The best 2-day Osaka itinerary options
Known as the nation’s kitchen, Osaka has a rich history dating back to the 5th century when it was a bustling port and trade center. It is a city that never sleeps, renowned for its dazzling neon lights, historical landmarks, and mouth-watering cuisine. From the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal history, to the bustling streets of Dotonbori, filled with tasty street food and colorful advertisements, there is something here for everyone. This blog post aims to help you make the most of your short stay by presenting the best 2-day itinerary options in Osaka. Let’s dive into the heart of Osaka and discover what makes this city so irresistibly charming. We have curated three 2-day Osaka itinerary options for first-timers, foodies, and pop-culture enthusiasts.
What is the best 2-day Osaka itinerary?
Osaka offers many things to do from great historical sights such as Osaka Castle to modern entertainment venues such as Universal Studios. This post provides three ready-made itinerary options to suit different travel styles, ensuring you get the most out of your stay. There are common elements in these itineraries as there are places that you don’t want to miss such as Shinsekai or Dotonbori.
What other themed itinerary would you like us to craft? Leave a comment below.
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#1 Classic 2-day Osaka itinerary, best for first-time visitors
This 2-day Osaka itinerary is carefully curated to give you a well-rounded experience of Osaka. It is ideal if you have never been to Osaka and want a balanced itinerary including the classic, must-see sights. This is a fast-paced itinerary, aiming to cover as much as possible and giving alternatives you can choose from. So, if you find it too crowded, take it slower and skip a few items from the list.
Day 1 - Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market & Umeda
Morning – Osaka Castle
- Start your day at Osaka Castle to visit the iconic castle, its gardens, and its museum full of national treasures. You can see many objects in the Castle Museum that are from the Sengoku period (1477 -1573) and related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
- Spend 2-3 hours on the Castle Grounds then head to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. This 10th century shrine is famous for its festival Tenjin Matsuri held in July. Stop on the way to see and taste amazing smoothie art at JTRRD or try okonomiyaki, the signature dish of Osaka at Okonomiyaki Michikusa.
- Then head to Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street or Kuromon Market to grab affordable souvenirs and street food.
- Go to Umeda Sky Building‘s observatory to see the beautiful night view of Osaka. You can find tickets here.
- Alternatively, ride the famous HEP FIVE Ferris wheel.
- Walk around Umeda & explore shopping options such as the Hanshin Department Store, or the local Don Quijote.
Planning to Visit Tokyo as well?
Day 2 - Sumiyoshi Taisha, Shinsekai & Dotonbori
Morning – Sumiyoshi Taisha
- Start your day in the beautiful Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan founded in the 3rd century. There is a divine rice field next to the shrine where you can see ducks living as protection against rodents.
Afternoon – Shinsekai
- Head to Namba Yasaka Shrine, the most Instagrammable place in Osaka. The shrine’s huge lion head is a beloved photospot among tourists.
- Then head to the Shinsekai district and visit Tsutenkaku, Osaka’s iconic tower. Shop for souvenirs, snacks, and clothes in the nearby souvenir stores such as Tsutenkaku Wakuwaku Land or Shinsekai Market. Wait until dark to see the streets illuminated.
Evening – Dotonbori
- Walk along the Dotonbori canal in the Dotonbori district and enjoy the view of thousands of illuminated ads and neon signs. The most famous of these signs is the Glico Sign, which was installed in 1935 by a confectionary company.
- Check out the restaurant with the famous huge crab sign Kani Doraku Dotonbori.
- Dotonbori is a great place to grab street food. Try takoyaki, and okonomiyaki and walk to the famous Hozenji Yokocho full of bars and traditional food stalls.
#2 Osaka 2-day pop culture-themed itinerary for children at heart
This itinerary is for fans of pop culture, anime, and manga. It has been designed for pure fun and skips the major traditional sights such as Osaka Castle. However, it includes the fun rides of Universal Studios, Japan’s best Aquarium, the quirky shops of Nipponbashi Denden Town, and a Bunny Girl hostess bar. Furthermore, this is also a fast-paced itinerary with various alternatives to fit into your day. If you need more time at the sights or want to go slower feel free to skip a few items. Gambatte!
Day 1 - Universal Studios & Shinsekai
Morning & Afternoon – Universal Studios
- Spend your day at Universal Studios Theme Park. You should book your tickets in advance and arrive early as queues can get huge. the best rides include Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, The Flying Dinosaur, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Flight of the Hippogriff™, and JAWS.
- Check out Universal Citywalk Osaka shopping mall nearby to grab souvenirs. On the 4th floor of the mall, there is an area dedicated to one of the most famous street foods in Osaka, takoyaki. In Osaka Takoyaki Park, you can try different types of takoyaki from various vendors.
- If you have time left in the afternoon you can take a ferry called Captain Line to visit the nearby Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the best aquarium in Japan. The ferry costs 1,700 yen roundtrip.
