4-Night Osaka Itinerary: Explore Culture, Cuisine, and Attractions from Airport to Mercure Osaka

Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration

Osaka, Japan on April 27, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Land at Kansai International Airport and proceed through immigration and baggage claim. From here, take the train or airport limousine bus directly to Mercure Osaka hotel for convenient access to the city center.
JPY3000 approx. (train), 1h

11:00am

Check-in Mercure Osaka Hotel

Settle into your accommodation at Mercure Osaka, a centrally located hotel offering modern amenities and easy access to Osaka’s main attractions.
Included in booking, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Enjoy takoyaki and okonomiyaki at this interactive spot where you can also learn about these iconic Osaka street foods.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dotonbori

Walk through the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for its neon signs, canal views, and shopping boutiques. It’s a great way to soak in local culture.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno

Dine on some of Osaka’s finest okonomiyaki at Mizuno, a popular restaurant in Dotonbori with a long-standing reputation.
JPY2000-3000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Osaka Castle & Umeda

Osaka, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at Mercure Osaka to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
Included in booking, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle Visit

Explore the historic Osaka Castle grounds and museum, a symbol of Osaka’s rich history. The castle opens at 9am and offers beautiful park surroundings.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kijotei

Try traditional Japanese teishoku (set meals) near Osaka Castle for an authentic dining experience.
JPY1500-2000, 1h

1:30pm

Osaka Museum of History

Discover Osaka’s past through well-curated exhibits at this museum close to the castle, open from 9:30am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

3:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views. Open from 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Experience Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this well-known local chain with outlets in Umeda.
JPY2000-3000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick and hearty breakfast at Mercure Osaka to prepare for a full day at Universal Studios Japan.
Included in booking, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take the train from Osaka to Universal City Station. The theme park opens at 8:30am, so aim to arrive near opening time.
JPY240, 30m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan Full Day

Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and themed zones including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The park closes around 8pm during spring.
JPY8200, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mel’s Drive-In

Have a casual American diner-style dinner within Universal Studios before heading back to the hotel.
JPY1500-2000, 1h

8:30pm

Return to Mercure Osaka

Take the train back to the city and relax after a fun-packed day.
JPY240, 30m
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Day 4: Shinsaibashi & River Cruise

Osaka, Japan on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de L'ambre

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and light breakfast at this cosy cafe in Shinsaibashi, open from 7am.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Shop at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Explore a long arcade filled with local boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes. It’s open most of the day and a shopper’s delight.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Savour fresh sushi, seafood, and street snacks at Osaka’s famous Kuromon Market, open until around 5pm.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Stroll through this riverside park with gardens and museums, a peaceful break from the city bustle.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Osaka River Cruise

Take a scenic river cruise departing from nearby Dotonbori, offering unique city views and a relaxing experience. Cruises run until early evening.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Enjoy upscale Udon noodles in a modern setting to cap off your Osaka visit.
JPY2500-3500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at Mercure Osaka to prepare for your journey home.
Included in booking, 1h

8:30am

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Take the train or airport bus from Mercure Osaka back to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight.
JPY3000 approx., 1h
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