Planning a day trip to Osaka and stuck on how to make the most out of it? This 1 day Osaka itinerary shows you how to make the most of your time to see the best of the city.
With the cultural treasures of Tokyo a few bars over and Kyoto next door, Osaka takes the back seat on many Japan travel itineraries, however, you shouldn’t make this mistake! Found in the Kansai region, Osaka is only a 2.5-hour bullet-train ride from Tokyo and offers plenty of top sites to add to your Japan travel bucket list.
This seaside city boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, delectable street food and picturesque sites all year round to visit. Since there is so much to do and see in Japan, you have to make some tough choices when it comes to your itinerary. Let’s dive into this 1 day Osaka itinerary so you can see the best of Osaka in under 24 hours!
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Short on time?
My top recommendations for your Japan travel itinerary include:
💸 Save money: Tokyo Subway Pass gives you unlimited travel for 24, 48 or 72 hours at a discount in Tokyo.
🗺️ Tours: Klook (very popular in Japan), GetYourGuide, and Viator.
🛌 Accommodation: Find the best deals on stays in Japan with Booking.com.
📍 Recommended Activities:
💄 Explore Tokyo from above at Shibuya Sky
🎏 Try an adventure-fuelled day trip at Universal Studios
🌷 Step into another world at the TeamLab Planets – an immersive exhibition!
🛤️ Getting Around Japan: Order a Suica card to use public transport (buses, trains) and pay at convenience stores in Japan.
🚄 Traveling across Japan: The Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited rides on JR train lines and most Shinkansen (bullet trains).
🏥 Travel Insurance: World Nomads
📶 Staying Connected: Get instant access to data with Airalo eSIM.
Is one day in Osaka enough?
I’ll be completely honest with you, but no. One day in Osaka is not enough time to fully appreciate the city; however, if that’s all the time you have, don’t worry! That’s why I wrote this 1 day in Osaka itinerary, so you can make the most out of the short time in Japan. A day trip to Osaka is possible from Kyoto or Tokyo for you to experience the city vibes of Japan.
By following my 1 day Osaka itinerary, you’ll be able to see most of the top city highlights in a day. However, if you have more time, I recommend spending at least two days in Osaka. There is a lot to see in the city itself, including the iconic Universal Studios Japan, but it’s also a great city to base your travels for day trips to other cities.
Is Osaka worth visiting?
Osaka is 100% worth visiting on your trip! The vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, glittering neon signs and gorgeous sites such as Osaka Castle make Osaka a top destination in Japan.
Osaka tends to offer cheap accommodation (compared to nearby tourist hotspots such as Kyoto), which makes it a convenient base for your travels around the Kansai region. By staying in Osaka for a few days, you can easily take day trips to nearby cities including Nara, Kobe and Kyoto without having to lug your luggage around.
Essential Osaka Travel Tips
Here are some of my top travel tips for exploring Osaka in Japan to save you money and time. If it’s your first time travelling to Japan don’t miss out on these 10 must-know things to know before you travel to Japan.
Check For Discounts
Always check in advance if you can get discounted admission to popular sightseeing attractions. Notable mentions in Osaka include Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium.
For the top booking platforms for discounted tickets check out Klook or GetYourGuide to skip long waiting lines and get discounted admission as a foreign tourist.
Stay Connected
If you’re travelling to Japan you might think you won’t need to buy any online data for your travels. Whilst in most areas of Osaka you can access public WiFi it’s not always reliable and it can be a hassle trying to find free WiFi. With this in mind, you can rent a pocket WiFi to connect multiple devices to the internet or simply get a SIM card to stay connected and find your way around Osaka.
Transport Card
The easiest and most convenient way to travel around Japan is by using an ICOCA IC Card. This is an all-in-one travel card that can be used on Japan Rail (JR) West trains, subway, private railways and buses in the Kansai area. Usually, it comes pre-loaded with 1,500 JPY and you can use this card for transport in multiple cities including Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. This card can also be used in convenience stores including 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart.
