First-Time Experience: A Travel Guide to Osaka, Japan

2024年12月18日

Experience a 3-day, 2-night journey through Osaka, perfect for solo travelers who prefer exploring by foot, train, or bus. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Tennoji area on the first day, featuring landmarks like Tsutenkaku Tower. Then, experience the lively atmosphere of Namba and the serene beauty of the Osaka Bay Area over the next two days.

In this article, we’ve created a 3-day, 2-night sightseeing itinerary for Osaka that can be fully enjoyed on foot, even if your transportation options are limited.

This is perfect for those interested in traveling to Osaka or looking for ways to fully enjoy the city. Be sure to check it out!

How do you even get to Japan in the first place?

from USA

to Haneda Airport(HND), Tokyo, Japan

■ San Francisco(SFO), California, USA
– Duration: About 11h30m
– Cost: USD $1,245.30~ / JPY ¥190,611~
– Airlines: ANA, JAL, United Airlines

■ John F. Kennedy(SFO), New York City, USA
– Duration: About 14h35m
– Cost: USD $1,335~ / JPY ¥201,680~
– Airlines: ANA, JAL, American Airlines

to Narita Airport(NRT), Tokyo, Japan

■ Los Angeles(LAX), USA
– Duration: About 11h45m
– Cost: USD $784.89~ / JPY ¥119,070~
– Airlines: ANA, United Airlines

from UK

to Haneda Airport(HND), Tokyo, Japan

■ Heathrow(LHR), London, UK
– Duration: About 13h50m
– Cost: GBP 1,310£~ / JPY ¥252,016~
– Airlines: ANA, British Airways

from Canada

to Haneda Airport(HND), Tokyo, Japan

■ Vancouver(YVR), British Columbia, Canada
– Duration: About 10h30m
– Cost: CAD $670.90~ / JPY ¥73,000
– Airlines: ANA

to Narita Airport(NRT), Tokyo, Japan

■ Toronto Pearson(YYZ), Ontario, Canada
– Duration: About 14h05m
– Cost: CAD $1,150.06~ / JPY ¥124,370
– Airlines: ANA, Air Canada

from Australia

to Haneda Airport(HND), Tokyo, Japan

■ Sydney(SYD), New South Wales, Australia
– Duration: About 9h40m
– Cost: AUD $2,981.25~ / JPY 295,577~
– Airlines: ANA, Qantas

■ Cairns(CNS), Queensland, Australia
– Duration: About 7h50m
– Cost: AUD $1,359.58~ / JPY 134,095~
– Airlines: Virgin Australia

How to Get to Osaka

Airplane

■Tokyo → Osaka
・Haneda(HND), Tokyo → Itami(ITM), Osaka
・About 1h10m｜JPY ¥14,680〜
・ANA, JAL ,Solaseed air ,SKYMARK

■Narita Airport, Chiba → Kansai Airport, Osaka
・About 1h25m｜JPY ¥6,900〜
・Peach

Bullet Train(Shinkansen)

■Tokyo → Osaka
・Tokyo Station – Shin-Osaka Station
・About 2h27m｜JPY ¥14,920〜
・JR West

Overnight Bus

■Tokyo → Osaka
・Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) ~ Osakastation-mae
・About 8h55m｜JPY ¥4,500~

Low-cost Airline ‘Peach Aviation’

Japan’s Cheapest Airline Peach Aviation Flight Review | Travel Guide

Peach Aviation Flight Review Peach Aviation The Three Aircraft Models in Operation Peach Aviation operates wit […]

Japanese Bullet Train

詳細情報はリンク先のページをご覧ください。

Specialties and Attractions of Osaka

Osaka is known for its rich food culture, with specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. Local products such as Senshu Mizunasu (water eggplant) and Osaka pork buns also stand out. The saying “Kyoto for dressing to excess, Osaka for eating to excess” humorously contrasts Kyoto’s fashion focus with Osaka’s love for food.

What kind of place is Osaka?

Osaka, consistently ranked among the top tourist destinations in Japan, is highly regarded by international visitors as well.

