Osaka is one of the cities in Japan that receive millions of visitors every year; the others are Tokyo and Kyoto. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the central metropolis of the Kansai region. With over 2.5 residents recorded in its greater metropolitan area, it is the third largest city in Japan in terms of population. It is also the largest in Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, which is composed of Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka.

Osaka is composed of 24 wards, but it can be simply be divided into two areas — North and South. The north is also referred to as “Kita”. It is where Umeda is nestled and where most corporate offices and retail establishments are niched; hence, it is also the site of numerous skyscrapers and shopping districts. It also covers the JR Umeda Station and JR Osaka Station.

The south is also called “Minami”. It is where Namba (JR Namba Station), Shinsaibashi, and Dotonbori are located. Tourists often go to Dotonbori to try the gastronomic specialties that Osaka is known for. Namba is another busy area where Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) is located. OCAT is a commercial complex housing a number of restaurants, shops, and South Osaka’s highway bus terminal. Shinsaibashi is yet another tourist favorite, especially for those who want to splurge their money on shopping.

The western area faces Osaka Bay, providing Oska with the most delicious supplies of seafood, perfect for those who love filling their stomachs with Japanese food goodness. Also, this is where you will find Universal Studios Japan.

From the food to parks to shopping to historical tour to modern attractions, Osaka continues to satisfy visitors with all the best that the city could offer. Getting around and even traveling to other nearby cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe will never be a problem as Osaka has an extensive transportation system.

Option 1: Osaka + Kyoto (5D/4N)

Day 1: Arrival/Osaka
Arrival at Kansai International Airport
Hotel Check-in
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building Observatory
Lunch
Dotonbori Tour
Dinner

Day 2: Theme Park
Wake up
Universal Studios Japan
Dinner

Day 3: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari)
Wake up
Travel to Kyoto
Hotel Check-in
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Lunch
Gion District
Dinner

Day 4: Arashiyama
Wake up
Arashiyama
Lunch
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto Tower
Dinner

Day 5: Departure
Go to Kansai Airport
Departure

Option 2: Osaka + Kyoto + Nara (6D/5N)

Day 1: Arrival/Osaka
Arrival at Kansai International Airport
Hotel Check-in
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building Observatory
Lunch
Dotonbori Tour
Dinner

Day 2: Theme Park
Wake up
Universal Studios Japan
Dinner

Day 3: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari)
Wake up
Travel to Kyoto
Hotel Check-in
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Lunch
Gion District
Dinner

Day 4: Arashiyama
Wake up
Arashiyama
Lunch
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto Tower
Dinner

Day 5: Nara
Wake up
Travel to Nara
Start DIY Walking Tour: Sarusawa-ike Pond, Kofuku-ji Temple, Isuien Garden, Yoshikien Garden, Todai-ji Temple
Lunch
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Shinyakushi-ji Temple, Naramachi
Travel back to Osaka
Dinner

Day 6: Departure

Osaka Essentials

Osaka Pocket Wi-fi Stay Internet-connected while in Osaka! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	Japan Local SIM Local SIM Card with data plan! ➡️ RESERVE HERE
Universal Studios Japan 1-Day Pass Ride all you can at Universal Studios! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	Osaka Amazing Pass Unlimited subway rides and free entry to attractions. ➡️ RESERVE HERE!
ICOCA Card Easy access to train, subway and buses! ➡️ RESERVE HERE	JR Pass Unlimited train rides within the JR network. ➡️ RESERVE HERE

Top Osaka Hotels

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Khaosan World Tennoji ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	APA Hotel Higashi-Umeda Minami-morimachi-Ekimae ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY