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Exploring Japan: The Best 2 Days Osaka Itinerary
Super Nintendo World? Freshly-made Takoyaki (octopus) balls? The OG running man? YES! Osaka is the place to be for all of these things! Lots of travelers tend to skip Osaka during their Japan itinerary but I’m here to tell you that there’s SO MUCH to explore in 2 days in Osaka, Japan! 🇯🇵
One of the biggest draws for Osaka is the city’s food scene, with incredible sushi restaurants and mouthwatering Osaka street food on offer in Japan’s foodie capital. There’s also Osaka Castle Park, which I think is one of the most impressive of all of Japan’s castles and well worth a visit. (I know, there’s a LOT of castles in Japan already but this one and Namba Yasaka shrine are pretty cool).
You don’t need to spend ages in the city, a night or two is perfectly long enough to see the main sights and enjoy some delicious food. Osaka is also a good base for exploring nearby Nara, and it’s even possible to visit Hiroshima from Osaka in a day, if you’re short on time.
To help you plan your own Osaka trip, here’s what I recommend for exploring Osaka in 2 days. This 2-day Osaka itinerary has a great mix of cultural, historic and modern sites for you to choose from, as well as my own personal recommendations for Osaka city restaurants and for the best hotels in Osaka. Read on to plan your own Osaka 2 day itinerary!
Ps. I’ve also put together a sample 2-day itinerary at the bottom which has been personally vetted, tested, and approved by yours truly.
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links however, this has no impact on the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Best Time to Visit Osaka
🌸 You can visit Osaka all year-round, but there are perks to visiting in each season. From the pretty spring cherry blossom to the smaller crowds of winter, this is when to go to Osaka for your trip.
Visiting Osaka during spring/summer
Spring is the high season across Japan, as well as places like Seoul in South Korea. Which is actually pretty cool because usually spring is still the low season around the world.
This is because from March to April, the country’s cherry blossom trees burst into life. Parks and gardens are decorated in bright pink flowers, which are planted across Osaka and other cities in Japan. Osaka Castle, in particular, is beautiful at this time of year, while the temperatures are perfect for sightseeing too. It can still be a bit chilly, but temperatures generally range from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F) in spring.
If it’s your first time visiting Japan, then this is absolutely the time to go! It will be busier and more expensive than at other times of year, but it’s definitely worth it.
Osaka is quieter in summer, as the cherry blossoms fade and temperatures climb to around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This can make it too hot for sightseeing, and I know I’d rather be sitting by a swimming pool in this weather than exploring castles and Osaka street food markets.
June tends to be quite rainy too, though usually things get better by the end of the summer. If you’re looking to visit indoor attractions like Osaka Aquarium then summer is fine for a visit, and the famous Tenjin Matsuri festival also takes place every year at the end of July.
But generally, if you can avoid traveling to Japan in summer, I would. Honestly, I try to avoid all of Asia during summer because the humidity and me are enemies. Sorry but who likes taking 15 showers a day while on vacation?
Visiting Osaka during fall/winter
You guys know I’m an autumn / shoulder season girlie so I highly recommend visiting in the fall/winter if your schedule allows. In the fall, you’ll get to see Osaka (and much of the rest of Japan) turn a beautiful red and golden brown.
Fiery fall colors can be seen across the city, in the grounds of Osaka Castle, in Minoo Park and in Nara Park, in the nearby town of Nara, known for its “almost-tame” deer (more on this later. spoiler alert – they are not tame)
Personally, I think September-November are a great time visit Osaka especially if you can’t afford to visit during cherry blossom season, or prefer to travel at a quieter time of year. Temperatures are still quite warm, at around 20°C (68°F) in September, but they will get colder as the season goes on.
We visited during Thanksgiving and the temperature was chilly, but totally bearable.
If you can deal with chilly temperatures only a few degrees above freezing, then winter can be a good time of year to visit Osaka for fewer crowds and lower prices. Snowfall is rare but the colder weather makes Osaka’s food scene even more tempting, especially hearty dishes like hot pot and hot snacks like Takoyaki (battered octopus).
Osaka’s annual Festival of Lights also takes place in winter, when many of the city streets and attractions, including Osaka Castle, are brilliantly illuminated against the dark winter sky.
Best time to visit Osaka: the winning month
Late April is probably is my personal recommendation for putting together your 2-day Osaka travel itinerary. You can still enjoy the cherry blossoms while the crowds are starting to dwindle and the weather is warming up. Plus, you can try to time it with Easter break and take the kids along!
You’ll probably still pay a slight premium to travel at this time of year, which is why September is a great back up month, before the cold winter sets in!
Best hotels to stay at in Osaka during your 2-day itinerary
Omg I did so much research on hotels for this trip!! Like, I spent hours pouring over which hotels were going to be the best (location wise) and value wise. I finally narrowed it down to these 2 hotels that I loved and we ended up choosing to stay at the Centara Grand Hotel (mainly for ease of logistics to/from the airport and to Super Nintendo World).
The other hotel is Cross Hotel which I would also recommend because it seemed like the reviews were fantastic, and it was close to Dotonburi. Another popular thing to do as part of your 2-day Osaka travel itinerary is to spend a night at a unique (and tiny!) capsule hotel, so I’ve included some information about that to help you decide if this unique, but slightly claustrophobic experience is for you.
(It’s definitely not for me but I know people loooove these capsule hotels. Sorry but I need space and a private bathroom because I have to get up like 85,000 times in the middle of the night to pee).
Ps. I think you guys know how I feel already about Hotels.com but if you don’t… head to my step-by-step travel planning guide to learn more about why I exclusively use Safara to book all of my hotels.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
GUYS THIS HOTEL WAS THE NICEST HOTEL WE STAYED IN DURING OUR ENTIRE TRIP!
The 33 stories of the 5-star Centara Grand Hotel tower over the Osaka skyline, and boasts a great location in the heart of the Namba entertainment and shopping district. We stayed here for both nights during our Osaka trip and was particularly wowed by the room itself and the rooftop restaurant and bar, Crudo Deck. There are 9 freakin restaurants and bars in total at the Centara Grand, so you’re spoiled for choice.
