The Ultimate Guide to One Day in Osaka, Japan

Although Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan, many people pass over it for its more popular neighbor Kyoto. However, I found Osaka to be a gorgeous city with a variety of things to do. I recommend spending one day in Osaka and then using it as a base to travel out to other cities and regions from there because it is a lot more affordable than some of the surrounding regions. 

Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Osaka here. 

A Brief History of Osaka

The first known inhabitants in the Osaka region are from the 500 BC. Several hundred years later in the 400s, an imperial palace was built and more people began to establish themselves in the area. In 645, Osaka officially became the capital of Japan (referred to back then as Naniwa). Ten years later, the capital was moved to a different location only to have it moved back to Osaka in 744. That lasted for a year until Nara became the capital. Japan liked to move its capital a lot. It later became the headquarters for Buddhists until it grew into one of Japan’s major economic cities with a popular port. Present-day, Osaka is an industrial center for Japan and the capital of the Osaka province. 

Transportation Around Japan

Teacher Tip: If traveling around Western Japan, opt to get a JR West rail pass. This is a cheaper option than getting a Japan rail pass, yet still provides the flexibility of seeing many different places. The JR West Pass is good for Kobe, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and the surrounding area. A 5-day pass that covers all of these areas is $127. There is an array of passes, so make sure to check the website for more details. This is best if you spend more then one day in Osaka.

How to Get to/from the Osaka Airport

Kansai International Airport is the main airport in Osaka. Visitors can get to the city center by train, bus, or taxi. There are two different trains you can take and it is the best and easiest option. The quicker and slightly more expensive option is the JR Haruka limited express train. This train takes 50 minutes and costs about $12 each way. It drops you off at Tennoji or Shin-Osaka Station.

You can also opt to take the JR airport rapid train which takes 70 minutes and costs about $11 each way. It drops you off at Tennoji or Osaka Station (different then Shin-Osaka). The airport bus costs $15 and takes around 60 minutes to Osaka station. A taxi runs around $140 and takes about 50 minutes to central Osaka. 

Transportation for One Day in Osaka

The best way to get around Osaka for one day in the city is by trains and subways. There are nine subway lines in Osaka and they are quick and efficient. Each ride costs about $1.70. I recommend getting an ICOCA card as this is a quick and efficient way to pay for the subway. You can also use this card in select stores. You can buy an ICOCA card at many train stations or some convenience stores. The easiest place to buy it is at the airport when you arrive. You can also opt to take a taxi or Uber, but those options are a lot more expensive. 

Where to Stay for One Day in Osaka

To be the most centrally located, stay in the Kita area. This puts you next to either Shin-Osaka station or Osaka station. This makes it convenient to catch trains to other cities or the metro throughout Osaka. We opted to stay at the Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel. This hotel had an amazing location, friendly staff, and an affordable price. We paid $84 a night and the perfect spot to base yourself for one day in Osaka.

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Osaka hotels here! Check out these hotels too:

• Hilton Osaka
• Conrad Osaka
• DoubleTree Osaka Castle
• Aloft Osaka Dojima
• Caption Osaka
• Voco Osaka Centra
• ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka

What to Do in One Day in Osaka

There are so many amazing places to visit during one day in Osaka. Looking for more things to do? Check out this glimpse into Osaka for more information.

Day 1

Osaka Castle

Cost: $5.50

Hours: 9am-5pm

Subway Stop: Osakajōkōen Station

Start your morning at Osaka Castle. Built in 1583, the Osaka Castle was once the headquarters for Japanese Daimyo (military leaders). Throughout the years, it has been restored and expanded. Present-day, visitors can walk the grounds and explore the interior. During cherry blossom season, they host a festival here and it is a great spot for cherry blossom viewing. 

Shitenno-ji Temple

Cost: Free to walk the outer grounds, $4.65 to enter inside

Hours: 8am-4pm

Subway Stop: Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station 

Constructed in 593, the Shitenno-ji Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Prince Shōtoku, one of the leaders of the Asuka period in Japan, built this temple to honor the four heavenly kings. Throughout history, the temple has burned down and been rebuilt several times. The five-story pagoda is one of the highlights of visiting the Shitenno-ji Temple.