Transport Passes
If you want to save money on transport in Japan don’t miss out on Japan’s numerous passes that are unique to Osaka and for travelling around the country. Here are some of the top transport passes to consider:
- Japan Rail Pass: To get it or not? If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities in Japan it’s worth getting a 7, 14, or 21-day pass. You’ll be able to get unlimited travel on all Japan Shinkansen lines (high-speed trains) connecting you to all the major cities in the country.
- Osaka Metro Pass: Get unlimited and fast travel around Osaka on all Osaka Metro-operated city subways or buses. You can choose between a 1 or 2-day non-consecutive pass and get discounted entry to over 30 tourist attractions with a single ticket in the city.
- Osaka Amazing Pass: Choose from a 1 or 2-day Osaka Pass for an unlimited trip on Osaka’s buses, trams and subway. This pass also grants you free entry to over 40 iconic tourist sites in Osaka allowing you to skip the line at the door!
Guide to 1 Day in Osaka
This 1 Day in Osaka itinerary will get you around some of the main sightseeing attractions off your list. Let’s dive into the top things and must-see places in Osaka.
Start Your Day at Osaka Castle
Opening hours: Osaka Castle Park (24 hours) & Osaka Castle and Museum (9:00 to 17:00)
Admission: Osaka Castle Park is free. Entry into the castle and museum is around 600 JPY or with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
Start your day at one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks – Osaka Castle. But before you head off on your sightseeing journey, make sure to grab a bite to eat by heading over to a conbini (convenience store) for breakfast. My top picks include onigiri to fuel your body for your adventure in the city.
For Osaka Castle, make sure to visit early, as it tends to get crowded towards midday. Inside, you’ll find an 8-storey museum showcasing the history of the city and castle. If the museum’s models and artefacts don’t interest you, head to the top floor of Osaka to the viewing platform and be treated to panoramic views of the city.
While the castle only opens at 9 am, you can spend the early morning hours exploring the castle grounds; unearthing the zen gardens, a labyrinth of walkways and citadels. It’s also a great spot for people-watching and taking in the sites with your convenience store snacks.
For nature lovers, you’ll want to stop at Nishinomaru Garden which is lined with hundreds of gorgeous cherry blossom trees. If you’re visiting Japan in spring, Osaka is a must-visit spot to experience the cherry blossom season. During sakura, you’ll want to return to this spot during the evening for the festive cherry blossom viewing party.
Entry into Osaka Castle is covered in the Osaka Amazing Pass and also lets you skip the lines at the attraction.
Short on time?
Make the most of your 1 day Osaka itinerary by joining one of these top-rated tours that include Osaka Castle.
✰ Osaka Hidden Spots Walking Tour: Discover Osaka’s local hidden gems across Namba, Dotonbori, Tsuruhashi, and Osaka Castle or customise the tour to your interests!
✰ Osaka Go-Karting Experience: Don’t miss out on this adventure-fuelled activity in Osaka. Dress up as your favourite Mario character and paint the town red, while driving past some of Osaka’s top sights.
✰ Osaka Family Friendly Local Tour: Enjoy a personalised tour tailored to your family’s interests without the hassle of worrying about how to get around the city and top things to do with the kids.
Shitennoji Temple (Tennoji District)
Opening Hours: 8:00 to 16:00 (Daily)
Admission: Shitenno-ji Temple (Free), Gokuraku-jodo Garden (¥300) & the Treasure House (¥500)
Add one of Japan’s oldest temples to your trip – Shitennoji Temple. From Osaka Castle, you’ll need to take the subway to Osaka-Uehommachi station which should be about 10 minutes.
Founded by Prince Shotoku Taishi, he helped introduce Buddhism to Japan about 1400 years ago. Inside the main hall, you’ll find the Prince’s shrine. When visiting this spot, you’ll want to check inside the five-storied pagoda and the breathtaking Gokuraku-jodo Garden. The design of the green sanctuary has been based on Western notions of paradise. For history buffs, you’ll want to pop into the Treasure House to admire the scriptures, paintings and priceless Buddhist artefacts.
Note that it is free to explore outside the temple but a small fee is required for entry into the main hall and gardens.
Discover a ‘New World’ at Shinsekai
From the Tennoji district, head west by taking the subway to Ebisucho Station. From here you can walk to the Shinsekai – the next stop on this Osaka itinerary.
