Exploring Osaka

Osaka, Japan is certainly worth a visit. If you’re visiting Japan, there’s an abundance of things to see and explore. One of the great things about Osaka is that it’s so easy to get around you can easily see some of the key attractions in a day. This guide covers how to explore Osaka in a day, but if you have more time to spend, spreading this itinerary over two days gives you more time to enjoy each location.

Shitenno-ji Temple (Morning)

Start your day at Japan’s oldest officially administered temple. Experience the peaceful morning atmosphere while exploring the gardens and five-story pagoda.

Tennoji Zoo (Late Morning)

A short walk from Shitenno-ji, visit this historic Tennoji Zoo to see over 1,000 animals in the zoo is increadible cheap to visit with a large avaiery where you can see a varaiety of different types of birds and there also large range other animals from polar bears to even lions.

Tsutenkaku (Early Afternoon)

Head to this iconic tower for lunch in the Shinsekai area and enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck.

Shinsekai District (Afternoon)

Explore this nostalgic neighborhood right at the base of Tsutenkaku, trying famous kushikatsu.

Osaka Castle (Late Afternoon)

Visit the magnificent castle and gardens before sunset for great photo opportunities. Inside Osaka’s castle, there is a great museum on the history of the castle and an observation deck where you can view the castle and take in the views of Osaka.

Dotonbori (Evening)

End your day in this vibrant entertainment district when the neon lights are at their most impressive. Perfect for dinner and night photography. There wider varaiety street food vendor and some great shopping opptuines

Namba Yasaka Shrine (Night)

A short walk from Dotonbori, see the dramatic lion-head building illuminated at night. This is increadible shrine so differnt than other shrine,