From the iconic Osaka Castle to the bustling streets of Dotonbori, this 2 day Osaka itinerary covers everything you’ll want to see on your first visit. Plus we’ve included lots of tips from our personal experience traveling in Osaka, Japan to help you plan your trip.
Osaka is one of those cities that can be a bit polarizing. Big, busy, neon-lit, and a bit gritty on its exterior, Osaka doesn’t retain the kind of historical charm that Kyoto boasts or the world-renowned reputation of Tokyo.
However, for those who give it a chance, Osaka has a lot to offer. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Compared to other major hubs of Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka has much more affordable hotels. Plus, it isn’t nearly as “touristy feeling” as Kyoto. This is a good place to get a taste of local life in a Japanese city.
There are many things to do in Osaka and while you could stay busy for the better part of a week, we think 2 days is a good amount of time to see the best of the city as well as a couple of hidden gems.
We’ve been to Osaka on two different trips, and have put together the best way to spend your time there.
In this 2 day Osaka itinerary, you’ll get an outline of how exactly to spend your time in Osaka. And if you like what you see, be sure to check out our complete 2-week Japan itinerary because we have quite literally done all the planning for you!
Osaka Itinerary Contents
- How many days in Osaka; Is 2 enough?
- 2 days in Osaka itinerary overview
- Osaka itinerary map
- Extra time in Osaka
- Perfect Japan itinerary
- Best time to visit Osaka
- How to get around Osaka
- Where to stay in Osaka
- Budget for 2 days in Osaka
- What to pack for visiting Osaka
- More Japan travel resources
Want to save time and energy on planning?
We’ve spent hundreds of hours (no joke!) researching for our 3 different trips to Japan, and we’ve been able to explore a lot of what this country has to offer.
We’ve compiled our experience to create a classic Japan itinerary that hits the top destinations for first-time visitors. Our itinerary is spread out over 2 weeks and includes the highlights of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and more!
We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your classic Japan itinerary today!
How many days in Osaka is enough?
It’s possible to see Osaka in a single day, but you really won’t be able to appreciate the city as you’ll be speeding through and simply checking sights off your list.
With that, we think 2-3 days is an ideal amount of time to explore Osaka. It gives you plenty of time to be more thorough and relaxed in your sightseeing.
2 days in Osaka itinerary overview
- Day 1: Osaka Castle & Nishinomaru Garden, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Shiteno-ji Temple and Dotonbori
- Day 2: Minoo Park, cooking class, optional evening activities
Day 1 of 2 days in Osaka
Welcome to Osaka!
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
Morning:
- Check out Osaka Castle & Nishinomaru Garden
- Make your way to Shiteno-ji Temple for a visit
Lunch:
- Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market to wander and grab a bite to eat
Afternoon/Evening:
- Explore Dotonbori
- Dinner in Dotonbori
- Nightlife options
Osaka Castle
- ¥600 to enter museum & observation deck
- Hours: 9am – 5pm
- last entry at 4:30pm
- extended hours on holidays
- Google Maps Location
This is one of the most famous landmarks in Osaka and a great example of Japan’s historic architecture. The grounds are free, but there’s an entrance fee for the museum inside the castle (a bit underwhelming in our opinion).
Our favorite was the view overlooking the city from the 8th floor observation deck (included in entrance fee).
How to get there: The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines. The closest JR station is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line.
Nishinomaru Gardens
- Entrance fee: ¥200 (or ¥350 during the extended hours of the cherry blossom season)
Surrounding the castle are the Nishinomaru Gardens, which are one of the most popular spots in the city for cherry blossom viewing in the springtime. It also offers nice views of the castle and lots of green space that is nice any time of year.
Shiteno-ji Temple
- Cost: It’s free to enter the main temple grounds, but there are small fees for two of the onsite attractions:
- Gokuraku-jodo Garden: ¥300
- Treasure House: ¥500; you can see historic paintings and writings displayed
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Google Maps Location
One of the oldest temples in Japan and the most important Buddhist structure in Osaka, the Shitenoji Temple is a good place to get a glimpse into the country’s religion.
This temple was originally built in the 6th century by Prince Shotoku as a way to help promote the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Over the centuries, Shitenoji has endured several fires and has been reconstructed to reflect the original design.
