Osaka itinerary & Kansai travel guide for first-time travellers
Filled with historical sites, stunning nature spots and exciting attractions, Kansai is one of the best regions to dip your toes into Japan's beauty. ✨ Most travellers choose to base themselves in Osaka and enjoy easy access to nearby cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.
In case you're not sure how to start planning, we've come up with a 7-day Osaka itinerary that's perfect for first-timers to Osaka and the wider Kansai region:
- Day 1: Arrive at Kansai Airport & sightsee in Osaka City
- Day 2: Relax in Osaka City
- Day 3: Fun day out at Universal Studios Japan
- Day 4: Day trip to Nara
- Day 5: Day trip to Kurashiki, Okayama & Kobe
- Day 6: Spend a night in Kyoto
- Day 7: Explore Kyoto & return to Kansai Airport
Keep reading for the full details and be inspired!
Osaka Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a holiday to Osaka? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🏮 Osaka Essentials: Transportation Passes & Top Must-Dos
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🚅 If you are exploring beyond Osaka:
The Whole Japan JR Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities! However, if you are only spending time in one particular region, then a Regional JR Pass might be a better choice.
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Getting around Osaka & Kansai
Truth be told, travelling around the Kansai region cannot be easier, and there are plenty of travel passes that are perfect for helping you do that. First up, if you're flying directly into Osaka's Kansai International Airport, you can consider getting the following airport express that will bring you straight into the heart of Osaka city:
- JR Haruka Airport Express: Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station
- Nankai Line Airport Express: Kansai Airport to Namba Station
It is also here at the Kansai Airport Station that you can find the Japan Rail Office and ticket machines to redeem your JR Pass. For this itinerary, we highly recommend using the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass to cover the locations featured.
If you prefer something more flexible and affordable, you can also consider getting the ICOCA IC Card that's an all-in-one travel card for JR West trains and the Kansai area’s subway, private, railway, and buses! It's similar to Singapore's EZ-Link card.
Complete 7-Day Osaka & Kansai Itinerary
Day 1: Sightseeing in Osaka City
Enjoy unlimited rides on local trains and buses as well as free entry to over 40 top attractions in Osaka with an Osaka Amazing Pass! Plenty of locations listed in this article can be visited for free with this all-in-one pass.
Osaka Castle
Begin your Osaka adventure by heading straight to the city's most iconic landmarks and national treasure - the elegant, historical Osaka Castle. This 5-tiered, 8-storey castle surrounded by impressive stone walls, a beautiful garden, moats, and gates is definitely a sight to behold. The castle grounds (Osaka Castle Park) are especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom!
You can also take a leisurely 20-minute Gozabune boat ride around the castle to take a closer look at the stone walls and see how the park changes with the seasons.
#KlookTip: You can enter Osaka Castle (usual price: ¥600) and ride the Gozabune boat (usual price: ¥1,500) for free with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
If you're a fan of aquariums, be sure to not miss out on the magnificent Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. This is one of Japan's most spectacular aquariums and is world-renowned for being a vibrant and innovative recreation of the Pacific Ocean. Besides its large, themed tanks, the centrepiece of the aquarium is a huge dome-shaped ceiling tank that serves as the home of whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world.
You'll get to encounter 30,000 sea creatures here including otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, sharks, rays, and jellyfish. One of the cutest around has got to be the chubby Ringed Seal!
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
Just steps away from the Kaiyukan is the giant Tempozan Ferris Wheel. 🎡 With a diameter of 100 metres, a height of 112.5 metres, and a capacity of 60 cabins, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the largest ferris wheels in the world. For those with a brave heart, opt for a see-through gondola with a transparent floor! Your ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is free (usual price: ¥800) if you get the Osaka Amazing Pass.
#KlookTip: For those travelling with kids, don't miss out on the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka that's also in the same building as the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Weekday entry (usual price: ¥2,800) is also included in your Osaka Amazing Pass.
Dotonbori
Your trip to Osaka wouldn't count without a stroll through the city's iconic Dotonbori. Dotonbori is the lively heart of Osaka, and is famous for its vibrant neon lights and streets lined with shops and restaurants to fulfil all your wildest shopping and eating dreams. Be sure to take a selfie with the iconic Glico man too!
#KlookTip: You can enjoy a free ride on the Tombori River Cruise (usual price: ¥1,000) with your Osaka Amazing Pass!
Do come here on an empty stomach so you can fill it with tons of Japanese street food such as takoyaki, melon pan, gyoza, and okonomiyaki! If you're considering having dinner at Dotonbori, here are some top-rated Dotonbori restaurants to add to your itinerary!