Our guest room had floor to ceiling windows to show off the view, as well as modern touches like smart TV and in-room Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a HUGE 24 hour gym, which I needed after eating my bodyweight in sushi, and there’s an onsite spa.
Oh they also have this “pour your own bar” where you pay for a drink ticket and then you get to make your own drink inside. It kind of works on an honor system but it’s a cool way to check out the views of Osaka without having a sit down dinner at Crudo Deck. I’d definitely recommend getting in for sunset if you can.
Rooms here typically start at $185/night.
Cross Hotel Osaka
The 4-star Cross Hotel may be a better option if you’re only in Osaka for a day or two, as it boasts a perfect location in the heart of Dotonbori. Like I said, I really wanted to stay here but my anxiety took over as I pictured us getting on/off the train with all of our shit and lugging it around crowds of people.
Yes I’m well traveled but ya girl gets major anxiety at times so we decided it was best to book something more convenient to reduce the risk of an unnecessary fight with my fiance.
Staying at the Cross Hotel means you are just steps away from my favorite part of the whole city. Rooms are cozy if not spectacular, with comfortable beds, modern furnishings and flat screen TV, as well as a kettle and complimentary toiletries. You’re paying for location here, and it’s worth noting that you can ask for a room away from the street if you’re a light sleeper – Dotonbori tends to be loud well into the early hours!
Rooms here typically start at $149/night.
Ninja & Geisha
Capsule hotels are a throwback to the 1980s, and are not the same as pod-style dormitories in modern hostels. A true capsule hotel has no headroom, floorspace or door. It’s a literal capsule, which to me just feels like you’re like.. trapped in a coffin or something but that’s just me.
Again, this isn’t my usual style but I always want my blog to be informative to the majority of readers and then you can ultimately decide what you think is best.
You won’t want to spend more than one night in an Osaka capsule hotel but it’s a really fun and unique experience to book in for a night. They only cost a few dollars and Ninja & Geisha seems to be the best pick of the bunch.
It’s slightly more modern than the truly original capsule hotels, with charging ports, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, but in my opinion it still qualifies. And who wants to go without power and internet these days! Located just across the road from Awaji Station, if you want to give a capsule hotel in Osaka a go, this is the one I’d go for.
“Rooms” (if you can call it that) here typically start at $33/night.
Getting Around Osaka in 2 Days
If Japan’s got one thing nailed, it’s public transport. I was blown away by the public transit system in Tokyo, and it’s no different in Osaka, although obviously quite a bit smaller.
The easiest way to get around the city is by metro. Nine color-coded lines connect the residential parts of the city with major attractions including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan. You can buy an ICOCA prepaid card in advance to navigate the metro, which saves you having to mess around with daily tickets – this works on the city’s buses and trains too.
We chose our hotel (Centara Grand) specifically for its easy access to/from the airport, train station (we came from Kyoto), and access to Universal Studios. For everything else, we basically just walked to/from Dotonburi and Namba.
Although it’s Japan’s second largest city, cycling is a good option for getting around Osaka, with a growing network of cycle paths and bike rental services, including Hello Cycling (it works in a similar way to Lime in the US). This can be a great way to explore Osaka on a nice day, especially the city’s parks and areas along the Yodogawa River.
There are two Osaka airports, meaning it is easy to fly into the city from internationally or elsewhere in Japan. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international airport, whilst Itami Airport serves domestic routes. Both are well served by public transport, and not far from the city center.
Ps. If you have status with United Airlines, it’s 10x easier to get upgraded to KIX from the bay area than it is to Tokyo (HND or NRT) because the route tends to be less busy. But you didn’t hear it from me 🤫
Getting to Osaka From Tokyo
So we actually took the train from Kyoto to Osaka station and transferred to Namba (super easy), but a lot of people who visit Osaka, do so directly from Tokyo. You can either fly into Itami International Airport as I mentioned above, or you can take the train (most common option).
The Hikari and Kodama trains run on Japan’s Tokaido Shinkansen Line, and can get you from Tokyo to Osaka in just 3-4 hours. You can book these trips using the popular Japan Rail Pass too. This allows you to travel on an unlimited number of trains around Japan for a set price, and includes the majority of the country’s bullet train services.
I would only recommend the JR pass if you’re traveling to a bunch of other different places besides Tokyo or Kyoto. You definitely want to map out the prices to see if it actually makes sense to buy. I know of a lot of people who bought the pass thinking they’d save more money but in reality, they actually spent more because they didn’t get the full value of it and/or some of the trains weren’t actually included in their routes.
So basically, if you’re only going between Tokyo –> Kyoto –> Osaka and vise versa, you DO NOT need the JR pass.
Best places to visit and things to see in Osaka, Japan
These are some of my favorite experiences and places to visit in Osaka. Osaka Castle is a must and Super Nintendo World gave me a healthy dose of nostalgia, I definitely recommend this one. You might not be able to fit all of these in with a 2 days Osaka itinerary, but you can certainly tick off a few of them!
Super Nintendo World
Okay sorry I had to put this one first because this was such a hi-light for us. I know Universal Studios also exists in LA but like, you’re literally in the country that Nintendo was created in. How freakin cool???
Nintendo is one of Japan’s greatest success stories and exports, with the video game company renowned around the world. One of the company’s most successful franchises is the world of Mario, the cheerful Italian plumber and an ensemble cast including his brother Luigi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Wario and Bowser. At Super Nintendo World, part of Universal Studios Japan, you can dive headfirst into this world for yourself.
PRO TIP: BUY TICKETS ON KLOOK IN ADVANCE SO YOU’RE GUARANTEED ENTRY INTO SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. SNW is still extremely popular and so they’re limiting the number of people into the area itself. Buying a ticket to Universal Studios Japan DOES NOT automatically get you access into SNW. You’ll want to either get to the park super early (we didn’t feel like doing this tbh) so we bought a ticket on Klook that guarantees entry.