How to get there: Shitennoji is a short walk from Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line. It should take you about 20 minutes to get here by train from Osaka Castle.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Once you start getting hungry, make your way to the Kuromon Market for lunch. It’s about a 25 minute walk from the Shitenoji Temple.
This covered market is where chefs and home cooks come for the freshest local ingredients, earning it the nickname “Osaka’s kitchen”.
Not only will you find stalls selling fresh seafood and produce, but you’ll find shops serving up fresh food made on the spot, like noodles, curries and takoyaki.
Wander past the stalls, sample some dishes, and observe locals on their morning grocery runs.
Tip: After lunch you’ll probably have some down time before you want to make your way to Dotonbori neighborhood for the evening. This is a great time to rest up at your hotel, or if you arrived in Osaka this morning and didn’t get an early start, you can fit in a visit to Osaka Castle after lunch.
Explore Dotonbori
Dotonbori is Osaka’s entertainment district. I once heard it described as “Las Vegas meets Blade Runner”, and I think that’s pretty accurate! With neon signs, bars, restaurants, street food, and souvenir shops, be prepared for it to be busy!
Known for its ever-glowing neon lights, thick crowds, and endless food options, a visit to this lively entertainment district should definitely be part of your Osaka itinerary.
To get the full experience, be sure to get there after the sun goes down and the lights shine brightest.
There is a palpable buzz to this place, and your senses will be on overdrive. I once heard it described as “Las Vegas meets Blade Runner,” and I think that’s pretty accurate!
Walk up the main drag, sample food along the way, sit down and people-watch.
Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Walk down the pedestrian street, take in the atmosphere, and do a little souvenir shopping, if you’d like. (This is a good place for it.)
- Try takoyaki (as a snack): There are lots of takoyaki stands in the Dotonbori area, but we’d recommend Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori. They add rice cake to the batter, which makes their takoyaki balls extra crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Lines move fast, order on a machine, cash only.
- Strike a pose in front of the iconic Glico Sign (a symbol of Dotonbori)
- Wander Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow alleyway, until you find the small, hidden Hozenji Buddhist Temple, which is more than 400 years old. Look for the Fudo Myoo statue, which is covered in moss. Fudosan is a protective deity, and you can pay respects by sprinkling water on the moss-covered statue.
- Treat yourself to Melon Bread (from this shop) or “jiggly cheesecake” at Rikuro’s
- Tip: queue in the line for cheesecake that was baked 2 hours ago rather than fresh as the line is shorter and it’s chilled rather than warm; it’s cheaper if you order it for takeaway rather than dining in.
Dinner
Here are some great recommendations for dinner in the Dotonbori neighborhood:
- Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honten or Okonomiyaki Sakaba: both are cozy okonomiyaki joints in the Dotonbori area, they can have a long wait around peak mealtimes
- Wagyu IDATEN: excellent wagyu restaurant featuring only A5 quality meat
Nightlife
If you’re not too tired and feeling like a night on the town, you’re in the right place! Osaka is known for its bustling nightlife. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
- Go Izakaya hopping: An izakaya is a uniquely Japanese establishment that is sort of like a small bar. They usually serve drinks and small bites in a casual setting. Most of the time the menus are in Japanese, so find out exactly what to order before you go.
- Join a guided bar hopping tour with Magical Trip: If you don’t feel comfortable stepping into an Izakaya on your own, this is a good option.
- Check out an English language comedy show at Ror Comedy.
- Head to a speakeasy: Bar Nayuta is a super cool speakeasy bar hidden in a residential building on the 5th floor, and getting there requires the use of a trap door…
- there is no menu; tell the bartender what flavors/liquor you like
- open from 5pm – 3am every night
Day 2 of 2 days in Osaka
On day 2 of this 2 days in Osaka itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore a part of Osaka that’s still somewhat off the radar of most tourists. Plus we’ll offer some activity options to fit different travel styles.
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
Morning:
- Explore Minoo Park
Lunch:
- Cooking class (or alternative activities)
Afternoon/Evening:
- teamLab Botanical Gardens
- Dinner
Minoo Park
- Free entry
- open 24 hours a day
- Google Maps Location
Start your morning off with a stroll through the park!
With a paved walking path that leads through forested mountains to a waterfall, Minoh Park is a popular spot for locals but is still under the radar of most tourists.