Shinsekai roughly translates to “New World” and is a district developed in 1903 – in the middle of the National Industrial Exposition. As reflected in the photos, you’ll be able to see its influence from France’s capital city. Shortly after its construction, the Japanese flocked to this area with dreams and hopes of a prosperous life, as Shinsekai came alive with vibrant and trendy restaurants and shops.
Fast forward about an odd hundred years much of the excitement has faded away with time. With the act growing old and the area languishing. However, today many of the bar and food establishments have remained unchanged over the last century. Shinsekai remains one of Osaka’s most unique and weirdest places to explore. The vibrant and over-the-top signage, caught in a bygone era, is overwhelming even by Japanese standards. Nevertheless, provides a unique glimpse of what locals perceived to be the future in the early 1900s.
Basking in the backdrop of this eclectic area is Tsutenkaku Tower, which has drawn inspiration from the iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll want to head up to the main observatory, with the open-air deck boasting panoramic uninterrupted views of Osaka.
A visit to Shinsekai also wouldn’t be complete without grabbing a bite to eat. Most of the restaurants in the area specialise in traditional Kansai favourites such as takoyaki (fried octopus balls), kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers), and okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes).
If you didn’t have enough time to visit the observatory deck in Umeda Sky Building head to Tsutenkaku Tower instead.
Ready to make the most of your visit to Shinsakai?
Don’t miss out on these top hand-picked tours including Shinsekai.
✰ Retro Osaka Street Food Tour in Shinsekai delights your tastebuds as you eat your way through the nostalgia of Shinsekai. Sample traditional dishes as your local guide enlightens the evening. They’ll share lesser-known stories about the area’s unique cultural and culinary history.
✰ Osaka Backstreets Half Day Tour is perfect for foodies looking to discover the drinking and food culture of Osaka. Guests will be treated to hidden eateries to leave their taste buds delighted.
✰ Ultimate Walking Osaka Tour takes you on a journey of the local history, and local hidden gems with all the top sites through Namba and Dotonbori.
Shop Till You Drop at Shinsaibashi
From Shinsekai, you’ll want to head to the heart of Namba to Shinsaibashi which is Osaka’s top shopping destination. Even if you’re not big on shopping, there’s still plenty to keep you busy in the bustling and vibrant neighbourhood.
Most of the bustling activity is centred around Shinsaibashi–suji Shopping Street. This lined shopping arcade stretches about 600m north-south between Nagahori-dori. There are about 180 stores within the arcade and its connecting alleyways alone. From high-end fashion brands, and local independent restaurants to teashops there’s something for every type of traveller to check out. If you forget anything on your packing list for Japan, Shinsaibashi is where you’ll find it.
After you’ve battled the crowds at this shopping street, you can head west and cross over Mido-suji to America-mura (American Village).
Want to explore more of Namba and Shinsaibashi? Check out one of these local tours.
✰ Osaka Backstreet night tour uncovers the backstreets of Shinsaibashi, Namba and America-mura. On this unique 3-hour tour, you’ll cozy up in a traditional Japanese izakaya to indulge in local delicacies such as takoyaki and yakitori, and drink alongside the locals.
✰ Osaka Night City Tour takes you on a journey in the evening hours based on your tailored preferences. With a local guide, you’ll be treated to hidden gems and local recommendations to best explore the city.
✰ Osaka’s Hidden Gems & Hotspots Tour kickstarts your Osaka adventure with a local guide showing you the top and lesser-known sites around Osaka with personal stories, facts and insider tips.
Den-Den Town in Nipponbashi
While Tokyo has the iconic Akihabara, Osaka has Den-Den Town in Nipponbashi. Similar to Tokyo’s equivalent, Den–Den Town is lined with quirky and unique arcades, gadget shops and places to buy retro video games. If you’re a fan of pop culture you’ll also want to check out this spot. You can expect to discover accessories and collectibles for camera freaks, anime lovers and pop culture fans.
From Shinsekai it’s about a 10-minute walk and the majority of the stores line the two main streets in the neighbourhood: Nipponbashisuji Shopping Mall on Sakaisuji Avenue and Otaku Road. If you’re in the market to add new tech to your gear or collectives to your depository, those on a budget will find better deals in this area as opposed to Tokyo’s Akihabara. In addition to boasting tech finds, the area also features a range of independent arcades, maid cafes and gachapon stores.