Day 2: Relax in Osaka City
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Enjoy your second day in Osaka ticking off all the other things on your list. We'd recommend starting your day at Kuromon Ichiba Market, a lively public market lined with over 100 stalls where you can purchase seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, souvenirs, traditional sweets, street food, and more.
Pop by to have some street food for breakfast! Some popular items here include fresh tuna sushi, grilled crab legs, yakitori, sea urchin, sushi, fresh oysters, takoyaki, onigiri rice balls, and skewered meat.
Pokemon Cafe Osaka
Where to next? If you're a fan of Pokemon, you have to pay the Osaka Pokemon Center a visit. Located on the 9th floor of Daimaru Shinsaibashi, Pokemon Center Osaka DX offers a large selection of Pokemon merchandise that fans will go crazy after. Next to it is an official Pokemon Cafe, where you can enjoy kawaii Pokemon-inspired food and desserts that look too cute to be eaten!
From Pikachu omelette rice to chocolate cakes shaped like a Poke ball and coffee topped with Pokemon latte art, it's an experience that you can't get elsewhere. Pikachu will also be making a special appearance mid-way through your meal, so don't leave early!
#KlookTip: Be sure to place advance reservations here as the cafe is very popular and frequently fully booked.
Solaniwa Onsen
Now that you got your tummy filled, how about some relaxation, Japanese style? Head over to Solaniwa Onsen at Osaka Bay Tower. Here you enjoy any of the 9 bath types including outdoor baths, comprising pure hot spring water from 1,000 meters below the earth’s surface!
There's also an expansive Japanese rooftop garden, where you can enjoy a foot bath in your stylish yukata as you gaze upon the seasonal trees and flowers! This onsen theme park also offers a stone sauna with 7 different rooms, restaurants, a games area, and even a beer garden.
For those who are a little shy or looking for more privacy, you can also upgrade to a private room that comes with your own private onsen, shower room, and even a sofa and TV to relax. The private room that can take up to 4 pax will set you back ¥7,700 for 2 hours.
#KlookTip: It is common practice in Japan that individuals with tattoos may be denied entry into onsens. Fret not as Solaniwa Onsen sells skin patches at their counter for you to cover up your tattoos.
Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower Slider
After all that relaxing, catch a 20-minute subway ride to Shinsekai, a retro downtown neighbourhood located in southern Osaka. Shinsekai is loved for its old-town charm and iconic sights including the Tsutenkaku Tower (once known as the Eiffel Tower of Osaka).
Most people come here for its old dining establishments and cheap Japanese-style pubs. Oh, the area is popular for restaurants serving kushikatsu (skewered, deep-fried meat and vegetables), one of Osaka's local specialities!
While you're there, don't miss out on the new Tsutenkaku Tower Slider! Be prepared for the thrill of your life as you slide down 60 metres in a mere 10 seconds! You can ride the Tsutenkaku Tower Slider (usual price: ¥1,000) for free on weekdays with the Osaka Amazing Pass.
Umeda Sky Building
There's no better place to end off your night in Osaka than taking in the nightscape. 🌃✨ After dinner, make your way to the Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka's tallest and most iconic skyscrapers. Its Kuchu Teien Observatory offers unobstructed views of the city skyline from its Sky Garden observatory - the best time to head over is to catch a sunset, or after the city lights come on at night.
#KlookTip: You can enjoy free entry to Kuchu Teien Observatory (usual price: ¥1,500) before 6pm with your Osaka Amazing Pass!
Need more suggestions on fun spots you can check out in Osaka? Here's a list of other passes and attractions you can head to if you have some extra time on your schedule:
Day 3: Fun day out at Universal Studios Japan
Transport yourself to the most awesome place in Osaka on day three! From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the newly-opened Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit in Osaka if you love theme parks!
Besides areas dedicated to studio classics like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions, this world-class theme park is also home to themed specials (many of which pay tribute to famous animes!) that can only be found in Japan.
#KlookTip: Now that you know what’s in store for you when you visit Universal Studios Japan, we highly recommend getting the Universal Express Pass so that you can maximise your visit by skipping the queues for these top rides!
Explore Hiroshima
Travelling through Osaka and Kyoto? Don't miss out on what Hiroshima has to offer! Explore its poignant past, wander cherry-blossom adorned gardens, and savour Japan's legendary okonomiyaki!
Day 4: Day trip to Nara
Now that we have explored Osaka city, it's time to head out! First up, we'll be going east to Nara, which is a 50-minute train ride from JR Namba Station using the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
Nara Deer Park
About a 20-minute walk away from the JR Nara Station is the famed Nara Park where wild deers roam freely and bow in exchange for crackers from tourists. You can find stalls selling shika senbei (deer crackers) all around, and they go for ¥200 a stack. Find your favourite spot and start feeding!
