3 Nights, 4 Days in Osaka: A Complete Itinerary

Discover the best of Osaka in 3 nights and 4 days. From iconic landmarks to incredible food, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

Day 1: Arrival and Dotonbori at Night



Morning: Arrival in Osaka

Arrive at Kansai International Airport or Shin-Osaka Station via Shinkansen.
Check in at your accommodation (see recommendations below).
Recommended Stay: Namba or Umeda for convenient access to attractions.

Afternoon: Osaka Castle

Visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark surrounded by a picturesque park.
Explore the castle museum to learn about Osaka’s samurai history.

Evening: Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous entertainment and dining district.
Try iconic street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
Take photos at the Glico Man Sign and enjoy a Tombori River Cruise.

💡 Tip: Stay late to experience the neon lights and lively atmosphere.






Day 2: Universal Studios Japan



Morning to Afternoon: Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, one of the top theme parks in the world.
Don’t miss attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Jurassic Park.

Evening: Dinner at City Walk

After the park, explore Universal City Walk for dinner. Try Japanese-style hamburgers or sushi.

💡 Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the lines, and consider an Express Pass for popular rides.






Day 3: Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda



Morning: Kuromon Ichiba Market

Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as "Osaka’s Kitchen."
Sample fresh seafood, grilled scallops, and Japanese wagyu beef skewers.

Afternoon: Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Stroll through Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s longest shopping arcade.
Find everything from luxury brands to quirky local shops.

Evening: Umeda Sky Building

Head to Umeda Sky Building, a futuristic skyscraper with an observation deck.
Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka at sunset.
Have dinner at Hankyu Umeda Food Hall or one of the nearby izakayas (Japanese pubs).

💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the day involves plenty of walking.






Day 4: Nara Day Trip and Departure



Morning: Day Trip to Nara

Take a train to Nara, about 45 minutes from Osaka.
Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue.
Walk through Nara Park and feed the friendly deer.

Afternoon: Return to Osaka

Return to Osaka for lunch. Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at a local restaurant.
Do last-minute shopping at Namba Parks or Rinku Premium Outlets (near Kansai Airport).

Evening: Departure

Transfer to Kansai International Airport for your flight or board the Shinkansen for your next destination.







Recommended Accommodations

Swissotel Nankai Osaka (Luxury): Conveniently located above Namba Station.
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka (Mid-Range): Stylish hotel with easy access to Dotonbori.
The Dorm Hostel Osaka (Budget): Modern and affordable, ideal for solo travelers.





Must-Try Osaka Dishes

Takoyaki: Find the best at stalls in Dotonbori or Kuromon Market.
Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake packed with toppings, popular at local diners.
Horumon Yaki: Grilled offal, a unique Osaka specialty.
Cheesecake from Rikuro’s: Soft and fluffy Japanese cheesecake.





Pro Tips for Osaka

Transportation: Get an ICOCA card for easy travel on trains and buses.
Timing: Universal Studios Japan is best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Shopping: Save tax by bringing your passport when shopping at large stores.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October–November) for mild weather.

This 3-night, 4-day itinerary ensures you experience the best of Osaka’s food, culture, and entertainment. Enjoy your trip to Japan’s foodie paradise!