Exploring the Wonders of Ōsaka-jō: A 9-Day Adventure in Osaka

Johaness Alvite

15 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling 9-day journey to Ōsaka-jō, Osaka, Japan, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and captivating attractions of this vibrant city. From iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle to fascinating museums and exhilarating theme parks, this itinerary is designed to offer an unforgettable experience for solo travelers.

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1

$225

$ 12

Red 75-m. ferris wheel on the roof of HEP Five shopping complex, offering panoramic views.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

8 - 10 min

Directions

Museum showing 2 millennia of chinaware from Persia, Vietnam, China, Korea & Japan in natural light.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$50

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$75

3 - 4 min

Directions

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$50

Day 2

$200

$ 18

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

34 - 41 min

Directions

Large-scale, colorful 3D paintings, a workshop space & a cafe on the 27th floor of a skyscraper.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

14 - 17 min

Directions

A wide variety of traditional food stalls, cafes & taverns line this narrow, stone-paved alleyway.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$50

Osaka Castle Main Tower (Osaka Castle Museum)

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

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

$50

Day 3

$100

$ 18

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

9 - 11 min

Directions

Headquarters of Japan's coin agency, with a museum & a famed cherry blossom garden open seasonally.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

16 - 23 min

Directions

Sprawling city park on the banks of the Osaka River with landscaped greens & cherry blossom trees.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

Park with an indoor botanical garden featuring many species of plants from different climates.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$50

32 - 39 min

Directions

Ibaraki Kasugaoka Church (Church of the Light)

Modern church built by Tadao Ando, featuring a stark chapel with a cross cut into the concrete wall.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4

$250

$ 12

123m-high Ferris wheel offering expansive views over Osaka from spacious, glass-bottomed gondolas.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$125

41 - 50 min

Directions

Cozy museum boasting a collection of Chinese & Japanese painting, sculpture, calligraphy & textiles.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$50

9 - 11 min

Directions

3-floor museum with comprehensive, often graphic exhibits tracing World War II history in Osaka.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$25

Day 5

$225

$ 18

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$75

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$50

12 - 15 min

Directions

Intimate museum showcasing traditional Ukiyo-e artwork depicting Kabuki performers.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$50

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$50

Day 6

$1200

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

82 - 123 min

Directions

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$250

1 - 2 min

Directions

Amusement park zone with rides & sweet shops, plus Minion meet-&-greets outside Gru's mansion.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$300

6 - 9 min

Directions

Opened in 2010, this popular, spinning roller coaster features special effects & immersive theming.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$250

10 - 15 min

Directions

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$350

Day 7

$275

$ 6

Oceanfront park & picnic spot with large-scale play equipment for adults & kids, plus a lighthouse.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$125

5 - 8 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$150

Day 8

$475

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$400

34 - 41 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$75

Day 9

$75

$ 6

Museum showcasing natural history, featuring archaeological finds & paleontology exhibits.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

2 - 3 min

Directions

Large botanical garden with many seasonal flowers & a vast array of trees encircling a serene pond.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

31 - 38 min

Directions

Shrines & lakeside walks in a city park with a baseball stadium, a swimming pool & tennis courts.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $3118 In total

Activities & Food:$3025

Transport:$93