One of its many attractions is its abundance of enjoyable spots, including the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three major festivals, and Universal Studios Japan.

Tourist attractions

Popular tourist attractions Tsutenkaku Tower & Observation Deck Kaiyukan Aquarium Nifrel Aquarium & Zoo Tennoji Zoo Zoo Universal Studios Japan Theme Park Osaka Castle Castle Namba Grand Kagetsu Stage & Theater Museum Osaka Museum of History National Museum of Art, Osaka Osaka Science Museum Osaka Museum of Fine Arts Osaka Museum of Natural History Osaka Municipal Museum of Oriental Ceramics Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Viewing Spot Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Midosuji Ginkgo Avenue Sennan Marble Beach Osaka Castle Park Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi Minou Waterfall Hoshida no Mori Star Bridge Shrine / Temple Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Namba Yasaka Shrine Shitennoji Temple Osaka Tenmangu Shrine Ishikiri Tsurugi Shrine Toyokuni Shrine

Festivals & Fireworks Festivals

Festivals Tenjin Matsuri
(Tenjin Festival) ・July 24th–July 25th
・A festival honoring Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning
・Famous for religious rituals and portable shrines on boats traveling down the Okawa River Sumiyoshi Matsuri
(Sumiyoshi Festival) ・July 30th–August 1st
・A festival held at Sumiyoshi Shrine
・Popular among locals, with many food stalls and a lively atmosphere Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
(Kishiwada Danjiri Festival) ・September 13th–September 15th
・A fall festival in Kishiwada, attracting around 400,000 visitors
・Famous for the powerful and speedy portable shrines running through the streets of Kishiwada Fireworks Festivals Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival ・Date: First Saturday in August
・Number of Fireworks: Not disclosed (approximately 10,000-20,000 each year)
・Location: Yodogawa riverbank from the Shin-Midosuji Yodogawa Railway Bridge to National Route 2 Tenjin Matsuri Honoring Fireworks ・Date: July 25th
・Number of Fireworks: Approximately 3,000
・Location: Along the Okawa River near the Shin-Sakuramiyabashi Bridge Senshu Yume Fireworks ・Date: August 24th
・Number of Fireworks: Approximately 10,000
・Location: Along the coastline of Izumisano City

Souvenirs

Sweets & Confectionery Takoyaki Senbei (Takoyaki-flavored Rice Crackers) 551 Horai’s Ice Candy Mixed Juice Dojima Roll Rikuro Ojisan’s Store Freshly Baked Cheesecake Iwa Okoshi (Traditional Rice Puff Snack) Gourmet Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake) Kushikatsu (Deep-fried Skewers) Bunman (Pork Buns) Horumon (Grilled Offal)

Here’s the translation of your text into English:

“In this sightseeing plan, you will visit four areas: Tennoji, Minami, Kita, and the Bay Area.

Since it’s a 2-night, 3-day trip, you can take the opportunity to explore places a little further from the city, so it’s important to plan the schedule well.”

A Brief Overview of Each Area

Tennoji Area - Around Tennoji Station - Tsutenkaku, Abeno Harukas, etc.

Kita Area - Around Osaka Station - Umeda Sky Building, etc.

Minami - Around Namba Station - Namba Grand Kagetsu, Dotonbori with the Glico Sign, etc.

Bay Area - Around Osaka Port Station - Tempozan, Kaiyukan, Universal Studios Japan, etc.

“There are also other areas like the Southern Area (famous for the Danjiri Festival in Kishiwada) and the Northern Area (famous for Minoo Falls and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park).

One of the great features of Osaka is its well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to travel on foot. The schedule is also easy to plan, and by combining different attractions, you can enjoy sightseeing efficiently!”

