osaka budget travel guide

2023 OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 3, 2023 | Featured , Itinerary , Japan , Osaka , Travel Guide | 0 comments

Osaka, Japan is a lively city blessed with dumbfounding infrastructures, well-edited shops, food haven, stylish hostels, and astonishingly spotless streets! Adding up to its allure are the utterly helpful and disciplined Japanese.  Here’s a travel guide blog to help you plan your trip to Osaka.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

WHERE IS OSAKA?

Osaka, is a prefecture situated in the Kansai region on Hunsho Island in Japan.  It is sandwiched by Kyoto in the north, Nara in the east and Wakayama in the south.  Osaka is largely known as the economic powerhouse of Kansai region, its capital is Osaka City, the erstwhile capital of Japan (Naniwa).

JAPAN TOURIST VISA

If you are a Philippine Passport holder, Japan visa is required to enter Japan.  You can apply for a single-entry Japan visa (good for 15 days) or a multiple-entry Japan visa (good for 5 years).

However, since the Japanese Embassy no longer entertains visa applications,  you have to lodge your Japan visa application through an accredited agency processing Japan visa. You can find the list here .

Click the link below for the step by step guide: JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS + APPLICATION + TIPS

OSAKA PRE-TRIP PREPARATION

BEST TIME TO VISIT OSAKA: Osaka is a year-round destination, you will not run out of reasons to visit regardless of the season.  But since most travelers going to Osaka also want to visit the nearby Kyoto and Nara, it best to visit during October to November for autumn (colorful foliage) and March to May for spring (cherry blossoms)

ATM/MONEY EXCHANGE: As soon as we landed at Kansai International Airport, we exchanged our money near the arrival area.  I usually bring some PHP cash jut in case my ATM card don’t work in Japan.  Otherwise, you can just withdraw from the international ATMs in 7-Eleven.  Take note that many ATMs in Japan do not accept foreign credit card, debit card or ATMs. I usually use 7-Eleven because that’s where my ATM card works, I tried at other convenience stores but my card is usually declined. You can also try at Family Mart or Lawson ATMs, but they don’t work for my ATMs.  Withdrawal fee is usually JPY 600 / PHP 300/ USD 6.   Make sure to inform your bank that you will be traveling to Japan so you won’t have a problem withdrawing overseas. If you plan to bring Japanese Yen, you can exchange some at Sanry’s in Robinson  Forum (Robinson Pioneer) in Mandaluyong or  Sanrys in Glorietta 4.  Or if Sanry’s is too far for you, just bring PHP money and change it at Money Changers at the airport.

WI-FI/INTERNET ACCESS: Having internet while traveling around Japan is important.   Most likely you will be using the train in getting around which is fast, reliable but is quite complex.  Google Maps and Hperdia.com will be your travel buddy. Google Maps can help you track your location and how far you are from your destination, I’ve been using this during my bus and train trips. You can also use this to check what train and subway to ride and at which platform.  Hyperdia.com can also help you decide which train to ride, where to get off and how much you need to pay for the train ride. But I usually use this for planning my itinerary ahead of time or when searching for shinkansen trains that is covered by JR Pass.

When arriving at Kansai International Airport, you can rent a Wi-Fi router at the arrivals section.  However, you need a credit card and because it is in-demand, they usually run out.  So to avoid the hassle of looking for a Wi-Fi router, you can rent before leaving the Philippines, you can rent a 4G WiFi pocket handy device with convenient pick up  and drop off at all international airports in Japan.  You can enjoy 4G Wi-Fi coverage across Japan on a pay per day rental basis and connect up to 5 devices on the same pocket Wi-Fi router.

You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi : RESERVE HERE  

ELECTRICITY: Osaka uses 2 electric plugs, Type A and Type B. If you’re from the Philippines, we use the same type of power plug, so I didn’t need to use my travel adapter. For other nationalities, best to bring  a travel adapter. Japan standard voltage is 100 V and 60 HZ in Western Japan including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.

LANGUANGE: Kansai dialect is the language used in Osaka. People working for tourism-related establishments speaks English,.eg. hotel staff and restaurant staff. It helps to learn a few essential Japanese phrases like:

OSAKA SAFETY: Osaka, like the rest of Japan, is generally safe for tourist, even for solo travellers. The Japanese are probably the most polite and helpful people I’ve encountered on my travels. Despite the language barrier, they will do their best to help you.

WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA

If you’ve already made up your mind that Osaka will be your base for your Japan trip, the next question is, where to stay in Osaka? Well, it really depends on your itinerary, but the following are popular options:

1.NAMBA AREA. If you will be staying most of the time in Osaka, this is your best bet. Namba Station, the main subway makes it easy to get to and from the airport. There’s also a direct bus to and from Kansai Airport. Plus, the shopping areas (Shinsaibashi and Horie) and food haven (Dotonburi) are nearby. For first timers in Osaka, Namba area is easier to navigate than Umeda.

BUDGET HOTELS IN NAMBA:

HOSTEL WASABI OSAKA

CHECK RATES HERE  OR RESERVE HERE

Room Type: Dorm

Nearest subway/train station: Namba (Metro)Station North exit, Osaka-Namba Station, Nippombashi Station (Metro), and Kintetsu Nippombashi.

How to get there:

1.From Kansai Airport, take the Nankai-Limited Express or Nankai-Airport Express Train to Nankai-Namba.

2.Get off at Namba Station.

3.Walk to hotel. 5 mins.

NINE HOURS NAMBA STATION

CHECK RATES HERE OR  RESERVE HERE

  Room Type: Capsule

Nearest subway/train station: Namba Station (Metro)

3.Walk to hotel. 3 mins.

  BUSINESS INN NAMBA

CHECK RATES HERE   OR RESERVE HERE

Room Type: Single and Double Rooms

Nearest subway/train station: Osaka-Namba Station, Namba Station (Metro)

3.Walk to hotel. 9 mins.

HOTEL SHIN-IMAYA

CHECK RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE

Nearest subway/train station: Shin-Imaya Train Station

1.From Kansai Airport, take the Nankai-Limited Express Train to Nankai-Namba.

2.Get off at Shin-Imamiya Station.36 minutes.

3.Walk to hotel (use Google Maps) .

2.UMEDA (OSAKA STATION) AREA. Staying in Umeda is a better choice if you will be exploring other cities in Kansai Region like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, etc. because it is the hub of JR Lines (Osaka Station) and Hankyu and Hanshin Line (Umeda Station). So yes, basically Umeda Station and Osaka Station are both located in the same area – it’s just that,  Osaka Station is for JR Lines while Umeda Station is for Hankyu and Hanshin Lines. The subway/metro stop here is also called Umeda Station. There’s also a direct Limousine Bus from Kansai Airport to Umeda/Osaka Station.

BUDGET HOTELS IN UMEDA AREA:

HOTEL WBF KITASEMBA WEST

Nearest subway/train station: Hommachi Station (Metro),Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station (Metro)

2.Get off at Umeda Station.

HOTEL DAIKI OSAKA

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE

Nearest subway/train station: Ogimachi Station (Metro), Temma Station (JR Line)

1.Take the Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid to Kyobashi (JR Line)

2.Get off at Temma Station.

1.Take the Nankai-Kuko Line Airport Express to Nankai-Namba

2.Alight at Tengachaya Station

3.Walk to Tengachaya Station (Metro)

4.Take the Sakaisuji Line (brown line) to Tenjimbashisuji-6-chome Station

5.Alight at Ogimachi Station

6.Walk to hotel

Anyway, whatever area you choose, remember that these 2 areas (Umeda and Namba) are just 10 minutes away from each other by subway. Just make sure you check the hotel address before booking to see if it’s near the subway station or the main tourist attractions.

3. TENNOJI AREA. This is Osaka’s 3 rd major downtown hub. It has direct access to Kansai Airport. It is located 4 stops (by subway) south of Namba. It has pretty much gotten a facelift now, especially with the rise of Abeno Harukas – the highest building in Japan standing at 300 meters situated on top of Kintetsu Abenobashi Station, just across JR Tennoji Station. While popular attractions in Osaka (e.g. Osaka Castle and Dotonbori) are quite far from here, Abeno Harukas where Kintetsu Department Store, the largest department store in Osaka is located, is situated here, as well as the Tsutenkaku Tower  and Shinsekai District, the old-school entertainment district.

TENNOJI AREA BUDGET HOTELS:

  HOTEL CHUO OASIS

Nearest subway/train station: Dobutsuen-mae Station (Metro)

1.If coming from Kansai Airport, take the Nankai-Kuko Line Airport Express to Nankai-Namba and get off at Tengachaya Station (train). 39 minutes.

2.Walk to Tengachaya Station (metro/subway) and take the Sakaisuji Line (Brown Line) to Tenjimbashisuji-6-chome Station.

3.Get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station and walk to hotel (use Google Maps). Fare: ¥1,610

Travel Tip: During peak season, when prices of hotels spike at the more popular Osaka area such as Umeda and Namba, you can find relatively cheaper hotels at Tennoji Station. Anyway, don’t fret, because if you want to reach the popular Osaka attractions, Tennoji is connected by subway and trains (JR and Kintetsu Line) to Namba, Umeda, and Shin-Osaka, so you can easily reach them.  Plus, there’s a direct limousine bus from Tennoji station to Kansai Airport!

4.SHIN-OSAKA STATION AREA. If you plan to explore other cities in Japan, like Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, this is a convenient base, since this is the hub of the shinkansen trains. The area is sprinkled with hotels and restaurants. During my most recent trip to Osaka, I stayed here and found some pretty affordable and decent hotel, just walking distance from the station even during the peak season in spring!

Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Osaka during peak season like spring and autumn, most likely hotel rates in Namba and Umeda will spike, but, you can still find affordable and reasonably-priced hotel near Shin-Osaka Station.

IMPORTANT: Whatever area you choose as your base, I highly recommend choosing a hotel near a train or subway station so it will be easier for your to get around Osaka and transfer to other neighboring cities.

OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE 

Manila to Osaka

There are several airlines flying between Manila and Osaka like Cebu Pacific http://cebupacificair.com , the largest airline in the Philippines.  Cebu Pacific flies between Manila and Osaka five times weekly. Cebu Pacific also flies from Manila to Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita). Book its trademark lowest fares now through http://bit.ly/CEBOsakaflights  or (+632) 702 0888.

KANSAI AIRPORT TO OSAKA CITY CENTER

Osaka is served by 2 airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX), the airport for all international flights and some domestic flights, and Itami Airport (Osaka Airport) – the airport for domestic flights.

Kansai Airport has two terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. International flights land at Terminal 1. So, if you are arriving from the Philippines or other countries, you will most likely end up in Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 , which is about 1 hour away from Osaka city center.

Travel Tip: You can check the train routes, schedules, and fare via Hyperdia.com or Google Maps. I prefer using Hyperdia when planning my itinerary as it is more detailed. You can check my HYPERDIA GUIDE to learn how to use it.

Also, if you will search for routes to and from Kansai Airport, use “Kansai Airport” instead of “Osaka Airport”, which is meant for Itami Airport (domestic flights).

But, when I’m traveling, I prefer using Google Maps because it also gives me the information as to what train/subway to use, platform to go, fare, travel time, and can even tell me where I am already if I turn on my GPS. Because the problem with Hyperdia is, you need to know the station name of your destination or wherever you are coming from. But with Google Maps, you can just input the name of your destination and where you are coming from. It also gives you real time updates, like if the train is delayed or the trip is cancelled due to natural phenomenon or accidents or defective train, etc.

However, there are instances, when Google Maps is giving the longer route or is not pulling up any information. So, you still need to search on Google  “how to get to __” .

NAMBA AREA BY BUS

If your hotel is in Namba Area and Tennoji Area, there are direct limousine buses from Kansai Airport.

If you are staying in Namba Area, you can also get there by bus from Kansai Airport Terminal 1.  You have to make your way to OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) in Namba in downtown Osaka.

(Adult) ¥1,050 (PHP 502 – USD 9)

(Child) ¥ 530 (PHP 255 – USD 5 )

Travel time:  Approximately 50 minutes

Departure:  Every 30 minutes

1.At Kansai Airport Arrival Hall, go to the AIRPORT BUS to OCAT counter on the 1 st It’s on your way to Platform 11, where buses to OCAT stops and leaves.

2.Purchase a bus ticket to OCAT at #11. You can purchase at the ticket machine or counter.  If purchasing via a staff at the counter, show your passport.  You can also purchase in advance

Bus ticket to Namba Station, Umeda/Osaka Station, Uehommachi or hotel is in Kyoto):   DISCOUNTED HERE .

Bus ticket to Tennoji Station (Abeno Haruka), Nara, Kobe: DISCOUNTED HERE

3.The ticket machine or the staff will give you the bus ticket (white paper) and the receipt (green paper).

4.Go to Platform 11.

5.Fall in line and wait for the airport bus.

6.Once the airport bus arrives, if you have big bags, you need to put it inside the luggage compartment under the bus. The bus staff will take your bags, tag it and give you a receipt with a number. Make sure it matches the number on the bag tag. Don’t lose your receipt/number because you need to give it to the staff to claim your luggage once you arrive in OCAT.

7.Show your bus ticket to the driver and then board the Airport Bus.

8.Get off at OCAT in Namba. Claim and collect your luggage.

9. Walk or take a taxi to your hotel.

IMPORTANT:   First bus trip from KIX Terminal 1 to OCAT in Namba is 6:25 AM, last trip is 11:55 PM. See the Namba bus time table  HERE .

TENNOJI AREA BY BUS

If you’re staying in Tennoji Area, there’s also a direct bus to Abeno Harukas (Tennoji Station) from Kansai Airport (Terminal 1 and 2).

(Adult) ¥1,200

(Child) ¥ 600

Travel time:  Approximately 70 minutes

1.At Kansai Airport Arrival Hall, go to the AIRPORT BUS to OCAT counter on the 1 st It’s on your way to Platform 7, where buses to Tennoji Station (Abeno Harukas) stops and leaves.

2.Purchase a bus ticket to OCAT at # 7.  You can purchase at the ticket machine or via the counter with a staff. If purchasing via counter, show your passport to the staff.  Or better yet, purchase in advance. DISCOUNTED HERE  

4.Go to Platform 7.

5.Fall in line and wait for the airport bus. Make sure you don’t lose your ticket.

7.Show your bus ticket to the driver and then board the Limousine Bus (Kintetsu or KATE). Make sure you don’t lose your tab for claiming your luggage.

8.Get off at Abeno Harukas (Tennoji Station). Claim and collect your luggage.

IMPORTANT:   First bus trip from KIX Terminal 1 to  in Tennoji Station (Abeno Harukas) is 7:35 AM, last trip is 05:45 PM. See the Namba bus time table   HERE .

The fastest way to get to downtown Osaka from Kansai Airport is by train. You can find the train terminal (Kansai Airport Station) at the 2 nd floor of the building next to the Arrival Hall of Kansai Airport. Take the elevator and use the bridge to get to that building on the other side.

Kansai Airport to Namba Station. If your hotel is located in Namba area, you can take either of these 2 types of trains to Namba Station (Nankai):

*Nankai Airport Express: No need for seat reservation for this train. This is a regular train that is slower and cheaper.

Transit time: 46 minutes

Nankai  Limited Express (Rap:t): This futuristic blue train is faster and more comfortable than the Airport Express. You have the option to reserve seats.

Fare: ¥1,430

Transit time: 38 minutes

If you’ll choose the Nankai Limited Express train, you can book your train ticket via Klook.

RESERVE HERE

Kansai Airport to Umeda Station. If your hotel is in Umeda Station/Osaka Station area, you can do the following:

Option 1 (Direct)

JR Kansai Rapid: You can use your JR Pass.

Fare: ¥1,190 (Free with JR Pass)

Transit time: 75 minutes

1.Take JR Kansai Airport Rapid for Kyobashi

2.Alight at Osaka Station (JR Lines).

3.Walk to Umeda Station for about 5 minutes.

Option 2 (2 Transfers)

If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can take the Nankai Airport Express + Osaka Metro.

Fare:  ¥1,150

Transit time:  60 minutes

1.Take the Nankai Airport Express.

2.Alight at Namba Station (Nankai).

3.Walk for about 8 minutes to Namba Subway (Metro).

4.Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line bound for Shin-Osaka.

5.Alight at Umeda Station.

Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station. From Kansai Airport, you can go directly to Shin-Osaka Station via the Limited Express Haruka.

Option 1(Direct)

Limited Express Haruka

Fare: ¥2,850

Travel time: 51 minutes

Nankai Train + Osaka Metro

Fare: ¥1,200

Travel time: 68 minutes

2.Get off at Namba Station (Nankai).

5.Alight at Shin-Osaka Station.

Taxis in Osaka are clean, reliable, and plentiful. If you want a convenient ride and you have the money to spend, you can take a taxi to your hotel, but it’s quite steep, flag down is ¥650 and Kansai Airport is about 1 hour away from Osaka city center. Taxi drivers in Osaka are usually seniors, so just think of it as a little way of helping in their job. Tipping is NOT common in Osaka and the rest of Japan.

GETTING AROUND OSAKA

To help you in getting around the city, refer to Google Maps or get a tourist Map at Kansai Airport or  at Tourist Information Center in Umeda Station or Namba Station.

So, just to clarify, Osaka could mean Osaka Prefecture (Province) or Osaka City.  This Osaka Travel Guide covers Osaka City where most attractions are concentrated.

Map Legend :

Blue marker – Shin-Osaka Station

Purple marker – Umeda Station

Green marker – Namba Station

Yellow marker – Tennoji Station

Osaka City is composed of several wards, but let’s divide them into the 4 well-known areas to simplify things. Take note that all these areas are connected by subway/metro:

NAMBA AREA: Just 10 minutes away from Umeda by subway (Mido-Suji Line) is Namba. This is where Namba Station is located, the main subway station in Osaka. If you’ll be traveling around Osaka only most of the time, this is a good base. This is where you’ll find Dotonbori  – a photogenic street filled with neon-lights of restaurants, takoyaki stands, etc, and Shinsaibashi-suji that is popular for its market street, locally known as s hotengai . Of the 4 areas I mentioned here, this is the most popular base for first-time tourists traveling to Osaka.

UMEDA (Osaka Station Area/Kita): This is where Umeda Station, the main train station in Osaka is located, making it a convenient base for inter-city travels, like if you’re traveling to Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara. Technically, JR Osaka Station serves JR Lines, while Umeda Station serves private lines such as Hankyu Line and Hanshin Line, but remember they’re both in Umeda area. This area is dappled with department stores.

TENNOJI AREA: This is Osaka’s 3 rd major downtown hub. While popular attractions in Osaka (e.g. Osaka Castle and Dotonbori) are quite far from here, Abeno Harukas where  Kintetsu Department Store, the largest department store in Osaka is located, is situated here, as well as the Tsutenkaku Tower  and Shinsekai District, the old-school entertainment district. Anyway, if you want to reach the popular Osaka attractions, Tennoji is connected by subway and trains (JR and Kintetsu Line) to Namba, Umeda, and Shin-Osaka.  It also has direct access to Kansai Airport.

SHIN-OSAKA AREA. This is where Shin-Osaka Station is located. It’s a good base if you will be exploring other cities in Japan, like Hiroshima, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, since it is the hub of the shinkansen trains. There’s really not much to do here, but there’s a wealth of hotels and restaurants sprinkled around the area. I used it as my base during my recent solo trip in Osaka as I was traveling to Fukuoka by shinkansen.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of changing trains, finding the right station to stop, buying the right Pass or train ticket, you can explore Osaka by bus. It’s an ideal way to explore Osaka especially if you are traveling with seniors or kids. The Osaka Wonder Loop Bus is a hop-on hop off bus that stops at 14 destinations in Osaka, including Osaka Castle Park, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Namba Parks, JR Osaka Station (Umeda), and more. The bus comes with an English-speaking guide and a free Wi-Fi. Do ask for a map to see where the bus stops are located.

BY SUBWAY/TRAIN

A fast and easy way to get around Osaka is by subway (metro) and trains since this megapolis is linked by a convenient train system. However, Osaka’s train system can look complicated for first timers. But it need not be if you prepare and understand how and where to ride the trains or metro. For train schedules, fare and routes, check out Hperdia.com or Google.

ALSO READ: HOW TO RIDE JAPAN TRAINS + FINDING THE TRAIN SCHEDULES

As I mentioned above, to simplify this Osaka City Travel Guide, we will divide the city to 4 popular areas, where the main train and subway stations are located:

Tennoji Area: Around Abeno Harukas (Tennoji Station)

Namba Area: around Namba Nankai Station and Namba Subway/Metro

Umeda Area: around Umeda Station (Hankyu and Hanshin Lines) and Osaka Station (JR Lines)

Shin-Osaka: around Shin-Osaka Station

Travel Tip: Osaka trains and subways are convenient to use, but if you’ll be moving around a lot, the fares can pile up and eat up your budget. To save on transportation cost, best to purchase a Pass. But because there are several Passes available, it can be confusing which Pass to get. To help you decide, I’ll discuss each pass below, but first, take note of the following:

Kansai: This is the region composed of the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Hiroshima,  Hyogo (Kobe), Shiga, and Wakayama.

Osaka: This could mean Osaka Prefecture (province) or Osaka City (the capital).

JR Lines: JR means Japan Railways, they operate several train systems in Japan. For Kansai Region, they own JR West.

Non-JR Lines: Private lines that include Nankai, Kintetsu, Keihan Railway, Hankyu/Hanshin Railway.

Metro: Osaka’s subways are not operated by JR Lines but they are connected to them.

KANSAI PASSES: WHAT PASS TO USE IN OSAKA?

There’s a lot of tourist passes in Osaka, which can get overwhelming. It really depends on your itinerary, but to help you decided which one to use, here’s a list of Osaka passes and when to use it.

1.ICOCA Card

This is not actually a pass but a rechargeable card for subways and trains, pretty much like Hong Kong’s Octopus Card or Manila’s Beep Card. Unlike the Pass, this is NOT unlimited, but it’s a stored value card that you can use to pass through the subway gates to avoid the hassle of buying tickets every time you ride the metro/subway.  You can also use this at convenience stores and other establishments.

When to purchase: If you only have 1 day or 2 days in Osaka and you won’t be moving around a lot, you can use the ICOCA Card.

Where to purchase: RESERVE HERE

You can also purchase at ticket vending machines in major JR Line Stations.

ALSO READ: JAPAN IC CARDS: WHICH ONE TO USE?

2.OSAKA AMAZING PASS (Osaka Only) *Recommended

This is a cost-efficient pass if you plan on exploring Osaka. Osaka Pass entitles you to unlimited subway, and bus rides within Osaka City. You can choose 1 Day or 2 Day Osaka Amazing Pass  for extra flexibility. The 2 Day Pass must be used in consecutive days. What’s good about this pass is, you’ll gain entry to 30 Osaka tourist attractions, including:

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Legoland Discovery Center Osaka

Osaka Science Museum

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

Osaka Wonder Cruise

Depending on where you want to pick it up, you can book it in advance below:

Kansai Airport/Namba Station/OCAT pick up: RESERVE HERE

You can even book a combo ticket below:

Osaka Amazing Pass + Universal Studios Osaka 1 Day Ticket: RESERVE HERE

Destination Covered: Osaka only

Trains Covered: unlimited use of subway/metro, trams/streetcar, and bus in Osaka. Free and discounted admission to some Osaka attractions.

