Osaka seems to be the Japanese destination that people are just a little uncertain of. Tokyo is the big city everyone wants to visit with its bright neon lights. Kyoto is the nearby traditional capital that provides contrast. So where does Osaka fit in? If you aren’t quite sure, why not consider one day in Osaka on your next Japan trip?
On both of our trips to Japan, we’ve included Osaka on our itinerary. Most recently, we used it as a base to explore surrounding areas like Nara for the best part of a week. Osaka is a vibrant city, more relaxed than Tokyo and with a culture heavily built around food. So much so, Osaka is referred to as Japan’s kitchen. There is no shortage of tasty morsels for you to try whilst you’re in Osaka. The biggest struggle for foodies will be choosing where not to eat.
We’ve spent a fair bit of time in Osaka. So if you’ve only one day in Osaka, let’s make sure you see the very best.
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How to get to Osaka
Arriving by air
Osaka is serviced by the modern Kansai International airport (KIX). It is located on a man made island with two airport terminals.
Our preferred means of getting from KIX to Osaka is via the JR Haruka Airport Express train. They run regularly and takes 50 minutes to get to Shin-Osaka where you can connect to the Osaka metro. Tickets are available to be purchased on arrival. For those with a JR Pass, this train can be utilised with your pass. On our November 2019 trip, the cost for this was ¥2910 per person.
When we fly, we always Skyscanneruse SkyScanner to begin our planning journey. Here, we can compare flights from most major airlines to find the best deal.
From Kyoto
Visiting from Kyoto is easy with excellent connections. There are 3 train lines that can connect you between Osaka and Kyoto. In addition, there is also a JR Shinkansen line, useful for those with a JR Pass. Regardless of which line or mode of train you take, you can expect a journey time of around 30-50 minutes.
We took the Hankyu line from Minamikata station (Osaka) to Kyoto Kawaramachi station. This cost ¥400 (using the Icoca card) one way and took 50 minutes.
A Shinkansen at roughly the same time will set you back ¥2200. It will get you to Kyoto’s main station around 15 minutes quicker. However, the main station is still some distance from the main sights. Any time saved on the train is spent walking/catching the bus. At Kyoto Kawaramachi, you’ll pop up just near to the Nishiki Market. This is right in the thick of Kyoto.
We think the Shinkansen is excellent and the JR Pass can work for many different people. But it’s best to know it’s not the only option. Point to point tickets can work out more favourably. And are often a great way of getting a glimpse of true daily life of the locals.
Visiting Tokyo too? Check out our 4 day guide to Japan’s capital here.
From Tokyo
The quickest (and easiest) way between Osaka and Tokyo is the Shinkansen. These depart from Tokyo station and end at Shin-Osaka station. Depending on which train you take, you’ll be looking at a travel time of around 2.5-3 hours between the two cities. Depending on which train you take, this may be included in your JR Pass.
If you’re thinking about a JR Pass, look no further than Klook to purchase your ticket. Whether you’re looking for a 7, 14 or 21 day pass, Klook has you covered. Check out the JR Pass here.
Getting around Osaka
If you’ve got a JR Pass for your stay in Osaka, you can use this to get around on the JR lines. If you don’t, or need to travel on non-JR lines, you can easily purchase an ICOCA card. It’s a reloadable card similar to those found in most major metropolitan cities. We purchased ours at Kansai Airport. It cost ¥500 which was refundable and had a minimum starting load of ¥1000.
If you are coming from Tokyo and have a Suica card, it works in exactly the same way. Whichever reloadable card you get, you use these in the same way.
For those who choose not to buy a reloadable card, you can purchase point to point or daily train tickets at the various metro stations. There are English options on the machines to order these.
The sheer convenience of the reloadable card and ease of topping up meant it was the sensible option for us. We moved freely between lines without concern for cost. Daily or multi day tickets may prove cheaper, so are worth investigating if you’re managing a tight budget.
There’s also no need to be overwhelmed. The Osaka metro stations are formidable, but have English signs and are numbered as well. Take a breath, and find yourself around.