Osaka 2-Night, 3-Day Sightseeing Model Course

DAY1

locker

■ Store Your Luggage
・Coin Locker Information Around Osaka Station

train

■ Train
・JR | Osaka Station → JR Namba Station (1 transfer)
・About 23 minutes | 210 yen
・Store luggage in a coin locker around Osaka Station

Morning to Noon: Namba Area

投稿が見つかりませんでした。

Photo by mitemil

food

■ Lunch

train

■ Train
・JR | JR Namba Station → Osaka Station (1 transfer)
・About 22 minutes | 210 yen

Afternoon: Osaka Station Area

投稿が見つかりませんでした。

Photo by mitemil

hotel

■ Hotel Check-in

food

■ Dinner

DAY 2

locker

■ Store Your Luggage
・Coin Locker Information Around Osaka Station

train

■ Train
・Osaka Station → Sumiyoshi Taisha Station (1 transfer)
・About 31 minutes | 430 yen

Morning to Noon: Sumiyoshi Area

投稿が見つかりませんでした。

Photo by mitemil

food

■ Lunch

train

■ Train
・Sumiyoshi Taisha Station → Tennoji Station (1 transfer)
・About 13 minutes | 380 yen

Afternoon: Tennoji Area

投稿が見つかりませんでした。

Photo by mitemil

hotel

■ Hotel Check-in

food

■ Dinner

DAY 3

locker

■ Store Your Luggage
・Coin Locker Information Around Tennoji Station

train

■ Train
・Tennoji Station → Osaka Port Station (1 transfer)
・About 19 minutes | 410 yen

walk

■ Walking
・Osaka Port Station → Tempozan Area
・About 4 minutes

Morning: Tempozan Area

投稿が見つかりませんでした。

Photo by mitemil

food

■ Lunch

walk

■ Walking
・Tempozan Area → Tempozan Ferry Terminal (Chikko Side)
・About 9 minutes

ferry

■ Ferry
・Tempozan Ferry Terminal (Chikko Side) → Tempozan Ferry Terminal (Sakurajima Side)
・About 3 minutes
・Official Osaka City Website – Tempozan Schedule

walk

■ Walking
・Tempozan Ferry Terminal (Sakurajima Side) → Sakurajima Station
・About 10 minutes

train

■ Train
・JR | Sakurajima Station → Universal City Station
・About 1 minute | 140 yen

Afternoon: Universal City Area

投稿が見つかりませんでした。

Photo by mitemil

train

■ Train
・Universal City Station → Osaka Station (1 transfer)
・About 13 minutes | 190 yen

goal

■ Disband at Osaka Station, head back home

Estimated Costs for a 2-Night, 3-Day Trip to Osaka

Kansai Airport Station → Osaka Station Tennoji Station → Kansai Airport Station	1,210 yen (Kansai Airport Station → Osaka Station) 1,080 yen (Tennoji Station → Kansai Airport Station)
Local transportation costs	420 yen (Day 1) 810 yen (Day 2) 740 yen (Day 3)
Food costs	15,000 yen (for 3 days)
Accommodation costs	14,000 yen (for 2 nights)
Total	33,260 yen

● Amount per person
● This is just an estimate, actual costs may vary.
● This article primarily introduces activities that do not require additional fees or entrance fees. Please make separate preparations as needed.

Safe travels to those heading to Osaka! Have a great trip!

※Information is as of 2024年12月18日.
※Accuracy and currency are not guaranteed. Use at your own risk.
※Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
※Details, plans, and prices may change. Please check official sources.
※We are not responsible for external links or their content.
※Content is protected by copyright. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.
※This disclaimer may change without notice.
※We are not liable for any damages from use of this site.
※We are not responsible for damages from technical issues or interruptions.
※We respect all religions and beliefs; no discriminatory intent.

First-Time Experience: A Travel Guide to Osaka, Japan

How do you even get to Japan in the first place?

How to Get to Osaka

Low-cost Airline ‘Peach Aviation’

Japanese Bullet Train

Specialties and Attractions of Osaka

What kind of place is Osaka?

Osaka 2-Night, 3-Day Sightseeing Model Course

DAY1

Morning to Noon: Namba Area

Afternoon: Osaka Station Area

DAY 2

Morning to Noon: Sumiyoshi Area

Afternoon: Tennoji Area

DAY 3

Morning: Tempozan Area

Afternoon: Universal City Area

Estimated Costs for a 2-Night, 3-Day Trip to Osaka

Currency