Validity: 2-3 NON-CONSECUTIVE days

Airport Train: Not covered.

When to purchase: If you will be exploring Osaka only in 1 – 2 days and you plan to visit the above tourist destinations, you can get the Osaka Amazing Pass to save on admission fees and metro rides.

You can also combine this pass with other passes. For example, if aside from exploring Osaka in 1 or 2 days, your itinerary also includes a visit to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe, you can purchase Osaka Amazing Pass (for exploring Osaka) + JR West Pass or Kansai Thru Pass (for exploring other major cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe.etc).

3.KANSAI THRU PASS (Kansai Region) *Recommended

The Kansai Thru Pass offers unlimited non-JR train and bus rides around Kansai Region for 2 or 3 days non-consecutive, so it’s pretty flexible. Meaning, you can use this to travel in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and other major cities in Kansai, but JR Lines aren’t covered. This pass also allows you to travel from Kansai Airport and Osaka or Kyoto on the Nankai Train (The Limited Express Rap:t requires additional fee).

Destination Covered: Kansai Region (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama and Koyasan)

Trains Covered: Non-JR Lines

Airport Train: Yes. Kansai Thru Pass can be used from Kansai Airport Station on the Nankai Train after arriving at Kansai International Airport (The Express Rapi:t requires additional fee).

When to purchase: If traveling to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Himeji Castle.  If you’ll be staying in Osaka or Kyoto, and you’ll be exploring other cities in Kansai like Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, and Koyosan, and your itinerary requires you to use non-JR line trains in non-consecutive days, then the Kansai Thru Pass is for you. For example, you want to see Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion District, Arashiyama, and Himeji Castle. For more details on where you can use this, check HERE  

4.JR WEST KANSAI PASS (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe)

The JR West Kansai Pass is a regional pass for JR Lines, should not be confused with the Whole Japan Rail Pass. This pass offers unlimited bus and train rides for local JR-West trains and Rapid services in major cities in Kansai Region like Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. You can also use this pass for train rides to and from Kansai Airport via Kansai-Airport Express Haruka. You can choose a 1, 2,3, or 4 Day JR West Pass. This pass is exclusive for foreign nationals traveling as tourists in Japan.

When to purchase: If you’ll be exploring Osaka and other major cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe and your itinerary requires you to take local JR West trains most of the time, then the JR West Pass is for you.

1 Day Pass: RESERVE HERE

2 day pass: reserve here, 3 day pass: reserve here, 4 day pass: reserve here.

How to use the JR West Kansai Pass:

1.Book a ticket in advance. Click the links above.

2.Print or download the mobile voucher that you’ll get in your e-mail once your booking is complete.

3.Present your printed or mobile voucher along with your passport in exchange of your physical JR Pass. You can redeem it in Kansai Airport or at OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) in Namba Station.

Redemption Location:

Osaka Kansai International Airport Terminal 1

• Location: HIS counter 1 st Floor, next to the Northern Exit in the Arrival Hall
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM -10:00 PM

Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) at JR Namba Station:

• Location: Japan Holiday Travel 1 st Floor OCAT Tourist Information Center
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM -6:30 PM
• Contact: +818040968552

4.On the first day that you’ll be using the JR West Kansai Pass, approach the staff at the gate or counter of any train station to have your JR Pass stamped with the final date that you can use your JR West Kansai Pass. Remember that you have to use the pass CONSECUTIVE days.

5.For the succeeding days that you’ll be using the pass, just show it to the staff at the gate of the JR Station.

IMPORTANT: You don’t have to use your pass right away once you get it. It’s up to you so long as you use it before the expiration date. And since the JR West Kansai Pass must be used consecutive days, make sure to plan when to use. For example, on your arrival date you claimed your JR Pass physical voucher but you won’t explore Osaka yet because your tour will start the next day, you don’t have to use the pass. You can use it the next day or the day after, but once you start using it, you will have to you use it the succeeding days after that because of the consecutive days policy.

5.Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Nagoya)

KINTETSU RAILPASS:  RESERVE HERE

I used the Kintetsu Rail Pass Plus pass recently since itinerary includes Mie (Ise-Shima and Nabano no Sato in Mie). You can read our itinerary below.

ALSO READ: KANSAI ITINERARY (USING KINTETSU RAIL PASS PLUS)

Important: You still have to purchase a Limited Express ticket when boarding the Limited Express trains that will guarantee you a seat on the train even if you have a Kintetsu Rail Pass/Plus already. Otherwise, just use the local train.

6. HANKYU PASS (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)

For unlimited train travel in and around Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe using the Hankyu train lines. You can pick from 1 day or 2 day pass.

HANKYU PASS: RESERVE HERE

When to purchase: If your itinerary includes Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe.

7.HANSHIN PASS (Osaka + Kobe)

This pass will enable you to get unlimited rides along the Hanshin Electric Railways for 1 whole day.

HANSHIN PASS: RESERVE HERE  

When to Purchase: If you’re going to Osaka and plan to see some of famous attractions including Universal Studios Japan, Kobe Seaside Park, Hanshin Koshien Stadium, and Umeda Sky Building, then it is best to avail of this Hanshin One Day Tourist Pass. You can combine this pass with Osaka Amazing Pass.

You only need this pass if you will be traveling to other prefectures and cities outside Kansai. For example, you will be heading to Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagano, Hiroshima, etc.

JR PASS: RESERVE HERE

When to purchase: If traveling in different prefectures in Japan.

9.COMBINED PASSES 

As I mentioned above, you can also use a combination of the abovementioned passes. For example, you can purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass for traveling in Osaka in 1 or 2 Days, then use either JR West Pass (consecutive days/JR Lines) or Kansai Thru Pass (non-consecutive days/non-JR Lines) when exploring other cities in Kansai like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, etc.

BY OSAKA TOUR PACKAGE

Some tourists prefer joining hassle-free, organized tours, and thankfully, Klook also offers that.

1.Arashiyama + Nara Day Tour from Osaka

This tour will take you to Arashiyama, Todai-ji, and Nara Park. The tour includes an English speaking staff. Depending on what you purchase, you can choose from bus fare only,  to a tour with buffet lunch with temple admission fee.

2.Kyoto Temples and Shrines Day Tour from Osaka

This tour includes a visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama.

OSAKA TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1.universal studios japan (usj).

One of Osaka’s most-visited attractions is Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and it’s easy to understand why.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with its flagship attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a crowd-drawer. You can see here the impressive Hogwarts castle recreation.  Don’t miss the butter beer at Hogsmeade and the nearby Hogswart Express Photo Op.  Catch the Universal Re-Boom party that features Universal Studios Japan Character such as the Minions and Hello Kitty, among others. For adrenaline junkies, try the Flying Dinosaur, it’s so much fun but not as scary as it looks! Since The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man bagged the first World’s Best Dark Ride award for 7 consecutive years by Today’s Magazine, do ride it! It’s an amazing and immersive experience.

Entrance Fee:

1 Day Pass: (Adult) ¥7,400  (Child 4-11 y.o) ¥5,100 (Senior) ¥6,204

2 Day Pass: (Adult) ¥14,700 (Child 4-11 y.o) ¥10,000

  Universal Studios Japan Tickets: RESERVE HERE

Open Hours: Depending on the day and month, it typically opens from 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM and closes at 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM.

Access: 5 minute walk from JR Universal City Station

Fare: ¥180 (Covered by JR West Pass and JR Pass)

Travel time: Approximately 30 mins

HOW TO GET TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

2.OSAKA CASTLE

Castles are symbols of power, and although they are believed to have originated in Europe, you can find equally impressive castles in Japan. Osaka Castle is one of the country’s most beautiful castles, it is a prototypical Japanese castle, featuring many elements associated with feudal Japanese castle architecture.  It is said to have played a key part in uniting Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama era. Osaka Castle is flocked by tourists during spring because it is fringed by 600 cherry trees.

Entrance Fee: ¥600 – ₱277 ($5, SGD 7, MYR 22)

Pass: Osaka Castle Museum, Osaka Castle Nishinomura Garden and Osaka Castle’s Yagura Turrets are FREE with Osaka Amazing Pass

Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry: 4:30 PM), closed  on Dec  28 – Jan 1

Access: 15 minute walk from Tanimachi 4 chome subway station Exit 9, or 16 minute walk from Osakajokoen Station.

Train Fare:  ¥230 – ₱106 ($2, SGD 3, MYR 8)

Pass: Subway/Metro is covered by ICOCA Card, Osaka Amazing Pass and Kansai Thru Pass, while JR Line is covered by JR West Pass, JR Pass and ICOCA Card)

Nearby Tourist Attractions: Illusion Museum, Peace (Osaka International Peace Center), Osaka Museum of History, Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation, Osaka-jo- Gozabune Boat.  (FREE with Osaka Amazing Pass)

HOW TO GET TO OSAKA CASTLE:

3. DOTONBORI

Osaka is dubbed as the “Nation’s Kitchen”, the culinary capital of Japan, so yes, do not go home without trying its local dishes.  Some of the traditional food includes takoyaki (octopus bits inside fried dumplings), okonomiyaki (fried cabbage cakes that lookes like omelette), kushikatsu (skewers with different deep fried food such as meat, shrimp, cheese and vegetables) and battera (a block type sushi with mackerel).

If you really want to experience the food culture in Osaka, head to Dotonburi just right across Shinshaibashi.  This place is oozing with restaurants as well illuminated signboards. You know you are in Dotonburi when you see the iconic Glico Man.  This giant billboard was originally installed near Ebusu-bashi Bridge in 1935.  It’s a symbol for Ezaki Glico, a confectionary based in Osaka known for their caramel candy and Pocky pretzel snacks.  Average costs of meals in Osaka is JPY 800-1,500 (PHP 373 – PHP 699 / USD 7.7 – USD 14.39)

Things to do in Dotonbori:

Tombori River Cruise: RESERVE HERE (FREE with Osaka Amazing Pass)

Access: short walk from Namba Station (Metro) Exit 14

4. SHINSAIBASHI SHOPPING STREET

Osaka is a shopping haven, whether you are looking for upscale designer stores or   discount retail shops, you will find it here.  Umeda in the North and Namba in the south are two of its largest shopping districts. And in between is Shinsaibashi Suji , walking distance from Namba station, the most popular and one of the oldest shopping destinations in Osaka.  Be prepared though because the moment you walk into Shinsaibashi-Dotonburi area, just a 5 minute walk from Namba Station, you will meet a massive swirl of humanity.  Nearby you can also find Amerikamura (American Village), dubbed as the mecca of youth fashion.  This is where you’ll find small, inexpensive boutiques standing shoulder to shoulder selling mostly imported and hipster clothes targeting the youth.

Access: 5-minute walk fro Shinsaibashi Station

5. ABENO HARUKAS

Abeno Harukas is the tallest building in Japan, housing the largest department store in Japan – Kintetsu Department Store.  There’s also a museum on the 16 th floor that houses the garden, but perhaps the building’s highlight is the Harukas 300, the observation deck located on Abeno Harukas top 3 floors – (58 th -6oth floors) that offers 360 degree views of Osaka.  It can be accessed via the elevator on the 16 th floor.

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Last entry: 9:30 PM)

Entrance Fee: (Adult) ¥1,500 (Junior High/Highschool) ¥1,200, (child) ¥700

Pass: Discounted for Kintetsu Rail Pass (Adult) ¥1,350 (Junior High/Highschool) ¥1,080, (child) ¥630

Abeno Haruka Ticket: RESERVE HERE

Access: On top of Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station

6. UMEDA BUILDING

One of the tallest skyscrapers in Osaka is  Umeda Sky Building , a two 40-story building connected by a bridge and two escalators (said to be the highest in the world). The building is accessible via Umeda Station. On top of it is the Floating Deck, an observation deck which offers a scenic view of Osaka skyline.

Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Entrance Fee (Kuchu Teien Observatory):  (Adults) ¥1,500, (Child 4-12 y.o) ¥ 700 (FREE until 6:00 PM for Osaka Amazing Pass).

13-minute walk from Umeda Station (Metro/Subway Midosuji Line (Red Line) and Hankyu Railway) – Covered by Osaka Amazing Pass, Kansai Thru Pass,

13-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station (Metro/Subway Tanimachi Line (Purple Line)

13-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Station (Metro/Subway Yotsubashi Line (Blue Line)

13-minute walk from JR Osaka Station (JR Line)

Fare: ¥230 (Subway and non-JR Lines covered by Osaka Amazing Pass, and Kansai Thru Pass)

HOW TO GET TO UMEDA SKY BUILDING:

7. TEMPOZAN HARBOR VILLAGE  

Tempozan Harbor Village is a leisure bay destination peppered with restaurant, shops, Osaka sightseeing cruise ships, the Legoland Discovery center, etc. You’ll never really run out of things to do here. You can even ride the Help Five Ferris wheel that is beautifully-lit at night.

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel:

Open Hours: ¥800 (FREE for Osaka Amazing Pass)

11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (shops, amusement, and fast-food restuarants),

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (restaurants)

Access: 10-minute walk from Osakako Station, Exit 1 on the Subway Chuo Line

Pass: Osaka Amazing Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, ICOCA Card

Travel Time: About 33 min

HOW TO GET TO TEMPOZAN HARBOR VILLAGE, STA.MARIA CRUISE AND LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER:

8. LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER

If you don’t know it yet, there’s a Legoland Discovery Center in Osaka. Located at the Tempozan Harbor Village.  Your kids will enjoy this place filled with millions of famous toy bricks and packed with activities such as brick-making class, a 4D movie, brick factory tour, lase rides, etc.  Book online in advance as it is cheaper than the walk-in price.

Entrance Fee : (Walk-in) ¥2,300 (online) ¥1,600

Legoland Ticket: RESERVE HERE  

Open Hours:

Weekdays: 10:00 AM -7:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)

Weekends & public holidays: 10:00 AM -8:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)

Access: 5-minute walk from Osakako Station (Metro/Subway)

Fare: ¥280  (Covered by ICOCA card, Osaka Amazing Pass, and Kansai Thru Pass)

HOW TO GET TO LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER: See directions under Tempozan Harbor Village.

9. STA.MARIA CRUISE

While you are at Tempozan Harbor Village, don’t miss the Santa Maria Sightseeing Cruise ship that sails around the popular tourist attractions in Osaka bay area. It’s a massive recreation of the boat that Columbus used to reach America.  You can experience the Sta. Maria day cruise or twilight cruise for about 45 minutes.

Cruise Rates:

Day Cruise: (Adults) ¥1,600 (Child) ¥800

Twilight Cruise: (Adults) ¥2,100 (Child) ¥1,050

*FREE for Osaka Amazing Pass

Access: 10-minute walk from Osakako Station, Exit 1 on the Subway Chuo Line. For the detailed directions, see the tables above under Tempozan Harbor Village.

  WHERE TO EAT IN OSAKA

We had a really tasty marutoku ramen (JPY 700) on our first night in Osaka at Morutoku near Fukushima Station.  Also try eating at teppanyaki (grilling on a plate) restaurants where you eat at the counter while the chef prepares the food in front of you and serves it immediately.

We also got to try the famous Omi Beef , one of the best beef in Japan, along with Kobe Beef and Matsusaka Beef, at Yasu-shi in Shiga prefecture, about 30 minutes away from Kyoto.  It’s really a must-try when in Japan!  We dined at a restaurant called  Jiku Kappo Sara where they have a special set of Omi Beef Steak that comes with Omi beef steak, sushi, sashimi, tempura, Omi-rice and miso soup for JPY 4, 600 (PHP 2,143 /USD 44) or  you can order their middle set meals for JPY 3,900 (PH 1,817) without the sushi and sashimi.

OSAKA SIDE TRIPS

Kyoto is highly recommended because of its wealth of attractions.   To help you plan your Kyoto trip, you can read my Kyoto blog here: KYOTO TOP TOURIST SPOTS .  But if you are pressed for time, you can do a day trip from Osaka or an afternoon tour. You can book cheap tours to Kyoto from Osaka : HERE.

ALSO READ:  KYOTO TRAVEL GUIDE (BUDGET + ITINERARY)

Nara, Japan known for its friendly deer is another favorite side trip from Osaka. I’ll be posting my Nara Japan Travel Guide soon, but if you have limited time, you can also book a Nara Day Tour : HERE , which includes a visit to Nara’s celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites temples.

ALSO READ: NARA TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

Where to eat in osaka.

Since Osaka is dubbed as the culinary capital of Japan, trying the food here is a must. And the best place to do just that is at Dotonburi , a mere 5 minute walk from Namba Station.  The main road and small streets here are fringed with all types of eateries.

Crowned by the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, the Shinsekai district is another haven for foodies, created after the World War II (1912), modeled after New York and Paris.  Here you’ll find some of the best kushikatsu shops in Osaka.

Osaka Station and Grand Front Osaka has a wealth of restaurants to choose from, but if you find it too clean and intimidating, head to Kitashinchi district, the entertainment capital of Osaka, just 10 minutes by foot south of Osaka Station.

If you’re looking for a ramen place, I highly recommend Marutoku near Fukushima Station, order marutoku ramen.

Average costs of meals in Osaka is JPY 800-1,500 (PHP 373 – PHP 699 / USD 7.7 – USD 14.39). If you are on a tight budget, you can try the bento and sushi meals sold at local supermarkets, visit at night around 7:00 PM or when they are about to close because they are tagged with discounts for as low as 50% off!  Meals would usually cost about JPY 279 – JPY 799 (PHP 130 – PHP 373 / USD 2.7- USD 7.7).  Otherwise, you can settle for microwaveable meals at convenience stores like Lawson and Family Mart. But then again, you are in Japan, so I highly recommend you splurge on food once in a while.

OSAKA ITINERARY (5 Days 4 Nights)  (Osaka-Kyoto-Nara)

Here’s a suggested Osaka itinerary with budget that includes  a trip to Kyoto and Nara.

*Hotel, drinks, souvenirs, shopping expenses, airfare, and NAIA terminal fee are not included.

Entrance fees, subways/trains and bus rides, and food are included in the calculation.

PASSES: OSAKA AMAZING PASS (1 day) + KANSAI THRU PASS (3 Days)

This entails that

Day 1 – No Pass

Day 2 –  Osaka Amazing Pass

Day 3 –   No Pass

Day 4 –  Kansai Thru Pass. Kyoto

Day 5 – Kansai Thru Pass. Nara

Important: For the itinerary below, if you combine the Hankyu 1 Day Pass (¥700) of  Osaka Metro fare, then on Day 5 you buy individual tickets worth ¥1,350 + the Nankai Kansai Airport  Line, it’s still cheaper for about ¥115 than using the Kansai Thru Pass on Day 4-5. But that’s a small amount compared to the hassle of buying individual tickets for the lines not covered by the Hankyu 1 Day Pass (e.g. Keihan Line + Kintetsu Line + Osaka Metro).  Yes, Kintetsu and Keihan have their own pass, but it’ll be more expensive if you use them with the Hankyu and Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass for the itinerary below. Therefore, I still opted to use the Kansai Thru Pass for this itinerary.

For the Subway Lines, I used the colors of the actual Metro line so you can easily find them at the Metro Station.

Red Line – Midosuji Line

Purple Line – Tanimachi Line

Green Line – Chuo Line

Pink Line -Sennichimae Line

Blue Line – Yotsubashi Line

Brown Line – Sakaisuji Line

Also, best to take note of the Station Number, so you can easily understand it when the staff announces the next station stop.  The station number stop is different for each line, for example, for Tanimachi-4-chome – if riding the Green Line, station number is C18, and T23 in Purple Line. The station numbers are usually listed inside the subway, usually above the subway doors.

So, without further ado, here’s a recommended Osaka itinerary for first timers in Kansai.

For the total expenses with Pass above, you need to add the cost of Osaka Amazing Pass (1 Day) + Kansai Thru Pass (2 Days). Total amount is:

Total Expenses with Pass = ¥27,510 – ₱13,986 ($249.24, €223.36, SGD 342.89,MYR 1,042, AUD 363.35)

Savings: ¥2,735 – ₱1,308 ($21.55, €24.64, sgd 35.11,myr 107, aud 35.65).

Universal Studios Japan is quite hefty and will eat up your budget on Day 2, if you want, you can skip it and replace it with the following itinerary (Legoland Discovery Center), which is also ideal for children. But if you will follow this, I recommend purchasing the Osaka Amazing 2 Day Pass to use for Day 2 and Day 3 so it will cover the attractions below

ALSO READ: 

Kyoto travel guide,   sapporo travel guide, kyoto tourist spots and how to get there, osaka-kyoto-nara itinerary with budget , sapporo itinerary, shirakawa-go from osaka, osaka to tottori, conan town travel guide (itinerary + budget), hakuba ski travel guide, fukuoka travel guide (itinerary + budget), related posts.

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Osaka Budget Guide – Travel for under $70 a day including accommodation

3 Days in Osaka without bursting your budget

Japan is one of those places that everyone who’s visited raves about — the friendly and polite locals, the clean streets, a gastronomic heaven but… not so much the price.

While we believe in being budget but not too shabby, we thought Japan would be a bit of a challenge.

Taking a taste test for ourselves, we were pretty surprised to have delicious meals, feast on instaworthy sights, and stay at budget-friendly but comfortable accommodations for under S$70 a day!

During our trip, our accommodation ranged from 20 bed hostel dorms to traditional guesthouses with tatami floors and even a capsule hotel with it’s own public bath and sauna access.

We sourced for a mixture of street food, local midnight ramen stalls and splurged once in a while on less budget but value for money restaurants.

On average, we tried to tick off about 3-4 sights a day, striking the balance between seeing everything we wanted and not tiring ourselves out too much.

Here’s our Osaka budget guide on how we did it without scrimping on worthy experiences. Click on the link to jump to a relevant section!

Osaka Budget Breakdown Things to do in Osaka What to eat in Osaka Where to stay in Osaka Getting Around in Osaka

Also read : Kyoto Budget Guide and Nara Budget Guide

Osaka Budget Breakdown

In Osaka we spent a night in a cosy hostel and another in a capsule hotel, picked based on the things we wanted to do around the area. Both of which were surprisingly spacious and cosy.

Picking central areas for accommodation meant train rides to anywhere was only 10 – 20 minutes away. Each journey typically costs between ¥180 – 270 (~S$2.20-3.40) but because it was so complex changing lines, it sometimes made more sense to just walk whenever it was less than a 30 minute journey on foot.

Surprisingly, most of the main attractions in Osaka can be done for free. Even the paid ones have beautiful gardens and surroundings that can be enjoyed without entering the main building. The only thing we paid for around here were the interesting animal cafes (hint: not cats nor dogs) which usually just asked for a drink order (albeit slightly pricier).

Here’s a rough breakdown on what we spent for 3 days in Osaka: Accommodation: ¥‎5,800 (2 Nights) Transport:  ¥‎2,100 Activities:  ¥3,000 Food:  ¥‎4,758

Total/Day:  ¥‎5,219/day on average (S$66.06)

Things to do in Osaka

1) Momofuku Instant Ramen Museum – Make your own cup noodles

For ¥‎300, you get to design the cup of your own instant noodles, pick the soup base, ingredients, and watch it go through a vacuum seal and out the other end like a cup noodle from the convenience store. Audio sets are also available (for a ¥‎2000 refundable deposit) where you get a run through on the history of how instant noodles came about.