Where to stay in Osaka
A big city like Osaka has no shortage of accommodation. In many respects, the volume of hotels can be somewhat overwhelming. Whilst we recommend hotels below that we have personally stayed at, it’s fair to say the quality is consistent and high across the city. And Japan for that matter too.
We have stayed in two areas, Shin-Osaka and Namba. Shin-Osaka provides the option of being located close to the major train station. We chose to stay here given we were using Osaka as a base to explore the wider region. This may also be helpful for early morning trips to the airport or quick access to the Shinkansen.
Namba may be more suitable for those who love the nightlife and to be ‘right amongst it’. It’s a great area, but tends to be a little more expensive for comparable properties.
Neither are better than the other, it will all boil down to your needs for your trip.
APA Hotel Shin-Osaka Ekiminami
We arrived late on a Saturday evening, and sought a hotel close to Shin-Osaka station. The APA Hotel Shin-Osaka Ekiminami is located in a quiet part of Osaka, around 5-10 minutes walk from Shin-Osaka. The rooms here are typical of Japan in being quite small with the bed up against the wall.
Luggage can be conveniently tucked under the bed. A comfortable and value based option.
If arriving via metro, exit 7 from Shin-Osaka is the easiest to use. You can thank us for that tip later. You’ll walk past this point on the walk from Central exit.
A Lawson convenience store is a block down from the hotel for any supplies you may need.
Oakwood Shin-Osaka
We were very impressed with our stay at Oakwood Shin-Osaka, which started from the check in. We tried to check in early, but alas the room wasn’t ready. We left our bags, and returned around 6pm to find our bags had already been taken to our room. Maybe it’s too much travel in Europe, the US and Australia, but we thought this was a very nice touch.
Our stay at Oakwood was a home away from home. A serviced apartment, it was located a flat 10 minute walk from Shin-Osaka metro station. This is a little further than a lot of visitors may prefer in Osaka, but perfect for us and what we needed for this stay. It allowed us to have a great room, with space similar to what you’d find in most western hotels. We also had a kitchen (although we didn’t use that much) and a washing machine which was useful.
Breakfast was included in our stay, which was a diverse and ever changing menu.
Oakwood is a high quality option for those staying a little longer and seeking more utility from their room without the price tag.
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
On our very first visit to Osaka, we chose the Swissotel Nankai Osaka. A more upmarket and central option in Namba, the rooms are bigger than a lot of similarly matched hotels. You do pay for the extra square metres.
Well located near to Namba station it’s a short walk to the popular Dotonbori strip. This might be a suitable option for those making a quick visit to Osaka.
Japan is a mesmerising country. If it’s your first time visiting, check out our guide of things to know before travelling to Japan.
What to see during your one day in Osaka
Morning
Welcome to Osaka! Whether your one day in Osaka sees you start in the city or come from nearby, we’ll start your trip with a view from above. Located in Umeda, the futuristically designed Umeda Sky Garden affords some excellent views from its roof.
Umeda Sky Garden
From up top, you get an excellent perspective of Osaka. Osaka is a truly magnificent city and boy is it big. You’ll get a great sense of that from up top.
For the budget conscious, here’s a tip. Take the trip up to the Sky Garden and wander around the 40th floor. This is completely free. You’ll get some view outside. If visibility and weather is poor, you may not want to drop the ¥1500. You’ll miss heading outside and getting a real feel for the view, but it is a sort of halfway option some folks might wish to consider.
Some train tickets and tourist passes include this entry in their price, in which case the answer is obvious – you should check it out. If you’re paying full freight however, you can assess the view at Level 40 before handing over your cash.
For the less budget conscious, your next destination may set you back as much as your credit card allows.
Shopping in Umeda
Between Osaka and Umeda station, shopping fiends won’t know where to start. Some might argue that one day in Osaka can easily be spent shopping. Expect to be overwhelmed with a selection of shopping malls. Interconnected, we got lost in these on more than one occasion. Here you’ll find high end fashion brands, electronics stores and typical Japanese cosmetics stores. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, I don’t think you’ll find it anywhere else in Japan.
Spend as much time as you like, but spare some time for your next destination.
