Ōsaka-jō: A Week of Adventure

dj dj

29 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through the vibrant city of Ōsaka-jō and discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine. From ancient temples to modern attractions, this itinerary is packed with excitement and unforgettable experiences.

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Temples, Art, and Wildlife

$50

$ 3

Traditional temple dating to the 12th century featuring Buddha sculptures made from crushed bones.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$25

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$25

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Shrines, Skyscrapers, and Geek Paradise

$75

$ 9

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

31 - 38 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$38

12 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

•

$25

Day 3Cultural Enclaves, Markets, and Foodie Heaven

$50

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$50

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Shopping, Parks, and Living History

$25

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$25

Day 5Spiritual Sites, Marine Wonders, and Majestic Views

$113

$ 9

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$63

4 - 6 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$25

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$25

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Movie Magic and Interactive Wildlife

$263

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$200

57 - 69 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$63

Day 7Castles, Sky-high Views, and Urban Oasis

$88

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$38

1 - 2 min

Directions

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

1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$38

Budget breakdown: $701 In total

Activities & Food:$663

Transport:$38