If you’re not too keen on this side of Japanese culture, you can skip this spot and head to Namba Yasaka Jinja – the next stop on this one-day itinerary.
Some notable names in video or anima game stores including Animate and Super Potato can be found in Den-Den Town. There are however independent stores that boast quite affordable collectables. Some stores to check out in the area include the following:
- Retro TV Game Revival
- Super Potato Osaka
- MINT Record
- K-Books
- A-Too Media Recycle Shop
- Animate
Namba Yasaka Jinja
Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (Daily)
Address: 2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan
If you’re looking for a unique attraction in Osaka, head over to this eye-catching 12-meter-tall lion-shaped building called Ema-Den. Namba Yasaka Jinja is about 5 to 8 minutes from Namba Station, but you can also stop over from Den-Den Town after you’ve done your shopping.
According to legend, the giant large head swallows any evil spirits surrounding its visitors, making it a popular spot for people seeking success in business or school. It’s also a great spot to get a glimpse into Japan’s history. Although Ema-Den and the surrounding temple structures were destroyed in fires and air raids in 1945, the eye-catching post-war reconstructions are gorgeous to check out as a free attraction in Osaka.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (Daily)
Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka
By now you’re probably feeling a bit hungry! Next on the stop is the city’s most popular food market which is only a few footsteps away. A must-visit on anyone’s Osaka itinerary, Kuromon Ichiba Market has been around for more than 170 years; and to this day, preserves the culture and food of the city.
At the market, visitors can find everything from homeware, and affordable clothing to fresh seafood, but don’t be disappointed! For foodies, you’ll be treated to delicious food stalls to delight your tastebuds. Notable delicacies at this market include giant spider crab. If this doesn’t satisfy your hunger for the rest of your Osaka adventures, get your hands on grilled seafood, donburi (rice bowls) topped with sashimi, takoyaki combinations, yakitori (grilled skewered meats and other mouthwatering food combinations.
Unearth Osaka’s top food spots!
Spend a few hours on one of these local food tours which include a walkthrough in Kuromon Market.
✰ Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour: Join on an empty stomach with this delicious half-day tour of Kuromon and Namba Market while learning about Osaka’s rich culture and cuisine.
✰ Market & Foodie Street Food Tour: See Osaka through the eyes of a local while feasting on delicious Japanese food hidden gems and sightseeing attractions.
✰ Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour: Explore off-the-beaten-track with local bars and eateries trucked in the hidden alleyways of Namba on this three-hour evening tour.
Hozenji Yokocho Temple
Address: 1 Chome-2-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
After you’ve had your fill of food, walk off your meal and head over to Namba, where you’ll find a row of shopping malls, eateries, and one of the city’s icons – the moss-covered statute of Fudo Myoo, a Buddhist spirit that represents discipline and morality.
Similar to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, people flock to this statute in the hopes that their wishes come to life. However, instead of throwing a coin into the water, wish-makers throw water over the statute, which over time, has resulted in moss growing over the surface.
While in the neighbourhood of Hozen-ji Yokocho, if you have the time, meander the atmospheric street next to the temple. Here you’ll find eateries, cafes and trendy bars nestled inside historic edo-style buildings adorned with swinging lanterns above your head as you walk back into time.
Step Into Another World at TeamLab Osaka
Opening times: Hours depend on the season (Usually 18:00 to 21:30)
Admission: Admission ticket or covered under Kansai Pass
Address: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Step into another world at the magical TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka. A top thing to do at night in Osaka, Nagai Botanical Garden comes to life with teamLab’s art exhibition with an immersive world of colour and light. The night-time exhibition brings art, science, technology and nature together, allowing human experience to expand from the artwork itself to the environment.
At the exhibition, you’ll encounter artworks that transform interactively, influenced by rain and wind as well as the trees and the people who visit the exhibition. The artwork’s existence is not defined by its physical boundaries but continues with the surrounding environment.
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here, watching the artwork evolve and exploring the garden grounds. If you want to explore without the crowds I’d recommend booking online the earliest time admission so you’re the first to enter the park.