Cost:  ¥‎300 Opening Hours:  9:30am – 4:00pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Address:  8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture 563-0041, Japan 〒563-0041 大阪府池田市満寿美町8-25 Nearest Station: Ikeda (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)

*Pro-tip: Because it’s located slightly further out from Osaka central, check out some of the attractions near Ikeda to make your trip worthwhile!

2) Dotonburi – The ultimate gastronomic’s heaven

From Takoyaki to Okonominyaki, you’ll surely return with a satisfied palette and bursting belly. Lined with colourful neon signs and delectable scents fighting for your attention, it’s the place to be for amazing and affordable street food.

Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan Nearest Station: Namba or Nippombashi

3) Shinsaibashi – Shop to your heart’s content

Perpetually crowded, this 600m long shopping arcade is lined with tax free drugstores (stock up on Japanese make up!), local boutiques, luxury brands and the occasional dessert store where you can get your baked cheese tarts and matcha delights. Nearest Station: Namba or Shinsaibashi (opposite ends of the shopping district) Opening Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm

Pro-tip:  Bring your passport to get tax reliefs at certain drugstores. (minimum spend of ¥5000 in a single receipt.

4) Animal Cafes

Japan is mainly famous for their neko (cat) cafe but there are cafes with other interesting animals. Get up close and personal with owls and maybe even reptiles and you’ll realise, everyone really is quite friendly around here.

Owl Family Cafe フクロウのみせ 大阪店

Cost:  ~¥‎1500 (depending on drink) Address: Japan, 〒530-0041 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenjinbashi, １−１０−１３ Opening Hours: 12:00 – 8:00pm (Closed on Monday) Nearest Station: Kitahama, Osakatemmangu or Naniwabashi

Rockstar Cafe 爬虫類カフェ

Cost: ~¥‎1500 (Entrance fee of ¥‎1000 + a mandatory drink) Address: Japan, 〒556-0011 Osaka Prefecture, 大阪市浪速区Naniwa Ward, Nanbanaka, 2 Chome−7−7, ナンバ ＦＫ ビル 3F Opening Hours: 12:00 – 11:00pm (open everyday)

Also read : 5 animal cafes in Osaka not to be missed

5) Osaka Castle and park

Osaka Jo (or Osaka Castle) is one of the must-see places in Osaka for it’s history, picturesque scenery and it’s 360° view of the Osaka skyline from the observation deck at the top. You’ll find many locals taking a jog around it’s compounds or having a picnic by the beautiful gardens. Apparently also a great spot to view the blossoming of cherry blossoms at the right time of the year.

Cost:  ¥‎600 (to view the museum inside but free to explore the surrounding compounds) Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (Opens everyday)

*Pro-tip:  The Osaka Castle is located a good 10-15min walk from any station. Taking the bus may be a more convenient option.

6) Osaka Central Fish Market – View an intense session of Tuna Auctioning at 4:15am

While the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo usually gets all the attention, the Osaka Central Fish Market was probably our favourite highlight while in Osaka. Arriving at the market slightly lost as we were the only tourist in the area, we quickly found a cold room with rows of fresh Tuna fish laid out. The auctioning started at 4:15am sharp and by 4:45am, most of the fishes were transported to its new owners. Definitely worth waking extra early for!

Address: Japan, 〒553-0005 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, 福島区野田１丁目１−８６ Opening Hours:  5:00am – 2:00pm

*Pro-tip:  Reach at 4am to view the tuna auction which starts at 4:15am sharp everyday except on Sundays (finishes around 4:45am) so get there early!

Also read : Osaka Central Fish Market: The New Tsukiji Fish Market

What to eat in Osaka

Although not an exhaustive list, here’s some of our favourite food finds and where to get them!

1) Okonominyaki

Okonominyaki is a popular dish in the Kansai region especially Osaka. A savoury Japanese pancake with its ingredients mixed into the batter, slightly different from its other style where the ingredients are folded into the pancake. These little treats can be found near subway stations for as low as ¥‎140 to ¥‎2000 at a restaurant.

Mizuno (Along Dotonbori)

Although a tad pricy and usually comes with a queue, this was highly recommended although we didn’t get to try as it was closed by the time we got there 🙁

Cost : ~¥‎1500 Address: 1-4-15, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0071 (〒542-0071 大阪府大阪市中央区道頓堀1-4-15) Opening Hours:  11:00am – 10:00pm

2) Takoyaki

Grilled flour battered balls filled with tako (Octopus) sprinkled with green onions, takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise – we especially liked this one found at Dotonbori for its perfectly poached egg atop resulting in this gooey eggy goodness.

Creo-Ru (Dotonbori)

Cost:  ¥‎550 for a box of 6 Address:  1-6-4 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka Opening Hours:  11:00am – 12:00am (Last Order at 11:15pm)

Fresh, thick slices of fish, raw, grilled or blow torched atop fragrant vinegared rice, no one does it better than the Japanese (of course.) Easily found in supermarkets to Michelin-starred restaurants, here’s a few we thought were worth the visit!

Harukoma Sushi 春駒 支店

Although not the most budget option, this was probably one of the most value for money meals we had in Osaka. With thick slices of fish, just the right amount of rice and a healthy dose of wasabi, we were more than happy to spend our remaining yen on our last lunch here. Cost:   ~¥‎1800 (plates range from ¥100-350‎‎)  Address: Japan, 〒530-0041 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenjinbashi, 5 Chome 発商事（株）第２ビル 5 Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)

* Pro-tip: Don’t be disheartened to see a long queue, it moves quite fast and was definitely worth our wait!

Genroku Sushi 元禄寿司・野田店 (Along Dotonbori)

This conveyor belt sushi place also had a really long queue outside but was a good place to try a range of delicious sushi before continuing along Dotonbori for other street food.

Cost: ~¥700 Address: 2 Chome-15-8 Yoshino, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 553-0006, Japan

4) Traditional Mochi

You may have tried Japanese mochi that comes in the form of a round ball with a creamy filling on the inside but these freshly made ones found at the Kuromon market was a nice surprise. Probably the softest, chewiest and freshest mochi I’ve ever had. Unfortunately, these only last 2 days so we couldn’t dabao (pack) some home.

Address: Japan, 〒542-0073 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nipponbashi, 2 Chome−4−1 Opening Hours: 7:00am – 6:00pm

*Pro-tip: Get the fresh ones in clear plastic boxes instead of those nicely wrapped with wrapping paper and you’re more likely to get a freshly made batch of soft, tender mochi.

5) Baked Cheese Tarts

Smooth, mouse-like custard filling on a crispy buttered tart base, we finally understood all the hype around it.

Uchiya Bake Shop ウチヤベイクショップ

Found by accident because it was just a street out from our hostel, it was a good balance of sweet custard and the savoury flavours of cheese. But what we really liked about this compared to the others was how fragrant and crisp the tart base was! A little pricier than the ones found in chain bakeries but worth a try!

Cost:  ¥260 Address:  Japan, 〒537-0014 大阪府大阪市東成区 大今里西一丁目11-8 Opening Hours:  10:00am – 8:00pm (Closed on Wednesday)

Pablo 焼きたてチーズタルト専門店

Pablo is a famous chain bakery in Osaka usually seen with long lines queuing for their famous cheese cakes and baked tarts. Their matcha cheese tart is a seasonal special available till June.

Cost:  ¥1,111 for a box of 6 original baked cheese tarts Address: Japan, 〒542-0085 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashisuji, 2 Chome−3−15, 宗 右 衛門 町 通り (other outlets can be found around Osaka) Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:30pm

Ramen was our go-to meal whenever we missed the last order timings at most restaurants or needed a quick midday meal while traveling from one sight to another. Ramen in general is pretty cheap and can be found at subway stations ordered through a vending machine or at restaurants like Ichiran. Here’s a few of our favourites:

Menya Gaten 麺屋ガテン

Famous for its MAZE Soupless ramen – instead the usual soup broth you find around Japan, this bowl of ramen came heaped with huge portions of minced meat, a light sauce, fresh spring onions and a raw egg on top. Mix it all together and enjoy it in all it’s awesomesauce goodness. Costs:  ~¥1,000 (for the 200g option which can be shared between 2 girls) Address: 2 Chome-7-28 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0086, Japan Opening Hours:  11:30am – 3:30pm, 6:00 – 11:30pm (Closed on Monday)

Ichiran 一蘭 道頓堀店 (Dotonbori area)

Ichiran is a chain restaurant also found in other cities other than Osaka. Open 24hours, it’s a great place to get a quick meal in the middle of the night. Especially loved the option to customise the noodle texture, broth, spiciness level and even amount of garlic. Also great for solo travellers with its single booth tables.

Cost: ~¥790 (for a standard bowl of ramen with the option to add an egg or extra spring onions) Address:  〒542-0084 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo Ward, Souemoncho, 7−18, １F Japan Opening Hours:  24 hours

To fulfill more of your cravings in Osaka, check out our guide to 16 foods you must eat in Osaka and Kyoto .

Where to stay in Osaka

1) ark hostel.

The only thing hostel-like about Ark Hostel is probably its bunk bed setting – although they also offer private rooms and female only dorms. Even so, we were pleasantly surprised at how big each of the beds were with thick curtains for privacy.

The staff were especially friendly and helpful with giving us directions and recommendations around the area. Definitely somewhere we’d return to when we’re back in Osaka next time!

Cost: ¥2,900/night for a dorm bed Address: 1 Chome-15-11 Edobori, Nishi Ward, 大阪市西区 Osaka Prefecture 550-0002, Japan Nearest Station:  Higobashi

2) Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi

Initially skeptical about its claustrophobic setting, the pods were actually really spacious and cosy, probably a lot more privacy than you’d get from hostel beds (yes, even the Ark hostel’s). One thing to note is their showers are public (split between genders of course) but has a constantly running hot bath and a sauna room to enjoy.

Cost:  ¥2,900/night for a capsule Address:  2 Chome-12-22 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0086, Japan Nearest Station:  Osaka-Namba Station

Getting around in Osaka

To plan our routes, we used CityMaps2Go and Navitime Japan Travel App while offline and the trusty Google Maps whenever we had wifi.

Our 2 main modes of transport in Osaka were either by trains or by feet. The train system can seem overwhelming at first (honestly even at the end of the trip) so whenever it took less than 30minutes to walk to our destination we’d just opt for that (sometimes the train took only a few minutes less than walking).

We soon figured that it just wasn’t worth getting any of the unlimited passes as we weren’t traveling too far out. However, upon more research, it might actually make sense to get an  Icoca Prepaid Card .

If you’re travelling to Kyoto and Nara, the Icoca Prepaid Card also covers these regions so you can save the hassle of dealing with buying single tickets before every train ride.

For ¥2,000 they can be purchased from Kansai Airport and includes a ¥500 refundable deposit – although, the card remains valid for 10 years so you might just want to save it for your next visit!

If you are travelling from Tokyo and would like to visit Osaka, this 7-Day Tokyo to Osaka JR Pass Itinerary will be perfect for you! And if you’d like to explore beyond Osaka, check our JR Pass budget itinerary where we explored 9 cities in the Kansai-Hiroshima region for under $1.1k!

Flying to Osaka

Update:  Scoot now flies to Osaka 10 times a week including both non-stop and direct flights (via Bangkok)!

Although the flight via Bangkok was slightly longer than usual, we pretty much snoozed our way through in the comfortable 787 Dreamliner.

It probably also helped that we were seated in the ScootinSilence quiet zone  — an exclusive child-free area just behind the ScootBiz cabin — ensuring that we could get the rest we needed. Seats in this section also offer extra legroom as the seats are either Super (33-34″) or Stretch (34″).

Just Plane Awesome indeed.

Do you have any favourites from Osaka we missed out in this guide? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Scoot .

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How were you able to change the language setting of Navitime from Japanese to English? 🙂

Strange, for us it was already displayed in English when we downloaded it from the Appstore. Really useful for planning our train routes in Osaka!

Hi Cherie I want to know when you touched down Osaka airport (KIX), how do you transfer from terminal to your hotel?

Hi Serina, do you mean to Ark Hostel? We took a couple of trains to get to Higobashi station which is the nearest to Ark hostel. You can download the Navitime Japan app! Helped us loads in planing our train routes around Japan 🙂 – Cherie

Hi Cherie Are the places you visited are very near the Ark Hostel?

Hey Serina,

The furthest place is probably the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen museum at about 45 minutes by train. Everything else was under 30 minutes 🙂

[…] If you’re heading to Osaka, you might want to check out Osaka Budget Guide: Travel for under $70 a day including accommodation too. […]

If i want to take a train from KIX to Osaka station, does that mean I have to activate my JR pass upon arrival?

We suggest activating it only if you plan to use to continuously. If you are spending some time in Osaka, I’ll suggest activating it in Osaka later on!

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Inside Osaka

Your Osaka Travel Guide

Make the most of your trip to Osaka with our comprehensive Osaka itineraries , our recommendations of the best places to eat in Osaka and rundowns of essential attractions in each of Osaka's fascinating districts

Osaka Itineraries

Osaka Restaurants

Osaka Hotels

Osaka Ryokan

First Time In Osaka

Osaka Districts

Things To Do In Osaka

Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo Itineraries

Best Time To Go To Osaka

SIM Cards in Osaka

How To Get To Osaka

Getting Around Osaka

Eat Like A Local In Osaka

Where To Stay In Osaka

Check Osaka Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Japan Travel Guides

There are several must-see destinations in Japan within easy reach of Osaka. They all make great additions to any Osaka itinerary. These concise guides provide details about what to see and do.

Kyoto Travel Guide

Tokyo Travel Guide

Nara Travel Guide

Kanazawa Travel Guide

Hiroshima And Miyajima

Takayama Travel Guide

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
• Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka , Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
• You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport . You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
• Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Osaka District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area

The Ultimate 3-Day OSAKA Itinerary | Japan Travel Guide (2024)

Traveling in Osaka, Japan is absolute nostalgia. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time (in a good way). It’s easy to get around, and every area has its own unique charm with a dynamic food and drinking culture, and famously outgoing people – you’ll find out when you get there. Enjoy all the top things to do with this complete Osaka travel guide and get ready to take notes as we help you discover the best things to do in Osaka .

Osaka Travel Guide

Shitennoji temple.

This foreign beauty is said to be one of the oldest temples in Japan, dating back to 593 A.D. Unfortunately, it has been burned down and rebuilt a few times, but that doesn’t stop it from reflecting its original 6th-century design.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time! And make sure to check out the five-story Pagoda and the main hall – both impressive feats of architecture. Keep climbing up to see the view from above! Despite its age, Shitennoji Temple is still a must-see in Osaka. Don’t miss it, and check out more on our Japan travel guide !

Coming up next is the modern, lively district of Shinsekai. This area may translate to “new world,” but it’s like taking a step back in time. The lack of redevelopment has frozen the district in the early 20th century, creating a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

Explore the streets, and you’ll see massive signboards lighting up eateries, old Japanese storefronts, and arcades. This is one place we’ve seen the most gachapon machines in Osaka. Watch out for mysterious black gachapon machines, though. They’re definitely not kid-friendly, so keep those little ones away!

And don’t forget to try the famous kushikatsu: deep-fried skewers that Osaka is known for. But the real cherry on top is the Tutankaku Tower, offering a stunning view of all the excitement from above. Shinsekai might be a blast from the past, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

Harukas 300

If you’re planning your 3-day Osaka itinerary and wondering where to get the best view of this dazzling city, we’ve got your answer: Harukas 300. This place is a game-changer, trust us! When you first make your way up there, you won’t believe your eyes! You’ll be on a helipad, 300 meters high in the sky, with panoramic views of Osaka. It’s spectacular!

A few hundred feet above the ground you can take in the whole cityscape as far as the eye can see. Sip cocktails while watching the sunset behind the bustling skyline of Osaka. There’s no better way to end your day here than at Harukas 300.

Stunning views and fresh air. Oh, and don’t forget to make a pit stop at the men’s restroom. Yeah, I said it – the restroom. Not that you need to go, but it’s got an amazing view that you won’t want to miss. It’s unexpected, sure, but that’s what makes it even more awesome. So make sure to check out Harukas 300 on your 3 days in Osaka because this is one experience you won’t want to pass up!

TeamLAB Botanical Garden

Our next stop is at TeamLAB Botanical Garden ! This magical digital experience, located in Nagai Park just a short train ride south of central Osaka, is the perfect way to end your day. And trust me, you won’t want to rush through this outdoor exhibit.

Make sure the weather is favorable for your visit, grab a snack, and prepare to be amazed. The team behind TeamLAB has truly outdone themselves yet again, combining technology and nature for an unforgettable experience.

GET TICKETS HERE

Plus, being surrounded by a beautiful Botanical Garden adds a whole new level of relaxation and ambiance. Personally, I could spend hours here, or maybe even fall asleep on one of the benches (shh, don’t tell anyone). So, add the TeamLAB Botanical Garden to your Japan travel guide and get ready for some seriously cool vibes.

Universal Studios Japan

Okay, let’s talk about Universal Studios Japan. First of all, it’s home to the world’s first Super Nintendo World, which is pretty dang cool if you’re a fan like us. And let me tell you, once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported into a Mario game.

I’m talking green pipes, mini-games, and even real-life blocks you can interact with. And if you’re really looking to make the most of it, you gotta grab yourself one of those power-up bands.

Trust me, it’s the only way to infiltrate Bowser Jr’s Lair and take on all the experiences Nintendo World has to offer. But be warned, this place is super popular and has limited capacity, so plan accordingly. Yes, it’s popular and yes, it has limited capacity, but don’t despair – just check their website for entry requirements before you show up. Trust us, you don’t want to get all excited for a day of wizardry and minion mayhem only to find out you can’t go in because the park is at max capacity.

And if you do make it in, be prepared for some wetness on the Jurassic Park ride. As for the rest of the park, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and beyond.

For more ideas on what to do during your Japan travel, check out our Japan travel guide here .

Have you considered using Osaka as your launchpad for some epic day trips around the Kansai region? While living in Osaka, we found out that we could take a quick day trip to Nara. Within an hour’s reach by local train, you’ve got Eastern Nara, where you can feed free-roaming deer, get your zen on in some stunning temples, and indulge in some seriously tasty food.

So, if you want to make the most of your time in Osaka and explore the surrounding area, make sure to add this day trip to your 3-day Osaka itinerary. I promise you won’t regret it.

Kyoto, oh Kyoto – the city that is all the more worth a visit! With its rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture, Kyoto has something to offer everyone. And the best part? It’s just a short trip from Osaka, where you can see Japan’s most iconic attractions.

If you’re heading there on a weekend, make sure to ride the Kyo-train GARAKU- the only train in the world that has a zen garden. And the cherry on top? It only costs three dollars to ride all the way to Kyoto! Crazy, huh?

Although we’d recommend spending more time in Kyoto, we also understand that not everyone has so much time to spare in Japan. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our 3 day-Kyoto itinerary for more ideas on what to do in Kyoto.

If you’re a foodie, then Kobe beef should definitely be on your Japan bucket list. Hop on over to the beautiful Harbor City of Kobe for some mouthwatering delights. But don’t stop there.

Do you know what’s great about Japan? It’s not just about sushi, anime, and samurais. Japan is home to a lot of other cultures, including a thriving Chinese community. And where better to experience this fusion than in Nankinmachi, Kobe’s Chinatown – which also happens to be Japan’s 2nd largest!

A quick hop from Osaka, this charming enclave is a must-visit on any 3-day Osaka itinerary. Trust me, after you’ve been to Nankinmachi, you’ll understand why it’s such a highlight of any Japan travel guide.

From traditional Chinese medicine shops to stalls selling the cutest souvenirs, this place has got enough to keep you entertained for hours. Plus, the food alone is worth the trip. Think dim sum, roasted chestnuts, bubble tea – okay, we’re drooling now. Just make sure you plan enough time here – you wouldn’t want to rush through the experience.

Where to Stay in Osaka

Osaka is like a perfect mix of traditional Japan with a modern twist.

Osaka may not have the reputation of Kyoto’s ancient temples and shrines, but what it lacks in history, it more than makes up for in delicious food and epic shopping. I mean, who wouldn’t want to devour some piping hot takoyaki (octopus balls) while browsing through stores with quirky Japanese gadgets?

When it comes to where to stay in Osaka for first-timers, you’ve got seven great options. Do you want to be in the hustle and bustle of the city center? Kita and Minami are for you.

Want to have a more traditional experience and all about that relaxed vibe? Then head to the Osaka Castle district.

And if you’re a business traveler or need quick access to the bullet train, Shin-Osaka or Honmachi are perfect. Whatever you choose, just make sure to bring your appetite and some extra yen.

See all Osaka Stays

Osaka Castle

Ah, Osaka Castle. The iconic fortification looks like it came straight out of a movie. We’re not kidding, this place has everything you could want in a castle – a massive moat, towering walls, and even watchtowers. And don’t even get us started on the castle itself, it looks like something out of a storybook. But what really sold us were the gardens and open spaces that surround it. I mean seriously, it’s like stepping into a beautiful tranquil oasis right in the middle of the city.

Regarded as the Beating Heart and Soul of Osaka, Dotonbori boasts an array of unique sights and sounds. You’ll immediately notice the giant restaurant signboards in the shape of octopus, crabs, and dragons which are a hallmark of this bustling neighborhood.

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank and snap some photos of the stunning cityscape. Then when hunger strikes, make sure to check out some of the local eateries. From street food stands to gourmet restaurants, there’s something for everyone here. Plus, it’s all within walking distance!

Shinsaibashi Shopping District

As the largest shopping district in Osaka, this is a must-stop for all you shopaholics out there. Not only will you find all the major international brands here, but also an array of unique boutiques and specialty stores.

Take your pick from designer apparel, trendy accessories, and souvenirs to take home with you. And don’t forget to pick up some yummy snacks and treats from the food court!

Pokemon Cafe

The Pokemon Cafe is a whimsical eatery that is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its adorable decor, delicious Pokemon-themed food and drinks, and charming atmosphere. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, you’ll even get to witness Pikachu do the cutest little dance while you’re there!

Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake

You absolutely must add Rikuro’s Cheesecake to your itinerary. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on this heavenly treat. Sure, there are plenty of other things to do in Osaka, but this fluffy, Japanese cheesecake is truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, you won’t find it in any other city. Make sure to make a stop at Uncle Rikuru’s. We promise, as soon as you take a bite, you’ll be in absolute bliss.

Amerikamura

Amerikamura is a cool popular area for youth culture and is definitely worth adding to your 3-day Osaka itinerary. Situated near the edge of Dothan, Amerikamura has some of the best streetwear stores, super hip cafes, and eateries. As the name suggests, you’ll kind of feel like you’re in America! Whether you’re into fashion, street art or just looking for a unique atmosphere, Amerikamura is a must-visit spot in Osaka.

Zauo Fishing Restaurant

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Osaka, then head to Zauo Fishing Restaurant. Not only do you get to enjoy freshly caught seafood, but you also get to be the one to catch it.