Ps. I swear this isn’t a ploy for you to click my affiliate link (although I’d appreciate if you did ofc) but it’s really just a warning to tell you to make sure you get a timed entry ticket. I saw so many people (and sadly, kids) get turned away at SNW because they were completely full and sold out of timed entry tickets for the day. It was heartbreaking. So if the only reason you’re going to Universal Studios is to visit SNW (like us), then make sure you figure out a way to get the timed entry ticket — whether it’s getting there right when they open or buying in advance.
The theme park is home to all manner of incredible rides and attractions. Most famous is probably the interactive MarioKart experience, which allows you to take part in an incredible immersive racing experience, complete with banana skins and shells.
Later this year, there are actually plans to open a Donkey Kong Country, a whole new section of the park. For fans of Mario, both young and old, Super Nintendo World is one of the best places to visit in Osaka.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most impressive of Japan’s castles and a visit here is one of the best things to do in Osaka. A little secret though, today’s structure is actually relatively recent, dating to the 1930s.
This is because the original castle was destroyed during war, and even the replacement didn’t last, as it was struck by lightning in 1665. A new museum is actually opening next to the castle in 2025, which will display some of the surviving stone walls of the original castle – another good reason to visit on your upcoming trip!
Despite the fact that Osaka Castle isn’t a genuinely authentic feudal-era castle, it is definitely worth a visit, purely for those Insta shots and to see the beautiful cherry blossom trees surrounding the castle in the Nishinomaru Garden, especially during spring. The green space surrounding the castle are a popular hangout spot too, perfect for a picnic or enjoying some summer sunshine.
Dotonbori
Osaka’s Dotonbori district is one of the liveliest parts of the city, popular with locals and visiting tourists. If you’re after a fun night out, then this is the place to start, home to Osaka’s best bars and clubs, tucked away along the neon-lit streets.
Dotonbori is also Osaka’s main shopping street and street food hub, with ramen stands and other vendors scattered around the area. This is perfect if you’re staggering out of a bar in the early hours, or if you’re simply after an authentic (and cheap) dinner.
Mouthwatering smells fill the streets, and if visiting Dotonbori at the weekend then the party atmosphere lasts long into the night. Make sure to take a photo with “Glico Man”, a neon sign of a runner which was installed back in 1935 and is now THE symbol of Osaka amongst the Japanese.
Shopping at Don Quijote
You might think I’ve gone bananas including a visit to a discount shop on my list of things to do in Osaka, but bear with me. I bought SO much stuff from Don Quijote and could have stayed in the store for hours.
In case you’re not familiar, Don Quijote is a popular Japanese brand, with shops all over the country. It’s a discount store selling everything from electronics to clothes, electronics, and more. Basically, if you arrive in Japan and you forgot literally anything, you’ll find it here. If you’re looking for more shopping, make sure to also hit up Den Den Town (Nipponbashi) for all things anime, manga, and tech.
It’s also become super popular on social media so there are people dedicated to vlogging about what products to buy and stuff at Don Quijote. Not surprising but K-beauty products tend to sell out fast.
Don Quijote = think Walmart but so so so much cheaper. Make up and beauty products in particular are such good value here, so I recommend you stock up! The Osaka branch of Don Quijote is huge, visited by around 20,000 foreigners every day according to Osaka Tourism.
It’s open 24 hours too, which can be especially handy if you’ve just arrived in Japan at an ungodly hour.
Shiteno-ji Temple
Whilst Osaka Castle can be considered something of a fraud (as impressive as it is!), Shiteno-ji Temple is truly authentic, one of the oldest temples in all of Japan and a must for your Osaka travel itinerary.
Built in the 6th century, this Buddhist temple has endured fires and earthquakes and continues today with its original purpose – to promote Buddhism across Japan. Although parts of it have been renovated and rebuilt a few times, the original design has always been kept, and what you see today closely resembles the originally temple from more than 1,400 years ago!
It’s free to enter the temple grounds, with a small fee to explore the pretty and peaceful Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the Treasure House, home to historic paintings and other artefacts.
TeamLAB Botanical Garden
One of my favorite places to visit in Osaka, the open-air teamLAB Botanical Garden is home to an incredible array of plants, a beautiful central lake and immersive lights, sculptures and art installations that make the early evening a great time to visit.
It’s a great place to spot wildlife including Northern goshawks, and wonderfully fuses together nature and the manmade. It’s a little way out of central Osaka, but if you have the time during an evening, I highly recommend it.
Cup o Noodle Museum
If you’re an American – then I’m confident you’ve eaten at least one of these in your life.
This one is a bit out there but it genuinely was one of my favorite things to do in Osaka. A museum based around noodles in Japan’s food capital, what more could you want!
Noodles are the way of life in Japan, and travelers to Osaka can find out more about the country’s most important food at Osaka’s noodle museum. Discover how to make the perfect ramen, create your own original packaging and learn about how ramen and other noodle dishes were first invented in Japan. There is even an interactive theater, shaped like a cup of noodles, as well as more than 800 unique noodle products on display.
This was one of the last things we did before our flight home in the afternoon so it’s totally possible to make a quick trip even on the day of your departure. We had so much fun making our own ramen and packaging it up to take home. Each ramen cup costs 1000 Yen and you get to draw your own design on it.
Yes I know, my fiance and I aren’t necessarily artists.
After that you get in line to pick a soup base flavor (I chose original chicken) and add your dehydrated ingredients. Since we were flying back home, we couldn’t pick anything with meat products so just kept it simple with corn, peas, and kimchi. Then you get to package it up into a protective bag and bring it home!
The museum also sells a range of limited souvenirs that aren’t available anywhere else, making it the perfect place to stock up on gifts for those back home.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Osaka’s take on the London Eye offers one of the best views of the city, and is located in the Tempozan harbor Village. At 112 meters, it is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world, and a full loop takes just under 20 minutes.
From the top of the Osaka Ferris wheel, you will be able to spot Osaka Bay, the modern Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge, Mount Ikoma and the Rokko Mountains, an incredible panorama on a clear day. The wheel is located right next to Osaka Aquarium, meaning the two can easily be combined.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
For another look at Osaka’s food scene, head to Kuromon Market, known as “Osaka’s Kitchen”. This covered public market houses around 150 shops and stalls, each offering fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and street snacks.
