around since 1948 and serves rich coffee (including iced) but it's mostly known for its mixed-fruit smoothies like chocolate banana juice.

SHINSEKAI TOUR OPTIONS

Still hungry? Head to Roku Sen for the excellent rice bowls, then finish off the evening with a drink in the cozy Bar Nocosarejima, at the foot of Tsutenkaku Tower. Grab a seat at the bar, order a beer, and striking up a conversation with the owner, who speaks English and loves giving newcomers tips about the city. Plus, there’s live music most nights.

Or maybe your night is just beginning. Osaka is famous for its stand-up comedy scene, and manzai, a style of standup featuring two performers, originated here. You won’t miss out on the jokes at ROR Comedy Club, Japan's first English-language comedy venue.

Surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, Osaka Bay is a newly developed area that's all about entertainment for both grown-ups and little ones. Most of the attractions are within Tempozan Harbor Village. This is where you’ll find Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, which takes you through seven underwater zones, each meticulously crafted to replicate a specific region of the Pacific Rim. You can also visit the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, where you can sample beloved Takoyaki dumplings, learn about their origins, and pick some up to take home. Or let the kids run wild at Legoland (just bring your patience).

Osaka Bay is also home to Universal Studios Japan. Booking well in advance (at least three months) and getting there early is a must. Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country are so popular they require their own separate timed admission tickets.

A tip: To get to Osaka Bay, take the Chuo Line to Osakako Station, right next to Tempozan Harbor Village, or the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station.

After a busy day at the theme parks, it’s time to relax. This includes grabbing dinner at Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, designed to resemble a traditional market. There are around 20 stalls specializing in classic Japanese foods. I love the hearty omurice (rice omelet) from a small spot called Hokkyokusei, which claims to have invented this dish. The tomato-based sauce is the classic choice, but there are plenty of variations you can try.

Finish off your trip to Osaka Bay with a ride on the towering Tempozan Ferris Wheel. It is most spectacular at night when you can enjoy the twinkly lights along the waterfront. A heads up: One spin takes around 15 minutes.

OSAKA BAY TOUR OPTIONS