8-Day Ultimate Osaka Itinerary: Arrival to Departure with Cultural and Modern Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Castle Tour

Osaka, Japan on June 10, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Osaka and check in to your accommodation, settling in before beginning your adventures.
Varies, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with coffee and light breakfast near Osaka Castle to energize your exploration.
JPY1000, 1h0m

11:30am

Osaka Castle

Discover the impressive grounds and museum inside this historic castle open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kiji Okonomiyaki

Enjoy the savory pancake specialty of Osaka at Kiji in the Umeda Sky Building basement.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Head to the observatory for sweeping 360-degree city views, open until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

4:30pm

Nakanoshima Park Walk

Relax along the riverside in this serene downtown park perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner in Dotonbori at Mizuno

Taste Osaka street food including okonomiyaki and takoyaki at this popular spot open until 11pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Shopping & Shrine Visit

Osaka, Japan on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gram Cafe & Pancakes

Enjoy fluffy pancakes in the Shinsaibashi area to start the day sweetly.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:45am

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and explore boutiques, souvenirs, and Japanese crafts on this bustling street.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten

Savor fresh crab and seafood dishes under the giant crab sign in Dotonbori.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hozenji Yokocho Alley

Wander through this charming stone-paved alley lined with quaint shops and eateries.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine

Experience one of Japan’s oldest shrines featuring beautiful arched bridges, open until 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Brasserie

Indulge in modern and elegant udon dishes in Namba before calling it a night.
JPY1800, 1h0m
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Day 3: Universal Studios Day

Osaka, Japan on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Convenience Store

Grab a quick breakfast to prepare for a full day at Universal Studios Japan.
JPY800, 0h30m

8:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy rides, shows, and themed areas like Harry Potter’s world. Open 8:30am-9pm.
JPY8800, 11h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Universal Citywalk Osaka

Choose from multiple dining options such as Hard Rock Cafe after the park closes.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Temples & Markets

Osaka, Japan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Micasadeco & Cafe

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and tasty coffee near Tennoji to start your day.
JPY1300, 1h0m

9:30am

Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan’s oldest temples dating back to 593, open 8:30am-4:30pm.
JPY300, 1h0m

11:00am

Tennoji Park & Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

Relax in beautiful park grounds and enjoy Japanese art exhibits. Museum open 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays.
JPY430, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Abeno Q's Mall Food Court

Choose from numerous Japanese and international cuisine options in this popular mall.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore Osaka’s lively market known for fresh seafood and street food, open 9am-6pm.
Variable, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Endo Sushi

Famous for fresh sushi at the Central Fish Market (open till 3pm), consider coming early tomorrow or choose alternative dinner nearby.
JPY2500, 1h0m
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Day 5: Kobe Day Trip

Kobe, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a filling breakfast before your trip to Kobe.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Kobe

Take the JR train from Osaka to Kobe station for about 30 minutes.
JPY410, 0h30m

9:15am

Kobe Harborland

Spend the morning exploring shopping, cafés, and waterfront views.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway

Ride the ropeway for views and stroll fragrant herb gardens. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY1300 round trip, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe Beef

Savor premium Kobe beef steak at this highly recommended restaurant.
JPY6000, 1h30m

3:15pm

Ikuta Shrine

Visit this tranquil Shinto shrine in central Kobe, open until dusk.
Free, 0h45m

4:15pm

Return to Osaka

Take train back to Osaka to unwind after the day trip.
JPY410, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Enjoy classic Osaka deep-fried skewers in the lively Shinsekai neighborhood.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 6: Aquarium & Bay Area

Osaka, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company

Savor top-notch coffee and light fare in the Kitahama district.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore marine life at one of the world's largest aquariums, open 10am-8pm.
JPY2500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi at multiple restaurants in this shopping complex by the aquarium.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Take a 15-minute ride for sweeping views over Osaka Bay, open till 10pm.
JPY800, 0h30m

3:00pm

Universal Citywalk

Browse shops and unwind at the entertainment hub adjacent to Universal Studios.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ajinoya Okonomiyaki

Cap off your day with a delicious okonomiyaki meal near Namba.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Art & Culture

Osaka, Japan on June 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Taiyoya

Start with a relaxed breakfast offering western-style dishes and coffee.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

National Museum of Art, Osaka

View impressive modern and contemporary art exhibits, open 10am-5pm (closed Mondays).
JPY430, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Return to try fresh seafood and local street foods you may have missed earlier.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Take the train to Ikeda to create your custom CupNoodles and explore exhibits. Open 9:30am-4:30pm.
JPY500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Osaka

Relax or explore local cafes before dinner.
Transport cost only, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Tanaka

Enjoy Osaka’s famous fried skewers one last time in a casual setting.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 8: Relax & Departure

Osaka, Japan on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Have a relaxed breakfast before preparing for your departure day.
Included or JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Explore the shrine known for the Tenjin Matsuri festival. Open 6am-5pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Last-minute Shopping in Tenma or Nipponbashi

Shop for souvenirs and final gifts in these popular districts.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Ramen Shop

Enjoy a final bowl of hearty Osaka-style ramen before heading out.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Hotel and Prepare for Departure

Pack up, check out, and head to the airport via train or bus.
Varies, Varies
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