Osaka feels like Tokyo’s cool younger sibling and edgier than nearby Kyoto. While it might not receive quite the same attention as Japan’s two most popular cities, it’s absolutely worth visiting. Just a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, you can easily include a day trip to Osaka in your itinerary.

Known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’, Osaka attracts food enthusiasts from near and far. Famous for Okonomiyaki, which roughly translates to ‘grilled as you like it’, it also offers delicious fresh seafood and street food. While Kyoto is better known for its historic sights and autumn foliage, Osaka still has its fair share, including its iconic castle.

When time is precious and every day on holiday counts, getting the most out of your visit is essential. You can either use this itinerary if you’re staying in the city for a night or visiting from a nearby city like Kyoto or Kobe.

If you’re short on time, then read on to find out how to spend one day in Osaka.

How to spend one day in Osaka

Morning | Osaka Castle

Rising over the city skyline, Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Surrounded by stunning gardens filled with 600 cherry trees occupying two square kilometres, two moats flank the elevated ground the castle is built on. Inside, there is a museum and the view from the observation tower at the top is lovely. If you’re feeling short on time or travelling Japan on a budget, I would consider skipping the interior of the castle.

Be sure to spend time wandering The Nishinomaru Garden where a tea house and some of the best views of the castle can be spotted. There is a small entrance fee for the garden and within the grounds, you can also visit Hokoku Shrine.

There are often various street food vendors selling local bites including Takoyaki - a must-try when in Osaka - if you need a quick bite. From Osaka Castle, head over to the next stop, Shinsekai. There are a few options including the Osaka Loop Line or Tanimachi Line on the metro. The journey takes between 7-13 minutes on the train.

Shinsekai ‘The New World’

It may seem ironic now, but this area known as the ‘New World’ is an old area of Osaka that evokes a sense of nostalgia with its collection of souvenir shops, restaurants, and retro-style carnival games. Built in the early 20th century, the colourful district attracted crowds with amusements and dining options.

Inspired by a combination of Paris and New York’s Coney Island, the design influences are easy to spot, especially in Tsutenkaku Tower which was loosely modelled on the Eiffel Tower. You can head up to the top of the tower for an alternative view of Osaka, where you can see the “Billiken” statue which is touted to bring good luck to those who touch his feet.

Next stop, lunch! I hope you’re ready to devour some of Osaka’s best. Jump on the Sakaisuji Line to Nipponbashi Station and make your way to Kuromon Market.

Lunch at Kuromon Market

While Kyoto has Nishiki Market, Osaka has Kuromon Market. There are around 150 shops and stalls throughout the 600-metre-long covered market, mostly selling seafood and other produce. While there are plenty of items packed to take home, you can also purchase smaller portions ready to eat on the spot - from grilled seafood to wagyu skewers.

Dating back to the Edo Period, Kuromon Market is one of the oldest in Japan. Growing in popularity, the market has seen a rise in the number of izakaya-style dining options available if you’d prefer a sit-in meal. Some of the must-try dishes include baked unagi (eel), cooked crab legs known as Kani no Ashi, sea urchin, and takoyaki.

Once you’ve finished lunch, if you’re in the market for kitchenware or ceramics, head to Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street. This is Osaka’s equivalent of Tokyo’s Kappabashi Street, although not as large, and is the perfect place to pick up some beautiful dinnerware to take home or those unique Japanese utensils you can’t get at home. It’s a 5-minute walk from Kuromon Market. I picked up several lovely bowls and cups to add to my ever-growing ceramic collection here.

Afternoon | Namba Yasaka Shrine

After lunch, head over to Namba Yasaka Jinja. You’ve likely seen the 12-metre-high lion’s head stage on your Instagram feed before and it's worth stopping by. The shrine and stage you can visit today are post-war reconstructions as air raids and fires in 1945 destroyed the original buildings.

In spring, delicate cherry blossoms bloom throughout the grounds and autumn foliage appears throughout November. If you happen to be fortunate enough to visit on the third Sunday in January, you can enjoy a special celebration of the god Susano-ono-Mikoto who killed the serpent god Yamata-no-orochi, freeing people from hardship. Every year a tug-o-war ritual takes place reenacting the wrestle between the gods.

Like most shrines, you can purchase omikuji (your fortune) and if it's bad luck leave it behind by tying it to the strings provided at the shrine, or write on an ema with your wishes for the deities while here.

Shopping and entertainment in Shinsaibashi

Japan is known for its long covered shopping streets and the best in Osaka is Shinsaibashi-suji. Bringing together large department stores and household names like Uniqlo to small boutique shops, the street runs around 600 metres long.

Beyond the shops, you’ll find karaoke bars, restaurants and cafes off alleys and lanes leading off from the main street. The area is also home to Amerikamura, which gained its nickname in the 60s thanks to various American-import fashion and vintage stores that concentrate in the area. Over time, the area has become popular with younger generations and has become an area for more than just shopping with parks, restaurants, and trendy cocktail bars - it’s the closest thing to Harajuku that you’ll find in Osaka.

