Osaka’s 12 Days Itinerary Ideas: A Guide to Explore the Beautiful City

Traveloka Accomodation
12 May 2023 - 10 min read

Travel to Japan - Most people will choose Tokyo as their main destination when visiting Japan because this city is so famous. But who would have thought, if Osaka is no less interesting to visit because there are many interesting things. This cosmopolitan city is so sparkling especially if you visit Umeda with its famous skyscrapers.

However, they still perpetuate the old area which is rich in history and is still well cared for. Come to Osaka Hattori Ryokuchi Park to see a typical Japanese village atmosphere with lush bamboo trees.

Many interesting things that you can find in this city known as the most rivers and bridges in Japan. You can fly from Singapore to Kansai International Airport with a flight time of around 15 hours. However, this is a general time, so changes can occur depending on each airline and the duration of transits.

You will need a JR Pass in Osaka, which is a travel card that can be used to get around Japan. This JR Pass cannot be purchased in Japan, so buy an Exchange Order in Indonesia or buy it here. Next, consider the following itinerary recommendations so you know things to do in Osaka.

Osaka Itineraries 12D

Day 1

Arrive in Osaka

Book a hotel before you arrive in Osaka, so you can check into the hotel right away. Choose a hotel according to your taste and vacation budget from the recommendations at the end of this review.

Explore points of interest around the hotel such as the very famous Glico Man Sign. Try local specialties that are sold around the hotel or visit a shopping center to buy necessities while on vacation.

Day 2

Visit Osaka Castle and Learn about Japan's Rich History
Osaka Castle - Travel to Japan

Osaka Castle was built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, known as Napoleon of Japan in 1853. You can visit the museum beside the palace which documents the rich history of Osaka. This green oasis in the city was formed because a large green area surrounds Osaka Castle.

Many trees are growing such as cherry, apricot, and plum trees, among others. The diversity of this flora promises beautiful views, walking in this park in spring or autumn. Enjoy wandering around and taking pictures occasionally against the backdrop of the palace and the beautiful shady surroundings.

Day 3

Take a trip to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and see a wide variety of marine life

This place can be visited for all seasons because you don't have to worry about weather changes. You can see the 11 meter long aquarium tunnel and 14 other aquariums that look so awesome.

There are more than 30,000 sea creatures with 620 species created based on the ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean. You can see details as well as buy tickets easily here to get special packages but at low prices.

Visit the Umeda Sky Building and enjoy the view from the observatory deck
Umeda Sky Building - Travel to Japan

The building designed by Hiroshi Hara has a height of 173 meters with 40 floors. Osaka's most popular city landmark has 2 observatory decks to enjoy the view. One of them is the floating garden observatory in the form of an open deck. That is not limited by glass, you can see the Yodogawa River and skyscrapers in this metropolis.

Day 4

Explore Dotonbori and enjoy the vibrant nightlife and street food
Dotonbori Street Food - Travel to Japan

This shopping paradise stretches along the Dotonbori Canal, from the Dotonbori Bashi Bridge to the Nipponbashi Bridge. If you don't feel like shopping, you can try tempting street food like takoyaki and ramen. Don't miss taking pictures at the Dotonbori Glico Sign, to be precise in front of the iconic Glico billboard.

Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market and try some local dishes
Kuromon Ichiba Market - Travel to Japan

This 580 meter long market located in Osaka is also known as "Naniwa no Daidokoro", which means "Osaka Kitchen”. At first this market only sold fresh fish, then in 2010 restaurants, cafes and other shops began to appear.

So this place is increasingly famous and its popularity has risen to become a culinary and shopping destination for foreign tourists.You can find lots of street food sellers, fresh fruit, and other daily needs.

Day 5

Visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living - Travel to Japan

You can feel the transition of lifestyles in the environment and residences from the Edo period to Showa. In summer, you can take part in the Tenjin festival where the porches are decorated.

Not only traditional experiences, you can also see modern side exhibitions with a panoramic tour. There is a video about relocating and a moving diorama model which is packaged in a sophisticated way.

Walk along the Dotonbori Canal and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Osaka
Dotonbori Canal - Travel to Japan

The Dotonbori Canal is in an area famous for its bright and vibrant metropolitan life. Cruising the canals by boat is a unique way to enjoy life here. So that you can see the city from a new perspective and chat with other boat passengers.

Day 6

Take a day trip to Nara and visit Todai-ji Temple and its giant bronze Buddha statue
Todai-ji Temple - Travel to Japan

There are eight temples, one of them is Todai-ji Temple which is the largest wooden structure in the world. In the Daibutsuden Hall there is the world's largest bronze statue of Vairocana or Daibutsu Buddha. This Daibutsu is flanked by two giant statues, called Kokuzo-bosatsu and Nyorin-kannon.

Day 7

Visit the Shitennoji Temple
Shitennoji Temple - Travel to Japan

This oldest Buddhist temple in Japan was built in 593 and is divided into three main areas. Namely The Treasure House, the inner temple complex, and Gokuraku Jodo Park with a unique symmetrical architectural style.

