Are you planning a trip to Osaka? This 2 days in Osaka itinerary with map, is perfect for first timers to the city. I spent a month in Osaka, this 2 day itinerary is a realistic and exactly what I would do if I only had 2 days to explore this incredible city.
Osaka is a city that offers visitors a lot to explore, it is full of history as home to the second largest number of temples in Japan, their food is so incredible that it is referred to as Japan’s food capital, and is a colourful and modern metropolis with an energetic nightlife. Sounds good doesn’t it?
If you want to know more things to do in Osaka including day trips check out what I think are the 31 best things to do in Osaka.
Blog Contents
Tips For Your 2 Days In Osaka Itinerary
- Consider purchasing an Amazing Osaka Pass, it gives you free access to lots of attractions AND unlimited use of transport.
- If you don’t want the Amazing Osaka then buy a transit pass, I explain more in detail below, but buying a SUICA card is the easiest way to get around Osaka (and all of Japan).
- Pack layers if visiting outside of Summer. Due to Osaka’s proximity to the sea it can get windy and cold at seemingly a moments notice.
- Most restaurants don’t take reservations so be prepared to queue about 1 hour during peak times.
2 Days In Osaka Itinerary
Take a look at my map, I have saved places I have mentioned throughout this blog post, including restaurants close to where you’ll be visiting.
Day 1 Osaka Itinerary
Osaka Castle
Begin your 2 days in Osaka itinerary at the tranquil Osaka Castle.
Built in 1583, after burning down it was rebuilt a number of times. The castle is 8 storeys, each floor is a museum with information on the history of the castle. The top floor is an observatory, with sprawling views of the city and the park.
Wander the grounds which include plum and cherry blossoms, along with a peaceful Japanese Gardens. At the pond in the Japanese Gardens you will find the perfect photo spot, where Osaka Castles reflection falls on the pond.
To avoid queues tickets should be purchased online in advance.
Optional: Umeda Sky Tower
I am including this as an optional part of the itinerary as not everyone enjoys sky towers / observation decks. However, the unique design of this building and views make it worthwhile in my opinion.
Soaring 133 meters (436 feet) above Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building boasts two 40-story towers. These towers are connected by a pair of glass bridges and escalators, leading you to the breathtaking Kuchu Teien Observatory, a 360-degree open-air viewing platform.
You can book tickets online here.
America Village
Amerika-mura, also known as ‘America Village’ is an ultra trendy area influenced by Western Culture. The names ‘Amerika-mura’ comes from the ’60s when many American products were imported and sold here.
If you love vintage shops then you will be heaven here. The streets are full of high quality vintage finds, everyone here is so fashionable and effortlessly cool. Aside from vintage shopping there are some other places to check out in Amerika-mura:
- Indoor skatepark inside the Big Step store, on level B2.
- Triangular Park is a lively park in the midst of Amerika-mura. It comes alive at night with people just hanging out and drinking.
- Play retro games and meet other travellers at PC and Retro Bar Space Station. The selection of consoles is impressive with a Megadrive, Dreamcast, NES, SNES, N64, and playstation. You can play for free, you just need to buy a drink.
- Cool down with an ice cream hotdog at Ice Dog. The buns are fried and served warm, this combined with the cold ice cream is so tasty.
- Tsukemen Suzume serves delicious spicy ramen, you can choose between 3 levels of spice, the pork is also so tender and juicy. I promise this is a meal to remember.
Shinshabashi Shopping Arcade
Shinshabashi Shopping Arcade is a 600 metre stretch of domestic and international shops, boutiques, izakayas, arcades and so much food! There is so much to do here, it feels like the heart of the city.
Even if you don’t want to shop its fun exploring the 8 block maze, and if it is a rainy day you are protected from the weather as the entire street is covered by a roof.
Some places to check out here are viral cheesecake from Rikuro Daimaru, Ghibli store and the Pokemon cafe.
Round One Gaming Arcade
If you need a break from all the shopping or you just want some fun, Round One Gaming Arcade is an epic things to do in Osaka. This arcade has 8 floors of fun.
The first floor is full of claw machines that are overflowing with cuddly teddy bears, quirky toys, sweet snacks, and drinks. Just a heads-up, the claws arms are known to be a bit gentle, so winning a prize might require some persistence, but that’s all part of the fun of the game!