Osaka Castle
When you’re wrapped up shopping, you can jump on the subway at either Higashi-Umeda or Osaka station. You’ll want to head to Temmabashi or Osakajokoen stations. These are within walking distance of Osaka Castle. You can expect this trip to take around 25-30 minutes.
On our visit in autumn, the stroll to Osaka Castle was a stunning one. Bathed in yellows, reds and oranges it paints a beautiful picture. There will be numerous vantage points along the way for you to stop and admire the castle. Surrounded by a moat, it’s easy to imagine what this must have been like when it was constructed in the 16th century.
In front of Osaka Castle, the large courtyard area is a great spot to admire the castle and take a breather. Be sure to check out the innovatively named Japanese Garden. It sits to the west of the castle when looking at it front on. This garden has its own pond and some excellent flora. It’s also a popular place for newly weds and couples to take photos. Be sure to check this out before the castle.
You can enter the castle which comes at an additional cost of ¥600. There are a range of exhibitions on show at any one point. We enjoyed wandering around the outside of the castle, and that was enough for us. Whilst we can’t assess the interior, the exterior views were the biggest drawcard for us.
Views, shopping and castles. It’s time to jump on the subway via Osakajokoen station. You’ll need to head to Kyobashi station, all of one stop away.
Lunch at Osaka’s enigmatic Izakaya Toyo
Of our most recent trip to Japan, our visits to Izakaya Toyo were a stand out highlight. That’s right – visits, we went twice. The highest form of praise when we’re travelling is when you get our return business on the same trip.
Those unfamiliar with Izakaya Toyo may want to familiarise yourself with Netflix’s Street Food series. We’ve enjoyed the entire series, but no episodes more than the Osaka episode with the owner of this Izakaya, Toyo.
In his eighties now, he is the proud owner of this Izakaya which he runs with the help of a team of 6-8. Simple in design, and you’ll be standing to eat. You can expect a queue, it’s a popular destination to visit.
Toyo is renowned for his fatty tuna cheek and a larger than life personality. He is more than just a novelty, but a genuinely nice man who serves up some impressive food.
Get in line, grab a table and enjoy the experience that is Izakaya Toyo.
Izakaya Toyo is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Hours differ each day, but on this itinerary, we’re aiming to have you there for a late lunch at 2.30-3pm. From talking to the staff, there is no “official” opening time, but you should be safe arriving after 2:30pm. With just one day in Osaka, we hope you’re visiting during the open times!
Afternoon
Head back to Kyobashi station. Follow the directions to get you to Shin-Imamiya station. It’s a short walk from here to your next destination, Shinsekai.
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku
Modelled on the big cities of the 20th century, the Shinsekai area was designed as an entertainment area for locals to blow off steam. One of the most famous areas in all of Osaka, it is home to a host of eateries, bars and gaming parlours.
Up for some pachinko? If you haven’t partaken in pachinko on your visit to Japan already, this is a great place to sample one of the many parlours. They’re noisy, often smoke filled and oddly mesmerising. The sound of ball bearings being flung into machines that are a cross between a pinball and poker machine is deafening. It’s a popular past time for many locals, so why not join in the fun?
Here you’ll also find the Tsutenkaku Tower. The tower is often referred to as Osaka’s Eiffel Tower. The wrought iron structure does bear some similarity. The fee to head up the top is ¥500 and offers another perspective over the Osaka skyline.
Look to hang around this area as dusk falls, because that’s when the area comes to life. Colourful lights and signs illuminate to take the area to another level.
Osaka is a place easily enjoyed in the evening. So your next and final destination is the very best place to spend an evening of your one day in Osaka.
Evening
When you’ve lost all your money on pachinko, jump on the subway to Namba. Near to Namba station is possibly the most well known destination in all of Osaka, Dotonbori.
The bright lights of Dotonbori
If you’ve done any level of research for your one day in Osaka itinerary, you wouldn’t have missed Dotonbori. And there is no better time to experience this lively part of Osaka than in the evening.