This restaurant has been making waves on social media with its interactive approach to dining. Upon arrival, guests are provided with a fishing rod, a net, and some bait to catch their own dinner. It’s a fun and exciting way to enjoy a meal and add some adventure to your trip.

Plus, your victory is celebrated with great fanfare by the whole restaurant.

Best Time to visit Osaka

Osaka is great to visit year-round, but there are a few factors to consider. The spring months from March to May offer mild temperatures and cherry blossom season, making it a popular time to travel.

Summer can be hot and humid, but that also means you can cool off at the city’s many water parks and beaches.

Fall is a lovely time to visit with crisp weather and colorful leaves. Finally, winter brings fewer crowds and cheaper prices, but you’ll need to bundle up for the chilly temperatures.

With these three days in Osaka mapped out, you’re ready to start your Japan travel adventure! Enjoy exploring and have fun along the way!

And remember, wherever you go, don’t forget to wander.

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Osaka Itinerary + Travel Budget Guide for first-timers

During my first trip to Japan, I began my journey in Osaka.

This city is a must-visit if you plan on following Japan’s golden route, which passes through many of the country’s top destinations like Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Nagoya & Kyoto. I decided to maximize my itinerary by arriving at Kansai Airport (near Osaka) and flying out from Tokyo.

Osaka is famous for its exciting shopping districts and much sought after street food like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. It’s also the perfect base to explore nearby tourist spots in the Kansai region like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe & Himeji.

Of course, the best highlight of the trip to Osaka for Happy Potter fans is enjoying a view of Hogwarts Castle while sipping a mug of Butter Beer, at Universal Studios Japan.

Traveling to Osaka for the first time ? Scroll down to get started on planning your trip. I’ve included a sample itinerary, places to visit/things to do, list of expenses/budget breakdown and extra travel tips.

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Osaka Itinerary

What to do in Osaka in 4 days?  Here’s a 4 days & 3 nights (4D3N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip. This itinerary will take you to Universal Studios Japan and top attractions in Osaka, as well as side trips to nearby destinations such as Nara, Kobe & Himeji.

Feel free to tweak the activities & timings below based on your traveling style, schedule & attractions that interest you the most.

Day 1: Osaka Arrival

Day 2: universal studios & osaka city.

Day 3: Osaka & Beyond

Day 4: Osaka & Beyond

Osaka Budget

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 4 days and 3 nights (4D3N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Osaka Itineraries & Travel Blogs

More travel tips coming once the detailed Osaka travel guide is out. In the meantime, feel free to check out my Pinterest board and list of helpful Osaka travel blogs below for inspiration.

Follow updates on  Pinterest @detourista .

What to do in Osaka in 1 day (24 hours or less).

What to do in Osaka in 2 days (48 hours or less).

What to do in Osaka in 3 days.

What to do in Osaka in 4 days.

What to do in Osaka in 5 days.

What to do in Osaka in 6 days.

What to do in Osaka in 1 week (7 days or more).

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Osaka experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

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The PERFECT 3 Days in Osaka Itinerary [2024 Guide]

• Last Updated: January 25, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Japan’s second-largest city, make sure you make the most of it with our perfect 3 days in Osaka itinerary!

Osaka is the compromise between the more progressive Tokyo and the more traditional Kyoto.

This ultra-urban metropolis has been a key economic hub for Japan since the 16th century.

During World War II Osaka was a major manufacturing hub for weapons and munitions.

This meant that it was a major target for American forces. At the end of the war, the city was in ruins.

Since then Osaka has been a major part of Japan’s economic miracle churning out high-quality tech and electronic products. 

What Osaka lacks in activities, it makes up for with bustling alleyways, markets and arcades that are the cities heart and soul.

However, Osaka is most famous for its incredible food and you’ll eat lots of it during this Osaka itinerary.

READ MORE: Check out our guide on the best things to do in Osaka !

Get ready to experience Kuidaore (食い倒れ) which literally translates ‘ to eat oneself into ruin .’

The city’s most well-known district of Dotonbori is chock full of incredible restaurants and food stands.

In Osaka you can find Matsusaka, Kobe and Ohmi beef – three of Japan’s top beef brands.

Whilst burning a rather substantial hole in your pocket, dining on these varieties will change your views on what meat is supposed to taste like.

This is the city where conveyor belt sushi and takoyaki were invented. So get stuck in and experience Kuidaore during your 3 days in Osaka itinerary!

Table of Contents

Getting Around Osaka

Osaka castle , osaka museum of history , explore kita (umeda), hep five ferris wheel, umeda sky building , ohatsu tenjin shrine, grand front osaka, nakazakicho district, kitashinchi district, take a river cruise at night , sumiyoshi taisha, shitenno-ji temple, explore shinsekai, kuromon market, explore dotonbori as the sun goes down, abeno harukas, explore osaka bay area, kaiten sushi, premium japanese beef , japanese bbq , best budget accommodation in osaka – the stay osaka, best mid range accommodation in osaka – the royal park canvas osaka kitahama, best luxury accommodation in osaka – canedo hotels osaka namba, osaka itinerary travel guide.

Before we get too deep into this Osaka itinerary, here are a few tips to help you figure out how to get there, and around the place.

Getting There and Away

Osaka is a great hub for both international and domestic travel.

Osaka is very well connected to Asia and the rest of the world through Kansai International Airport .

From the airport, there are numerous direct trains and buses into central Osaka. 

Shin Osaka station is one of the largest in Japan and a major train travel hub in the Kansai region of Japan. Every train station is well connected in the area.

Osaka station is an hour by train from both Kyoto and Nara and approximately 3 hours from Hiroshima.

If you’re looking at further travel around the Kansai region it’s worth considering Kansai region JR passes .

They are much cheaper than a national Japan Rail pass so it could be a good option for those on a tight budget.

Japan has an excellent intercity bus network. Night buses run from Osaka station to various major cities in Japan including Tokyo and Hiroshima.

The night buses are an excellent option for saving both time and money. Check out the biggest of the networks Willer Express for more information.

Getting around the city during your Osaka itinerary will require some public transport, but it should be straightforward.

Firstly, Osaka is huge. Fortunately, the city is supported by an excellent rail system that is made up of metro, JR and private lines that keep the city’s population of 2.6 million on the move.

There are numerous day passes available

These include passes offered through the metro as well as multi-entry passes that include free entry into a number of top Osaka attractions.

The metro system runs from 5 am until 12 am.

Perhaps the best thing you can buy though is the Osaka Amazing Pass, which gives you unlimited transport access, as well as entry to quite a few of the main attractions in town.

Buy it on the Klook website for the best price.

How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Osaka Itinerary

This 3 days in Soaka itinerary will cover all the highlights including Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Universal Studios Japan, and lots of street food.

But depending on other things you may want to see and do in Japan , you may wish to stretch this out over a longer period or squeeze it into only a couple of days.

Use this 3 day Osaka itinerary as a framework to build an amazing experience.

Start your day early and grab some breakfast at your hotel or hostel.

Or head to a Lawsons , 7-11 or Family Mart to pick up something to eat.

The earlier you can get to Osaka Castle the better chance you have to avoid the crowds. 

Start your day out by heading to one of Osaka’s most famous and evocative sights: Osaka Castle.

The current structure is a reconstruction built in 1931.

The original Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by General Toyotomi Hideyoshi using a workforce of 100,000 labourers. 

Inside Osaka Castle, there is an excellent museum that gives a fascinating explanation of the castles and Osaka’s history.

There are some excellent exhibits featuring art and armour.

The views of the city from the top floor of the Osaka Castle are also well worth a look. 

The surrounding moat and park make a pleasant stroll as well as offering great views of Osaka Castle. 

Additionally, there are boat tours available around the moat which offer some lovely views of Osaka Castle itself.  

If you’ve bought the Osaka Amazing Pass , entrance is free!

Follow up on a trip to Osaka Castle with a visit to this interesting museum .

Although the English captions are sparse, an audio guide can be hired for 200 yen. 

Osaka Museum of History is great for history lovers, so include it in your Osaka itinerary if that appeals to you!

After a cultured morning of understanding Osaka’s history head to the north of the city for a hefty slice of modern Osaka.

Commonly known as Kita the area is sometimes known as Umeda .

The best subway options are Osaka or Umeda stations.

The area is home to department stores, arcades, food courts and izakayas.

So if you want to sample some Osaka delicacies to recharge before exploring then you will be spoilt for choice. 

There are numerous shopping arcades and areas that are well worth exploring, so take the afternoon at your own pace and be prepared to get lost! 

Below are some of Kita’s highlights that are well worth checking out.

Perched on the seventh floor of the HEP Five building this Ferris wheel offers spectacular views over Osaka.

But this experience is certainly not one for the faint-hearted. 

As a word of warning this area is an absolute maze of exits, walking routes and underground shopping arcades so expect to get lost very easily. 

This rather lovely piece of modern architecture offers some great views of Osaka’s Kita district and is a must-see on any Osaka itinerary.

The outdoor roof garden at the Umeda Sky Building known as the Floating Garden Observatory offers complete 360-degree views.

At night this building is spectacular, and the views from the Floating Garden Observatory are unparalleled.

This wonderful shrine is hidden amongst the skyscrapers and shopping arcades of Kita.

The shrine’s fame comes from a tragic play about two lovers, Ohatsu, a prostitute and Tokubei, a merchant’s apprentice. 

Unable to bear the horror of living apart they committed suicide at the site of the current temple. 

This huge complex directly north of Osaka Station is a network of interconnected high rises filled with shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for a slightly quieter area of Kita then Nakazakicho is well worth checking out.

Located to the east of Osaka station, this network of alleyways is a mixture of cafes, independent clothing stores and craft shops.

This part of the city is a great place to wander and escape the crowds of the more commercial western side of Kita.

If you are looking for a place to party and sample some of Osaka’s nightlife, then you could do far worse than head to Kitashinchi.

The region is just a short walk south of Osaka Station.

Here there is a mixture of amazing restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

This area isn’t like the newly-developed areas around Ground Front Osaka and Osaka station itself.

It has a more authentic and laid back vibe and is popular with locals.

As the sun sets Osaka becomes a spectacular display of lights and colour to rival anywhere in the world.

A fun way to experience this is by taking a river cruise at night.

There are two options you can choose, which are the Nakanoshima or Tombori .

Both provide lovely views of the city at night. 

The Nakanoshima river cruise will take around the northern portion of the city.

Whereas the Tombori river cruises will take you through Dotonbori, Osaka’s most infamous night spots.

The latter can be explored just as well (and maybe more interestingly) on foot. 

Both river cruises are 900 yen for adults and run until 9 pm.

However, the Nakanoshima cruises run from 5 pm whereas the Tombori cruises begin earlier in the day. 

READ MORE: How to spend a perfect 3 days in Tokyo !

Day 2 

For day 2 we will begin by checking out some of Osaka’s most famous temples.

By the day’s end, you will visit what many believe to be the city’s heart and soul, the wonderfully chaotic Dotonbori.

Begin your day with a quick bite at your accommodation or find a convenience store or street stand to pick up something to eat on your way out. 

Start your day by heading south to this spectacular shrine.

This is one of Japan’s oldest shrines and was founded in the 3rd before Buddhism had arrived in Japan.

This means that it is a unique shrine with no influence from the Asian mainland – it is purely Japanese. 

Of more than two thousand Sumiyoshi shrines found in Japan, this is the main and most famous one.

Sumiyoshi shrines enshrine the Shinto gods who protect travellers, fisherman and sailors at sea.

Therefore the shrines are often found close to harbours.  

The Sorihashi Bridge is another highlight.

With a uniquely high arch of a pond, it is a particularly beautiful piece of architecture.

During the first visits to shrines after the new year, this is one of the most visited in Japan.

Continue the morning with a visit to one of the oldest temples in Japan.

The huge tori gate is original. Having been built in 1294 it is the oldest of it’s kind in Japan.

However, the rest of the structure is not original.

A mixture of war, fire, earthquakes and typhoons destroyed it over time.

In spite of this, the buildings have been reconstructed to reflect the original designs. 

It was originally founded by Prince Shotoku in 593.

The outer temple site is free. But to enter the inner temple areas and the spectacular Gokuraku-jodo Garden you will need to pay.

The inner precinct is home to a five-storied pagoda that you can climb for some great views.

Prince Shotoku is enshrined in the Main Hall ( Kondo )

The Gokuraku-jodo Garden is a real highlight of this temple and is definitely worth a visit.

A short walk from the Shitenno-ji Temple is Shin Sekai, which literally translated a ‘ New World .’

Prior to World War II, this was home to an amusement park.

The amusement park is long gone. But Shinsekai retains a certain nostalgic feeling amongst the Japanese population. 

Tsutenkaku Tower is the central point of the district. With an observation deck at 91 metres, there are some lovely views. 

Shinsekai is one of the best places to chow down on an Osaka speciality of Kushikatsu .

This delicious meal is composed of skewered meat and vegetables that are battered or deep-fried.

Many of these restaurants are open 24 hours a day, so unsurprisingly they truly come alive at night.  

Head north from Shinsekai to the Kuromon market.

This huge street food market, just a 15-minute walk from Dotonbori, is home to all kinds of fresh produce and street vendors selling a variety of phenomenal Japanese food.

However, it’s the latter of these options that should be your focus.

As you shuffle past the seemingly endless street food stalls serving all manner of tasty treats, keep an eye out for some Osaka specialties.

If you are very lucky you may be able to find some Matsusaka beef. If so, be sure to try some!

Only 2,500 cows meet the standards to be classified as being Matsusaka. As you can imagine, it’s certainly not on the budget-friendly side of things.

However, it is definitely worth trying! It is a short walk from Shinsekai or Osaka Namba Station.

Welcome to Osaka’s liveliest night spot to end this day of your Osaka itinerary. The centre of Osaka’s Minami district, this is one of the city’s most photogenic spots.

Izakayas, BBQ restaurants and food stalls fight for your appetite.

Japanese department stores fight for your yen.

And huge drug stores are overrun by Chinese tourists clamouring to get ahold of medicines that are not available in Mainland China. 

The area’s name comes from the rather lovely Dotonbori-Gawa canal that cuts Dotonbori in two.

The canal area is a great place to take a stroll, especially at night when it’s all lit up.

For some amazing views of the canal, you head to Ebisu-bashi bridge . 

If you are lucky you may be able to catch a performance by a famous J-Pop act.

Just south and parallel to the Dotonbori Canal you will find Dotonbori street.

It is here that you will find the largest and flashiest restaurants.

Keep an eye out for one of Dotonbori’s most famous residents, the giant spider crab. 

South of Dotonbori street you will find the tiny and rather well-hidden Hozen-ji temple .

Outside is the Fudo-myoo statue , which worshipers splash with water.

Close by you will also find Hozen-ji Yokocho , a lovely little alleyway to explore.

In fact, this area is home a number of alleyways that are well worth a post-meal stroll. 

Once you have had your fill with exploring and wandering along the canal it’s time to get stuck into the wholesome Osaka activity of Kuidaore, or eating yourself into ruin.

The area alongside the canal is packed with restaurants.

However, the further they get from the canal the quieter and cheaper the eateries become.

If you’re looking for a cute little izakaya then you are unlikely to find it in the very centre of Dotonbori.

The alleyway is a haven of fantastic restaurants and eateries.

Alternatively, you can pick up a bite from some of the food stalls that can be found everywhere and enjoy a combination of eating and people-watching. 

The area around Osaka Namba station is home to a number of bars, Pachinko Halls and ‘gentleman’ clubs.

Day 3 

On the final day of your 3 day Osaka itinerary you have the opportunity to get out of Osaka for the day.

Experience some of the lovely Kansai countryside with a trip to Minoo Park on the outskirts of Osaka.

End your day with another trip to Dotonbori , or head down to Spa World in the south of the city to relax in a huge onsen.

Less than 30 minutes from Umeda is Minoo Park.

In autumn this forested valley is one of the best places to enjoy the spectacular colours that autumn in Japan brings.

The colours really come to life in the last 2 weeks of November.  

The main hiking trail extends for roughly 3km running alongside the Minoo River all the way to the Minoo Waterfall, a popular 33-metre fall.

The trail begins very close to Hankyu Minoo Station and passes a few temples and shops.

It is generally flat, so it’s certainly not a challenging walk.

The rather lovely Ryuanji Temple is well worth checking out.

It’s roughly halfway between the station and the waterfall.

There are a number of other hiking trails that go further into the park beyond the waterfall offering some lovely views. 

Getting there and away : From Umeda take the Hanky Takarazuka Line from Hanky Umeda to Ishibashi Station. Then transfer onto the Hankyu Minoo Line to Minoo Station. It takes about 25 minutes and costs 270 yen. Due to the fact that it’s on private rail lines, it’s not covered by the JR rail pass.

But if you fancy staying in Osaka then you have options too.

Begin your day by heading to Abeno Harukas . Then visit Osaka Bay before finishing up at Spa World .

This is Japan’s tallest building has an observation deck offering some lovely views over Osaka from Harukas 300.

It’s also home to Abeno Harukas Kintestsu Department Store, which is the largest department store in Japan.

It’s made up of two buildings called ‘tower’ and ‘wing’ and is known for selling all manner of things.

On the 16th floor, you will find the Abeno Harukus Art Museum .

The exhibits are changed every few months and are made up of mainly western and Buddhist art.

This sprawling area consists of museums, theme parks and shopping centres and offers a very different experience to central Osaka.

The area is a collection of young districts made up of gleaming skyscrapers on a set of man-made islands.  

Osaka Bay has three main areas: Tempozan Harbor Village, Sakishima and Sakurajima.

Tempozan Harbor Village offers decent shopping and entertainment facilities, including a Ferris wheel and aquarium. 

Sakashima is mainly focused on business events and trade fairs.

However, the observation deck of the Sakishima building and the shopping mall inside the Asia Pacific Trade Center are well worth exploring. 

Sakurajima is home to one of Osaka’s top family attractions – Universal Studios Japan.

If you have kids or you love themed rides and attractions, Universal Studios Japan is a super fun thing to add to an Osaka itinerary.

You could also book a boat cruise if you didn’t have the chance to do a river cruise the night before. 

An awesome way to sign off from the Kansai capital of culture is a visit to Spa World in the south of the city.

Located in Shinsekai , the spa has a large number of pools offering both European and Asian-themed options.

Naturally, this is Japan so the baths are enjoyed naked and are gender-separated. 

The natural spa waters are a great way to relax those aching muscle after your 3 day Osaka itinerary. 

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on our amazing 3 days in Kyoto itinerary !

Eating in Osaka

No Osaka itinerary without a deep dive into the food scene to really allow you to experience Kuidaore in all of its glory.

The biggest food area is around the neon playground that is Dotonbroi.

However, there are some fantastic spots elsewhere in the city, particularly in Umeda and Kuromon Market. 

Enjoy the following Osaka delicacies, as these are what makes Osaka stand out from other Japanese metropolises. 

Know in English as octopus balls , takoyaki was created in Osaka and has since become an enduring demonstration of Japanese cuisine across the world.

In essence, its batter is mixed with pieces of octopus and is then grilled into a ball, topped with mayonaise, bonito flakes, savoury sauce and powdered seaweed.

They are amazing and can be found all over Osaka!

Known more commonly outside of Japan as conveyor belt sushi , this style of restaurant has become a Japanese icon.

Invented in the 1950s, the conveyor belt service was considered to be very much at the lower end of the sushi spectrum.

However, the desire for cheaper eats has grown this market has flourished.

True it’s certainly not a sushi master experience. But it’s hard to grumble at sushi from as low as 100 yen a plate! 

If you’re looking for a hearty meal, try Kushikatsu.

This dish consists of skewered meat, vegetables and fish deep fried and served with dipping sauce.

Kushikatsu goes perfectly with a chilled beer.

The Shinsekai neighbourhood has plenty of these restaurants. 

Osaka is a great place to find Kobe, Omi and Matsusaka beef.

These delicacies will be expensive. But they are absolutely worth it.

However, it may completely alter the way you view meat forever. 

Osaka, Dotonbori in particular, is home to a wide variety of BBQ restaurants where you cook raw meat over a small charcoal fire.

Many of these restaurants have a very affordable all-you-can-eat option. However, this option is not always displayed in English.

If you see the Kanji 放题 outside then there is an all-you-can-eat option available so just ask for that menu when you sit down. 

Accommodation in Osaka 

You can find a variety of options for accommodation in Osaka.

With options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to more luxurious hotels, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay during your 3 days in Osaka.

This excellent hostel is located just under a mile from Dotonbori.

This means that you don’t need to worry about getting the subway home while exploring during your 3 days in Osaka. 

The vast majority of the accommodation here is in the form of dorms that a clean and very well maintained.

There are some private rooms. However, these are quite expensive.

The Stay Osaka also has dorm rooms that can be rented privately for large groups. 

The hostel also has a huge common area and a well-equipped kitchen to help save you a few pennies.

There’s also a little bar, which is a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers and swap tips and stories.

This newly built hotel is located in the north of the city in the area close to Umeda and Osaka stations.

However, the nearest subway station is Kitahama.

With Kita and Osaka Castle both within walking distance, this area offers something of a slightly more relaxed pace than staying in Dotobori. 

Offering good sized rooms at a reasonable rate, this is a good mid-range option for those looking for a bit of comfort in fast-paced Osaka.

This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Namba (Dotonbori) and offers large rooms, a swimming pool as well as a sauna. It’s a beautiful place to stay for 3 days in Osaka!

Space is a premium in jam-packed Osaka. So this hotel bucks the trend of most. There are also options to include free breakfast. 

With some rooms offering excellent views of the city, this is a great option for those with a little more money to spend for comfort and luxury.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Osaka Visit Osaka on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Osaka Costs

• Osaka Hotel Prices
• Best Business Hotels in Osaka
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Osaka
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Osaka
• Best Luxury Hotels in Osaka
• Best Cheap Hotels in Osaka
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Osaka
• Best Hotels for One Night in Osaka
• Best Hotels for One Week in Osaka
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Osaka
• Best Party Hotels in Osaka
• Is Osaka Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Osaka cost?
• Is Osaka Worth Visiting?
• Japan Costs
• Yaeyama Islands
• How much does it cost to travel to Osaka? (Average Daily Cost)
• Osaka trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Osaka expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Osaka?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Osaka?

You should plan to spend around $94 (¥13,430) per day on your vacation in Osaka. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $27 (¥3,839) on meals
• $15 (¥2,077) on local transportation
• $98 (¥13,887) on hotels

A one week trip to Osaka for two people costs, on average, $1,321 (¥188,018) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 94 ¥ 13,430
• One Week Per person $ 661 ¥ 94,009
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,321 ¥ 188,018
• One Month Per person $ 2,832 ¥ 402,896
• One Week For a couple $ 1,321 ¥ 188,018
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,643 ¥ 376,037
• One Month For a couple $ 5,663 ¥ 805,793

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Osaka cost?

A one week trip to Osaka usually costs around $661 (¥94,009) for one person and $1,321 (¥188,018) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Osaka on average costs around $1,321 (¥188,018) for one person and $2,643 (¥376,037) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Osaka will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Osaka on average costs around $2,832 (¥402,896) for one person and $5,663 (¥805,793) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Osaka has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Osaka are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Asia, Osaka is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Taiyuan or Koh Lipe.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Osaka Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Osaka?

