1 Day Osaka Itinerary - One Day in Osaka, Japan
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There is much to do in Japan’s second-largest city. Use our 1 day Osaka Itinerary to plan a perfect visit to Osaka.
Osaka One Day Itinerary: (Jump To)
Osaka is a vibrant city with historic temples, shrines, modern shopping malls, and unique amusement parks. This one day Osaka Itinerary is meant to help you decide the best things to see in Osaka to build your perfect day in Osaka.
1 Day Osaka Itinerary - Visit Osaka Castle
Start your day with a visit to Osaka Castle. The historic building was initially constructed in 1597. It was rebuilt in the 17th century after being destroyed by invading troops only to be destroyed a half-century later by fire. Resurrected in 1931, the building survived the air strikes of World War II.
The interior of the building was modernized in 1997, making it easily accessible. The interior is home to a largely uninteresting museum, but the view from the top makes the relatively inexpensive (¥600/US$4.30) admission worthwhile. The castle is surrounded by a large park with vast open spaces, traditional gardens, and even a moat. A visit to Osaka Castle will start your One Day Osaka Itinerary with plenty of history and culture.
1 Day Osaka Itinerary - See the Sights at the Port of Osaka
Hop on one of the city’s frequent, cheap, clean, and safe local metro trains to the Port of Osaka to visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
When it first opened in 1990 the aquarium was the largest in the world. The giant center tank is home to sharks, rays, and various species of fish. The smaller tanks surrounding them are themed to the different oceans of the world. This is a particularly great thing to add to you 1 Day Osaka Itinerary if your looking for the best things to do in Osaka with kids.
If you’re a fan of giant Ferris wheels, visit the adjacent Tempozan Ferris Wheel, in 1997 it was the largest Ferris wheel in the world but has moved down to 23rd tallest in the world since opening.
If you’re looking for a bite the adjacent Tempozan Marketplace is a large shopping mall with uniquely Japanese shopping and a good selection of Asian and non-Asian food options. Be sure to try the Melon flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Namba Parks: Where to Shop in Osaka
Next, take an evening visit to Namba Parks. The six-floor shopping mall has a wide selection of dining options. Be sure to visit the rooftop garden for some great sunset or night-time views of the skyline. The mall is packed full of unique stores with many clothing, home goods, and decor shops to choose from. Include this mall on your 1 Day Osaka Itinerary if you’re looking for the best shopping in Osaka.
Dotonbori: What to Eat in Osaka
The neighborhood of Dotonbori is filled with all kinds of great evening activities. The covered and lighted lanes are stacked full of tiny shops, bars, restaurants, and a plethora of street food. A famous bite is Takoyaki, a meatball-shaped treat made from fish stock, flour, and octopus.
Add a uniquely Japanese experience to your 1 Day Osaka Itinerary by visiting one of Osaka's many arcades. It’s especially fun to visit a Gashapon shop filled with hundreds of hand-cranking toy vending machines. Shops filled with various claw machines are also very popular.
Select a bar with a patio on the Dotonbori River to sample some of the popular drinks. Whiskey Highball, a whiskey and club soda served in a large chilled mug is a popular choice. Also popular is Shōchū, a distilled rice liquor drink that packs quite a punch. You also can’t visit Japan without trying Sake, a fermented alcoholic drink sometimes called Japanese wine.
Take a Selfie in Front of The Glico Running Man
The final stop on your 1 Day Osaka Itinerary should be a nighttime selfie in from of the very famous running man sign. The Glico Running Man sign has been glowing in this spot for over eighty years. The man is a mascot for Gilco, a candy and confectionary company. You may know their most popular snack, Pocky.
Check out the Nightlife in Osaka
If you want to keep the night going, return to central Osaka to the Doyamacho neighborhood. This area, less popular with tourists, allows you to have a more authentic local experience.
If it’s your thing, book an hour or two in one of the many karaoke rooms where you can sing away the night to all your favorite songs (plus lots of Asian hits you’re not as familiar with).
This neighborhood is also home to friendly LGBTQIA+ bars and nightclubs.
Also nearby is the Umeda Sky Building a landmark building in Osaka. The two tall skyscrapers are connected by a giant skybridge where you will find a rooftop garden and an observation deck.
If You Have More Time in Osaka:
Visit Hirakata Park
On day two spend a half day at Hirakata Park, the oldest theme park in Japan. There are 45 attractions in the park including roller coasters, family rides, and a giant Ferris wheel.
The park charges a very small admission fee, then each attraction has an individual ticket price. You can pick or choose what to ride or purchase an unlimited ride wristband.
Take a Day Trip to Nara Park
If you have more time, spend a day in nearby Nara. Nara Park is home to a large herd of people-friendly deer who have become accustomed to being fed by visiting tourists. Also visit Todai-ji Daibutsuden, the Great Buddha Hall. The temple is home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. The area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Universal Studios Japan
Also nearby is Universal Studios Japan. You’ll have no problem filling a day in the park's themed areas including Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Despicable Me.
Fans of the American parks in Orlando and Hollywood might be underwhelmed by the parks, as many of the attractions are identical copies.
A highlight is the new Super Nintendo World where the characters from the Super Mario Bros. franchise come alive with themed attractions, food, and entertainment.