The market dates back to the Edo period and is a pleasant place to stroll around. This is especially true since many of the stalls don’t make you buy large, meal-size portions. It’s possible to purchase small portions at lots of different stalls, meaning you can taste all sorts of fresh and local produce, from crab legs to oysters, sea urchin and you guessed it — more Takoyaki 🐙
Namba Yasaka Shrine
This lesser-known shrine is easily reached from the Namba district (which is where we were staying). It is famous for its massive lion-head stage, believed to bring good fortune.
The lion swallows evil spirits around visitors, leaving only good luck behind. Surrounded by cherry blossom trees, it’s quite a sight during the spring. Much of the original architecture around the shrine has been lost, so what you see today is mostly post-Second World War reconstruction, but it is impressive nonetheless.
Umeda Sky Building
This is like Osaka’s version of Shibuya Sky or Tokyo skytree. Who doesn’t love a tall building at night overlooking any city? If you don’t then you probably won’t like anything else on my blog haha.
The Umeda Sky Building, a striking architectural marvel in Osaka, Japan, offers unparalleled views of the city. Its twin towers, connected by a breathtaking “Floating Garden” observatory, provide a really unique perspective on Osaka’s cityscape below.
You can take a walk on the open-air observatory and feel like you’re floating in the sky or explore Takimi Koji, a nostalgic alleyway reminiscent of the Taisho period.
Make sure you buy tickets in advance as Umeda Sky always freakin sells out, especially around sunset. (I love Japan but man, I can’t wait til the tourism dies down just a bit)
Best Day Trips From Osaka
If you’re only staying in Osaka for 2 days, then you probably don’t have time to venture out of the city but you never know! Some people like to rush their itinerary (I definitely do if I’m traveling alone).
However, Osaka’s central location on Honshu does make it an attractive base for day trips, including to Nara and Hiroshima. If you’ve run out of stuff to do in Osaka, then consider one of these day trips to take in somewhere new.
Nara Day Trip from Osaka
Just a 45-minute train ride from Osaka, Nara makes for the perfect escape from the city, if you have the time. Nara Park is the highlight here, and in particular, the 1,000 almost-tame deer which will come right up to you to say hello.
*Almost-tame being the key word here. You still want to be careful as I’ve seen these deer headbutt children accidentally. While they’re generally tame, they’re still animals so just be cautious.
Vending machines provide food with which you can feed the deer, and the animals even bow to say thank you before eating. Other things to see in Nara include Todai-ji Temple, which is home to one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. There’s also the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Isuien Garden, home to pretty tea houses and ponds.
A Nara day trip from Osaka probably isn’t worth it if you’re only in the area for a day or two, but it really is a lovely part of Japan if you find yourself at a loose end.
Hiroshima Day Trip from Osaka
If you’re not planning to head further south on your Japan trip, then taking a day to visit Hiroshima may be something you wish to consider. I’m a huge WWII fan and was pretty bummed we didn’t have time to do this so I’d love to go back at some point.
The city has its place in world history due to the atomic bomb, dropped by the USA during the Second World War. If you make the 2-hour trip by bullet train, you can visit the Hiroshima Peace Park Memorial and see the UNESCO-listed A-Bomb Dome, which survived the atomic explosion.
If you leave Osaka early and plan your trip well, you should even have time to take the ferry to Miyajima Island, a peaceful spot known for its Itsukushima Shrine and the red Torii gate, which appears to float on the water.
Best Restaurants in Osaka
If you read my blog often, then you know what a huge foodie I am. I’m always looking for the best places to eat in every new city I visit. We didn’t have a ton of time in Osaka (literally 2 days) but I wanted to share the best restaurants that we ate in.
Mita Seimenjo
My takeaway from Osaka is that Mita Seimenjo is one of the best places to eat in Osaka. Stripped back wooden décor and dim lighting masks the absolutely sensational dipping noodles, known locally as tsukemen, that I enjoyed here.
The noodles are made fresh onsite and served with the most flavorsome broths I’ve ever eaten. The rice is fluffy and the gyozas were some of the best I’ve ever eaten.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so just walk straight in – it’s located just a couple of minutes from the Cross Hotel, in Dotonbori. Try not to fill up on street food on your way over!
Sushiro Namba Amza Store
I rarely eat at the same place twice on vacation but holy shit this place was so good. Like, such fresh sushi and the best bang for your buck. It’s also a true conveyor belt sushi restaurant so you order everything from an ipad and then the chefs send it on the conveyor belt directly to your seat.
We seriously loved this place so much that we went back twice in 24 hours. We managed to cram it in after the cup o noodle museum, before we had to head to the airport.
I’m still dreaming about my $1 USD fish roe sushi and the chicken karage.
You seriously have to check out Sushiro Namba Amza Store when you’re in Osaka. It’s very close to Mita Seimenjo, so you can try both of these incredible restaurants during a day or evening spent in Dotonbori.
Izakayas in Osaka
As well as the best Osaka restaurants, I also want to mention Izakayas. These mini bars are so ingrained in the local culture in Osaka, and it’s so different to anything I’ve experienced before.
An Izakaya is a tiny (and I mean tiny, fewer than 10 seats at most), casual bar that serves alcoholic drinks (sake is a must) and snacks. They are popular with the Japanese for after work drinks, in much the same way as a normal bar, but on a much smaller and independent scale.
I really recommend that you find an hour during your time in Osaka to pop into an Izakaya for a drink, just to experience it.
2-day itinerary for Osaka, Japan: Final Thoughts
I feel like Osaka doesn’t get nearly as much clout as Tokyo or Kyoto but I think it’s a pretty cool destination to visit. While it doesn’t have the history of Kyoto or the sheer size and energy of the Japanese capital, I found Osaka to be an incredibly interesting and welcoming city.
The food, and in particular Dotonbori, is special, and there is plenty to see and do in order to keep your busy for a couple of days. I think a 2 days Osaka itinerary is the perfect length of time to explore Japan’s second city. Any longer and you may run out of things to do, but 1 day isn’t really enough to get a proper feel for the city. I hope this article is useful for you when planning your own Osaka trip, this year and beyond!
Visiting other places in Japan?