The average Osaka trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Osaka travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Osaka

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Osaka is $49 (¥6,943). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Osaka is $98 (¥13,887). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 49 ¥ 6,943
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 98 ¥ 13,887

Hotel Prices in Osaka

Looking for a hotel in Osaka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Osaka based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $37. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• The Pax Hostel Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 17
• InterContinental Hotel Osaka Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 283

Transportation Budget in Osaka

The cost of a taxi ride in Osaka is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $15 (¥2,077) per person, per day, on local transportation in Osaka.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 15 ¥ 2,077

Recommended Services

• Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport Viator $ 28
• Private Airport transfer OSAKA to Kansai Intl. Airport(KIX) Viator $ 138

Flights to Osaka

Rental cars in osaka, what did other people spend on transportation in osaka.

Typical prices for Transportation in Osaka are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Osaka, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Subway ¥ 1,200

Food Budget in Osaka

While meal prices in Osaka can vary, the average cost of food in Osaka is $27 (¥3,839) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Osaka should cost around $11 (¥1,536) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Osaka is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 27 ¥ 3,839

Recommended

• Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori Viator $ 74
• Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda Viator $ 86

Entertainment Budget in Osaka

Entertainment and activities in Osaka typically cost an average of $22 (¥3,099) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 22 ¥ 3,099

Recommended Activities

• Hidden Osaka - Yukaku Red Light Tour & Culinary Adventure Viator $ 56
• 1 Group Only Tour: Explore Osaka Hidden Nights of Food & Izakaya Viator $ 64

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Osaka?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Osaka are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Osaka, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Osaka Aquarium (for 2) ¥ 4,600

Alcohol Budget in Osaka

The average person spends about $12 (¥1,764) on alcoholic beverages in Osaka per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 12 ¥ 1,764
• Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide Viator $ 39
• 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba Viator $ 57

Water Budget in Osaka

On average, people spend $1.69 (¥240) on bottled water in Osaka per day. The public water in Osaka is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.69 ¥ 240

Related Articles

Osaka on a budget.

Neighborhoods

Food and dining, transportation, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Home » Asia » Japan » Osaka

Insider Osaka Itinerary for 2024

Osaka is known as the friendliest city in all of Japan, the people are the true gem of the ancient capital of Japan. But besides making new friends, Osaka is full of strange and quirky things to do, a fascinating history, and best of all, home to the tastiest food in all of Japan. 

This is the palace where conveyor belt sushi and Takoyaki were invented. So,  get ready to ditch that tight waistband, my friends, ’cause you’re gonna feast like there’s no tomorrow.

I spent two weeks in Osaka scoping out the BEST things to do in Japan’s foodie capital and I am here to help you plan th e ultimate trip to this wonderful city, whether its a day or a week, you’ll never forget your time in Osaka.

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A Little Bit about this 3-Day Osaka Itinerary

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Osaka’s history, culture, foodie scene, and entertainment district make Osaka a truly memorable city! It has something for every traveler, from world-class theme parks to incredible museums and street food stalls, you’ll never run out of things to do in Osaka!

Whether you’re spending one day in Osaka or 3 days in Osaka, there are some phenomenal options jostling for a spot on your list! I’d personally suggest taking at least two-three full days to explore the city. If you want to see all of the important landmarks you might be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but you’ll miss out on some of the cool and quirky sites that make Osaka so famous. If you can, do set more time aside.

In this 3 day Osaka itinerary, you’ll find each day is packed with action, culture, history, and adventure. You won’t have to rush from A to B though because I’ve sorted everything by proximity. Of course, you can change it up as much as you want. Add stops, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this itinerary as inspiration to get the most out of your trip!

3 Day Osaka Itinerary Overview

• Day One – Museum of Art | Bunraku Theatre | Namba Parks | Tempozan Ferris Wheel | Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Day Two – Osaka Castle Park | Mint Museum | Umeda Sky Building | Museum of History | Dotonbori
• Day Three – Expo ‘70 | Universal Studios | Momofuku Ando | Hattori Ryokuchi | Osaka Food Tour

As Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka is filled to the brim with places to see. It’s quite a widespread city with excellent transport options so there is also a wide variety of great places to stay in Osaka. Consider experiencing Osaka Capsule Hotels – a novel and compact stay option that perfectly complements the city’s futuristic and dynamic atmosphere.

The Osaka Castle area is also an ideal place to stay as it is jam-packed with Osaka landmarks and great hotels! There are also some lovely Airbnbs in Osaka .

There are so many exciting things to do in Osaka that it’s pretty hard to go wrong. As long as you’re near a train station and a great place to eat, Osaka is a goldmine of things to do!

Stay at one of these  awesome hostels in Osaka  to really make your time in this city memorable!

Best Hostel in Osaka – Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka

With its epic location inside a retired toy store, the Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka makes the perfect budget accommodation. Nestled in the beating heart of Osaka, but with an atmosphere of tranquillity, this safe and fun hostel will make your trip to Osaka even better. Rent one of their bicycles and head out to explore the city from this centrally located spot!

Best Airbnb in Osaka – Cozy House Namba

This private three-bedroom apartment in central Osaka can accommodate up to 12 people! One bedroom has a double bed and a single bed, another has a sofa bed, and the other has Japanese-style tatami mats.

It has a modern and well-equipped kitchen with a dining table and chairs, separate toilet and bathroom, a washing machine, a living area, outdoor space, Wi-Fi, and four free bicycles for you to use to explore. I’ve got a whole guide on where to stay in Osaka if you’re looking for more options.

Best Budget Hotel in Osaka – Ayana House

Enjoy this immaculate and well-maintained apartment as your home-away-from-home while you’re in Osaka. Just a stone’s throw away from exciting Dotonbori and Shin-Imamiya Station, for easy access to the best of Osaka’s attractions, Ayana House is the ideal place to stay on your holiday!

Best Luxury Hotel in Osaka – Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

To experience true Japanese hospitality and an unbeatable view of Osaka’s skyline, check in at one of Osaka’s finest luxury hotels. Why pass up the chance of an in-room massage and impeccable facilities when you can have it all, and an amazing view to boot! Make the Mitsui Garden Hotel your accommodation of choice, and with its central location, all you need to do is step out the front door to discover the sights of Osaka!

Osaka is an energetic city full of fun places to visit and with an amazing landscape, all the way from Osaka Bay to the lush outskirts of the city. No matter what you’re looking for, from nearby spots to explore to the more outlandish features, finding your ideal Osaka trip itinerary is beyond easy.

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There are so many things to do in Osaka that you will feel spoiled for choice. Let’s dive into our 3 days in Osaka itinerary. Starting with day one…

9AM – National Museum of Art, Osaka (NMAO)

Take a walk through the hallowed halls of Osaka’s art world beneath the terra firma on the fantastical Nakanoshima Island!

Begin your unique artistic experience at the stunning silver gates, which welcome you into the museum. The gates are shaped like bamboo, and were inspired by the vitality of bamboo, which paints a picture of the growth of contemporary art in Japan!

The National Museum of Art has a fantastic collection of significant international and Japanese works, which have been carefully selected over 30 years. Enjoy a meander through the 3 stories of art from across the years including works by prominent artists Cezanne, Picasso and Ernst. You can also enjoy the stunning post-war pieces by Foujita, Ikemura, Ishiuchi, and Kuniyoshi.

Begin your Osaka travels with this eclectic museum experience that literally takes you deeper!

• Cost – 430 yen ($4) per adult, 130 yen ($2) for university students, free for high school students and over-65-year-olds.
• Getting there: Take the nearest subway station to Higobashi Station via the Yotsubashi Subway Line. From here it’s a 5-10 minute walk.
• How long should I spend there: Around 1-2 hours should be enough, depending on how much you love art.

10.30AM – Namba Parks

Namba Parks is a shopping complex with the ultimate difference. The mall itself is packed to the rafters with fun stores and hidden basement eateries, but it is the stunning range of rooftop parks that make it an oasis in the middle of bustling Osaka!

The building has a unique location in the footprint of Osaka’s old baseball stadium and with its 8 levels of tree groves, rock formations, and waterfalls, Namba Parks is 100% worth a visit. Take in views of the cityscape as you traverse the unbelievable rooftop environment!

As you climb over canyons and enjoy the trickling sound of a stream, the parks make for a surreal experience. There are terraces to sit on and enjoy the view, and you can even search for a vegetable garden or two.

As a lush patch of green in Osaka’s neon-infused streets, the parks are connected directly to the street so commuters and tourists can pass through easily and enjoy a taste of nature!

• Cost – Entrance is free!
• G etting there: Take the subway to Nankai Station, and from there you can enter the parks by the Central and South exits.
• How long should I spend there: 1-2 hours should suffice.

11.30AM – Tempozan Ferris Wheel

For a gondola with a view, head for a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka’s Harbour Village. Gaze out over Osaka Bay as you take a 360 degree trip round Tempozan’s giant Ferris wheel!

The brightly colored attraction makes quite a feature on Osaka’s landscape, with its unique role as the local weather vane. The Ferris wheel shines different colors to represent the day’s weather, including a bright orange for sunshine, green for cloudy weather, and blue means it’ll rain.

The giant bay-side attraction used to hold the title for the tallest Ferris wheel in the world when it opened in 1997, and you can see why at an impressive height of 112.5 meters! You can use your view from the top to scope out other amazing Osaka features for the day with Mount Ikoma, Universal Studios Japan, the Mount Rokko and the Akashi Kaiky Bridge visible from your pod in the sky.

For the brave among you, there’s also the opportunity to pick one of the Ferris wheel’s transparent gondolas!

Insider Tip: While you’re in the area, head over to Mt Tempo, Japan’s smallest mountain, which sits at 4.5 meters high.

• Cost – 800 yen ($8).
• Getting there: Take the subway to Osakako Station via the Chuo Line.
• How long should I spend there: No more than an hour.

1:00PM – The Original Pancake House

For today’s lunch spot, we’re heading to The Original Pancake House . In a mall full of delicious options, this is by far the best place to eat! From the uber-popular Dutch Baby to the simple and sweet coconut pancake, the Namba Parks OG pancakes are a great way to refuel for the day!

2.00PM – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

If you’re looking to experience one of the most incredible aquariums in the world, Japan has your answer!

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is designed to take visitors on a journey through the Pacific Ocean, with amazing exhibits which give you an informative and unbelievable look into this aquatic world.

Take a journey around the Pacific Rim as you enjoy the exhibits and features, each designed with a classic creative Japanese style. Begin your travels into this labyrinth of blue as you enter through the Fish Underpass – Aqua Gate , a walk-through tunnel with sea life on every side!

Then, experience every creature from river fish of the Japanese Forest to the adorable tufted puffin of the Aleutian Islands. The aquarium’s main attraction is the Pacific Ocean exhibit, with 14 surrounding aquatic exhibits arranged to match their position on the Pacific Rim!

One of the aquarium’s most spectacular features is the jellyfish exhibit, which gives you the feeling of staring into an aquatic galaxy, amongst the mystical sway of the jellyfish. There are even Japanese spider crabs!

Finish off your first day in Osaka with this trip through the waters of the Pacific, then as night falls, stay for more fun as the Night Aquarium comes to life!

• Cost – 2300 yen ($21) for over-16s, 2000 yen ($18) for over-60s, 1200 yen ($11) for children between 7 and 15 years old, 600 yen ($6) for 4 to 5-year-olds, children under 3 enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the subway to Osakako Station and walk for 5 minutes from there.
• How long should I spend there: 2-3 hours should be enough time to see it all.

7:00PM – National Bunraku Theatre

Enjoy the fantastical stylings of Osaka’s National Bunraku Theatre as you take in a show or explore the memorable theatre itself.

The theatre was opened to protect and further the precious traditional art form of Bunraku . Performers tell emotive stories through the intricate movements of the giant wooden-headed puppets they operate. Bunraku began as a rare form of entertainment for the general public, and the theatre is carrying on that tradition!

The theatre is a jack of all trades in its efforts to preserve the art form as it houses a training institution and a fascinating archive of historical materials. The building is a work of art and history itself as it forms a mix of tradition and modernity while characterizing key elements of Edo era of Japanese architecture.

Enjoy a memorable experience of one of Japan’s classic performance forms, the perfect addition to your Osaka trip!

• Cost – Varies per performance but the exhibition hall is free.
• Getting there: Take the subway to Nippombashi Station and walk from there.
• How long should I spend there: depending on the show.

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For our second day in Osaka, I will be including the more historic and cultural attractions in the city, such as Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori, the nightlife district in Osaka.

9.00AM – Osaka Castle Park

Make the perfect start to your second day in Osaka on a visit to the Osaka Castle Park , a lush landscape full of history and stunning natural beauty!

The park’s defining feature is the stunning Osaka Castle, which sits regally amongst the trees and surrounded by an impressive moat! You can explore the castle corridors and discover ancient weaponry as well as unmissable artwork along the walls. The castle is also home to a museum with an array of historical artifacts and fascinating digital exhibits recounting the castle’s history, including a virtual reality diorama depicting the Summer War of Osaka .

The castle’s architecture is also a fascinating piece of Edo history with 13 remarkable features, including the Otemon Gates and Sengan Turret, which are treasured cultural landmarks in Osaka. Then, head up to the 8th-floor observation deck with a spectacular panoramic view of the park, Osaka Bay, and all the way to Mount Ikoma. Don’t forget to view the incredible stone wall remnants, which are said to be made up of 1 million stones!

You can take a boat ride around the moat-like a royal of old, or explore the endless fields that surround it. If you’re visiting in springtime, enjoy the pale beauty of 600 cherry trees, and discover the many alcoves dotted around the park including Nishinomaru Garden or the Grove of Remembrance!

• Cost – 600 yen ($6), under-15s enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the JR Loop Line to Tanimachi Yonchome Station and walk from there.
• How long should you stay : around 1.5 hours should be enough.

11.30AM – Mint Museum

Experience the life inside a money box at Osaka’s Mint Museum, a great addition to your 3-day itinerary for Osaka. Inside an old power plant, sits the fascinating world of mint (or coin making), which is dedicated to introducing the work of the Japan Mint to the world!

Explore the museum’s 3 floors which give a history of the Osaka Mint Bureau, offer a look inside the coin minting process, and tell the history of coinage from its origins in ancient China to modern-day Japan.

Visit the memorable Experience Corner where you can test your abilities by lifting various coin bags and a hefty senryo-bako chest! Pay a visit to the Mint Shop (not to buy herbs) but to pick up some fun souvenir medallions, paperweights, or commemorative coin collections.

The 3rd floor houses a spectacular coin collection ranging from true antiques to more contemporary collections, including some niche Star Wars designs!

The museum’s 300 cherry trees are also open for viewing for one week each spring when the trees are formed into a glorious tunnel, and beautifully illuminated at night!

• Cost – It’s free!
• Getting there: From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Sakuranomiya Station and walk from there.
• How long should you stay : Tours usually last around 90 minutes.

1:00PM – Lunch at the Garden Oriental

For a tasty lunch with great ambiance, head for the Garden Oriental Osaka . Choose from well-priced set menus with tasty options such as the marinated seafood platter or a lighter fare from their cafe, and enjoy your meal in a tranquil Japanese garden.

2.00PM – Umeda Sky Building, An AMAZING Floating Garden Observatory

At the top of Osaka’s spectacular Umeda Sky Building, you will find Kuchu Teien . The incredible Floating Garden Observatory offers some of the best views in Osaka from its spot on the 39th floor!

The viewing platform sits on the bridge connecting the 2 glass towers of the building, with a roof that is perfectly shaped to give visitors an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, and you can even spot Awaji Island in the distance!

The Umeda Sky Building’s atrium-like attic is pretty spectacular, but their basement is also worth a visit! The building sits over an underground market of traditional Japanese restaurants, which is a nod to Osaka in the early 20th century.

Whether you’re heading to new heights or enjoying the hidden street market, the Umeda Sky Building hits the spot!

• Cost – 1500 yen ($14) per adult, 700 yen ($7) for children between 4 and 12 years old.
• Getting there: Take the nearest subway station to Osaka Station City or and Umeda Station and walk for 10 minutes through an underground passage in Osaka Station.
• How long should I spend there: 1-2 hours should be enough time to take some photos and enjoy to views.

3.00PM – Osaka Museum of History

If you’re looking to discover Osaka’s truly ancient history, the Osaka Museum of History is where you want to be!

Begin your journey through time on the museum’s 10th floor, which houses a full-size recreation of the inside of the Naniwanomiya Palace. Then, take a stroll through exhibits portraying different eras in Osaka’s history, which become more and more contemporary as you reach ground level.

You will arrive when Osaka served as Japan’s first capital and complete your journey during the early Showa Period, with each moment in time captured through amazing visually-intricate exhibits!

With a design that offers visitors an incredible multi-layered experience of the city’s 1350-year history, the museum is any history buff’s dream! Engage with life-size models and scale replicas, as well as storied photographs and films, which dive deeply into Osaka’s past.

• Cost – 600 yen ($6) per adult, 400 yen ($4) for high school and university students, younger students and over-65s enter for free.
• Getting there: Take the subway to Tanimachi Yonchome Station on the Tanimachi or Chuo subway lines and then walk for 5 minutes.
• How long should I spend there: around 2 hours should be enough.

7.00PM – Dotonbori

Experience one of Osaka’s prime nightlife hubs, which is ablaze with activity, neon lights and good food to eat!

Take a stroll across Ebisubashi Bridge and snap a pic of the iconic Glico running man from his spot on one of Dotonbori’s many shimmering facades. Meandering along the river walk is one of the best ways to see the sights and get a taste of the area.

While Osaka is the ‘nation’s kitchen’, Dotonbori is Osaka’s own foodie paradise, with endless eateries that stay open well after midnight! You can also take in a show at the Osaka Shochikuza, a traditional kabuki theater, with amazing performances full of comedic flair and stunning physicality.

The canal is a stunning feature in downtown Osaka, and sailing down the waterways of Dotonbori makes an amazing end to your 2 days in Osaka!

• Cost – Canal boat ride is 900 yen ($9) for 12 years old and up, 400 yen ($4) for children between 6 and 12 years old.
• Getting there: Take the subway to JR Namba Station using your japan rail pass on the Yamatoji line, then walk for 5 minutes.
• How long should I spend there: You could spend all night here if that’s what you are after! If you just want to see the sites, 1-2 hours should be enough.

Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka

Nestled in the beating heart of Osaka, but with an atmosphere of tranquility, this safe and fun hostel will make your trip to Osaka even better.

• 24H Reception

If you’ve found yourself in the amazing position of filling up 3 days in Osaka (or more), we’ve compiled the very best of attractions to prove that this city wins the Kyoto vs Osaka debate. This is the perfect 3-day itinerary for a short trip to Osaka!

Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park

• The former site of the National Museum of Art, Osaka.
• Features a 300-meter long wooden canopy walkway.
• Home of the National Museum of Ethnology.

Enjoy a day at the site of the 1970 World Fair (or Expo ‘70), which has become a lush landscape filled with gardens, museums and a ton of entertainment options!

One of the most famous sculptures seated on the lawn is the Tower of the Sun, a majestic piece of art, which has become a major feature in the park. The tower has 3 faces, the Golden Mask which stares skyward represents the future, the front Face of the Sun represents the present, and the Black Sun face represents the past. The tower is an original piece from the Expo ‘70 and sits regally in the Natural and Cultural Gardens, which are sprinkled with artworks, seasonal flower displays and beautiful woods to explore!

The park is also the home of 5000 cherry trees, which make for a spectacular sight when they’re in full bloom! If you happen to be visiting Japan in spring and cherry blossom season, it’s a deliciously romantic Osaka honeymoon itinerary spot.

You can also enjoy the shimmering ponds at Expo ‘70 including the ‘Dream Pond’ boating spot and Shinji-ike pond, named after its Kanji heart character. Or, if you’re looking for an extra taste of Japanese culture, walk around the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum, which displays fine ceramics, textiles, and crafts from across Japan.

Expo ‘70 is an amazing way to spend the day in a space filled with history, natural beauty, and endless photo opportunities!

Universal Studios Japan

• Home to the backward roller coaster: Hollywood Dream – The Ride (Backdrop).
• The JR Yumesaki Line trains, which takes you to the park, are all painted with Universal themes so there’s no chance of missing them.
• You can visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

On the edge of Osaka Bay awaits Universal Studios Japan , one of 4 action-packed Universal theme parks across the world. The fun park is like an island of its own with an amazing selection of attractions and rides!

The 9 zones across the park include the animated world of Hollywood where you can pay a visit to Shrek in 4D as well as the Universal Wonderland where you can fly with Snoopy or whizz round in a giant cupcake. Head for Amity Village for a thrilling experience on the iconic Jaws ride, then journey on to another classic location – Jurassic Park, home to the Flying Dinosaur, a roller coaster that takes you upside down!

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to turn into a minion (and who hasn’t), you’ll enjoy the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride at Minion Park!

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

• A Noodle Museum where you can make your own noodles!
• Discover more about one of the world’s most underrated food industries.
• Enjoy quizzes and hands-on exhibits.

One of the most unique places to visit in Osaka is hands down, the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum . For everyone from noodle enthusiasts to the curious traveler, this museum is full of fascinating exhibits and interactive features. It’s got everything you never knew you needed in a museum (and it just happens to be very interesting too)!

If you are backpacking, then subsisting on a diet of Ramen noodles is one way to reduce your costs in Japan . So it only makes sense to come here for a better understanding!

The exhibits take you all the way from his experiments in a shed, to the interactive theater in a giant cup of noodles, where you can see anecdotes from his journey to success play out like a film. Discover the fascinating development of instant noodles in post-war Japan and how it has grown today, including the company’s creation of NASA noodles which can be eaten easily in space. Enjoy a stroll through the instant noodle tunnel, with approximately 800 product packages lining the walls.

For 300 yen ($3), you can also make your own noodle flavor and packaging at the My CUPNOODLES Factory .

Enjoy this unique Osaka attraction as you discover a piece of Japan’s past not often mentioned in the history books!

Hattori Ryokuchi Park

• Has an outdoor concert hall.
• Has a collection of ponds and pools formed by the meeting of 2 rivers.
• During the summer, there’s an outdoor kabuki theater.

The Hattori Ryokuchi Park more than lives up to its name meaning ‘green ground’. Explore the interwoven landscape of bamboo gardens, flower gardens, and fields on a trip to one of Osaka’s stunning parks.

There is also an unbelievable arboretum which grows approximately 120 species of herbs, which fill your senses, and 700 species of camellia, a beautiful Japanese flower that represents the arrival of spring.

Explore the giant forested park, there is a labyrinth of waterways including more than 10 ponds, a swimming pools, and a fishing pond. You can also go for an exhilarating horse ride through the park!

One of the park’s defining features is the surreal Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses with examples of rural architecture from across Japan including Gassho-zukuri, Magari-ya, and Takakura.

Osaka Food Tour

• Find your new go-to Japanese dish.
• Get tips on the best way to order your meals in Osaka.
• Get to know Osaka’s streets from a local perspective.

Being the food haven that it is, you can’t visit Osaka without tasting just about every dish on offer. The best way to do that? Go on an Osaka food tour !

Get an in-depth look at the cuisine and history of Dotonbori while you go beyond the main street and find the hidden gems of Osaka’s food world!

