What to Do With One Day in Osaka, Japan
A concrete jungle in the truest sense, Osaka, Japan exerts a strange kind of magnetism, emanating from Osaka Castle in the center of town, vast shopping arcades and entertainment centers in the south, and the bay on the west side of town. The beating heart of the city is the area surrounding the large canal running through Dōtombori, where you’ll find an army of street-food vendors, rowdy bars, and friendly locals who know how to have a good time.
Here’s how to spend a perfect day in Osaka:
1. See the city from above:
Before tromping through Osaka’s array of colorful neighborhoods at street level, first behold the city’s vastness from above with a trip to Umeda Sky Building in the city’s Kita (north) side, which opens at 9:30 AM.
2. Indulge in Osaka’s street food:
Okonomiyaki are savory pancakes stuffed with cabbage, meat, and seafood, and often topped with sweet sauce, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise. Walk to Kiji, in Umeda Sky Building’s basement, or visit the branch in the tightly packed Shinumeda Shokudogai restaurant district, a 12 minute walk away.
3. Get a feel for local life in Osaka:
Hop on the Midōsuji line at Umeda Station and ride south to Shinsaibashi, the northern gateway to the city’s Minami (south) side. Grab a coffee at Lilo Coffee Roasters, then walk south toward Triangle Park in the heart of youth culture mecca Amerika-mura. Spend your afternoon here and in the stylish nearby Horie district a couple of blocks southwest, people-watching and popping into shops.
4. Snap a selfie in an iconic spot:
Continue south to the Dōtombori-gawa canal. Walk along the river’s northern bank until you reach Ebisu-bashi, the famous bridge at the heart of Dōtombori. Join the throngs taking selfies in front of the famous Glico “running man” billboard.
5. Have a quintessential, neon-soaked Osaka night:
Cross the bridge and enter the famed Dōtombori arcade proper. As dusk sets, this strip becomes a surreal, neon-soaked realm. Also stop by Hōzen-ji, an enigmatic temple in the heart of a consumerist frenzy. Eat dinner in Dōtombori. Your choices are endless, but trying deep-fried delights at the Dōtombori branch of Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma is a good place to start. It’s just north of Hōzen-ji on Dōtombori-gawa.
- Flexible itineraries including a two week ‘Best of Japan’ and 11 days in Hokkaido
- The top sights and unique experiences: Wander the shrines and temples of Ueno-koen park and stop in Tokyo National Museum for world-renowned Japanese art. Learn about samurai heritage in Sanmachi Suji or zazen meditation at the Buddhist temples of Kyoto, and get an unforgettable lesson in 20th century history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Outdoor adventures: Hike the trails of Mt. Fuji or the river-filled valley of Kamikochi and relax in a communal onsen hot spring. Ski or snowboard at a world-class resort, surf in the Pacific off the coast of Shikoku, or dive along the coral reefs of Okinawa
- The best local flavors: Feast on ramen or an elaborate spread of sushi, sample fresh seafood at the world’s largest fish market in Tokyo, and drink your way through the famed beer scene in Sapporo
- Honest insight from American expat and longtime Tokyo local Jonathan DeHart
- Full-color, vibrant photos throughout
- Detailed maps and useful tips for navigating public transportation
- Focused coverage of Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kansai, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Okinawa, Tohoku and Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu, and more
- Thorough background information on the landscape, wildlife, history, government, and culture
Just exploring the cities? Check out Moon Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima or Moon Tokyo Walks.
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