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Super Nintendo World? Freshly-made Takoyaki (octopus) balls? The OG running man? YES! Osaka is the place to be for all of these things! Lots of travelers tend to skip Osaka during their Japan itinerary but I’m here to tell you that there’s SO MUCH to explore in 2 days in Osaka, Japan! 🇯🇵
One of the biggest draws for Osaka is the city’s food scene, with incredible sushi restaurants and mouthwatering Osaka street food on offer in Japan’s foodie capital. There’s also Osaka Castle Park, which I think is one of the most impressive of all of Japan’s castles and well worth a visit. (I know, there’s a LOT of castles in Japan already but this one and Namba Yasaka shrine are pretty cool).
You don’t need to spend ages in the city, a night or two is perfectly long enough to see the main sights and enjoy some delicious food. Osaka is also a good base for exploring nearby Nara, and it’s even possible to visit Hiroshima from Osaka in a day, if you’re short on time.
To help you plan your own Osaka trip, here’s what I recommend for exploring Osaka in 2 days. This 2-day Osaka itinerary has a great mix of cultural, historic and modern sites for you to choose from, as well as my own personal recommendations for Osaka city restaurants and for the best hotels in Osaka. Read on to plan your own Osaka 2 day itinerary!
Ps. I’ve also put together a sample 2-day itinerary at the bottom which has been personally vetted, tested, and approved by yours truly.
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links however, this has no impact on the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Best Time to Visit Osaka
🌸 You can visit Osaka all year-round, but there are perks to visiting in each season. From the pretty spring cherry blossom to the smaller crowds of winter, this is when to go to Osaka for your trip.
Visiting Osaka during spring/summer
Spring is the high season across Japan, as well as places like Seoul in South Korea. Which is actually pretty cool because usually spring is still the low season around the world.
This is because from March to April, the country’s cherry blossom trees burst into life. Parks and gardens are decorated in bright pink flowers, which are planted across Osaka and other cities in Japan. Osaka Castle, in particular, is beautiful at this time of year, while the temperatures are perfect for sightseeing too. It can still be a bit chilly, but temperatures generally range from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F) in spring.
If it’s your first time visiting Japan, then this is absolutely the time to go! It will be busier and more expensive than at other times of year, but it’s definitely worth it.
Osaka is quieter in summer, as the cherry blossoms fade and temperatures climb to around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This can make it too hot for sightseeing, and I know I’d rather be sitting by a swimming pool in this weather than exploring castles and Osaka street food markets.
June tends to be quite rainy too, though usually things get better by the end of the summer. If you’re looking to visit indoor attractions like Osaka Aquarium then summer is fine for a visit, and the famous Tenjin Matsuri festival also takes place every year at the end of July.
But generally, if you can avoid traveling to Japan in summer, I would. Honestly, I try to avoid all of Asia during summer because the humidity and me are enemies. Sorry but who likes taking 15 showers a day while on vacation?
Visiting Osaka during fall/winter
You guys know I’m an autumn / shoulder season girlie so I highly recommend visiting in the fall/winter if your schedule allows. In the fall, you’ll get to see Osaka (and much of the rest of Japan) turn a beautiful red and golden brown.
Fiery fall colors can be seen across the city, in the grounds of Osaka Castle, in Minoo Park and in Nara Park, in the nearby town of Nara, known for its “almost-tame” deer (more on this later. spoiler alert – they are not tame)
Personally, I think September-November are a great time visit Osaka especially if you can’t afford to visit during cherry blossom season, or prefer to travel at a quieter time of year. Temperatures are still quite warm, at around 20°C (68°F) in September, but they will get colder as the season goes on.
We visited during Thanksgiving and the temperature was chilly, but totally bearable.
If you can deal with chilly temperatures only a few degrees above freezing, then winter can be a good time of year to visit Osaka for fewer crowds and lower prices. Snowfall is rare but the colder weather makes Osaka’s food scene even more tempting, especially hearty dishes like hot pot and hot snacks like Takoyaki (battered octopus).
Osaka’s annual Festival of Lights also takes place in winter, when many of the city streets and attractions, including Osaka Castle, are brilliantly illuminated against the dark winter sky.
Best time to visit Osaka: the winning month
Late April is probably is my personal recommendation for putting together your 2-day Osaka travel itinerary. You can still enjoy the cherry blossoms while the crowds are starting to dwindle and the weather is warming up. Plus, you can try to time it with Easter break and take the kids along!
You’ll probably still pay a slight premium to travel at this time of year, which is why September is a great back up month, before the cold winter sets in!
Best hotels to stay at in Osaka during your 2-day itinerary
Omg I did so much research on hotels for this trip!! Like, I spent hours pouring over which hotels were going to be the best (location wise) and value wise. I finally narrowed it down to these 2 hotels that I loved and we ended up choosing to stay at the Centara Grand Hotel (mainly for ease of logistics to/from the airport and to Super Nintendo World).
The other hotel is Cross Hotel which I would also recommend because it seemed like the reviews were fantastic, and it was close to Dotonburi. Another popular thing to do as part of your 2-day Osaka travel itinerary is to spend a night at a unique (and tiny!) capsule hotel, so I’ve included some information about that to help you decide if this unique, but slightly claustrophobic experience is for you.
(It’s definitely not for me but I know people loooove these capsule hotels. Sorry but I need space and a private bathroom because I have to get up like 85,000 times in the middle of the night to pee).
Ps. I think you guys know how I feel already about Hotels.com but if you don’t… head to my step-by-step travel planning guide to learn more about why I exclusively use Safara to book all of my hotels.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
GUYS THIS HOTEL WAS THE NICEST HOTEL WE STAYED IN DURING OUR ENTIRE TRIP!
The 33 stories of the 5-star Centara Grand Hotel tower over the Osaka skyline, and boasts a great location in the heart of the Namba entertainment and shopping district. We stayed here for both nights during our Osaka trip and was particularly wowed by the room itself and the rooftop restaurant and bar, Crudo Deck. There are 9 freakin restaurants and bars in total at the Centara Grand, so you’re spoiled for choice.