Get a taste of kushikatsu, a classic Japanese dish of deep-fried meat and vegetables on a skewer. Discover the Michelin-rated street food of Osaka, including takoyaki, which are delicious dough balls usually filled with octopus, tempura pieces, pickled ginger, and green onion.

Then finish your night with an electric vibe and tasty offerings at Izakaya, a popular local pub. Enjoy traditional local cuisine like sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef simmered in vegetables, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin), accompanied by a drink of craft beer or Nihonshu (rice wine).

Experience the atmosphere and flavors of downtown Osaka while you spend a night out on the town!

The best time to visit Osaka is anytime! The temperature in the city is often pleasant and much less prone to extreme weather patterns, like typhoons and epic rainstorms. Winters are chilly but not freezing and snow only falls on rare occasions.

If anything, Osaka is only frustrating to visit during certain times of the year when Japanese people are on holiday. For example, during Golden Week and when the Cherry Blossoms are blooming the streets will be much more crowded and prices will be noticeably higher.

Otherwise, visiting Osaka is great whenever. If you can plan a trip around the shoulder months (March, October), you’ll get to enjoy the best weather and the best prices for that matter. It’s a win-win for an awesome Osaka itinerary!

It’s no surprise that Osaka City is pretty big with loads of interesting sites to see. Luckily, you can find a super well-developed public transport network spread throughout all parts of the city. The public transport here also makes taking one of the many day trips from Osaka super easy too.

The subway lines and bullet trains are the lifeblood of traveling through Osaka. Some of the best places to stay are the main stops on the Midosuji subway line , which runs from north to south across the city. These include:

• Shin Osaka Station
• Kita , Minami
• Central Osaka
• Tennoji Station .

Osaka is divided into 24 wards, with 2 major hubs: Kita (in the north) and Minami (in the south). Kita, which is also known as Umeda, is a bustling area with a ton of attractions and restaurants to visit! If you’re traveling from another popular Japanese destination, Kyoto, you will arrive in Kita.

In the south of Osaka, you’ll find Minami (Namba), which is a vibrant cityscape full of fantastic eateries and eclectic Japanese attractions, including the Don Quixote superstore which has a 77-meter-high Ferris wheel perched on top!

The subway network in Osaka is also super easy to navigate. Like Tokyo, it runs on a color and number system, which makes it easy to work out where to go. The JR Loop line, otherwise known as the Osaka loop line, connects Osaka Station to all the main attractions in the city center such as Osaka Castle, JR Osaka Namba Station, Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine and Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. On this line, you can use your japan rail pass, but on other metro lines you will need to buy a ticket.

You will find subway stations in almost all areas in Osaka. You can get a prepaid Icoca card, which can be used on any form of transport in Osaka. However, I would not recommend buses as they are slower and don’t reach the tourist areas as easily as the subway. 

Taxis are also reasonably affordable in Osaka. The average price of a taxi is about Y660 for the first 2km, and then Y80 per 296 meters after that. Taxi drivers in Osaka are also kind and safe. Uber and Lyft are also operational in Osaka and but are rarely used as the taxis are so cheap.

As the third-largest city in Japan and with the population to prove, Osaka’s bustling streets are usually filled with everyone from locals to travelers from all around the globe.

Despite the busy city streets, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and the overall crime risk is low. However, traveling anywhere, and specifically internationally means taking useful safety precautions. Pickpocketing can be a possibility, particularly in the Shinsekai area, so it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings.

In certain areas such as Shinsekai Tobita Shinchi , drink-spiking can be a problem in bars and nightclubs. Remember to watch your own drink being poured, keep your thumb over any open bottles, and don’t leave your drink unattended.

There are also certain areas such as Kamagasaki , where crime is more prevalent. It is best to avoid these areas when you are alone or at night. So, make sure to follow these tips before visiting:

• Be particularly vigilant in touristy areas like the Shinsekai area.
• Public transport is also a hotspot for petty crime, so hold tight to your belongings for any journeys you take.
• It is generally quite safe to walk around popular areas at night, but keep an eye out for dodgy characters.

Keeping safe while you’re traveling is always a top priority so make sure you keep an eye on your belongings as you move from place to place, and be vigilant as you cross the roads in busy traffic. It’s also a good idea to know emergency numbers (119 in Osaka) for the city you’re visiting. Have a safe trip to Osaka!

Get Insurance Before Smashing Out Your Osaka Itinerary!

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Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Osaka itinerary.

How many days do you need in Osaka?

With so much to see and do, we recommend spending 3-5 full days in Osaka.

What should you include on a 3 day Osaka itinerary?

Don’t skip these awesome Osaka highlights! – Namba Parks – Osaka Castle Park – Umeda Sky Building – Dotonbori

Where is the best place to stay in Osaka?

Umeda (Kita) and Osaka Bay are best if you want to be close to attractions. Honmachi is ideal for budget backpackers, while the best nightlife can be found in Namba.

What are the best day trips from Osaka?

There are some epic day trips from Osaka. Marvel at Amanohashidate, enjoy a snow day at Shiga Kogen, or relax in nature at Minoo Park. For something truly unique, make your way to Japan’s Goldfish Capital!

Have yourself the trip of a lifetime in Osaka, a place of epic dining, rooftop nature parks, and enough historical landmarks to make any history buff swoon! Whether you’re spending a weekend in Osaka or planning an epic Osaka itinerary (one week and counting), you’ll find something for everyone!

Continuin on and travelling in Japan? Check out our backpacking Japan travel guide for more insider tips. And make sure you pack right for Japan!

Get lost in the unique and vibrant atmosphere of Osaka, the ‘big apple’ of Japan – a city that never sleeps (because there’s just too much to see)!

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A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

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Matthew Baxter

Japan travel writer

Osaka Budget Travel Guide

As the southern capital of Japan, there is much to do in Osaka and it’s a great place to visit along the way to places like Kyoto or Kobe .  It’s a lot more compact than Tokyo , so you can do lots by just picking up a tourist map and walking between the main areas.  Therefore it’s a very cheap place to visit.

Get more with the Super Cheap Japan guidebook !

It’s the ultimate guide to Japan for budget travellers. Listings for budget restaurants, 100 yen shops and cheap markets, as well as the best tips and itinerates for saving money.

It will show you the best places to go in Kyoto and Osaka, plus many side trips. These all come with information on the necessary discount passes of course!

Things to see and do

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Osaka (���, Ōsaka) is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo . It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period , when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor , Naniwa was once Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle , and the city may have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and established his government in distant Edo (Tokyo) .

Top attractions in Osaka

Osaka by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Nostalgic Shinsekai
• Shopping arcades and food markets
• Bustling Dotonbori

• Outstanding museums
• Osaka Castle and its extensive grounds
• Ancient temples and shrines

• Famous Osaka Castle
• Japan's tallest skyscraper Abeno Harukas
• Namba entertainment district

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Osaka tourist guide, hotels around osaka, osaka hotel guide.

How to choose the best places to stay in Osaka

Experiences around Osaka

Osaka Travel Blog – A Complete Travel Guide to Plan Your Trip

Osaka Travel Blog – For first-timers heading to Osaka, this complete travel guide is all you need to plan your trip. It covers all the questions you might have about entering and exploring this wonderful city in Western Japan, and includes helpful tips on how you can make the most of your stay here. Whether you’re planning to stay over the course of a week and want to include day trips from the city centre, or you’ve only got a spare few day and need to max out your hours in the day, we’ve got the necessary information below for you to make the most of your visit.  

Osaka Travel Blog – The Accommodation

One of the biggest questions that most travellers to new places ask is “Where is the best spot to stay?”.

Of course, the answer will vary for different types of travellers; some people thrive on the never-ending buzz of the crowds and actually prefer staying smack bang in the city so that the white noise of conversations never really drowns out; others will prefer staying at a location that’s relatively convenient on the outskirts of town so that they can get as much peace and quiet as possible, and don’t mind a little bit of extra traveling.

Others still, will not care where they stay as long as it provides easy access to everything that they want to do.

We’ve curated a short but detailed list of areas of Osaka that you might want to familiarise yourself with, as they are some of the most popular destinations in Osaka. We’ve also recommended some highly rated accommodation in each area which might interest you also.

Check out our blog post to choose the best area guide for your accommodation in Osaka: Where To Stay In Osaka >>

For a different kind of accommodation experience that is unique to Japan, you might want to consider staying in a capsule hotel. Like many hotels in general, you will get your own private space in a capsule hotel, however, unlike many hotels, that space might only be enough to fit you and your luggage.

You basically sleep in a capsule room, and most other facilities are shared, such as bathrooms, common rooms, and study areas. Before your turn your nose, there are actually many styles and variations of capsule hotels, and these days, some actually rival that of fancy and modern hotels!

Osaka hosts some of the most incredible capsule hotels you’ll ever come across; if you want to find out some cream of the crop capsule hotel options, we suggest you read our article here about the best capsule hotels you should try in Osaka .

Osaka Travel Blog – The Best Local Food

Every prefecture, region, city, and town in Japan is special in their own unique way. A great way to get to know a local spot is through their specialty dishes, and Osaka is no small fish in the sea when it comes to delectable dishes you absolutely need to try!

If you want to discover the local food with a guide, check these 3 great food tours in Osaka:

• Downtown Osaka and local food walk
• Adventurous evening of food and drink in Osaka
• Market tour and Japanese home cooking in Osaka

Number one on the list is takoyaki. For all those who have ever heard of takoyaki, they are one of the most classic Osakan snack foods, and you will see endless street carts and restaurants selling them in Osaka.

They are basically round balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filed with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. They can be topped with a variety of toppings, but the most classic combo would be with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, green seaweed and bonito shavings.

Okonomiyaki

Second on this list is okonomiyaki. This dish is a savory pancake that consists of flour batter, shredded cabbage, eggs, grated yam, mixed together and cooked fresh on a teppanyaki grill right in front of you. At most places, you’ll be able to select from additional fillings such as pork belly, seafood, and other vegetables.

You absolutely cannot leave Osaka without trying at least one kushikatsu restaurant. Kushikatsu are skewered meats and vegetables that are placed in a crumbly batter and deep-fried fresh to order, served with a variety of sauces to dip it in. Pretty much anything you can imagine will be on the menu, including pork, beef, chicken, innards, pumpkin, onion, quail eggs, asparagus, mushroom…the list goes on and on. The only rule here is: no double dipping!

Lastly, the Osakan’s believe that they do yakiniku differently, and we’re inclined to agree. Some of the best yakiniku restaurants are based right in the middle of Osaka, with certain cuts of their meat being so perfectly marbled, you’ll be left craving it for the rest of your trip. Being so close to regions like Hyogo (i.e. where Kobe beef hails from) certainly has its benefits!

Osaka Travel Blog – The Best Places to Visit

Now to the best part of this article: the best places to visit in Osaka. We guarantee you that every single person you speak to who has experienced Osaka will provide you with differing views of what you must do and must eat, and they probably wouldn’t be wrong.

Osaka is a densely populated city with so much going on and so much to see, with hundred-year-old traditions entrenched in historical buildings and structures still existing in the city, hidden amongst high rise towers that offer expansive observation decks that offer beautiful sweeping views of the city.

With this in mind, you can imagine that there are heaps of attractions to see and do in Osaka.

If you’re an Instagrammer, then you’re going to love our article on the most instagrammable places in Osaka . It covers a handful of spots in the city that will allow you to capture stunning images of traditional and modern Japan, all within easy access of transport. If you need some inspiration, why not check out these locations on Instagram before heading there to see what it is about these places that attracts people there?

Most Instagrammable places in Osaka >>

For those who are after the quintessential experience of onsen bathing in Japan but are worried that their body art tattoo, then we’ve got your covered! Whilst traditional onsen rules have forced establishments to turn away guests with tattoos, in relatively recent years, more and more hot spring facilities have opened up to them.

It’s a great step in the right direction, and if you want to find out more, check out our article which details tattoo-friendly onsen in Kyoto and Osaka .

If you love hot springs, you can also check out our list of the 7 best onsen towns near Osaka .

If you’re planning to visit Osaka during the cherry blossom season, we have the perfect article for you to have a read and get to know the top cherry blossom spots you have to visit in Osaka .

Osaka city itself is a sprawling metropolis that you may think is full of flashing lights and traffic, but there are actually some (very!) decent spots within the city that take you away from that futuristic aspect of Japan and allow you to appreciate the beautiful sakura blossoms in all their glory.

For those who don’t want to travel far from the city centre at all, you have plenty of options to choose from.

For those after a more traditional cherry blossom celebration where you can pack a picnic mat and basket and sit under the sakura trees, eating and being merry with crowds of other tourists, there are plenty of parks around the city that you can easily get to. We’ve outlined these options in this article:  Osaka sakura blossom spots >>

If you want to check out more cultural spots, make sure you read our article about the best free museums in Osaka !

Osaka Travel Blog – The Best Itinerary

Building an itinerary is a very important task, and the bigger and greater the city (i.e. Osaka), the more difficult it will be, especially given the amount that you can actually do and experience and the sheer size of the city.

However, we’ve broken down the best of the best activities for you to experience in Osaka across a jam-packed 3-day itinerary that will take you from the Northern district of Osaka all the way across to Osaka Bay, back into the city centre to experience some epic food adventures, and even across to Universal Studios – an Osaka must-do (specially with the new Super Nintendo World ).

We believe that the perfect itinerary must have lots of excitement, some leisurely downtime, impressive architecture, jaw dropping views, a mix of scenery, and enough time at each location for you to really immerse yourself and enjoy what you’ve come to see, and our itinerary does just that.

Check out this blog post for more details: Osaka Itinerary >>

What To Do Around Osaka

If you’re staying a tad longer than three days, you might want to consider basing yourself in Osaka and traveling outside the city to do someday trips. Depending on where you go, this will allow you to experience some unique cities and towns, try different foods, get a glimpse of the rural life in Japan, come across images you’d never have seen before, breathe in fresh mountain air, and ultimately get a glimpse of the side of Japan you’ve probably only ever seen in pictures.

We’ve dedicated an article to 10 of the best day trips from Osaka that you can do, as a solo traveller or as a group of travellers. From the essential Kyoto to the lesser-known but equally captivating Ise or Koyasan , we’ve highlighted some of the beauty that you can expect to see at these cities so you can determine whether it’s something you’re interested in.

All of them can easily be done in one day, and if you’re pressed for time, you might be able to squeeze in two! (But for the sake of enjoyment, one day-trip per day is the perfect way for you to leisurely travel to and from, explore at your own pace, discover things off the beaten path, and not worry about missing last trains).

Read more about our 10 best day trips from Osaka >>

Again, with so much to see and so much to do, planning a trip to Osaka can be overwhelming. Hopefully reading this article has helped you in some way to plan how you’re going to shape your trip to this exciting city.

From deep fried food to amusement parks to gorgeous waterfalls short train rides away, a visit to Osaka would be a feast for all of your senses.

Wanna save money during your trip? Check out our guide on how to travel to Osaka on a budget .

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The 5 Best Cooking Classes In Osaka You Should Try In 2024

Osaka On A Budget – Travel Tips And Tricks To Spend Less In Osaka

The 10 Best Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Spots In Osaka

Where to Stay in Osaka – The Top 3 Areas For Your Accommodation 

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OSAKA AND KYOTO: Budget Travel Guide

It was the trip I was so afraid to take.

The notoriety of Japan as an expensive destination hovered over my head for the longest time. Even when airlines offered bargain deals for flights to Osaka, I was reluctant to book. Not only was I worried about the visa not being approved for I didn’t have enough in my bank, I was also dreading how much I would be spending in the days after stepping on Japanese soil.  Japan is expensive,  I always thought.  But someday, somehow, this trip has got to happen.

It finally did! And guess what? It wasn’t as tough on the pockets as I expected.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Osaka and Kyoto

Osaka and Kyoto are prefectures in Kansai Region in south central part of Honshu Island. Other territories in the region include Nara and Kobe (which you might also want to visit if you have more time). Kansai is famous for its irresistible cuisine and rich history. Osaka is considered the culinary capital of Japan, boasting several signature dishes including okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Neighbor Kobe is widely known for the prized Kobe beef, cuts of meat of wagyu cattle. On the other hand, Kyoto has always been the cultural center of the archipelago. Impressively maintained and restored ancient temples and shrines dot its map.

Kansai enjoys a temperate climate with strong seasonal variations. The best time to visit? Early April for the cherry blossoms and mid to late November for the autumn foliage. I was here in June, and I was smothered with regret while walking around the parks. I was greeted with flowerless trees and green canopies. The region was still breathtaking during my visit, but it would have been extra-special during spring and fall.

Booking Flights to Osaka from Manila

A lot of airlines fly from Manila to Kansai Airport. If you book way in advance, you’ll get the best deals from low-cost carriers Cebu Pacific Air and JetStar. Cebu Pacific flies to Osaka five times a week. Their lowest year-round fare is at P6399, which is a great deal already.

You can also wait for a SEAT SALE! For this trip, I booked a roundtrip Cebu Pacific ticket from their P20 SALE. The base fare per leg was only P20, but including all the taxes, I only paid PHP 5984 for the roundtrip ticket (PHP 2992 per way). That includes a prepaid baggage allowance of 20 Kg. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Applying for a Japan Visa

The posts below will help you get through the application process.

• How to Apply for TOURIST Japan Visa
• How to Apply for a Visa for VISITING FRIENDS or RELATIVES
• How to Apply for a MULTIPLE Entry Japan Visa
• Japan Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to Visit

If budget is a concern, look away from peak season: late March to August, especially the following dates:

• Golden Week (April 29 – May 5)
• Obon Festival (August 13–15)
• Cherry Blossoms Season (Late March-Early April)

These dates bring the biggest crowds.

However, the temperate days of Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are the best times to visit if you’re after fantastic views. During spring (specifically last week of March to first week of April), cherry blossoms adorn the otherwise plain green canopies.

Autumn (specifically mid- to late November) is ideal because the crowd begins to thin and the prices drop. It’s also interesting as the foliage turns fiery orange and red. Temperature is also pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.

Getting Around Osaka and Kyoto

Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are interconnected and are linked to the rest of the island by the most expansive (and expensive) train system I have seen in my life. Hence, in theory, traveling around is easy and hassle-free. In practice, it is tough. Besides the language barrier, these train lines are as complicated and challenging as your previous relationship. You might think you’re on the right side of the right platform at the right station, but there’s still a chance that you board the wrong train and in some cases the wrong car. Some trains even split into half at one point, and they choo choo in separate directions.

But thank heavens for the Internet. It really is the best invention since Morris Michtom introduced the teddy bear.

So here’s a tip. If you own a smartphone or a tablet, do yourself a favor, and rent one of those mobile wi-fi gadgets. They are quite useful and handy!

Pocket Wifi Rental

You will find wi-fi rental booths at the Arrival Area of Kansai Airport. Rates are usually between JPY 800-900 per day. However, they are very in demand so there might not be any more available if you arrive in the late evening. Some establishments accept only credit card transactions .

If you really want to make sure you get a mobile wifi, you can reserve one in advance via Klook for only PhP per day. That’s a lot cheaper than those you will find at Kansai airport. The best part, if you’re a group, you can connect multiple devices hassle-free. You can then split the cost with your friends. You can pick up the device at the airport.

Local 4G SIM

Once you have it, say hello to your two new bestfriends — Google Maps and Hyperdia. Use the former to see where to turn or how far you are from your destination. Use the latter to check which line or train to take, which station to alight, and how much to pay. Off to the ticket machines you go. (Or, you can simply ask someone . How’s that? Teehee.)

One of our readers, Socs, has this to add: Taking the bus in Kyoto is cheaper than trains. If you’ll be taking more than 2 rides in one day, buy the JPY500 bus pass from Kyoto station for one-day unlimited rides around the city. Grab a free bus map from the tourist info center in Kyoto station.

Where to Buy Train Passes

If you’re visiting multiple cities in Japan and you’re staying for 7 days, you can save A LOT OF MONEY by getting a Train Pass. Klook offers the cheapest JR Passes available. If you live in the Philippines, the pass will be delivered to you in 7 days.

But if you will be staying only in Osaka or Kansai Region, the following passes might be a better choice. These passes will give you access to both trains and buses.

Kansai Thru Pass Offers unlimited rail and bus rides in many cities in Kansai Region including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. You can also use this to travel from Kansai Airport to Osaka. Available in 2- and 3-day validity variants.

Osaka Amazing Pass The ultimate all-inclusive Osaka sightseeing pass! It gives the holder unlimited use of the subway, tramway, and bus systems in Osaka. It also gives FREE access to certain attractions including Osaka Castle Main Tower and Umeda Building’s Floating Garden Observatory. Available in 1-day and 2-day versions.

Where to Eat in Osaka and Kyoto

Like everything else in Japan, food is expensive. As I passed by restaurants, I could not help but cringe (and feel awfully poor) when I saw the cost of their meals. On my first day I was hesitant to spend JPY 600 (PHP 267) for a single dish. But I realized that in restaurants it could not get any lower than that. There were those that entailed a JPY1400-pocket damage. And these were not fine dining or high-end restaurants. Based on just my observation, I think the average cost of meals play within the JPY700-800 range.

On my first two days, I settled for microwavable meals available at convenience stores like Lawson and Mini-Stop. They sold Hamburg steaks for JPY 450, tonkatsu for JPY 390, and tempura for JPY 350. At first I thought I could survive the trip on convenience store food alone. To be fair, they weren’t awful. But then I realized that I could be missing on an essential part of the Japanese culture — its world-famous cuisine. So I gave in and dined at restaurants. 

Our reader Socs also suggests that if you’re on a tight budget: Buy bento and sushi meals at discounted prices in supermarket groceries usually located at the basement of malls. The meals are tagged for discounts, as much as 50%, around 7:00 in the evening. “Splurge” in restaurants at lunch, when meals are offered at cheaper prices than during dinner.

You might also want to check out the list of Japanese dishes, snacks, desserts and drinks that surrendered to: 10 Foods to Try in Osaka and Kyoto .

Places to Visit in Osaka

Here are some of the attractions to check out in Osaka. These thumbnails are clickable and they will lead you to a post with more information about the places.

Universal Studios Japan

Nearest Station: Universal City Station (JR Yumesaki/Sakurajima Line)

As you already know, it’s a movie theme park that could bring a lot of fun to kids and adults alike. USJ is the first US branch in Asia, but it has been given a new life when they opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem .

If you’re a Potterhead, don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Wander around Hogsmeade, buy a wand from Ollivanders have a pint of butterbeer, ride a hippogriff and have a tour of the Hogwarts Castle!

Old faves like the Flying Dinosaur and the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man are still running.

The problem with USJ is that it can get a bit too crowded especially on weekends. You can waste over an hour falling in line for just one attraction. If you want to get the most out of your time, an Express Pass is recommended. It costs extra, but it is worth it, in my experience. Express Passes sometimes sell out especially during peak season so it’s best to reserve online.