Hopefully your appetite is replenished by this point. The Dotonbori area is dotted with restaurants of all Japanese persuasions. It’s a great place to sample lots of different foods. Where else could be better to sample food in Japan’s kitchen? Try some takoyaki, crab, sushi, ramen and for the truly adventurous, maybe even some fugu (puffer fish). We don’t ride that close to the edge when it comes to eating, but good luck to you if you do!
No appetite will go wanting amongst the bright lights here. The restaurants are marked with novelty chefs, sushi, crabs and other amazingly over sized indicators.
Possibly the most well known image from Dotonbori is the Glico ‘Running Man’ illumination. Best viewed from the bridge over the Tombori river, the advertisement is equivalent to the bright lights of New York’s Times Square.
The Running Man goes through many scenarios, and is one of the most photographed images in all of Osaka. With a full belly, be sure to wander along and take it in with thousands of your friends.
We have sampled many of the restaurants in the Dotonbori area. We think it is best experienced wandering and having a look at what is on offer however. That in itself, is an experience worth having in Osaka.
Finish your evening with some sake along Dotonbori and bring your night to a close.
Where to after your one day in Osaka?
Regardless of where you’re based in Osaka for your 1 day itinerary, you have a range of options to keep exploring the surrounding areas. Here’s our pick.
Nara
Home to the famous ‘bowing deer’, this town is worth a visit. It takes around an hour to reach from Osaka. Together with the deer and some excellent temples, we think it’s a worthwhile day trip.
Minoo Falls
This stunning little area is easily reached via local train services. Taking around 30 minutes to get to Minoo station, you’ll instantly feel like you’re in a different part of Japan. Certainly far away from the bright lights of Dotonbori! Here you can explore the beautiful falls and gardens. Looks incredibly impressive during autumn.
Kyoto
You may already be staying in Kyoto, but Japan’s former capital is 30-45 minutes away. Kyoto deserves plenty of time to explore. With countless temples and attractions, we’d encourage you to spend at least a couple of days here. Osaka can be used as a base to commute to and from easily as well.
Kobe
Next on our hit list when we return to Osaka is the city famed for its beef, Kobe. Approximately 40-50 minutes away, beef lovers will rejoice sampling Kobe beef in Kobe.
Tokyo
Of course, it’s highly likely you’ll also be visiting the capital of Tokyo. If Osaka has a lot to do, Tokyo covers that ten times over.
Other considerations for your one day in Osaka itinerary
Two trips and a base in Osaka means we’ve seen a lot more than we can squeeze into a one day in Osaka itinerary. A few other options you may wish to consider if you have a little more time, or are looking to substitute the above:
Namba Yasaka temple
Part temple, part theme park! This temple is impressively guarded by a dragon head. It doesn’t take long to visit, is free and worthwhile dropping by if you’re in the Namba area.
Pokemon Store and Café
Pokemon fans will enjoy exchanging a significant amount of their budget on goodies at the Pokemon store. Those that want to take it a step further, can enjoy a meal at the Pokemon Café next door. We visited the Tokyo Café (yes, we’re Pokemon nerds!) and had a great time. Fun for all ages, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from Pikachu.
Cup Noodle museum
A great one for kids, the Cup Noodle museum is a free attraction detailing the history of Cup Noodles in Japan. The most popular thing to do here costs ¥300, which involves making a personalised cup of noodles. An easy souvenir, and a surprisingly popular destination. Easily coupled with a trip to Minoo Falls.
Universal Studios
Universal definitely needs more than one day in Osaka. Requiring an entire day unto itself, Universal Studios is one of the most popular theme parks in all of Japan. Expect a write up from us on our next visit when Mario Kart is launched at Universal Studios.
Once again, Klook has you covered for ticket bookings to Universal Studio which you can make here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our one day in Osaka itinerary. Have we missed anything that you’d put into a one day itinerary? We’d love to hear!
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Great read! Osaka has been on the list for my Japan trip this year. You’ve blogged about just the information I was looking for. After reading your blog, I am very excited to visit this small quaint city.
Thanks Sophie! Hope you enjoy your trip, there’s plenty to see, do and most definitely eat in Japan’s kitchen!