#KlookTip: Some deers might end up biting your clothing instead, so do wear something that you don't mind getting dirty.
Todaiji Temple
The city may be small, but it's compact with cultural treasures, including some of the oldest and largest temples in Japan. The one you shouldn't miss is Todaiji (also known as the Great Eastern Temple).
Great Buddha Hall, the main hall of Todaiji, is one of the world's largest wooden buildings, housing one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Many people from throughout Japan and the world visit the temple to worship and pay their respects every year.
Higashimuki Shopping Street
After all the walking, it's time for lunch! There are many famous restaurants around Nara Park or you can consider walking over to Higashimuki Shopping Street, which is next to the Kintetsu Nara Station. You can also pick up souvenirs that are unique to Nara here, including snacks and everything deer-related!
Here are some other must-visits when in Nara:
- Horyuji Temple
- Isuien Garden
- Yoshikien Garden
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Back in Osaka by the evening? Make your way to teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, a dreamy outdoor exhibition you shouldn't miss out on if interactive art sounds like your kinda thing. The entire area is essentially a botanical garden by day, and an art space by night.
The space transforms interactively, influenced by wind, rain, as well as the behaviour of the people and its surroundings. There are a total of 14 artworks and some are also interactive! Push 'em to find out what happens next!
The entire experience is based on teamLab’s art project Digitized Nature, which explores how nature can become art.
Day 5: Day trip to Kurashiki, Okayama & Kobe
We're starting the day bright and early as we're heading further west to the historic city of Kurashiki. We'll be taking the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama, before transferring to an express train. Thanks to the bullet train ride, which is covered with the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass, the travel time is cut in half to only 1.5 hours, making this day trip possible.
Kurashiki
Kurashiki is well known for its canal area that dates back to the 1600s. It is an easy 10-minute walk from the Kurashiki Station. The stone bridges and weeping willow trees that line the canal make for a picturesque scene.
There are also many former traditional storehouses around the area that have been converted into museums, shops and cafes. One of the most famous is the Ohara Museum, Japan's first museum of Western Art.
Take some time to explore the few lanes as you might just discover many hidden gems. Besides a shop that sells what is perhaps all the washi tapes in the world, there were also many boutiques. I also managed to sniff out some interesting snacks like oyster sauce soft serve ice cream, handmade fishcakes, and also a hole-in-the-wall coffee place that roasts its own beans.
Okayama
Next, we headed over to Okayama, home to the Okayama Castle that has a unique black exterior. It recently underwent renovations and has since reopened to visitors on 3 November 2022.
Okayama Castle Night Illumination
If you have time to spare, it is highly recommended that you stay till the evening to catch the castle light up. It is especially stunning when the autumn leaves are in their full glory. You can spend some time at the Bizen-yaki Pottery Studio to try your hands at a pottery lesson.
You can also cross the Asahi River to the Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three best landscape gardens. Here you'll find lush lawns, walking paths, and a hill that's an excellent lookout point.
Kobe
Kobe Port
On the way back to Osaka, make a stopover at Kobe! Located on a scenic harbour, Kobe has much to offer besides its beef: Japanese sake (there are plenty of breweries and sake museums that you can visit and go on guided tours around), hiking spots (hop on a scenic cable car ride to Mount Rokko beautiful sunset), and unique attractions (there's a memorial park dedicated to one of the strongest earthquakes in Japan that hit Kobe in 1995).
End your Kobe adventure with some famous Kobe beef for lunch or dinner. One commonly recommend establishment is Steak Aoyama, where you can enjoy melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef as a set, cooked right before your eyes on a teppanyaki grill.
#KlookTip: Set meals at most restaurants are typically cheaper during lunchtime!
Day 6: Spend a night at Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan's former capital city and is dotted with an abundance of beautiful temples and old shrines with years of remarkable history behind them. From Osaka, you can easily get there using the JR Kyoto Line or even the JR Haruka Express in around 30 minutes. Both are covered by the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
If you have the Whole Japan JR Pass, you can also take the Shinkansen from Osaka, and it'll only take you 15 minutes! Fret not if you do not have a JR Pass, you can also opt for the cheaper Kintetsu Rail Pass or Kansai Thru Pass for your getaway to Kyoto.
Higashiyama District
One of Kyoto's most famous spots is Higashiyama, which preserves the traditional look of Japan. The streets here are lined with temples and wooden houses, many of which have now turned into stores and restaurants now. But before you start exploring, you may want to rent a kimono because many Instagram spots await you.
