What To Do In Osaka: 5D4N Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Osaka is the perfect city to explore in Japan if you’re eyeing adventures and street food crawls. There are so many things to love about Osaka, and first-time visitors will surely have an unforgettable trip in this vibrant city every day. From sightseeing spots to thrilling rides in amusement parks, historical museums, street food explorations, nightlife, and shopping streets, you’ll love returning to Osaka because there’s always something new to do here. 

In this guide, we’ll help you make the most of your first visit to this dynamic and exciting city. Check out this 5D4N Osaka itinerary made for first-time visitors!

Day 1: See the Osaka Castle and explore Dotonbori

Start your day right by doing the most popular things to do in Osaka– sightseeing and eating!

Visit Osaka Castle

Learn about Osaka’s rich history as you explore the historic Osakajo or Osaka Castle. This five-story castle houses important artifacts that tell the history of the city and Japan in general. On the top floors, you’ll see impressive views of the castle grounds. Don’t skip this historical spot in your 5D4N Osaka itinerary that tells you much about the nation’s history!

Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Website: https://www.osakacastlepark.jp/?lang=en 
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

 

 

Rent a kimono and take nice photos around Osaka castle park

Your Osaka Castle trip doesn’t end there– rent a yukata, have yourself styled, and pose and walk around like you’re in ancient Japan! A Kimono rental experience is a nice way to get yourself a memorable souvenir immortalized through photos. If you come to Osaka during spring, cherry blossom trees will be your beautiful backdrop!

Address: Kawaii Osaka, 1F Nanboku Building, 1-9 Soemon-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0084, Japan
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; 12:00 pm to 10 p.m. on Sundays

 

 

Sample street food at Dotonbori

Time to fill up your stomach with delicious Osaka street food! Head to Dotonbori, Osaka’s iconic food street, and sample their specialties and dishes like a true foodie. Not sure what to get first? Try the famous takoyaki as your starter. If you feel like eating a full-course meal, check out crab restaurants in the area. Want easy to eat street food? Get yourself some kushikatsu. Still hungry? Try a hefty serving of okonomiyaki!

Address: Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Website: http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/en/ 
Operating Hours: varies per store

Cruise down Dotonbori River

End your first day with a romantic Dotonbori river cruise! This quick cruise offers great views of the lively Dotonbori streets. It offers panoramic views of the vibrant Osaka streets, where you can relax after eating lots of street food and walking around Osaka. 

Address: 542-0084 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka

 

 

Day 2: Go on a thrilling adventure at Universal Studios Japan

Dedicate the second day of your 5D4N Osaka itinerary to the best amusement park in Osaka–Universal Studios Japan! Make sure to come here early to enjoy lots of attractions and rides before the crowds come in. It’s a family-friendly attraction that kids and kids-at-heart will totally love, as it features lots of characters and movies you loved as a child. Here are some of the attractions you can see inside Universal Studios Japan:

• Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Play like Mario and Luigi at the Super Nintendo World
• Discover Sesame Street Fun World in Universal Wonderland
• Transform into a minion at the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride
• Witness a 4D world with Shrek’s Adventure

Book your USJ admission tickets, Express Pass, private transfers, and more with KKday for a hassle-free adventure!

Address: 2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us 
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

 

 

Day 3: Book an Osaka to Kyoto Day Tour

Time to leave Osaka for a bit and explore the nearby cities like Kyoto! Did you know that the travel time from Osaka to Kyoto via shinkansen takes only 15 minutes? It’s so fast that many tourists opt for a day tour in Kyoto to maximize their trip in the Kansai region! If you want your day trip more convenient especially if you’re traveling with kids or seniors, get a private day tour instead. This already includes a chartered shuttle that picks you up from your accommodation, going to attractions in Kyoto, and back to Osaka!

