Ōsaka-jō Adventure

Thosaporn Tonghui

29 Dec 2023

Embark on an 8-day journey through the vibrant city of Ōsaka-jō, immersing yourself in its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. From ancient marvels to modern wonders, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience for solo travelers.

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling Hidden Shrines and Cultural Gems

$50

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

26 - 32 min

Directions

Osaka International Convention Center (Grand Cube Osaka)

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$13

34 - 41 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$31

Day 2Reaching New Heights and Soaring with the Sun

$50

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

40 - 48 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$19

1 - 2 min

Directions

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

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$19

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Day 3Zoo Encounters and Artistic Inspirations

$25

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

6 - 9 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4A Ferris Wheel Ride and Market Delights

$38

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

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

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

13 - 20 min

Directions

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

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$19

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Oceanic Wonders and Tech Treasures

$57

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$31

27 - 33 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

$25

Day 6Thrills and Entertainment at Universal Studios

$100

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$100

38 - 46 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Day 7Shopping Extravaganza and Serene Parks

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Rectangular recreational park featuring a rose garden, tennis center, sports courts & eateries.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Discovering the Iconic Castle and Cultural Enclaves

$32

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

22 - 33 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$13

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $375 In total

Activities & Food:$350

Transport:$25