You can either book in advance a single entry ticket to teamLab Osaka or get the Kansai Pass which covers admission to this attraction.
Minami or Dotonbori District
During the evening you’ll want to head to Minami district. Found right outside of Namba station, Minami is the heart of Osaka’s nightlight and roughly translates to “South” in Japanese – which reflects its location south of the city. One of the top things to do in Osaka at night is to get lost in the area.
The glittering neon lights, vibrant music and fresh local street food are a must-try experience in Osaka. In Minami, you’ll find the iconic Dotonbori Street lined with stores, restaurants and street food. Before you dive into the bustling area of Dotonbori, duck away from the crowds and hop on a short river cruise to admire the bright lights and see attractions from the best view.
If the river cruise isn’t for you, here are some other top things to do in the area:
- Stroll along the Tonbori River, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, and experience the glittering lights and action at your own pace.
- Say “cheese” and snap a pic at the famous Glico Man sign, the symbol of the city. You can’t visit Osaka without ticking off this place from your Japan travel bucket list.
- For fashion lovers, head to one of Osaka’s longest shopping arcades – Shinsaibashi. The arcade boasts international and local Japanese brands where you can find the latest fashion trends.
- Check out the Moving Crab in Dotonbori which is found just above the Kani Doraku restaurant on the main street in Minami.
- Hozenji Yokochou: A few minutes from Dotonbori, lies Hozenji Yokocho Street. This alleyway leads to Hozenji Temple and lets you walk back into time.
- Grab a bite to eat with Osaka’s top street food. Dotonbori is the perfect place to try Japanese local delicacies after spending a day exploring, shopping or playing games in one of the many arcades.
Don’t forget to grab the Osaka Amazing Pass which covers the Tonbori River Cruise.
Want more things to do in Dotonbori? Try some of these local Namba tours.
✰ Osaka Off-the-Beaten Track Walking Tour combines top tourist attractions and hidden gem destinations in this 4-hour tour. Notable sites include Shinsekai, Dotonbori, Tennoji and Osaka Castle.
✰ Dotonbori Cooking Class invites you to get hands-on in this fun-fuelled cooking class. Learn how to make two of the most popular Japanese dishes (Gyoza and Ramen) from a local.
✰ Local Evening Osaka Tour takes you on an authentic journey through local bars and izakayas in the city. Immerse yourself in the local culture beyond food and drinks with locals in this customisable food tour.
Where to Stay Overnight in Osaka
If you’re finding your day in Osaka to be too rushed and need more time, then it’s time to book an overnight stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or maybe a capsule. Spending a night in Osaka would be a great option as it’s also a convenient base for day trips to other cities including Nara and Kyoto.
There are plenty of options to stay in Osaka, but I recommend staying near Shinsaibashi or Namba Station for convenient travel and to be surrounded by local eateries.
🛌 Overview of the Best Stays in Osaka
| Area | Best For | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka Bay Area | Families & Universal Studio Visitors | Sonezaki Luxe Hotel |
| Shin-Osaka | Day Trips | The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi |
| Namba or Shinsaibashi | Nightlife & Foodies | Hotel Androoms Shin-Osaka |
| Umeda or Kita | First-time visitors | Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower |
Best Budget Stay in Osaka
Tick off a capsule stay from your Japan travel bucket list with Nine Hours Namba Station. This property is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk from the vibrant and bustling Dotonbori area. You’ll also be treated to luggage storage space and free WiFi during your stay, and for a few extra dollars, some delicious breakfast.
See prices & read reviews: Booking.com | Agoda
Best Mid-range Stay in Osaka
Found in the heart of Osaka, Hotel Code Shinsaibashi lies only a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi and Nagahoribashi station. A perfect base for your travels around Osaka, guests will be treated surrounded by numerous dining options and sightseeing attractions including the Gligo Man Sign in Dotonbori within walking distance.
See prices & read reviews: Booking.com | Agoda
Best Luxury Stay in Osaka
Treat yourself at the Swissotel Nankai in Osaka. Located directly above Namba Station, this 5-star accommodation features an indoor pool, gym, spa and seven dining concepts to indulge in.