Our guest room had floor to ceiling windows to show off the view, as well as modern touches like smart TV and in-room Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a HUGE 24 hour gym, which I needed after eating my bodyweight in sushi, and there’s an onsite spa.
Oh they also have this “pour your own bar” where you pay for a drink ticket and then you get to make your own drink inside. It kind of works on an honor system but it’s a cool way to check out the views of Osaka without having a sit down dinner at Crudo Deck. I’d definitely recommend getting in for sunset if you can.
Rooms here typically start at $185/night.
Cross Hotel Osaka
The 4-star Cross Hotel may be a better option if you’re only in Osaka for a day or two, as it boasts a perfect location in the heart of Dotonbori. Like I said, I really wanted to stay here but my anxiety took over as I pictured us getting on/off the train with all of our shit and lugging it around crowds of people.
Yes I’m well traveled but ya girl gets major anxiety at times so we decided it was best to book something more convenient to reduce the risk of an unnecessary fight with my fiance.
Staying at the Cross Hotel means you are just steps away from my favorite part of the whole city. Rooms are cozy if not spectacular, with comfortable beds, modern furnishings and flat screen TV, as well as a kettle and complimentary toiletries. You’re paying for location here, and it’s worth noting that you can ask for a room away from the street if you’re a light sleeper – Dotonbori tends to be loud well into the early hours!
Rooms here typically start at $149/night.
Ninja & Geisha
Capsule hotels are a throwback to the 1980s, and are not the same as pod-style dormitories in modern hostels. A true capsule hotel has no headroom, floorspace or door. It’s a literal capsule, which to me just feels like you’re like.. trapped in a coffin or something but that’s just me.
Again, this isn’t my usual style but I always want my blog to be informative to the majority of readers and then you can ultimately decide what you think is best.
You won’t want to spend more than one night in an Osaka capsule hotel but it’s a really fun and unique experience to book in for a night. They only cost a few dollars and Ninja & Geisha seems to be the best pick of the bunch.
It’s slightly more modern than the truly original capsule hotels, with charging ports, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning, but in my opinion it still qualifies. And who wants to go without power and internet these days! Located just across the road from Awaji Station, if you want to give a capsule hotel in Osaka a go, this is the one I’d go for.
“Rooms” (if you can call it that) here typically start at $33/night.
Getting Around Osaka in 2 Days
If Japan’s got one thing nailed, it’s public transport. I was blown away by the public transit system in Tokyo, and it’s no different in Osaka, although obviously quite a bit smaller.
The easiest way to get around the city is by metro. Nine color-coded lines connect the residential parts of the city with major attractions including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan. You can buy an ICOCA prepaid card in advance to navigate the metro, which saves you having to mess around with daily tickets – this works on the city’s buses and trains too.
We chose our hotel (Centara Grand) specifically for its easy access to/from the airport, train station (we came from Kyoto), and access to Universal Studios. For everything else, we basically just walked to/from Dotonburi and Namba.
Although it’s Japan’s second largest city, cycling is a good option for getting around Osaka, with a growing network of cycle paths and bike rental services, including Hello Cycling (it works in a similar way to Lime in the US). This can be a great way to explore Osaka on a nice day, especially the city’s parks and areas along the Yodogawa River.
There are two Osaka airports, meaning it is easy to fly into the city from internationally or elsewhere in Japan. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international airport, whilst Itami Airport serves domestic routes. Both are well served by public transport, and not far from the city center.
Ps. If you have status with United Airlines, it’s 10x easier to get upgraded to KIX from the bay area than it is to Tokyo (HND or NRT) because the route tends to be less busy. But you didn’t hear it from me 🤫
Getting to Osaka From Tokyo
So we actually took the train from Kyoto to Osaka station and transferred to Namba (super easy), but a lot of people who visit Osaka, do so directly from Tokyo. You can either fly into Itami International Airport as I mentioned above, or you can take the train (most common option).
The Hikari and Kodama trains run on Japan’s Tokaido Shinkansen Line, and can get you from Tokyo to Osaka in just 3-4 hours. You can book these trips using the popular Japan Rail Pass too. This allows you to travel on an unlimited number of trains around Japan for a set price, and includes the majority of the country’s bullet train services.
I would only recommend the JR pass if you’re traveling to a bunch of other different places besides Tokyo or Kyoto. You definitely want to map out the prices to see if it actually makes sense to buy. I know of a lot of people who bought the pass thinking they’d save more money but in reality, they actually spent more because they didn’t get the full value of it and/or some of the trains weren’t actually included in their routes.
So basically, if you’re only going between Tokyo –> Kyoto –> Osaka and vise versa, you DO NOT need the JR pass.
Best places to visit and things to see in Osaka, Japan
These are some of my favorite experiences and places to visit in Osaka. Osaka Castle is a must and Super Nintendo World gave me a healthy dose of nostalgia, I definitely recommend this one. You might not be able to fit all of these in with a 2 days Osaka itinerary, but you can certainly tick off a few of them!
Super Nintendo World
Okay sorry I had to put this one first because this was such a hi-light for us. I know Universal Studios also exists in LA but like, you’re literally in the country that Nintendo was created in. How freakin cool???
Nintendo is one of Japan’s greatest success stories and exports, with the video game company renowned around the world. One of the company’s most successful franchises is the world of Mario, the cheerful Italian plumber and an ensemble cast including his brother Luigi, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Wario and Bowser. At Super Nintendo World, part of Universal Studios Japan, you can dive headfirst into this world for yourself.
PRO TIP: BUY TICKETS ON KLOOK IN ADVANCE SO YOU’RE GUARANTEED ENTRY INTO SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. SNW is still extremely popular and so they’re limiting the number of people into the area itself. Buying a ticket to Universal Studios Japan DOES NOT automatically get you access into SNW. You’ll want to either get to the park super early (we didn’t feel like doing this tbh) so we bought a ticket on Klook that guarantees entry.
Ps. I swear this isn’t a ploy for you to click my affiliate link (although I’d appreciate if you did ofc) but it’s really just a warning to tell you to make sure you get a timed entry ticket. I saw so many people (and sadly, kids) get turned away at SNW because they were completely full and sold out of timed entry tickets for the day. It was heartbreaking. So if the only reason you’re going to Universal Studios is to visit SNW (like us), then make sure you figure out a way to get the timed entry ticket — whether it’s getting there right when they open or buying in advance.