Check out the nearby Shinsaibashi shopping district and do some shopping
Shinsaibashi - Travel to Japan

The Shinsaibashi area is near Dotonbori with many rows of shops for food, drink, and fashion products. To the north of Ebisu Bridge, there is a shopping district that stretches for 580 meters.

Day 8

Enjoy the day at Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan - Travel to Japan

Universal Studio Japan

9.2/10

Get thrills, entertain...

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Visiting Universal Studios is a must-do activity when in Japan that you shouldn't miss. You can try many exciting and challenging rides that can take all day. There are many popular attractions based on movies and television shows that are so lifelike they are truly memorable.

Not only you, many other tourists, especially foreign tourists who also want to visit this place. You have to buy admission online here and get to know the available packages. So you don't have to queue when you arrive at the location and travel becomes easier and simpler.

Day 9

Visit the Osaka Science Museum and learn about science and technology
Osaka Science Museum - Travel to Japan

The first science museum in Japan provides interactive facilities so you can learn in a fun way. You can watch 200 exhibitions themed "Space and energy" as well as science experiments and planetarium events.

Divided into 4 floors with the themes of Electricity and Energy, Enjoy Science, Familiar Chemistry, and The Universe and Discovery. There is information about everyday life from a scientific point of view that is explained simply. In addition, you can also find out the mysteries of life that can be proven by science.

Day 10

Try some of the local dishes, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu
Takoyaki - Travel to Japan

The tight holiday schedule might make you forget to try light roadside snacks. Especially if you are too hungry then you might choose a filling main meal. Therefore, don't hesitate to try snacks at a new restaurant or cafe for a new experience.

Day 11

Take a bike share service and explore the city

While in Osaka, maybe you will get used to the culture of walking and using public transportation. But there's nothing wrong if you use one of these transportation methods in Japan to get around freely. You can find parks and several temples in the corners of the city to get a beautiful view.

Day 12

Depart from Osaka back to Singapore

Even though traveling to Japan is your dream, you will definitely want to go home. If you already have a well-thought-out vacation plan, it's better to buy a plane ticket to and from home. That way, you can get cheaper prices and it can be simpler, without having to search for tickets again.

Where to Stay in Osaka

1. Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka - Travel to Japan

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

8.5/10

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka

SGD 219

SGD 208

Location: 1-2-3 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Naniwa, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Japan, 5560017

The location of Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka is strategic because it is located right next to Namba Station which makes it easy to explore Osaka. Especially if you want to visit the Dotonbori Area, the Namba shopping center, Shinsaibashi suji, and the kuromon market. Immediately book a room at Traveloka to get a room with a stunning city view.

2. Hotel Nikko Osaka

Hotel Nikko Osaka - Travel to Japan

Hotel Nikko Osaka

8.9/10

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka

SGD 253

SGD 225

Location: 1-3-3 Nishi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Chuo, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Japan, 542-0086

This luxury accommodation, Hotel Nikko Osaka, is near Shinsaibashi Station with a choice of rooms which are dominated by premium and executive. You can take advantage of the best spa services after being tired of exploring many places in Osaka. Don't forget to book it at Traveloka so you can experience a luxury hotel at a lower price.

3. Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka - Travel to Japan

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka

9.1/10

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka

SGD 358

SGD 339

Location: 1-17-11 Nanbanaka, Naniwa-ku, Chuo, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Japan, 556-0011

You only need 5 minutes to reach Namba Station from Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka. There are full kitchen facilities that you can use when you want to cook for yourself or for toddlers. Book through Traveloka before leaving to get exclusive offers and not be confused anymore when you arrive in Osaka.

4. Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel - Travel to Japan

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

Osaka Prefecture, Osaka

SGD 1,010

SGD 757

Location: 1-1-43 Abeno-suji, Abeno-ku, Tennoji, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Japan, 545-0052

The Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is located on the 38th to 57th floors of the Abeno Harukas building. So you can see a nice view of the city, especially the amazing city light at night. Immediately book the room through Traveloka because the number of rooms in this hotel is very limited.

5. Guesthouse U-En

Guesthouse U-En - Travel to Japan

Guesthouse U-En

8.9/10

Osaka Prefecture, Osak...

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Location: 2-9-23 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Fukushima, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Japan, 553-0003

Apart from luxury hotels, you can stay at a guest house like Guesthouse U-En to save more but still easily reach public facilities. From this guest house, you only need to walk for 5 minutes to Tanimachi Yonchome Station.

You can also experience a unique experience by staying in a traditional Japanese style room. Even though it's cheap, you can still use a comfortable common kitchen and lounge area to chat. Book this cheap guest house in advance through Traveloka to get the best price and match your budget.

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You can travel to Japan easily using the Traveloka application because Traveloka has everything you need! Starting from ordering airplane tickets, booking hotel rooms, entrance tickets to tourist destinations, as well as the tips you need. Use our itinerary as it has the best things to do in Osaka!

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