In Osaka, Japan for a short period of time and wondering how best to spend it? Check out this itinerary of how I spent 2 days in Osaka which also includes a short day trip to the nearby city of Nara.
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- Intro
- Where to Stay in Osaka
- OSAKA 2-DAY ITINERARY
- Day 1: Osaka Castle, Cup Noodle & Dotonbori
- Day 2: Nara Day Trip
- Final Words
Check Out
Intro
The city of Osaka, Japan is a vibrant city that has modern attractions, tons of shopping opportunities, mouth-watering cuisine and also contains a rich history. There is a ton to see and do in Osaka, so it’s best to have multiple days to explore the city in its entirety. However, if you only have 2 days to explore, then my Osaka itinerary includes doing some shopping as well as visiting the nearby city of Nara. Of course, feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.
Where to Stay in Osaka
Osaka is a pretty big city with several areas you can stay in. For me and this itinerary, I prioritized a convenient location to a central train station that can get us to all the main sights we planned to see. So we opted to stay at the Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA located right next to the Osaka Station City. This hotel is pretty much connected to the Osaka Station City where you just have to cross a bridge to get to it. Not only that, but there are several department stores right next to it where we can easily find a spot to eat and go shopping!
Book the same stay by clicking here or add your dates and click “Search” for availability in the widget below:
OSAKA 2-DAY ITINERARY
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Osaka, Japan itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:
- Day 1 Points of Interest → BLUE
- Day 2 Points of Interest → ORANGE
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE OSAKA MAP:
| Action | Description / Step-by-Step Instructions |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Star Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the STAR ☆ right of the “Osaka, Japan“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing* |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer) | In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps” → Locate “Osaka, Japan” → Click it to open the Map |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone) | In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “Osaka, Japan” → Click it to open the Map |
Day 1: Osaka Castle, Cup Noodle & Dotonbori
Today, get a taste of traditional Japan along with modern attractions and visit the Osaka Castle and the Cup Noodle Museum. Then end your day exploring Dotonburi and the surrounding areas.
Osaka Castle
The beautiful and intricately-designed Osaka Castle is a must-visit while in Osaka. It is a castle tower that has a top floor observation deck where you can overlook the castle grounds and get a nice view of the surrounding lands.
The main grounds where Osaka Castle is located, called the Osaka Castle Park, is where you can access Osaka Castle. There is also a cute Japanese Garden not too far with an awesome view of the castle. Definitely visit this Japanese Garden! It’s a cute hidden gem where there weren’t many people taking pictures here when I visited. You can enter the castle and go through the Museum to learn more about the castle and its rich history. Also, try heading to the top observation deck to get some awesome views!
The castle grounds has the Nishinomaru Gardens, a popular park where you can see cherry blossoms during the Spring. The grounds are also surrounded by water moats, and can only be accessed by four bridges or entrances. You are also able to walk around the grounds, where you’ll get another great view of the castle from the other side of the water directly across Osaka Castle. Just cross the Gokuraku-bashi Bridge and follow the trail to the left.
Osaka Castle • photos by Jeanie A
Cup Noodle Museum
The Cup Noodle Museum in Osaka is a fun and interactive experience to not miss! Cup noodles were invented in Ikeda City, Osaka, so it makes sense to visit the home of cup noodles. It is located a bit out of the main city center of Osaka, but the train ride is not too long at about 30 minutes.
There are a couple of attractions you can pay and participate in, as well as a free museum portion where you can learn about the history. However, I definitely recommend doing the My CUPNOODLES Factory where you are able to design your very own custom-made cup noodles!
After the My CUPNOODLES Experience, you can roam around the Museum freely. Learn about the Cup Noodle inventor Momofuku Ando, observe Chicken Ramen Factory participants (if there’s any), and/or check out the Museum Shop. I chose to not participate in the Chicken Ramen Factory, but it seems really cool to be able to make your own noodles!
Cup Noodle Museum Ikeda • photos by Jeanie A
Mido-Suji Street for Shopping
Midosuji street runs north-to-south and is lined with luxury stores and a couple malls you can easily spend time browsing around, regardless if you’re there to spend money or just window shop! If you’re into streetwear brands, then not a far walk from each other are stores such as: HUF, Union, Undefeated and BAPE. These are all within a 2-5 minute walk between each other.
