One Day in Osaka: My Favorite Itinerary for a First-Time Visit
Planning your first trip to Osaka (大阪市) and wondering how to make the most of one day in this bustling city? Here is my favorite itinerary to discover Osaka in a day. I’ve taken family members on this exact route twice and it was a hit both times.
Of course, there’s so much more to do in Osaka and I’d recommend to stay longer if you can (I’ll be publishing a separate article with many more ideas soon). But if you're looking for a smooth, enjoyable day that hits some of Osaka's top highlights, especially if it’s your first time, here's a route I’ve personally followed and highly recommend. You’ll also find tips on where to stay, when to visit, how to get around, and day trip ideas to extend your time in the Kansai region.
My Favorite One-Day Itinerary in Osaka
This one-day itinerary is based on a tried and tested route that I took twice with family members visiting Japan for the first time. It combines fun attractions, cultural sites and delicious food, all easily accessible by public transport.
Morning - Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Start the day at Osaka's Kaiyukan Aquarium (海遊館), one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. Located in Tempozan Harbor Village, the aquarium features a spectacular central tank and themed exhibits showcasing the marine life of the Pacific region. The walk through the aquarium is fun and original, as it’s a vertical walkway going around the main tank that gives the impression of diving under the sea. I think it's a great idea if you're travelling with children, but it's also perfect for all ages. My favorite parts? Admiring the two majestic whale sharks (their names are Kai (male) and Yuu (female)), the energetic penguins and the adorable ringed seals.
Practical Information
🚇 Access: 10-min walk from Osakako station (大阪港駅) on the Chuo Line.
🕓 Opening hours: 10AM-8PM (opens at 9:30AM on weekends)
🎟️ Entrance Fee: ¥2 ,700 over 16, ¥1,400 yen aged 7-15, ¥700 yen aged 3-6
I’d highly recommend to book your Kaiyukan ticket online in advance to skip the line (you can book your ticket on the official website or on Klook).
Have Lunch in Tempozan’s Food Court
Right next to the aquarium, a place I like going to for lunch is Tempozan Marketplace (天保山マーケットプレース). The food court offers a mix of local and international dishes, including takoyaki, ramen, curry rice and more. This is always a good option for groups, when everyone wants to eat something different. You can also check out some of the souvenir shops in the shopping centre.
✨TRAVELY TIP: For girls enjoying affordable Japanese fashion, I’d recommend a quick stop at Honeys in the mall.
Afternoon - Explore Osaka Castle
Next, hop on the subway and head to Osaka Castle Park (大阪城公園). I usually exit the subway at Tanimachi 4-chome Station, have a quick stop at Lawson S Otemae Rest House (ローソン Ｓ大手前レストハウス店) and walk towards Ōte-mon Gate (大手門) while admiring nice views of Osaka castle.
The grounds of Osaka castle are beautiful year-round, with seasonal highlights like plum blossom (February-early March), cherry blossom (late March-early April) and autumn colors (November-early December) that will make your visit extra special.
You can just walk around the moat and admire the castle from the outside, or pay an entrance fee to go inside, explore its museum and enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the top. You can purchase your Osaka Castle tickets online on Klook in advance to avoid standing in line at the ticket office.
Some of my favorite spots around Osaka Castle Park include:
Hokoku Shrine (豊國神社), a shrine dedicated Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Osaka Castle.
Japanese garden (本丸日本庭園), a lovely photo spot that you can find on Google Maps, offering fantastic views of Osaka Castle and its reflection on the pond.
Gokuraku-bashi Bridge (極楽橋), another lovely spot that is generally more peaceful than other entranceways.
View of Osaka Castle from the Japanese garden
And if you want to learn more about Osaka Castle, you might be interested in joining a free tour offered by volunteers, or a private tour led by a local expert.
Practical Information
🚇 Access: There are several stations around Osaka Castle, so it will depend on which direction you’re coming from.
🕓 Opening hours: The park is open 24/7 but you can only visit the interior of the castle from 9AM to 6PM
🎟️ Entrance Fee: ¥1200 for adults, ¥600 for university and high school students
Evening - Explore Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori and Namba Areas
For the last part of your day, head to Shinsaibashi for a stroll along the Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street (心斎橋筋商店街) and Dotonbori (道頓堀), Osaka’s most iconic and lively district. It is a popular and usually crowded area, but for a right reason. The neon lights, bustling canal, and mouth-watering street food make it the perfect place for an evening exploration. You can enjoy Osaka popular treats like takoyaki, kushikatsu, and grilled crab. If you want a more in-depth food experience, you could also join a food tour in the area.
