Back

Exploring the Wonders of Ōsaka-jō: An 8-Day Adventure

Wei Wenbo

11 Nov 2023

0

Embark on a thrilling 8-day journey to Ōsaka-jō, Osaka, Ōsaka, Japan. Discover the rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, iconic landmarks, and exhilarating attractions that await you in this enchanting city.

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

+

$50

·

$ 6

Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Kuromon Ichiba Market

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Dotonbori

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

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Ebisu bashi

Pedestrian bridge connecting bustling shopping areas & offering views of the famous Glico Man sign.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street

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

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2

+

$175

·

$ 12

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Osaka City Central Public Hall

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$25

12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Osaka Tenmangu

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum)

Striking, multi-story tower rising above Osaka Castle complex, with gold-leaf detailing & a museum.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$50

0

Osaka Castle

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

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

$50

Day 3

+

$200

·

$ 12

Osaka Museum of History

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Nakanoshima Park

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Kuchu Teien Observatory

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

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$75

1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Umeda Sky Building

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

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$75

Day 4

+

$350

·

$ 18

NIFREL

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$125

28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Kids Plaza Osaka

Unique, modern kids’ science & educational museum emphasizing hands-on learning & workshops.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$75

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

The National Museum of Art, Osaka

Underground art museum, with a gift shop, showing works by noted artists in a variety of mediums.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$75

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

ABENO HARUKAS Art Museum

Museum within Japan's tallest building featuring rotating exhibits of Western & Buddhist art.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$75

Day 5

+

$175

·

$ 6

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

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

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$125

12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Maishima Sports Island

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

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6

+

$550

·

$ 6

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka

This indoor Lego attraction for families features rides, a 4D cinema & multiple play zones.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$150

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Universal Studios Japan

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

11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

•

$400

Day 7

+

$190

·

$ 6

Shitenno-ji

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

12 - 17 min

~

Directions

Tsūtenkaku

Famous for its neon lights, this landmark features an observation deck open to the public.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$40

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Tennoji Zoo

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

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$50

11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Harukas 300

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

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$75

14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Sumiyoshi Taisha

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

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8

+

$100

·

$ 12

Nipponbashi Denden Town

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Abeno Harukas

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$100

15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Osaka Ikuno Korea Town

Bustling urban area known for its Korean restaurants, shopping venues & street food.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1866 In total

Activities & Food:$1790

Transport:$76