On your final day in Osaka, explore Tempozan Aquarium and the Giant Ferris Wheel by the bay before heading to Umeda for city views and a family-friendly dinner.
Enjoy Osaka’s mix of seaside charm and sparkling night scenery in just one day.
Day 1: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori Night Walk
Start your 3-day Osaka itinerary with a mix of history and vibrant nightlife.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Osaka Castle
Begin your morning at Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.
Explore the castle grounds, visit the museum inside, and head to the top floor for a panoramic view of the city. Arrive early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds.
| Business Hours | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM) Please note that ticket sales may close earlier than 5:30 PM, depending on crowd levels. |
| Holidays | December 28 – January 1 |
| https://www.instagram.com/osaka_castle_park/ | |
| Official Website | https://www.osakacastle.net/ |
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
In the afternoon, stroll through Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, a lively area filled with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafés.
It’s the perfect place to experience the energetic side of Osaka while hunting for local snacks and street food.
| Restaurants and Eateries | Many restaurants and food stalls are open from around 11 AM until late at night. Famous eateries often operate until around midnight. |
| Shopping Facilities | Major shopping malls and souvenir shops are generally open from 10 AM to around 8 PM. However, some stores may stay open until 9 or 10 PM. |
| Entertainment Facilities | Bars and clubs usually open from around 5 – 6 PM and stay open until the early hours of the morning. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly lively and enjoyable. |
The opening hours of the shops in Shinsaibashisuji vary, but the street typically becomes lively from 11 AM and many shops close around 8-9 PM.
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dotonbori Night Walk
As evening falls, head to Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka nightlife. Famous for its neon signs, including the Glico Running Man, Dotonbori is a must-visit for food lovers.
Try iconic dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and don’t forget to take photos by the canal. Ending your first day here captures the essence of Osaka’s exciting urban energy.
| Restaurants and Eateries | Many restaurants and food stalls are open from around 11 AM until late at night. Famous eateries often operate until around midnight. |
| Shopping Facilities | Major shopping malls and souvenir shops are generally open from 10 AM to around 8 PM. However, some stores may stay open until 9 or 10 PM. |
| Entertainment Facilities | Bars and clubs usually open from around 5 – 6 PM and stay open until the early hours of the morning. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly lively and enjoyable. |
Day 1 – Route Overview
【Osaka Castle to Shinsaibashi Shopping Street】
1. Walk to Tanimachi 4-chome Station (about 5 minutes from the castle grounds)
2. Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Hommachi Station
3. Transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and ride 1 stop to Shinsaibashi Station
4. Travel time: approx. 15 minutes
【From Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori】
1. Exit Shinsaibashi Station and walk south along Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
2. Dotonbori is just a 5–10 minute walk from the station
3. Look for the Glico Running Man and neon lights by the canal
Day 2: Osaka Street Food & Hidden Gems
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Kuromon Ichiba Market
Start your second day at Kuromon Ichiba Market, often called “Osaka’s Kitchen.”
This lively market is perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and local snacks like takoyaki and wagyu skewers. Walking through the market gives a taste of authentic Osaka life.
| Opening Hours | Open – Close: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Hours may vary by season. Shops may close once items are sold out. |
| Official Website | https://kuromon.com/jp/ |
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Namba Yasaka Shrine
Next, visit Namba Yasaka Shrine, a hidden gem just a short walk from Namba Station.
The shrine is famous for its giant lion head stage, believed to bring good luck and success. It’s a great spot for photos and a peaceful break before your lunch.
| Opening Hours | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (grounds open freely) Omamori and omikuji are available for purchase from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. |
| https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/551829305164607/ | |
| Official Website | https://nambayasaka.jp/ |
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Amerikamura (American Village)
Head to Amerikamura, Osaka’s trendiest district, filled with vintage shops, street art, and quirky cafés.