You can easily spend hours here, just wander and pick up any souvenirs you’d like to take home - from clothing to anime.

Minami and Dotonbori

In the evening, it’s all about food, so come hungry. You can easily walk from Shinsaibashi and explore more of Minami, which encompasses Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba. There are plenty of places to eat and this area is the best for hundreds of street food options in one place.

Dotonbori runs by the canal of the same name and is dressed in towering neon signs, popular with tourists and locals alike. It’s perhaps the most well-known area of Osaka and is where you’ll find the Glico Man, the giant moving crab, and dozens of eateries serving freshly cooked street food.

So, what should you try? Takoyaki is top of the list, the deep-fried octopus balls are a must. Kushikatsu are deep-fried vegetables and meat skewers, and of course you need to try okonomiyaki. The Osaka style is different to the Hiroshima style as it doesn’t have fried noodles. We had an okonomiyaki dinner at Namba Okonomiyaki Anjinoya Honten and it was worth the wait - though there are plenty of places in the area to try this delicious and customisable dish.

Continue by heading over to Hozenji Yokocho where you’ll find dozens of old-school style bars and izakayas serving great food if you’d prefer to enjoy an eat-in meal. Don’t miss Hozenji Temple which is located in the Yokocho and dates back to the 17th century.

Once you’ve finished your street food crawl, make the most of your remaining time in Dotonbori by hopping onboard a Tombori River cruise or stopping by one of the bars in the area. We had great fun playing retro video games at Space Station, a quirky bar that has a collection of gaming consoles so you can enjoy some Super Mario or Crash Bandicoot.

dotonbori at night with giant crab, dragon, and tower motifs on the top of lit up restaurants

Is one day in Osaka enough?

One day will give you enough time to see the highlights of Osaka from the castle to making the most of the city’s street food scene. While you can’t see and do everything in such a short amount of time, this one-day itinerary gives you a taste of Osaka’s cultural and foodie side. If you can fit it into your schedule, I’d recommend at least two full days or three days if you plan on a day trip to nearby destinations like Nara, Kobe, or Himeji.

How to get to Osaka

Osaka is easy to reach from various domestic and international destinations, making it a great addition to your Japan itinerary.

By plane

Osaka is close to Kansai International Airport, meaning it’s an ideal place to fly into or out of if you’re visiting a few places during your time in Japan which means you won’t have to double back on yourself. The airport also services hundreds of domestic flights daily as well if you’re flying while in Japan.

By train

Japan is known for its iconic bullet trains (shinkansen) that connect cities across the country in next to no time. The journey from Tokyo to Osaka via shinkansen takes around 2.5 hours, while it’s just under 15 minutes from Kyoto to Osaka. You don’t need to use the shinkansen between Kyoto and Osaka, instead take the much cheaper alternative which is the local train that has around a 30-minute journey.

You might have heard using a JR Pass is essential if you plan on catching the shinkansen, but it’s not. Following price increases of up to 70% in October 2023, it’s not always the most cost-effective pass anymore. Instead, check out my guide to the JR Pass and alternatives to decide if it’s the best option for your itinerary.

By highway bus

Japan’s highway buses offer a low-cost alternative to the shinkansen, though it does take longer. There are both day and night services available with a journey time of approximately eight hours. Fares typically start from 2,500 yen.

Getting around Osaka

You can easily use an IC card when using public transportation within Osaka, such as the Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA card. The metro system will easily connect you to everywhere on this itinerary to save time. However, Osaka is a really walking-friendly city and if you prefer you can walk between many of these destinations - but you’ll need to maximise your time with some public transport.

Where to stay in Osaka

If you plan on spending the night in Osaka - which I do recommend so you can fully enjoy Osaka by night - then these are my recommendations on the best hotels in Osaka.

Zentis Osaka | First-time visitors are best positioned to stay in the Kita area and Zentis is my top pick. Light, airy spaces are beautifully decorated in a pared-back style and large windows provide leafy views. With a signature restaurant and terrace, it’s also within walking distance of Kita’s bountiful dining options. Check rates and availability here.

The Lively Osaka Honmachi | We stayed here during our last visit to Osaka and loved it. The hotel is modern with a rooftop bar and terrace, as well as a shared lounge. It’s conveniently located near metro stations and is within walking distance of Osaka Castle. Check rates and availability here.

The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi | Just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Glico Man in Dotonbori, this 4-star hotel is great value for money. Rooms are simple but provide everything you need including toiletries and pyjamas. Guests can enjoy free bike rental, free daily drinks every afternoon and evening, and free nightly ramen. Check rates and availability here.

Grids Premium Hotel Osaka Namba | Conveniently located within walking distance of Namba station, this modern hotel is tastefully decorated and offers spacious rooms. Located on a quiet street, you’re not far from the action but can retreat for a good night of rest. Check rates and availability here.