4 Night Osaka Itinerary: Universal Studios, Cultural Sights & Local Flavours

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Osaka, Japan on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your morning with excellent specialty coffee and fresh pastries at LiLo Coffee Roasters. It's a great spot near your hotel for a light breakfast.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Visit Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Take in panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory atop the iconic Umeda Sky Building. Open 10am to 10:30pm, perfect for afternoon light.
JPY1500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Enjoy delicious and artistic udon bowls in a stylish setting. It’s near Dontobori district and known for its huge portions and rich broth.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dontobori District

Spend your afternoon wandering through Osaka’s famed Dontobori district, vibrant with shops, neon signs, and iconic landmarks like the Glico Man.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten

Savour iconic Osaka crab dishes in this famous restaurant located right on Dontobori canal. A must-try to experience local seafood culture.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Mercure Tokyo Osaka to fuel your day at Universal Studios.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Full Day at Universal Studios Japan

Spend the entire day exploring rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Japan. Opens 8am-9pm; arriving early reduces queue times for popular rides.
JPY8200, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner at Universal Citywalk Osaka

Choose from a variety of restaurants at Citywalk, such as Mel’s Drive-In for classic American diner fare or Kinopio for Japanese comfort food.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 3: Koyasan Day Trip

Koya-san, Japan on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast and pack for a day trip to Koyasan, a serene Buddhist mountain town and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Koyasan

Take the Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station to Gokurakubashi, then cable car and bus onwards to Koyasan. Total journey approx 2 hours.
JPY1550 one-way, 2h

10:30am

Explore Koyasan Temples and Cemetery

Visit Okunoin Cemetery, Danjo Garan temple complex, and Kongobuji Temple. These historic sites are open daily from 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ishibashi Shokudo

Try traditional shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) in this peaceful Koyasan eatery near the temple area.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Catch the afternoon train back to Osaka to rest after a spiritual day.
JPY1550, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy iconic Osaka kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this lively and popular restaurant in the Shinsekai area.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Cultural & Leisure

Osaka, Japan on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de L’ambre

Kickstart the day with hand-brewed coffee and light breakfast in this retro Osaka café known for its quality and ambiance.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Shitennoji Temple

Explore one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, offering insight into Osaka’s religious history.
JPY300, 1h

11:00am

Walk through Nakanoshima Deer Park

Enjoy a stroll in the serene Deer Park, a peaceful green space ideal for photos and relaxation near the river.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi at the Osaka Central Fish Market

Sample fresh and affordable sushi prepared right in the market atmosphere, a favourite among locals and visitors.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Osaka River Cruise

Take a one-hour cruise along the Okawa River, showcasing city views from the water. Cruises typically operate 10am-5pm.
JPY1300, 1h

4:00pm

Leisure and Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Explore one of Osaka’s best shopping streets for souvenirs, local snacks, and fashion before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno

End your trip enjoying okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake Osaka is famous for, at Mizuno in Dontobori, open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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