Start your foodie journey with Okonomiyaki Chitose and indulge in their savory Japanese pancake topped with shrimp or pork. Head to Kushikatsu Daruma, a hole-in-the-wall spot, for Osaka's deep-fried skewers. End the day with Tengu, a yakitori joint for chicken wings and skewers.
Go back in time at Kuromon Market, a traditional Japanese market since the Edo period offering fresh seafood, Kobe beef, fruits, and street food. Treat yourself at Pablo, a dessert place featuring creamy cheese tarts. Head to Abeno Harukas Kintetsu for a panoramic view of Osaka.
Start the day with Shiromaru Basashi, a deconstructed horsemeat sashimi. Visit Daimaru Umeda, a department store with gourmet and specialty food. Head to Ikeda for a Kobe beef burger or Umeda Hagakure for kaiseki-style lunch. End the day with a drink at Sky Lounge Stardust, a rooftop bar with stunning views.
Start the day with Bisonte, a cafe with latte art and fluffy pancakes. Go shopping at Amerikamura, an area with western clothing stores, vintage shops, and souvenirs. Head to Kani Douraku for their famous crab dishes or Harukoma Sushi for sushi at conveyor belt. End the day with a sweet treat at Morozoff, a European-style dessert shop.
Start the day with Fuku for their award-winning tonkatsu pork cutlet. Visit Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow alley with small and cozy izakayas. Head to Botejyu for their takoyaki octopus balls or Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho for grilled meat. End the day with a drink at The Blarney Stone Irish Pub, a cozy and welcoming bar.
Unleash your inner child and explore Universal Studios Japan, an amusement park with thrilling rides, colorful shows, and movie-themed attractions. Try the park's signature popcorn flavors like honey and soy sauce, and lemon squash.
Start the day with Kuromon Sanpei, a hidden gem for fresh seafood bowls. Visit Dotonbori, a lively and iconic street with flashy signs and energetic crowds, and try Kushikatsu Ippuku's fried skewers. Head to Tsutenkaku, a tower with an observation deck, for a bird's eye view of Osaka. End the day with a refreshing beer at Sankt Gallen Osaka, a brewery with a cozy atmosphere.
Start the day with Marufuku Coffee, a retro cafe with old-school charm and unique coffee blends. Visit Osaka Castle, a historical landmark and symbol of power and unity, with beautiful gardens and exhibitions. Head to Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Japan, for a spiritual experience. End the day with a farewell meal at Kitashinchi, an upscale district with Michelin-starred restaurants and bars.
Osaka has an efficient public transportation system that includes trains, subways, buses, and taxis. Purchase a ICOCA card, a rechargeable smart card that can be used on various transit modes. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive. Plan ahead and check train and subway schedules, as they vary by time and day. A one-way ticket on subway or bus costs around $1-2, and a taxi ride from Kansai International Airport to the city center costs around $50-60 and takes around 50-60 minutes.
If you have more time, consider a day trip to Kyoto, known for its temples, gardens, and traditional cuisine. Osaka offers a vibrant nightlife scene, especially in the areas of Amemura and Kita-Horie. If you have less time, consider skipping Universal Studios Japan, as it can be crowded and time-consuming. Osaka has many street food options and smaller eateries, so be adventurous and try local specialties.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main airport serving Osaka and the greater Kansai region. It is located in the city of Izumisano, about 30 miles south of Osaka. The airport code is KIX. Other airports near Osaka include Itami Airport (ITM), about 8 miles north of Osaka, and Kobe Airport (UKB), about 20 miles west of Osaka.