In addition to the most popular spots of Dotonbori like the Giglo sign (グリコサイン) and Ebisubashi bridge (戎橋), I’d also recommend to wander in the smaller streets and discover hidden gems like the small Hozen-ji Temple (法善寺). If you like night photography and want to discover Osaka's nocturnal and lively atmosphere, I recommend taking a walk in the area south of Dontonbori, between Namba station and Kuromon market.
You can wrap up your day enjoying a well-deserved dinner at one of the countless restaurants in the area. If you’d like some ideas, a personal favorite is Yakiniku Rikimaru (焼肉 力丸), a Japanese barbecue restaurant that serves all-you-can-eat menus (advance reservation is strongly recommended, and there are several restaurants around Shinsekai, Dotonbori and Namba). I’ve been a few times and enjoyed the experience each time. I also enjoy going to KURA SUSHI Dotonbori Global Flagship Store (くら寿司 グローバル旗艦店 道頓堀) when I want an inexpensive and fun conveyor belt sushi restaurant experience (advance reservation is highly recommended if you’re not ready to wait a while).
Where to Stay in Osaka
For first-time visitors, the best areas to stay are Namba, Umeda, or Tennoji. They are well connected and close to many attractions.
I personally recommend Hot Spring Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi located near Shinsekai, my favorite hotel in Osaka where I’ve stayed at three times. In my opinion, this is one of the best value for money hotels I've stayed at in Japan. As well as comfortable rooms, it offers public baths and a communal lounge where complimentary drinks and ice cream are always served, as well as ramen in the evening (free) and more...
I liked this hotel so much that I wrote a detailed review in my article '“Where to Stay in Osaka: Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi Review”.
➡️ For more accommodation ideas in Osaka, you can check Agoda and Booking to find the best deals and locations that suit your travel plans.
Essential Travel Tips to Enjoy your Time in Osaka
When to Visit Osaka
Osaka is a year-round destination and you can follow the itinerary above during any season, though each adds something special: spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms, especially around Osaka Castle, and autumn is just as stunning with vibrant foliage. While summer can be hot and humid, it’s also the season of lively festivals and fireworks displays. If you're in the area in September, don’t miss the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, one of Japan’s most thrilling and high-energy festivals, just a short train ride from central Osaka.
Expo 2025 Osaka is also currently being held on Yumeshima from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and is expected to draw visitors from all over the world (you can buy your tickets on Klook here).
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
No matter when you visit, I recommend checking the city’s tourism website or Tokyo Cheapo for nearby matsuri (festivals) or local events in Osaka.
Other Things to Do In and Around Osaka
You can certainly spend more than a day in Osaka, as the city is packed with things to do, from tourist highlights to hidden gems. You can follow this itinerary for a day and stay a few days longer to explore more of Osaka. For instance, if you’re a Harry Potter or Nintendo fan, you might want to add an extra day just to visit Universal Studios Japan, while shrine and temple lovers will not want to miss Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社). Shinsekai (新世界) and Tennoji park (天王寺公園) are another fantastic areas of Osaka to visit with plenty to do.
Osaka is also an excellent base for exploring the Kansai region and other neighbouring prefectures. Here are some of my detailed guides on possible day trips from Osaka such as:
Kobe, a stylish port city known for its scenic harbor views and world-famous Kobe beef (and plenty more).
Himeji, home to Japan’s most spectacular and well-preserved feudal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wakayama, a quieter coastal gem with fresh seafood, a beautiful castle and historic temples.
Koyasan, a sacred mountain with over 110 Buddhist temples, an ancient cemetery and stunning autumn foliage.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
Koyasan
To Conclude
I wanted to share this one-day itinerary with you because it's one that I've personally taken twice with family members visiting Japan for the first time, and they loved it both times. Of course, this is just one way to explore the city. Osaka is endlessly vibrant, and there’s so much more to see and do. I’ll be sharing more travel ideas and in-depth guides soon, so stay tuned if you're planning to spend more time in the Kansai region!
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