The theme park is home to all manner of incredible rides and attractions. Most famous is probably the interactive MarioKart experience, which allows you to take part in an incredible immersive racing experience, complete with banana skins and shells.
Later this year, there are actually plans to open a Donkey Kong Country, a whole new section of the park. For fans of Mario, both young and old, Super Nintendo World is one of the best places to visit in Osaka.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most impressive of Japan’s castles and a visit here is one of the best things to do in Osaka. A little secret though, today’s structure is actually relatively recent, dating to the 1930s.
This is because the original castle was destroyed during war, and even the replacement didn’t last, as it was struck by lightning in 1665. A new museum is actually opening next to the castle in 2025, which will display some of the surviving stone walls of the original castle – another good reason to visit on your upcoming trip!
Despite the fact that Osaka Castle isn’t a genuinely authentic feudal-era castle, it is definitely worth a visit, purely for those Insta shots and to see the beautiful cherry blossom trees surrounding the castle in the Nishinomaru Garden, especially during spring. The green space surrounding the castle are a popular hangout spot too, perfect for a picnic or enjoying some summer sunshine.
Dotonbori
Osaka’s Dotonbori district is one of the liveliest parts of the city, popular with locals and visiting tourists. If you’re after a fun night out, then this is the place to start, home to Osaka’s best bars and clubs, tucked away along the neon-lit streets.
Dotonbori is also Osaka’s main shopping street and street food hub, with ramen stands and other vendors scattered around the area. This is perfect if you’re staggering out of a bar in the early hours, or if you’re simply after an authentic (and cheap) dinner.
Mouthwatering smells fill the streets, and if visiting Dotonbori at the weekend then the party atmosphere lasts long into the night. Make sure to take a photo with “Glico Man”, a neon sign of a runner which was installed back in 1935 and is now THE symbol of Osaka amongst the Japanese.
Shopping at Don Quijote
You might think I’ve gone bananas including a visit to a discount shop on my list of things to do in Osaka, but bear with me. I bought SO much stuff from Don Quijote and could have stayed in the store for hours.
In case you’re not familiar, Don Quijote is a popular Japanese brand, with shops all over the country. It’s a discount store selling everything from electronics to clothes, electronics, and more. Basically, if you arrive in Japan and you forgot literally anything, you’ll find it here. If you’re looking for more shopping, make sure to also hit up Den Den Town (Nipponbashi) for all things anime, manga, and tech.
It’s also become super popular on social media so there are people dedicated to vlogging about what products to buy and stuff at Don Quijote. Not surprising but K-beauty products tend to sell out fast.
Don Quijote = think Walmart but so so so much cheaper. Make up and beauty products in particular are such good value here, so I recommend you stock up! The Osaka branch of Don Quijote is huge, visited by around 20,000 foreigners every day according to Osaka Tourism.
It’s open 24 hours too, which can be especially handy if you’ve just arrived in Japan at an ungodly hour.
Shiteno-ji Temple
Whilst Osaka Castle can be considered something of a fraud (as impressive as it is!), Shiteno-ji Temple is truly authentic, one of the oldest temples in all of Japan and a must for your Osaka travel itinerary.
Built in the 6th century, this Buddhist temple has endured fires and earthquakes and continues today with its original purpose – to promote Buddhism across Japan. Although parts of it have been renovated and rebuilt a few times, the original design has always been kept, and what you see today closely resembles the originally temple from more than 1,400 years ago!
It’s free to enter the temple grounds, with a small fee to explore the pretty and peaceful Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the Treasure House, home to historic paintings and other artefacts.
TeamLAB Botanical Garden
One of my favorite places to visit in Osaka, the open-air teamLAB Botanical Garden is home to an incredible array of plants, a beautiful central lake and immersive lights, sculptures and art installations that make the early evening a great time to visit.
It’s a great place to spot wildlife including Northern goshawks, and wonderfully fuses together nature and the manmade. It’s a little way out of central Osaka, but if you have the time during an evening, I highly recommend it.
Cup o Noodle Museum
If you’re an American – then I’m confident you’ve eaten at least one of these in your life.
This one is a bit out there but it genuinely was one of my favorite things to do in Osaka. A museum based around noodles in Japan’s food capital, what more could you want!
Noodles are the way of life in Japan, and travelers to Osaka can find out more about the country’s most important food at Osaka’s noodle museum. Discover how to make the perfect ramen, create your own original packaging and learn about how ramen and other noodle dishes were first invented in Japan. There is even an interactive theater, shaped like a cup of noodles, as well as more than 800 unique noodle products on display.
This was one of the last things we did before our flight home in the afternoon so it’s totally possible to make a quick trip even on the day of your departure. We had so much fun making our own ramen and packaging it up to take home. Each ramen cup costs 1000 Yen and you get to draw your own design on it.
Yes I know, my fiance and I aren’t necessarily artists.
After that you get in line to pick a soup base flavor (I chose original chicken) and add your dehydrated ingredients. Since we were flying back home, we couldn’t pick anything with meat products so just kept it simple with corn, peas, and kimchi. Then you get to package it up into a protective bag and bring it home!
The museum also sells a range of limited souvenirs that aren’t available anywhere else, making it the perfect place to stock up on gifts for those back home.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Osaka’s take on the London Eye offers one of the best views of the city, and is located in the Tempozan harbor Village. At 112 meters, it is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world, and a full loop takes just under 20 minutes.
From the top of the Osaka Ferris wheel, you will be able to spot Osaka Bay, the modern Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge, Mount Ikoma and the Rokko Mountains, an incredible panorama on a clear day. The wheel is located right next to Osaka Aquarium, meaning the two can easily be combined.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
For another look at Osaka’s food scene, head to Kuromon Market, known as “Osaka’s Kitchen”. This covered public market houses around 150 shops and stalls, each offering fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and street snacks.
