What to do in Osaka: an Amazing 4-Day Guide

Osaka is a great place to visit for a number of reasons. The neon-lit alleys and buzzing canal draw you in to just wander and explore. Adding to that the endless tasty food options and out-there shopping facilities make it hard to choose what to do in Osaka and what to skip out on. The following fun-filled guide shows you the best things to do in Osaka in four amazing days.

Also check out my guide for what to do in Osaka at night.

Day 1

Day 2

Have a picnic in Osaka Castle Park

Depending on the weather, one of the best things to do in Osaka is spreading a picnic blanket at the expansive grounds of Osaka-jo Koen. Enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning Osaka Castle while munching on an authentic Japanese bento lunchbox. What could be better than this?

Look at the city from Abeno Harukas

For amazing 360-views of Osaka, take the elevator to the top of Japan’s tallest building Abeno Harukas. On 300 meters over the ground, you have the best views of the city – but if you want to go even higher, take a helicopter ride over the city.

Catch the tram to Sumiyoshi Shrine

Head to the photogenic Sumiyoshi-tashida by taking a streetcar from Tennoji. Don’t forget to take an iconic shot at the arched vermillion bridge and explore the beauty of the shrine grounds.

Eat kushikatsu in Shinsekai

Shinsekai is not only one of Osaka’s most down-to-earth neighborhoods, it’s also the birthplace of kushikatsu. These deep-fried meat and veggie morsels on a stick are best eaten at Daruma, one of the first joints of this kind very close to the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

Go to Spa World

If you want to take a break from running around the city, relax in onsen baths and saunas at Spa World. Elaborate Asian and European themes make this a very fun experience.

Drink sake in a standing bar

Standing bars are a common way for business professionals to end the day. Try out a classic drop of local sake at one of Ura-Namba’s standing bars, like Kujira.

Day 3

Drink matcha at Cafe Osaka Chakai

One of the best things to do in Osaka is enjoying a traditional cup of matcha green tea. Drink the finest tea from delicate Japanese pottery at the tranquil Cafe Osaka Chakai. They also serve a variety of other teas and traditional Japanese tea snacks.

Say a prayer at Osakatemmangu Shrine

Don’t forget to visit one of Osaka’s most important Shinto shrines. Osakatemmangu Shrine is famous for hosting the massive annual festival called Tenjin Matsuri.  The festival started in the 10th century and takes place on July 24 and 25 every year.

Stroll around the Museum of Housing and Living

Travel back in time and experience what Osaka was like in the Edo period (1603-1867) at the Museum of Housing and Living. You can wander around recreated houses and neighborhoods here while borrowing a kimono for a small fee.

Also check out these kawaii cafés in Osaka.

Go shopping in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade

A visit to Japan’s longest shopping arcade shouldn’t miss on this list of what to do in Osaka. After browsing quirky shops, enjoy some fresh sashimi at the popular seafood restaurant Tottsuan before heading to Beer Belly for some local Minoh craft beer.

See the city lights at Umeda Sky Building

Head up to the observation platform of Umeda Sky Building in the Kita district to see the Osaka cityscape lit up beautifully at night.

Day 4

Roam the shops of Nakazakicho

This retro neighborhood is filled with nagaya – old Japanese wooden buildings. Today, most of them house artsy shops and cafes, making this the perfect place to roam and explore. 1930 Cafe and Public Kitchen Cafe serve some delicious brunch options. Also worth a visit is Jam Pot, selling jewelry and accessories from over 80 different Japanese artists.

Watch Sealife at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium is one of the best in the world showcasing exciting sealife on 8 floors. Its innovative presentation and state-of-the-art facilities make this a truly exceptional experience while in Osaka.

Eat sushi in Shinsaibashi

You can’t visit Osaka and not eat sushi. Some of the most famous sushi joints include Jinen Unagidani and Hasegawa Shinsaibashi.

Order a nightcap at a trendy bar

The only thing left now is a cheeky cocktail at one of Osaka’s best bars. Cafe Absinthe and The Suite are always a great choice.

Osaka Hotel Recommendations

Fuku Hostel Nagomi Namba

This hostel is ideal for budget travelers who still want to stay in a central location. Only a minute’s walk from Namba Station, Fuku Hostel offers dormitory rooms as well as private rooms in the heart of Osaka.

Conrad Osaka

Those looking for a more luxurious experience, Conrad Osaka might be the best choice. Boasting stunning views of Osaka city, 4 dining options and a heated indoor pool, Conrad Osaka offers luxurious rooms in modern decor. Higobashi Station is just a 5-minute walk and JR Osaka Station is a 7-minute train ride away.

Moxy Osaka Honmachi

My favorite hotel option in Osaka is the Moxy. Moxy Hotels is a hotel chain managed by Marriott International and is primarily focused on millennial guests. The first Moxy opened in Milan in 2014 and they have expanded to multiple locations in the US, Europe and Asia. What’s unique about the Moxy concept is that it combines stylish design with approachable service at a reasonable price point. The guestrooms are tech-savvy and the common areas are instagrammable spaces.

The subway stations closest to the hotel is Sakaisuji Hommachi (10 minutes). This station is part of Midosuji subway line, one of the most convenient subway lines in Osaka, allowing you to visit any major tourist attraction in a short time. You can even walk to Osaka Castle, the most famous landmark in the city, in only 30 minutes!

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