Start your trip by visiting one of the most famous landmarks in Osaka - the Osaka Castle. This historical site is surrounded by a beautiful garden and consists of several museums and exhibitions inside. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the castle from the top floor after climbing up 8 floors of stairs or you can take the elevator to reach the top floor.
Experience the magic and excitement of films at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. With exciting rides & attractions, movie-themed shows, and delicious food, it’s a great place to explore for the whole day. If you want to skip the line, you can get the express pass at an additional cost. Note: Tickets must be purchased prior to the visiting date.
Dōtonbori is one of the most famous tourist spots in Osaka which is popular for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and food scene. Take a walk along the canal and snap a photo with the iconic Glico Man neon signboard. Feast on Osaka's famous street food or visit one of the top-rated sushi restaurants. You can also find plenty of souvenir shops and trendy clothing stores here.
Taking a trip to Shinsekai is a must for experiencing the Osaka vibe. Shinsekai translates to "New World" in English, which is a stark contrast to the traditional side of Osaka. Do not forget to try out the kushikatsu, a local specialty which is a skewered and deep-fried food that's dipped in a special sauce.
Visit the longest shopping street in Japan, Tenjinbashi-suji, which is 2.5 kilometers in length and home to over 600 shops. You can find everything from clothing, stationary, beauty products, and traditional handicrafts here. There are also many food stops at every corner for you to nibble on while you shop.
Visit some of the unique museums in Osaka such as The Museum of Housing and Living, The Instant Ramen Museum, or The Osaka Museum of History. Discover local culture, history, and fun facts about Osaka. Admission fees vary depending on the museum, so be sure to check their websites beforehand.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, which has various tanks to see marine life from different parts of the world. Walk through a tunnel surrounded by fish and other sea creatures or visit the whale shark, the main attraction at the aquarium. You can also find penguins, dolphins, turtles, and other ocean animals here.
Getting around Osaka is easy, thanks to their efficient public transportation system. The Osaka subway system, buses, and taxis are the main modes of transportation within the city. A one-day pass for the subway and bus costs ¥600 and is a great option if you're planning to visit multiple places in a day. Taxis can be pricier, so it's better to take them for a shorter ride. The estimated total transportation cost for seven days is ¥10,000-¥12,000.
If you have more time, consider visiting more museums, such as the Osaka Science Museum, The National Museum of Art, or the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. If you’re interested in traditional Japan, visit the traditional town of Shirakawago (two hours by bus from Osaka).
However, if you have less time, consider skipping the Osaka Museum of History and the Museum of Housing and Living.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is one of the main airports in Osaka, which is located in Izumisano city, about 50 km southwest of Osaka city centre. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the city centre from the airport by train. You can purchase a one-way ticket for the train at ¥1,200 at the airport, or you can take the airport limousine bus, which takes around 60 minutes, for ¥1,550. Alternatively, you can also travel to Osaka by arriving at Itami Airport (ITM), which is closer to the city center compared to Kansai. However, Itami mainly serves domestic flights.