Mos Burger

Cost: $

Hours: Varies by Location

Grab lunch at Mos Burger, a Japanese burger chain. In 1972, the first Mos Burger opened in Tokyo. Since then, it has become the second most popular fast-food chain in Japan. Mos Burger has some fun menu items such as a Tobikiri burger (pork and beef), rice burgers, and even soy burgers for vegetarians. Make sure to get a melon soda with your meal.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Cost: Free

Hours: 6am-5pm

Subway Stop: Sumiyoshi Taisha Station

Also known as the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, this shrine, built in the 200s is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. It is now the most famous of the over two thousand Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan. Sumiyoshi Taisha has four main halls to visit and a gorgeous bridge to walk over when you first arrive. 

Tennoji Park

Cost: Free to walk through

Hours: 7am-10pm

If up to it after the shrine, take a stroll through Tennoji Park, just a couple of blocks away. This part contains a botanical garden, the Tennoji Zoo, an art museum, and several places to eat or grab snacks. Make sure to grab a delicious Japanese ice cream!

Coco Curry

Cost: $

Hours: Varies by Location

Grab dinner at Coco Curry. Coco Curry is my favorite place to get curry in Japan. Established in 1978, this chain specializes in Japanese Curry. Basically you choose your meat (they have a TON of options, everything from chicken to sausage links) and then pick your spice level. You even have the option of ordering a smaller portion or split the regular with two people. It is delicious and affordable. 

Shopping Arcade and Streets

Cost: Free to walk around

Hours: Varies by shop and venue

After dinner, take a walk through America-mura, a popular shopping arcade with tons of entertainment. There is even a small scale replica of the Statue of Liberty. Then, head over to Shinsaibashi-Suji, the best-known shopping area in Osaka. From there, visit Dotonbori, a canal that runs through Osaka. Once a theater district, this area is a popular place for nightlife for locals and tourists alike. It is here you can see the popular Glico billboard of the runner crossing the finish line. 

More Than One Day in Osaka

Have more time? There are a ton more sites to visit in Osaka. I also recommend using Osaka as a base to travel the region! It is a bit cheaper to stay in Osaka than in the surrounding areas and then you do not have to constantly be moving hotels.

Day 2

If you have more then one day in Osaka, there are many other sites to explore. The following list can keep you busy for another day or two! 

Asahi Beer Factory

Cost: Free

Hours: 9:30am-3pm

Subway Stop: Suita Station

Asahi Beer is one of the main beers of Japan. The tours lasts about 90 minutes and at the end of the tour, visitors get three different samples. Make a reservation prior to visiting to ensure an English speaking guide. Once on the tour, visitors get to see what goes into the beer making process, especially the technology that goes into it. 

Isshinji Temple

Cost: Free

Hours: 9am-4pm

Subway Stop: Tennoji Station

This Pure Land Buddhist Temple dates back to 1185. It is popular due to its thirteen clay figures that contain the remains of thousands of Japanese ancestors. The Isshinji Temple also contains a very unique and modern main gate. 

Japan Mint

Cost: Free

Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4:30pm (check website for tour times)

Subway Stop: Osaka Tenmangu Station

Established in 1871 by the Meiji Government, the Japan Mint is responsible for making Japanese coins. Visitors can go on a 90-minute tour of the facility. Note that the tours are only in Japanese but you can still see the facility even if you do not understand the language. You can make a reservation up to two months in advance and you must have a reservation in order to attend the tour. 

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

Cost: Free

Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm, Closed Tuesdays

Subway Stop: Ikeda Station

Inside, visitors can visit a variety of exhibits that go over the history of instant noodles. You can even walk through a tunnel made entirely of ramen noodle packages. Another option for fun activities includes learning how to make your own ramen. For $4.60, you can take a ramen making class and for $3.75 you can make your own cup of noodles to take home. 

Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

Cost: $9

Hours: 9:30am-5pm

Subway Stop: 

The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, established in 1924, gives visitors an inside look at the history of Japanese whiskey and how it is made. This distillery was the first commercial whiskey distillery in Japan. Visitors can opt to visit the museum, go on a tour, and hit the tasting room. Another highlight is the seven thousand bottles of whiskey on display in the Whiskey Library. A tour lasts 80 minutes and includes a tasting of three whiskeys. Make sure to make a reservation prior to visiting in order to ensure admission. 

Umeda Sky Building

Cost: $14

Hours: 9:30am-10:30pm

Subway Stop: Osaka Station

The Umeda Sky Building is known for its interesting look. It contains two towers connected at the top with bridges. Opt to visit the Floating Garden Observatory for views of Osaka, or head to the underground market for food and shopping. 