See prices & read reviews: Booking.com | Agoda
📍 Didn’t quite find what you were looking for?
How to Get to Osaka
Train
It’s no secret that Japan has one of the most convenient and sophisticated subway and railway networks on the globe. Getting to Osaka from the other major cities in Japan is convenient via the high-speed trains (shinkansen) which can be organised with the Japan Rail Pass. If you’re planning on travelling to multiple cities on your trip to Japan, consider picking up a Japan Rail Pass.
For those planning to explore the Kansai region, the budget-friendly JR-West Kansai Rail Pass is a great option for you. It covers travel between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.
Airplane
Osaka has an international airport called Osaka’s Kansai International Airport. It’s one of the country’s biggest airports and is often used to fly to by foreigners when visiting Japan for a visit. You’ll find that most international and domestic airlines fly into Kansai International Airport and it’s about a 45-minute train ride from Osaka Station (north of Dotonbori).
If you’re looking for flights to Japan, it’s also worth checking out how much flights to Osaka are compared to flying into Tokyo airports – it could work out much cheaper. If you’re searching for the best Osaka flight deals, I recommend Skyscanner to search and compare the best prices on airfares.
Read up on 20 travel tips and hacks on how to save money when travelling.
Buses
One of the most underrated and affordable options for getting around Japan is via intercity buses. It’s a great way to cut costs on accommodation as Japan offers overnight buses to travel between different cities in Japan. In general, most overnight buses in Japan boast spacious seating, with reclining seats and a pull-over head to block out the light.
Many of the bus companies can be booked online and after your payment is confirmed you’ll receive a booking confirmation to show to the driver. I recommend looking at overnight buses offered at Klook which offer options across Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
How to Get Around Osaka
If you’re exploring the central areas in Osaka including Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi and Namba. Walking or cycling are the best ways to explore the main sights. However, if you’re running short on time, the quickest and easiest way to get around the city is by using the subway.
You can use one of Japan’s transport cards (Suica or PASMO) which can be pre-ordered in advance online. Alternatively, the Osaka Unlimited 1-day Travel Pass is a great budget-friendly option to hop from different sites across Osaka. This pass gives you unlimited access to the city’s metro for the whole day.
How to Maximise Your 1 Day in Osaka Itinerary
If you have more time or want to swap a few of these recommendations. Here are some of my other suggestions to add to your one-day itinerary in Osaka.
- Looking to explore Osaka from above? – Head over to Umeda Sky Building. Located about 10 minutes from Umeda Station by foot, it houses one of the top panoramic views of the city. Another great view of the city includes Abenos Harukas which is the tallest skyscraper in Japan and is connected to Tennoji Station in the south of Namba.
- Interested in performing arts? Add a unique Japanese puppet theatre performance at the National Bunraku Theatre. This is a must-see for culture lovers and can be found near Dotonbori.
- Delve into Osaka’s spiritual side! check out Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Osaka’s most important shrines and one of the oldest in the country.
Beyond Osaka in One Day: Where to Go Next
Need some travel inspiration on where to go next in Japan? Check out these top places to add to your Japan travel itinerary.
- Nara: Unearth the cultural treasures and friendly deer on the streets of Japan’s first capital city. Nara is one of the best day trips from Osaka and is only a short 45-minute train ride from the city. Plan your day with this local guide for 24 hours in Nara.
- Tokyo: Very few cities in the world grab your attention like Japan’s iconic capital. Make the most of your visit by starting with these recommendations on how to spend 24 hours in Tokyo.
- Kyoto: Less than 30 minutes from central Osaka, lies the cultural treasures of the former imperial capital of Japan. Get started on planning your trip with this one-day itinerary for Kyoto.
Got questions about your 1 day Osaka itinerary?
Feel free to ask in the comments below.
Travel Planning Resources ✈️
Here are my recommendations that I’ve tried personally to make your next trip easier.
Flights WayAway, Skyscanner, and Kayak are the best sites to find cheap flights and great deals. Depending on your personal you should also check your preferred airlines’ websites for comparison to find the best deals from your home country.
Currency In Japan, the currency used is Japanese Yen (JPY) and I recommend withdrawing cash before you arrive in Japan. Cash becomes handy when using it at local stores, ticket machines, and older restaurants.