Grab a coffee or a crepe while exploring the colorful alleys. This area offers a completely different vibe from Dotonbori and is perfect for those who love youth culture and fashion.
| Opening Hours | About 11AM to 8PM Opening hours may vary depending on each shop. |
| Official Website | https://americamura.jp/ |
Day 2 – Route Overview
Kuromon Ichiba Market → Namba Yasaka Shrine → Amerikamura → Shinsekai
【From Kuromon Ichiba Market to Namba Yasaka Shrine 】
• Walk from Kuromon Ichiba Market to Namba Yasaka Shrine (about 16 minutes)
• Enjoy the giant lion head stage and peaceful atmosphere
【From Namba Yasaka Shrine to Amerikamura】
• Walk back toward Namba Station (about 7–8 minutes)
• Continue to Amerikamura (American Village) on foot (about 5 minutes)
• Explore street art, vintage shops, and trendy cafés
【From Amerikamura to Shinsekai】
• Walk to Shinsaibashi or Namba Station (about 10 minutes)
• Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station (approx. 10 minutes)
• Walk 5 minutes to Shinsekai and visit Tsutenkaku Tower • Perfect spot for a sunset view and kushikatsu dinner
Day 3: Modern Osaka and Stunning Night Views
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Umeda Sky Building
Begin your final day in Osaka with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building.
Head up to the Floating Garden Observatory for a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the city. In the morning, the skyline is especially clear, making it perfect for photography. The futuristic architecture of the building itself is also a must-see.
| Opening Hours | 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Last admission at 10:00 PM) Special operating days may apply |
| Holidays | Open year-round (no regular holidays) |
| Official Website | https://www.skybldg.co.jp/en/ |
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Take the Osaka Metro to Osakako Station and walk 5 minutes to reach Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums.
Here, you can see whale sharks, manta rays, and penguins up close as you explore the multi-level tanks. It’s an engaging stop for both families and marine life lovers.
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies by season, last entry 1 hour before closing) |
| Holidays | 4 days total in January and February |
| Admission | Adults (16 and older, incl. high school students) ¥2,700 / Children (Elementary & Junior High) ¥1,400 / Toddlers (3 and older) ¥700 |
| Official Website | https://www.kaiyukan.com/ |
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Tempozan Ferris Wheel & Harbor Village
Just a short 3-minute walk from Kaiyukan, ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for a panoramic view of Osaka Bay and the city skyline.
Afterward, stroll around Tempozan Harbor Village, where you can enjoy light snacks, souvenir shopping, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
| Tempozan Ferries Wheel Admission Fee | General Admission: ¥900 per person General Group (20+ people): ¥800 per person Student Group (20+ people): ¥720 per person School event certificate required. [PDF available] Disabled Visitors (and 1 accompanying person): ¥450 per person Physical disability certificate required |
| Opening Hours | 10AM – 9PM |
| Holidays | Irregular Holidays |
| Official Website | http://tempozan-kanransya.com/tempozan-kanransya.com/en/ |
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Family Dinner & Evening Stroll in Umeda
In the evening, enjoy a family-friendly dinner in Umeda. Popular options include Kushikatsu Daruma for Osaka’s signature deep-fried skewers, the retro-style Takimi Koji Gourmet Street inside Umeda Sky Building, or the casual restaurants in Lucua and Grand Front Osaka offering both Japanese and international cuisine.
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through Grand Front Osaka for desserts and souvenirs. End your night with seasonal Japanese sweets or soft serve ice cream before heading back to your hotel.
| Kushikatsu Daruma Shop Google Map Links | Lucua 1100, Whity Umeda, KITTE Osaka Kitashinch |
| Opening Hours | Depending on the location |
| Takimikoji Street Google Map Link | https://maps.app.goo.gl/nCRva1NYJ1Xd1eoP8 |
| Opening Hours | 11:30AM – 9:30PM |
| Holidays | Thursday |
| Granfront Osaka | https://maps.app.goo.gl/3W6K3DoQyCq1Pdf87 |
| Opening Hours | Shops: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Restaurants: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Umekita Cellar: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Umekita Dining: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Umekita Floor: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Knowledge Capital: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Hours may differ depending on the shops |
Day3 – Route Overview
【From Umeda Sky Building to Tempozan Harbor Village】
• Walk 10–15 minutes to Umeda Station
• Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Hommachi Station
• Transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and ride to Osakako Station
• Walk about 5 minutes to Tempozan Harbor Village and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
【From Tempozan Harbor Village back to Umeda for Dinner】
• Walk 5 minutes to Osakako Station
• Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Hommachi Station
• Transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and ride to Umeda Station
• Walk to Grand Front Osaka, Lucua, or Takimi Koji Gourmet Street for dinner
• Evening stroll options: Grand Front Osaka or Hankyu Department Store Food Hall for desserts
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