Osaka Castle Park

Nearest Stations: Tanimachi 4-chrome Station (Tanimachi Subway Line, Chuo Subway Line) Osakajokoen (JR Loop Line)

Opening hours: 9am-4:30pm from November to February 9am-9pm during Cherry blossoms season 9am-5pm the rest of the year

More info: Osaka Castle

Places to Visit in Kyoto

Osaka may be too obsessed with its ever-growing skyline but Kyoto is quite the opposite. Development is noticeable but it shines in places where it dwells in the past. Historic districts and ancient structures are its biggest crowd-drawers — Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Gion District, and the Arashiyama District.

But it was the Toei Movie Park that captivated my heart and ran with it. I was just a Japanese pop culture explosion contained in a theme park! It was that one attraction in Kyoto that I had a strong personal connection to because it reintroduced me to the heroes of my childhood! Ninja shows, anime artifacts, samurai fighting lessons, and super sentai reunion filled that visit, the most memorable for me. And because I’m shallow like that.

Kyoto Tower The tallest building in Kyoto, featuring an Observation Deck that provides a panoramic view of the city.

Nearest Station: Kyoto Station Opening Hours: 9:00am to 08:40pm Admission Fee: 770 yen

  –

This section wasn’t in the original version of this guide because we often advocate DIY Travel, but we’ve been receiving a lot of inquiries from people who will be traveling with kids or seniors (parents). Here are some tours that Klook has tested and is offering.

Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Kinkaku-ji and its gardens
• Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of orange tori gates

Inclusive of:

• Traditional Japanese meal for lunch (optional)
• Tour bus transportation to and from Osaka (Meet up with guide at assigned location, usually at Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda)
• English-speaking guide

Nara Afternoon Tour from Osaka

• Nara Park and meet the famous deer
• Todai-ji Temple
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Nara Nagomikan, the largest souvenir shop in Nara
• Hotel pick up (hotel drop-off not included. Tour ends at Osaka Namba Station, near Dotonbori)
• English speaking guide
• Admission fees
• Transportation

Where to Stay in Osaka and Kyoto

As in most highly developed cities, accommodations in Osaka and Kyoto are costly. But there are cheap options: couchsurfing, hostels, and capsule hotels. Honestly, I wanted to try one of those capsule hotels, but my buzzkill companion could not be swayed. He wanted a room more spacious than anything that would make him feel like a corpse. We ended up having a quiet but pleasant stay at the following:

• Hotel Chuo Oasis Osaka . Check Rates & Availability
• K’s Hostel Kyoto . Check Rates & Availability

Top Budget Hotels and Hostels in Osaka (Under $70)

• GOEN LOUNGE&STAY . Check Rates & Availability .
• ZenLabo Osaka . Check Rates & Availability .
• Ark Hostel . Check Rates & Availability

Search for more: Osaka Hotels

Top guest houses in kyoto (under $70).

Guest House Oumi . Check Rates & Availability .

Guest House Gajyun . Check Rates & Availability .

MOSAIC HOSTEL KYOTO . Check Rates & Availability .

Search for more: Kyoto Hotels

Sample Itinerary

In a perfect world, I would exhaust all the 15 days I was allowed. I would probably visit Tokyo, too. But you know, this world has shortcomings, much like my wallet. So I treated this trip as a “test run” of an even longer backpacking trip across China, Korea, and Japan again (which eventually happened from November 2013 to January 2014).

If you have a full time job, and you’re just interested in a 4-day getaway, you can use this sample itinerary. This one assumes that you would take the Cebu Pacific flight scheduled to arrive in Osaka at 7:55pm.

Day 0 07:55pm – Arrival at Kansai Airport 10:30pm – Check-in at the hotel

Day 1 07:00am – Wake up 09:00am – Osaka Castle 12:30nn – Lunch at Endo Sushi 03:00pm – Umeda Sky Building 06:30pm – Tempozan Ferris Wheel 08:30pm – Dotonbori

Day 2 07:00am – Wake up 08:00am – Travel to Kyoto 10:00am – Check in at hotel 11:30am – Lunch 01:30pm – Fushimi Inari Shrine 06:00pm – Gion District 08:30pm – Dinner

Day 3 06:00am – Wake up 09:00am – Arashiyama 12:00nn – Lunch 02:30pm – Golden Pavilion

Day 4 07:00am – Check out 09:30am – Toei Movie Studio Park or Universal Studios Japan 04:00pm – Travel to airport 08:30pm – Flight out

This may be too dense for you. It was for me, haha. In fact, I skipped a few of these because my legs were this close to falling off. That’s because I got lost too many times. Again, that’s me.

Breakdown of Expenses*

Here’s the breakdown of all my expenses during the trip. As always, I am sharing this just so you could have a ballpark figure of the budget you need to prepare should you decide to follow my footsteps.

JPY 6000 – Hotel Chuo Oasis (JPY 6000/night, divided by 2 pax) JPY 6000 – K’s Hostel Kyoto (JPY 6000/night, divided by 2 pax) JPY 1280 – Lunch at Endo Sushi JPY 1530 – Dinner at Donguri Okonomiyaki JPY 550 – Osaka Castle entrance JPY 700 – Tempozan Ferris Wheel Fee JPY 500 – Tenryuji Temple fee (Kyoto) JPY 2200 – Toei Studio Park (Kyoto) JPY 7550 – Total train expenses JPY 5000 – Total meal expenses (excluding Endo Sushi and Donguri) JPY 1200 – Miscellaneous (random snacks, water) JPY 32,510 – TOTAL EXPENSES IN JAPAN

That’s roughly PHP 15,091.

If you really want to visit Universal Studios, you may replace Toei Studio Park with it in your itinerary. Just add JPY 5200 (PhP 2413) to your budget.

*Updated 2016 (Adjusted conversion rates)

More Useful Tips

Here are more tips to help make your trip go smoothly.

• Currency . Yen is the official currency. There are a lot of money changers throughout Osaka and Kyoto, but save yourself the trouble and just exchange currencies before your trip. SANRY’S has good rates.
• Lockers . In Kyoto, if your hotel is far from Kyoto Station (which is the focal point of everything touristy in the city) and your flight is scheduled at night, you may choose to store your baggage at one of the many lockers scattered at the lower levels of the station. This way, you save a hotel night and does not need to travel back to the hotel just to get your things.
• Wi-fi HotSpot . Like I said above, you can stay connected during the trip if you have a smartphone. Rent one of these wi-fi hotspot gadgets and directions, maps, and all information you need will be easily accessible. This is best if you’re a group so you could split the cost. It’s JPY 800-900 per day.
• Tipping is unusual in Japan. Most restaurants have the cashier stationed by the exit so you pay after your meal, on your way out.
• When in doubt, ask . The people of Osaka and Kyoto are some of the friendliest I have ever met. We left our train ticket, someone ran — RAN — after us to give it back. When we were lost and asked for direction, they went out of their way to help us. Some even walked us to our destination. And when we expressed our gratitude, they would just smile at you as if it was nothing. They really were the nicest!
• Try not to get lost . Haha. English isn’t widely spoken here so navigating can be quite a challenge. Getting lost is fun until it’s not anymore but here are some ways to avoid getting lost in a foreign country like Japan.

Help me improve this travel guide ! If you have more tips you want to share (because I don’t know everything), please post ’em as a comment and I’ll include them, too.

You can find all my posts about my experiences in Osaka and Kyoto here !

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Why thank you! I’ll be there in a couple of weeks! =)

Great tips. I’ll visit that region one day.

Thank you thank you for this!

Thanks for sharing! Indeed helpful! Bookmarked as my next destination! :)

Thank you for sharing ,,,,

very useful…thanks!

where are you going next?

for their rail system, you can use this: http://www.hyperdia.com it’s so useful, just enter your point of origin and destination and the time you wish to take the train. it will show the trains you need to take (and other modes of transportation as needed). it will also show you how much you will need for the transportation. this website helped me survive japan transpo system. :)

I cannot believe you missed Kiyomizu-derain Tokyo. It’s best to walk from Yasaka shrine, and you would’ve seen tea shops, quaint little stores, hidden temples, etc.

To save money on food, it’s better to locate the nearby supermarkets. Food is marked down up to half price after 8pm. You can also eat at Yoshinoya or Sukiya, where a medium-sized beef bowl will only cost you ¥280. Lunches are usually cheap in Japan, most fast-food chains Saizeriya, Gusto have ¥500 set lunches.

You may also want to buy a Kansai Surutto pass: http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html

Just what I needed for my trip next year and I am a poor traveler and I don’t want to get any poorer after this upcoming trip, so thanks a bunch for writing this! :)

your budget friendly tips are quite helpful…will try them soon…

Wow now I’m really encourage to go to Osaka/Kyoto instead of Seoul since you quoted a much cheaper budget (covering the important ones)! Thanks a lot for this! :D

No prob, Tootsiedoodle! Enjoy your trip! :D

Hi, could you please provide the whole itinerary of your trip? Thanks!

Thx for this extremely helpful post! I’m off to Kyoto in 48 hours!

Wow this is great! I am planning a 1week autumn vacation on november and this is a big help… did u get the 1 day train pass and Php1000 Osaka day tour?

Thanks a lot. It is quite helpful for mu upcoming trip since i will be travellinh alone. I would like to ask how did yiu travel from hotel chuo, where i would be staying, to kyoto? Thanks again.

the intro portion of your post is exactly what I’m feeling right now (what if i can’t get a visa, what if i can’t afford my stay). My flight is booked but I’m really scared! haha. will use your blog entry as guide. it kinda lessened my fears.

Is it better to change yen here in the philippines or withdraw money in japan? I was thinking i’d get better rates by withdrawing rather than using a money changer….

Hi, I was just wondering if you have a detailed description of how to travel to Kyoto from Osaka. I am just afraid we will get lost since the trains are not like those in Seoul where we can rely on the train map. Also, what would be the best pass (train card) to buy if we are only going to explore and Osaka and Kyoto? Thanks.

Indeed the people of kyoto and osaka are the nicest, i can attest to that. We were there july 2015 and people really go out of their way to help you find directions!

Agreed! This Osaka-Kyoto trip was our first time in Japan and we were delightfully surprised at how many people had gotten out of their way to make sure we reach our destination. Such a kind and helpful people!

Hi! Do you have travel guide to Tokyo Japan? Thank you in advance.. Godbless ☺️

I read this when I plotted my itinerary for Osaka. Really useful. :D Thank you guys. :D

Is there a required or minimum amount on your bank statement that is acceptable? May I ask how much you had when you applied?

Hi Ken, they don’t really say if there is a minimum amount, but the key is to show that you can afford your stay, which means it will depend on how long you will be staying in Japan.

I have a friend who applied for a visa and submitted an itinerary for 5 days but she only had 50,000 in her account. Her application was approved. But then again, that’s not a guarantee.

One of the best posts I’ve read for a Japan trip. It really helped me to plan my trip to Osaka and Kyoto. Totally recommendable!

No problem! Hope you enjoyed your trip! :)

Hey, I replied to your FB message already. :P

Hello po. Tingin nyo po ba kayang dumaretsong Kyoto from KIX after CebuPac flight?

Hi! Yep, if you arrive at 8pm and allot an hour to go through Immigration, you can catch the 9:25pm train to Kyoto from KIX. :) Go to Hyperdia to check schedule. :D

Enjoyed reading your blog. I feel like I was the MAIN CHARACTER of your travel story. Haha. Thanks for the handful tips, might travel to Kyoto late this year. May I ask though, should I apply for a VISA first before I purchase a ticket? I have a Japanese friend to visit in Kyoto but I don’t want to ask for sponsorship unless my application won’t be approved. TYIA

Thanks, Chabeena! Apply for a visa first before booking a ticket. :)

Hi, this post is really informative and helpful. I have an upcoming trip with my husband and 2 kids next month. I would like to ask the same question asked here 4yrs ago. Apologies if you have already answered this… I cannot seem to find your answer. We’ll be in Osaka for 6D, 5N but intend to also visit Kyoto. Is it possible to just take 2 days trips to Kyoto without moving to another hotel in Kyoto? It’s quite difficult to change hotels with kids around. Hope to hear from you. Thanks so much!

Hi Grace! Yes, it’s possible. Kyoto is near and the ride is short. :)

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Osaka travel blog — the fullest osaka travel guide for first-timers.

Talking about the self-sufficiency traveling to Japan, the Living Nomads association of playing is very enthusiastic suggesting and contributing “hundred votes” for Osaka. “The water city, the kitchen of Japan, the gateway to the country, the fog city …” are the names when referring to Osaka – the third largest city of Japan with 2.7 million people, the trading center, industry, the main port and the “heart” of the Osaka – Kobe – Kyoto urban triangle. Located on the island of Honshu, Osaka bears the charming beauty between tradition and modern. The city is full of vitality with many interesting sights, and most importantly, the food here is very rich, delicious and diverse, the home to Okonomiyaki, one of the most famous dishes in Japan. This land converge full of the essence of traditional culture and modern civilization features, so no need to ask, Living Nomads will also answer, Osaka is truly one of the ideal destinations of Japan.

• Osaka trip blog — The super Osaka travel guide for a budget trip to Osaka for the first-timers
• Osaka itinerary 3 days — Suggested Osaka itinerary 3 days & what to do in Osaka for 3 days?
• What to buy in Osaka? — Top 21+ gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in Osaka
• Top places to go in Osaka — 20+ top, must-see places & best places to visit in Osaka
• Osaka Kyoto itinerary blog — How to spend 2 days in Osaka and Kyoto perfectly?

So, is Osaka worth visiting, what to do in Osaka and how to plan a budget trip to Osaka perfectly? Let’s check out our Osaka travel blog (Osaka blog) with the fullest Osaka travel guide (guide to Osaka, Osaka tourist guide, Osaka city guide, Osaka guide, Osaka tourist guide, Osaka guide) from how to get Osaka, best places to do, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Osaka to help you maximize your trip as follows! Now, let’s explore this vibrant, beautiful city through our Osaka blog (Osaka travel blog) — The fullest Osaka city guide and Osaka travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Osaka for visitors who first-time traveling to Osaka below.

Osaka blog: When is the best time to visit Osaka?

Osaka has a humid subtropical climate, very hot in summer and cold in winter, with ice and snow. You can travel to Osaka at any time of the year.

Spring: In the late March and early April is the best time to visit Osaka. This period is the cherry blossoms season, extremely beautiful, when coming here in the spring you will be able to see the scenery and enjoy all the beauty of Osaka. Perhaps thanks to this beautiful spring scene that has attracted a great number of tourists at this time.

Summer: The summer lasts from June to September, with a temperature of up to 36 degrees Celsius. Summer is particularly hot. In the summer, you should drink plenty of water, wear a hat and prepare sunscreen to avoid heat or ultraviolet radiation.

Autumn: It lasts from October to December, the weather is always cool all day and a little cold at night, sometimes it is snowing, so this also is a good time to explore Osaka, especially for those who love yellow leaves, red leaves of autumn Japan.

Winter: January, February is the coldest time of the year in Osaka, which is perfect for those who love the cold and want to see the snow in Japan.

Osaka travel blog: How to get to Osaka?

Currently, from Vietnam there are three airlines operating flights to Osaka: Vietnam Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA – All Nippon Airways. Afterwards, you fly domestic flights to Osaka or take the express train such as Shinkansen, normal train or bus.

Hanoi – Osaka: The fare for this flight route ranging from US$230 to US$425. For a cheap Osaka trip, you should choose to buy budget airfares from some airlines such as:

• China Southern Airlines – reference airfare of $225.
• Silkair – reference airfare is about $270.91.
• Singapore Airlines – reference airfare is about $270.91.
• Dragonair – reference airfare is about $391.
• Cathay Pacific Airways – reference airfare is about $391.
• Asiana Airlines – reference airfare is about $420.

Ho Chi Minh City – Osaka: Airfare tickets in Ho Chi Minh City are a bit cheaper, ranging from $164.39 to $373.86.

• Philippine Airlines – reference ticket price is about $164.39.
• China Southern Airlines – reference ticket price is about $210.06.
• Singapore Airlines – reference price is about $270.91.
• EVA Airways – reference ticket price is about $320.58.
• China Eastern Airlines – reference ticket price is about $343.16.
• Cathay Pacific Airways – reference ticket price is about $373.86.

Osaka travel blog: Getting to Osaka from Tokyo Station

The most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Osaka is Shinkansen. From JR Tokyo Station to JR Shin-Osaka Station about 2 hours 30 minutes, the ticket price is about 15,000 yen. Shinkansen also shake less, the seat is quite nice so you can move quite comfortable. Travel time is also shorter than other means.

If you use Shinkansen, you should use Japan Rail Pass. For more details, please refer to the article “ JR Pass — Top 11 things about Japan Rail Pass you need to know “.

Getting to Osaka from Haneda

From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Kuko Line Express Line to Shinagawa, from Shinagawa take the Shinkansen, towards Shin-Osaka station. The ticket price is 14,030 yen. Travel time is about 3 hours.

Getting to Osaka from Narita

From Narita Airport, firstly, you will catch the Narita Express towards Shinagawa. From Shinagawa you will use Shinkansen to reach Shin-Osaka. The ticket price is 16,180 yen. Travel time is about 4 hours.

High speed bus from Tokyo

If you want to save money or do not want to waste time for traveling, you should use high speed buses. If you use the Japan Bus Pass for Japanese tourists, you can travel through many cities at very cheap prices.

Getting Osaka from Kansai International Airport

From the Kansai International Airport you can take the JR Kanku Kaisoku Line. This is a non-stop train that without changes the train, which takes about 65 minutes to reach Osaka Station. The ticket price is 1,190 yen.

To getting from the airport to Osaka center you can also hire Klook’s private car charter service, which is convenient and saving a alot of time, and the travel cost is not too expensive if you go with a large group. You can refer to and book these services as follow:

• Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Osaka, Nara, & Kobe
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• Private Kansai International Airport (KIX) Transfers for Osaka (Same Day Booking)
• Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, or Arima

Osaka blog: Getting around Osaka

Osaka has full public transportation, so you can easily travel to sightseeing places by train, subway, bus, etc. At the main stations there are many train lines running through. So, you should check in advance on how to get to your destinations.

JR runs through Osaka in the direction of East-West-South-North. In particular, Osaka Station is considered to be the largest station in Western Japan, an important location connected to Kyoto, Kobe and Tokyo. In addition, the Osaka Kanjo Line also runs around the city of Osaka is also an indispensable route when traveling Osaka.

Bus & OSAKA SKY VISTA

Buses run in the inner city of Osaka like the mesh. OSAKA SKY VISTA of Kinki Bus Company is a double-decker bus. Adult ticket 1,500 yen, children 1,000 yen. Buses will take you around sightseeing spots such as Osaka Castle, Osaka Sky Building and accompanying guides.

You can see the sightseeing spots from the bus, although not able to stroll in that places but you should try to use if you want to visit effectively.

Osaka has 8 subway lines: Midosuji, Tanimachi, Yotsubashi, Chuo, Sennichimae, Sakaisuji, Nagahori Tsurumiryokuchi, Imazatosuji. Among them, the most popular route when visiting Osaka is Midosuji (Red Line). At the stations on the Midosuji Line there are Osaka’s important landmarks such as Namba, Shinsaibashi, Umeda, …

Nanko Port Town Line (New Tram)

Nanko Port Town is a route that connects between Cosmo Square and Suminoekōen Station.

Taxi / Rental car

In Osaka city there are many taxi companies and cars for rent. There are plenty of parking lots, so if you want to travel on your own way, you can rent a car.

Osaka Amazing Pass (for Osaka area)

This is a free up and down pass for the routes: Osaka Subway Line, Osaka Bus Routes, Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Nankai, and Kintetsu lines in the Osaka area. This pass also cost-free admission to city attractions such as Tsutenkaku, the giant ferris wheel of Tempozan, Tennoji Zoo, … The ticket price for both adults and children are 2,300 yen.

Osaka One Day Pass (Suito Osaka Full Experience Ticket)

This is a pass that includes “Bar Ticket” which can be used at 63 spots in 8 inner city areas such as eateries, sightseeing places, “Osaka’s One Day Free Pass” can be free up and down the subway lines, bus routes, New Tram, and “One-Day Cruise Ticket on the Cruise” can comfortably down to three types of boats in Osaka. The ticket price is 3,300 yen (tax included).

One-day ticket Enjoy Eco Card

Enjoy Eco Card is a type of ticket can free up and down of Osaka metro lines, New Tram (Nanko Port Town), all bus routes. The ticket price for children is 300 yen, adult 800 yen on weekdays, weekends cost 600 yen.

Osaka travel blog: Where to stay in Osaka?

As one of the cities that attracting a large number of tourists in Japan, so the tourism services here are very developed. Osaka has all accommodation types to stay for you, from budget inns, guesthouses, mid to high-end hotels to the most luxurious resorts. Below, we list a number of low-cost, mid-range and luxury hotels in Osaka. You can choose the best suit for your purpose and financial ability.

Budget hotels, hostels in Osaka

Smile hotel namba.

The advantage of the Smile Hotel Namba is its good location to reach Osaka’s popular attractions, just about 20 minutes from Universal Studios and the airport. Although it is a budget hotel, it also offers free breakfast. Rates room from 2500 yen. The service attitude of staffs is extremely hospitable. Moreover, laundry services are available. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 3-3-9 Saiwai-cho, Naniwaku, Osaka, Osaka, Japan, 556-0021 Phone: +81 6-6561-1155

Hotel Live Max Namba

For the shoppers, Live Max is not only a cheap hotel in Osaka, it’s also located in Osaka’s business district, which is very convenient for shopping. The hotel is designed to bring you the feeling of relaxation as living in your own home. The hotel’s interior is designed in harmonious colors to bring comfort, relaxation. Live Max is close to Namba Station and Kyocera Dome so it is an ideal budget hotel for you to visit the city’s famous landmarks. Hotel rates room from 3000 yen are a perfect choice for you. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 2 Chome-1-３ Inari, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 556-0023, Japan Phone: +81 6-6567-6111

Hotel Taiyo

This is also one of the cheap hotels in Osaka, impressed with the outside walls are paved with red brick and the interior design is very splendid, magnificent. There are many foreign visitors choose stay at Taiyo Hotel . You can stay in a large Japanese-style room for less than 3000 yen. In addition, there is also the storey only for women. A single room at the hotel costs from 2100 yen. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 1 Chome-2-23 Taishi, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 557-0002, Japan Phone: +81 6-6631-0802

Hotel Mikado

A cheap hotel in Osaka is quite popular with the backpackers, self-sufficient travelers by cheap room rates, clean room, nice interior design, as well as space here. There are dormitory rooms and private bedrooms with bathtubs and steam rooms. The hotel is famous for the Japanese visitors not only by the cheap but also by the enthusiastic service, professional staff. Room rates are around 1900 yen per person. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 1 Chome-2-11 Taishi, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 557-0002, Japan Phone: +81 6-6647-1355

You can also refer to some cheap hotels in Osaka below:

Sauna & Capsule Spadio Hotel: 2-1-1, Sakuragawa, Naniwa-ku, Namba, Osaka – room rates from $37.90. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Mimatsuso: Takamatsukita 1-4-30, Kansai Airport, Osaka from $ 49.14. (Check rates and reviews on Booking.com ).