For a unique way of exploring the area, opt for an Ebisuya Traditional Rickshaw Tour. Along the 1-hour tour, our rickshaw guide brought us down different alleys and shared a lot of interesting nuggets of information, all in perfect English! We even stopped at a couple of picturesque spots and got some 'professional' shots taken by our very own rickshaw guides! What an experience!
One of the spots our rickshaw guide stopped at was the Yasaka Koshindo Temple, made famous on Instagram for its colourful balls. You can write your wish on a kukurizaru, which represents the good faith monkeys, and hang it up. Your wish may just come true!
If you're looking for a pitstop, you should definitely check out the Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya. It's the world's first tatami Starbucks and one of the most unique Starbucks in the world. I bet your matcha latte will taste different here!
Set at the top of the hill, Kiyomizudera Temple is the iconic temple of Japan. It is also best known for its cherry and maple trees that offer some of the best photo opportunities set against Kyoto city.
#KlookTip: Kiyomizudera Temple conducts night illuminations during the peak autumn leaf season in November, and also sakura season around April. They are simply stunning!
Nishiki Market
After all that walking, there's no better place to recharge than at Nishiki Market, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. The entire street is lined with more than 100 stalls and restaurants, offering anything from fresh seafood to local snacks, as well as fresh produce and Kyoto pickles.
#KlookTip: Finish up your food at each stall before moving along as you can get the storeowner's help to throw away any leftover packaging. There are also many signs put up to remind you not to eat as you walk, which is considered to be impolite in Japan.
The highlight here has got to be this shop that sells everything matcha, including gelato of different intensities. As they say, go big or go home. Go for the highest-rated (also the most expensive) one, for I promise you it's going to be the best matcha ice cream you'll ever have in your life!
Fushimi Inari Taisha
If there’s one shrine you must visit in Kyoto, it’s got to be Fushimi Inari Taisha. Famous for its endless red-coloured torii gates, this shrine is an iconic Kyoto tourist spot and is one of the many temples dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Aside from paying for abundant harvests, devotees also come here to pray for business prosperity and protection for their homes and families.
The trails of torii gates will lead you up the wooded forest of Mount Inari. It can take you anywhere between 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit, depending on the crowd and how fit you are.
#KlookTip: One of the best spots to catch the sunset we found was the 'Crossroads', which was about 45 minutes into our hike.
Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto
You would have had plenty of ramen in Japan by now, but have you heard of vegan ramen? Well, at Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto, there's more to the entire experience than just the food. You'll be seated at a polished black table in a room surrounded by mirrors. All this while, teamLab's artwork Reversible Rotation will loop on the displays causing the illusion that you're being surrounded by art.
And I assure you their food is equally stunning as the environment. Their ramen soups are rich and flavourful, and they come in different blends such as spicy miso, soy sauce, and even green tea. My favourite is the green tea ramen that hits your palette with a unique umami blend of kelp, shiitake mushrooms, and green tea.
If that isn't enough to convince you, this unique restaurant has just been awarded the Bib Gourmand accolade in the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2023!
#KlookTip: Vegan Ramen UZU is gaining popularity in both Kyoto and Tokyo, and with its limited capacity, we highly recommend you make a reservation!
Day 7: Final day in Kyoto
Arashiyama
One of the most notable Kyoto tourist spots has got to be the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Spend a quiet morning here with its hundreds of towering bamboo plants and scenic paths. It’s a short 30-minute stroll but feel free to stay a little longer to take pictures at the Bamboo Alley and just enjoy nature.
#KlookTip: Try and reach as early as possible before the tour buses arrive in the later morning.
From the Bamboo Forest, head towards the Hozugawa River where you'll also find what's probably the most scenic Arabica Coffee outlet. Grab a morning cuppa and have a seat by the river bank to enjoy the views of the Togetsukyo Bridge.
You can also catch a scenic boat ride down the Hozugawa River dwarfed by the surrounding mountains. Across the seasons, the Arashiyama mountains will offer vastly different sceneries as your boatmen navigate the rivers. Get your cameras ready!
Sagano Romantic Train
Before you call it a day in Kyoto, don't miss out on the Sagano Romantic Train that's right at the Arashiyama Station. They call it romantic for a reason, because this scenic ride will bring you through gorgeous landscapes, especially during the autumn and sakura seasons. I can't think of a better way to end this awesome week in Japan.
Head back to Osaka
JR West Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Express
Should this be the end of your trip, you can head back to Kyoto Station where you can catch the JR Haruka Express right back to Osaka or even Kansai International Airport. If you're lucky, you might even catch the Hello Kitty-themed train!
But if you've got more time to explore, pick and choose from this list of popular spots in the charming historical city:
- Gion district
- Yasaka Shrine
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Kifune Shrine
- Nijo Castle
Ready to conquer Kansai?
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