Day 1
1️⃣Osaka Castle & Garden – 9:00 AM
Start your day by visiting the famous Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most impressive historical landmarks. The castle is surrounded by a vast park filled with cherry blossoms in spring. Don't forget to check out the Time Capsule Expo '70, an interesting relic from the 1970 World Expo buried within the grounds.
💰 Entrance Fee: 600 JPY (Castle Museum) | Free (Garden)
⏳ Visit Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
2️⃣ Abeno Haruka – 11:00 AM
Just 15 minutes by train or 10 minutes by taxi, head to Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan. The Harukas 300 Observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
💰 Entrance Fee: 1,500 JPY (Observatory) | Free access to certain floors
⏳ Visit Duration: 30 min - 1 hour
📌 Alternative Option:
If you prefer temples, visit Isshin-ji Temple instead, famous for its unique Buddha statues made from cremated remains.
📌 Optional ideas:
Visit & Explore and walk the Horishiki temple and Tennoji Park.
3️⃣ Shinsekai. & Tsutenkaku – 12:30 PM
A 10-minute walk from Abeno Harukas brings you to Shinsekai, a retro district inspired by Paris & New York in the early 1900s. Here, you'll find:
Tsutenkaku Tower 🗼: Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it offers multiple observation decks (88m high) with 360° city views.
Billiken Shrine: Touch Billiken's feet for good luck.
Historical Exhibits & Souvenir Shops.
Kushikatsu Street Food: Try deep-fried skewers of meat & vegetables, Osaka's specialty.
💰 Entrance Fee: Observation Decks: 900 JPY | Tower Slider: 1,000 JPY
⏳ Visit Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
What to do in Tsutenkaku Tower ?
🗼Tsutenkaku Dive & Walk Experience
The Dive & Walk includes two different activities:
One where participants, secured by a harness, navigate the outer perimeter of the middle observation deck’s roof while engaging in athletic challenges.
Another where participants take a vertical leap from the tower’s midsection, approximately 40 meters above the ground.
🗼 Tsutenkaku Tower Slider
The Tower Slider is a newly introduced feature for thrill-seekers, offering an exhilarating ride down the tower.
The slide is 60 meters long, spiraling around the exterior of the tower.
Participants sit in a small cart-like sled that slides at an exciting speed, giving panoramic views of the city on the way down.
It’s a mix of fun and adventure, perfect for anyone looking for a unique way to experience Tsutenkaku.
About 1000 yens.
Read more here.
🗼Observation Decks
Tsutenkaku features multiple observation decks that provide panoramic views of Osaka's skyline. The main deck, located at 88 meters above ground, offers a 360-degree vista, including sights like Abeno Harukas, Tennoji Park, and Tennoji Zoo.
🗼Billiken Shrine
On the fifth floor observation deck, you'll find a statue of Billiken, known as the "God of Happiness." Visitors often place coins and rub the soles of his feet, believing it brings good luck.
🗼Historical Exhibits
The tower houses exhibits detailing its history and the development of the surrounding Shinsekai district. These displays offer insights into Osaka's cultural evolution over the past century.
🗼Souvenir Shops
Within Tsutenkaku, there are several souvenir shops where you can purchase unique Osaka memorabilia, including items featuring the tower's mascot and local delicacies.
4️⃣ Nipponbashi Den Den Town, – 2:30 PM
A 15-minute walk leads you to Den Den Town, Osaka’s answer to Akihabara. This is the paradise for anime, gaming & tech lovers:
Animate Osaka Nipponbashi: The biggest anime goods store in the area.
Retro gaming & second-hand stores.
Otaku cafes & themed shops.
💰 Free to explore (but budget for shopping!)
⏳ Visit Duration: 30 min - 1 hour
📌 Alternative Option:
such as chinchillas.
5️⃣ Namba & Dotonburi : – 4:00 PM
Finally, arrive in the heart of Osaka's nightlife:
Namba Yasaka Jinja.: A unique shrine featuring a giant lion head.
Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street: A covered arcade with endless shops & souvenirs.
Dotonbori & Ebisu Bashi: Osaka’s famous neon-lit canal area. Don’t forget to take a photo with the Glico Running Man sign!
Hozenji Yokocho & Hozenji Temple: A hidden gem traditional alleyway with old izakayas & a moss-covered Buddha.
Kuromon Market 🍣🍢 – Known as "Osaka's Kitchen," this lively market is a must-visit for street food lovers. Try fresh sushi, grilled seafood, wagyu skewers, and seasonal treats.
💰 Free to explore
⏳ Visit Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
📌 Alternative Option:
If you’re interested in vintage shopping, visit America mura., Osaka’s Harajuku-style area with second-hand clothes, street fashion & hip-hop culture..