The path is mostly flat(ish), and it takes around 45 minutes to get to the waterfall, which marks the end of the path. You’ll find stalls selling snacks as well as a few restrooms along the way.
Tip: Be sure to try deep fried maple leaves, the park’s specialty!
We have a complete Minoo Park guide with everything you need to know, including how to get there, things to do, and a fun foodie experience you won’t find in many places in Japan.
How to get there: From the Osaka-Umeda Station (near Osaka Station), take the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line (best if it is the Express Train because it makes fewer stops). Change trains at Ishibashi Handai-mae Station and get on the Hankyu-Mino Line heading to Mino-o Station. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes.
Cooking class
- Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- When: all days except Sundays
- Cost: 9,700 yen per person
- Meeting point: Dotonbori area
Learn how to make ramen and gyoza from scratch! We think cooking classes are one of the best ways to get a deeper understanding of a culture and cuisine, and it’s a really fun activity to incorporate into your travels.
Many of the cooking classes we’ve taken are half-day affairs, with visits to local markets and preparing multiple dishes from scratch. However, this ramen-making class took just 2 hours, which was fine with us considering we had a pretty packed schedule in Osaka.
Is that class full? Try this class instead. This is the one we personally did and had a great experience. The only reason we’re recommending the other one higher is that it seems to run on more days, making it a better option for most travelers.
Alternative options:
If you’d rather have an active day than a cooking class, here are 2 options that look amazing and will show you a different side of Osaka than most tourists see:
Bike tour
- Time: 9am – 1pm
- When: weekdays only
- Cost: $57 per person
- Meeting point: Kashiwara station
Explore rural Osaka on bicycle, led by a local guide. This tour can be altered to your fitness level.
Hike & fishing
- Time: 9am – 3:30pm
- When: most days
- Cost: $79 per person
- Meeting point: Kawachinagano station
Embark on a 2.5-hour hike with a local far from the tourist path. Try trout fishing and enjoy your catch for lunch!
teamLab Botanical Garden
- Cost: ¥2,000
- Hours: hours are in the early evening (so you can see light illuminations), and timing varies throughout the year based on sunset
- Google Maps Location
You’ve heard of teamLab Borderless, the ultra-popular digital art museum in Tokyo. But what if we told you you could get a taste of the teamLab magic in Osaka?
As of 2022, teamLab has opened a new exhibit at the Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka. The project, called Digitized Nature, explores the concept of turning nature into art using non-material digital technology that won’t harm the plants.
A botanical garden during the day and art space by night, this is easily one of the coolest new(ish) things to add to your Osaka itinerary! Check their official website for more details and snag your skip the line entry ticket online ahead of time.
Dinner
Getting hungry for dinner? If you opted for the cooking class today, you may not be all that hungry this evening, and a street food snack may suffice. However, if you did a different tour or have a grumbling tummy, here are some of our top restaurant recommendations for Osaka:
- Gyozaoh: cozy izakaya serving vegetarian gyoza, edamame, and cucumber salad
- Matsusakagyu: yakiniku (bbq) restaurant where you order different grades of meat and grill them yourself
- Sake Bar Shiki: sake food pairings in a cozy, foreigner-friendly izakaya
- OKO Fun Okonomiyaki Bar: great vegan and vegetarian okonomiyaki
- Ichiran: if you didn’t have a chance to try this iconic ramen chain in Tokyo, now’s your chance
Nightlife
This is a great time to explore some of the nightlife options we listed on day 1 that you may not have had the chance to do yesterday.
Osaka itinerary map
Click on the map above to be taken to the interactive version in Google Maps and have this 2 days in Osaka itinerary at your fingertips.
Have more than 2 days in Osaka?
If you have more than 2 days to spend in Osaka, that’s great! There’s so much to do and see in this part of the world, you can never have too much time!
If you want to spend more time exploring Osaka, here are some suggestions for more things to do.
- make a unique souvenir at Designpocket, where you can craft a food replica keychain or magnet (takoyaki, sushi, matcha parfait); takes 30-40 minutes; check website for prices & reservation info
- do a sake flight tasting (& pair it with small bites if you like) at Sake Koji
- soak at Spa World, where there are several themed onsen, saunas, and a pool (no tattoos)
- go to an arcade and get your game on! Round1 is a good choice & is popular with locals
We have plenty more suggestions in our things to do in Osaka guide.