Below the claw machines is a floor dedicated to video games, it is sensory overload with people banging drums, dancing or just the noise of video games like Mario Kart and Monster Hunter! Aside from video games and claw machines are a golf simulator, go-kart ring, rollerblade hall, baseball batting cage, photo booths, and karaoke – as you can see, there’s something for everyone!
Game packages or pay-per-play options are available. Most games cost ¥100.
Make A Wish At Hozenji Temple
Nestled down a quiet and unassuming alley is Hozenji Temple with an intriguing Fudo statue, that is steeped in legend. Legend has it that 80 years ago, a woman made a wish while splashing the statue with water, and her wish was granted! Inspired by her experience, visitors now splash the statue with water and whisper their own wishes. Over time, this tradition has resulted in a blanket of emerald moss growing over the statue.
While in the area make sure to stop by Hozen-jo Yokocho Alley. This picturesque narrow alley is filled with Izakaya’s, it is reminiscent of Japan from a bygone era.
Dotonbori
I left this until last because Dotonbori is known as the city’s entertainment district, and is best experienced at night! A sea of 3D billboards, neon lights, music, and the best vibes! I guarantee it will leave you speechless. There is plenty to do here, and is the best area to discover on your first night in the city.
Dotonbori is a good place to get to grips with the food in Osaka, and eat as much as possible in a short amount of time during your 2 days in Osaka itinerary. The star of the street food scene here is takoyaki, gooey balls of batter with small pieces of octopus in it, dripping in a sweet and sticky sauce. Other street food you can find in Dotonbori is Okonomiyaki, Dango and Melonpan.
Aside from food and neon lights, here are some other things not to miss in the area:
- Tonburi Wolf – a mysterious wolf in overalls wanders the streets of Dontonburi! He might even say hi.
- The Glico Running Man – dating back to 1935 this iconic blue billboard makes for a great photo. The best place to take a photo is the second floor of Nanohana cosmetics, follow the yellow stairs!
- Get on the big screen – Have your own billboard moment on Dontonbori. There is a small live LCD screen where people like to take photos under. It is located here.
Ebisu Tower (Don Quijote Ferris Wheel)
Perched atop the legendary discount store, Don Quijote, this giant wheel offers epic views of Dotonbori, including the iconic giant Kushikatsu man statue, mascot of the famous Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant. But the Don Quijote Ferris Wheel isn’t your average carnival ride. Standing tall at 74.5 meters (254.2 feet), it has an unusual oval shape and round rotating cabins.
This surprisingly long ride lasts a full 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak up the amazing sights.
Tickets set you back ¥600 each, and each cabin comfortably fits four people. You can only grab tickets on the same floor as the Ferris wheel, which means venturing inside the one and only Don Quijote!
Day 2 Osaka Itinerary
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Explore Osaka’s culinary scene at Kuromon Ichiba Market, a foodie paradise! Nicknamed “Osaka’s Kitchen” for a reason, this bustling market offers a seemingly endless array of food. Sample fresh sashimi, melt-in-your-mouth tuna, or splurge on luxurious wagyu beef skewers that practically melt in your hand.
Don’t miss the 100-year-old tofu stall, Takahashi-shokuhin, for their legendary soy milk, or grab a melon bread from Pane Pane and grilled scallops from Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka. With 150 vendors and a cash-only policy, come prepared for crowds and bring your appetite! Allow 2 hours to explore and savour the best bites Osaka has to offer.
A fun way to explore this market is by joining a food tour with a local who can take you to lesser know but delicious haunts.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Believed to be built in the 4th century, Yasaka Shrine is one of the most unique shrines you will find in Japan. Standing at 12 metres is a large lion head with its mouth wide open, baring gold teeth, looking as though it is snarling. The open mouth is said to swallow any evil spirits that may be plaguing you, so much more welcoming than it appears.
DenDen Town
Anime and manga lovers will fall in love with Den Den Town. An almost 1 km stretch of street, selling a treasure trove of anime, electronics, and video games – from retro classics to the latest releases. There are also a large number of maid cafes in this area.
Many shops also sell second hand electronics so you might just snag a great deal! If you aren’t into anime or the nerdy stuff, it is still worth checking out the culture and the retro electronics.
