7 days in Osaka, Japan: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, offers a vibrant blend of modernity and centuries-old tradition. Famous for its eclectic street food, friendly locals, and captivating attractions, this metropolitan gem lures in travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience. Stroll down the bustling Dōtonbori district, or be mesmerized by the towering Osaka Castle. With a plethora of experiences awaiting at every turn, it’s no wonder this city has stolen the hearts of countless visitors.
Things to Consider Before Arriving to Osaka
Abundance of delicious street food
Efficient public transportation system
Can be crowded during peak seasons
– Ideal for foodies, history enthusiasts, and shopping addicts
What to Bring with You
1. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city
2. A reusable bag for shopping adventures
3. A compact umbrella for unpredictable weather
4. A travel adapter for charging electronic devices
Best Time of the Year to Visit
The best times to visit Osaka are in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasantly mild and the city’s parks beautifully showcase the changing seasons with blooming cherry blossoms or vivid autumn foliage.
How to Get into the City
1. By Plane: Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX), then take the Kansai Airport Line or a bus to reach the city center.
2. By Train: If you’re coming from other cities in Japan, such as Tokyo or Kyoto, take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka Station.
3. By Bus: Osaka can also be reached by long-distance bus services from various cities around the country, with major hubs being Osaka Station and Namba Station.
7 Day City Guide Trip to Osaka, Japan
Day 1: Get to Know Osaka
Start with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Then head to Dotonbori for lunch and explore the street’s abundance of food options. In the evening, experience the nightlife in the bustling district of Shinsekai, known for its retro charm and lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Explore Umeda and Namba
Visit the modern area of Umeda, with its huge shopping malls and tempting restaurants. Take a walk along the sky bridge to get a bird’s eye view of the city. In the afternoon, head south to Namba, where you can see the famous Glico running man and check out the vibrant street performers.
Day 3: Day trip to Kyoto
Take a day trip to Kyoto, just a short train ride away. Admire the beautiful temples and traditional architecture, such as Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion. Wrap up the day with a traditional Japanese dinner in one of Kyoto’s many restaurants.
Day 4: Visit Kaiyukan Aquarium and Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Spend the morning at the Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world with a wide range of sea creatures. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Day 5: Day trip to Mount Koya
Take a day trip to Mount Koya, a spiritual destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is home to over 100 temples, including the impressive Kongobu-ji temple. Enjoy a vegetarian meal prepared by monks and experience a traditional meditation session.
Day 6: Visit Osaka’s Art Museums
Spend the day visiting Osaka’s art museums, including the National Museum of Art and the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. Both museums showcase a mix of Japanese and Western art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Day 7: Relax at Spa World and Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine
Spend the morning at Spa World, an onsen theme park where you can relax in hot springs and enjoy various saunas. In the afternoon, make your way to Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines and an important cultural site.
How to Continue Your Travel After You Have Spent 7 Days in Osaka
If you have time to explore further, two nearby destinations worth considering are:
Kobe
Kobe is a vibrant city that offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions. The city is famous for its delicious beef and its picturesque harbor. Make sure to visit the Kobe Port Tower and the Nunobiki Herb Garden. To get there, take a direct train from Osaka station.
Nara
Nara is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it’s known for its impressive temples and the famous Nara deer. Don’t miss the Todai-ji temple and Kasuga-taisha shrine. To get there, take a train from Osaka station to Nara station.
