Osaka Itinerary 7 Days

7 Days in Osaka - Perfect 1 Week Guide

A modern port-city with a traditional heart, Osaka is a popular tourist destination on the Japanese island of Honshu well-known for its rich history, magnificent landmarks, and a thriving gastronomical scene. Often fondly called the "Venice of the East” due to the large network of waterways and canals, Osaka is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Japan. Go through this Osaka Itinerary 7 Days to know about the best way to spend a week in Osaka.

What to see in Osaka in 7 days?

Sightseeing:

Housing over 30,000 animals living in 15 different exhibits, Kaiyukan aquarium is a mandatory inclusion in your Osaka sightseeing tour. It is one of the biggest aquariums in the world and features a wide variety of exhibits ranging from the Arctic to the tropical regions. Another popular attraction in Osaka is the Minoo National Park, a green oasis in the city featuring a spectacular waterfall, lovely and colorful trees, and paths lined with traditional buildings and temples. Osaka Castle, a quintessential Japanese castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century, is also a prominent landmark in the city.
Running along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge, the funky entertainment district of Dōtonbori featuring numerous restaurants and theatres is also a popular choice among tourists in Osaka. History buffs often add The Osaka Museum of History to their Osaka itinerary. Because it is an interesting place which talks in detail about Osaka’s history from ancient times to the present day. For some fun and entertainment, add Universal Studios Japan to your trip plan. An amusement park belonging to the famous theme park chain Universal Studios, it is a place dedicated to popular American movies and features rides as well as live entertainment.

Food:

A grilled octopus dish consisting of flour and egg-based batter cooked with a filling of octopus slices, Takoyaki is a traditional Japanese dish which is served at many street-side shops in Osaka. Okonomiyaki, a pancake-like dish made with flour batter, vegetables, pork, and squid, is another must-try dish in Osaka. A drum-shaped Japanese dessert, Taiko-Manju consists of a steamed bean filling in a batter of flour, eggs, and sugar. Sushi and Sashimi are two Japanese dishes which need no introduction - there are plenty of places in Osaka which serve delicious Sushi and Sashimi prepared from freshly caught local produce. Yakiniku and Horumon, a famous Japanese barbecue dish made from grilled Japanese beef, is a dish to-die-for when in Osaka. The stew made of piping hot noodles and a rich broth, Ramen is a typical Japanese dish which people in Osaka take very seriously. You will find several restaurants and eateries serving various varieties of Ramen in Osaka.

Shopping:

Osaka’s two largest shopping districts are Umeda, also known as Kita, in the north and Namba, also known as Minami, in the south. Housing huge departmental stores, underground malls, and shopping arcades, these two destinations are ideal for shopaholic tourists in Osaka. Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s oldest shopping destinations. Today, it houses various famous chain stores, brand shops as well as local and independent boutique stores. If kitchen equipment and raw materials for food are on your shopping list, then head to the Doguyasuji Arcade.

Short Trips from Osaka:

Well-known for the staggeringly huge population of deer, Nara houses many of Japan’s popular attractions like Todaiji Temple, Kagusa Taisha Shrine, and Nara Park. It is located just 30 minutes from Osaka and so, perfect for a day-trip. Kyoto, one of Japan’s highly famous tourist destinations housing a plethora of interesting sites like Kiyomizudera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Inari Fushimi Shrine, is situated simply 30 to 40 minutes from Osaka. Kobe, located 20 minutes from Osaka, is another popular destination for a one-day trip. It presents numerous vibrant neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and food prospects. Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s twelve original castles, is one of the most preferred destinations for a short trip from Osaka. It can be reached by a 1-hour train journey.