10 Days of Adventure in Ōsaka-jō

Warren Weller

11 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling 10-day journey to Ōsaka-jō and explore the vibrant city of Osaka, Japan. Discover the rich cultural heritage at Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, encounter exotic wildlife at Tennoji Zoo, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Namba Yasaka Jinja. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with history, beauty, and excitement!

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

$125

$ 8

Opened in 1936, this museum features a large collection of ancient & modern Chinese & Japanese art.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$63

5 - 8 min

Directions

Mainstay in Tennōji Park housing 200-plus species in varied habitats, from savanna to rainforest.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$63

15 - 18 min

Directions

Small shrine featuring a ritualistic performance stage in the shape of a lion's head.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2

$94

$ 15

Shinto shrine with a peaceful garden, plus structures rebuilt repeatedly since the 3rd century.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

Restored Buddhist temple first built in 593 with a 5-story pagoda, statues & ponds with turtles.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$31

21 - 26 min

Directions

Revered castle dating to 1597 & since rebuilt, featuring gardens & a museum with varied exhibits.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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$63

Day 3

$188

$ 15

Vast green space offering gardens with cherry blossoms, athletic fields, open-air theaters & more.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$31

22 - 33 min

Directions

Contemporary museum with exhibits detailing Osaka history from ancient times to the present day.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

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$63

12 - 15 min

Directions

Famed giant billboard installed in 1935 as an advertisement for the Glico confectionery company.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

3-tiered observation areas on the 58th–60th floors, with an open-air atrium, enclosed glass & cafe.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$94

Day 4

$125

$ 8

Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Vibrant area featuring stores specialized in used video games, high-tech, anime & manga.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Osaka's tallest building features an observation deck, a department store, an art museum & a hotel.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$125

Day 5

$219

$ 8

Ancient, ornate Ebisu Shinto shrine that's known for its Tōka-Ebisu festival & "Lucky Man" race.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

24 - 29 min

Directions

One of the world's biggest aquariums, with exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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$156

4 - 6 min

Directions

This 112.5m Ferris wheel holds 480 passengers & offers panoramic views plus illumination shows.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

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$63

Day 6

$94

$ 15

Facilities for athletics, baseball & tennis, plus a waterfront walkway & popular pottery workshop.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

Focusing on space & energy, this museum houses interactive displays, a planetarium & a coffee shop.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$63

7 - 9 min

Directions

Restored neoclassical design public hall constructed in 1913 used for events, concerts & lectures.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$31

Day 7

$500

$ 8

This sprawling theme park dedicated to popular American movies features rides & live entertainment.

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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$500

30 - 36 min

Directions

10th-century Shinto shrine & site of one of Japan's biggest festivals, Tenjin Matsuri, held in July.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

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Free

Day 8

$ 8

Bustling shopping district featuring a wide range of high-end tax-free shops with airport delivery.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

Lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants & theaters.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Shopping street dedicated to selling household goods, kitchenware, pottery & tools.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

US-influenced vintage clothing shops around a replica Statue of Liberty, plus rock bars & fast food.

No time set

•

Free

Day 9

$94

$ 22

Founded in 1891 as Osaka's first public park, featuring a library, rose garden & ceramics museum.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

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Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

This museum features re-creations of buildings & streets in Osaka to depict life in the past.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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$63

22 - 27 min

Directions

Large park & botanical garden with a pond, sports facilities & tulip farm with quaint windmill.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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Free

39 - 47 min

Directions

Huge, offbeat sculpture built for the 1970 World’s Fair & offering tours with advance booking.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

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$31

Day 10

$344

$ 8

Connected skyscrapers with a rooftop garden observatory, plus a restaurant & lounge with city views.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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$94

1 - 2 min

Directions

Contemporary indoor/outdoor observation deck with panoramic city views, an eatery, cafe & gift shop.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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$94

33 - 40 min

Directions

Family-friendly attraction with exotic fish, mammals & reptiles exhibited in stylish, modern spaces.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

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$156

Budget breakdown: $1890 In total

Activities & Food:$1782

Transport:$109