Your Ultimate Game Plan To Navigate Osaka

I have a bone to pick with Japan. My biggest beef?

Everything is so spread out and you essentially need to map everything out BEFORE you hit each city.

If you don’t, you run the risk of missing spots or wasting time and money on trains, zigzagging across the city.

So you can hit the ground running in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa, we’ve mapped out the top spots in our other top tips

Now, let’s focus on Osaka!

Osaka’s Top Spots In Order Of Close Proximity

OSAKA CASTLE AREA

Osaka Castle - Start your day here, a 15 min train ride from Namba Station

Umeda Sky Building - Take a 20 min train ride from the castle to this futuristic skyscraper with incredible city views

DOTONBORI & NAMBASHA

Dotonbori - A 15-min train ride from Umeda Sky Building brings you to Osaka’s food and nightlife district. Take a pic here with the famous Glico sign!

Amerikamura - Walk 10 mins west further and you’ll hit this trendy area. It’s got street art, vintage shops, cool cafes

Namba Yasaka Shrine - Another 15 min walk from Amerikamura to visit this quirky shrine with a massive lion head

SHINSEKAI

Kuromon Ichiba Market - Hop on a 10 min train from Namba to this foodie paradise of fresh seafood and yummy street food

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower - Just a 15 min walk and you can wander this retro neighborhood and see Osaka’s iconic tower

TENNOJI

Shitenno-ji Temple - From Shinsekai, a 20 min walk or a quick train ride brings you to Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple

BAY AREA

Universal Studios Japan - USJ is a 25-min train ride from Shitenno-ji Temple

OSAKA LOOP BUS TIP
Use the Osaka Loop Bus. It stops at Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Umeda Sky Building, and Tsutenkaku Tower. Great for hitting multiple spots with ease!

Not saying you have to do all of these in one day, but this guide will help you tackle Osaka with confidence