The market dates back to the Edo period and is a pleasant place to stroll around. This is especially true since many of the stalls don’t make you buy large, meal-size portions. It’s possible to purchase small portions at lots of different stalls, meaning you can taste all sorts of fresh and local produce, from crab legs to oysters, sea urchin and you guessed it — more Takoyaki 🐙
Namba Yasaka Shrine
This lesser-known shrine is easily reached from the Namba district (which is where we were staying). It is famous for its massive lion-head stage, believed to bring good fortune.
The lion swallows evil spirits around visitors, leaving only good luck behind. Surrounded by cherry blossom trees, it’s quite a sight during the spring. Much of the original architecture around the shrine has been lost, so what you see today is mostly post-Second World War reconstruction, but it is impressive nonetheless.
Umeda Sky Building
This is like Osaka’s version of Shibuya Sky or Tokyo skytree. Who doesn’t love a tall building at night overlooking any city? If you don’t then you probably won’t like anything else on my blog haha.
The Umeda Sky Building, a striking architectural marvel in Osaka, Japan, offers unparalleled views of the city. Its twin towers, connected by a breathtaking “Floating Garden” observatory, provide a really unique perspective on Osaka’s cityscape below.
You can take a walk on the open-air observatory and feel like you’re floating in the sky or explore Takimi Koji, a nostalgic alleyway reminiscent of the Taisho period.
Make sure you buy tickets in advance as Umeda Sky always freakin sells out, especially around sunset. (I love Japan but man, I can’t wait til the tourism dies down just a bit)
Best Day Trips From Osaka
If you’re only staying in Osaka for 2 days, then you probably don’t have time to venture out of the city but you never know! Some people like to rush their itinerary (I definitely do if I’m traveling alone).
However, Osaka’s central location on Honshu does make it an attractive base for day trips, including to Nara and Hiroshima. If you’ve run out of stuff to do in Osaka, then consider one of these day trips to take in somewhere new.
Nara Day Trip from Osaka
Just a 45-minute train ride from Osaka, Nara makes for the perfect escape from the city, if you have the time. Nara Park is the highlight here, and in particular, the 1,000 almost-tame deer which will come right up to you to say hello.
*Almost-tame being the key word here. You still want to be careful as I’ve seen these deer headbutt children accidentally. While they’re generally tame, they’re still animals so just be cautious.
Vending machines provide food with which you can feed the deer, and the animals even bow to say thank you before eating. Other things to see in Nara include Todai-ji Temple, which is home to one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. There’s also the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Isuien Garden, home to pretty tea houses and ponds.
A Nara day trip from Osaka probably isn’t worth it if you’re only in the area for a day or two, but it really is a lovely part of Japan if you find yourself at a loose end.
Hiroshima Day Trip from Osaka
If you’re not planning to head further south on your Japan trip, then taking a day to visit Hiroshima may be something you wish to consider. I’m a huge WWII fan and was pretty bummed we didn’t have time to do this so I’d love to go back at some point.
The city has its place in world history due to the atomic bomb, dropped by the USA during the Second World War. If you make the 2-hour trip by bullet train, you can visit the Hiroshima Peace Park Memorial and see the UNESCO-listed A-Bomb Dome, which survived the atomic explosion.
If you leave Osaka early and plan your trip well, you should even have time to take the ferry to Miyajima Island, a peaceful spot known for its Itsukushima Shrine and the red Torii gate, which appears to float on the water.
Best Restaurants in Osaka
If you read my blog often, then you know what a huge foodie I am. I’m always looking for the best places to eat in every new city I visit. We didn’t have a ton of time in Osaka (literally 2 days) but I wanted to share the best restaurants that we ate in.
Mita Seimenjo
My takeaway from Osaka is that Mita Seimenjo is one of the best places to eat in Osaka. Stripped back wooden décor and dim lighting masks the absolutely sensational dipping noodles, known locally as tsukemen, that I enjoyed here.
The noodles are made fresh onsite and served with the most flavorsome broths I’ve ever eaten. The rice is fluffy and the gyozas were some of the best I’ve ever eaten.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so just walk straight in – it’s located just a couple of minutes from the Cross Hotel, in Dotonbori. Try not to fill up on street food on your way over!
Sushiro Namba Amza Store
I rarely eat at the same place twice on vacation but holy shit this place was so good. Like, such fresh sushi and the best bang for your buck. It’s also a true conveyor belt sushi restaurant so you order everything from an ipad and then the chefs send it on the conveyor belt directly to your seat.
We seriously loved this place so much that we went back twice in 24 hours. We managed to cram it in after the cup o noodle museum, before we had to head to the airport.
I’m still dreaming about my $1 USD fish roe sushi and the chicken karage.
You seriously have to check out Sushiro Namba Amza Store when you’re in Osaka. It’s very close to Mita Seimenjo, so you can try both of these incredible restaurants during a day or evening spent in Dotonbori.
Izakayas in Osaka
As well as the best Osaka restaurants, I also want to mention Izakayas. These mini bars are so ingrained in the local culture in Osaka, and it’s so different to anything I’ve experienced before.
An Izakaya is a tiny (and I mean tiny, fewer than 10 seats at most), casual bar that serves alcoholic drinks (sake is a must) and snacks. They are popular with the Japanese for after work drinks, in much the same way as a normal bar, but on a much smaller and independent scale.
I really recommend that you find an hour during your time in Osaka to pop into an Izakaya for a drink, just to experience it.
2-day itinerary for Osaka, Japan: Final Thoughts
I feel like Osaka doesn’t get nearly as much clout as Tokyo or Kyoto but I think it’s a pretty cool destination to visit. While it doesn’t have the history of Kyoto or the sheer size and energy of the Japanese capital, I found Osaka to be an incredibly interesting and welcoming city.
The food, and in particular Dotonbori, is special, and there is plenty to see and do in order to keep your busy for a couple of days. I think a 2 days Osaka itinerary is the perfect length of time to explore Japan’s second city. Any longer and you may run out of things to do, but 1 day isn’t really enough to get a proper feel for the city. I hope this article is useful for you when planning your own Osaka trip, this year and beyond!
Visiting other places in Japan?
Check out my other travel guides on Japan here.
Visiting other parts in Asia?
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