[Latest 2025 Travel Guide] Osaka

🍜 Editor's Perspective: A Complete Travel Guide to Osaka

Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan," is not only the transportation and commercial center of Kansai, but also a hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment. During the day, you can experience history and culture in the ancient city and museums, while at night, you can immerse yourself in the neon-lit street food paradise.


🏯 Recommended must-see attractions

1. Osaka Castle

  • Highlights : One of Japan's three most famous cities, it looks like a fairyland when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring.
  • Editor's Tip : We recommend coming in the morning so you can overlook the city of Osaka from the top floor of the castle tower.
  • Nearby : Osaka Castle Park, JO-TERRACE Osaka restaurant and shopping mall.

2. Dotonbori

  • Highlights : Osaka's bustling food and nightlife district, where you'll want to take a photo of the Glico Running Man neon sign.
  • Editor's tip : The atmosphere is most lively at night, so don't miss the takoyaki, crab douraku, and kushigekage.

3. Shinsaibashi

  • Highlights : Osaka's largest shopping street, with everything from department stores to drug stores.
  • Editor’s Tip : We recommend strolling around Dotonbori and enjoying the food while you walk.

4. Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai

  • Highlights : The nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era allows you to see the leisurely daily life of Osaka people.
  • Editor’s Tip : Try the Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and remember the “no double-dipping” rule!

5. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

  • Highlights : One of the largest aquariums in the world, the giant whale shark is the treasure of the town hall.
  • Editor's Tip : This is a great place for families, as the Tempozan Ferris Wheel nearby offers a beautiful night view.

6. Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

  • Highlights : Harry Potter Land, Super Nintendo World, and Mini Soldiers Land are extremely popular.
  • Editor's Tip : During peak season, it is recommended to buy a fast pass ticket to save time queuing.

🚋 Osaka Transportation Guide

City transportation

  • Subway & JR : Osaka Metro and JR lines cover major attractions. It is recommended to purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass or ICOCA card for convenience and cost savings.
  • Bus : Suitable for supplementing places that the subway cannot reach directly, but foreign tourists mostly use the subway.

How to get there

  • Kansai International Airport (KIX) :
    • JR Kansai-Kura Rapid Express to Osaka Station, approximately 65 minutes
    • About 45 minutes to Namba Station by Nankai Electric Railway
  • Shinkansen : Take the Tokaido Shinkansen "Nozomi" from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

🗓 My personal 2-day itinerary suggestion

Day 1 (Classic Downtown Line)
Osaka Castle → Shinsaibashi → Dotonbori → Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai → Kushikatsu dinner

Day 2 (Theme Park Line)
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) → Tempozan Ferris Wheel Night View


🍢 The editor added a food map

  • Mizu's Okonomiyaki (Dotonbori): A famous Okonomiyaki restaurant with a soft and fragrant texture.
  • Kukuru Takoyaki (Dotonbori): Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with super large octopus pieces.
  • Yaekatsu Kushikatsu (New World): A popular kushikatsu restaurant, well worth the queue.
  • Golden Dragon Ramen (Dotonbori): Open 24 hours, a savior for night owls.

💡Editor 's friendly reminder :

  • The tax refund threshold for shopping in Osaka is usually 5,000 yen (same day, same store), so remember to bring your passport.
  • Universal Studios Japan is very crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to avoid weekends and Japanese holidays.
  • There are a lot of people in the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas, so please be careful with your belongings.
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