Another suggestion would be to get out and explore other parts of the region. There are plenty of day trips from Osaka to do just that. We’d recommend Kyoto, Nara or Hiroshima if you’ve never been!
Psst! Are you trying to choose whether to visit Osaka or Kyoto? Both are worth it if you have the time. But if you can only pick one, our Kyoto vs. Osaka guide can help you decide!
Perfect Japan itinerary
What if I told you I can save you countless hours of precious time?
Not only have we spent a ton of time (like a ton) behind a laptop screen researching all things Japan. We’ve been on 3 separate trips to experience everything first hand, weed out and not-so-worth-it tourist traps and gather insider tips for the things we really recommend!
If you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined. Trust us.
We did it so you don’t have to!
And we’re happy to share everything we learned…
We’ve curated what we think is the perfect Japan itinerary for your first trip. This itinerary takes you to the iconic sights and unforgettable experiences in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto in 14 easy-to-follow days.
Highlights of our classic Japan itinerary
- Sample the freshest sushi on earth at Tokyo’s world-famous fish market
- Experience izakaya culture in hidden alleyways
- Observe sumo wrestlers at their morning practice
- Soak in a beautiful open-air onsen
- See Mount Fuji in all her glory
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony
- Walk through the magical orange gates of Fushimi Inari
- Enjoy Japanese foods you’ve never heard of on an exciting food tour
- Meet the friendly, bowing deer of Nara
- Learn how to make Japanese ramen from scratch
- & so, SO much more!
We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you! And we’re really proud of the final product!
In full transparency, this is a paid itinerary since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create.
Typically, a custom, done-for-you 2-week itinerary would cost upwards of $1,000. But we have done our best to make this a very reasonable price so that it is accessible to anyone planning a trip to Japan.
Best time to visit Osaka, Japan
In short, you’ll have the best chance of comfortable weather and fewer crowds in early spring (March – early April) and in autumn (late October – November).
Our personal pick would be to visit Osaka during November as there is a smaller chance of rain than October, and more comfortable temperatures than December.
The temperatures will have cooled off from the crazy summer humidity, yet it wouldn’t be too cold for outdoor activities. Osaka wouldn’t have quite the same crowds as the cherry blossom season brings. And seeing the fall foliage in Japan was one of our favorite trips!
Find out the best time to visit Japan based on seasonal weather patterns in each region and your personal travel style.
How to get around Osaka
Osaka is a very well-connected city, and public transportation is affordable and efficient. It can be a bit overwhelming at first to understand how to get around and just what types of passes you’ll need. Fear not, we’re here with all the info you need!
JR Lines
If you have a JRail Pass, you’ll have free access to JR Lines in Osaka, which is great because the Osaka Loop Line is very helpful. However, the JR lines can be quite a walk from some of the attractions you’ll likely want to visit, like Dotonbori.
For this reason, we’d also recommend getting an ICOCA Card, which we will describe below:
ICOCA card
This is a prepaid metro card for the Kansai Region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and the surrounding areas. You can even use this card in other places in Japan as well, like Hiroshima and Tokyo.
Comparable to the Oyster Cards in London, you can load these cards and use them to tap in and out of metro stations. You can even use them to buy items at 7-Eleven. You’ll need to buy one ICOCA per person you are traveling with.
Purchase the card from a ticket kiosk in most stations starting at 1,000 yen. There is a 500 yen deposit, but you can get this refunded once you are done traveling in the Kansai Region. You cannot get the ICOCA card refunded outside of the Kansai Region so be sure to get your deposit refunded before you leave.
The Suica and Pasmo cards work the same way, but those deposits can only be refunded around the Tokyo region.
Rent a bike
Osaka is actually pretty bike-friendly, and there are plenty of bike lanes through the city. HUBchari is one of Osaka’s city bike share programs and you can rent a bike for around 200 yen per hour. You could also find a local bike rental shop near your hotel and rent a bike for the day.
Getting to and from the airport
There’s a good chance you’ll be flying in or out of this metropolis, since Kansai Airport (KIX) is the third busiest hub in Japan. Located on its own airport island in Osaka Bay, the best way to get to KIX is by train.