Here are some of the must-see spots and things you can do in Kyoto:

• Immerse yourself in the tranquil Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Explore the traditional streets of the charming Gion
• Walk through the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine’s torii gates

How to get from Osaka to Kyoto

If you feel like creating your own Osaka to Kyoto adventure, by all means, do so! It’s very easy to travel between the two cities. Just ride the bullet train from Shin Osaka station to Kyoto Station for only JPY 1,420! If you have the JR Pass, your ride is free of charge!

 

 

Day 4: Visit art and sightseeing spots in Osaka

After a fun-filled day tour from Osaka to Kyoto, you’re back to explore Osaka’s must-see attractions. Add these three spots to your itinerary that many first-timers love!

Appreciate 3D art at Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum

This is not your ordinary art museum– in this space, you’ll explore the world of 3D art, mixed-media paintings, and sculptures! See the works of renowned artist Koji Kinutani, and enjoy his dynamic and visually striking works! See classic mural paintings, experience virtual reality in his studio, try your hands in a workshop, have a coffee break at the TenkuCafe, and then lastly, shop for souvenirs! 

Address: Umeda Sky Building Tower West 27th Floor 1-30,Oyodonaka 1-chome, kita-ku, Osaka 531-0076, Japan
Website: https://www.kinutani-tenku.jp/en/ 
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Friday, Saturday, and day before holidays; Closed on Tuesdays

See stunning sunset views at the Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory

Witness a breathtaking sunset view at the Kuchu Teien observatory in the famous Umeda Sky Building in Osaka! In this 360-degree open roof, you can see the splendid night skyline of Osaka, and enjoy a romantic evening in the sky garden. Indulge in a romantic dinner at Cafe Sky 40 or enjoy a drink or two with a great view! 

Address: 531-6039 Umeda Sky building, 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
Website: https://www.skybldg.co.jp/en/ 
Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

 

 

Experience nighttime outdoor museum with teamLab Botanical Garden 

End the final full-day of your 5D4N Osaka itinerary with a unique nighttime outdoor museum experience over at teamLab! Osaka has its very own teamLab called the teamLab Botanical Garden. It’s located in Nagai Park, where you can immerse yourself in different outdoor installations that combine art, nature, technology, and human behavior in its artworks. Witness how this botanical garden transforms into an urban art space that features one-of-a-kind art you’ve never seen before! 

Address: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/botanicalgarden/ 
Operating Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

 

 

Day 5: Go shopping in Osaka’s famous shopping districts

Here comes the exciting part– shopping time! Shop for local souvenirs, enjoy affordable luxury at outlet stores, hoard anime merch, and shop ‘til you drop in Osaka’s most famous shopping streets!

Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

This widely-known shopping street is popular for a reason–it’s considered the longest shopping alley in Japan, taking you about 40 minutes of walking to cover its entire area. That’s how long it is! In this indoor street market, you’ll love shopping for clothes, books, grocery stuff, cosmetics, secondhand items, food, souvenirs, and the like.

Address: 530-0041 1-7 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
Website: http://www.tenjin123.com/ 
Operating Hours: varies by shop

Den-Den Town

If you love anime, don’t miss making a stop at Den-Den Town. It’s where you can find the most sought-after anime merchandise, collectibles, manga, and all things otakus love. It’s a pop culture district perfect for kids and teens who want to shop their own souvenirs in Osaka. Besides shopping, there are arcade games which you can play too!

Address: Nipponbashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0005, Japan
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Rinku Premium Outlets

This outlet store is located just across the Kansai International Airport. It’s the perfect last-minute shopping stop for those heading back home as you complete your 5D4N Osaka itinerary! Here, one can enjoy shopping for local and international luxury brands ranging from apparel, jewelry, bags, sports goods, watches, eyewear, and a lot more. Some of the brands you can shop here are Fendi, Diesel, Kenzo, and Tissot, among others. 

Address: 3-28 Rinkuoraiminami, Izumisano, Osaka 598-8508, Japan
Website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/m/en/rinku/ 
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March to January, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in February

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Discover more Osaka Japan tourist spots on KKday! From Osaka private transfers, transport passes, and sightseeing tours, you’ll find the perfect Osaka activities and travel essentials here.