Shinsekai
Shinsekai (“New World”) isn’t your average tourist spot. Built in 1912 with a Parisian and New York flair, it had ambitions to become a mega tourist attraction. Luna Park amusement park added to the fun, but things went south (literally) after tourist number declined leading to its closure in 1923. To add to the decline, WWII hit Shinsekai hard and resulted in Shinsekai becoming the poorest and most dangerous area in Osaka. Its fortune started to take a turn for the better in the 90’s thanks to it being featured in manga and anime.
Today’s Shinsekai is an 80s fever dream – vibrant lights, wacky 3D shops, and cozy izakayas. Its a lot of fun to walk around the streets, there is still a carnival atmosphere today with arcade games like shooting and archery.
Ts?tenkaku Tower
Located in Shin sekai is Tsutenkaku Tower, inspired by the Eiffel tower. Visitors can climb the tower to an indoor observation deck at 88 meters.
Aside from views, Ts?tenkaku tower is home to one of Osakas most fun activities, the Ts?tenkaku Tower Slider! Slide 22 metres on this helter skelter style slide in just 10 seconds. The slide has a transparent roof so you can take in the views on the way, if you dare.
Tsutenkaku tower has another cool feature, look up to the coloured lights at the top – they forecast the weather for the next day! White signifies sunshine, orange indicates clouds, and blue means rain. In my photos above, you can see the forecast for a cloudy morning and rainy afternoon.
You can purchase tickets online here.
Dinner & Drinks in Janjan Yokocho
Janjan-Yokocho, also known as Nanyo-dori Shopping Street, is a retro shopping street popular with locals. This little alleyway is full of sake bars, sushi and kushikatsu restaurants, along with Go and Sh?gi clubs.
A kushikatsu restaurant I recommend you try here is Osho Club, kushikatsu is deep fried skewers of meat and vegetable. However, most restaurants here are highly rated so whatever you choose will sure to be delicious.
Where To Stay During Your 2 Days In Osaka Itinerary
Shinshiabaishi and Namba (Minami area)
The area of Minami is the best place to stay for first timers to Osaka, you are in the heart of the city with easy access to Shinshiabaishi and Dontonburi. There are many bars, restaurants, and shops. If you plan to go out then staying here is the most convenient part of of Osaka.
What’s here: Dontonburi, Amerika-mura, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Honzen-ji temple, Shinshiabaishi shopping street.
Recommended Hotels
Budget: Feel Osaka Yu Mid-range: Hotel Nikko Luxury: Dotonbori Hotel
Tennoji
Tennoji is the old part of Osaka, this is where Shinsekai is, it is very lively with many bars and restaurants. Although there are many tourists close to the Shinsekai side, parts of Tennoji feel very local, especially Janjan-Yokocho shopping street.
What’s here: Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku tower, denden town, Janjan-Yokocho
Recommended Hotels
Budget: Joytel Mid-range: OMO7 Luxury: Marriott Miyako Hotel
Umeda
Umeda is a major commercial and business district with lots of skyscrapers. If you paln to travel to other areas of Japan then Umeda is the best place to stay due to its proximity to Umeda rail station.
What’s here: Umeda sky building,
Recommended Hotels
Budget: Apartment Hotel 11 Mid-range: Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Luxury: Nest
How To Get Around During Your 2 Days In Osaka Itinerary
The subway is the most efficient way to get around Osaka. It is easy to use, with signs spelled in English and Japanese. Google maps works well here with accurate subway times and real time information on crowdedness.
If you haven’t already, consider purchasing an ICOCA card to make navigating public transport in Japan much easier. You can purchase a virtual one via Apple Wallet or a phyical card at the ticket machines in the subway stations.
Is 2 Days In Osaka Enough Time
2 days is enough time to see Osaka’s best attractions. The subway system is robust so you can get around very fast. Although in general I would recommend 4 days where possible, to really get to know the city and maybe squeeze in a day trip. But 2 days in Osaka is enough to see the main attractions, and it leaves room for another trip to Japan, which lets face it, is always a great idea!
I hope you guys liked this 2 days in Osaka itinerary! I tried to create a realistic itinerary that can easily be done in 2 days 🙂
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