Osaka is the perfect blend of a big city feel with touches of ancient history, pockets of bustling streets, and exceptional food. It has a unique charm that makes it attractive to all and is an easy city to navigate if you only have several days. Here’s how to spend a weekend in Osaka, Japan.
Friday evening
Your first stop in Osaka must be the Dotonbori area. This hub is sure to amaze with its bright neon lights, quirky signage (keep your eyes peeled for the giant crab!) and plenty of street food and restaurants to satisfy your appetite. Head to the Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market for an authentic experience and tasty seafood bites like fugu (puffer fish). Osaka is known as ‘The Kitchen of Japan’ for its diverse food scene so get ready to experience it all!
Saturday morning
This morning, you will begin with Osaka’s iconic landmark – the Osaka Castle and its Castle Park. Surrounded by stone walls and a giant moat, the castle is renowned for its distinctive white walls. It still stands tall above the city despite having been destroyed multiple times during its history, today housing a fascinating museum. Afterwards, the Castle Park is worth taking a leisurely stroll through – especially if you’re visiting during spring to take in the beautiful plum blossoms.
Saturday afternoon
There is so much to do in Osaka, so we’ve broken this afternoon into two interests.
If you’re a keen shopper, head to Shinsaibashi for an insight into old and new Japanese culture. This covered arcade street features everything from boutique stores, street food vendors, luxury brands and quirky local stores. Don’t miss its underground section which showcases local vendors.
However, if you prefer to learn more about Osaka and Japan, take your pick from one of the city’s great museums. For example, the Osaka Museum of History will take you on a journey through history with interactive exhibits and gorgeous views from its observation deck; the Osaka Science Museum has fun exhibitions and a planetarium; and the underground National Museum of Art features Japanese and overseas contemporary art. The choice is yours!
Saturday evening
What is your idea of a night out whilst travelling? Would you rather a more intimate experience, or to get the feel of a quirky neighbourhood?
If it’s the former, cosy up in the Namba neighbourhood for drinks at one of its cosy bars in Yokocho (a narrow alleyway full of bars) before rubbing shoulders with the locals at an izakaya. An izakaya is Japan’s answer to a pub, especially popular after work or on weekends. Typical izakaya fare is simple, yet classic, with small plates of grilled meat skewers, fried chicken, pickled vegetables and edamame on offer.
Alternatively, step back in time to visit the Shinsekai neighbourhood. Its retro vibes capture an older, albeit still charming, Osaka. Take a stroll through its streets with its more-muted-lights than the likes of Dotonbori, pachinko arcades, restaurants and Tsutenkaku Tower (inspired by Paris’ Eiffel Tower). Shinsekai is famous for being the place to go for kushikatsu – deep fried skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables. Served piping hot to the table, dip them into the communal bowl of special dipping sauce for a comforting meal.
Sunday morning
This morning, go sky high or under the sea…
For the most spectacular views across Osaka, book your tickets in advance for the Umeda Sky Building and Floating Garden Observatory. Stand at 173 metres above ground and experience 360-degree views. Keep your eyes peeled for landmarks like Osaka Castle!
If marine life is more your thing, the Osaka Aquarium boasts being one of the largest and most impressive in the world. From whale sharks and dolphins to penguins and fishes, we guarantee an insightful morning here.
Sunday afternoon
To round off your weekend in Osaka, end it at the tranquil Sumiyoshi Taishi Shrine. With its straight roofs and bright red wood, Sumiyoshi Taishi is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. It is the most culturally significant of 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines which are the homes of the kami (Shinto gods) who protect travellers, fishermen and sailors at sea. Take part in omikuji (fortune telling) and purchase a good luck charm from the temple as a souvenir to take home.
Discover all that Osaka has to offer on a Globus or Cosmos tour to Japan, Land of the Rising Sun.
