Visit Osaka for the first time? Osaka was once called “The Nation’s Kitchen” and has a comedy culture. With this itinerary, you can eat delicious food and have an enjoyable time in Osaka.
- Train
- From Shin-Osaka Station, get on Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Hommachi Station, and then change to Osaka Metro Chuo Line. Get off at Tanimachi Yonchome Station. Then, take a 15-minute walk to Otemon Gate of Osaka Castle.
- From Kansai International Airport, get on JR Kansai Airport Line to Tennoji Station, and then change to JR Osaka Loop Line (Inner Loop). Get off at Osakajokoen Station. Then, walk about 10-minute to Osaka-jo Hall near the gate of Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle
Well-known place as the residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who achieved the unification of Japan in the early modern period. The castle tower was rebuilt three times and the present one was completed in 1931. The inside of the building is entirely renovated but there is the collection such as samurai armor and miniature figures that introduces the history of Osaka Castle. (Entrance fee: adult 600 yen, free for under the age of junior high school) MAP
- Walk
- A few steps from the entrance of the castle tower.
Miraiza Osaka-Jo
The new tourist spot that has restaurants and souvenir shops opened in 2017. This western-style building was originally constructed as the military headquarters of the former Japanese army and then became the Osaka City Museum.
If you are a little hungry, have a snack at the cafe or the restaurant in Miraiza, though much more choices will be found in the next destination, Dotonbori. In addition to Miraiza, there are some food stands where you can buy Karaage and Takoyaki in Osaka Castle Park. MAP
- Train
- From Tanimachi Yonchome Station, get on Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Hommach Station, and then change to Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. Get off at Namba Station.
Dotonbori
Photograph: Photo AC
The center of Osaka’s gourmet culture that has a word for “eat until you drop” or “Kuidaore”. Not only famous restaurants, Kani Doraku for crab dishes and Zuboraya for blowfish cuisine, but also homely restaurants which serve local foods such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are found here.
From the Ebisu Bridge over the Dotonbori canal, you will see a very famous Glico Man sign. For those who are not satisfied with the view from the bridge, Tombori River Cruise offers a short trip by yellow boat. This cruise starts from the front of Don Quijote Dotonbori Store. (Boarding fee: adult 900 yen, student/children 400 yen) MAP
- Walk
- A few minutes to the north beyond Ebisu Bridge.
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade
Photograph: Photo AC
After going over the Ebisu Bridge of Dotonbori, you will step into the most crowded shopping street in Osaka. There are department stores, branded shops, and drug stores where overseas tourists can enjoy shopping. It is also good to take a break in a cafe or sweet shop if you got tired of looking for what you want. MAP
- Train
- From Shinsaibashi Station or Namba Station, get on Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Hommachi Station, and then change to Osaka Metro Chuo Line. Get off at Osakako Station. Take a 15-minute walk to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Photograph: Photo AC
Kaiyukan located in the waterfront of Osaka has large water tanks that imitate the Pacific Ocean. Visitors come across a huge whale shark swimming around the tank. This aquarium opens until late evening and becomes a different atmosphere at night. (Opening hour: 10:00-20:00, Entrance fee: adult 2,300 yen, under the age of junior high school: 1,200 yen, discount for toddler and elderly) MAP
- Walk
- Leave Kaiyukan and walk a few minutes to the front building.
Tempozan Market Place
You may be hungry after traveling from place to place. Tempozan Market Place offers many kinds of restaurants and a food court. In Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho on the second floor, which reproduced the street of Osaka half a century ago, you can savor various foods from each region of Japan.
On the third floor, there are Tempozan Anipa, an “Animal Park” inside the building, and Legoland Discovery Center, a playground filled with Lego blocks. You can enjoy the night view of The Port of Osaka from Tempozan Ferris Wheel next to the Market Place. This experience will be the best memory of your long day trip. MAP
- Train
- For Shin-Osaka Station or Umeda Station, get on Osaka Metro Chuo Line from Osakako Station to Hommachi Station, then change to Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
- For Namba Station, get on Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Awaza Station, and change to Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line.