Ōsaka-jō: A Journey of Ancient Marvels and Culinary Delights

Tiffanni Blevins

6 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure to Ōsaka-jō, Osaka, Ōsaka, Japan and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant food scene. From exploring Osaka Castle Park to indulging in authentic sushi at Tachi Sushi, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience.

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Temples, Castles, and Tacos

$69

$ 9

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$13

14 - 17 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$32

7 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$24

Day 2Sky-high Views and Fresh Seafood

$133

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$38

1 - 2 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$38

20 - 24 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$26

4 - 5 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

黒門市場本店

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$32

Day 3Wildlife Encounters and Panoramic Cityscapes

$160

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$63

31 - 38 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

29 - 35 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$28

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$38

4 - 5 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$32

Day 4Parks, Castles, and Egg Rice Delights

$101

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

19 - 23 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$30

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$20

8 - 11 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$26

Day 5Neon Lights, Anime Haven, and Seafood Delicacies

$56

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$32

13 - 20 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$24

Day 6Shopping Extravaganza and Historical Insights

$81

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

9 - 14 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$26

9 - 14 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$30

Day 7Underwater Wonders and Artistic Treasures

$163

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$63

4 - 6 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$25

21 - 26 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$24

12 - 18 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$25

11 - 14 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$26

Day 8Zoo Adventures and Cultural Immersion

$79

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$24

4 - 6 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$30

Day 9Temples, Skyscrapers, and Gourmet Seafood

$121

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

13 - 20 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

10 - 15 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$30

13 - 20 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$28

Day 10Thrills and Pizza at Universal Studios Japan

$264

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$200

3 - 4 min

Directions

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$32

4 - 5 min

Directions

Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor (ルイズ N.Y. ピザパーラー)

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$32

Budget breakdown: $1269 In total

Activities & Food:$1226

Transport:$44