Power Adaptors Japan uses standard Type A and B adapters which is similar to the US. However, note that the voltage may be different so be careful with your electronics and use a voltage converter. I always recommend buying a universal adaptor so you can use it in any country (great for future travels) and it offers extra ports for USB cables to charge your devices.
Visa: If you’re not a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted countries check if you need a visa. Check the full visa requirements according to your nationality.
Attractions & Tours 🌟 Klook and GetYourGuide are my preferred platforms for local tours and activities in Japan. They make it easy to compare tours, book experiences and the best deals. You can also download their mobile app where you can easily access your bookings on the go.
Accommodation 🛌: I book all my accommodation in Japan through Booking.com. They have a wide selection of accommodations worldwide, with flexible booking options and great deals. They also have a Genius Loyalty program where you can get discounts and benefits on selected stays.
Easy Car Rental 🚗 Get hassle-free car rentals on DiscoverCars with a wide selection, competitive prices, and great customer service. Often it’s cheaper than booking direct and you can compare a large range of suppliers to check if you’re getting the best price.
Stay Connected 📶 wherever you go by easily and affordably purchasing an eSim for all your travels. Thanks to Airalo, you’ll get instant access to data and you don’t need to physically swap a plastic SIM card every time you’re travelling to a new country.
Travel Insurance 🛡️ I use World Nomads for overseas travel insurance. Travel with peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered for unexpected events and plan a worry-free journey.
Camera Gear 📸: If you’re curious about the camera gear I’ve used for my photos find out what’s in my camera bag here.
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I’m big on day trips, so this is such a useful one day guide! There’s so much to see and do!
It looks like a lot can be squeezed into one day which is good! I would really want to visit Shitenno-ji.
Looks like a great one day itinerary, thanks for posting!
I’ve always wanted to go to Osaka for my 2nd time visiting Japan. This guide is to go! I’m also interested in staying in a capsule hotel!
Osaka is totally on my bucket list, aside form Japan in general of course. Your guide was super informative and helpful – loved it!
I have been to Osaka numerous times and always love to go back. Your 1 Day itinerary is perfect for first time visitors to get a good impression of the city vibes. It includes some history, some markets and some modern parts of the city.
I love 1 day itineraries, sometimes time doesn’t permit to have much longer so I find them really helpful. Thanks for the extra travel tips too. Can’t wait to visit one day
I love Osaka and I have visited at least three times! I would suggest visiting for more than a day though because there are a lot of things to do. Just visiting Universal Studios is already a full day.
Wow, Osaka looks incredible! I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, but it is definitely somewhere that is on my list. I loved how detailed your guide was. Even if you are staying more than a day in Osaka you can pick other activities that you included. I am definitely pinning for later! 🙂
There is no way I would only spend one day here! It looks amazing and those tours all sound incredible. I especially like the street food and the Mario Karting! Osaka looks awesome.
Excellent guide.Saving this as hoping to visit Osaka later this year.
We’re planning/hoping on going to Japan this Summer and Osaka is on my list, so this 1-day itinerary comes at the right time. However I can see why you mention that one day isn’t actually enough to explore Osaka.
I had no idea there is so much to do here. It obviously gets overshadowed by Tokyo. Thanks for the info!
I can’t wait to visit Osaka! So many exciting things to explore. I’d love to try the Go-Karting experience (I loved this game) and visiting the Nishinomaru Garden to see the cherry blossoms. Great post!
Wow! This has so much great information. You have convinced me to visit Osaka!
What an awesome guide! There’s so much to do in Osaka. Thanks so much, saving this for my trip there!
I’d love to visit Osaka, Japan and you’ve perfectly laid out what to do in 24 hours to make it worthwhile.
Yeeees! Love this post! You are right that one day is just not enough for Osaka (and if you did all this in a day, you’d be exhausted) BUT it is a fabulous city and I love all the things you included. 😀
It’s sort of funny to me how shinseikai now seems so dated and old… I love the area, but it is cool tat way it is shabby and modern all at once. I love spa-world in that area too.
Wow, what a great, thorough article to follow for a one day visit! Saving for my next visit to Japan!