Want to go shopping? Make sure to check out Hep Five, a huge shopping mall with a Ferris Wheel at the top. For cheap souvenirs and snacks, visit Daiso or Seria, which are similar to a dollar store. 

Looking for another place to eat? Check out the Hanshin Department Store. It has a food hall in the basement with a wide variety of Japanese foods. 

Day Trips from Osaka

Osaka is also a great city to use a base to take day trips. Many of the following trips are less than a 30-minute ride from Osaka and endless amounts of fun. I loved visiting Nara and Hiroshima.

Himeji Castle

Cost: $9

Hours: 9am-4pm

Himeji Castle is such an easy day trip to take from Osaka. Visitors can get from Osaka to Himeji Station in 30 minutes by using the Shinkansen (the bullet train). From the station, you can opt to walk about 20 minutes to the castle or hop on a local bus to get there. Built in 1333, this castle complex is one of the best surviving examples of Japanese castle architecture. It contains 83 rooms and the largest castle in Japan. It is also the first registered UNESCO site in the country. You will have to take your shoes off to enter the castle, so make sure to have socks for walking around. It will take a couple of hours to wander through the castle and surrounding gardens. 

Hiroshima

Visiting Hiroshima is another day trip to take. Founded in 1589, it later expanded in 1868 into a major urban center. During the imperial era of Japan, it was a military center. It is mostly known for being a target of the Atomic Bomb during World War II. The city has since been rebuilt and contains several sites to see. Make sure to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum. You can also opt to visit the Island of Miyajima, known for its Itsukushima Shrine from Hiroshima.

Kobe

Take a day trip to Kobe, the home of Kobe beef, and the seventh-largest city in Japan. To get here, catch the Shinkansen from the Shin-Osaka station. This will take you 15 minutes. Another option is to take the JR Kobe line which takes about 30 minutes. Although the Kobe area has been in existence since 201, it officially became a city in 1889. For many years, the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled the area. Throughout its history, it has been a port city with a large amount of trading. Present-day, visitors can go on some fantastic hikes, eat Kobe beef, or visit the Sake Museum. There is enough to keep you busy for the entire day. 

Kyoto

Another option for a day trip from Osaka is Kyoto, famous for its plethora of temples. Hop on the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station and arrive in Kyoto in 15 minutes. The JR Kyoto line will also get you there in about 25 minutes. Once known as Heian-kyo, Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794. The original city was modeled after China’s Chang’an with the streets orderly arranged and the imperial capital facing south. The emperors ruled from Kyoto for over a thousand years. Present-day, it is a fantastic city to visit and you could easily spend several days there. Make sure to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and the Yasaka Shrine. 

Nara

Nara is another cute city located near Osaka. Once the capital of Japan and home to the emperor, Nara is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains several temples and shrines still intact from its past. Many sika deer roam freely throughout the town and are protected by the city. Spend time wandering through Nara Park and visiting the different temples. You can even buy crackers from the vendors to feed the deer.

Okayama

Okayama is a lesser-known city located near Osaka and perfect for a day trip. It takes about an hour to get here from Osaka. This newer city (founded in 1889) is known for Koraku-en, one of the top traditional gardens in Japan and the Okayama Castle. Prior to this time, the area contained much farmland and became a feudal territory. It is the perfect area to go for a relaxing and peaceful day.

Universal Studios Japan

Cost: $74/person

Hours: 8:30am-9pm (generally buy can vary) 

Spend a day at Universal Studios Japan, one of the six Universal Studios theme parks in the world. It opened in 2001, and about 15 million people visit each year. Although it does have a similar feel to other Universal Theme parks, it also contains some unique areas. Do not miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where witches and wizards can light up the sky with magic. I also enjoyed the “Jaws” inspired ride. A Super Nintendo Land is also opening soon with a Mario Kart attraction. It is a fun way for theme park lovers to spend the day.

Total Costs for One Day in Osaka

Hotel: $84/night or $42/person

Transportation: $7/person

Attractions: $5.50

Total Costs: $54.50

As you can see there are a ton of things to fill your time in one day in Osaka. It is a fabulous place to use as a base to travel out to other areas and see so many different parts of Japan. Need an itinerary for Japan? Check out this Japan Itinerary to help you plan the perfect Japan trip

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