Raizan South Hotel: 1-3-3 Taishi Nishinari-ku, Tennoji, Osaka from $50.76. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Carnet: 5-15-22 Higashinaniwa-cho, Amagasaki-shi, Amagasaki, Osaka from $54.15. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Osaka Tsuruhashi Condominium Residenzi: 544-0031 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Ikuno-ku Tsuruhashi 2-10-18, Japan. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Eco Cube Shinsaibashi: 2-9-4 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-Ku, Namba, Osaka, room rates from $18.37. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Shin Imamiya: 1-2-20 Haignochaya, Nishinari-ku, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, from $19.79. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Home Hostel Osaka : 2-1-11 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Namba, Osaka, Japan, 556-0002, from $25/person/dorm room night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Capsule Hotel Astil Dotonbori : 2-2-20 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, 542-007. The cheap capsule hostel, suitable for traveling to Japan alone). (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Jsnail Hostel : 大阪市東成区大今里西2-16-18 Jsnail Hostel, Osaka city East, Osaka, Japan, 537-0014. Nice, cheap, right next to the subway station, so convenient, next to is the supermarket. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Mid-range, luxury hotels, splendid interior, good service and beautiful view

Swissôtel nankai osaka.

A luxury hotel in the heart of shopping and entertainment, right at above Namba Station, this is a hotel with perfect location. The lounge has a coffee shop and drinks spots, light meals, and afternoon tea. The tenth floor are Chinese, Japanese, and French restaurants and the 36th floor is an excellent Italian restaurant for Italian cuisine, before or after dinner drinks, and the magical city scenery of Osaka. Room rates from $182. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 5 Chome-1-60 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0076, Japan Phone: +81 6-6646-1111

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

Designed for both business and leisure travel, Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi is ideally situated in Chuo District; one of the city’s most popular locales. Room rates from $72. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 2 Chome-4-１０ Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0081, Japan Phone: +81 6-6263-1511

Red Roof Plus Osaka Namba

Ideal for fun and relaxation, the Red Roof Plus Osaka Namba is located in the heart of Osaka’s city center. Room rates from $85. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Address: 1-9-7 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Sennichimae, Chuo, Osaka 542-0074, Osaka Prefecture

Other upscale hotels you can refer to:

• Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba : 1-9-7, Sennichimae, Chuou-ku, Namba, Osaka, from $129.73
• The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka: 2-5-25 Umeda Kita-ku, Umeda, Osaka, from $410.09.
• Hotel Nikko Osaka: 1-3-3, Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Namba, Osaka from $391.22.
• The Westin Osaka Hotel: 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Umeda, Osaka from 372.27.
• Hotel Hankyu International: 19-19 Chayamachi Kita-ku, Umeda, Osaka from 365.50 USD
• Hotel AGORA Osaka Moriguchi: 10-5 Kawahara Cho, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Castle, Osaka from 328.96 USD

Osaka travel blog: Best places to visit & top things to do in Osaka

As the third largest city in Japan, Osaka definitely has many famous tourist attractions. If you do not know where to go, what to do while visiting Osaka, here are a few suggestions for you.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is a typical symbol of this city. Its original name is Ozakajo, which is one of the most famous citadels in Japan, and has an important role in the unification of Japan in the late 16th century during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The castle was built in 1583 and go through devastated and built several times, and in 1997 it was completed. Osaka Castle still retains its majestic grandeur beauty.

As an extremely popular tourist attraction, Osaka Castle is a National Heritage and a lot of visitors choose as their favorite destination. With a height of up to 58m, the castle consists of 8 floors and displays artifacts from ancient times with armor, weapons as well as ancient folk artifacts. Especially the 8th floor is where you can stand on it and watch the whole beautiful scenery around with ideal extremely view. In addition to the impressive 8 floors, Osaka Castle is also the best constructed in feudal times in Japan with gold-plated roofs. This is also the attraction that attract all eyes of all visitors when visiting here.

Around the castle is a large park, planted a lot of cherry blossom tree. When spring comes, Osaka Castle has really become a place to admire and have the best pictures with cherry flowers. The beauty of Osaka Castle bring more gentle beauty and tranquility. In the summer, the Okawa River on the northwest side of the castle becomes the main stage for the Tenjin-matsuri festival, one of the three largest Japanese festivals you can attend.

Read more:  Top castles in Japan — 10 best & famous Japanese castles you should visit .

Osaka Castle Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan Hours: 9.00 – 17.00 (Last entry at 16.30). Closed: December 28th to the January 1st. Admission: Adults: 600 yen. Children (under 15): free Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/english/

Kaiyukan Aquarium

If you travel to Osaka with the younger members such as children or kids, the Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the attractive destinations not to be missed. Kaiyukan Aquarium is considered one of the largest aquarium in the world and especially attracts many tourists to come here to “roam” in the deep sea. The numbers to build this aquarium are really huge, so that visitors really do not have to worry about the safety! This tourist site in Osaka is located on an area of 3900 square meters, 50 meters high, including 8 reinforced steel storey, the glass used is 314 tons divided into 103 covered glass sheets.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022, Japan Hours: 10am to 8pm (from 9:30am in May, October and mid July to August); admission ends 1 hour before closing Tel: +81-6-6576-5501 Entrance fee: 2300 yen Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Built in the 3rd century, the temple bearing the bold style of Sumiyoshi-zukuri, this style is not affected by the culture of Asian countries, so can be considered very unique. Sumiyoshi-zukuri is an architectural style with straight roofs (not dome-like houses built in the next century).

Sumiyoshi Taisha is the main shrine and the most famous of over two thousand Sumiyoshi shrines are found throughout Japan. The Sumiyoshi shrines protect the Kami gods (Shinto gods) who protect tourists, fishermen and seafarers. Therefore, tourists can easily see these temples near the harbors. During the New Year, especially during the worship holidays, Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most visited temples in this country.

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2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Osaka, Japan – perfect for all kinds of travellers and budgets. Read on to discover more! 👇

Seeking the best hotels in Osaka, Japan for your next trip? The fun part about travelling is 1. booking the flight and 2. actually getting on the flight. The rest of the experience, when not done right, can be terribly painful and time-consuming.

And unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of pressure surrounding booking hotels because there’s just so many conditions to think about, like cost, location, safety and comfort. After all, you want a space where you can truly relax and unwind, especially after a long day out and about. 

The challenge? There are simply too many options! So to help you out, we’ve sourced and curated some of the best deals on hotels in Osaka, Japan on the market — so that you can spend time on the things that matter (like planning a really great itinerary!)

And if you’re heading to Tokyo, here’s a guide on the best Tokyo hotels for every budget to help you out.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

💜 Stay Up To Date: – WeChat Pay For Foreigners In China Guide 2024 –  Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway 2024 –  Best Time To Visit Japan 2024: Your Month-By-Month Guide

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Overview of the Best Hotels in Osaka, Japan For Every Budget:

Need a TL;DR? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick overview of each hotel, their price points and where to get the best deals starting with the most affordable: 

Book via YouTrip Perks to score these exclusive deals!

Best Osaka Hotels Listed By Price:

1. &and hostel hommachi east.

Image credits: Booking.com

Japan can sometimes feel like an expensive place to visit, but there are actually plenty of ways to live comfortably without having to splurge! Case in point? &And Hostel Hommachi East , conveniently located in Osaka’s city centre. If you’re not too fussy, booking a bed in their dormitory can help you save tons without having to compromise on comfort as the sleeping spaces are designed with maximum privacy and cosiness in mind. If you’re the type of traveller who enjoys making friends on their travels, you can also make use of the common areas and co-working spaces available at the hotel.

If you prefer more privacy, there are also private rooms available for rent too, and have a gorgeous modern and minimalistic decor. This popular budget hotel chain also serves up delicious breakfast options from just $4 a day , allowing you to fuel up without breaking the bank.

Address: 2 Chome-3-14 Tokiwamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0028, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 480m walk to Sakaisuji Hommachi Station

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2. Hotel Noum Osaka

If you’re all about gorgeous aesthetics and waking up to some massive eye candy each day, then Hotel Noum is the place to stay. This boutique hotel has just 50 rooms with a tastefully done Japandi-style interior design. The hotel also shares a space with a nice cafe that serves up some coffee and delicious breakfast — perfect fuel before you start your day. Located 1.7km away from Honden-ji Temple and 2km from Osaka Castle , you’ll be close enough to the action without having to deal with busy streets.

For those who enjoy being closer to nature, you’d be pleased to know that Hotel Noum also overlooks the Okawa river and is adjacent to some gorgeous parklands that border the river, giving you the opportunity to soak up some tranquillity even in the heart of a bustling city!

Address: 4 Chome-1-18 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0043, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 450m walk to Tenmabashi Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Thinking of making the switch from SGD to Yen? Here’s how to capitalise on the JPY right now!

3. Hotel New Hankyu Osaka

Image credits: Hankyu Hotel

If convenience is what you seek, then it doesn’t get any better with Hotel New Hankyu Osaka , which is literally connected to the Hankyu Umeda Station. We also love that it has a direct airport limousine bus from Kansai Airport, in case the trains aren’t convenient and seamless enough.

We love its central location to several must-visit spots like the Kuchu Teien Observatory, the Umeda Sky Building, as well as a variety of art museums and parks, catering to all kinds of travellers.

Address: 1 Chome-1-35 Shibata, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-8310, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 100m walk to Umeda Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget : Check out this 14-day Japan itinerary around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka!

4. Hotel Yu-Shu: For the peace-seeking traveller

From the outside, the hotel is very reminiscent of a typical Studio Ghibli-style accommodation — cosy, charming, and acts like a respite from the world. And thankfully Hotel Yu-Shu offers just that.

Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel is a charming blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern creature comforts. Known for its cosy yet minimalistic decor, it’s well-suited for travellers seeking a more intimate and serene environment. Located a walking distance to Nipponbashi Monument, Kozu Park and Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum (along with the other mainstream attractions like the Glico Man Sign and more), this space is tranquillity and action in perfect balance.

Address: 2 Chome-8-19 Shimanouchi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0082, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 350m walk to Nippombashi Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Wondering when to plan your trip to Japan? Here’s a month-by-month guide on the best time to visit Japan

5. Holiday Inn Osaka Namba

Image credits:  IHG

If there’s one hotel chain that never misses, it’s Holiday Inn. And this outlet at Osaka Namba is a great one to add to your list, especially if you’re looking for that trifecta of comfort, convenience and cost-efficiency. Just literal steps away (a 20-second walk to be precise) from the iconic Dotonbori Canal and a few minutes from Namba City shopping mall, Holiday Inn Osaka Namba is the perfect destination for travellers who prefer an affordable and reliable hotel that’s right in the heart of the action.

It’s also in close proximity to many late-night eateries and convenience stores, making it the perfect place for you to fuel up on some delicious post-clubbing ramen before heading home for a good night’s sleep.

Address: 5-15 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0084, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 500m walk to Osaka Namba Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Check out this Universal Studios Japan (USJ) guide for better planning

6. Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station

Image credits: B ooking.com

Located near the Osaka Station, Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station stands out for its hospitality and attention to detail — all without the crazy price tag. This hotel is popular with foreign and domestic tourists alike, and with good reason! In your room, you can expect a wide variety of amenities like complimentary pyjamas, high-quality toiletries, hair curling wand, and even a foot massager to pamper your feet after all the walking.

Apart from its no-frills but comfy space, we love that this place is close to many F&B establishments from the classic McDonald’s to Ippudo, along with the usual convenience stores for your quick snack runs in the middle of the night.

Nearest Train Station: 100m walk to Namba Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Here’s a JR Pass 101 guide for everything you need to know

7. Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring

Imagine this: You spent the entire day walking around the city, soaking up the sights and sounds and stuffing yourself silly. After clocking in double your daily step count, you head back to the hotel and spontaneously decide that you want to relax and unwind at an onsen. Guess what? At Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring , you can. With its onsen baths and tatami-matted rooms, it provides a traditional yet luxurious experience for those seeking refuge from the bustling city.

While the unique space sells itself, the icing on the cake for us is the free-flow soba noodles that’s available for all guests at suppertime — there’s really nothing like a piping hot bowl of noodles to end a quintessential Japanese evening.

Address: 1 Chome-4-18 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 120m walk to Kinetsu-Nippombashi Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget : Top up your virtual Suica card with YouTrip via Apple Pay for seamless payments! Here’s how.

8. Hotel Granvia Osaka

Image credits:  Hotel Granvia

Here’s another super convenient option for the no-frills traveller. The interior is a blend of modern elegance with subtle traditional Japanese influences — think clean modern lines, dark tones and carefully curated furniture, which explains why the space feels a lot like a home away from home.

We love Hotel Granvia Osaka space caters to a wider variety of traveller types, and plays host to 5 different restaurants, offering guests a convenient bite whenever they need one. Located right by Osaka train station, this spot is the epitome of convenience and comfort.

Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan

Nearest Train Station: Less than 100m walk to Osaka Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Here are the best ways to save money while visiting Japan

9. OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts  

Image credits:  Booking.com

If you prefer to stay in the slightly more suburban areas of Osaka and only visit the city centre for a couple of days, then OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts would be a great option. This space is located close to the Osaka Zoo, and offers free shuttle service to and from Universal Studios Japan, making it an undisputed choice if you’re travelling with kids (or are simply young at heart), especially if convenience is your cup of tea.

While we could go on about its amenities and decor (it’s award-winning!), we think that this hotel deserves to a special mention for its meticulously curated list of events and unparalleled Japanese hospitality, from small things like like their free guided tours around the city and water dispensers around the hotel, to bigger events like their Pikapika Night which features digital fireworks, digital neon art, lantern walks, and free takoyaki and craft beer. Convinced?

Address: 3 Chome-16-30 Ebisunishi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0003, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 250m walk to Imaimiyaebisu

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget : Here are the best autumn destinations to visit in Japan

10. Cross Hotel Osaka 

Image credits: Inside Osaka

A modern luxury hotel located near the famous Shinsaibashi shopping street, Cross Hotel Osaka offers spacious rooms with stunning city views. If you’re the type of traveller who prioritises convenience and comfort over anything else, then this would be a great choice.

After all, how nice would it be to take a convenient stroll back to your room after a long day of shopping? Plus, if you’re looking to party it up, Cross Hotel is just a short 3-minute walk from Dotonbori — allowing you to explore and party it up without worrying about making your way back after hours.

Address: 2 Chome-5-15 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan

Nearest Train Station: 340m walk to Osaka Namba Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Here are 19 best things to do in Tokyo

11. Citadines Namba Osaka 

Image credits:   The Ascott Limited

For those travelling with little ones in tow, this is for you. Citadines Namba Osaka is a modern serviced apartment (or in this case, aparthotel) that’s spacious and cosy, providing guests with a cosy home away from home. It’s also conveniently located in the heart of the city, so you won’t have to spend too much time travelling around.

The rooms here go from a simple studio up to a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment, and come stacked with a variety of amenities like a fitness corner, a lounge, and even a children’s play room!

Nearest Train Station: 400m walk to Namba Station

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Check out the best things to do in Kyoto here

12.  Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka

Here’s another great serviced apartment option for those travelling in bigger groups or with children. The Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka is located right in the thick of the action, with all the must-visit attractions just a short walk away.

The rooms come well-equipped and even has its own kitchen,  perfect for if you’re staying for extended periods of time, or if you decide to play chef on your travels (highly unlikely given how many amazing food options there are around this space, but you’ll never know.)

Address: Japan, 〒556-0011 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Nanbanaka, 1 Chome−17−11 フレイザーレジデンス南海大阪

2024 Best Hotels In Osaka, Japan For Every Budget: Here are the best Japanese onsens and roykans to stay at in Japan

Ready for your Osaka adventure?

We hope that this shortlist of hotels have been useful in helping you plan for your trip to Osaka, while ensuring that you don’t break the bank! While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our guides on how to explore Osaka like a local — from the best things to do in Osaka to some of the must-buy items at Don Quijote , we’ve got you covered!

Just remember: The best JPY rates await when you book your accommodation, purchase your tickets and everything in between with your YouTrip Card! Don’t forget to check out our YouTrip Perks to enjoy greater peace of mind and attractive discounts from our partners like Klook, Booking.com , Agoda, and the like. We’re firm believers of helping you save more, so that you can spend more on the things that truly matter to you. 

So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with < YTBLOG5 > and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

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Related Articles 2024 Best Tokyo Hotel For Every Budget Best Things To Do In Osaka 2024 (Including Hidden Gems) The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide

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3% cashback at 24S!

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10% cashback (New Lazada users)

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15% off at iShopChangi

15% off with no min. spend (For traveller purchases only)

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S$15 off at The Shilla!

S$15 off min S$150 spend in store

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5% cashback at Chemist Warehouse!

5% cashback

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Up to 10% off at Qatar Airways!

Up to 10% off 

• Click through to Qatar via YouTrip Perks, apply code 'YTQR23' & Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Enjoy up to 10% off upon checkout
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• Travel period: 8 May 2023 – 31 March 2024
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• Valid only on Qatar Airways flights from Singapore
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2.1% cashback at Watsons!

2.1% cashback

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10% cashback at Puma!

10% cashback

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5% cashback at AirAsia Grocer!

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8% cashback at On The List!

8% cashback

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Up to $12 off at FairPrice Online!

$10 off min $135 spend

• Valid till 22 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MCXMAS21' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off min $135 spend
• First 2,500 redemptions only

$12 off min $150 spend

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2% cashback at Razer!

2% cashback

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20% off at Zoey!

20% off supplements

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20% off at noah!

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$19 cashback at Starhub!

$19 cashback (For new broadband signups)

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$10 off at Beauty Emporium!

$10 off (No min spend)

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• Promotion ends on 30 Nov 2021 2359 hrs.

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Decoding Europe’s Train Tickets: A Guide to Budget-Friendly Journeys

T here’s nowhere else in the world where you can jump on a train and be in another country within minutes. Europe is a continent where you can have a morning coffee in Brussels and sit in a Parisian cafe overlooking the Seine for lunch. As a person who grew up in a vast country (Australia), I have always found the concept of country-hopping novel. Here’s why you should consider train tickets for your next visit to Europe.

Why Train Tickets Are a Great Way To See Europe

From the moment I wanted to travel, I started looking into the best way to go about it, and one of the first things I saw was Eurorail. The idea is simple—one fare and you can travel on any train within Europe. It sounds convenient and straightforward until you know the price. One of my first thoughts was, “Surely, there has to be a better way. Surely, this isn’t what people in Europe pay to travel.”

The Basics of European Train Ticketing Systems

Each country in Europe operates its own unique train ticketing system. Travelers can save a significant amount of money by comparing the cost of individual tickets to the options available with Eurail passes. Various factors influence ticket prices, but with flexible plans and early booking, you can bypass expensive ticketing systems and secure more budget-friendly fares.

Most countries have easy-to-use online ticketing systems. It’s just a matter of doing a Google search for the place you’re traveling to. For example, you’ll find Spain’s railway system is called  Renfe . Finding the right operator is essential for optimal savings, as each country’s train operator offers discounted fares for early bookings. For example, booking a Brussels to Paris train ticket through the RailEurope site costs from USD 55 for a one-way ticket and the same on SNCB International, but you’ll be paying a USD 9.50 booking fee on RailEurope.  

Other Factors To Consider

The European train ticketing system varies based on the type of train and the country you’re traveling in. Buying train tickets directly at the station is usually convenient for local, regional, and suburban trains since prices are fixed, and reservations are not typically required. However, fares operate similarly to airlines with dynamic pricing for long-distance trains in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and others. 

Booking in advance can offer significant savings, but tickets have specific terms like limited refunds or changes. Traditional ticketing methods apply in countries like the UK, Germany, and Austria, with flexible and advance-purchase options available, each with its pricing and reservation rules. Understanding these nuances, including booking options, stopover policies, and special fare considerations like senior or youth discounts, is essential to navigating the system effectively and securing the best travel deals.

15 Best Books To Read Before Visiting Europe

When to use eurail.

If you take our Brussels to Paris example from above, you’d be paying $141 if you bought a Eurail pass for the same trip plus seat reservation fees. Eurail does have its advantages, though. If you plan on traveling frequently during your trip, the pass may be worth it. For example, if you plan on visiting six destinations over a month, a Global Pass will cost you $391 and allow you seven days of unlimited travel. If you plan on more than seven days of train travel, you can get an unlimited pass for a month, costing $991. 

With Eurail, you can choose your travel days within a specified period, freeing you from rigid dates and allowing for plan adjustments. Additionally, the ease of booking and modifying your itinerary through online platforms and mobile apps streamline your travel planning. Moreover, certain Eurail passes offer extra benefits like discounted or complimentary access to attractions, ferry routes, or buses, further enriching your journey with additional options.

Remember you can also use your Eurail pass for train tickets within one country, but it is only available for some forms of transport. For example, you can use the London Overground in the UK, but not the Underground. If you have the time, do some research and see what your options are. If the Underground seems like your best choice to get to places you want to visit, Eurail isn’t for you.

Understanding Fare Classes and Seat Reservations

Some trains offer multiple fare classes, each with its amenities and pricing. Additionally, understanding when seat reservations are mandatory versus optional helps travelers plan better. For instance, while regional trains may not require reservations, high-speed or intercity trains in countries like France and Spain often do, sometimes at an additional cost.

On trains such as Eurostar, which travels through the UK, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, you’ll have an option for first and second-class seating. Sometimes, the price difference might not be a lot; if that’s the case, opt for first class—it provides seats offering additional space and amenities, which may even encompass complimentary food and beverages.

Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal fluctuations impact train tickets and their prices across Europe. High tourist seasons, such as summer or significant holidays, often increase demand, leading to higher prices. Conversely, traveling during off-peak seasons can result in more affordable fares. Being flexible with travel dates or opting for shoulder seasons can be an intelligent strategy for budget-conscious travelers.

Loyalty Programs and Rail Passes

Some European countries offer loyalty programs or discount cards that provide perks like reduced fares, lounge access, or priority boarding. While it might seem strange to join a loyalty program when you’re only going to be in a place for two weeks, joining up can sometimes have benefits. Exploring these options could lead to substantial savings for frequent travelers or those planning an extended European stay. Similarly, aside from Eurail, consider other regional rail passes tailored to specific countries or regions, such as France’s SNCF pass or Italy’s Trenitalia offerings, which might offer better value depending on your itinerary.

Navigating Language and Currency Differences

Many European train ticketing platforms offer English translations. If they don’t, you can ask Google to translate the page for you—right-click on the page and choose “Translate to English” from the drop-down list. Additionally, being aware of currency conversion rates and potential foreign transaction fees when booking from abroad ensures you get the best value for your money. At the moment, there’s not a massive difference between Euros and US Dollars; however, it’s still worth converting the fares to your local currency.

Benefits of Train Travel Over Air Travel

Trains are more environmentally friendly than airplanes or cars on a per-passenger basis, making them a greener option for those concerned about sustainability while touring Europe. A standout benefit of Europe’s rail system is the efficient boarding process. Unlike airports where you might arrive hours in advance for baggage checks and security screenings if your train departure is at 9 am, you can typically arrive closer to that time without extensive waiting or security procedures. While some countries implement a simple luggage scan, others may have minimal to no security checks, streamlining your travel experience.

So, when considering your options to travel between European countries, consider grabbing train tickets and embarking on an unforgettable journey through Europe’s rail network, where convenience, affordability, and sustainability harmoniously converge. Whether indulging in a morning coffee in Brussels or immersing yourself in the scenic beauty along the Seine, the experience transcends mere transportation.

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