5-Day Osaka Itinerary

Whether you are arriving in the morning, afternoon or night, there is always something to do in Osaka from the moment you get there! Check into your hotel (tons of great options in the Namba area right by Dotonbori street) and head to either lunch or dinner (depending on time). For a longer travel day that left you in need of comfort food, grab some Ramen from the world famous Ichiran Ramen or a Japanese curry which you can find at pretty much any cafe. For a quicker and lighter bite, grab some pastries from one of the many Boulangerie & Cafes around the city.

From there, walk around the area of your hotel and soak up the lively energy Osaka has to offer. Osaka is rich with shopping that can keep you busy for days. If you're tired of being on your feet, hop on a Tonbori River Cruise to get a tour of a city (would recommend doing this closer to the evening to see all the lights!).

For dinner, head to Wagyu Yakiniku Nikukachi for some of the best Japanese and affordable Wagyu BBQ in the city. After dinner, wind down for the evening, or if you're feeling adventurous, venture out to check out some of the amazing night life Osaka has to offer!

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore! Osaka is one of those amazing places that truly has something for everyone.

For those wanting to focus more on culture and museums, head to the Osaka Castle to kick off your day after stopping at a local coffee shop or Starbucks to try some unique Japanese coffee and breakfast items (Tip: Most places, even Starbucks, don't open until 9 or 10am in the morning, so be sure to account that into your morning plans. If you enjoy an earlier start or breakfast, hotels typically provide options much earlier so would recommend eating at the hotel).

After spending a few hours at the castle, stop for lunch at one of the many phenomenal restaurants on or around the castle grounds including Friendship Curry or Bourin Jury & Cafe Guu. After lunch, hop on the train and head to the western part of the city to the Osaka Aquarium. Grab a snack at a 7-11 (trust me on this one!) and walk around the area around the aquarium and catch a ride on Tempozan Ferris Wheel and walk around the Tempozan park where you'll find lots of landmarks!

Head back to the city center (best place to stay) and freshen up before heading to Ali's Kitchen Osaka Halal Restaurant, a can't miss owned by Ali who has traveled all throughout Japan and spends one on one time with each group and makes you feel as you are enjoying a family dinner. Though hidden away and located in the bottom floor of a larger building, don't let this hole in the wall fool you. The food is fantastic and the 6-table restaurant even has a Michelin star!

For those wanting to keep the party going, head to CinqueCento, a martini bar with nearly 100 martini options— each costing only 500 yen!

Get ready to unleash your inner child and head to Universal Studios where you will spend the day walking through the magical world of Harry Potter and walking the streets of Rainbow Road in Nintendo Land (This requires separate tickets but does not cost more! Head here first to reserve your time!).

Enjoy treats throughout the park including themed churros and giant Turkey legs! For more of a sit down experience, check out Three Broomsticks in Hogwarts or Finegans!

After getting back, wash up and head back out for dinner on the famous Dotonbori Street, where you'll experience second-to none street food and flashing lights everywhere you go! From Gyoza, to crab legs, and Tokoyaki (fried octopus balls!), you'll find it all here!

For your final full day in Osaka, head to Tsutenkaku Tower and grab lunch after at Kushikatsu Daruma, a delicious restaurant known for its rich gravy and perfectly fried foods.

After lunch, walk around the Tennoji Park and visit the Osaka Museum of Fine Arts and Tennoji Zoo, both located within the grounds.

Head back to the city center and visit Kimono Tea Ceremony Maiko for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

For your final dinner, visit Sushi Hayata for some of the best sushi the city has to offer.

Alternatively: Spend the day in Nara walking the streets among the famous bowing deer! This is at the very least a half-day trip, but if you have the time, would highly recommend!!

If you have extra time or days, check out the Gutanma Restaurant, Umeda Sky Building, Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street and Museum of History. Day trips to Nara and Kyoto are always great, but would also recommend spending a few days in Kyoto if possible!