If you have the JR Pass, you can travel from KIX to Osaka for free. If you don’t have the JR Pass it might cost you up to 2400 yen one way. Using JR Lines, hop on the Kansai Kuko Line that connects KIX to Osaka Station, or you can use the Hakura Line and transfer at Tennoji Station to get on to the JR Osaka Loop Line.
Where to stay in Osaka
There is no shortage of hotel options in Osaka. And unlike hotels in Tokyo, there are actually some pretty affordable options!
For the most centrally-located stay, we recommend choosing accommodation just north of Dotonbori in Shinsaibashi or just south of it in Namba. Osaka is well-connected, so if you stay a bit further it’s not that big of a deal.
Here are a few quick picks…
Simple yet beautifully-designed rooms with a variety of options for different budgets. There is also an onsite cafe with the option to add breakfast. It’s located a bit further from the center, but near a train station for easy access.
This hotel is a good choice if you want to try a budget-friendly capsule hotel! We personally stayed here & had a good experience. It’s centrally located, but it’s good to note that the capsule rooms are gender-separated.
Located in the city center, this hotel has free drinks in the lobby and an option to add breakfast. The rooms are compact but comfy and it’s an overall good value.
This reasonably-priced hotel comes with modern, well-designed rooms and a cool bar and lobby space. It’s located a bit far from the center, but near a train station for easy access.
Stay in a local neighborhood with Sekai Hotel
If you like getting off the typical tourist path on your travels, this is for you! Sekai Hotel is a program that was created to combat over-tourism in the crowded city center and encourage local-tourist interactions. It’s basically like staying in a guest house in a local neighborhood, but with added benefits. Read more about our experience with Sekai Hotel here.
Budget for 2 days in Osaka
The average daily cost of expenses in Osaka per traveler, based on double occupancy accommodation and not including flight costs, is $250 USD per day. This would make your budget around $500 USD per person for 2 days in Osaka.
Now as with all budgets, there are lots of variables to consider, ways to save money and ways to spend a lot more. Below we’ll break down the average costs of some popular activities and dining in Osaka so you can get a good idea for your own budgeting.
Accommodation*
Based on double-occupancy rooms
- 2 beds in a capsule hotel: $120 USD
- One bedroom Sekai Hotel: $165 USD
- Hotel room in the city center: $235 USD
*Note the price of accommodation will vary pretty substantially by season in Japan. Prices will be much higher during peak tourism season (spring and summer) and drop over wintertime. Osaka is also going to be more affordable in general to find accommodation vs. cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, so it makes a good base for those wanting to explore Japan on a budget.
Meals
Per person average meal costs
- Hotel breakfast: $20 USD
- Street food snack: ¥300 – 500
- Ramen or causal order-at-the-counter meal: ¥600 – 1200
- Sit-down dinner: ¥1200 – 1500
- Cocktail at a speakeasy: ¥2500
Entertainment
Cost for a single entry ticket or tour
- Entrance to Osaka castle and museum: ¥600
- Entrance to Shiteno-ji Temple: free!
- Walking around Minoh Park: free!
- Ramen making class: ¥9,700
- teamLab Botanical Garden skip-the-line ticket: ¥2,000
Transportation
- Cost of an ICOCA metro card (refundable): ¥1,000
- Cost of a metro ride from Osaka Castle to Shiteno-ji Temple: ¥190
- Cost of a metro ride from Osaka-Umeda Station to Minoh Park: ¥280
What to pack for visiting Osaka
We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating these super helpful guides full of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Japan that you won’t find anywhere else:
- Our Japan packing guide lists all the essentials (many of which you might not think about), as well as what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan.
- This article on what to wear in Japan will help you create a perfect capsule wardrobe for every season and let you in on some cultural taboos so you can be sure to dress appropriately.
- With this FREE Japan packing list PDF download, we’ll send checklists straight to your inbox for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra stuff you may want to have on-hand just in case. Click the image below to get your free copy!
More resources for traveling in Japan
We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Exciting Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
- Everything you Need to Know About Visiting Japan for Your First Time
- How to Purchase a Japan Rail Pass Ticket
- Japanese Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know
- What to Eat in Japan: Foods to Try + Tips for Eating in Japan!
- Japan Pocket WiFi vs. SIM Card: Which is better?
- Expert Tips for Visiting Japan (Dos and Don’ts!)
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We want to hear from you!
What did you think of our 2 day Osaka itinerary? Are you planning a trip to Osaka and still have questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!