Itineraries for Your Trip to Osaka
1 Day in Osaka for First Timers
Many years ago, when I was studying Japanese in high school, I jumped at the chance to stay with a local family in Osaka on an exchange program. The urban Japanese school I went to was nothing like my rural New Zealand school, but the differences made the experience fun.
When I returned to Japan several years later, I ended up living in Tokyo, but I retained a soft spot for Osaka—a smaller, more manageable, grittier alternative to the capital. Many travelers bypass it on their way to nearby Kyoto (which has a very different feel), but Osaka is a fun place to spend a day, whether you’re in transit or making a dedicated trip. Here’s how to spend the day.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a food tour or a hearty local meal; Osaka is famous for its culinary culture.
Summers are very hot and humid in Osaka, so visit between October and May for the most comfortable experience.
Osaka was mostly destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the post-war years, so it has a distinctly different feel than nearby Kyoto and Nara. A walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and see the landmarks. You can opt for one that focuses on highlights like Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji Temple, the towering Abeno Harukas building, and Umeda Sky Building or take a niche tour that focuses on food. (If you’re passing through Osaka before an evening flight and won’t have time for a night out, you should front-load this experience and start your day tasting the city’s renowned foods.)
Osaka is a traditionally working-class city, and locals are extremely proud of its vibe and confidence. Capture some of the city’s spirit, while doing some more exploring, on an afternoon photography tour or photoshoot (a great way to capture memories of your trip). Wandering the city streets with a professional photographer by your side will ensure you get some great photos while also seeing spots you might not find on your own. Pose with your family, partner, or friends—or just on your own—with the lively city as a backdrop.
Osaka really comes to life after dark, when the neon glows brightly and the bars and restaurants fill up with revelers. Get a taste of Osaka’s buzzing nightlife culture on a food and/or drink-focused tour. Your options include pub crawls that hop between bars and finish up in a nightclub; street food tours that introduce you to local casual specialties, such as takoyaki (battered octopus balls); and tours that take you down the city’s backstreets and into hidden away bars and izakaya (casual taverns).