Evening – Shinsekai
- It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to Shinsekai from Universal Studios or Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan by public transport.
- Visit the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower and enjoy the breathtaking night view.
Day 2 - Nipponbashi Denden Town, Kuromon Market & Dotonbori
Morning – Nipponbashi Denden Town
- Start your day at Shitenno-ji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan founded in 593.
- Then head to Nipponbashi Denden Town, (20 minutes walk from Shitenno-ji) a true heaven for anime & manga fans. This place is the Akihabara of Osaka, full of anime and collectible shops such as Joshin Super Kids Land HQ.
- Visit a maid cafe, for example, Maidreamin’s local shop in Nipponbashi. Maid cafes are unique places, where the waitresses are dressed up as Victorian-style maids, serve kawaii food, dance, and call their guests “Master” and “Mistress”.
- Alternatively, if you are not a huge anime fan visit the Osaka Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda, a quirky museum dedicated to introducing cup ramen, its history, invention, and manufacturing process. You can design your cup and customize your ramen, it is such a fun and interesting place.
Afternoon – Kuromon Market
- Head to Kuromon market, known as the kitchen of Osaka. Try takoyaki, grilled scallops, fresh tuna sushi, and oden.
- Then walk 15 minutes to Namba Yasaka Shrine, the most Instagrammable place in Osaka. The shrine’s huge lion head is a beloved photo spot among tourists.
Evening – Dotonbori
- Explore the neighborhood of Dotonbori packed with delicious street food. Walk along the Dotonbori canal in the Dotonbori district and enjoy the view of thousands of illuminated ads and neon signs. The most famous of these signs is the Glico Sign, which was installed in 1935 by a confectionary company.
- Check out the restaurant with the famous huge crab sign Kani Doraku Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho, an alley full of bars and traditional food stalls.
- Visit the B4 Bunny Girl Bar. It is a quirky hostess bar where the waitresses are dressed as Bunny Girls.
Are you planning to visit Kyoto as well?
–> The 7 best Kimono Rentals in Kyoto
#3 Osaka 2-day foodie itinerary
This itinerary is designed for foodies visiting Osaka. It is a fast-paced itinerary focusing on unique food options, therefore it is ideal for people who like to explore the best restaurants and cafes. Although this is a foodie itinerary it includes some of the main sights of Osaka such as Osaka Castle. Check out this foodie itinerary to get your takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and cup ramen fix.
Day 1 - Osaka Castle & Umeda
- Start your day at Osaka Castle to visit the iconic castle, its gardens, and its museum full of national treasures. You can see many objects in the Castle Museum that are from the Sengoku period (1477 -1573) and related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Afternoon – Namba Shrine & Osaka Cup Noodles Museum
- Head to Yakiniku Gyugi to enjoy wagyu yakiniku at affordable prices, then walk 5 minutes to the nearby Namba Shrine.
- Then head to the Osaka Cup Noodles Museum in Ikeda, a quirky museum dedicated to introducing cup ramen, its history, invention, and manufacturing process. You can design your cup and customize your ramen, it is such a fun and interesting place.
- Alternatively head to Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street to shop for souvenirs and grab another bite of takoyaki, grilled scallop, or sushi.
Evening – Umeda
- Go to Umeda Sky Building‘s observatory to see the beautiful night view of Osaka. You can find tickets here. Alternatively, ride the famous HEP FIVE Ferris wheel. Grab a few yummy fluffy pancakes at Cafe Sunshine.
- Enjoy a delicious kaiseki dinner at Yonemasu. This restaurant is famous for obtaining Michelin stars and offering a minimalist dining experience.
Day 2 - Kuromon Market, Shinsekai & Dotonbori
Morning – Kuromon Market
- Head to Kuromon market, known as the kitchen of Osaka. Try takoyaki, grilled scallops, fresh tuna sushi, and oden.
- Then walk 15 minutes to Namba Yasaka Shrine, the most Instagrammable place in Osaka. The shrine’s huge lion head is a beloved photo spot among tourists.
- Head to Namba Yasaka Shrine, the most Instagrammable place in Osaka. The shrine’s huge lion head is a beloved photo spot among tourists.
- Then head to the Shinsekai district and visit Tsutenkaku, Osaka’s iconic tower. Shop for souvenirs, snacks, and clothes in nearby souvenir stores such as Tsutenkaku Wakuwaku Land or Shinsekai Market. Wait until dark to see the streets illuminated.
- Walk along the Dotonbori canal in the Dotonbori district and enjoy the view of thousands of illuminated ads and neon signs. The most famous of these signs is the Glico Sign, which was installed in 1935 by a confectionary company.
- Check out the delicious meals of the crab restaurant with the famous huge crab sign, Kani Doraku Dotonbori or grab tasty handmade udon noodles at Kawafuku Honten.
- Dotonbori is a great place to grab street food as well. Try takoyaki, and okonomiyaki and walk to the famous Hozenji Yokocho full of bars and traditional food stalls.