Shinsaibashi PARCO
Shinsaibashi PARCO is a department store full of stores and places to eat on Midosuji Street. If you’re into pop culture, then you can find cool stores for Godzilla, Shonen Jump, Pokemon, Capcom, and Donguri Kyowakoku (Totoro) to name a few.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is one the most famous attractions in Osaka, making it an easy add to your Osaka itinerary. It is a vibrant area with a river running through it and where you can also find the famous Glico Running Man billboard right above the Ebisubashi Bridge. If you visit at night, the neon lights of all the billboards along the side of the building light up the entire area, making it a mesmerizing sight to see.
There are stores, bars, club and tons of food options here, including the ever-popular Ichiran Ramen. Here, you sit in an individual booth and a staff member will hand you your custom-made ramen through a small opening in your booth. Additionally, you can take a River Cruise that will calmly take you down the river where you can enjoy the surroundings and escape the crowds.
Bright Lights of Dotonbori • photos by Jeanie A
Hozenji Yokocho
For a more peaceful vibe within Dotonbori, there is a traditional-like alleyway called Hozenji Yokocho. Walking into this area almost feels like you are transported into the past. You will find traditional shrines with beautiful lanterns, and smaller shops and restaurants. It’s a big contrast from the hustle and bustle of the main Dotonbori area at Ebisubashi Bridge.
Hozenji Yokocho in Dotonbori • photos by Jeanie A
Shinsaibashi-suji Street
At the north end of the Ebisubashi Bridge (heading away from the Glico Running Man), is the entrance to Shin Sai Bashi-Suji Street.
The Shinsaibashi-suji street is a long covered street lined with shops. It’s considered to be Osaka’s busiest shopping arcade which you can notice immediately with sardine-packed people walking through. One end of the entrance is right off of Midosuji Station, with the other end leading right into Dotonbori at the Ebisubashi Bridge.
Day 2: Nara Day Trip
On your second day of your 2-day itinerary, visit the nearby city of Nara to meet some adorable deer and return to Osaka for some shopping!
Nara Day Trip
A day trip to Nara from Osaka is a perfect escape into Japan’s ancient history and natural beauty. Nara is just under an hour away by train, and it offers a peaceful contrast to Osaka city’s bustle. Head to Nara in the morning so you can make the most of your short time here.
Start your visit at Nara Park, where [mostly] friendly, free-roaming deer greet you as you walk around. These famous Nara deer have learned to bow to receive yummy crackers, which you can also purchase for a few yen. Head Visit the Todai-ji Temple which is home to the Great Buddha statue.
Then stroll through the serene paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and don’t miss the picturesque Kataoka Bairin! End your time in Nara with lunch or mochi before heading back to Osaka in the afternoon.
Day trip to Nara • photos by Jeanie A
Shinsekai Market & Tsutenkaku Tower
Once you’re back in Osaka, head to Shinsekai. Shinsekai is a retro neighborhood filled with nostalgic streets, colorful signs, and a lively atmosphere. You can stroll around the market area and snack on some local street food.
Here, there’s an awesome view of the Tsutenkaku Tower! If you want, you can also go up to the tower’s observation deck and get some views of the city.
Daimaru Umeda for Dessert
Afterwards, we returned to our hotel area at Osaka Station City and walked to Daimaru Umeda before heading back to our hotel. If your hotel isn’t near Osaka Station City, then you can skip this stop. Inside Daimaru Umeda, we went to Rikuro cheesecake for dessert! There was a bit of a line at Rikuro but the treat at the end was delicious!
Final Words
Osaka, Japan has so many things to see and do… and eat! From exploring the historic grandeur of Osaka Castle to getting creative at the Cup Noodles Museum, enjoying a peaceful escape to Nara, and soaking in the neon lights and street food of Dotonbori, this 2-day itinerary captures the best of Osaka’s vibrant energy and rich culture. Hopefully this short visit to Osaka will make you wanting to come back for longer and explore more of what Osaka has to offer. Bon Voyage!
Have you been to Osaka, Japan?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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