Exploring Osaka in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Market

Start your day with a variety of delicious street foods at Kuromon Market, a bustling market known for fresh seafood and local snacks.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle, a historic landmark surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering panoramic views of the city from its top floor.
$$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori for lunch and try the famous takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at one of the local eateries.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Street for a mix of traditional Japanese shops, trendy boutiques, and global brands, perfect for some retail therapy.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

End the day with dinner at an Izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub, where you can enjoy small plates of local dishes and drinks with locals.
$$, 2 hours

Day 2: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Start your day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates leading up the mountain, offering a picturesque hike and stunning views.
$, 2 hours

11:00AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Visit the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a natural wonder with towering bamboo stalks creating a peaceful atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.
$, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Indulge in a variety of local street food and fresh seafood at Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto's Kitchen, offering a culinary adventure.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst beautiful Zen gardens and a reflecting pond.
$$, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki dinner in Pontocho Alley, a narrow atmospheric street lined with restaurants and tea houses, perfect for a cultural dining experience.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 3: Cultural Nara

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Start your day with freshly made mochi at Nakatanidou, a famous mochi shop known for its energetic mochi pounding performance.
$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Naramachi

Explore Naramachi, the old merchant district of Nara, and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at one of the charming local restaurants.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Nara Park

Walk through Nara Park, where you can encounter friendly deer roaming freely, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
$, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Sake Tasting

End your day with a sake tasting experience at a local brewery in Nara, learning about the art of sake production and sampling different varieties.
$$, 1 hour

Day 4: Return to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore the fascinating marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a variety of aquatic species.
$$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shinsekai

Enjoy a comforting bowl of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) or kushikatsu at one of the local eateries in the retro neighborhood of Shinsekai.
$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Spa World

Relax and rejuvenate at Spa World, a unique hot spring theme park with various baths inspired by different countries around the world.
$$$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dotonbori River Cruise

Take a leisurely cruise along the Dotonbori River, admiring the neon lights and iconic landmarks of Osaka from the water.
$, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Umeda Sky Building

Indulge in a gourmet dinner with panoramic city views at one of the restaurants in Umeda Sky Building, offering a memorable dining experience.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 5: Modern Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Grand Front Osaka

Start your day with a trendy breakfast at one of the cafes in Grand Front Osaka, a modern shopping and dining complex in the heart of the city.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Abeno Harukas

Visit Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in Japan, and enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the observation deck on the top floor.
$, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Umeda District

Explore the bustling Umeda District and have lunch at one of the local restaurants offering a mix of international and Japanese cuisine.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Museum of History

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Osaka at the Osaka Museum of History, with exhibits showcasing the city's past and cultural heritage.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kitashinchi District

Experience a gourmet dinner at Kitashinchi District, known for its upscale dining scene with a variety of fine restaurants and bars.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 6: Culinary Delights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Cooking Class

Start your day with a traditional Japanese cooking class in Osaka, where you can learn to prepare popular dishes such as sushi, tempura, or ramen.
$$$, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Market

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Kuromon Market, trying different sushi and sashimi options from the local vendors.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Whisky Distillery Tour

Embark on a guided tour of a whisky distillery in Osaka, learning about the production process and tasting a selection of premium Japanese whiskies.
$$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Street Food Dinner at Shinsekai

Savor a variety of Osaka's famous street foods at Shinsekai, from takoyaki to kushikatsu, in a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
$, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Final Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Explore the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, a living history museum where you can experience traditional life in Osaka during the Edo period.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hozenji Yokocho

Have a traditional Japanese lunch at Hozenji Yokocho, a nostalgic alley lined with small eateries serving local delicacies and comfort food.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shitenno-ji Temple

Visit Shitenno-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, with a serene atmosphere and beautiful architectural features.
$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Shop for souvenirs and local goods at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, one of the longest shopping streets in Japan with a wide range of stores.
$$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Dotonbori

End your 7-day Osaka adventure with a farewell dinner at Dotonbori, trying the local specialties like okonomiyaki or kushikatsu in a vibrant setting.
$$, 2 hours